Guyana Times Daily - May 1, 2015

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2479

Friday, May 1, 2015

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During carnage against society, state...

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Military intelligence compromised internally – Jagdeo

Ex-cop gets 10 years for gun, ammo possession P10

Page 3

Man executed at Agricola linked to P16 $42M Post Office heist APNU/AFC launches project to get fast unofficial elections P17 results ... move can create confusion – Jagdeo

APNU/AFC finally launches manifesto

Page 6

Presidential Candidate for the APNU+AFC, David Granger hands over a copy of the 2015 Elections Manifesto to a supporter at the long awaited launch at the Stabroek Market Square Georgetown on Thursday

Bagotville woman hacked to death during domestic dispute P age 19

Ramotar confident of military support Page 7

... reminds Canje residents of Opposition’s anti-Police stance

Jagdeo pours cold water on coalition’s manifesto P20 Insurance company reestablishes operations in Guyana P21

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 1 – 14:30h-16:00h Saturday, May 2 – 14:30h-16:00h

Military intelligence compromised internally – Jagdeo

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 1 – 14:45h-16:15h and Saturday, May 2 – 15:20h-16:50h

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on: Friday, May 1 – 06:00h, 12:00h (noon) and 16:00h Saturday, May 2 – 06:00h and 17:00h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning and into the early afternoon hours, while light rain showers to sunny intervals can be expected in the late afternoon. Light rain showers can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.47 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:46h and 15:07h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.48 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:42h and 20:57h reaching minimum heights of 0.73 metres and 0.72 metres respectively.

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F

ormer President and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday rubbished accusations made by the Opposition that he had disbanded the Guyana Defence Force Military Central Intelligence Division (MCID) to protect Roger Khan and other Government officials. Instead, he revealed that intelligence gathered by the unit on the operations of the Buxton gang was subverted by insiders.

The Buxton gang was responsible for a wave of terror along the East Coast of Demerara and other parts of the country. It was crushed back in 2008 when one of its masterminds – Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins – was killed during a shootout with members of the disciplined forces.

Jagdeo, addressing a media conference at Freedom House said he never shutdown or authorised the cessation of the work of MCID. Dismissing accusations that his Administration was responsible for the increase in crime here and also allegedly ordered the killings of hundreds through the shadowy Phantom Squad, run

by Roher Khan, Jagdeo said he was aware that attempts were afoot to undermine the work of the military in its fight against criminals by a group of “organised insiders.”

He said that he was concerned about the nature and scope of the reports that came to him while he was Commander-in-Chief and had no choice but to take decisive action to ascertain what was really taking place.

“There are many, many issues that came up at the Defence Board about various aspects of performance. I remember one Colonel came to me and said to me, the report you are getting from the military intelligence has to go through one character and it gets sterilised before it comes to you and he shared with me the initial report… the one that was drafted by the soldiers who were actually going out…”, Jagdeo related at the press conference.

He said that soon after

Former President and PPP/C Executive Bharrat Jagdeo

he found out that “they were picking up different things but when it actually went through the process on the chain up to the Commanderin-Chief, key things were taken out of them (reports)… particularly things that identified political operatives or questioned their role in the incidents at Buxton”, Jagdeo told the media.

“So I had grave concerns about the official channels sometimes, the veracity of their reports but they did not know that parallel to that, I had the initial drafts that came from a lot of other individuals” he admitted.

He maintained that he never ordered the closure of the division to protect any Government Minister or criminal as the Opposition is seeking to suggest via advertisements in the Kaieteur News and on the political platform.

“I do not think I shut it down. I think we had changes… the G2 still operated but they were significant changes.

You cannot shutdown Army intelligence”, he remarked before explaining that steps were taken to strengthen the safeguards along the line and weed out those who were guilty of subverting the integrity of the unit’s work and the original intelligence garnered.

Jagdeo remarked that a trend had developed where before the unit could act, those responsible for the crime wave and criminality at

Buxton and other places were already informed about the moves that would be made by the division or the military.

He said that this was evident whenever early morning raids and sting operations were planned as informants within the community had the information ahead of time or before the troops could reach their intended locations. But given the sudden decision by several former Ex-Army Commanders, Chief-of-Staffs and Police Top Cops, Jagdeo said he can now analyse the developments that took place then with more certainty about the decisions he made.

