Guyana Times Daily - May 4, 2015

IMF projects more growth for Guyana this year P7

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2482

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, May 4, 2015

PRICE

Jagdeo wants Bond charged

...for Facebook post on Disciplined Service vote

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 6

Rohee assures P10 Essequibo youths of a bright future under PPP/C

PPP/C Bath rally:

Ramotar assures Berbicians of more jobs Page 3

Norman P14 McLean is new GMSA’s President 6 children recovering after P14 successful heart surgeries

...modern, better infrastructure Over 15,000 attended the PPP/C rally at Bath Settlement on Sunday (Carl Croker photo)

Linden “Warrior” Granger cop shot promises protection accidentally of 11% offspring ...from APNU-AFC by colleague marriage to Nagamootoo Page 16

Page 8

PPP/C to P14 review ganja legislation Alicia Bess crowned P18 Miss Global International Guyana

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monday, may 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from Monday, May 4 at 22:00h (10pm) to Tuesday, May 5, at 03:00h (3am) to facilitate emergency repairs.

By Andrew Carmichael

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on: Monday, May 4 – 06:00h and 16:00h Tuesday, May 5 – 05:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning, with heavy rain showers in the early afternoon hours. Sunny weather is expected in the late afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.47 metres per second and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:29h and 16:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.73 metres and 2.66 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:27h and 22:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.46 metre and 0.58 metre respectively.

WEDnesday, april 29, 2015

LOTTERY NUMBERS 01 10 15 24 14 20 05 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 Daily Millions

08 13 20 25

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LUCKY 3

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Draw De Line 07

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Ramotar assures Berbicians of more jobs ...modern, better infrastructure

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 4 – 16:40h-18:10h and Tuesday, May 5 – 17:05h-18:35h

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PPP/C Bath rally:

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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resident Donald Ramotar on Sunday promised West Berbicians a more modern society, where better jobs will be created for young people and a “new kind of infrastructural development” will take place once his party is re-elected on May 11.

He made the comments while addressing a gathering of around 15,000 at a rally at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

He said Guyana was soon to become a country where no one wanted to leave, as its economy continued to grow. However, in order for this to be done, a new kind of infrastructural development must take place, Ramotar noted. He said the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was aiming at building a strong and modern economy with all modern facilities available and Guyana will once again became the most developed country in the Caribbean.

Among some of the developmental plans for Berbice is a deepwater harbour to be established in Region Five.

This, the President said, will be tied to the road to Lethem which will connect Guyana and Brazil. “This is how Guyana will become an economic hub for the whole Caribbean.”

Ramotar noted that his Administration was pushing to develop the agricultural sector unlike previous administrations. “Under the PNC Administration there were only 11,000 acres under cultivation. We now have over 100,000 acres under cultivation.”

Meanwhile, a free economic zone is to be created in Berbice where jobs will be created for the people of Region Five and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Cash crop farmers, Ramotar added, are going to benefit tremendously from the deepwater harbour as they will be able to export their produce easily and directly to North America resulting in it reaching its destination fresh. “Our cash crop farmers will be able to have a much better life being able to export their produce right from Region Five.”

Apart from the deepwater harbour, there was also to be a new airport which will assist in exporting produce in a timely manner.

This, the President said, is

also needed to develop the tourism sector. “The BBC said that people should try to come at least once in their lives to Guyana and we have to put systems and structures in place to ensure that we realise that dream,” he noted.

According to Ramotar, his Administration is also focusing on the physical infrastructure.

“Comrades, we are also working on the roads. We have improved the road work tremendously. You can now move very easily to Georgetown with your product and in the areas where there is traffic con-

that his Administration has already started investing in the country’s human resources. Under the previous Administration, Ramotar said, only 30 per cent of the country’s children attended secondary school, while today under the PPP/C Administration more than 90 per cent of the country’s children can go to secondary school. “Very soon, every single child will be able to attend secondary school,” Ramotar boasted.

Social sector

Also speaking at the rally was Prime Ministerial

youth.”

Harper noted that the current Administration has recommitted itself to reducing maternal deaths in Guyana. Special programmes will also be implemented to provide assistance to single parents. These will include programmes to allow them to continue their academic studies and to access technical and vocational training. “Programmes will be put in place for the sensitisation of adolescents for them to make the right choices and we will be working with civil groups and faith-based organisations in

President Donald Ramotar as he delivered his speech to residents at a rally at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice)

gestion we have built wider roads so that you can move faster and safer to your designation.”

These are just some of the plans Government has for the next five years.

However, Ramotar warned that Government faced the danger of not being able to implement those developmental plans as a result of the machinations of the joint opposition. “We have to stop them at these elections because they have shown what they want to do. They don’t want to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. The Bill that is designed to fight against organised crime in our country. The Bill will make Guyana’s laws hostile against the criminals. But we must not be surprised about that, because the Opposition has a history of supporting criminal activity,” the President said.

The Head of State said

Candidate Elisabeth Harper, who stressed on the need to further develop the social sector which has been receiving the biggest chunk of the National Budget. She said special emphasis will be placed on developing the social well-being of all Guyanese, including women, children, the elderly and the differently disabled. “We will safeguard their life by adopting programmes that will see more protection for our children, providing continued educational programmes and providing support in order to empower our

an effort to reduce suicide.”

According to Harper, the PPP/C Administration will ensure that youths are part of the decision-making process and will have policies in place to ensure this. Harper also touched on the job market, which in some sectors have a closed-door policy for youths. Many of them cannot get employment because employers demand work experience despite one being qualified. However, Harper said policies would be put in place to ensure that employers provide on-the-job training for young persons.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, may 4

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

The Disciplined Forces vote

J

ames Bond is an MP of the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition, as well as one of its candidates for the upcoming elections.

On his Facebook page he posted what he claimed are the results of the Disciplined Forces vote: "The Disciplined Forces gave us 94 per cent of their votes; it’s up to us to take this landslide home." Questioned on his announcement, he was even more specific: "An example of what occurred today at Whim Police Station…total number of voters 165… number of votes cast 147… APNU+AFC 140…

PPP/C 7.…”

When his party whip Amna Ally was questioned as to how Bond could make such a statement, which the GECOM Chairman said was not possible to compile, she was equivocal: "I wouldn’t be able to answer to that because if one of my members make such a claim, then that is his business. Mr James Bond is his own big man and if he made an assessment then that’s his problem.”

But Mr Bond is not just "his own big man". As adumbrated above, the positions Bond holds in APNU/AFC means that he has duties and responsibilities to his party - which the said party can invoke to censure him if they believe he is out of line.

Which he is under the present norms. His "explanation" that he conducted an "exit poll", which is legal, is disingenuous.

In 1992, the Disciplined Forces' votes were announced separately from the general population's. And the votes did reflect by and large, the overwhelming support of that institution for the then PNC, which is the just as overwhelming largest partner in the present Opposition coalition.

After that first "free and fair" elections, however, it was felt by the PPP/C Government that the political preference of the Disciplined Forces might be interpreted as signaling "loyalty" to the PNC. A law was passed requiring that in future elections, the votes of the Disciplined Forces would be conflated back in with the other votes - as is still the law. In the subsequent election of 1997, however, one newspaper did in fact obtain the count and published it: the votes were again practically all for the PNC. And in the subsequent PNC violent street protests against the internationally verified results, which showed his party losing, Desmond Hoyte did in fact invoke the loyalty of his "kith and kin" in the Disciplined Forces.

But the subsequent blending of the Disciplined Forces votes into the general pool did not disabuse anyone of the nature of the political preference of the institution: it merely reflected that of the general populace from which they were drawn. They both closely follow the latter's ethnic composition.

The fig leaf of hiding the Disciplined Forces preferences in the rest of the population's really never covered much.

In the run up to the 2011 elections the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) activist Tacuma Ogunseye called on the Disciplined Forces to: "Join the riots and protect their African brothers and sisters on the streets.”

What James Bond is doing is merely reassuring the remainder of the PNC's traditional constituency that they have to follow the lead of the Disciplined Forces and vote along ethnic lines. There will be no sanctions against him because he is merely executing his party's general strategy with his ruse.

But even though we are in the midst of an election, Bond's action must stir a debate as to whether "hiding" the Disciplined Forces votes means anything and should maybe be abandoned.

Everyone should be allowed to vote for the party of their choice. These are not the days of the PNC when officers like David Granger worked to convince their fellow officers that Burnham's order that they should swear personal loyalty him be obeyed. Let the political preferences of the men who have sworn to "serve and protect" us be known.

Nrityageet 36 continued on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre, celebrating and showcasing the arrival of Guyanese forebears in dance and multimedia presentations under the theme “Colours in Motion”. Guyana Times captures a moment of joie de vivre during one of the pieces performed on Saturday evening

Coalition’s manifesto raises many questions

Dear Editor, The coalition’s manifesto released on April 30 certainly raises as many questions as it provides nebulous policies. In every section of the document, flowery language is utilized in place of substance; glorious outcomes are promised with no pathway to achieve them.

One phrase comes to mind constantly: “Hanging your hat where your hand cannot reach it.” While living beyond your means is a personal decision with consequences to yourself and family, attempting to do so for a nation could have a much deeper impact.

Guyana has barely recovered from its last socialist experiment. Surely we are not going to repeat the mistakes made in the 70s and early 80s? A policy of taxing less and spending

more will lead to an empty Treasury…again!

No less than 20 new commissions are planned to give recommendations in different areas. Simple question: what have all these politicians been doing for the last two decades?

Many have been members of Parliament, collecting salaries and enjoying all the perks and benefits of office and yet, should they be elected, would need to set up commissions to offer solutions to problems facing the nation? What were they doing all this time we the taxpayers have been paying them?

Foundation 13 refers to reform of the public service in a not so subtle manner. The document clearly states that the country needs a politically neutral public service which would

be achieved by reform.

I can see no practical way that this can be achieved, all this will serve to do is provide an excuse to “rationalize” supporters of the PPP/C from the public service. Surely they would not be firing their own supporters!

All citizens of Guyana have a right to hold political views and affiliations.

It is worrying to see the return to party paramountcy disguised as policy.

Another major concern is in the area of housing, specifically, the coalition’s House Rental Initiative.

Every study of housing market crashes clearly shows the dangers of speculative buying (for rental instead of shelter). A quick look at the housing crashes in Ireland and Spain which were fueled by speculative

buy to rent investors will confirm the disastrous long term effects of such actions.

To base a policy on this is extremely short sighted and ultimately dangerous. The current policy employed by the PPP/C Government of one house lot per applicant and disqualification of applicants who already own property is a far more equitable system that also guarantees stability and growth.

I would suggest home owners and prospective home owners make a considered choice on May 11.

The value of your most important asset is at stake.

Speculators are known for selling in droves, or worse, simply walking away from their bets, leaving lenders and tax payers to cover their losses.

Robin Singh

Well done, Minister Benn and the PPP/C

Dear Editor, It seems everyone I talk to wants me to express appreciation for your inspiring presentation at the last PPP/C rally in Bartica 2015.

Your years of service to the people of Guyana, particularly the GGMC and Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, your depth of understanding of user interfaces, and your ability to present the subject in such an interesting way produced

one of the most memorable evenings in our history.

I personally appreciated your honest and straight forward approach towards the progress in our country under the PPP/C. The subject enthuses me, and I plan to continue being a PPP/C supporter, even though that was always so.

Please consider doing more speeches at upcoming rallies and meetings.

I appreciated the remarks you made about the history of the APNU/AFC. You had clearly researched the subject, and many of us felt that yours was a voice of sanity in the midst of an emotional and divisive discussion. I wish that more people would try to see all sides of the issues that came up.

No matter how the final vote goes, (PPP/C) I want you to know that what you

said had a significant impact on many of us.

Again, I would like to personally thank you for your presentation. Judging from the comments of those who attended, the meeting was very successful. Most of the credit goes to you and the others who gave such interesting presentations.

V D B, PPP/C supporter

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 4, 2015

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Ram seeks to cast aspersions on the Office of the Registrar Dear Editor, Please allow me to comment on the article titled, “Govt and Berbice Bridge Co conspire to conceal deep financial problems – Ram”, published on April 26 in the Kaieteur News.

As reported in the article, Mr Ram seeks to cast aspersions on the Office of the Registrar of Companies and Deeds, and on my own conduct within this office.

Whilst I am uncertain as to the motivation for Mr Ram’s incendiary contentions as reported in the article, and surprised that Kaieteur News did not seek to consult with my office before proceeding to

assert Mr Ram’s misleading comments, I believe it is important to establish, for the particular education of Mr Ram and also for the general public, the codices, guidelines, and standard operating procedures which govern the conduct of the Registrar of Companies and Deeds.

In the ensuing, I specifically do not comment on the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) as my interactions with all companies are guided by the ambit of the Companies Act and the legal ambit of my own office, which do not extend to discussions of any company in the press. I seek

to however elucidate the nature of the interactions my office has had with Mr Ram involving the BBCI. Since my appointment as Registrar of Companies and Deeds, in July, 2012, I have begun a process to address the backlogs that existed when I assumed the responsibility. One category in which there are backlogs relates to the annual returns filed by companies.

My office is currently handling backlogs for the period 2002 as can be attested by the number of companies that have been struck off the Companies Register as a result of not filing returns with the reg-

istry to this date.

Earlier in March, 2015 Mr Ram approached my office to request that we write the BBCI to provide their returns for 20122014.

Although the registry is still dealing with the year 2002, out of respect for Mr Ram’s request, we stepped out of the current backlog sequence and wrote the BBCI to request the filing of their returns within the stipulated 28 days period, failing which they would be struck off the Register and gazetted.

BBCI responded, within the required 28 days period, asking for an extension

Young people have a life-changing decision to make

Dear Editor, As we get closer to May 11, the young people have a life changing decision to make. We will decide whether we believe that the PPP/C with a proven track record of development will continue to take us forward, or whether you will put your future in the hands of the opposition led by the oppressive past.

Some things to remember before you make this decision: All life changing decisions are made based on facts and a review of the past. So do not believe for one minute that you should make a choice without understanding the actions of the leaders of the opposition prior to 1992 and present.

We know that APNU is formed from and led by PNC members who have learned and followed Burnham for all their political lives and they know no other way of Governance. We also know that Burnham was a leader best known for his indoctrination tactics that makes

his followers believes in him with heart and soul.

As young Althea Hoodith would say, “When considering an alternative, one has to consider if it is an alternative of change from good to bad or bad to worse.

Consider fanciful promises, how attainable are they?

Change is good but it is the disguise of change that should be scrutinized?”

Know that when you can tell your parents of your dreams and they look at you with a smile on their face; it is a smile of joy and confidence that you will and can now achieve those dreams with this Government. And at the same time that smile you see, is a smile that no more will they have to fight and shed blood for your dreams to come through.

I remembered when my dad use to sit under the poorly built bottom house with his old shirt and long boots and he would make it his duty to ask “boy what you want to be when you

grow up?” and I would say “a pilot daddy” he knew that he cannot help me to become a pilot but he sure can make me dream.

He would then smile with a very proud smile and said good son, you will.

