Guyanese urged to preserve foreparents’ legacy
85-year-old hospitalised after horse cart accident
Garbage collector crushed to death at Eccles
Duchess Kate gives birth baby girl
Guyana celebrates World Press Freedom Day
Sophia businessman shot dead during home invasion
By Vahnu Manikchand
Members of Guyana’s Disciplined Services, on Saturday, cast their ballots ahead of the 2015 May 11 elections. But while the process proved smooth at some polling stations, hiccups were experienced at several others around the country.
At 06:00h the Disciplined Services began casting their votes at polling stations that were strategically set up at locations closest to their base. The polls were opened until 18:00h. The agencies that voted were the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) do not traditionally vote on D-Day because the officers are usually from the areas that the serve in. They vote on Elections Day along with the rest of the country.
During the course of the day, the Guyana Times visited some of the key polling stations of the various agencies in Georgetown to get the reactions from ranks. At the stations, officers were seen arriving at the polling station to cast their votes, but before doing so they checked the List of Electors to ensure their names were on the list before entering the polling station.
Up to midday at the Prison Services’ polling station opposite the Camp Street Prison, officers were still lined up waiting to cast their ballots. This publication spoke to some of the officers who also recounted the process. Chief Prison Officer Marvin Azore explained that “the process was smooth, we had no problems.”
According to the officer in the polling station, after handing over his ID card to be verified, he collected a ballot paper. Azore said that he then casted his vote in an enclosed area, after which he placed it in a box while inking his finger. When asked what factor mostly influenced decision when choosing a prty to vote for, the Prison Officer declared his “own interests”.
Another Prison Officer, Anthony Shepherd, related that from what he had observed, the process was well organised and was done in a
very speedy manner. The officer, who came out from sick leave to cast his ballot, said that there was not a long queue at the polling station.
Meanwhile, at the Guyana Police Force, the officers lined up at the Police Officer’s Mess Annex, Eve Leary, and at the Police Sports Club waiting their turn to vote. Those who had already casted their ballots, told this newspaper that the process was easy. However, some officers did indicate that the lines were too
spectable Guyanese should follow the example of the Disciplined Services and go out early, cast your ballot and go home,” he advises.
Asked whether the Disciplined Services are ready for the upcoming elections and possible after math, Brigadier Phillips responded in the affirmative, stating that follow up meetings have been planned with the heads of the various agencies as election nears. He added too that they have been preparing for the past four
long for lengthy periods.
Over at the GDF’s Camp Ayangana, we spoke to several ranks who indicated that the process was easy and hassle free. Sergeant Sherwin James of the GDF related that after the polls were declared opened, ranks who were already lined up began filing in one after the other. He went onto explain the process that was undergone. The Sergeant added that after the verification process, he was handed the ballot paper and went to an enclosed area where he casted his votes. This was followed by him inking his right index finger while putting the ballot into the box. When asked what influenced his choice of which he opted to vote for, James said he looked at which Party had his best interest at heart.
Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips pointed out that the process was smoothly carried out across the country. He said it was better than he expected, while using it as an example to show the Guyanese society to what the Disciplined Services expect on May 11.
“We want a peaceful ballot; this is a process that is peaceful and all law-abiding and re-
some disruptions at one of the Coast Guards polls, where an officer had an issue with the fact that the ballot papers were not stamped. However responding to this, the Chiefof-Staff pointed out that this issue was clarified. He noted that during the voters’ education programmes previously held, the process was explained but apparently some ranks did not fully understand the process. “The individual apparently, didn’t seized the opportunity to clarify… every elections we will always have this question raised as it relates to the stamping of the ballots and the process is explained over and over again,” the Chief-of-Staff remarked.
months.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Clement Rohee, noted that there was a significant amount of lateness in the process. He explained that some ballots and polling agents arrived late, which led to a late start in the process.
However, henoted that despite the lateness, the entire process went smoothly based on the initial reports he received.
Opposition Chief Whip Amna Ally disclosed that the reports she received from her polling agents were very disturbing. She told this publication that certain soldiers were disenfranchised, specifically at Camp Ayuangana. She explained that information reaching her revealed that several individuals turned up all excited to vote but were denied that right because their names were not listed on the register.
In addition, there were
On the other hand while he was not aware of the issue, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield told the Guyana Times that adequate training was done with the ranks of the Disciplined Services. “We indicated very clearly the process that is to be gone through… that their votes would be sorted and intermixed – sorted during the course of next week and intermixed on Elections Day in the districts from where they belong and those locations would be gazette. So I don’t think there is need for the big hue and cry at this particular point in time,” Lowenfield explained.
Commenting generally on the Discipline Services polling day, the CEO stated that based on feedbacks from the various polling stations across the country; there were no reports of disruptions of any form.
“Generally from all the reports I’ve had from the army, police and prisons, and from my officers, everything seems to be going well at this point in time. I don’t anticipate any problems,” he revealed when approached by this newspaper just after lunch on D-Day.
Traditionally, the discipline forces cast their votes prior to the General and Regional Elections in order for them to perform their duties.
Sunday Editor: Michael Younge
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The People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition has finally come out with their manifesto. They held out as long as they could, but finally had to open up their plans for development to public scrutiny. It can now be seen that they had solid grounds for their trepidation.
What the manifesto confirmed is that if the country was worried about the possibility of a militarised Opposition talking office in Guyana, they should be absolutely petrified about the populism such a Government will undertake.
Populism has long been common in Latin America, especially with their military governments. One definition of populism is an ideology that “pits a virtuous and homogeneous people against a set of elites and dangerous ‘others’ who are together depicted as depriving (or attempting to deprive) the sovereign people of their rights, values, prosperity, identity, and voice.”
In Guyana, the Opposition PNC/APNU and its new junior sidekick AFC – with the help of their media allies – have successfully defined the PPP/C Government as the “dangerous other” to the APNU’s traditional constituency, who are supposedly being “marginalised”. The AFC is attempting the interesting gymnastic feat of supporting the APNU’s line, by denying its membership in the other, even while seeking votes from them.
There can be populists from the right and the left, but as we saw from the example of Forbes Burnham, even the populists from the left – he claimed to be a “cooperative socialist” – will define the “other” as dangerous.
In the modern era, as the new-liberal ideology swept across the Third World, they claimed they could solve the crises that were entrenched by the 1980s. What Granger and his coalition are attempting to do is to deploy the rhetoric of “new-liberalism”, but actually implementing the old left-wing utopian fantasies of Forbes Burnham that had failed so miserably.
For instance, the APNU/AFC manifesto claims to be committed to “macroeconomic stability” as a “foundational principle” of its manifesto (number 14):
“APNU+AFC will institute a macro-economic policy framework that promotes external and internal balance outcomes, along with a more diversified economic structure, so as to ensure economic stability. In so doing, exchange rate movements will be minimised and the well being of the most vulnerable sections of the population more effectively protected.”
But what does this jumbo jumbo mean? As the PPP/C Government’s several Finance Ministers since 1992 have taken pains to point out, their overarching goal has always been to achieve macro-economic stability. And for this they were constantly derided by the Opposition in its several incarnations – PNC, PNCR, PNCR1G, APNU and now APNU/AFC. What does macroeconomic stability require? At least low and stable inflation rates, low long-term interest rates, low national debt relative to GDP (which implies that Government can use revenues for domestic demands rather than servicing foreign debt), low budget deficits and currency stability.
For each of these criteria, the PPP/C has had to painstakingly bring back Guyana from the disasters of the PNC. Runaway inflation rates have been brought to below five per cent, interests far below the plus-20 per cent prevalent under the PNC, low Debt/GDP ratio compared to the stultifying one under the PNC which demanded 94 per cent of the Government’s revenue to service, budget deficits that are quite low and currency stability for a decade.
But the irony is that while the APNU/AFC claims it can better that record – the best in the region – it is planning to raise the salaries of the governmental non-productive workers (50,000 or one-sixth of the labour force) within 100 days without any linkage to productivity increases. This will precipitate immediate macroeconomic instability.
The APNU/AFC coalition is a sure recipe for the destruction of the Guyanese economy if it continues on the populist path that will be enforced by its top-heavy military leadership. Populism, whether of the left or the right, is a threat to democracy.
Dear Editor,
The breaking up of political meetings by hostile elements associated with the APNU+AFC coalition should be condemned by all those who subscribe to a peaceful and democratic poll.
This type of behaviour is reminiscent of the days when thugs were used to harass and
break up meetings as the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry established by President Donald Ramotar so painfully reminded us.
It is sad that the breaking up of a PPP/C meeting in South Georgetown took place just a day after the signing of the GECOM Code of Conduct by the
competing political parties.
The APNU+AFC coalition cannot escape responsibly for such attacks on the democratic fabric of our society.
This is not the first such attack against the PPP/C for which the APNU/AFC should make a public condemnation if they are serious about a peaceful election and it they are to remain true to the GECOM Code of Conduct. The public has a right to know what the political parties have to offer in their bid to form the next government on May 11 and they must be allowed to do so without let or hindrance.
Hydar Ally
Dear Editor,
I applaud those Guyanese Americans who are helping with the relief effort for Nepali quake victims after the quake struck a week ago. Some compassionate Guyanese Americans have geared into action to help raise funds and collect materials for the victims of Nepal’s earthquake as well as to remember and pray for the lives lost.
This has been a long tradition of Guyanese communities in Queens collecting aid for victims of natural disasters in Asia, Africa and Latin America – never mind that some people are never grateful no matter what you do for them.
It is a great humanitarian gesture by Guyanese Americans. We must be merciful and helpful to those in pain and those who help deserve kudos.
The Nepal earthquake leveled vast parts of the country affecting some eight millions, killing over 6000 and counting. Hundreds of thousands are homeless. Some eight millions were impacted by the huge quake in Nepal and tens of millions more in neighboring India.
India's Government quickly jumped into action coordinating the international relief effort, sending plane loads and hundreds of trucks of supplies to the victims.
But there is a great need for all kinds of assistance and Queens-based Guyanese Americans, as usual, don’t disappoint.
It is heart-wrenching seeing the TV pictures of the devastation caused by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Nepali – destroyed buildings (including historic temples) and obliterated towns and villages.
The capital Kathmandu was hit hard as were several historic towns. I remember many of these cities and towns ( Khatmandu, Bhagnagar, Pokhara, Pathak, Gurkha, Bhaktapur) have spent time in Nepal studying its society some years ago.
Hundreds of thousands lost their homes. Families are in shock. Distraught faces tell stories. Countless Victims are without food and water. People are desperate in need of medical support. Landmarks, including temples, are in ruins.