“In retrospect, knowing what I know today, maybe lots of the events that took place at that time I can cast a new picture and have a new interpretation of that period… I was not naive. I knew too that you had people who were interested in having us not do what we should have done which is to get rid of those criminals very early, liberate Buxton and the people there… you had people who were working from the inside to undermine that process”, he asserted as he disciplined the Opposition for trying to muddy his track record and that of the PPP/C while campaigning about security issues.

The former President reiterated his position that “I never gave a single illegal instruction anytime in my tenure… nor have I asked anyone to deny a citizen his/ her rights…” while addressing media. He also said that

he went after all the criminals in the country and denied ever holding the view that the Army was planning a coup against the ruling party while rubbing propaganda that he was aware that embattled Businessman Roger Khan had helped the PPP/C avert that coup.

“I do not know about Roger Khan averting any coup in this country because I do not think there was a plot to overthrow the Government from our security forces”, he stated before saying “there may have been a plot by those in Buxton and their intellectual authors to create a situation in the country that made it ungovernable as they have promised so often before..”.

He added that “Once our security forces are not involved in any plot… I know our security forces can take on anyone… they are well trained and can take on anyone who seeks to subvert our attention…” Jagdeo made those statements after being asked to respond to media questions about the content of a letter written by a retired Colonel in the Army who said that he shut down the division to avoid the prosecution of key members of his Government and protect Roger Khan.

“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 part of any phantom squad to kill anyone”.

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

Editorial

Elections 2015 and jobs T

oday, around the world, countries are observing International Labour Day, also known as the International Worker’s Day. Governments, workers’ unions and activists use the occasion to reflect on, and promote the rights of various categories of workers.

We take this opportunity to salute all categories of workers in Guyana who are helping in their own small way to make a positive impact on the development of their communities and country as a whole. Certainly, without workers serving in various capacities, the country will be unable to achieve its developmental aims.

It is hoped that all Guyanese will use this occasion to reflect on how far we have come as a nation as it relates to achieving working class unity. It is also important for every citizen to take note of the tremendous economic and social gains made over the years which no doubt have resulted in every citizen enjoying a more comfortable and secure life.

Guyana has made significant progress in terms of ensuring that workers’ rights are protected and further advanced.

It could be recalled that one of the first actions taken by the PPP after it won power in the elections of 1953 was to enact the Labour Relations Bill which ultimately led to the suspension of the Constitution by the British Government and the eviction from office of the Government after a mere 133 days in office.

It took the return of the PPP to power after 28 years of PNC dictatorial rule before the Bill was finally passed and enacted.

There have been several initiatives taken to strengthen the necessary legislative framework to ensure workers’ rights are advanced. Since the PPP/C Government came into power in 1992, every year workers have benefitted from an increase in wages and salaries. The Government has also promised that as the economy improves, the necessary benefits will be trickled down to workers so that they can lead more financially stable lives.

Perhaps political leaders vying for power should use the opportunity to clearly lay out their plans and policies as it relates to creating more job and training opportunities for citizens.

Young people are anxious to find out what are the plans and policies of the various political parties in this regard. If one were to conduct a survey among young people in Guyana to find out what are among their main concerns, among those on top of the list would be acquiring a stable, well-paid job.

This is the same for many other countries, as more and more persons are crying out for better job opportunities that would enable them to take care of their needs and to feel a sense of financial security.

Those graduating from tertiary institutions have always maintained that much more needs to be done by both the Government and private sector to create more job and training opportunities for citizens. We are encouraged to see that the major political parties have all placed job creation as a priority in their Manifestos.

The PPP/C Manifesto clearly shows that the party has a practical and comprehensive plan in terms of job creation. It holds as its highest priority the creation of a Guyana where every person of working age is able to obtain gainful and fulfilling employment and/or become self-employed.

The party has promised to ensure that educational opportunities are expanded, and plans to place special emphasis on better alignment with the skill requirements of the new productive sectors. Of note too is that the party hopes to focus on job intensive growth with special emphasis on sectors that create meaningful employment.

An examination of the facts will prove that under the various PPP/C Government, tremendous strides were made in providing better opportunities for young people to advance.

However, much more still needs to be done to ensure that that the kind of environment is created to make is more possible for young people to realize their dreams.