I never became a pilot because I realized I only wanted to fly in planes not necessarily fly it. My father knew that after the PPP/C won in 1992 that my dreams would come through, which is why he smiled with confidence.

And today I travel this world and think of his words, but his words are secured by the fact that the PPP/C build a Guyana where a poor boy from the country can be a leader and success for his family and country.

What I understand as a young man is the PPP/C does more than economic growth, but builds confidence, pride and happiness for Guyanese.

My father lost everything he had under the PNC, because he believed their lies, I learned from his experience

and promise myself that it will never happen to me or my family. I see my country’s future secured with the PPP/C and with the PPP/C I will stand.

My young brothers and sisters make no mistake to believe the smoke screen from the opposition and their fancy punch lines. This is the most critical time in our country’s history and that moment rests on our shoulders.

This is not a vote for only you, like your parents voting in 1992, this is a vote for your kids and their future.

I urge all of us to think deep, be wise, know your past, understand your present and look far into the future and on May 11, you will see that the PPP/C is the only real choice for Guyana.

Malcolm Watkins

of time to file their annual returns; this request was placed in the BBCI’s file in the registry. My office responded to this request, granting BBCI three months extension to file their returns. This is the standard time granted to any company making such a request and by no means constitutes preferential treatment to BBCI. Mr Ram asserted that I have received a correspondence marked ‘Private and Confidential’: it is interesting, and worrying, that Mr Ram is intimately aware of the nature of mails received by the Registrar of Companies.

When he approached me on this matter, I politely reminded Mr Ram that I am not at liberty to divulge confidential information from any company, unless it is a matter of public record. Even more worrying, Mr Ram has now sought to publish what he claims as the contents of this correspondence labeled “Private and Confidential”.

At no time will I ever allow confidential correspondence to my office to be shared - the implications for corporate competitiveness and rule of law would be chaotic, at best. It would however seem that Mr Ram wishes to dictate to the Registrar of Companies, via the dubious authority of the internet, that this office step outside the rule of law to satisfy his own interest in a company.

My failure to let him do so seems to have sufficiently raised his ire to the point that he attacks my office and my conduct within it.

Let me be as clear as I possibly can – I pursue the functions of my office

diligently and fairly without favor to anyone or any company.

When the Registry finds itself dealing with the calendar year in which any company listed in Guyana has not filed their returns and required documentation, those companies shall be either struck-off the Register or shall have to remedy their good standing within a grace period which is extended to all companies.

This relates to the BBCI as much as it does to Mr Ram’s own company, without prejudice.

Our procedure on this is very clear. Furthermore, this office shall not put into the public domain any correspondence which is labeled “Private and Confidential”.

Should the office receive such correspondence which seeks to address issues related to the filing of returns or other required documentation, we would assess the reasons provided, and if within the law, provide relevant extensions in writing which would state the reasons for the extension, and which would be a matter of public record, or would proceed to strike the company off the Companies Register, which would also be a matter of public record. This office shall share all such public records on request.

However, the office will not be bullied into acting outside the ambit of the law, simply because someone wishes to throw a tantrum.

Azeena Baksh Registrar of Companies and Deeds

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monday, may 4, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Jagdeo wants Bond charged ...for Facebook post on Disciplined Service vote

By Alexis Rodney

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is calling for immediate legal action to be taken against Attorney-at-Law and People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership

peeved over the information peddled by the lawyer, dubbing it “illegal”. According to him, the matter needed immediate legal intervention. Bond, moments after the military men and women, had cast their ballots Saturday evening, took to his Facebook page declaring

James Bond

for National Unity/Alliance For Change candidate James Bond, for spreading information on social media about the results of the Joint Services vote on Saturday, which he could not have verified.

This call was made by former President Bharrat Jagdeo who was addressing another massive crowd at the PPP/C’s rally at Bath, West Coast Berbice (WCB), on Sunday. The former Head of State was particularly

that Disciplined Forces had given the Opposition some 94 per cent of their votes, continuing that it was up to the coalition “to take this landslide home”.

He continued that on “May 11 every vote we lost to complacency in 2011 we are taking it back.

Every new vote must go to APNU+AFC everyone who did not vote in 2011 must vote for APNU+AFC in 2015. We CAN DO IT. It’s crunch time!” the lawyer

said on his page. He went further, divulging information he appeared to have about the voting patterns of Joint Services ranks who cast their ballots at the Whim Police Station.

“An example of what occurred today at Whim Police Station…total number of voters 165…

Number of votes cast 147…

APNU+AFC 140…PPP/C 7…” he said.

The former Head of State, restating his allegations of the Opposition’s track record of disruption at the polling places, told the crowd that it was impossible for the Attorney to have come across such information. “How could James Bond know about the military vote that took place last night and it was not counted. How did he know about Whim and the percentage about how much they got and how much we got? It’s impossible to do that. Remember we talked about subverting the military, about subverting the Police?” Jagdeo queried.

Put a stop to it

He said the action by Bond was nothing strange, as it was a representation of the continuous ploy by the PNC to subvert the polls and Election Day activities.

He said the issue was a serious one. “It is illegal and we have to charge him now.

We have to charge him and

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the Bath rally on Sunday

send a signal to this country.”

He said there was a pattern to all that has been happening, noting that “if we don’t put a stop to it, on Elections Day, there shall be consequences”. “And so I ask the people who are entrusted by our Constitution and our laws to make sure that our elections are organised properly in this country. That we do not sit and become complacent and view these attempts as isolated and average, but how do we deal with these illegal attempts leading up to the elections to subvert the polls will do a lot with what takes

place on Elections Day.” He made a public call on Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally and Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield to apply the law for such behaviour, urging them not to make any excuses in such regard as it was a “testing ground for what will happen on Elections Day”.

He said the Opposition was running scared and has also introduced another programme, aimed at causing confusion on Election Day. Jagdeo related that the programme, referred to

as “Project GPS”, aimed at getting voters to take photographs of their Statement of Polls (SOPs) and send them to the Opposition, which will in turn post it on Facebook as an unofficial announcement of its results.

Dr Surujbally had on Saturday, however, dismissed the claims by the Attorney, revealing to this publication that he (Bond) could not make such statements with any “definitiveness of accuracy because he does not know how the people have voted”.

Dr Surujbally had explained that the envelopes containing the votes of the Joint Services were going to be mixed with the other votes on May 11; therefore, no one would know how they voted. The GECOM Chairman also reminded the public that “that is the reason why the system has been developed so you can’t count the vote of the Disciplined Services because they will be mixed with the votes on May 11”.

Jagdeo also condemned the mayhem that attended the PPP/C’s Warlock, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown meeting last week when a APNU/AFC supporter burned the PPP/C’s flag and other threw stones at some of the speakers in an effort to disrupt it. “This is not something to laugh about.

It’s it just a characteristic of the PNC; it is illegal for anyone to destroy the paraphernalia of another political party. She should be charged now.”

Last Sunday, the former Head of State had made a public call on the international observers participating in this year’s General and Regional Elections to pay close attention to the occurrences unfolding on Elections Day, particularly as regard the track record of the PNC.

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monday, may 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

IMF projects more growth for Guyana this year T

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected four per cent growth for Guyana this year despite forecasting that growth in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to decline for a fifth consecutive year – dipping below one per cent in 2015.

In its latest regional forecast, Regional Economic Outlook for the Western Hemisphere, released April 29 in Santiago, Chile, the global lender projects growth in Latin America and the Caribbean at 0.9 per cent in 2015, down from 1.3 per cent in 2014. Near-term prospects remain fairly dim for South America, with output contractions projected in three of the largest economies for 2015 – Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela – while only Chile and Peru would see a pick-up in growth. In contrast, growth is projected to be steady in Central America and the Caribbean, and to strengthen in Mexico, thanks to lower oil bills for importers and robust economic recovery in the United States. For 2016, growth in the Region is expected to make a modest recovery to two per cent.

The Regional Economic Outlook draws attention to the downside risks that could further complicate the outlook for Latin America.

Further possible weakness in commodity prices — per-

haps related to a sharper downturn in China – would increase pressures on South America’s net commodity exporters. At the same time, financial risks have increased, following a long period of strong capital inflows and credit growth regionally and low interest rates globally.

Faster-than-expected US growth would benefit its closest trading partners in the Region, notably in Central America and Mexico, but could lead to faster normalisation of US monetary policy than currently anticipated. The continued weakness in regional economic activity also heightens the risk of domestic policy missteps, especially attempts to stave off a structural slowdown with excessive policy stimulus.

Among the other financially integrated economies, Chile, Colombia, and Peru are all facing headwinds from lower commodity export prices and the related cuts to corporate investment.

Buffer

Divergent trends

Growth dynamics among the Region’s financially integrated economies –Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay – are expected to diverge over the period ahead, reflecting differentiated exposures to global commodity markets and other country-specific factors. Brazil is experiencing the most serious economic downturn in more than two decades, with output projected to fall by one per cent in 2015. Mexico, the second largest economy in the Region, faces a compar-

atively favorable outlook.

Growth is projected to ex-

pand by three per cent this year.

However, strong macroeconomic fundamentals provide an important buffer. Economic conditions in some of the other (less financially integrated) commodity exporters of South America are particularly challenging.

Venezuela slid into recession in early 2014 and is expected to severely contract in 2015. In Argentina, exchange rate pressures have eased recently, but output is still projected to decline modestly in 2015, extending last year’s slowdown.

In contrast, Central America’s economies are expected to benefit from the current external environment, particularly from the US recovery. Growth in 2015 is projected at a solid 4.5 per cent, close to last year’s number.

Economic recovery is also expected to continue in the Caribbean, although external, fiscal, and financial vulnerabilities remain high in several economies.

In the tourism-dependent Caribbean, growth is projected to improve to two per cent, in 2015.

Despite the pronounced slowdown over the past several years, economic slack remains limited, while medium-term growth expectations have continued to decline, the IMF said. In addition, fiscal positions have weakened in most countries, cautioning against further fiscal expansion to boost growth.

Flexible exchange rates can play a critical role in facilitating adjustment to more difficult external conditions. In particular, weaker currencies help to redirect demand toward domestically produced output, thereby reducing external deficits.

The IMF called on policymakers in the Region to ensure sound public finances, especially since downside risks to growth remain prominent. Financial sector vulnerabilities will also need to be monitored carefully given that weaker earnings, tighter funding conditions, and a stronger US dollar are testing borrowers’ resilience.

A key priority for Governments is to tackle long-standing structural problems to raise investment, productivity, and potential growth.

Improvements in business environments, infrastructure, and education will help to foster more diversified, resilient, and prosperous economies.

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monday, may 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Warrior” Granger promises protection of 11% offspring ...from APNU-AFC marriage to Nagamootoo

P

rime Ministerial Candidate for the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), Moses Nagamootoo says the intent of the marriage of the two parties is to take care of their offspring and promised that if elected, the coalition would undertake initiatives that will enhance the economic outlook of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Nagamootoo was at the time speaking at a rally in New Amsterdam Saturday night. He has been on record as saying that the AFC could deliver the 11 per cent of votes APNU needed to clinch a majority at the upcoming polls and has been guaranteed 40 per cent of the Cabinet, 12 seats in Parliament, two vice president positions, and the prime ministership.

He told the rally too that the coalition’s manifesto, which was recently launched, was a plan to move Guyana forward and includes stimulating growth in New Amsterdam. He said the manifesto also contains plans for stamping out corruption and establishing a Public Procurement Commission.

“The coalition is united in its bid to unite all Guyana and so we will extend a hand to even those who would not vote for us.

Respect the symbols of all parties; let us go down the road of peace and unity and unite our people.”

M e a n w h i l e , APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger has predicted that the ruling People’s Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C) will not pull a lot of votes in Region Six, saying that the Party’s support in that region has been declining over the years. The lights have changed from red to yellow and green,” Granger said.

nuts, you produce our cattle, you produce our milk … the PPP has not been able to unleash your potential,” Granger told the gathering. He said the coalition has a plan to make Region Six economically powerful. The Presidential

APNU/AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger and Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

He said that the Berbice region has great potential for development, explaining that in the entire Caribbean, there were only two countries that share a border – Guyana and Suriname and there was only one region of Guyana which shares a border with another Caribbean State and that is Region Six. “You are the cutting edge of commercial activity in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The economic potential of this region could only be unleashed by the APNU+AFC Government. The PPP is too blind and selfish to see the economic potential of this region. Region Five and Region Six are responsible for 75 per cent of rice production in Guyana. You produce our fish, you produce our coco-

Candidate said the coalition has plans to establish a Corentyne Agricultural Institute.

Granger said too that the coalition has to battle against disunity in Guyana. “That is why four years ago, the APNU was formed… and pay attention to the NU – national unity. Five parties came together: the Guyana Action Party, the Justice For All Party, the National Front Alliance, the People’s National Congress Reform and the WPA, and last December, the leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, indicated his willingness to work with us.”

According to Granger, the AFC will not lose its identity as a result of the coalition. “The AFC will not lose its supporters.

Khemraj Ramjattan and

Moses Nagamootoo will bring their supporters into the coalition. Together, we are going to form a government of national unity that represents every one of you.”

Granger noted that violent crime was one of the biggest problems affecting Region Six and promised to personally lead the battle against it. “We need a warrior to destroy the monster of criminality in this great region,” he said.

Deceit Former President Bharrat Jagdeo only last Friday warned Guyanese not to be deceived by the political ploy of the AFC members who were allegedly carrying out campaign activities, as the political party was not in existence anymore.

Jagdeo said the AFC has “absolutely” no leverage, as it had in 2011.

At that time, the two Opposition parties were separate, and could have made deals with each other. “Now they are subsumed. Granger will decide everything. They are baggage to APNU; they are peripheral to APNU’s main thrust. So when they come into the village, they only come with a little yellow flag to fool people, they no longer exist.”

In an invited comment, Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, who was on his way to the PPP/C Bath Rally, said, “The people of Berbice must remember that this same Granger described the soldiers who shot the two Ballot Box Martyrs as “behaving splendidly”.

That was the beginning of the “criminality” to Berbice which we have been working to eliminate.”

Eyew tness Big brother…

T

...PNC-type Government

he PNC likes to boast about building the Demerara Harbour Bridge. This Eyewitness heard former Deputy Mayor Robert Williams telling a Stabroek Market crowd back in 1992 that they should "vote PNC" because since Burnham built the Bridge, they could go over to West Bank whenever they wanted to dance at "Tony's"!!

And here your Eyewitness thought the Bridge was to transport goods and commuters!

So the British-funded and-built Bridge was a good project. But do you remember what happened to it under the PNC? It was like you gave birth a child and then put it out into the streets to beg for a living.

The Bridge wasn't maintained...all the money collected as tolls went to pay for "jobs for the boys". And so the Bridge fell apart - with portions floating down the Demerara ever so often - sometimes with cars of them!

But it wasn't funny to the involuntary "bargers"!

Now this state of affairs is what the PNC-led and controlled APNU/AFC coalition wants to bring back to Guyana - not only to the Demerara Bridge but to the Berbice Bridge as well. This was built by this Government under a "Public Private Partnership" arrangement. That is, the private investors "Built, Own, Operate and will Transfer" (BOOT) the Bridge after 20 years.