An ancient historical city has been leveled. Priceless
statues, palaces and temples are gone. I cried when I saw their destruction and fond memories returned when I visited the country years ago.
I studied with some Nepali and traveled with a few of them to other countries as exchange students. It was just a couple of weeks ago I interacted with Nepalis in Melbourne and Sydney telling them how fond I was of their country.
I flew over the peak of Mt Everest (what a spectacular sight) and visited its foothills meeting people and shopping at open markets as well as stores for souvenirs and clothing (very inexpensive).
Nepali people are honest, humble and simple. Their cultural tradition is similar to Guyanese. They are very warm and like many Guyanese are very helpful and hospitable.
They welcome you into their modest homes like Guyanese and they have a tradition like people from Uttar Pradesh (UP) that borders the country. Most Indo-Guyanese trace their roots to UP, Bihar and Tamil Nadu.
The small Nepali American community of New York City is concentrated
mostly in Elmhurst where South Asians and small number of Indo-Guyanese are settled. Most Indo-Guyanese are concentrated in the greater Richmond Hill area with a sprinkling of Nepali among them.
A few Nepali pandits worship at Guyanese mandirs. The Guyanese community leaders are urging awareness of the needs (tens, medicine, plastic, clothing, etc.) of the country and calling on the Guyanese American community to respond to the aid effort. Guyanese joined others in Elmhurst to help raise funds for the country. In Elmhurst, people held prayer vigil, offered donations to aid groups, and lit candles and deyas to remember the victims. Monies collected at Guyanese Temples will be turned over to Nepali American organization and send back to the country. Guyanese within Guyana can also help by donating to various international charitable organizations (UNICEF, Red Cross) for the Nepal Relief effort. May God bless all who respond to appeals for their magnanimity.
Vishnu Bisram
In previous columns this series ‘Snippets from the Past’ established the legacy and methodology of the PNC usurping the democratic freedom of Guyanese through the mechanism of rigged election and the doctrine of PNC party paramountcy. This period saw an increasing militarisation of our society, the loss of democratic freedom, the suppression of personal freedom and a society that essentially lost its soul. But a very insidious element of the PNC regime was its racism against the East Indian population of Guyana. This column reflects on the PNC political regime of the 1968 to 1992 and the totalitarian racist establishment that was created that succeeded in marginalising Guyanese East Indians and effectively rendering this majority population politically irrelevant. This was achieved by a conscious and deliberate manipulation and control and of the sources of State power, that is political, economic bureaucratic and military.
The political function of ethnicity is more important today than ever as a result of the spread of doctrine of freedom, self-determination and democracy throughout the world. The characteristic of the PNC regime was the establishment of a permanent state of racist domination. By racism we mean the predication of decisions and policies on consideration of race for the purpose of subordinating a racial group and maintaining control over that group. The problem of racism then is not only prejudice but domination.
An examination of the pre-independence articulation of reforms and the advocacy of programmes for political changes will reveal that Burnham and PNC thrust for power and the realignment of political activity were always along racial lines. On the matter of liberalising the franchise to vote, the League of Coloured People (LCP) opposed Universal Adult Suffrage without a literacy test. This stand had the implications of denying the franchise to vote to the significant segment of the Indian population who were not literate in the English Language in favour of the more literate African.
It must be noted that the United Democratic Party was the successor to the League of Coloured People. Soon after the 1957 general elections the Burnhamnite PPP – the splinter element of the original PPP joined the UDP to form the PNC.
The political theory of control has six basic elements: (1) An Official Ideology – a single mass party led typically by the man – the dictator; (2) A System of Terroristic Control; (3) A near complete Monopoly of
Control – all means of effective control; (4) A central control and director of the entire economy through bureaucratic coordination; (5) A near complete monopoly of control of all organisations including economic ones.
By virtue of the subversion of the democratic process through rigged elections for the period 1968 – 1992 the PNC established an exclusionary One Party State. In Burnham’s words, “it matters not how you vote,
at the level of state involvement while Indian cultural interests are neglected and subverted an exaggerated ardour is revealed for activities calculated to be emotionally appealing to the black community. In consequence, an inordinate enthusiasm was devoted by the PNC regime to such things as promotion of African art forms. The PNC regime utilised various State occasions for consciously displaying the Government cliques, identi-
There was a general failure of the coalition in terms of ideological cohesiveness and economic strategy to bring sustained growth to the economy
what matters is who counts the vote”. In other words, the PNC was in a position to decide how many seats to allot to the various parties. The active support of a black military and black bureaucracy assisted the process. The PNC regime acquired a totalitarian form in operationalising the goal of permanent subjugation of the East Indian masses.
This racism against the East Indian was a deep and engrained part of Burnham’s psyche. In 1948, Burnham as a student in the UK writing to his mother wrote… spoke of the attack he was supposed to have levelled at British Guiana’s Indians… “I fear no one but I am not going to antagonise a large section of the community before I am ready. I feel strongly about the Indian attitude but the time has not come yet for me to broadcast these feelings and muddy my water”.
The words of Lilian Bankay – From Pillar to Post by Frank Birbal Singh were more direct “Burnham was a ruthless and self-centred dictator, he went in there to destroy Indians. He said ‘You all didn’t want me…I’m going to bring you down to your knees’”.
National culture and national life
National identity is a collection of national symbols and a creation of a national culture that should give a shared sense of national belonging and collective identification. The objective subordination of Indian interest inherent in the prevalence of racial discrimination also extended to the socio-cultural sphere. Thus,
fication with suitable ethnic symbols and development of rhetoric to communicate these gestures.
Our National Flag –(Hubbard; Race and Guyana – An anatomy of a Colonial Experience). “Garveyism left a lasting mark on the political life of Guyana as may be seen from the fact that the party’s flag of the PNC is constituted in the same colours of the red, black and green as colours of Garvey’s UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association). It cannot be of coincidence that the primary colours of our national flag are red, black and green.
Our National Motto –the country’s National motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ ignores the objective reality of ethnic pluralism and would seem to be a derivative of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (One God! One Aim! One Destiny!).
Our National Hero (Cuffy) and date of Republic February 23, 1970 – this date was chosen to commemorate the 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt led by a Ghanaian born slave of the Akan Tribe. It should be noted that Guyana as we know it only existed as a territorial unit from 1831 thus the country’s only national hero is not a Guyanese and the event did not take place in what can be defined as territorial Guyana.
Our date of Independence – May 26, 1966
The massacre of Indians at Wismar, Linden took place on May 24-26, 1964 in a three days orgy of raping, killings, and destruc-
tion of property. The barbaric assaults on the Indian women and girls at Wismar have been immortalised for all times in the words of Lakshmi Persaud’s book For the Love of my Name. “Here these bloodied wet thighs trembled then quivered before becoming stilled for cremation. The broken bottles that probed, that found the soft kernel of their beings remain. Here fathers heard some unintelligible murmurs guttering from their daughters, before the unendurable takes them and all is silent.” Two years later, the country celebrates independence on that day. A clear case of the racial triumphalism on the part of Burnham’s black PNC now parading as APNU; Indians were expected to join in the celebration as Guyanese thereafter lapsing into collective amnesia on the suffering of those of the Wismar massacre.
Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow has been promoted to that of an icon of trade unionism and officially regarded as the “Father of Trade Unionism”, however an examination of the 1924 Ruimveldt killings (12 East Indians and 1 black) though touted in some quarters as an example of working class unity would reveal a manipulated intent on the part of the Negro Progress Convention and the Critchlow’s British Guiana Labour Union that resulted in this tragic loss of lives. (For research purpose, please refer to Clem Seecharran – The Anatomy of Indian Achievements in British Guiana).
Arrival Day mela…
By IndrawattIe natram
Guyanese were urged to continue to do what is necessary to preserve their foreparents’ legacy as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosted a Mela to mark and celebrate the 177th Arrival of Indians to Guyana on Friday evening.
The Mela was hosted at the Anna Regina Car Park, Damon Square in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Speaking at the event, which attracted thousands of Guyanese, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud underscored the importance of recognising the tremendous contributions made by their ancestors to the development of Guyana and the wider world.
She said that Indians brought their rich culture and legacy to Guyana creating a melting pot of diversity.
“I am proud to see all of you here today, to join with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, it means that our tradition is preserved, look at the many items performed locally by these talented artistes, this is a strong message, a legacy has been preserved,” Dr Persaud posited.
Dr Persaud explained that the culture of Indians
will continue to be highlighted, pledging the Sabha’s support in ensuring that young people are involved in various disciplines and art forms including dancing and drumming.
She said the Sabha over its 41 years of existence has conducted many dancing, tabla, and harmonium as well as Hindi classes to further educate persons about the culture that was brought to Guyana.
Persaud, who is a teacher of dance, said that similar classes will be extended to Region Two and young people there will be trained at the Anna Regina Kendra.
Dr Persaud said the Kendra will be a hub for activities where persons can be involved meaningfully.
“We are one big family, events like these reveal the cohesiveness among the people, one people socialising, the spirit is so positive, this is the way we should be, the decision you make must be the right choice, one that will benefit your country and your society,” Persaud further explained.
The Arrival Day programme, featured talented Guyanese singers and winners from E-Networks’ Emerging Voices, Vishalie Sookram and Amir Khan.
n Tuesday, the nation will celebrate the 177th anniversary of East Indians arriving in Guyana. One hundred and seventy-seven years since the first batches of East Indians arrived on the shores of Guyana aboard the Whitby and the Hesperus.
And in Grade Two, around this time, our project was to make a model of either the Whitby or the Hesperus. I remember those days (not so very long ago) when my Dad and I would painstakingly glue on sails to the masts and paint on tiny portholes onto the sides of the ships.
For me, building that ship was one of the things I liked the most about Indian Arrival Day. We put a lot of effort into building that ship. We didn’t just build some generic ship – we built the Whitby. We did research to try to build the ship as accurately as possible. It made me reflect that
“Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid? That is the only time a man can be brave.”
this ship was something important. So as far as school projects go, that one was pretty thorough.
And for the other grades when we didn’t have to build ships, there was always a special effort by the teacher to teach something specific concerning the arrival of East Indians in Guyana. But somehow, in secondary school, interest in the arrival of East Indians to Guyana waned. The holiday came and went relatively unremarked. The CXC even set exams on this day (as they have done again this year). There were no more assignments to build the Whitby or the Hesperus. Or even to reflect on why their “arrival” was necessary. We should think about those reasons for the neglect.
In history textbooks, there was probably only a single chapter dedicated to Indian arrival and heritage. You could blink and literally miss the entire topic of Indian Indentureship to the Caribbean. And yet about half-a-million souls arrived in the West Indies and the vast majority (almost 75 per cent) remained. Indians have contributed so much
George RR Martin
to our society and culture. Right off the top there is so much diversity presented to the Region in our dances and songs and music and food. Isn’t curried goat the national dish of Jamaica??