Jamaican reggae singer, Tarrus Riley interacting with school children at a health fair hosted by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at Camp Ayanganna. Riley appeared alongside fellow Jamaican Tanya Stephens for the “Love Is Contagious” concert aimed at speaking out against gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination in all forms, as part of activities in observance of GDF 50th Anniversary celebration on Thursday

Granger should explain his Wismar statement Dear Editor, In 2008, like a few other Guyanese, I was fortunate to participate in electioneering activities for the then Senator Barack Obama, in the swing state of Michigan.

I also represented the Michigan Democratic Party at the polls on elections day, where a key concern was whether Blacks would not get to vote because of technicalities.

The election of the senator, undoubtedly, was a statement of some reconciliation of race relations in America. It was good, therefore, to see parties contesting in Guyana’s national elections import messages from President Barack Obama, just as I had witnessed in the twin-island republic in its last elections.

In light of the aforesaid, I now enquire what

the Presidential Candidate, Brigadier (ret) David Granger, meant in making this triumphal pronouncement on March 14 at a rally in Linden. I quote: “You have some people... who were not even born in 1964 who are pretending to explain things that happen in the 1960s.

“Wismar you can tell people what happened in the 1960! I know some of you don’t like to

talk about it because water will run from your eyes.”

This is an affront of great proportion. A distinct statement of racial boast and victory, it is an extraordinary display of insensitivity towards East Indian people.

It has no place in modern elections, and the people of Guyana ought to demand an explanation and retraction.

Rakesh Rampertab

The politics of hegemonisation

Dear Editor, The ethnic issue has always played a major role in our elections. Both PPP and the PNC have in their own ways appealed to the ethnic sentiment of their base support. In every general election, excepting those between 1964 and 1992, which were blatantly rigged by the PNC, race was the deciding factor.

Perhaps the best example of ethnic loyalty was seen in the 1992 general elections.

Even after years of atrocities against its own supporters, not to speak of the supporters of the other major party, the results showed that the PNC received almost 100% African votes.

Indians, too, voted race but it is they who have been denounced and have had to pay the heavy for their choice. One top WPA leader who now resides happily and comfortably in the “belly of the beast” told me in strong theological language that Indians needed to be

“rebuked.” To date, I have never heard a call to rebuke Africans the same “crime,” race voting.

Tragically, this mindset of blaming Indians for their “ethnic preference” has continued to the present time with many people berating Indians for their political choice at every election, the present election being no exception. Some columnists and commentators have made it a kind of industry to each single out Indians for abuse and have gone so far to advocate punishment for Indians. Some dehumanize and punish Indians with their pens in newspaper columns, while others do it on the streets.

The sum of what we are being told is when Africans vote for the PNC they are asserting “ethnic pride.”

When Indians vote for the PPP, it is racism. This hegemonic narrative is dominant and widespread.

The production, preservation, reproduction, prop-

agation and inculcation of this discourse that grants carte blanche legitimacy and sanctity to African ethnic expression, paradoxically and simultaneously, seeks to demonise and delegitimize similar ethnic expressions of the Indian community.

One of the most perplexing phenomena of modern political life in Guyana, is the that authors and originators of this discourse of asymmetry, are lionized and praised for giving expressions to the African ethnic pride and aspirations, while those who seek to engage in an articulation, however erratically and unsystematically, of an Indian ethnic pride are devilised and denounced by the very propagators of the African ethnic discourse as Indian supremacists and diabolical racists.

Virtue in one is vice in the other.

The outcome of this systematic intellectual and cultural indoctrination, hegemonisation and domination

has been two fold. On the one hand it has led to the virtual total absence of an Indian discourse among Indian intellectuals and politicians.

Where, for example, is the Indian counterpart of the view, “that my activism is dedicated to the defence and furtherance of African Guyanese interests?” Such an Indian, if he dares to speak will be vilified and ostracized, in part, by the very authors of the African ethnic discourse.

The second outcome of this hegemonisation has been the creation of a larger number of de-culturalised and de-ethnicised Indians who have long learned to “ignore their normal ethnic considerations,” who have internalized the oppression, who now place themselves in the forefront of the vilification of Indians and who are elevated and celebrated as “model Indians.”

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Jagdeo condemns disruption of PPP/C meeting ...says Granger becoming desperate ahead of defeat

By Michael Younge

H

ours after Presidential Candidate for the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition, David Granger signed the Guyana Elections Commission’s Code of Conduct for Political Parties contesting the upcoming elections, his party supporters were responsible for disrupting a public meeting of the PPP/C at Warlock, East Ruimveldt on Wednesday night.