The Demerara Bridge will be allowed to rust away like before. But the same will happen to the Berbice Bridge if the PNC/APNU/AFC is allowed to break the contract with the private builders, reduce tolls, and drive them away.

Berbicians aren't stupid. They're rural people. They know if you want a good rice crop you have to spend money to plough the land, plant the paddy, fertilize the plants , remove weeds, kill insects and then harvest and dry the paddy. It takes time and money. They know you can't spend what you don't earn.

And this is what the PNC/APNU/AFC wants to do.

Who'll pay for maintaining the Bridge? And if the Bridge isn't maintained what'll happen? It'll fall into the Berbice River, that's what!

Back in the bad old days of the Demerara Bridge floating down-river, car owners and taxi drivers started stocking up on life-jackets as a precaution for their passengers safety - in case they didn't know how to swim. With over 10,000 cars crossing the Demerara Bridge and 2000 across the Berbice Bridge daily, if the Opposition slinks into power, there will be a rush for life-jackets.

But will that be enough to compensate for the tanking of the commerce across the bridges?

Since when questions like this ever stopped the PNC from plunging where angels fear to thread?

...and business

The APNU/AFC manifesto puts Government once again into business. Not as a stimulus but as a fixture. Just like the PNC days of the cooperative "tri-sectoral economy" that destroyed all businesses.

The problem with Governments is that they can't run businesses efficiently. Not the least because inevitably the businesses become just a conduit for "jobs for the boys".

Forget certificates for employment - the party card will trump those any time.

The APNU/AFC manifesto says their Government will get into diversification of sugar!! Ha! Remember what happened to all the tilapia ponds and black-eye plots that were supposed to "feed the nation" with protein?? The nation got "white mouth and big belly" with malnutrition, that's what!

And what about the "hydro" all Guyana got when the PNC took billions of Sugar Levy and plunged it into the massive Mazaruni Hydro - which never took off?

Well, they are at it again. They've scuttled the small and manageable Amaila Hydro for a Massive "Cuyuni Basin" Hydro?

Do Guyanese want to get "hydro” again?

...robots

Sharma Solomon, David Hinds, Vanessa Kissoon, Carl Greenidge and Tacuma Ogunseye knocked Granger’s leadership as "weak and incompetent".

And suddenly he's the second coming?

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monday, may 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

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News

Rohee assures youths of bright future under PPP/C – as thousands participate in Essequibo PYO fun day sure we win the majority,” Rohee said.

Rohee urged persons to make full use of the opportunity provided to them, noting that they should vote wisely come next Monday.

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali; Labour Minister, Dr Nanda

K Gopaul; Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Alli Baksh and regional officials were among the dignitaries present.

The delegation used the opportunity to socialise with residents, and had an interactive session with the cricket team.

The fun day featured

skits by Michael Ignatius (Credit), Rajan Tiwari (Calu), Greasy Pig. The comedians entertained the large gathering while some of the children were treated to free helicopter rides compliments of the PPP/C. The winning cricket teams received attractive cash prizes and trophies.

Former President Bharrat Jadgeo posing with some of the children who were present at the PYO fun day

A

s he addressed thousands of youths at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Clement Rohee said the future of the nation’s youths would be bright under the PPP/C Government.

At the time, the Home Affairs Minister was speaking at a family fun day organised by the Essequibo Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

He told the large gathering that the fun day was being held during a very important time, when political parties are preparing for General and Regional

Elections. He implored the youths to put their “X” next to the cup, outlining that the PPP/C party has a bright future as well as plans for the young generation.

“Young people, you are very important to move Guyana, you are the most treasured asset, together we can do it, you need to join with the PPP/C and make

Members of the Dartmouth Volleyball Team embracing the PPP/C ahead of the May 11 polls

Government of national unity vital to Guyana’s progress – Dr Phillips

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irector of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) and Lecturer at the University of Guyana, Dr Eric Phillips said Guyana could only experience true progress and development under a government of national unity.

In a recent press statement, Dr Phillips called on political parties to take stock of the nation’s development. Although the country has experienced nine years of uninterrupted economic growth under the stewardship of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, he said the country would not move forward if it continues to be divided.

According to Dr Phillips, if the PPP/C evolves as the victor following the May 11 polls, then the “patriotic thing to do, the correct thing for President Donald Ramotar to do, the ethical, moral and nation building thing to do…..would be to invite those parties with more than 10 per cent of the votes, into a genuine government of national unity.”

Any other option, he opined, “would lead to stunted growth.”

The ACDA Director advised that the PPP/C practice proportionality if it wins the General and Regional Elections, as he believes that it would result in “good governance and shared governance.”

He stressed that “pro-

ACDA Director Eric Phillips

portionality is a fundamental human right of all Guyanese.”

On the other hand, if the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition secures the majority of the votes come Monday May 11, Dr Phillips said the coalition’s fundamental promise of a government of national unity has to be implemented in an effort to secure the public’s trust.

He said nothing else in the coalition’s manifesto would be believed if this “cardinal essence” of its campaign was just a political expediency, positing that if a government of national unity is preached then it should be fully embodied even after the elections. Otherwise, he said “the first 100 days” promise made by the party would be deemed “null and void.”

Pointing to the fact that Guyana is a relatively young country, the ACDA Director said since the country gained independence in 1966, “creating a vibrant, unified nation, pursuing the goal reflected in our Motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ has been a work in progress.”

He stated that all of Guyana’s past Presidents have played a role in moving the country forward in one way or another.

However, Dr Phillips said in moving ahead, emphasis must be placed on resolving the racial divide that continues to plague the country.

PPP/C committed

“A common vision, shared values, shared goals, strategic ethnic partnerships and visionary servant leadership,” are needed to move Guyana forward, he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C, in a letter to the editor in the March 5, 2015 Edition of the Guyana Times, explained that several attempts were made to form such a government but the People’s National Congress (PNC), which is now known as APNU, had refused to buy into the initiative.

It was also pointed out that the PNC had kicked out its junior coalition partner from the PNC-UF coalition Government after three years into the life of the coalition.

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monday, may 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

12 News “Education is your wings out of poverty” – President A monday, may 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

week away from General and Regional Elections in Guyana, President Donald Ramotar returned for a visit to his hometown, Caria Caria, along the Essequibo River, reinforcing his pact with the people to improve their lot upon re-election, and seeking their support for another term in office.

The President told the small community along the Essequibo River that education is key to eliminating poverty, and it is the tool government is using to raise the quality of life of hinterland and riverain residents, but parents must be prepared to allow their children to pursue

additional secondary schools right away, sought to create opportunities by bringing many children from those communities to a dormitory school in Region Four and the only such school was President's College.

However, this was rebuffed by the political Opposition, as “they were actually saying that people in the interior are inferior to those on the coastland. But, we never believed that… what was lacking were opportunities, and we persevered and kept the students at President’s College and recently an Amerindian student from the North West topped President’s College at

while growing up in Caria Caria, and urged parents to ensure that their children read and have a strong education.

He noted that, “We are trying our best in many ways to ease the pressure on you,” and added that Government is also providing free text and exercise books, cash grants, uniforms, meals and accommodation for public school students.

Recalling his days growing up in Caria Caria, the President said that many of his promising classmates were denied the opportunity to excel academically, “and that is constantly in my mind, as I work every day to

Residents of Caria Caria at the meeting to hear from President Donald Ramotar

educational opportunities even if it’s away from home for their personal and community development.

He noted that when the PPP/C Government assumed office in 1992, it recognised that there were high levels of poverty in the hinterland and riverain communities largely because people there lacked opportunities, and if given a chance the students could have excelled academically.

Hence, the Government, realising it could not build

CSEC. No one is superior to you, and that is why we are trying to give equal opportunities to you.”

Government has since built and renovated more than a thousand schools, but there are still communities without secondary schools because their population is small. He urged parents to make the necessary sacrifice to ensure their children get a secondary education.

He said that much of his education was self-taught

try to give everyone an opportunity because if you look around the world you will see that the countries that came out of poverty and developed are the countries with the skilled people.”

He said Japan is a glaring example of this, adding that Japan has no natural resources, and yet it’s the third largest economy in the world, heavily focused on manufacturing “because they have a highly educated workforce and that is what I want to do

Children of Caria Caria lined up to welcome President Donald Ramotar to his home town

in our country.

The President said significant investment in social services has been made by his government as it’s from these that people benefit the most.

He pointed out that there has been sizeable investments in health, with new and improved services being offered centrally and to the small communities, many of which now have doctors, something that was seriously lacking in the past. The President said that the specialty hospital will also offer more services to people right in Guyana.

Government, through its housing programme has been assisting some hinterland residents to build homes and this will extend to Caria Caria. He also told the community that solar panels “If the opposition was a little bit co-operative or if we had the majority in Parliament, our country and even Caria Caria would have developed much faster,” he said. Instead the opposition used its one-seat majority in the National Assembly

to impose several cuts to the National Budget.

He noted that Government is also trying to eradicate poverty by boosting economic activities in far flung areas and stimulate their village economies.

The hydroelectric project was also opposed, robbing Guyanese of the chance to have cheaper electricity and further development from the money Government would have saved from subsidies that it currently gives to the power company to keep electricity rates stable.

Nevertheless, the government is confident these projects will materialise once it returns to office. The President also told residents of other national initiatives that government has embarked upon to create more wealth and generate jobs, including exploring the potential of tourism, making Guyana an industrial and manufacturing economy, and exploring the cultivation of alternative agricultural products.

Noting that Caria Caria

is largely dependent on timber for revenue, the president said government will support them to explore other income sources, such as bamboo harvesting to make flooring.

He told them many of these things could not have been done earlier because of the challenges in the political situation for the last three years, as “we have an opposition that is very determined to try to stop development from taking place.”

Speaking at the meeting, Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) Chairman Julius Faerber noted that Caria Caria has transformed under this administration and there are efforts to take it further.

Chairman of the CDC, Tyrone John, its Secretary Everly Sampson and a Community Health Worker from Fort Island, Zalifa Debideen, all acknowledged the progress in the riverain community, as residents from Fort Island, Bonasika and Morashee were present as well.

Canadian-based Guyanese launches unique documentary on Georgetown

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anadian-based Guyanese Lal Balkaran, who is the author of numerous books aimed at showcasing the talents and beauty of his homeland, has launched yet another unique piece capturing the beauty of Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown.

The documentary, entitled “Historical and Contemporary Georgetown: Guyana’s Heartbeat”, contains over 500 chronological texts and photographs spanning three hundred years from its beginnings in the 1700’s to 2015, highlighting the key issues and events that shaped the city and all of Guyana.

The documentary also features spectacular images of main historical sites that practically define the city, such as buildings, architectural treasures, markets, streets, monuments, gardens, and flowers.

Some of those sites include the Amerindian Hostel, Avenue of the Republic, Bank of Guyana, Bishop’s High School, Botanical Gardens, Bourda Market, the Brickdam

Cathedral, Castellani House, Christ Church, Church of the Sacred Heart, City Hall, Le Repentir, Main Street, National Library, National Park, Parliament Building, Promenade Gardens, Queen’s College, Red House (now the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre), St Andrew’s Kirk, St George’s Cathedral, St Rose’s High School, St Stanislaus College, Stabroek Market, State House, The 1962 Political Disturbances, The Monuments (1763, African Liberation, Nonaligned, Walter Rodney, Indian Immigration), The Benab or Umana Yana, The Cenotaph, The High Court, The Lighthouse, The Sea Wall, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, and many more famous landmarks.

“I simply cannot tell you in so many words what a pure joy it is to view Lal Balkaran’s Historical and Contemporary Georgetown: Guyana’s Heartbeat on DVD. If it doesn’t bring tears to your eyes with colorful and memorable scenes, then I don’t know what else will,” said Reverend William Guthrie

Lal Balkaran

of Christ Episcopal Church, East Orange, Florida, after viewing this extraordinary video.

“Remarkably done.

Everything you wanted to know about Georgetown is contained in this well-researched and professionally-compiled documentary,” another person, Professor Stafford of Griffith, UWI, Mona, Jamaica had to say after watching Guyana’s history flashing right before his eyes.

Balkaran was born at Plantation Versailles on the West Bank of Demerara on July 4, 1953, and grew

up in Pouderoyen, and later moved to Goed Fortuin in 1970, all three areas in close proximity.

He attended the nearby Malgre Tout Government School (1960-1965) and the West Demerara Government Secondary School (1965-1970). After high school, he taught in the Rupununi for five years from 1970-75 among the Wapishanas, and travelled extensively throughout Guyana.

Additionally, he is selftaught and is a certified internal auditor, fellow certified general accountant, fellow chartered management accountant, and holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He moved to Barbados in 1982 as the accountant at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and then as a financial controller at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation in 1984 before immigrating to Canada in 1987 where he worked as senior audit executive in a range of highprofile organisations.

Balkaran was granted two awards by the Institute

of Internal Auditors (IIA) – Canada: the 2010 Arthur J Childs Distinguished Service in Canada Award for his IIA activities over the years including starting an IIA Guyana Chapter in 2000 and the 2012 Contribution to the Profession of Internal Auditing Award for his dedication and academic contribution to the internal auditing profession through the range of articles and books he has written on the profession that have been published around the world.

Additionally, he is an internal auditor and a published author. He has written several books and dozens of articles on a wide range of subjects. Six books are on accounting and auditing, including the world’s first dictionary of auditing published by LexisNexis (Butterworths) in Toronto, while seven are on his native Guyana.

His fascination with the savannah and jungle scenery of the area and everyday life of the people enabled him to live like them: hunting with bow and ar-

row; fishing with kunam and traps; drinking parakari (kari); listening to savannah and other tales of kanaima and the peaiaman; participating in their feasts; observing their taboos; eating farine, tasso and cassava bread, and sleeping in a hammock.

This is his seventh book on his native Guyana. All are authoritative and timeless publications which have been well received.

The long-term friendship he developed and maintained with some of his colleagues in the Rupununi enabled him to direct them to take some of the scenes contained in this book.

The author also travelled and explored other areas of the vast region, even accompanying the natives to ‘bleed’ balata at Apoteri in 1972. He also explored the jungles from Awarewaunau to as far as the Kwitaro River and walked for miles throughout the savannah, sleeping at remote ranches, abandoned houses, and even crossing over to Brazil through the Takatu River.

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monDAY, may 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Tremendous economic potential in Region 9 ... President urges residents to prepare for benefits

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here is great economic potential in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), one re-elected will capitalise on this to raise the standard of living of the region’s people, President Donald Ramotar assured during a visit to the Rupununi today.

nities for economic ventures that will be created through planned investments.

“The Rupununi and Region Nine is just a microcosm of what has been taking place in our country, and over the next five years we have more plans…Here can become a centre for creating higher paying jobs for our country and that is why the

High on the development agenda once his government is re-elected, President Ramotar said is the construction of a Deep Water Harbour in the Berbice River and a highway from Lethem to Linden that will connect Brazil to the existing road network all the way to Berbice.