And how about the “ganja” that is now legalised in Jamaica – for “medicinal purposes” of course. And I’m not even going to delve into their contributions with regards to religions and philosophy. They deserve to be celebrated even more widely.
I’m Guyanese, I’m a Caribbean person – I’ve never even stepped foot in India. I’ll always support the West Indian cricket team over the Indian team without question. But the cultural practices, philosophy and beliefs that my ancestors brought and preserved from India, have shaped me, my ideas and my ideals. I am an Indian Guyanese. India may be my “Mother Land” but Guyana is my “Sacred Land”.
So for me, May 5 is an important day. It’s a momentous occasion. It’s the day that the first set of East Indians crossed the Kala Pani (Black Waters) and ar-
rived on our shores. It’s the day when they disembarked on an entirely different continent. It’s the day that everything changed for them –and for us in Guyana.
It’s the day that their old life ended and a new life began. For better or for worse, they were here, in Guyana, a whole ocean away from their old lives. And most of them left behind family members, and most of them, like my great-great-grandfather, never saw those family members again.
It must have been so traumatic to be transplanted from everything that was familiar to this completely alien land. But they pushed on, they survived and they prevailed. They made a home away from home. Let us not risk that home being destroyed.
They forged a new identity to cope with everything that they had to deal with. They showed courage and fortitude in the face of hardship. They pushed aside their fears to bravely make a better life for themselves and their descendants.
Happy Indian Arrival Day!
The Lions Club Association of Guyana, GeorgetownStabroek Branch has once again reached out to the less fortunate of Guyana by distributing breakfast to 60 persons along the pathways of Bourda Market on Thursday.
Club President Odessa Debarros said that the Lions could not offer their support in observance of Hunger Month, which was celebrated in December, but they recently embarked on a takeaway lunch, which was used to offset the expenses for the activity.
She outlined that the other members, including Roxanne Luckie, Matilla Rajaram, Michelle Fausitte, and Jada Trim, have extended huge support in making every event possible.
She noted that the beneficiaries of the event ex-
pressed their sincere gratitude. Debarros added that many of these persons do not have families, lack employment, and some of them do not even have a place to stay.
She stated that the 60 persons who were fed included those around the areas of the St Andrews Church, the
Post Office, and also persons throughout the Bourda market.
The GeorgetownStabroek Lions Club has been in operation for over 12 years, targeting specifically the destitute persons residing in Guyana.
The Lions partake in a number of activities per annum which they usually embark on, covering areas such as improving eye health, promoting literacy, assisting needy children, distribution of gifts during the Christmas celebrations, bursary awards among others.
n observance of Arya Samaj Awareness Month, the Berbice Central Arya Samaj (BCAS) has turned its attention to the needy and elderly; two vulnerable groups which are often times neglected.
As part of a series of activities to observe the occasion, hampers were distributed to 85 persons.
Secretary of BCAS, Mando Ramnauth, explained that the organisation seeks to make persons happy and hopes that the small gesture will be able to put smiles on the faces of some of the less fortunate.
“This is our first project, and next year we hope to make it bigger and better,” Ramnauth told this publication.
She said during the coming months, the BCAS will embark on other projects to assist the less fortunate.
She noted that the 85 persons that will be receiving hampers are from both Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Six (East
Berbice-Corentyne)
“The West Coast of Berbice to the Upper Corentyne; New Amsterdam, East Canje, Number Two, Port Mourant, the Black Bush Polder area and the entire Upper Corentyne. We cannot give to everybody, and though the numbers are small, we are still trying to assist,” she remarked.
Each hamper cost about $4000, and referred to by Ramnauth as a full package which should be able to last recipients for two weeks.
Other activities that were held as part of the Month of Awareness include a one week youth camp and the singing of Bajanowle. “Bajanowle is the singing of songs to Swami Dayananda, who is the founder of the Arya Samaj movement. We sing songs in his honour and the Arya Samaj.”
The Arya Samaj movement was founded on April7, 1875. The movement, which is currently celebrating its 140th anniversary, was formed in Bumbai India.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says that the ballots used by members of the Disciplined Services on Saturday will only be stamped on Election Day which is May 11 this year.
In a statement to the media, GECOM said the official six digit stamp will be applied to the used ballots of the members of the Disciplined Services when they are intermixed and counted on Election Day at
polling stations. They will then be gazetted as is law, GECOM said, before issuing a guarantee that the votes cast by the lawmen will be counted on E-Day.
“The entire process, that is voting, sorting and intermixing relative to voting by members of the Disciplined Servies are being observed by agents of the political parties and local and international observers”, the release stated.
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has slammed the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition for peddling misleading information about the Linden Bauxite Industry, by extensively outlining the efforts by its Administration towards the recovery of the once ailing industry.
According to the PPP/C via a press release, the Opposition appears to be “out of touch” with the Government’s function as the PPP/C played a pivotal role in reviving and saving the bauxite industry.
It must be noted that the industry was on the verge of a complete breakdown, putting the lives of all those who are dependent upon it for a livelihood in jeopardy.
In chronological order, in 2003 the Government had embarked on a venture to restructure the industry and its community with a published plan entitled “An Integrated Plan for Region 10 – Revitalising the Region.”
The plan set out to enable the industry to become internationally competitive, stimulate the expansion and diversification of the region’s economic base, upgrade the region’s infrastructure and enhance the region’s social and recreational services.
In keeping with the plan, the Government had heavily invested into the development and expansion of small businesses in
the region; the training of entrepreneurs; enhancing utility services like electricity and water; invested in the development of housing, roads, river services and urban development. Additionally, other areas including health and education were greatly enhanced.
It is through these investments that the region developed tremendously, which in turn contributed towards the recovery of the bauxite industry.
In painting a more detailed picture of its diligent efforts in proving its commitment to preserving the bauxite industry, the Government provided an extensive report explaining their role in the industry’s viability.
The press release noted that the Linden bauxite industry was revitalised 10 years ago in December 2004, following the conclusion of the privatisation of Linmine to Omai Bauxite (now renamed Bosai).
It also noted that the Aroaima Mining Company (in the Berbice River) was scheduled to be closed at the end of 2000 following the Unions rejection of a merger with Bermine (Berbice Mining Enterprise Limited). However, the Government, in an effort to save jobs that would have clearly been affected by the collapse, took over the Aroaima Mining Company in November 2000 on the argument that it would operate this company on a
cash neutral basis.
Then in 2002, Bermine was on the verge of collapse but again, in an effort to safeguard the livelihood of many, merged with the
which took effect in early 2005. The formal privatisation was concluded in March 2006.
Both Linden and Berbice bauxite, since the revital-
Aroaima Mining Company.
Further, the Government realised its limitation on its capacity to invest and therefore sought to find a strategic partner to develop the industry, through which the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) was formed.
“In December 2004, investment arrangements and a management contract were executed with RUSAL
isation of the industry, is celebrating 10 years plus.”
Changes
The PPP/C noted that, over the course of the last 10 years, meaningful changes have occurred as a result of their rigorous intervention.
As it relates to employment, Bosai currently employs approximately 650 persons. BCGI employs over 700 persons. With the
recent commissioning of the Kurubuka mines, resulting in stable jobs for the BCGI, 500 local workers will secure jobs for a 15 year period.
Additionally, meaningful changes are evident in the millions of dollars invested in Guyana’s economy. BCGI and its sub-contractors have insvested in excess of US$150 million in the last decade, whereas Bosai invested over US$100 million.
Also, since the companies are no longer privatised, the production for both the industries in Berbice and Linden has increased immensely and the export volumes are notably higher.
Meanwhile, the Government acknowledged the challenges in the commodities market but nonetheless, remains sanguine in the industry’s viability.
“Government remains optimistic that the demand for primary alumina will pick up in the medium term and will create new opportunities and potential for Guyana’s bauxite industry,” the release read.
It noted that with continued expansion and improvements in the production levels and products of the existing companies, overall prosperity in the industry is expected to continue.
When one puts the past few years under review, it is quite noticeable that there has been some 500,000
metric tons increase in the production coming from Guyana. Also, considering the high demand for quality bauxite from Guyana, the Government predicts brighter days ahead for the industry.
The Government also announced that a new bauxite company, the First Bauxite Company’s Bonasika Mine, is expected to be commissioned in 2015, due to the demand for bauxite.
Additionally, there are other companies who have applied for Prospecting Licenses (PL) and are being processed by the regulatory agency of the mining sector.
Subsidising electricity
Over the last 10 years, the Government has expended over G$25 billion on subsidising electricity costs to consumers in Region 10.
The statement noted that in Linden, the Government of Guyana continues to highly subsidise the cost of electricity despite Linmine being privatised over a decade providing in excess of G$22.7 billion in subsidies from 2005 to 2014 for electricity on both the east and west banks of Linden.
Following the privatisation of Aroaima Mining Company Inc. in 2006, the Government made operational a new electricity company in Kwakwani to manage the generation and distribution of electricity and has provided in excess of G$2.5 billion in subsidies from 2006 to 2014.
By LT WiLLicom
The People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) launched their manifesto on April 25. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)’s leaked manifesto surfaced before April 25; the formal APNU/ AFC manifesto, released on April 31, is a rework of their leaked manifesto copying many of the same policies of the PPP/C.
The politics of “NO” of the 10th Parliament continues in the manifesto. It reads like the Spanish Inquisition; everything will be investigated, restructured, changed. Where were the APNU/ AFC parliamentarians in the 10th Parliament and how did they use the numerous Commissions and Committees of Parliament?
Like Rip-van Winkle, the parliamentary mechanisms, which the Opposition clearly controlled in the last Parliament, saw them all asleep at the wheel. Every aspect of the manifesto where information could have been sought; where information could easily have been obtained through questions to the Government (the PPP/C has a record of answering every one of these); questions and reviews through the Parliamentary Committees with sugar, electricity, hydro, all covered; or using the Commissions, should have been established during the last Constitutional Reform. Instead, APNU/AFC acts like they have been asleep during the 10th Parliament where they were in charge, and oblivious to the history
and mechanisms they could have used to get all of the information they needed. Their manifesto paints the image of them now starting kindergarten; devoid of the vast volumes of information provided to their every inquiry and question. They now seem intent to starting to look at everything.
And following the witch-hunt, all legislations that have been rejected are now being brought back by APNU for approval, AML Bill, the Telecoms Bill, etc.
Very little is mentioned on how the 11th Parliament would operate. And even less is said of the Opposition’s track record, which of course prior to 1992, reflects the worse economic record, suppression of democratic rights, rigged elections, and every form of oppression of civil rights and liberties.