By signing the code, Granger gave his party’s commitment to condemning all forms of violence, attacks of aggression and inappropriate behaviour while campaigning ahead of the May 11 polls. He also committed to the non-destruc-

tion of campaign materials of other parties and non-intimidation of political opponents. But before the ink could have dried there was “war” in Warlock, as the coalition’s supporters, dressed in their APNU/AFC colours swooped down on the meeting and threw stones and broken bottles at Dr Roger Luncheon, Trade Unionist Gillian Burton-Persaud, and Odinga Lumumba.

The coalition’s supporters were documented as burning the PPP/C’s flag and other campaign material as they protested the holding of the meeting in their community. The PNC-led APNU/ AFC supporters were also documented hurling verbal and other slurs at those present at the meeting.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday told a news conference that

The politics of...

Having declared their shame of being Indian, they make it their duty to humiliate, vilify, denigrate, demonise Indians who, in their view, fit the bill of being “Indian supremacists.”

Silencing any Indian who entertains even the pretension of speaking about “ethnic honour,” “ethnic pride” etc., of Indian people is the preeminent duty of this class.

The hegemonist ideology goes like this. The Indians of Guyana, the vast majority of whom trace their origins to the lowest social strata in India, have inherited “bizarre ideologies of racist oppression,” which have been imported to Guyana and which have bedeviled ethnic relations from the very in-

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

the acts of the party’s supporters are indicative of the desperate levels to which the coalition had allowed itself to plummet because it was conscious of an overwhelming defeat looming at

from page 4

ception.

Indians are characterized by this group as triumphalist and clannish and one of their major crimes is to resist inter-racial marriage, which resistance, as one hegemonised convert contends, is routinely preached in (Hindu) temples.

The caricature continues. A huge defect in the Indian character is the “emphasis of wealth accumulation.” They want money, because “money is the essence of life,” and from Crabwood Creek to Charity they inhabit the biggest houses which they do not mind abandoning as they flee to North America, another crime.

But above all, the worst crime of the Indians in this

country is their “loyalty to the PPP,” for which no punishment is enough. Because Indians also choose to assert their “ethnic honour” in not abandoning the PPP, we are given an analysis of the “nature of the Indian psyche.”

We hear of the “lacerated psyche of the Guyanese Indians.” And, to cap it all, we are informed that, “the nature of the Hindu religion has had a traumatizing effect on the Indian psyche.”

The fallacy of equating Hindu and Indian does not dawn on this analyst.

As Maya Angelou puts it, these are “words armed for slaughter. Nothing more needs to be said.

Swami Aksharananda

the polls. “I would like the country to see how organised the thuggery is … why do you have to come to our meetings and stone people who speak at our meetings, it’s only an act of desperation that would cause you to do this,” Jagdeo explained before telling Guyanese that “we have to condemn this in the strongest term and we hope GECOM and the international observers are paying attention to this”.

Jagdeo said that these acts should not be seen in isolation as he pointed out instances where the PPP/C campaign material was damaged and other members stoned by supporters of the coalition in other stronghold communities. “We see this as desperation on the part of Mr Granger and the desperation is further compounded by the acts of thuggery and the acts of hooliganism that we see from

some of their supporters,” he alleged.

The former President believes strongly that the coalition’s Presidential Candidate is taking his supporters down a dangerous path, as he pointed to the rhetoric that Granger is using on the campaign trail which he said in itself is sending a clear message to Guyanese about what to expect after elections.

Jagdeo told the media that “over the past weeks, we have seen an increasing rhetoric again from the Opposition, particularly Mr Granger, that has no basis in fact and is far from the truth … Mr Granger has been saying things that would cause one to wonder if he is in his full senses”.

He said that Granger has also said that elections in the past were not rigged.

“He has made that declaration and he has gotten away with it, but he compounds this by going to their meeting at Golden Grove and he says there that from 1992 to now…all the elections have been rigged. So what he is effectively saying is not only did we rig the elections, but the Carter Centre, the Organisation of American States, the European Union, Caricom, Commonwealth: they have all conspired with the PPP….to declare every single one of these elections free and fair from 1992.”

“I can only conclude that he is preparing his supporters for what he sees as an inevitable defeat at the polls

on May 11 and he has already questioned the list itself…they are now saying that we have thousands of Venezuelans in the interior who will vote for us….and Brazilians and Chinese… they are saying that we are buying ID cards…all of these things are to hype up their support base …..”