Speaking about local de-

President Donald Ramotar holds aloft the cup, specially made by a Region Nine resident

The President was at the time addressing hundreds of peopel from more than 50 communities in the North, South and Central Rupununi at Rodeo Ground, Lethem, who gathered to meet and show support for a return of the incumbent government at the upcoming polls.

Outlining major development plans for Guyana and Region Nine specifically, the Head of State urged the people to prepare for the highly skilled jobs and opportu-

PPP/C Government has focused on preparing people to capitalise by providing free education from nursery to secondary and technical education, as well for those who did not complete the formal system,” he said.

The President announced that Government will build a technical institute in Region Nine to equip persons with the necessary technical skills to provide support services to the expanding and emerging industries.

velopment, the President said that government plans to bridge the Kurupukari crossing and connect the entire Rupununi via road, as well as to Region Eight. This will not only make travel easier and less time consuming, but cheaper.

Residents were told of his optimism that Guyana will find oil from the current exploration activities, which will make the task of development less challenging, and earn Guyana more money to

spend on its people and “a lot of resources we need to accelerate development across these villages.”

Education is the tool that will prepare the country to eliminate poverty and hence, persons in the Rupununi should ensure they stay in school and pursue their education even after secondary school, he urged.

While Government has managed to reduce the poverty rate from 80 percent of the population living in poverty to 20 percent, further reduction is highly dependent on every child securing a sound education.

“The potential and opportunities that exist in these areas are enormous for development, and we are investing in the human capital, our people to ensure that they will be able to take up the challenge and benefit directly from the development.”

The President also urged all, young and old, to take advantage of the information technology hubs being created in the hinterland to ensure they learn to use the computer, as Information Communication Technology has tremendous potential, as well to create jobs and bridge traditional disparities between the hinterland coastal areas.

The President reassured Amerindians and hinterland residents that government has their interest at heart and reminded that it was the PPP/C Government that created many opportunities for them to have equal access to social and other services and economic opportunities as coastlanders.

A question of pride

By L T Willicom

I

was planning to be the political scientist in the run up to the May 11 elections . I planned to speak about trends, polls and campaign strategies.

But I heard something today that disturbed and saddened me. It was something that had me thinking again, that politicians, some of them, have little respect for the electorate, I heard that the APNU leadership (and I suppose that also means AFC ) are promising ,in fact made the promise, that should they assume office, they would institute a rental programme for people in need of homes.

Now that may not sound like anything earth shattering to some, since politicians make promises on platforms hoping to catch the vote of someone to whom the bait appeals.

The disturbing aspect of this promise is the fact that over the past six years Guyana has seen a phenomenal increase in house ownership under the PPP/C. administration.

In fact even with the “no vote policy” of the opposition on matters of the Hydro plant, the University and the Budget, the Housing Ministry delivered, and was able to provide access to over a hundred thousand house lots. A success story if ever there was one.

And what does that mean? It means that thousands of Guyanese have been empowered. It means that thousands of Guyanese now have a place that they can call home; it means that the peace of mind, the pride, and the sense of belonging that comes with owning a home and providing a shelter for ones loved ones is now to be counted as one of the key ingredient that goes towards making Guyana strong stable and secure( I just couldn’t resist that).

So my friends, to hear that APNU is going to offer rental agreements to the citizens of Guyana struck me as a backward step and a slap in the face of all proud Guyanese people .

It occurred to me that probably ,just probably ,the issue is not just a simple case of an APNU government renting homes to the homeless but that it represents a philosophy that speaks to the creation of dependency, a la PNC, and a lack of concern for the growth and development of the ordinary Guyanese The change of which they speak now means in a real sense a change from owning ones home to paying a rent for the rest of one’s life.

The need to support and encourage self-sufficiency is key to the development of any country .The creation of stable self- sustaining communities and secure family arrangements lays the foundation for individual growth and national development.

For a leadership that aspires to high office to place on its national agenda the development of a rental philosophy in the light of what already exist, speaks to a lack of vision .

But probably I am only seeing the folly of the resentatives from Caricom, rental option. This may National Public Health just be a manifestation of a Reference Laboratory, and the broader picture that gives Office of the President. insights into the thinking Dr Misir’s presentation of the APNU leadership. was made possible by the Let’s take Den Rotary Club of Stabroek and Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Amstel as an example, Samantha Henry. Rotary com- where the APNU have prises of business and profes- a strong support base. sional persons working togeth- That community is strong er globally in humanitarian successful resilient and work, and to construct good- proud. will and peace.

They own their homes The Royal Society for and are a significant Public Health in England re- community when it comes cently elected Dr Misir as a to rice farming. When fellow of the Royal Society of one suggest rentals one Public Health.

Misir is a Visiting betrays a fundamental lack Professor in Public Health and of appreciation of the need Primary Care at Fiji National to instill in our citizens a University and the Executive sense of ownership and Director of the Health Sector pride .It also hinders the Development Unit, Ministry development of another of Health, Government of Dan Amstel.

Guyana. He is the former ProSadly it also betrays Chancellor of the University of a contempt for the Guyana and currently teach- population, for national es Research Methodology and development and alas for Biostatistics with the Faculty their own supporters. of Health Sciences, University

Study on HIV & AIDS presented to Rotary Club of Stabroek

D

r Prem Misir delivered a presentation on his book on April 29, 2015 at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana, “HIV and AIDS knowledge and stigma in Guyana”, to the Rotary Club of Stabroek. The University of the West Indies (UWI) Press was the publisher of this book.

He indicated that data collection has already commenced in expanding the research documented in this book into an international study to include Guyana, Caribbean, Suriname, and Fiji, focusing on HIV and AIDS knowledge and stigma among adolescents.

The book’s focus is on adolescents, specifically high school students. Why the focus on adolescents? In answer to this question, Dr Misir pointed out that recently adolescents and young people within the 15 to 24 age group globally account for 40 per cent of all new infections in adults.

This concern relates to the perception that many adults in Guyana and elsewhere were

graduating from HIV to an AIDS status in their twenties, implying that they would have contracted HIV in their adolescent years, given that the median time from HIV to AIDS is 9.4 years.

In addition, this book on adolescence came out at a timely moment when the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, and the GNP+, presented a publication that brings adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) closely under the radar for HIV testing and counseling, treatment and care; the overview to this publication indicated that: “Adolescents (10–19 years) and young people (20–24 years) continue to be vulnerable, both socially and economically, to HIV infection despite efforts to date.

“This is particularly true for adolescents – especially girls – who live in settings with a generalized HIV epidemic or who are members of key populations at higher risk for HIV acquisition or transmis-

sion through sexual transmission and injecting drug use. In 2012, there were approximately 2.1 million adolescents living with HIV. About one-seventh of all new HIV infections occur during adolescence.”

Dr Misir’s used a cross-sectional study design with a purposive sample of high school students from 15 high schools in Guyana, to measure their HIV and AIDS knowledge and stigma-related attitudes and their relationships among gender, age, religious groups, and ethncity. High school students scored a moderate level of HIV and AIDS knowledge.

They had knowledge about modes of HIV transmission; symptoms of HIV and AIDS; about 50% of them saw a blood donor as being at risk of contracting HIV; and about 20 per cent of the students believed in myths and misconceptions on HIV and AIDS. This study also revealed gaps in HIV and AIDS knowledge and stigma– related attitudes.

Misir’s presentation included univariate, bivariate

and multivariate analyses of the data. Under the univariate analysis, he noted that there was no difference between male and female students on knowledge as well as on stigma-related attitudes; the older age group showed greater knowledge; and about 40 per cent of students showed stigma-related attitudes.

Under the bivariate analysis, students in different religious groups and in different ethnic groups showed differences in knowledge and in stigma-related attitudes.

The multivariate analysis using logistic regression analyses found that religious groups were significant predictors of HIV and AIDS knowledge as well as stigma-related attitudes.

Rotarians of the club thanked Dr Misir for his presentation on such an important public health issue that affects not only populations in Guyana but globally. In attendance were also medical students from the Texila American University, rep-

of Guyana.

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6 children recovering after Norman McLean is new GMSA’s successful heart surgeries

Director of the Georgetown Public Hospital Echocardiography Education Programme, Dr Debra Isaac screening one of the patients on the Echocardiography (ECG) machine in the presence of the child’s mother and other doctors

S

ix of the 18 children who were set to benefit from heart surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital, through support from International Children’s Heart Foundation (Baby Heart) are recovering from successful surgeries.

Two of the six children have already been sent home. Eight more are expected to undergo surgery in the new week.

The Baby Heart Foundation is a non-profit organisation that travels around the world to assist in paediatric cardiac surgeries and at the same time train local health practitioners in this regard. The Foundation has been around for over 20 years and has successfully completed 7500 surgeries in 32 countries. During an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Dr Rodrigo Soto, Chief Executive Officer of Baby Heart Foundation, said that the experience has been fantastic thus far, and expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for allowing the organisation to

develop its programme here.

“Certainly a lot of work has been done … consequence of all the work that has been done for the past four years from the cardiology point of view, now being able to come here and oper-

Soto explained.

A special Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was also refurbished at the Georgetown Public Hospital to facilitate post-surgery care for the children, and Baby Heart Foundation donated some

the Georgetown Public Hospital, Dr Debra Isaac said that when the programme first started, it was realised that children accounted for almost 40 per cent of the heart ultrasounds that were done, and many required surgery.

Unfortunately, only a few had access to surgical interventions, and a few were sent to other countries. Dr Isaac noted that those children who were sent abroad for surgeries did not benefit from proper follow-up care. However, with the help of the Health Ministry and Dr Marissa Seepersaud, paediatric surgeon at the Georgetown Public Hospital, a Guyana Paediatric Steering Committee was established with the aim of identifying children that needed surgery and those who were already operated upon, and instituting screening for others.

Through this programme, Dr Isaac noted that the Baby Heart team

ajor General (Ret’d) Norman McLean has been elected President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the body said in a release last week.

His election was made by the recently-appointed Board of Directors of the GMSA. He succeeds Clinton Williams, who has completed a two-term stint which is the consecutive limit prescribed by the GMSA’s Articles of Association.

McLean himself had previously served as President of the then Guyana Manufacturers Association (GMA) during the 1990s.

In his acceptance remarks, McLean noted his long history with the Association, reminding members that he had in the past worked assiduously to ensure that the GMA was adequately meeting and surpassing the needs of its membership. He said that he was happy to head the Association again at this time when its record of recent achievements was good.

He thanked the Board for the confidence reposed in him, and asked members to continue to work together in order to meet the goals the Association has set itself. These goals include revisiting and re-calibrating the GMSA’s Strategic Plan in keeping with the changing needs of our member companies.

Considerable experience

A recovering patient being comforted by his mother and a doctor

ate on the patients here in Guyana and the most important is to train the doctors in order to do this,” Dr

equipment for the Unit.

Meanwhile, Director of the Echocardiography Education Programme at

came in and those children were looked at. The team will be visiting Guyana in July for another few weeks to conduct more surgeries.

PPP/C to review ganja legislation T he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is committed to reviewing the legislation governing the legalisation of the use of marijuana, should they be re-elected next Monday.

The legalisation/decriminalisation of marijuana has been a hot topic in recent months in Guyana and across the Caribbean.

Several groups across Guyana, specifically those in the Rastafarian Community, have taken advantage of this during the elections period.

Any individual found with marijuana in their

President M

possession is liable to a fine of $10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drug and 10 years’ imprisonment , while trafficking the drug carries a heavier penalty.

Former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had told the Guyana Times that any decision to amend the laws would require an inclusive and comprehensive discussion.

The PPP/C in its recently-launched manifesto under the section “New legislations to be implemented” placed “Review the legalisation on the use of marijuana and on the quanti-

ties that attract mandatory minimum jail sentences” on the list.

However, the Rastafarian community had envisioned bigger plans for marijuana in Guyana.

During a recent press conference, Ras Reuben of the Twelve Tribes of Israel related that Guyana’s economy could be further enhanced if marijuana farms come on-stream.

He argued that Guyana has the ideal conditions to grow marijuana, and taking into consideration the great demand for this drug, the country could earn tremendous amount of reve-

nues should the law allow.

Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition disclosed that it would examine the legalisation of marijuana if elected as the next Government of Guyana. In its recentlylaunched manifesto, there was no mention of legalising the drug.

However, it did include a phrase “Ensuring a credible National Drug Strategy Master Plan” promising to “suppress narco-trafficking and arrest and punish traffickers”.

McLean brings to the GMSA considerable experience in human resources development and operations management.

In recent years, the former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been working on the ‘winding up’ process for the now defunct Omai Gold Mines.

He has transferred these considerable skills into his consultancy with ETK Sand Springs, an expatriate gold and mineral mining company which is currently preparing to commence operations in Guyana. McLean also serves as Company Secretary of the Bosai Bauxite Mining Company.

Outgoing GMSA President Williams expressed his own gratitude for the unstinting support he received from the Board and membership throughout his two 2-year terms.

The first he served in 20102012.

Williams noted that he was vacating the post with the finances in the healthiest state they have been in for some years, and will continue to work with the GMSA in his new capacity, of Immediate Past President and Sub-Sector

Major General (Ret’d) Norman McLean

Coordinator.

The GMSA held its two-part Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 10 and 30 respectively. The first session is usually held to discuss the audited accounts and to elect the core members of the Board of Directors.

This new Board later attends Part II of the AGM to elect the President and identify the members who would head the sub-sectors – specified areas in the manufacturing/services landscape which the GMSA oversees.

These sub-sectors are: Construction & Engineering; Services; Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals; Agriculture & AgroProcessing; Forestry & Wood Products; Fast Foods and Minerals & Related Industries.

The Board also selects the members who would manage the affairs of the main Standing Committees which include International Trade and Investment, Policy and Legislation, and Governance and Security.

The Board Members are: Norman McLean – President; Ramsay Ali – Sterling Products Ltd, First Vice President; Eon Caesar – Safeway Security, Second Vice President; Malisa Nokta – Environmental Management Consultants, Third Vice President / Treasurer; Clinton Williams – Guyana National Industrial Co IPP; Autamaram Lakeram – National Milling Company; Mark Bender – TCL Guyana Ltd; Raymond Ramsaroop – Edward Beharry Group of Companies; Peter Pompey – Brass, Aluminium & Cast Iron Foundry; Clement Duncan – Swansea Associates; Yonette Jeffers – Laparkan Freight Forwarders; Mohindra (Neil) Chand – Barama Company; Ramesh Dookhoo – Banks DIH Ltd and Luanna Persaud – Qualfon.

The GMSA is one of the three major Business Support Organisations in Guyana and is now in its 51st year of existence.

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Times Notebook Why people are fearful of APNU-AFC

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espite calls for people to forget the past, people do remember vividly what it was like to live under a dictatorship and are mightily fearful of APNU-AFC. What is daunting for APNU-AFC is that young people are equally fearful as older people.

APNU-AFC had hoped that young people that were not born before 1990 would not have experienced those dark days when people were locked up and victimized for not pledging loyalty to the PNC, when people lost their jobs for daring to oppose the PNC and when heroes like Walter Rodney and Father Darke were slaughtered through centrally-directed murder plots.