Right on the top of the agenda is the plan to reduce the toll across the Berbice River. This is nothing short of expropriation/ nationalisation; an attack on the private sector. The first act would be to send a clear and strong signal to the private sector investors, that the Government is looking to control the commanding heights of the economy. A clear violation of the Investment Act.
And to add insult to injury, APNU/AFC assumes, on pg 46, that capital flight will be reduced. Clearly, the economic architects of the manifesto seem hopelessly hapless of the substantial foreign inflows under the PPP. And, with the Berbice Bridge, depositors and investors will quickly look to move much of the deposits in Guyana's banking sector abroad, putting
pressure in the exchange rate. Most businesses will immediately close and all investment with an APNU/ AFC Government will be at risk.
The APNU/AFC manifesto, unlike to PPP/C manifesto, lacks an economic plan. The plan dreams of reducing capital flight, when the opposite is evident; augmenting capital inflows due to their political environment, when their first act is expropriation of the Berbice River Bridge; reducing the underground economy, without a single fact or strategy; reducing procurement fraud, which they have failed to show exists in any major form; tax reforms, assume increased taxation; GDP growth, when most businesses will quickly seek to curtail investment and move their money out in the fact of a hostile Government to private sector investment; Petro Caribe, they seem unaware of all the funds flowing through the Consolidated Fund and that this is debt financing; labour productivity with few initiatives to show how to achieve. So APNU Manifesto seems utterly lacking in a proper understanding of the economy.
The PPP/C Manifesto is broken down into six pillars
1. Economic growth; jobs, income and wealth creation
2. Transformative infrastructure
3. Enhancing the well being of our people
4. Fighting crime and protecting our people
5. Fair governance
6. Guyana in a modern world
Each of these is backed up with pages and pages of very clear strategies and initiatives built on an already successful track record. On the other hand, APNU/AFC 15 foundations
lack any real substance or simply copies from existing literature of the Government.
And all investments/ major institutions underway by the PPP/C will be either stopped, reviewed, or audited; a witch hunt into NICIL, GFC, GGMC, PetroCaribe, Skeldon sugar factory, the CheddiJagan airport expansion, the Marriott, the Amaila Falls project, the Specialty Hospital, and many more.
The manifesto seems academic as if designed by persons outside of Guyana. Frequent use of phrases such as “appoint an independent expert group”, “appoint a Constitutional Reform Commission”, “appoint an Independent Integrity Commission”, “undertake an in-depth review”, “establish a suitably constituted stakeholder group”, “Convene a Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo”, “appoint an expert team”, “..audits, reviews and public hearings will be initiated…”, “commission a high level technical team”, “commission a study of the issues”, “create an oversight and regulatory, licensing and standards framework to superintend activities…” and “appoint a specialised committee…”.
APNU/AFC 46 page manifesto lacks substance; is largely academic; fails to acknowledge that much progress has been made by the PPP/C; and reads as if Guyana is a new state, without a functioning democracy and parliamentary process of which they played a dominant role.
The sad reality is that APNU/AFC has no positive track record, ignores the past, and treats the Guyana’s future as if they were descending on a new planet. One can indeed say, that the architects of the manifesto operate as if they are from outer space.
...on salaries and sanctions
We’ve all been to fairs and been suckered into placing a bet on what we thought was a “sure thing” in the “three-card” hustle, no? We KNEW they were conning us, but the patter was so slick and the hand movements so “simple” we figured we had them beat.
But of course, we never did. What the PNCled APNU/AFC’s doing on the hustings with their manifesto is nothing more than a variant of the old three-card hustle. And they figure they got you beat.
Let’s look at some of their slick patter and moves. We all know how indignant they were about Presidential salaries and pensions, remember? Boy did they wade into Jagdeo and Ramotar since 2011 –worse than Pacquiao and Mayweather!
Now you’d think the first thing they’d do in their first 100 days is to promise a reduction in the Presidential salaries, wouldn’t you. Well don’t hold your breath as you make a careful sweep of their manifesto and look for that promise. Worse than the needle in the haystack. It ain’t there...not in the first 100 days; not in the first 100 years!
And of course there’s also nothing on the pension – fixed by law at 5/8 of the Presidential salary. Just as in the three-card hustle, the PNC’s...oops!! APNU/ AFC’s – patter is very glib...but what you got to do is watch their moves and don’t get distracted.
In the case of the Opposition the sobering thought is that if they’ll lie so blatantly in what they wrote down in black and white...imagine what they’re up to when they don’t even bother to write it down. Like the Presidential salaries. But one they did write down – and exposed their meretricious ways was the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CTF) Bill.
Imagine they wrote they’ll pass an “amended” version. But you, dear reader would’ve been following their moves closely, right? Weren’t they entreated by the US, Britain and every friend of theirs (much less friends of Guyana) to suggest whatever amendments they wanted to the Government’s Bill and vote for that?? A year ago?
Three times they were asked and three times they betrayed Guyana’s interests not to be sanctioned. And now they talk of enacting it? After the damage’s been done?? Hustlers!
The Opposition is blatantly disrespectful to ordinary citizens. Would Amerindians forget their chopping of their LCDS development funds? Would coastlanders forget their threats to the sugar industry?
Or their opposition to the Housing Ministry obtaining lands to give out house lots?? Keep them out!!
Among the Opposition promises for the first 100 days is: “Adoption of a long-term sustainable economic development plan to realise the vast potential of this country”. Now let’s examine this claim a tad more carefully. These wankers want to be elected, right?
After 23 years with their hands out of the public treasure they’re having withdrawal symptoms –shaking and sweating all that.
So like all addicts, they’ll do whatever it takes to get back in, right? Well, if you were in their shoes (we know it sounds disgusting, but it’s just a figure of speech! OK?) and you wanted folks to vote for you, and you really had a plan to “realise the vast potential of this country” – wouldn’t you lay it out in your manifesto? Well, don’t look for no plan in this manifesto - which isn’t leaked!
The PNC-led APNU/AFC couldn’t include their plan because there ain’t no plan. Just another variation of the three card hustle!
Why’d you think the Opposition launched their manifesto at Stabroek Market? No. It’s not because that’s where lots of three-card hustlers ply their trade!
The Pegasus would’ve looked like a dump compared to the Marriott!
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), on Saturday, denounced in the strongest possible terms the attacks on its Campaign Team on Wednesday, April 29, by sections of the crowd gathered at a public meeting in Warlock, La Penitance, Greater Gerogetown.
In a statement to the media, the prty said that Dr Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and platform speaker, was stoned by members of the crowd purporting to be APNU/AFC supporters.
It noted that stones were also pelted at the PPP/C team, while one woman burnt a PPP/C flag, and proceeded to urinate on it in full view of a most hostile and rabid crowd.
“These actions have in-
deed left a stain on all of Guyana. The recourse to thuggery and hooliganism reflects great intolerance and a blatant disregard for the democratic process,” the statement read.
The PPP/C also expressed great concern over
the silence exhibited by the People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) calition on the issue.
“This is not the first instance of violence and hooliganism displayed by APNU supporters, with not a word of condemnation coming from their leaders. We, as a Party, would expect that the APNU leadership would have condemned these attacks in the strongest terms and, at the very least, express a commitment to the preservation of law and order and respect for our democratic institutions”.
The party nonetheless placed on record its strong objection to the continuing acts of violence as it appealed to the authorities to discourage and prevent such occurrences.
An elderly man, who hails from B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, is now being treated for injuries he sustained to his head and other parts of his body after he was ran over by a horse cart.
The man was identified as 85-ear-old Eugene John of Lot 496-4 B Field, Sophia. According to reports reaching the Guyana Times, John, a security guard attached to Khanai Guard Service, was proceeding to work along Princes Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown when he was run over by a horse cart at around 12:00h on Saturday.
When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, John was lying on the road, helplessly, as he awaited the arrival of an ambulance.
Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) Education Manager Chriseana Ramrekha, who resides in the area, told this publication that her family had contacted the Ambulance Service after being informed that the elderly man was involved in an accident.
“My sister looked out the window and saw him lying on the road, and she raised an alarm. We subsequently went out to him and I en-
quired his name and asked him what happened. That is when he told us that he was struck down by a horse cart,” Ramrekha recalled.
According to her, as John laid helplessly on the road persons simply passed him “straight” without showing any concern. “It was not until we went down that persons started to show interest.”
She added, “It’s utterly ridiculous that someone could strike down an elderly man and leave him to die on the road. It’s even more heartless for persons to have
seen a man in need of medical attention and not call for help.”
After the ambulance was called in, Ramrekha said she placed a wet cloth under his head where he was bleeding. “We were scared to move him over fear that he had something broken.”
When the ambulance arrived on the scene, John was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. When contacted, John’s only daughter Kenisha John told the Guyana Times that her father is in a stable condition at the medical facility.
By Alexis Rodney
Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and former President, Bharrat Jagdeo has warned Guyanese not to be deceived by the political ploy of the Alliance for Change (AFC) members who are allegedly carrying out campaign activities, as the political party is not in existence anymore.
Jagdeo said he has been informed that party members, including Prime Ministerial Candidate of the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Moses Nagamootoo, are going into villages, campaigning as a single entity named “AFC”. He said if this is indeed true, then the party is only seeking to deceive the electorate since there “is no more AFC”.
“A number of people have come up to me and ask me why the AFC continues to campaign as if it were a party again in their villages”. Jagdeo said the move is a deliberate strategy of the AFC because Nagamootoo “has promised to deliver sizeable votes”.
The Prime Ministerial Candidate is on record as promising that he will offer to deliver some 11 per cent of the overall votes to see the recently formed coalition to a successful win at the upcoming May 11 polls.
Critics had it that this 11 per cent was also decisive of
a pact made between the two parties on February 14 earlier this year, where the acquiring of the AFC’s 12 seats in Parliament is dependent on its ability to produce the 11 per cent votes.
However, APNU’s General Secretary Joseph Harmon had told this publication, that the APNU/AFC’s pact was not premised on the latter being able to deliver 11 per cent of the votes at the upcoming election. “It is based on an agreement between the two parties where they sat down and negotiated over a long period of time, and that is how they arrived at that,” Harmon claimed.
Jagdeo told a media conference on Thursday that the AFC’s game plan is that APNU will campaign predominantly in its strong holds, in its traditional constituencies, while AFC will seek to repeat what it did in 2011, by seeking to take away some votes from the PPP/C in the party’s stronghold. “That is an electoral ploy”, he stated flatly.
The former President explained explicitly that the AFC is now “dead” at the moment for the electoral purposes of the upcoming elections.