Attacks on personalities

That aside, Jagdeo said that he has noted too the coalition’s resort to attacking personalities and leaders within the PPP/C as a means of scoring cheap political points and trying to generate controversy to win the elections. “Again, I wonder why? And then my conclusion is that they cannot deal with the issues of their track record, their most recent contradictory positions in Parliament, anti-national positions and their lack of vision for the future,” he said to media operatives at Freedom House on Thursday.

He added that the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News have been used as pawns to attack the Government, accusing them of “elevating rumours into facts”.

Using himself as an example, he pointed to the slew of advertisements in the Kaieteur News which are attempting to twist facts about his legacy and tenure in office ahead of the elections by citing a lack of accountability and transparency in several big projects.

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friday, may 1, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

APNU/AFC coalition finally launches manifesto T

he long-awaited manifesto of the People’s National Congress (PNC) led-A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition was launched and released on Thursday afternoon, days after it was allegedly leaked.

The launch of the manifesto was done at the Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown by Presidential Candidate David Granger and his running mate Moses Nagamootoo amid a sizeable gathering of party supporters and market vendors.

Governance

Taking the podium first, Nagamootoo told the crowd that the coalition had decided to have its launch at that location, since they wanted to engage the people, as the party was one for the people and the country. He stated that the underlining foundation of the manifesto was good and transparent governance which will be the

Presidential Candidate for the APNU+AFC, David Granger and his running mate Moses Nagamootoo having a look over their coalition 2015 Elections Manifesto

lead up to all other things.

“Today, at this public launch, you all want to know what this government will do for you. Well the first thing we have in store for you is the restoration of open and accountable governance, that is

what underlines this manifesto; the policies and the programmes which we will implement to where we can have the holding of local government elections… how to end discrimination, marginalisation and exploitation,” Nagamootoo said.

As Nagamootoo spoke, a group of Policemen undergoing training for the upcoming election passed, to which Nagamootoo used the opportunity to tell the ranks that they will be voting on Saturday and they must vote for the coalition

since they have a better life for them.

Meanwhile, Granger told the crowd of supporters that the APNU/AFC had six wars ahead which must be fought.

He said that the manifesto was the weapon which was formulated to fight the six wars destroying the country, which he described as poverty, disunity, crime, dictatorship, cronyism and corruption. “This is your manifesto, we will make Guyana a better place,” Granger told the crowd.

Meanwhile, a perusal of the manifesto by Guyana Times showed that it was not much different from the “leaked” one which was released last Thursday evening. It has placed emphasis on employment maximisation, inequality and poverty reduction; crime reduction and security, social and human development and economic diversification even as it plans to double the senior citizens’ pension and single parents’ public assistance as well as commission studies on the issues and causes of the alienation of young men and boys from the education system, engaging in crime and violence and risky behaviour among girls and boys to determine suitable solution based programmes.

Employment

According to the document released, the coalition was of the belief that the most effective way of alleviating poverty is by rapid growth alongside the provision of jobs at a living wage and creating opportunities for self employment.

As such, the coalition in its policy document said that it has an integrated employment strategy which will include stimulating the local and foreign investment by way of providing strategic infrastructure, targeted tax incentives an radically burdensome administrative procedures; pursuing options for attracting foreign investment through the diaspora among others; and creating special funds for specific disadvantaged areas and centres of excellence

devoted to building needed skills and for training in relation to small and medium sized enterprises among others.

The document said that an APNU/AFC government will manage the economy in such a way as to produce wider entrepreneurial and job opportunities and more equitable outcomes, so that the bulk of generated income and wealth accrues to the populace and not to a small section of the society.

It also states that they will award a 10 per cent increase on the total Public Sector Wage, Salaries and Emoluments Bill and thereafter consult with their unions on the method of allocation of increases on the age scales.

Crime and security

Noting that no country can develop if its citizens live in constant fear of criminal attack, the APNU/AFC said that it will develop a comprehensive public security plan which will include a specialised committee, to include national stakeholders and supported as appropriate by external agencies, which will seek to identify the main causes of violent crimes and escalating crimes in Guyana and the mechanisms which can be put in place for their prevention.

The coalition said too that it will ensure that a Constitutional Reform Programme geared towards improved governance and fair representation; the sustained improvement of crime prevention and the security environment; local Government reforms and the holding of Local Government Elections, creation of a long-term Economic Development Programme based on consultation and consensus; the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission and the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill; a comprehensive review of the taxation policies and the reorganisation of the education, health and sports sectors for better service and outcome are all implemented.