But many young people, whether they experienced those terrible days or not, have heard stories from their parents and grandparents and they know that their generation live lives far superior to those of their parents and grandparents.

Many today own their own vehicles and live in homes with amenities that their parents could not have imagined. Most live in homes with modern accessories, like showers, micro-waves, fridge, TV, computers, etc. The young generation is far more educated, better trained and more widely traveled than any previous generation.

The lawless behavior of APNU-AFC supporters serve as reminders of those days when people were savagely beaten and even killed for standing up for their rights.

When the Ballot Box Martyrs were slaughtered like dogs in 1973 for simply demanding that their votes be counted and today being called gangsters by APNU-AFC’s Presidential Candidate, people wonder if this is what we can expect from an APNU-AFC government.

It is disgraceful that APNU-AFC supporters

have throughout this election campaign terrorized PPP/C activists and leaders.

On Saturday afternoon, a group of APNUAFC supporters tried to disrupt a PPP/C meeting in Edinburgh, a mixed community. They decided to send children wrapped in APNU flags to run up and down and ride bikes at high speed and screaming.

During a PPP/C meeting in Warlock, Georgetown, a group urinated on the PPP/C flag. This vulgar behavior is disgraceful and is the very epitome of APNUAFC lawlessness. Such crude behavior by a woman, urinating in public on a PPP/C flag is not merely distasteful; it is reprehensible and must be deplored by any decent-minded human being.

During that same meeting, APNU-AFC decided to burn the PPP/C flags that they pulled down from the GPL poles in the area. Such

disrespectful, undisciplined behavior should not be condoned by anyone.

No matter what APNUAFC promises, the behaviour of their supporters and APNU-AFC’s reluctance to distance itself from such behavior constitute the most impactful reason why people are fearful of them.

Many persons around the country have revealed stories to us of what APNUAFC supporters have told them – after May 11, should the PPP/C win, there will be total chaos in the streets and in our communities.

One thing is certain, many people believe them.

There are people who are leaving the city for safer neighborhoods; some are even leaving Guyana before the elections to avoid the expected violence should the PPP/C wins the elections.

No doubt, much of this expectation is not only driven by the history of the PNC in creating havoc after elec-

tions, but the recent behavior of APNU-AFC supporters provide enough bad memories to bring out extreme fear in people.

Contributing to the fear is the behavior of APNUAFC supporters who have been attending the various rallies of APNU-AFC. They have travelled in convoys of vehicles from Linden, Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Berbice and other parts of the country, taunting people along the way.

The call of APNU-AFC leaders for revolution, for protecting the polling stations, for surrounding polling stations, etc. that are constantly being made at APNU-AFC rallies and meetings contribute to the fear that people have.

Even worse is the absolute militarization of the APNU-AFC leadership – a stark reminder of the army as the instrument of fear and intimidation of the people during the PNC dicta-

Guyanese author Imam Baksh wins 2015 Burt Award

Guyanese author Imam Baksh displays his 2015 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature during the presentation ceremony on Friday at the Old Fire Station in Port of Spain. Flanking him are Jamaican author Diana McCaulay, right, and Trinidadian author Lynn Joseph who placed second and third respectively. —Photo: ANISTO ALVES

G

uyanese author Imam Baksh has won the 2015 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature for his debut novel “Children of the Spider”, the Trinidad Express has reported.

According to the newspaper, the 23-year-old received the winning prize of CAN$10,000 at a gala

ceremony held Friday evening at the Old Fire Station in Port of Spain.

Jamaican author Diana McCaulay and Trinidadian author Lynn Joseph placed second and third and received CAN$7000 and CAN$5000 respectively.

The Burt Award for Caribbean Literature

was established by CODE—formerly Canadian Organisation for Development through Education—in collaboration with William (Bill) Burt and the Literary Prizes Foundation. It recognises outstanding literary works for young adults written

by Caribbean authors.

It was part of the NGC Bocas Lit Fest, a fiveday literary festival celebrating Caribbean books, writers, writing, and ideas with readings, performances, workshops, discussions, film screenings, book signings, among other features.

In addition to the prize money, the authors

will each be guaranteed purchase of a minimum of 2500 copies of their books which will ensure that thousands of youths across the Caribbean region will have access to the authors’ books.

Chief juror Debbie Jacob is quoted as saying, “The joy in choosing these three novels for the 2015 Burt Award is knowing that fans of young adult literature and Caribbean literature would be missing something deep inside their reading souls if they never had the opportunity to read these three novels that create a new foundation for bold, innovative writers to remember their roots and reach outward to new literary shores.”

“Children of the Spider”, which like the other wins is in manuscript form to be published, captures readers with the otherness of its world, its intrigue and mystery, the Lit Fest website raved.

Baksh said he will use part of his prize to further develop literature programmes in his community in Guyana.

“Part of the money will go back towards literature. I am happy that I won; it feels great,” Baksh said.

torship. This is heightened because many of the military and police personnel in the APNU-AFC leadership are from that era when the PNC used the army as its terror instrument.

APNU-AFC believes that it can intimidate people into running away to places in and out of Guyana where they cannot vote in order to gain an advantage.

The truth is while they might succeed in cowering some, the vast majority of those who they want to intimidate are determined to stop them, in spite of fear.

The majority of Guyanese people still feel the pain and agony of a past APNU-AFC would very much like them to forget.

People will use their pen to write an ‘X’ to reject the possibility of APNU-AFC foisting another dictatorship on the Guyanese people.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

Linden cop shot accidentally by colleague

A

n off-duty Policeman was shot to his left shoulder after a round was accidentally discharged by one of his colleagues Sunday morning in Linden.

The Policeman was in the process of making an arrest when his firearm went off. Police Constable Nathaniel Giddings, 22, was injured while in the vicinity at the time of the arrest attempt. The incident occurred around 05:40h at Greenheart Street, Linden.

According to a Police release, two ranks, one of whom was armed with a service revolver, were making efforts to arrest two suspects in a larceny case when a round was discharged, hitting the off-duty Police Officer who was apparently in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Reports indicate that Giddings was on his way to attend a party in the area when he noticed the on-duty Police Officer attempting to arrest two men who were resisting arrest. It was then the officer reached for his gun which went off and the bullet struck Giddings.

Giddings was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The matter is currently being investigated. Meanwhile, the two suspects were arrested and were in custody.

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One’s actions speak loud and clear enough Dear Editor, The present PNC-WPA outfit has a significant number of African intellectuals, scholars, and activists who are quite vociferous when it comes to “ethnic honour”, and for whom the “furtherance and defence of African Guyanese interests” is an important plank in their political and public life.

What is more, this group of individuals seeks to connect “ethnic interests” with “national interests” and I agree there is nothing inherently contradictory in this thinking. My concern, as I have been pointing out, is the asymmetry in this position when it comes to Indians. Somehow, Indian ethnic interest has been presented as diametrically opposed to national interest.

Of course, the counter-argument could be made that it is Indians themselves who must make this argument, who must speak for themselves, who must represent themselves. But as we have seen, throughout the last 60 years or so, whenever any Indian attempts to do so, he is ground in the dust and destroyed.

Further, because of the systematic conditioning to which Indians have been subjected, there is nothing that an Indian fears most in Guyana than being called a racist, which is the label for those who dare to speak their truth.

It follows that there is nothing an Indian is not prepared to do just not be labeled a racist, even to the point of purging himself of his ethnic identity. This has been the dominant narrative in Indian politics in Guyana.

Africans intellectuals, however, have no such inhibition. One recalls the near hysteria that was created when the name of Moses Nagamootoo, later to be anointed Brother Moses Nagamootoo, was proposed as the presidential candidate for the yet to be formed coalition.

No one could fail to see the argument that was advanced on the basis of ethnic honour why he would not be acceptable to Africans.

When African ethnic honour was invoked, those who dared to make the suggestion were effectively silenced and made to see the light.

A major concern for many Indians in Guyana with respect to the coalition is who in the coalition will speak for Indians? Because of the presence and prominence of Mr Nagamootoo in the coalition, the argument has been made that Indians who voted for the AFC in 2011 and those voting for the same party now “would be voting for someone of their own ethnic group”.

If this someone is referring to Mr Nagamootoo, then here is the dilemma that the Indians will face.

Apart from the fact that he does not have the credentials to be a spokesperson for Indians, at least in the same category as the African ethnic activists, Mr Nagamootoo clearly does not see himself in this role.

Because of the brand of Marxism practised in the PPP/C that he has inherited he seems quite averse to being labeled an Indian activist in any way. Unlike many African activists and

politicians who have been able to creatively reconcile their ethnic politics with Marxism as they understood it, the Marxist ideologues in the PPP/C, including Mr Nagamootoo, chose to “ignore or discard their ethnic identity and interests”.

Clearly, then, those Indians who are busy abbreviating, hyphenating, punctuating, ignoring, discarding and denying their ethnic identity cannot be trusted to speak for Indians. The most they may do is to use the cover-all phrase “our supporters”, as is their habit.

In any case, it is the Indians of Guyana who have to decide who should represent their ethnic interest.

This cannot be an imposition certainly not by any person or persons outside the Indian community, no matter what is the political expediency.

Mr Nagamootoo’s position on the ethnic question can be better understood by analyzing his recent brazen claim that “we” will break the “Berlin Wall of ethnic preference”.

Before examining this assertion, it would be fair to say that this is a wall that he himself spent 50 years constructing and zealously guarding, while at the same time being its prisoner.

Who is behind the wall as far as Mr Nagamootoo is concerned? And, who is to be freed? Whose ethnic preference is to be shattered?

The logic of this statement is clear. The Africans will maintain the status quo and assert their ethnic preference. It is the Indians who are called upon to give up their ethnic preference.

Regardless of the constant boast of unity, the coalition has nothing to do with ethnic unity.

It is merely an expediency hastily contrived to remove the PPP/C from office, which can only be done if Africans stay with the PNC and Indians abandon the PPP/C. Talking about sacrifice, this is the sacrifice Indians are called upon to make.

Instead of seeking to fabricate an artificial coalition and depending on defectors so to speak, the PNC should have sought to reach out to Indians. I have not seen anything that the PNC has done in recent times to win the confidence of Indians.

They have actually abandoned Indians to the PPP/C, and have done everything in their power to reinforce fear and mistrust.

If there is as much disenchantment of Indians with the PPP/C as they claim, then they have lost an opportunity which may not comeback in a hurry. If Indians entertain a fear that the today’s PNC is no different from the one of the past, then the present leadership has done nothing to disavow the Indians of this feeling.

Can anyone blame Indians, then, if they fear that they will get more of the same from the PNC? In conclusion, to quote from the Hitopadesha, that offending text that caused so much consternation among goes and friend alike the last time I referred to it, one does not have to proclaim that one is a brahmin or chamar.

One’s actions speak loud and clear enough.

Swami Aksharananda

It was a privilege to know Calvin Roberts Dear Editor, The shocking news of Calvin Roberts’ sudden death was relayed to me early Wednesday morning by our mutual friend, Avenash Ramzan and up to the time of penning this short tribute, my mind is still in shock.

Shocked, because it is unbelievable that someone who was so vibrant, so active and passionate about life, could be taken away from us in the prime of his life and all his dreams and ambitions died with him.

I first met Calvin about seven years ago when he turned up at a RHTYSC press conference as a Sports Reporter. We gradually became friends and developed a mutual respect for each other’s work to develop cricket and to make a posi-

tive difference in the lives of youths.

Our friendship survived several different moments especially when he wrote an article earlier this year about the release of a player from the RHTYSC. Life would be very boring if humans cannot forgive and forget and despite a brief anger moment, our friendship remained strong.

During my illness three years ago, Calvin along with Avenash Ramzan and Frankie Wilson were a tower of strength and encouragement to me and I would always be grateful for their support.

I respected Calvin for his strong willed character, his firm and unshakeable faith in Jesus and his dedication to his job, family and close friends. He was honest in

every thing he did and was a man to his words.

Saturday a week ago, Calvin spent the entire day with us at the Busta Champion of Champions 40 overs finals but little did we know that the end was near.

It was a privilege to know Calvin Roberts, to be counted as one of his friends and to learn from his vast knowledge of the game of cricket.

Over the years, I have been lectured numerous times on topics of importance to both of us. Each of the lectures began withm “Listen to me carefully, Hilbert.” While I did not agree with everything he said, I was grateful for his advice. I became a better sports and youth administrator because of my friendship with Calvin.

The RHTYSC and me,

personally shall miss him dearly as a true friend is very rare as diamonds. We shall cherish his memories and would honour him in a very special way in the near future. We would also do everything in our power to be true friends to his children, whom he loved very much.

To his entire family especially his mother, his wife and kids I would like to express my personal sympathies along with my family. We share your pain but we are confident that he is in a better place with our Lord. Rest in peace Calvin and we shall miss you very much. Until we meet again in Jesus name, goodbye.

Hilbert Foster Secretary/CEO RHTYSC

Humanity H

umanity is everyone’s business that is how I see it. Generally speaking, for those who practice any religion and I mean and religion, it can surely give a higher purpose to our lives and keep us grounded.

The thing what I mean by this is that it is not only a set of rules that we must devote our lives to, but more importantly it is also what we take from any religion, is what is important.

Religion should be something that we truly believe in and practice on an ongoing basis, rather than something to define our actions. I would think that all religions Narine Dat Sookram teach the importance of peace and unity, which is what the world needs badly today.

Personally for me the most important religion is humanity, because just being a good human being defines us everywhere. Let’s not forget too how important peace is. I support the old saying, “where there is peace there is abundance.”

This is very achievable, the only requirement from us is to be helpful to the ones in need very time regardless where we may be. In other words it is important for us to understand other people’s problem and accept their situations and try to be as considerate as possible.

I know that it can be very hard to love and care for every living being, especially how some people may treat us after doing so many good things for them. Let’s not forget that regardless of how much good things we do, we will still have a few people who will say negative things about us.

As far as I am concern, humanity means to care for and help other people whenever and wherever possible.

This is something that fits with my own values, because it makes me feel very fulfil within during the process and even after the fact knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life.

Another way to service humanity is to help someone at times when he/she needs it the most. In other words we have to forget our own selfish interests in order to experience the feeling of giving.

One may wonder what we can do to help someone if we don’t have a lot to give. I have this conversation all the time with people. This is very simple it’s not complicated at all. It reminds me of what Mother Teresa once said, “It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

In other words, we do not have to have a big bank account to do our part to contribute towards humanity.

For example by helping an old woman lifting her heavy bag is an act of humanity.

Or helping a ‘disabled’ person in any way possible is also an act of humanity, just to name a few examples.

The thing is, once we understand how importance is it to service humanity in our everyday lives, our purpose as a human being will quickly be fulfilled.

For questions, comments or feedback, send them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

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PUBLIC OPINION

VOX POPULI

I SAY...

What are your views on Elections 2015?