“There is absolutely no AFC. They exist on paper only. That from nomination day, when a single list of candidates was presented to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and from that day onwards, the AFC we knew in the past ceased to exist”, he said
According to him, when the electorate cast their ballot in favor of the AFC, “what you are voting for effectively is to make Granger President of Guyana”.
He said under Guyana’s Constitution, the President has executive power. “He is Head of State and Head of Government. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, and if on day two, Granger decides to fire Nagamootoo, he has absolutely no recourse”, Jagdeo said.
He further pointed out that even if the former PPP/C Executive wishes to take his 12 members of Parliament and walk out, because of a fallout between his party and APNU, it would be a waste of time, “because there will be no 12 AFC MPs. Even if they disagree, on issues and Nagamootoo were to vote against projects in Parliament from APNU, Nagamootoo can be recalled, because it is against the legislation to vote against its own party”.
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”.
Agarbage collector attached to the Puran Disposal Service met his demise in one of the most gruesome manners, on Saturday morning, after he was crushed to death by a truck while giving direction to the driver at BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
The dead man has been identified as 46-year-old Deon Alphonso King of Best Road, West Bank Demerara. He was an active member of the Community Policing Group, D Division.
According to information reaching the Guyana Times, the accident occurred at about 08:45h while the truck was in the process of reversing to collect a portion of garbage.
The driver reportedly claimed that he was taking direction from King, when suddenly the man could not be seen on the rear view mirror. After a few seconds, another employee ran to the front of the truck and instructed the driver to stop. As they looked under the truck, the man was motionless and in a pool of blood. He died instantly.
An eyewitness told the Guyana Times that he was heading to the University of Guyana and saw King sitting at the back of the truck and came off to give direction, turning his back in the process. It was at that time, that the truck ran over him.
Due to the noise the truck was making at the time, there was no possible way that the driver could have heard the other employees shouting for him to stop. The man’s intestines were protruding from his abdomen, the eyewitness stated.
In addition, he noted that one of the residents brought out a sheet to cover the body.
Meanwhile, Miriam Burke, mother of the dead man told media operatives that her son left home early on Saturday morning claiming that, due to the holiday on Friday, there is a lot of work to be done. The aggrieved mother stated that at about 09:00h, she received a telephone call from her son’s boss informing her about the accident.
Without hesitation, she rushed to the scene only to see her son’s motionless body, which was badly damaged.
“I see my son body on the road covered in a white sheet and as they lift it up for me to see, it was too much… I couldn’t tek it,” she cried.
The Manager of the Puran Disposal Service, Kalishwar Puran, has expressed condolences to the family of the dead man noting that he was indeed a strong and dedicated worker.
Puran told the Guyana Times that as soon as they received the news about the incident, they rushed to the scene but he did not have the courage to look at the badly damaged body.
He stated that King had been working with the company for several years, but left and returned in 2013. Puran stated that the entire company is shocked at the manner in which the incident occurred.
King, he noted, was helpful and was always ready to work beyond the call of duty. He assured that they will be assisting the family, especially at this time.
King’s body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home where it is awaiting a post mortem examination.
The driver of the truck has been detained by Police as they continue their investigations.
All four polling stations in Region Six (East Berbiceorentyne) opened their doors late as the Military and Police Officers cast ballots on Saturday.
Commander of B Division, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph was the first to cast his ballot at the New Amsterdam Town Hall where both soldiers and Police casted ballots ahead
of the May 11 General and Regional Elections.
Joseph was out of the polling station at 06:25h, and 11 minutes later so was the second person; Senior Superintendant Terrence Paul, who is the Officer in Charge of Crime B Division, emerged from the polling station.
The process was considered slow at the New Amsterdam Town Hall where 288 Police Officers
and 35 soldiers were expected to vote.
Polling also took place at the Prisons Sports Club in New Amsterdam where 76 Prison Officers were expected to cast their ballots.
Although opening late, the process was much faster. Persons there stated that the voting process took about three minutes to complete.
Ballots were also cast at the Whim Police Station
on the Corentyne where a further 165 Police Officers were expected to vote, while at the Springlands Police Station 94 Police Officers and 11 Soldiers were expected to vote.
Officers from that division also casted their ballots at the Fort Wellington Police Station in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), where some 170 Police Officers were listed to vote.
Meanwhile at the New
Amsterdam Town Hall, one officer who claimed that he was listed to vote there said that when he went into the polling station he was told that his name was not on the list to vote.
Polling Officer for the Peoples National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition, Barbara Pilgrim, told this publication that the party was concerned that all of the polling stations in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were opened after 06:00h. She said that
though he acknowledged that polling stations were opened after the scheduled opening time. He however said that by 10:00h the process was moving smoothly at all polling stations.
Fair Voting Commander of ‘G’ Division Kevin Adonis, said that the joint services balloting in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was conducted smoothly and mannerly. Adonis said that the five polling stations, namely Charity, Suddie, Anna Regina, Leguan and San Souci
since they were opened late they should also close after the 18:00h scheduled close.
“At the New Amsterdam Town Hall, it is taking more that 12 minutes to cast a ballot. The system is too tedious. Persons are spending too much time in the line. The Ballot Officer has to do everything and then go and help you to dip your finger in the ink. He needs help. Only 18 people have voted after one and a half hours.” Pilgrim said.
She noted that the ballot boxes should have been at the polling stations at 05:00h but they never arrived until after 05:30h.
In an invited comment People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) representative Fizal Jaffarally said that the PPP/C was satisfied with the way the process was going, even
Police Stations were open as early as 06:00h. Adonis further explained that 279 discipline service ranks are on the official list of electors for G Division. Out of 279, Adonis said, 250 voted giving a percentage of 90 per cent. Charity and Suddie voting were fully completed, while the other stations were still waiting for few officers to vote. He noted ranks had no hiccups or any difficulties in exercising their franchise. All the stations were equipped with polling agents and party representatives.
Ranks who spoke with Guyana Times said that they were very happy to vote. They had their finger inked and spent the rest of their day executing their normal duties. Police officers whose names were on different list outside the region were given time off.
By Michael younge
Guyana
Elections Commission (GECOM)
Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally on Saturday rubbished statements made by People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC) coalition candidate, James Bond, which sought to paint a picture that he had privileged information about the manner in which the
Joint Services cast their ballots and the outcome of the process.
Bond, known for controversy and misinformation, moved to his social media Facebook page to share information about the outcome of the joint services voting process around 19:55h on Saturday.
“The Disciplined Forces gave us 94 per cent of their votes; it’s up to us to take this landslide home. 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!” Bond said in his post which created confusion across the country, especially amongst the Joint Services ranks themselves.
However, Bond, when rebuked about his comments from other Facebook users and supporters of the ruling party, maintained his position and even defended his post.
On May 11, Guyanese from all walks of life will have the opportunity and constitutional right to decide which political party will form the next Government.
They will have the right to individually decide which leaders will be given the responsibility of overseeing the socio-economic affairs of this country for the next five years both at the level of the Executive and the Legislature.
That right must never be underestimated or exercised in ignorance. Guyanese must think long and hard about which political party they will support on election day because the future of this country will be determined by the trail of their right index fingers.
Before them at the moment are several political parties with the PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition and the incumbent PPP/C appearing to be more viable choices.
Since the commencement of the elections season, the PPP/C has advocated continuity and progress. It has appealed to all Guyanese to move forward on the premise that the party will deliver more policies and projects that would lead to the transformation of the social and economic conditions under which Guyanese reside.
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.
In an invited comment, Dr Surujbally said that the matter would be dealt with after being looked at today. He said Bond could not speak about the ballots cast with any certainty, as he could not be privy to how people voted.
“He cannot make that statement without any definitiveness of accuracy because he does not know how the people have voted. The envelopes are going to be mixed with the votes on May 11 so you don’t know how they will be vote,” Surujbally said firmly.
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”.
He reiterated his position that “we would take up the matter as early as tomorrow…I can’t preempt what the discussion will be”, when asked about what action could be taken against the young politician for his statements.
Up until press time, no other senior member of the coalition had either liked or commented on Bond’s Facebook post.
The PPP/C has reminded Guyanese about the danger of forgetting their political history and the damage that could recur if they were to have short memories. That party has stressed time and time again on the campaign trail that it is willing to stand by its track record of development, which is unprecedented when compared to the PNC.
The party has fielded Donald Ramotar and Elisabeth Harper, a career diplomat, as the two front runners that could be trusted to ensure a brighter future for all Guyanese, while explaining that it understands its shortcomings over but is willing to make tough decisions to strengthen its governance.
The PPP/C has invested its campaign dollars on holding small community meetings, public meetings in Opposition stronghold areas, and advertisements surrounding their policy initiatives.
The party has not focused heavily on campaigning via social media, image management, or influencing the Diasporas to support its reelection bid. It has demonstrated confidence in Guyanese to make the right choice as if it knows that in the end, the electorate will stay true to the PPP/C.
The main Opposition party, which formed a coalition of convenience ahead of the elections, has based its campaign on the promise to deliver change. It has argued strongly that the current PPP/C and its Government is corrupt and unfit to lead Guyana further.
The PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition has used every opportunity to attack the Government and the PPP/C, going way overboard and utilising their privately owned Opposition aligned media to paint a picture that Guyana is heading downhill under the current Government.
That aside, the party has been waging a nasty and brutal social media campaign indirectly using several known and unknown personalities, writers and others to cow, cyber bully and attack Guyanese who support the Government and PPP/C.
The coalition has also stayed silent, while its supporters verbally attack PPP/C candidates and leaders whenever they attempt to host lawful and peaceful meetings, with one recent incident resulting a woman urinating and burning the PPP/C’s flag.
There have also been instances where the coalition has stayed quiet while the PPP/C’s electioneering material is sabotaged and destroyed with some welcoming such occurrences.
Its campaign has been based on flowery speeches, promises that seem unrealistic in scope, unity rallies that result in cosmetic pictures being taken and posted of Indo and Afro Guyanese huddled together, a promise to take revenge against this person and to jail that person, a commitment to review everything the PPP/C has done in office, and a promise to form a Government of national unity without the PPP/C.
The coalition has fielded Moses Nagamootoo, a washed up political leader and Attorney, and David Granger, a PNC loyalist and former GDF Brigadier.
There have been many highs and lows since the year broke for both sides and this year’s election appears to be the most important election in the history of this country.
While the Opposition is promoting itself as having massive support and is imaging itself as the next majority Government, the incumbent party looks poised to better its performance at the last elections and is working day in and day out on the ground where it matters the most.
Guyana decides on May 11.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo has given the public a new angle to ponder when he made a startling allegation, insinuating that infamous drug lord Roger Khan and Alliance For Change Executives, Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo, were closely knitted associates.