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friday, may 1, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar confident of military support ...reminds Canje residents of Opposition’s anti-Police stance

By Andrew Carmichael

P

resident Donald Ramotar has described the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition as anti-Police, and asserted that he was confident of the support of the Joint Services who will cast their ballots in this year’s elections on Saturday.

Speaking to close to 1500 persons at Adelphi, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) at a public meeting on Wednesday, the President said he was confident that the military would give his Administration its support when they went to the polls on Saturday. He said the Opposition has never given their support to the military.

“Every time the Police kill a criminal in defending themselves, the People’s National Congress and A Partnership for National

Unity come out and attack the Police. Never one day have they come out in support of the Police in their fight against crime. That is why on Saturday I believe that the Police and the Army will vote PPP (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) at the elections, because of the support we give them.”

He noted that his Administration has never used the military for political purposes. Ramotar referred to the Opposition coalition as not being serious and said the PPP/C was the party of change, because it has changed Guyana from being a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) to becoming a middle-income developing country.

Vindictiveness

The Head of State said that the parliamentary Opposition proved its vindictiveness when among the things they cut from the 2014 National Budget was funds for education. Those

President Donald Ramotar

budgetary cuts included the $10,000 per school child allocation which Government was able to put back into the budget. There was also a cut to the student loan fund.

These loans students do not have to repay until they are gainfully employed. “If we did not put it back in the budget, many students attending University could not have done so. So you see how

vindictive the Opposition is,” the President said while adding that the Opposition has a relationship with criminals in Guyana.

This, he said, is based on information coming out of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry and also from the fact that when the notorious Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins was killed in 2008, the weapon found on him was traced to being some of the weapons that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had given to the PNC. “Just look at their lawyers…

Who defend the drug lords in court? Who defend the same criminals when they kill people? The people who went and killed 11 people in Lusignan, who was the lawyer that defended them? It was Nigel Hughes.”

Ramotar noted that the accused got off on a technicality in that there was conflict of interest. “The Foreman of the jury was Nigel Hughes’s client for seven years and it was never revealed to the

court. It is the same Nigel Hughes, when they had the killing in Buxton that removed the video footage from there, maybe to tamper with the evidence. There are others too like James Bond and Basil Williams. Who are the biggest defenders of the drug lords and the criminal elements in our society?” He asked.

Speaking to his vocal supporters, Ramotar debunked criticisms of the PPP/C not

following the ideology of the late Cheddi Jagan and asked, “Would Cheddi oppose giving youths’ free exercise and textbooks? Would he be against giving you school uniforms, would he be against building a new hospital where you can have bypass surgery? Would he be against more money for this country? That is all that we are doing, following in the footsteps and in the dreams of the late Cheddi Jagan.”

8 NEWS

friday, may 1, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Thomas Street man guilty of assault Eyew tness A

four-year-old case came to an end on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when Magistrate Alex Moore found the founder of the Guyana Bird Society guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Gajendra Narine of Lot 290 Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to a charge which read that on July 9, 2011 in Light Street, Alberttown, he unlawfully assaulted Orlando Nandkumar causing him grievous bodily harm.

According to Police

Prosecutor Renata Benton, on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (VC) and the defendant got into a fight during which the defendant hit the VC to his jaw and fled the scene. The VC received injuries and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The matter was reported to the Alberttown Police station and the defendant was arrested some time later.

Testimonies were taken from the VC’s sisters who stated that they had found him face down on the ground and related to the court the defendant’s personal malice with the

family.

In a testimony to the court, the defendant told the court that on the day of the incident he was verbally abused by the young man while leaving the premise of his organisation but did not respond to him, choosing to complain to his father instead. He said that some time later while he was on the road, he saw the young man unconscious on the road but ignored him as he had noted that he was under the influence of alcohol earlier.

In the end, Magistrate Moore noted several inconsistencies in the testimonies as the sisters claimed

that they had found him face down while the VC related that he had woken up face up. The fact that there was no medical tendered also raised several questions as the VC testified to being hit from behind while his injuries extend from his jaw to his nose.

The Magistrate then highlighted the fact that the defendant was annoyed with the complainant earlier, giving him reason to want to hit him.

The Magistrate then found the defendant guilty of the charges and ordered him to pay the VC $500,000 compensation or face two years imprisonment.