Anand Tiwari “Elections this year is way too problematic. The Opposition refuses to address it diplomatically but rather incite rioting and ignorant behaviour. If we are to remove ourselves from these racial constraints and if the populace has to live in a politically tense environment, then it’s not farfetched to think that a few more incidents would serve to ignite the current ‘gunpowder keg’ of racial problems that are currently brewing.”

Amien Nikey “I am just waiting and observing the political parties as of now, however, we all have our party that we will be voting for. I think there should be a room for decision making this May 11, 2015 elections.

I also hope that the political parties keep calm after the results would have come out and there would not be any violent reactions by the party that looses the election. The last election was very good and I am just hoping it be the same with this election. I urge the political parties to accept the results and continue towards the betterment of the country.”

Anna Torn “I will be going out to vote on May 11, 2015 and I honestly do not think the elections should harm anyone, and the different races should not bring any problem that may lead to violent actions among each other.”

Junior Chandrapaul “The run up to the general elections in Guyana is one that is of utmost anxiety for me as well as most Guyanese living within the diaspora. Most persons are eagerly awaiting the day to go to the polls to vote for the party that they want to be victorious in order for them to transition the country and take it to greater heights. I am of the hope that this elections will be of a calm nature.”

Arif Ramsaroop “I will be going out and vote for this May 11, 2015 elections and it is my hope that the elections be of a peaceful nature and we continue to have that unity.”

Shanette Dey “I am of the hope that this election will go smoothly and there would not be any violent actions taken by any of the party that looses. I would also like to encourage persons to sustain the unity between their fellow citizens as they go out on May 11 to cast their votes.”

Christina Harrison “Regardless of who says what, Guyana has improved significantly.

We should never forget the past nor the present but what is more important is securing a good future. We believe in one people, one nation, and one destiny.

Whether the winner is the APNU/ AFC or PPP/C I just hope after the electoral process there are no violent reactions by the party that would have lost.”

Samuen Dissir “I am not feeling any pressure from the political campaigns. It’s pretty light and I will be coming out to vote on May 11, 2015. I am just hoping that the process goes smoothly.”

Daniel Lall “As we all may know, elections is soon approaching and I am sincerely hoping that everything works out perfectly fine, and there is no violent reaction by any of the political parties as the time gets closer for persons to enter the polls on May 11, 2015. I also wish that we all can see a brighter and well developed future ahead.”

Alicia Bess crowned Miss Global International Guyana

T

wenty-five-yearold Alicia Bess outshone her other rivals to cop the coveted title of Miss Global International Guyana when the pageant was held at Theatre Guild on Saturday evening. She will head to the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in October to compete with other delegates from around the world in the international pageant.

Bess, who is the reigning Miss PJD2 Caribbean Queen 2014, led the judges’ score cards from the beginning to the time she answered her final question. Trailing behind were Kiswana Abimola Jefford in the runner’s spot while Faydeha Cathylyna King was adjudged the second runner’s up.

Captalising on their experiences in the pageant industry, the top three delegates took full advantage of the stage, and from all indication they had the full support of

the audience.

The other delegates who participated and were awarded positions included Nalicia Ramdyal who resides in the USA, Shalisa Harripersaud and reigning Miss Caribbean Guyana, Shameeza Wong.

The pageant started behind the scheduled time but the wait was indeed worth it.

The delegates appeared on stage in the opening dance sequence after which they had a specific period of time to introduce themselves.

Bess would have definitely outdone herself since she is no stranger to pageantry and took off like a jet from there on. She also performed outstandingly in the swimwear segment as the delegates paraded in their two piece swimwear. This showed the delegates curves and physiques which were evidently displayed by all the delegates.

The six delegates were then tasked with performing

Miss Global International Guyana Alicia Bess posing for the cameras shortly after being crowned queen

a talent piece. In this segment, King would have outshone the others with her dramatic presentation on drug abuse, a social ill in society. Her performance had some technical glitches but

she stood her grounds, maintained her composure and nailed it.

There were also some spectacular Indian dance pieces by Nalicia Ramdyal and Shalisa Harripersaud.

The medleys were excellently choreographed. All contestants in this segment were scored high for creativity.

This segment was followed by the evening gown segment and first to wow the audience was Shalisa Harripersaud with her intricate evening dress that hugged her body excellently.

However, there were some flaws in the actual displaying of the ensemble. But, the gown of the evening that took the audience by storm was that worn by the newly crowned queen, Bess. She displayed a magnificent design done by Randy Madray and would have copped the nods from the judges as the best for the evening.

King, Jefford, Ramdyal and Wong also looked stunning in theirs but not to the satisfaction of the judges.

In the case of Wong, a shoe matching the gown would have put her in the top

bracket. Ramdyal’s gown on the other hand was too common and did not have the flare for a pageant and more so, she did a grave injustice in displaying the garb.

King’s, however, was unique and sassy – a gown that definitely caused some buzz. The final segment saw each delegate answering a question based on social issues, politics and personality. Again, Bess would have nailed this segment with her intelligence and confidence but more so, with her vast knowledge about Guyana’s tourism sector.

Some of the delegates would have strayed away from answering their questions. Nevertheless, the audience was extremely pleased with the results after it was announced. The newly crowned queen won herself a trip to Trinidad and several gift certificates and a trophy along with the crown.

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Kallicharran returns to his hometown – Port Mourant

...training stint concludes today

T

he training program organized by the GCB and facilitated by Alvin Kallicharran over the past month as coach and mentor met its conclusion today with Kallicharran returning to his home town Port Mourant.

The session which started at 09:00 hours, saw some 30 odd players from the Under 17, 15 and 13 levels participating in the planned activities. These players were able to showcase their talents in the presence of Kallicharran, Colin Stuart (Territorial Development Officer of the GCB), Winston

Smith Coach and other relevant cricket officials.

For this session, Kallicharran placed emphasis on two main components, namely "length and application." The technical aspect of the session focused on the importance of Length for both batters and bowlers. The latter was encouraged to bowl a length of uncertainty, where the batter may find it difficult to score from cuts, pulls or front foot drives. Whereas, the mental aspect of the session placed significance on the batters ability to judge the length of the delivery in question, to

I

Allicock (Vice President and Secretary respectively of Port mourant Cricket Club) expressed their gratitude for the program and Alvin Kallicharran's contribution.

Kallicharran over the past month was able to visit a number of locations across the country, imparting his knowledge.

Bravo and Blackwood ...

Alvin Kallicharran

determine whether to shot selection - the use of back or

Members of the victorious Ruimveldt team display their prizes with EBDCA President Anand Kalladeen (right) and Rohan Sarjoo (left)

overs.

Melroy Gomes cracked 24 at the top of the order, but Soesdyke lost their way in the middle before Jaisingh and Colin Benjamin gave them hope with a sevenwicket partnership of 46.

However, their separation in the 18th over virtually gave Ruimveldt the victory, as the other batsmen failed to make any meaningful contribution.

Jaisingh slammed 32 with one four and four towering sixes, while Benjamin scored 20.

Tony Mootoo snared 3-11 and Sukwah 2-13. Sukwah was named Man-of-theMatch, while Bovell claimed the best wicket-keeper award.

Doman won the best batsman prize. Both finalists received trophies.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, EBDCA President Anand Kalladeen

game and on their general attitude and mental approach to the game.

The players' response was favorable, with players expressing a strong willing, interest and desire to be meaningfully involved in the planned activities.

At the close of the program both the Godfrey Persaud and Godwyn

from page 24

Ruimveldt take Sarjoo Memorial T20 title

n a thrilling encounter on Friday at the Laluni Sports Club Ground, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, Ruimveldt defeated Soesdyke by 12 runs to win the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA)/Neville Sarjoo Memorial T20 Tournament.

Batting first, the visitors managed 119-6 in 20 overs.

Almando Doman topscored with 40, aided by two fours and two sixes, while Eric Sukwah scored 31, with two fours and one six. The pair shared in a seven-wicket stand of 56.

Tony Mootoo and Seon Bovell had earlier made 15 and 12 respectively.

Colin Benn claimed 3-19, while Ronaldo Jaisingh and Rakesh Gangaram took one each.

In reply, Soesdyke threatened before they were bowled out for 107 in 19.4

front foot to leave alone or play a shot, to pick the gaps in the field, appropriately drop the ball for singles and to be alert and clear in their communication while running between wickets.

Apart from these two main learning components for the session, a number of players received guidance on technical aspects of their

thanked the Sarjoo family for sponsoring the competition, and encouraged the players to take the game seriously.

Former International umpire Edward Nicholls recalled the late Neville Sarjoo as an ardent cricket fan who supported the development of the game.

Former national cricketer and son of the late Neville, Rohan Sarjoo thanked the EBDCA for granting them the opportunity to sponsor the tournament and congratulated the teams.

Rohan thanked Director of Sport Neil Kumar who donated cricket gear to the outstanding players in the final and ScotiaBank for presenting cricket kits to schools in Laluni and Soesdyke.

Meanwhile, EBDCA Executive XI overcame Laluni in the 12-over exhibition game.

Bravo and Blackwood came together with the innings teetering on 80 for 4 when Shivnarine Chanderpaul, looking a shadow of the player who has carried West Indies for so long, dragged on to James Anderson’s first ball after tea.

With an eye to the future, it could be very significant that West Indies held their nerve without a major contribution from Chanderpaul. It might not be the end for him yet, but it can’t be far away.

Shortly after his departure, with West Indies 87 for 4, came a crucial moment.

Blackwood, in a moment of hot-headedness that would not become a hallmark of a very calm innings, charged at Joe Root, had a mighty swing and missed, but Jos Buttler could not gather the stumping. It was the last clear-cut chance that England had before the match was gone as Blackwood and Bravo became increasingly confident once the target was below three figures.

Bravo has often been accused, with some justification, of too many lapses in concentration and there were moments in this innings when he could have succumbed but impressively battled through.

Before tea, the score froze as England strung together six consecutive maidens - a period which brought the wicket of Marlon Samuels - and then when he moved into the 30s he was offered regular reminders by Buttler of his propensity to fall in such a position. Instead, he eased to a 116-ball half-century.

Occasionally he came out of his shell, including hammering the first ball after tea from Root for six then twice launching Moeen Ali straight down the ground as the target came into view. The first of Bravo’s sixes off Moeen had been proceeded by 13 coming from an Anderson over (although two of the boundaries were byes and leg byes) which signalled there would be no final twist.

The result is a huge tick for Phil Simmons at the end of his first series in charge. It

is only six months since West Indies pulled out of the tour of India, which was followed by a poor World Cup (although better than England’s). History tells us that problems are often not far away but, barring the final day in Grenada, the fight they have shown in this series offers some hope.

Quite what Colin Graves, the incoming ECB chairman who has been at this Test, will make of it remains to be seen.

He branded West Indies “mediocre” before the series and said anything less than a series victory would bring serious questions. A few people may be sitting uneasily on the flight back to England.

Alastair Cook’s job is unlikely to be under threat helped by his first-innings hundred - but he will need to explain England’s collective batting failure in this match.

They had the best of conditions after winning the toss but could only muster 257 and the way West Indies secured the win added much kudos to their bowling display to keep England to 123, as they added 84 more on the third morning in 21 overs.

Cook was severely hampered in the field as he tried to defend 192 by the struggles of Moeen. Although Moeen removed Kraigg Brathwaite, courtesy of another fine slip catch from Chris Jordan, he again offered up far too many short deliveries. Cook could not trust him and was forced to turn back to Anderson. The way West Indies attacked Moeen is something he will have to be prepared for during the Ashes.

Anderson’s removal of Chanderpaul left him on 397 Test wickets - 400 will surely follow at Lord’s in a couple of the weeks against New Zealand, the same ground and opposition where he notched 300 in 2013 - but there has to be more wicket-taking support. Broad’s spell before tea was impressive, and touched 90mph, but he could not conjure one of those magic bursts that have studded his career. Jordan was the pick of the other quicks, making the opening breakthrough when he trapped Shai Hope lbw with a full inswinger, and his first spell showed further evidence of a bowler developing.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD England 1st inning 257 West Indies 1st innings 189 England 2nd innings AN Cook* c Brathwaite b Gabriel 4 IJL Trott lbw b Taylor 9 GS Ballance c Bravo b Permaul 23 IR Bell lbw b Taylor 0 JE Root c Bravo b Holder 1 MM Ali b Permaul 8 BA Stokes c Chanderpaul b Permaul 32 JC Buttler† not out 35 CJ Jordan lbw b Holder 2 SCJ Broad b Holder 0 JM Anderson lbw b Taylor 2 Extras: (b 4, lb 2, nb 1) 7 Total: (all out; 42.1 overs) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Trott, 4.5 ov), 2-13 (Cook, 5.5 ov), 3-18 (Bell, 8.3 ov), 4-28 (Root, 14.4 ov), 5-39 (Ali, 19.3 ov), 6-62 (Ballance, 27.2 ov), 7-95 (Stokes, 35.3 ov), 8-98 (Jordan, 38.3 ov), 9-98 (Broad, 38.4 ov), 10-123 (Anderson, 42.1 ov) Bowling: JE Taylor 11.1-1-33-3,

ST Gabriel 7-4-16-1, JO Holder 9-3-15-3, V Permaul 11-3-433, MN Samuels 4-1-10-0 West Indies 2nd innings (target: 192 runs) KC Brathwaite c Jordan b Ali 25 SD Hope lbw b Jordan 9 DM Bravo c Broad b Stokes 82 MN Samuels b Broad 20 S Chanderpaul b Anderson 0 J Blackwood not out 47 D Ramdin*† not out 0 Extras: (b 5, lb 6) 11 Total: (5 wickets; 62.4 overs) 194 Did not bat: JO Holder, JE Taylor, ST Gabriel, V Permaul Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Hope, 12.5 ov), 2-35 (Brathwaite, 13.3 ov), 3-70 (Samuels, 26.4 ov), 4-80 (Chanderpaul, 30.1 ov), 5-188 (Bravo, 61.6 ov) Bowling: JM Anderson 134-35-1, SCJ Broad 13-5-291, CJ Jordan 11-5-24-1, MM Ali 12.4-1-54-1, JE Root 8-416-0, BA Stokes 5-0-25-1

20

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, may 4, 2015

Tamim, Rahane 91* ends Royals’ winless streak Fantastic Kayes slam doors

A

jinkya Rahane’s serene unbeaten 91 off 54 balls helped return Rajasthan Royals to winning ways, and returned the tournament’s orange cap to him. He had a 52-run opening stand with Shane Watson, then struck up a 113-run partnership with Karun Nair, as Royals strode to 189 for 2.

Delhi Daredevils sputtered in response, losing both openers early, and leaving themselves too many to score in the second half of the innings. The chase petered out during the middle overs, and Daredevils eventually fell 14 runs short.

Rahane was flowing from early on in his innings, stroking Zaheer Khan through the covers in the fifth over before sending Nathan Coulter-Nile to the leg-side boundary with a flick of the wrists next over.

Shane Watson bludgeoned and hacked with mixed success, until he edged Angelo Mathews behind, but Rahane was rarely troubled by seam movement, as he played late and continued to rely on timing over power.