Jagdeo, in the same breath, sought to indicate that Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, also had a close affiliation with the internationally known Guyanese criminal.
“I have never met
Roger Khan, but you ask Nagamootoo or Ramjattan if they have ever met with Roger Khan, and ask Glenn Lall if they have ever met with Roger Khan….I never did and I was never a part of any phantom squad
to kill anyone,” Jagdeo proclaimed.
Khan is allegedly the head of the notorious and lethal “Phantom Squad”, which the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy has described as a murderous killing machine
He was arrested in June 2006 in Paramaribo with three of his bodyguards in a sting operation that Surinamese Police said netted more than 200 kilograms of cocaine- the biggest cocaine haul in Suriname that year.
Instead of being deported to Guyana, the then Minister of Justice of Suriname ordered that Khan be flown to Trinidad.
Upon arrival in Trinidad, Khan was handed over to US officials and appeared before the Brooklyn
Federal Court in New York on a charge of “conspiring to import cocaine”.
In 2009, he was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for drug trafficking.
Disclose assets
Meanwhile, in the same vein, Jagdeo alleged that the opposition leaders have tainted records of involvement with criminals as he challenged them to declare their statements of incomes and assets to the Integrity Commission for evaluation.
“Maybe we should ask Ramjattan and a few others whether they have sub-
mitted their statements of incomes and assets to the Integrity Commission, and if they are so transparent…would they make public their declaration to the GRA…you will see a shocking story…not a single one
of them will do so,” he asserted.
He further alleged that the Opposition’s persistence to the blocking of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill (AML) could possibly be due to their personal involvement with drug dealers and money launders.
The People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has, over the years, accused the combined Opposition of sheltering drug lords and other unsavoury criminal characters.
“Ask them how much money they have received
for blocking the Money Laundering Bill…the drug dealers and money launders…a lot of the flags that they are purchasing now… maybe some of the money came from those sources,” Jagdeo suggested.
Britain's Duchess of Cambridge, the wife of Prince William, gave birth to a girl on Saturday morning, the couple's second child and sister to one-year-old Prince George.
The royal family's newest member was born at 08:34h, some two and a half hours after Kate Middleton was admitted in the early stages of labour to St Mary's Hospital, West London.
The baby princess will be fourth in line to the throne behind her brother George, father William and grandfather Prince Charles, pushing her uncle Prince Harry down a place in the royal hierarchy.
The baby, whose name has yet to be announced, weighed eight pounds, three ounces and William was present at the birth, the Palace said. "Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well," it added.
Both families of the couple had been informed, in-
cluding the new baby's great-grandparents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The new princess becomes the 89-year-old Queen's fifth great-grandchild.
William left the hospital later in the afternoon and soon returned with young George to introduce him to his new sister. "I'm very happy," he told reporters and the large crowd of royal fans.
William, 32, was born at the same hospital to the late Princess Diana in 1982. He and Kate, 33, met as students at St Andrews University in Scotland, married in a spectacular ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. Their first child, George, was born in July 2013.
When Kate leaves hospital, the couple will return to Kensington Palace in central London for a couple of days before heading to Anmer Hall, their country mansion on the queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US Chargé d’Affaires
Bryan Hunt said that as Guyana joins the world in observing Press Freedom Day 2015, it is critical for journalists to execute their duties in line with the ethics of journalism as the country approaches one of the most important elections of its time.
“In less than two weeks, Guyanese voters will go to the polls to determine the political coalition that they believe is best suited to govern their nation over the next several years. What must hold firm before and after the elections, regardless of the result, is a determination and an unwavering commitment by the press to accurate, fair, and equitable coverage of all leaders and political parties contesting the polls,” Hunt said in a statement on Saturday.
He said that print, radio, television and online news sources must rededicate themselves to ensure that the stories they write or air on radio or television are based on facts.
“Public trust is difficult to earn, but when it is gone it is even more difficult to win back,” he emphasised.
He explained that editors and television executives must exercise good judgment when they weigh the public’s right to know, against the potential for inciting civil unrest by publishing or televising inflammatory news stories.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Robert Kopecký, said that in democratic societies, freedom of expression should extend to ideas that may offend, shock or disturb the state or any sector of the population and includes criticism of ideologies and religion, as well as satire.
“It does not, however, extend to public incitement to violence or hatred,” he pointed out as he urged media outlets to exercise caution in the execution of their duties during this season of heightened political tension.
The EU has provided funding towards the re-establishment of the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU), which is a body within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The MMU has been established to monitor the media’s reporting on the forthcoming elections by evaluating their
fairness and objectivity. It also provides regular feedback to media houses based on the assessments done.
“While the findings in its first two reports are less than encouraging, they will serve as a benchmark for making improvements. Almost all major reporting organisations were cited for their lack of judgment and failure to remain objective. But there were examples of outstanding journalism and those can be multiplied in the future,” Ambassador Kopecký explained.
In a separate statement, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) said
this year’s theme “Let Journalism Thrive –Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, and Media Safety in the Digital Age”, is both opportune and relevant as Guyana prepares for General and Regional Elections in another eight days.
“In an age of Information Communications Technology (ICT) – driven when the gathering and dissemination of pictures, videos and texts occur at the click of a finger on our mobile devices, there is an even greater burden on us as practicing media workers to apply, rigidly, the time-tested rules of high quality journalism. It is the application of the basic principles of journalism that ought to and do separate us from citizen journalists, and those who collect and circulate information on social media and the several types of messaging platforms,” the association explained.
GPA said the importance of striving for a broad standard of acceptable quality of journalism cannot be over emphasised at a time when there is a proliferation of online and conventional media
with a diversity of ownership, business, political and cultural interests. One or a combination of these has the potential to set the news agenda.
“Let us never underestimate the analytic capacity of our readers, listeners and viewers; they know fair and balanced journalism. They know if and when we are changing focus, toning down or playing up one interest against the other. The Guyana Press Association, therefore, urges Guyanese, of all walks of life, not to ignore social media but to rely and depend on established media houses for expected quality coverage of the General Elections and associated issues and events.”
Meanwhile, in a joint message, the UN Secretary-General, the UNESCO DirectorGeneral and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “For peace to be lasting and development to be sustainable, human rights must be respected. Everyone must be free to seek, receive and impart knowledge and information on all media, online and offline. Quality
journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power.
In a collective voice, the world leaders said that journalists must be able to thrive in an enabling environment, in which they can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety.
“The world has recently witnessed horrendous attacks against journalists – at least one journalist is killed each week, in conflict and non-conflict zones. We must redouble efforts to enhance the safety of journalists and put an end to impunity, and this is the goal of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, spearheaded by UNESCO and supported by other UN entities.”
The UN SecretaryGeneral, the UNESCO Director-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it is important for every voice to be heard, especially the voices of women.
ASophia businessman was, on Friday evening, shot at least two times by two bandits during a robbery committed on the man’s premises at about 23:00h.
Shawn Anys, 37, of Lot 743 Section D, Turkeyen, Georgetown, was reportedly shot to his head and chest by the two men who scaled his fence to gain access to the enclosed yard.
The bandits, both armed with firearms, reportedly cut a barb wire along the fence at the back of the house. According to reports received, the now dead businessman heard his dogs continuously barking, and subsequently went check the yard.
As he looked around, the two men emerged from amongst the trees, and shot the businessman in the chest area during the confrontation. The shooting was witnessed by the man’s two eldest sons, who were awake at the time.
After he was shot once, he attempted to run into the house but did not reach far as they men gave a chase. One of the men was masked while the other’s face was exposed. Nevertheless, as he entered the house and was about to close the door, the men gained entry and shot him another time, this time to his head.
Mark, his eldest son told the Guyana Times that his father heard the dogs barking and thought that someone
Dead businessman: Shawn Anys
was at the shop, so he went to check and it was then that he was cornered by the men.
He recalled that after shooting his father in the house, they turned their attention to him in the kitchen.
While pointing the gun to his head, the young man stated, the men demanded money from his sister who told them that they did not have any.
They then went into his mother’s room where they found a quantity of money on the vanity. Before leaving, they took away a laptop, five mobile phones and other valuable items. The men escaped on foot by scaling the fence.
Anastcia Anys, wife of the dead man who was not at home when the incident occurred, said that she received the news of the shooting and subsequently rushed home. There she met her eldest son who recounted the ordeal to her.
His statement comes days after the coalition signed a Code of Conduct which called on all candidates and politicians campaigning to refrain from making divisive and false statements on the campaign trail that could have far reaching implications in the country.
When contacted, Senior Executive of the coalition Amna Ally distanced herself and the grouping from the statement made by Bond.
“I wouldn’t be able to answer to that because if one of my members make such a claim, then that is his business,” she said.
“Mr James Bond is his own big man and if he made an assessment then that’s his problem,” she told this newspaper.
Ramotar calls for action
Meanwhile, President Donald Ramotar strongly condemned Bond’s comments describing it as an attempt to stir up problem and create confusion in society.
Ramotar, speaking with this newspaper during a telephone interview, called on all Guyanese to condemn the statements, saying they are indicative of a coalition bent on creating mischief in the country and doubt among the vot-
She explained that they have been operating their business for the past 15 years and it was the first time bandits had invaded their property. She could not recall her husband having any enemies and thought that if he did not attempt to run when the men confronted him, he would still be alive.
She is disturbed and concerned about her children, who witnessed the murder of their father at close range. The Police, she added did not dust the area for finger prints claiming that the men did not ransacked the place but rather collected what was in their hand’s reach.
The Police, in an official release, stated that during the confrontation Anys was shot to his body by the perpetrators who then entered the home and took away a laptop computer, two cell phones and $40,000 before escaping. An investigation was launched into the shooting incident.
Nrityageet 36 continues today at the National Cultural Centre as it celebrates and showcases the arrival of all people to Guyana in dance and multimedia presentations under the theme “Colours in Motion”.
Writers and performers are drawn from a wide cross section of Guyanese in the visual, literary and performing arts – all collaborating to present “Colours in Motion”. In addition to the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe, there are Collette Jones Chin and Charisma Jones Chin, Sonia Yarde,
the Aurora Dancers, the Bangra Boys from Texila, the National Dance Company, the National Dance School, the Burroughs School of Art, Graham’s Hall Primary, the Jewan Ki Nritya Dancers, Jamal Ellis and the African Hip Hop Dancers, and the dance students of Keon Heywood, together with students of the National School of Drama.
Nrityageet has recently received the “Icon of the Arts” award from the Theatre Guild of Guyana as they continue to maintain high standards over the 36 years of performances. This is added to
Guyana’s National Award, the Medal of Service, for “Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Mosaic of Guyana.”