Mathews’ nagging seamers presented the greatest threat to the batsmen on the

every over, as the Daredevils seamers continued to bowl too short. Rahane reached his half-century, off 36 balls, with a sublimely-timed pull for six off Coulter-Nile in the 15th over. Nair sped to the milestone himself two overs later, when he slammed Sandhu over the midwicket boundary, then cracked him for fours off successive balls.

With the score on 149 for 1 after the 17th over, both batsmen launched the attack that would ensure the excellent foundation would

become an imposing score.

Of all the strokes Rahane hit this evening, the two consecutive lofted straight drives off Zaheer in the 18th over were perhaps the prettiest, so economical was he with his movement.

Nair holed out to deep cover in the penultimate over, but Rahane still had a few big shots in him. He whipped Coulter-Nile over long leg for six, then hit another straight four in the final over. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Ajinkya Rahane regained the orange cap

fresh Brabourne Stadium pitch. Rahane’s one major indiscretion came against him in the 11th over, when on 34, he toe-ended a ball aerially over cover, but survived when Gurinder Sandhu grassed the catch in the deep.

Daredevils will rue dropping Karun Nair too. The pair made brisk progress through the middle period, finding the boundary almost

Rajasthan Royals innings (20 overs maximum) AM Rahane not out 91 SR Watson* c †Jadhav b Mathews 21 KK Nair c Mishra b Coulter-Nile 61 JP Faulkner not out 8 Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 5) 8 Total (2 wickets; 20 overs) 189 Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-165 Delhi Daredevils bowling: Z Khan 4-0-31-0, GS Sandhu 4-0-49-0, NM Coulter-Nile 4-0-38-1, AD Mathews 4-027-1, A Mishra 4-0-41-0.

Delhi Daredevils innings (target: 190 runs from 20 overs) MA Agarwal b Binny 11

SS Iyer b Watson 9 JP Duminy* c Kulkarni b Faulkner 56 Yuvraj Singh c Binny b Faulkner 22 AD Mathews c †Samson b Binny 16 KM Jadhav† c Watson b Kulkarni 11 SS Tiwary not out 28 NM Coulter-Nile c Smith b Kulkarni 6 A Mishra not out 1 Extras (b 3, lb 1, w 11) 15 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 175 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-32, 3-65, 4-106, 5-123, 6-145, 7-155.

Rajasthan Royals bowling: TG Southee 4-1-31-0, DS Kulkarni 4-0-43-2, STR Binny 2-0-27-2, SR Watson 4-1-25-1, JP Faulkner 4-0-22-2, R Bhatia 2-0-23-0.

Mumbai continue to repair their season

M

Harbhajan Singh celebrates a wicket with his team-mates

umbai Indians continued to repair damage caused by a poor start to the season, winning their third game in a row to add to the mid-table pile-up of teams on eight or nine points. Kings XI Punjab, after a seventh defeat in nine matches, were all but out of the tournament, languishing at the bottom at least four points behind the rest.

Mumbai’s push to a 23run victory was begun by their openers Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons, who set up the score of 172 with a partnership of 111 in 12.2 overs. Though they did not have a strong finish to the innings because Kings XI’s seamers found the blockhole regularly, Mumbai had done enough to challenge a struggling batting order. David Miller posed a brief threat but his form was nowhere near enough to overcome Lasith Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan’s nous at the death.

Kings XI suffered another failure despite re-

vamping the team that had been crushed in Delhi.

They made four changes, bringing in M Vijay because Manan Vohra was sick, and replacing Shaun Marsh, Thisara Perera and Shardul Thakur with Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson and Karanveer Singh.

Johnson and Maxwell, however, had extremely poor games. Mumbai were 28 for 0 in four overs when Johnson came on to bowl, only to be taken apart by Parthiv. His first over contained a ramp for six, and a flick and cover drive for boundaries. Maxwell could have ended Parthiv’s innings on 22 but he goofed up a simple run-out opportunity. Parthiv went on to punish Johnson again, scoring 28 off nine deliveries in the bowler’s first two overs.

Simmons had started smoothly too, glancing several deliveries from Sandeep Sharma and Anureet Singh off his pads to collect boundaries to fine leg. Mumbai were 72 for 0 after eight overs when George Bailey

tried to rouse his men with a pep talk during the strategic time-out, but his words were unheeded. Sandeep mis-fielded at point and allowed a boundary in the very next over, later in the piece Virender Sehwag dropped a simple skier and Vijay allowed another boundary.

Parthiv got to his 50 - four of his six IPL half-centuries are against Kings XI - off 32 balls, and then smashed Maxwell on to the sightscreen. Soon after Parthiv fell, Simmons brought up his fifty, off 38 balls.

Mumbai had plenty of wickets in hand for a late surge but it never came.

With Johnson returning for two accurate overs and Sandeep and Anureet bowling a succession of yorkers,

only 49 runs were scored off the last five overs, as Mumbai fell well short of the 200 that looked so achievable when the openers had been batting.

Kings XI possess a formidable batting line-up but all their guns are misfiring at present. Closing his face too early to Malinga’s first ball, Sehwag was caught in the point region for the second game in a row.

Walking in at No. 3 was Maxwell, who was making a comeback to the side. He played seven balls carefully before reverse-sweeping the eighth awkwardly over slip for a boundary. He tried to repeat the shot next ball but holed out to short third man, giving J Suchith a matchturning wicket. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Mumbai Indians innings (20 overs maximum) LMP Simmons c Patel b Anureet Singh 71 PA Patel† c Vijay b Karanveer Singh 59 RG Sharma* c Anureet Singh b Johnson 26 KA Pollard not out 7 AT Rayudu not out 4 Extras (lb 3, w 2) 5 Total (3 wickets; 20 overs) 172 Did not bat: UBT Chand, Harbhajan Singh, J Suchith, R Vinay Kumar, MJ McClenaghan, SL Malinga Fall of wickets: 1-111, 2-154, 3-166.

Kings XI Punjab bowling: Sandeep Sharma 3-0-240, Anureet Singh 4-0-30-1, MG Johnson 4-0-41-1, AR Patel 3-0-24-0, Karanveer Singh 4-0-30-1, M Vijay 1-012-0, GJ Maxwell 1-0-8-0.

Kings XI Punjab innings (target: 173 runs from 20 overs) M Vijay c Chand b Harbhajan Singh 39 V Sehwag c Pollard b Malinga 2 GJ Maxwell c Vinay Kumar b Suchith 12 DA Miller c Sharma b Malinga 43 GJ Bailey* run out (†Patel) 21 WP Saha† run out (Suchith/ Vinay Kumar) 12 AR Patel run out (Malinga) 0 MG Johnson not out 8 Extras (lb 9, w 3) 12 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 149 Did not bat:Anureet Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Karanveer Singh Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-38, 3-86, 4-119, 5-140, 6-140, 7-149.

Mumbai Indians bowling: MJ McClenaghan 4-0-25-0, SL Malinga 4-0-31-2, R Vinay Kumar 3-0-17-0, J Suchith 4-033-1, Harbhajan Singh 4-027-1, KA Pollard 1-0-7-0.

on Pakistan

T

he incredible opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes passed the 300-run mark, setting more records while making short work of what had seemed like a matchwinning lead for Pakistan a little over 24 hours ago and attained, undeniably, one of the top spots in Bangladesh cricket legend.

Kayes, who moved shoulder to shoulder with Tamim during the stand, fell for 150, but there was no stopping Tamim. He had kick-started Bangladesh’s resurgence in the Test and went on with unwavering resolve to register the highest Test score 206 - by a Bangladesh batsman.

As Tamim walked back after a rare mistake in the 99th over, Mohammad Hafeez, the successful bowler, was the first one to congratulate him on an enthralling innings that was both serene and audacious. And it came at a time of grief in the family. Kayes’ innings was no less vital.

The draw in Khulna was in line with improvements Bangladesh have shown across formats after a difficult 2014. The transformation happened somewhere along the home series win against Zimbabwe last October, continued through the World Cup down under and if there were still doubts after the ODI and Twenty20 wins against Pakistan, the first Test should quell them.

It was the first time in nine Tests that Pakistan were not able to force a win against Bangladesh.

Irrespective of the conditions, that stat alone was a huge boost for Bangladesh cricket. Pakistan, a few rungs above the home side in Test rankings, are still favourites ahead of the Dhaka Test, but will be under severe pressure.

The seeds of doubt for Pakistan were solely sown by the Tamim-Kayes stand.

The striking feature of the batsmanship was the ability to change gears from time to time. A number of remarkable innings have been played

by Bangladesh batsmen in the past, but not many have seen batsmen marrying personal goals with team requirement as seamlessly as Tamim and Kayes did in this Test.

Tamim had said before the start of play on the final day that it was crucial for Bangladesh to keep their concentration through the first session as they were still behind in the Test, and both he and Kayes took time to set themselves up again. Only six runs were scored in the first five overs, with Kayes playing out three maidens on the trot from Junaid Khan, one more than what they had played in the 61 overs yesterday.

The pitch had refused to change much though it was the fifth day but Junaid was reversing the ball both ways

in that initial spell. Kayes was saved by the inside edge first ball of the morning as one swung in late. Then Tamim was floored by a vicious inswinger that struck him flush on the boot, the batsman falling forward on his elbows after losing balance. That delivery would have grazed the leg stump, too. If there was any hangover from yesterday, it was duly shaken off.

Two balls later, Tamim watchfully clipped a similar delivery to fine leg before Kayes, in the same over, leaned into a fuller delivery to hit the first boundary of the day, which drew the pair level with Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Puller’s 55-yearold record of the highest opening stand in second innings of a Test. In the next over, Tamim stepped out of the crease and crisply drove Yasir Shah through covers to put Bangladesh in the lead.

And just like that, they were back in cruise mode again. Bangladesh reached 300 in the 69th over, Tamim touched 150 in the 71st and Kayes joined him three overs later. While Tamim went on to pass his previous best of 151, Kayes, looking to push the scoring, holed out at long-off.

Unaffected by the dismissal, Tamim carried on in a controlled manner, his calmness gnawing on the last crumb of hope Pakistan might have harboured.

Mominul Haque came and went, missing a fuller delivery to give Junaid his first wicket of the match, but the score kept moving along.

Then, as if waking up from an afternoon slumber, Tamim surprised Yasir Shah to move from 182 to 194 in two balls. In the next over, after being beaten on the charge, he smashed Junaid down the ground for his seventh six to move past Mushfiqur Rahim’s 200. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh 1st innings 332 Pakistan 1st innings 628 Bangladesh 2nd innings Tamim Iqbal st †Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Hafeez 206 Imrul Kayes c sub (Babar Azam) b Zulfiqar Babar 150 Mominul Haque b Junaid Khan 21 Mahmudullah lbw b Junaid Khan 40 Shakib Al Hasan not out 76 Mushfiqur Rahim*† lbw b Mohammad Hafeez 0 Soumya Sarkar c Mohammad Hafeez b Asad Shafiq 33 Shuvagata Hom not out 20 Extras (lb 4, w 2, nb 3) 9 Total (6 wickets; 136 overs) 555 Did not bat: Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Shahid Fall of wickets: 1-312, 2-345, 3-399, 4-463, 5-464, 6-524.

Pakistan bowling: Junaid Khan 21-5-88-2, Zulfiqar Babar 32-1-125-1, Mohammad Hafeez 20-0-82-2, Wahab Riaz 20-3-75-0, Yasir Shah 30-2-123-0, Azhar Ali 6-126-0, Asad Shafiq 7-0-32-1.

Sports

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GCC Ladies impress in T&T League T

he GCC ladies began their second competition day of three in a row with a hot midday clash against the Magnolias Hockey Club.

Despite another solid performance, the Guyanese suffered their first loss of the competition by two goals to one. The Guyanese started strong and applied a high defensive press from the opening whistle.

This produced some good attacking play, but their execution in the scoring area left a lot to be desired.

After a scoreless first half, star striker Stacey SuiButt and the Magnolias got a favourable break in the 35th minute when a lifted ball was tapped by Sui-Butt past advancing goalkeeper Briawna Gordon and rolled into the corner of the empty goal. GCC managed to draw even through a powerful penalty corner strike

by Kerensa Fernandes, but Sui-Butt would light up the hockey pitch once again by capitalising on a defence error, pouncing on the loose ball with a first time shot into the back of the GCC net.

In the second match of the day, GCC came up against league leaders Paragon who had just come off a few impressive victories earlier in the week.

GCC, however, would take the early initiative through a Kerensa Fernandes penalty corner strike in the fifth minute.

GCC would then double their lead three minutes

Kerensa Fernandes on the attack against the Magnolias

later with a brilliant counterattack up the left wing

by Aliyah Gordon feeding the ball to an open Shebiki Baptiste, who had run the length of the field, for the finish.

While GCC would hold the lead for 40 of the 60 minutes, a few lapses in concentration by the deep defence allowed Paragon back into the match as Trinidad national captain Allana McLean converted a penalty stroke in the 34th minute

and a Paragon deflection goal would draw the score with 20 minutes left.

By this time, the earlier match began to take a toll on the GCC side whose pace slowed and Paragon wrested control of the match. A second tip-in on the far post and a skilful penalty corner deflection took the score to 4-2 in favour of Paragon before a final Allana McLean penalty corner strike four minutes from the end would seal the score at 5-2 for Paragon.

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From page 24

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At the closing ceremony, Tournament Chair Charles Adams Jr reported that the tournament concluded successfully with 42 entrants and 54 matches in five categories, namely Men’s Open, Ladies’ Open, Men’s Over-35, Men’s Over-45 and Novice Medley at three venues – the National Racquet Centre, Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club and Mr Panday’s residence.

“Being the first major tournament of the year, Assuria Open has set the bar for the upcoming tournaments,” he said, referring to several enduring and hard-fought matches.

He thanked everyone for all their hard work, time and commitment towards making the tournament successful.

Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) President Grace McCalman thanked Assuria Insurance’s management for supporting the Association in rebranding the tournament for Open participation.

It was especially beneficial to the juniors who were

not generally exposed to playing the various styles of the adult players. She expressed great confidence in this type of tournament evolving into something big enough to attract foreign players.

She was also especially pleased with the general level of tennis played. She thanked the Tournament Coordinators Shelly DalyRamdyhan and Nicholas Glasgow for successfully coordinating matches at the three locations and Harry Panday and Sam Barakat for providing lighted facilities. But she pleaded for more volunteers to come forth to help in future tournaments. “There is no magic in running a successful tournament,” she said. “It’s all hard work and there is always a need for linespersons and umpires.”

Assuria Operations Manager Clyde Muntslag reported that the company was elated to see the enthusiasm of the young players, as he reminded the GTA that Assuria Insurance made a deliberate decision in 2013 to support tennis in

Guyana as a component of its corporate responsibility.

This is the third year of the tournament and the company will uphold its commitment to sponsor it annually as long as it continues to see the GTA progress the sport locally. He thanked the GTA for a great tournament and said he hopes to see everyone at the tournament next year. Muntslag congratulated the winners and presented the trophies and monetary prizes after which players enjoyed an evening of entertainment and tennis, compliments of the Pandays.

Below is the winners’ list.