Nrityageet has also been repeatedly awarded “Best Dance Production”, “Best Costumes”, and “Best Set” by the Guyana Theatre Arts Awards and the Madame Iffel Award of Barbados. Also receiving a special award by the Theatre Arts Awards for 21 years of ‘Exceptional Diligence in the Pursuit of Excellence’ and by the New York Folk Festival for ”Long and Sustained Dance Productions of Excellence”.
from page 17
ing public about the integrity of the electoral safeguards that were in place for the Joint Services voting.
“I am calling on the Guyana Elections Commission to take stern action against him and look urgently at the statements he made which are aimed at creating confusion in our country and can in no way serve this country well.
“His statements are very calculated. These statements must be condemned strongly,” said President Ramotar.
Several ranks who voted on Saturday expressed their concerns over the statements made by Bond and their own personal security.
“If it is true and he know how people vote already and de ballot ain’t counted that means that me squaddie them could know too if I vote for de PPP. That’s serious and I do not think I feel safe. That’s wrong”, a solider attached to the Guyana Defense Force said when contacted late Saturday.
They too wanted a guarantee from the Guyana Elections Commission that the integrity of their ballots was secured and Bond reprimanded for his statements.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo noted that the Government of Guyana would welcome as many as possible fibre-optic cables in the country, as it would positively transform the technological and social landscape of the economy for the better.
Jagdeo was at the time speaking at a recent press conference at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Headquarters, Freedom House.
“The more cables we get, the lower the cost of bandwidths, cheaper cost of Internet, we’ll be moving to 4G applications and have maybe 2MB on a mobile device so you can start streaming on your mobile devices…,” he envisioned.
Jagdeo lamented over the fact that one cannot enjoy the pleasure of streaming videos without interruptions, among other difficulties, due to the slow Internet speed available in the country.
On that note, he envisioned a country where citizens can enjoy the advancement of technology with cheaper, faster Internet, free wifi, and also better data services on mobile phones.
To realise this, Jagdeo said the first step would be to have as many cables as possible, which will increase competition and result in a more affordable cost and better services.
“As many cables as we are able to bring in will be better for the country… some countries have 15 or 20 cables,” he noted.
Currently, Guyana only
has one cable belonging to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and because of this the cost of bandwidth is incredibly high. However, it is in the process of rolling out two new fibre optic cables.
The first project, spearheaded by the Government, encountered several difficulties during its initial stage.
“What we discovered was that the cable, in some sections, was not laid properly… It was not laid deep enough, so when the rains came… apparently these cable came out and that they were damaged,” Jagdeo explained. Therefore, he stated, the Government had to spend more money on repairing the damages.
“There was a proposal to fix the cable… But it was to bury the cable differently, instead of bury it directly, bury in conduit so that you could avoid that kind of reoccurrence,” he said.
In spite of the challenges, Jagdeo noted that the project is definitely essential as it will bring about cheaper bandwidth to the country
for the E-governance project and will see the rollout of free wifi to the public across Guyana, expectantly with bandwidths of 250k.
“Those who would have gotten free laptops would be able to connect to the cable. That was the purpose,” Jagdeo related.
The other project is being spearheaded by Digicel. It was last reported that the phone company is currently in the process of conducting a case study to determine the location for laying the cable.
Jagdeo also used the opportunity to slam the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition for constantly criticising the Government in its quest to realise this project and advance Guyana’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
He particularly exposed the PNC for granting the GT&T a 40-year monopoly on the market, which blocked any further advancement for the country.
GT&T currently has the monopoly on landline and international services. Digicel has to pay GT&T for its mobile services bandwidth, which is provided through the local company.
Digicel has said that it is eagerly awaiting the passage of the Telecoms Bill in the National Assembly, which will de-monopolise telephone service in Guyana and pave the way for them to provide the critical landline service.
The APNU/AFC Manifesto is a desperate effort to get support in the face of APNU/AFC facing another resounding defeat at the polls on May 11th. These parties have recognised that they need to do something dramatic to attract more supporters to the fold, having failed to mobilise support outside of their traditional base.
In the face of desperation, they have resorted to a potpourri of wild, irresponsible, contradictory and incoherent proposals for the development of Guyana. Indeed, this manifesto is not simply irresponsible and incoherent; there is a high level of dishonesty. The APNU/AFC Manifesto is full of proposals that are not specific and that are not realistic. One overarching comment is that APNU/AFC has totally confirmed our assertion that they are devoid of any idea of how to develop Guyana.
posed to be a repair job, damage control, after they had presented a soft launching on a website just about one week ago. They had deliberately placed their manifesto on a website, but after initial negative review by many persons, they insisted that the document was leaked. They withdrew
their own manifesto, after having released it themselves, and called the document an unfinished document that was leaked by someone.
Over the last several days, I note that the level of dishonesty is increasing – they claim that an Islamic Group endorsed them and they had to apologise; they tried to create an image that President Obama has endorsed them; and have also taken to the Facebook and Twitter to create an impression that the United States (US) First Lady, Michelle Obama, has also endorsed them. These examples demonstrate the level of dishonesty that underlines the campaign of the APNU/AFC Coalition.
But above all else, the APNU/AFC Manifesto lacks integrity; it is a consummate con-job and shameless. For example, they propose that they will cut VAT on food. But there is no VAT on food; food is zero-rated in the VAT System. They state that they will pass the AML-CFT Bill, but they blocked it in the 10th Parliament. They say they will reduce taxes, but they will collect more money and spend more money. These are dangerous proposals and one must read in between the lines.
They state that they will build the Hydro-Electricity, but they blocked it in Parliament. They will develop an
The newly released manifesto comes at a time when some of the voters (Disciplined Forces Personnel) have started to cast their ballots. It means that these voters have not been given the privilege of knowing what policies, programmes and plans they are voting for. The vast majority of Guyanese will not be able to study the APNU/AFC Manifesto because the election is now only nine days away. This is unforgiveable.
Even though they withdrew their own manifesto after a series of torrid criticism from leaders of the PPP/C and certain other stakeholders, they have now submitted a re-worked document that is even weaker than the original one. In short, they have bungled the repair job for their own manifesto. This is a common thread of APNU/ AFC. It is similar to how the PNC bungled the management of Guyana’s development between 1964 and 1992.
Amerindian Development Fund, but they also blocked it in the 10th Parliament. They promise to increase pensions and the income tax threshold, both of which are on-going initiatives of the PPP/C.
The Damage Control has been bungled Make no mistake about it, the manifesto that APNU/AFC released at the Stabroek Market on Thursday was a damage control document, after they had submitted a document that revealed some of their vile plans, including plans to cut sugar workers’ pay and close the sugar industry.
The APNU/AFC Manifesto that was launched on Thursday, April 30, was sup-
APNU/AFC Manifesto Recipe – devoid of ideas for Guyana’s development APNU/AFC is clueless on how to develop Guyana. This is amply shown by cursory examination of the APNU/AFC Manifesto. The Manifesto is premised on four approaches: Wild, illfounded and irresponsible promises that APNU/AFC knows they cannot keep; promises that they will not be able to implement or that they will be unwilling to implement. This is designed to fool people and get people to think that there are goodies in store for them;
• Proposals which are starkly different from what the PPP/C has proposed, intended to show that they are different from the PPP/C; Proposals which are a reproduction of many of the PPP/C’s programmes, some already being implemented and some which are in the process of being introduced; Proposals which they themselves have criticised and which they have voted against and blocked from moving forward in the 10th Parliament. To be continued tomorrow …
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Delhi Daredevils have not given the Feroz Shah Kotla a lot to crow about in 2015, but in their final home match at this ground in the IPL group stage, they gutted Kings XI Punjab’s top order, then blew past the opposition’s 118 for 8 by nine wickets. Zaheer Khan claimed a wicket in each of his first two overs to kick Daredevil’s most dominant performance of the season into gear, while JP Duminy and Nathan Coulter-Nile chipped in with scalps of their own. After 3.3 overs, Kings XI were 10 for 4 - their chance of rising above last place already on the rocks.
Coulter-Nile returned to terrorise the middle-order later on, finishing with figures of 4 for 20. Daredevils’ openers Mayank Agarwal and Shreyas Iyer struck casual half-centuries in the reply, and the hosts raced home inside 14 overs.
Zaheer had not played competitive cricket in almost a year, following the strain sustained in his back at last year’s IPL, but his impact at the Kotla was nearly immediate. Virender Sehwag was coming back to the Kings XI side himself, after a onematch layoff, but could find no end to his poor stretch of form against his former India team-mate. Sehwag aimed to push his second ball from Zaheer through the covers, but as the ball seamed away a touch, could only get a thick outside edge to it. Mathews took the catch at a close-in point. (Cricinfo)
On the same day that Bangladesh saved their run-fest Test against Pakistan, the other international taking place followed a very different path as 18 wickets tumbled in Barbados - the most ever to fall in a day's play at the famous venue.
James Anderson took 6 for 42, earning England a firstinnings lead of 68, but they stumbled badly in their sec-
ond innings as they were left tottering on 39 for 5, the advantage extended to 107 on a surface where every run was at a premium.
Gabriel pushed 93mph and Veerasammy Permaul probed out of the rough.
previous pair was ten years ago, in a certain Test at The Oval. Meanwhile, Alastair Cook could not build on his cathartic hundred when he edged Gabriel to slip and Joe Root was also caught in the cordon, driving at Jason Holder. It is fair to say the quality of batting throughout the day was not the highest, but there was some impressive pace bowling (England's spin less) and, above all, it made for thoroughly entertaining cricket - a value that should not be underestimated.
Extraordinarily, when Moeen Ali dragged on a ball from Permaul which skidded low out of the footmarks in the penultimate over, West Indies could be considered to have evened the ledger for the day. (Cricinfo)
T2-13, 3-18, 4-28, 5-39. West Indies bowling: JE Taylor
6-1-16-2, ST Gabriel 6-4-4-1, JO Holder 4-1-7-1, V Permaul 4-1-7-1, MN Samuels 1-1-0-0.
West Indies were superb in the final period of the day: the five bowlers used conceded just four boundaries in 21 overs. Jerome Taylor, who set the tone with three morning wickets to end England's first innings, again found the fast, full swing which can make him so dangerous, Shannon
Amid the many subplots to the day there was the likely last innings of Jonathan Trott's Test career as he failed for a second time, completing a poor series where he has made double figures just once, when he was lbw to Taylor and his Warwickshire colleague Ian Bell completed the second pair of his Test career when he went the same way. Bell's
he penultimate ball of the penultimate over of the match. Umesh Yadav had his fine leg inside the circle, and Mandeep Singh stepped across his stumps to scoop the ball over the fielder. Deep backward square leg sprinted desperately to his right to stop the ball, but he had no chance. It had rained, and the outfield was a little slow, but this ball landed on a practice pitch and raced into the boundary.
Next ball, Mandeep skipped down the track and looked to swipe a length ball through mid-off. He ended up edging it to the third man boundary. In the space of two balls sprinkled with a fair measure of fortune, Royal Challengers Bangalore had gone from needing 21 to win from eight balls to needing 13 from six.
Such things happen all the time in Twenty20, but this was a rain-shortened 10-overs-a-side match. Even Ravi Shastri, interviewing the losing captain at the post-match presentation, commiserated with him, calling it a “lottery”.
Mandeep, though, played a massive hand in deciding the fate of the lottery.
Bolt has
He walked when Royal Challengers had just lost Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers in the space of six balls, when they needed 62 from 32 balls, and produced a stunning, unbeaten 18-ball 45 to power his team home with two balls remaining.
Mandeep’s composure under pressure was fully tested, with only three runs com-
ing off the first two balls of the final over, leaving 10 to get from four balls. He made room to get under an almost blockhole-length delivery from Andre Russell and carved him for a six over backward point, and pulled the next ball over deep backward square leg to send the Chinnaswamy Stadium into raptures. (Cricinfo)
Kolkata Knight Riders innings (10 overs maximum) RV Uthappa† c †Karthik b Chahal 23
G Gambhir* c Mandeep Singh b Wiese 12
AD Russell run out (†Karthik) 45
RN ten Doeschate c de Villiers
b Starc 12
YK Pathan not out 11
SA Yadav not out 0
Extras:(lb 3, w 4, nb 1) 8
Total:(4 wickets; 10 overs) 111
Did not bat: MK Pandey, PJ Cummins, PP Chawla, GB Hogg, UT Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-71, 3-96, 4-102.
Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling: MA Starc 2-0-15-1, VR Aaron 2-0-29-0, HV Patel
2-0-22-0, D Wiese 2-0-201, YS Chahal 2-0-22-1. Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (target: 112 runs from 10 overs) CH Gayle c Russell b Hogg 21 V Kohli* c SA Yadav b Russell 34 AB de Villiers b Chawla 2 Mandeep Singh not out 45 D Wiese not out 9
Extras: (w 4) 4 Total:(3 wickets; 9.4 overs) 115 Did not bat: KD Karthik†, SN Khan, HV Patel, MA Starc, VR Aaron, YS Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-51, 3-81.
Kolkata Knight Riders bowling: PJ Cummins 2-0-18-0, UT Yadav 2-0-31-0, GB Hogg 2-023-1, PP Chawla 2-0-21-1, AD Russell 1.4-0-22-1.
‘no problem’ with Justin Gatlin drugs ban
Usain Bolt has no problem competing against Justin Gatlin because he feels that the four-year doping ban the American served was a fair suspension.
The double Olympic and World Champion recently voiced dissatisfaction over another American sprinter, Tyson Gay, who was banned for a year after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid.
“The ban Tyson got was unfair and sent the wrong message,” said Bolt.
“Justin Gatlin got his ban and served it, so for me it’s not an issue.”
The Jamaican sprinter will come up against both men this weekend in the 4x100m at the World Relays Championships in the Bahamas.
Bolt had said he was “not looking forward” to competing against Gay who was initially given a two-year ban in 2014 before having the punishment halved and backdated after co-operating with US doping authorities.
Gatlin - who was sidelined from 2006-2010 - was unbeaten in the 100m in
2014 and the 33-year-old is now viewed as a threat to Bolt’s dominance in the event.
“Justin Gatlin is a great competitor. He’s one of those guys who talks a lot and says a lot,” said Bolt.
“So for me he makes the sport interesting and I look forward to running against him this season.”
The event in the Bahamas is Bolt’s second outing of 2015 after he won the ‘Mano a Mano’ 100m in Brazil earlier in April in a relatively slow time of 10.12 seconds.
That followed a 2014 season in which the 28-year-old was dogged by injury problems.
But Bolt believes he is capable of returning to his best form in time for the World Championships in Beijing in August.
“I can definitely get to that level. No question,” he said. “The more I run the better I feel and I know I can get better.
“I’m not worried about this season. I know I have months to go until the World Championships.
“I never worry about one-off runs. For me they’re stepping stones to the big goals. The main goal is to try and get through the season injury-free.
“Going to Beijing I’ve set a standard for myself so I need to step it up.”
Michael Anthony emerged winner of the main event of the fifth annual Powerade 11-race cycling programme sponsored by Banks DIH Limited at the inner circuit of the National Park.
Anthony, a Lindener, clocked one hour, 15 min -
utes, 03 seconds (01: 15m: 03s) to win the event from Junior Niles, who took second spot.
Marlon Williams occupied third position, followed by Raul Leal, Orville Hinds and Akeem Wilkinson in that order.
Anthony won five of the eight prime prizes on
The GCC ladies took on Ventures Hockey Club of Trinidad in their opening match of a packed weekend in the Trinidad and Tobago women’s hockey outdoor season. It is the first time that a Guyanese team has been accepted into the tournament and would require the South American main-landers to travel on three weekends to play multiple matches on each.
The GCC ladies began a bit tentative as they usually are on the artificial hockey pitch which differs considerably to grass with which they are more familiar. With both teams regarding each other like two prized fighters with a belt on the line, GCC began to step up the pace and it soon was evident that they had the quality to take control of the match.
The hard-working Shebiki Baptiste made light difficult for the Ventures deep defence while the skills of young Aliyah Gordon and captain Sonia Jardine produced several threatening opportunities at goal.
The overlapping play of wing backs Rebecca Xavier
and Ashley DeGroot eventually bore fruit midway in the second of four 15 minute quarters when a DeGroot early cross was met with a first time sweep by Jardine in the circle to hammer home the opening goal of the match.
GCC would gain several penalty corners but failed to convert, firing just wide on a few occasions. While the Ventures hardly threatened the GCC net, they gained a critical penalty corner in the dying minutes of play and the Bourda girls were happy to see their shot pass wide of the far post.
GCC pulled off the 1-0 win at full time to start off their competition on a positive note. The Guyanese will face Magnolias in their second match on Saturday May 2nd at 11:30am and return to the field a second time for the day at 6:30pm to oppose pre-tournament favourites Paragon.
Matches continue on Sunday against Notre Dame and Checkers before the team returns home after completing their first of three visits for the competition.
Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden leg… Wisroc,
offer, while Williams won the other three.
Other winners of the day included Jonathon Jagdeo, who won both the BMX 9-12 and 12-14, Raynauth Jeffrey, Jamal John, Wilfred Thom, Linden Blackman, Junior Niles and Daniel Perriera.
The day’s activities were organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.
Two physical semifinals determined the finalists of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden leg on Thursday evening.
The first semifinal of the night pitted Star Boyz against Wisroc in a brutally physical contest between the two teams that ended 1-nil in favour of Wisroc.
Both teams had their chances but were unable to finish as the defence prevailed more time times with the exception of Omar Archer’s goal in the 16th minute that won the game for Wisroc.
Meanwhile in the second semifinal of the night Amelia’s Ward and Retrieve Unknown played to a nil all
draw.
While both teams tried to attack, both teams played off their defence and attacked on the counter down the wing.
However, with defence being the centre of the game, the encounter finished scoreless with Amelia’s Ward going onto win 4-3 on sudden death kicks.
Newly appointed Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach, Carl Hooper, has given the Limacol Caribbean Premier League a high grade, ranking it as the second most exciting and popular T20 competition behind the Pepsi Indian Premier
League (Pepsi IPL). Hooper made the comment during an exclusive interview with this publication from his home in Australia.
During Limacol CPL 2015, Hooper will return to his homeland Guyana to work with the local franchise for the first time since
retiring from the game and becoming a qualified coach.
Asked to give his overall impressions of the League, which started with a bang in 2013, the former West Indies captain was quick to point out the tremendous impact and success they tournament has been able to
achieve in two short years.
“This thing is getting bigger man. I watched, I think on ESPN a few years ago and you know the atmosphere was fantastic and being involved last year I felt it can only get larger and grow from strength to strength this year,” Hooper said.
Hooper used his vast experience of playing and coaching cricket to give a comparative analysis of the Limacol CPL, as against the Pepsi IPL, the Big Bash in Australia and other leagues in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Hooper believes the Limacol CPL will, in the not too distant future, rival the much celebrated Pepsi IPL and ultimately become the top T20 league in the world.
Hooper’s prior involvement with the CPL was part of the coaching set-up of the now defunct Antigua Hawksbills.
Based on what he observed during that stint, Hooper believes there is one critical area that can be improved, especially as it relates to the on-field exchanges.
“If there is one critique I have from last year…some of the decks we played on, I would like them a bit better. I think the wicket in St Lucia was perfect- the ball came on to the bat, but some of the decks, like the one in
Antigua, was a bit slow and I just think we need to improve in that area,” Hooper reckoned.
The third edition of the Limacol CPL will take place from June 20 to July 26 with the Barbados Tridents putting their title on the line against last year’s runner-up Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks, St Kitts Patriots and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.
By TreisTon Joseph
With one of the best crowds of the tournament in attendance, Sparta Boss displayed whey they are the favourites to win the tournament with a 4-2 win over Kitty Weavers in the semifinal of the Busta Soft Shoe Tournament on Friday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.
The game saw no shortage of action, as Sparta Boss from the start, pressured the shaky defence of Kitty with a number of decent balls into the danger area.
However, the constant pressure finally broke the defence of Kitty in the fourth minute when Devon Millington scored an easy goal to put Sparta Boss up 1-nil.
Three minutes later, a cross from Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson landed on the boot of Sheldon Shepherd who scored the goal in traffic in the seventh minute.
Colin Clarke quickly cut into the deficit for Kitty with a right footed shot that rocked the net of Sparta Boss to make the score 2-1 to end the first half. A minute after resump-
tion Kitty leveled the score with a strike from Sherwin Vincent in the 21st minute.
Both teams continued to search for the winning strike tirelessly as they played with great vigor and pace until Travis Grant broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a brilliant strike.
Meanwhile West Front Road scraped by Queen Street Tigerbay with a 1-nil win to advance to the final.
Richardson after setting up a few plays would ensure Sparta Boss of the win with a last minute goal in the 40th minute.
Colin Nelson was the goal scorer, rocking the net in the 25th minute. The final will be con-
tested on Tuesday at the GFC ground, from 21:00h with Queen Street Tigerbay and Kitty Weavers playing for third while West Front Road and Sparta will meet for the inaugural title of Busta Soft Shoe champions.