Men’s Open: Winner: Anthony Downes; Runnerup: Daniel Lopes.

Ladies’ Open: Winner: Nicola Ramdyhan; Runnerup: Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan.

Men’s Over-35: Winner: Godfrey Lowden; Runnerup: Carlos Adams.

Men’s Over-45: Winner: Godfrey Lowden; Runnerup: Carlos Adams.

Novice Medley: Winner: Daniel Razick, Runner-up: Charles Adams.

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guyanatimesGY.com

monday, may 4, 2015

May Day Cup T20 game

Second-string Demerara beaten by 6 wickets

By Rajiv Bisnauth

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he shortcomings of Demerara’s secondstring line-up were harshly exposed, as the visitors slumped to a six -wicket defeat against Berbice in the May Day Cup feature T20 game Saturday evening at the historic Albion Sports Complex.

Demerara were forced to field a second-string team after most of their players did not receive their No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Guyana Cricket Board.

This publication was also informed that the players were threatened by the Board’s Secretary, Anand Sanasie.

Meanwhile, batting first after winning the toss, Demerara never gave themselves a fighting chance and were bowled out for 85 in 19.5 overs.

Berbice Captain Assad Fudadin collects the winning trophy from a representative of the sponsor in the presence of Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and members of the organising committee, Tony Amerally and Imran Ally

Man-of-the-Match Eugene LaFleur proved the difference on a turning pitch; LaFleur led the charge with 5-9 off his four

overs, while Jonathan Foo and Gudakesu Moti weighed in with one wicket apiece.

Openers Brian Sattaur (42) and Imran Hassan (21)

added 49 for the first wicket, but no other Demerara batsman managed double figures.

Former Guyana and West

Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan made three.

In reply, Berbice lost West Indies youth opener Shemron Hetymer (0)

in the second over, but national wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble (37) and Kandasammy Surujnarine (19) put on 50 for the second wicket to lead Berbice to the commanding victory.

Kevin Ramdeen and Foo contributed 16 runs apiece as Berbice reached 87-4 in 10.1 overs.

Prior to the feature game, New Amsterdam/Canje beat Upper Corentyne by 39 runs; Lower Corentyne defeated West Berbice by 32 runs and in the final, New Amsterdam/ Canje topped Lower Corentyne by seven wickets.

Meanwhile, Chief Coordinator of the event, Anil Beharry described the one-day Cup as a huge success.

Proceeds from this event will be donated to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to carry out its work in preparation for the 2015 elections and beyond.

Mayweather Courtland win May Day Challenge 5-over Tournament cements legacy...

From back page

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ourtland won the firstever ANSA McAL’s May Day Challenge Cup 5-over Cricket Tournament.

Courtland had an easy win in the final over Yakasary to take the title. Batting first in a final that was reduced to four overs a side, Yakasary struggled to 18-1, losing their first wicket with just three balls left.

In reply, Courtland reached the required target for the loss of two wickets.

Courtland had drawn a bye into the final, while Yakasary had a tough semi-final against Tamarind Root.

Needing eight runs to get off the last over, the Black Bush Polder team reached home with two balls to spare. Batting first, Tamarind Root chalked up 43-9, with Dalip Rangasammy scoring 17 and Michael Ramdyal, 9. Bowling for Yakasary, Kysha Iyana (2-6) and Zaheer Muhammed (2-13) were the chief wreckers.

In reply, Rojesh Lallu with 19 not out, Iyana with 12 not out and Naipaul Iyana, 10 saw Yakasary to 46-2.

Yakasary’s path to the final saw them disposing of Albion after reducing them to 31-2 off their allotted five overs and replying with 32-2. Yakasary also restricted Fyrish to 29-9 and then made 31-6.

On the other hand, Courtland’s journey saw them hitting 27-2 after restricting Whim to 24-3 in their five overs, and hitting 51-2 in 4.1 overs against Rose Hall A. Rose Hall A had earlier posted 50-5 on the board in their five overs.

Tamarind Root also had a good run and opened up with a win against Young Warriors. Batting first, Tamarind Root made 42-3 and then restricted Young Warriors to 31-6. Tamarind Root

A smiling John Percival, Captain of Courtland, receiving the winning trophy and $70,000 from an ANSA McAL representative

were also responsible for sending home Rose Hall B. After Rose Hall B made 24-7, Tamarind Root replied with 27-3 to move into the semi-final.

Twelve teams took part in the competition which was sponsored

by ANSA McAL and organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC). Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster stated at a simple presentation ceremony that the tournament was part of the RHTY&SC’s “Say No to Drugs/ Suicide and Yes to Education” campaign for this year. He said that four such competitions were planned for the year and most of the teams would be invited to participate in the next tournament, which will be held early in the month of June.

“We will love to have Yakasary who played against the odds to meet the final, coming back. You should be very proud of yourselves, also Tamarind Root who came third. I will also like to thank ANSA McAL and Mrs Beverly Harper who is also the patron of the Club,” he stated.

Courtland received the winning trophy along with $70,000; Yakasary received the runner-up trophy along with $30,000 and Tamarind Root, $20,000.

Keon Sinclair who took one wicket and made two not out for Courtland was named player of the finals. Meanwhile, Courtland Captain John Percival said that he was proud to be able to add more silverware to the Club’s collection. (Andrew Carmichael)

Though Pacquiao repeatedly forced Mayweather to backpedal, the wily American blunted his opponent’s best efforts by using his renowned defensive skills while getting in several telling jabs and punches of his own.

Mayweather and Pacquiao had promised to deliver on years of hype and give fans their money’s worth and were true to their word in delivering an entertaining contest that had the capacity crowd on its feet roaring from the opening bell to the end of the 12 round showcase.

“Manny Pacquiao is a hell of fighter, I see now why he is at the pinnacle of boxing,” the 38-year-old Mayweather said after an emotional embrace with Pacquiao. “I’m a smart fighter, I outboxed him.

“We knew what we had to do.

He’s a tough competitor... a very awkward fighter and I had to take my time and watch him closely.”

The fight between the two greatest boxers of their generation was one that appeared might never happen as Pacquiao resisted Mayweather’s demands for blood-testing for five years.

When the two camps finally hammered out a deal, it was the richest in boxing history, setting new records for pay-per-view (PPV) buys and gate receipts.

The fighters were also paid royally for their night’s work, with Mayweather guaranteed $120 million and Pacquiao $80 million although both men could pocket much more depending on the number of PPV purchases.

For Mayweather, the fight was one that will shape his legacy.

Even if he were to have retired unbeaten there would have forever been a question mark hanging over his career without at least one meeting against his Filipino rival.

Mayweather said in the ring that he would fight again but that his next bout would be his last.

“My last fight is in September and then it is time for me to hang

it up,” Mayweather added. “I am almost 40 years old now, I have been in the sport 19 years, I have been world champion 18 years.

“I am truly thankful and I am blessed.”

Dubbed the “Fight of the Century” the MGM Grand Garden Arena crackled with energy as the rich and famous settled into their ringside seats.

Actors Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington rubbed shoulders with sports celebrities such as Michael Jordan, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and billionaire Donald Trump.

With prime seats commanding six-figure sums on the resale market even the very wealthy and very famous were forced to call in favors to secure a golden ticket while an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 fight fans flooded into the desert gambling capital to be part of the buzz.

Wearing a simple white T-shirt, Pacquiao knelt in his corner for a prayer as boos filled the hall when Mayweather appeared on the giant screens.

There were no smiles from the stone-faced American as he entered the ring wearing black white and gold trunks and sporting a $23,000 mouth guard infused with flecks of gold and pieces of a hundred dollar bill.

Five years of hype then reached a climax when famed announcer Jimmy Lennon stood in the center of the ring and told the crowd, “the wait is over, it’s go time”.

The bout marked Mayweather’s 11th consecutive fight at the MGM but it was Pacquiao who enjoyed a massive edge in support as he appeared in the arena.

“It is a good fight. I thought I won the fight. He didn’t do nothing. He always moved outside,” said Pacquiao, who dropped to 57-6-2. “I did my best but my best wasn’t good enough.” (Reuters)

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, may 4, 2015

Lens Craft Optical/EBFA U-13 league

23

GABA’s “King of the Hard Court” tournament

Wins for Grove, UG, Plaisance end night with wins Herstelling and Agricola

Leon Moore (left) is all smiles after scoring for Agricola

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here were respective hat-tricks for Herstelling Raiders’ Shoran James and Agricola Red Triangle’s Leon Moore on a day when 14 goals were scored in three matches as the Lens Craft Optical/East Bank Football Association Under-13 League continued at the Grove Playfield.

Grove Hi-Tech’s Rasheed Evans netted a double in leading his side to a 3-0

win over Diamond United in the day’s feature game.

Diamond, a team on the rise, held the host team at bay up until the fifth minute of the second half when Jamallo Benjamin broke the deadlock drilling a well-taken shot past custodian Nigel Ram in the 40th minute.

Four minutes later, Evans netted the first of his double as Grove gradually wrested the initiative from the

Diamond unit. Diamond’s inspirational leader and leading scorer, Teon Forde, who played in all the positions, tried his utmost to ensure his team was competitive but did not succeed.

Evans put the icing on the cake in the 50th minute to see his team to full points.

Shoran James returned to ripping form for Herstelling Raiders who put away the challenge of Kuru Kururu Warriors 4-0.

James fired in his goals in the 19th, 21st, and 31st minute, with the final goal coming off the boot of Elisha Crawford in the 55th minute in a commanding performance from the Raiders.

The day’s opening game saw Agricola Red Triangle hammer Mocha Champs 6-1, thanks to a hat-trick from their leading goal scorer, Leon Moore, his second hat-trick of the tournament.

Moore was on target in the 7th, 15th and 36th minute, Agricola enjoying a 3-1 half time advantage. Eon Mars netted Mocha Champs’ only goal on the stroke of half time. Kerwayne Anthony netted Agricola’s third in the 26th minute.

After the break, Mocha put up some resistance as they held off Agricola until the final three minutes of the game. The Red Triangle were awarded a penalty which goalkeeper Christopher Adams, who was hardly tested, converted effortlessly.

Suriname’s Wanica Stars defeat Heart of Oak Masters

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anica Stars Football Club of Paramaribo, Suriname brushed aside Heart of Oak Masters 2-0 on Saturday night in a friendly encounter as the curtains came down on the Beef Humphrey Annual Memorial 2014 competition at the All Saints Scotts School Ground in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Captain Bhoendie Aman scored in the 18th minute when goalkeeper Kenrick Bowery found himself too far out and then in the 53rd minute, Patuide Benn made it 2-0.

Heart of Oak Masters came close to scoring, but goalkeeper Chedi Soedesh was up to the task and ensured that the home team were kept wanting.

The Masters fielded a team with the likes of former national players Christopher Barnwell and Sherwin Ford.

The Beef Humphrey

Wanica Stars FC President Boendie Soedesh making a presentation to Heart of Oak Masters FC President Carl Graham

Annual Memorial competition is played among secondary schools in the New Amsterdam area and concludes with a veterans’ game.

After the match, Wanica Stars FC President Boendie Soedesh presented a token of appreciation to Heart of

Oak Masters FC President Carl Graham, and promised to return to Guyana for another game. However, this, he said, will only be done after the Guyana team visits them in Paramaribo.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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Some of the action during the tournament

he University of Guyana (UG) topped Eagles 58-54 in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) “King of the Hard Court” Championship on Sunday at the Burnham Court, Carmichael and Middle Streets.

Yoel Meusa was the leading scorer for UG in the open First-Division game with 14 points, while Dwight McKinnon, Quincy Easton, Sherlon Gillis and Ewart Smith netted 11, 10, 10 and

8 points respectively.

Points for the Eagles came from Mark Wills – a game-high 17, while Lynden Smith and Louis James scored 13 and 11 points respectively.

In the final period, UG overcame a deficit to grab the crucial win despite Eagles increasing their lead at the beginning of the period to eight points through layups from Wills who netted eight points overall in the period.

The second First-Division

match of the night saw Plaisance Guardians defeating West Side Warriors 7058, as Ron Campbell dropped a game-high 34 points, while Nicholas Cassius and Mark Richmond scored 19 and 10 points respectively for the Guardians.

Caleb Morrison had 16 points while Devon Murray and Leonard Brotherson scored 14 and 10 points respectively in the losing effort.

In the opening match of the division, Pepsi Sonics defeated Knights via walkover.

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

saturday, may 2, 2015

Mayweather cements legacy with win over Pacquiao

F

Floyd Mayweather celebrates his win against Manny Pacquiao amidst boos from the crowd

loyd Mayweather Jr cemented his place among the pantheon of boxing greats by improving to 48-0 with

a unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday in a fight that lived up to its immense hype and price tag.

Mayweather weathered an early assault from the Filipino southpaw before winning the later rounds using his reach

Manny Pacquiao takes Floyd Mayweather, Jr into the corner, a feature of the bout

and jab to finish ahead on all three scorecards in a welterweight showdown set to be the top grossing prize fight of all-time.

“When the history books are written, it was worth the wait,” Mayweather said in the ring after a four-belt uni-

fication bout that was more than five years in the making. turn to page 22

Bravo and Blackwood Downes topples Lopes lead Windies to Test win to continue reign W Assuria Insurance Tennis

Jermaine Blackwood embraces Denesh Ramdin after win

est Indies turned what looked likely to be a nail-biting chase into a canter over the line as the evening shadows enveloped Kensington Oval to secure a hugely notable shared series. Darren Bravo and Jermaine Blackwood, both reining themselves in from their natural preference to attack when the game was in the balance, formed the decisive partnership of 108 for the fifth wicket.

Bravo played with great maturity for 82 off 148 balls, taking West Indies to the brink of victory with a flourish of boundaries only to pick out mid-off with four needed. Blackwood, given a life on 4, remained unbeaten and completed an outstanding Test - and productive series - by showing levels of restraint that had not always been on show at other stages of the three matches and lofted the winning shot down the ground. It was the stand-out period of batting in a game dominated by the bowlers, although showed up much of the batting that preceded it. turn to page 19

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The top performers pose with officials of the GTA and Assuria Insurance

hen the curtains came down on the Assuria Open Singles Classic 2015 at Harry Panday’s tennis courts, it was the 23-yearold Anthony Downes, who once again proved why he is Guyana’s Men’s tennis champion for six consecutive years, overpowering the 18-year-old Daniel Lopes in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 to win the title.

In the first set, Lopes battled with shaky nerves, but eventually built enough

resilience to Downes’ powerful ground strokes to earn himself a break of service in the fourth game.

However, Downes was able to easily sustain the pressure making fewer errors and quickly securing the set at 6-1 even though Lopes had several opportunities to capitalise on break points.

In the second set, both players held serve at 1-1 and it seemed that Lopes would now mount a better challenge to Downes, but

the match progressed under Downes’ terms and conditions, as he became more aggressive and once again quickly closed out the set at 6-1.

In the end, Downes had five double faults, 16 unforced errors, four winners and won both of his net points.

Lopes racked up eight double faults, 37 unforced errors (23 of which were on his forehand), three winners and won three net points.

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