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...of the General

hen the PNC fell into Desmond Hoyte’s lap with the unexpected death of Burnham, he was in a precarious position. He wasn’t one of the real PNC types who’d earned his stripes in the street battles of the 1960s. Like Hamilton Green...the archetypical PNC thug.

He wasn’t even one like Granger, created by Burnham to execute his vision of a “disciplined” Guyana.

Green felt he ought to be in Hoyte’s position - since he’d served the Kabaka so well. But you know the old saying: “It takes one to know one”? Burnham knew Green was reeking with ambition - and made sure he wasn’t next in line.

He was too popular with the lumpen elements and could get ideas! His trusted confidante Ptolemy Reid didn’t want the job so Burnham picked Hoyte who’d long laboured as a faceless apparatchiki.

Anyhow, with no broad-based following, what did Hoyte do? Weeded out anyone who had a following or a base to oust him.

He banished Burnhamites like Mc David, squeezed out thugs like Green by playing them off younger ones like Corbin, bypassed army head David Granger for the less threatening Joe Singh, and then brought young’uns from the outside like Raphael Trotman. He rebuilt the PNC - soon to become PNCR - as an instrument he could control.

So, for instance he could peremptorily expel the young General Secretary Aubrey Norton because he was “my creature”. And he wasn’t talking about Aubrey’s looks!

So why this long detour into Hoyte’s history? Well just to provide a basis of comparison for what David Granger’s doing with the PNC - now transmuted as APNU. Have you looked at the pictures of the PNC/APNU MPsto-be? Can you see any real PNCites among the about-tobe-creatures? Not in this life, dears! All you’re seeing are those who’ll be eager to please their benefactor, Granger.

But you may say...hey! what about the PNCites behind the scene?? Really?? Who and where are they? Norton??

Vanessa in dreamland? No. Behind the scenes are the real fellas (no women, please) who’ll be calling the shots. The army chain of command with their police auxiliaries like Winston Felix.

You’ve heard of some political leaders with their “kitchen cabinets”? Their confidants who meet informally to make policy? With Granger, it’ll be a “war room”. Granger has the messianic fire of finally realizing Burnham’s vision for a militarised Guyana. You didn’t see Burnham with his “Four-star General” uniform??

The people are to be “moulded” to do as they’re ordered. Forewarned is forearmed.

Citizens have a chance to head off this threat on May 11.

...of Thunderbolt

Sase Haresh Singh (aka “Thunderbolt” - as in the flour he reportedly pilfered when at the National Flour Mill) seems to have finally emerged from the embrace of Asquith Rose.

He’s started to write under his own name.

This means from his basement in the Bronx, he thinks his pals Nagamootoo and Ramjattan will have something to hand him after May 11. Sure!! There will be plenty of Larwah...to quote Pressie!

Anyhow, in his recent missive, trying to extricate Granger’s foot from his mouth on his threat to close the sugar industry - Thunderbolt refers to Moses Nagamootoo as the PNC-led APNU/SFC coalition’s “Prime Ministerial candidate and presumptive Minister of Agriculture”!! The only question this Eyewitness has is, “Did anybody tell Granger??”

What a fool’s paradise fellas like Thunderbolt live in as they dream of climbing out of their basements to live high off the hog in Guyana IF their pals sidle into office.

The obvious self deception would’ve been harmless.

Save in Guyana, the PNC/APNU troops dole out consign beatings when the inevitable disappointment kicks in.

...haul yuh ass

We do wish that Khemraj Ramjattan wouldn’t abase himself to the extent that he has up to now. Water boy??

What price ambition?

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10 news GDF Officer Cadet heading to West Point friday, may 1, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Officers of the GDF, local US Embassy Senior Defence Official, Lieutenant Commander Robert Novotny, and Officer Candidate Britany Van Lange and members of her family pose for a photo

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Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officer Cadet was last week presented with a certificate of appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Officer Candidate Britany Van Lange, of Georgetown, received her appointment from local US Embassy Senior Defence Official, Lieutenant Commander Robert Novotny. Van Lange will join her older brother Errol,

who is currently enrolled at West Point in the Class of 2016.

The ceremony, which was held at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri was presided over by the GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips. He remarked that he and many of his officers and enlisted ranks have benefited from training in the United States over the years, but an appointment to West Point is “at the top of the list”.

The United States Military Academy serves to prepare students, known as the Corps of Cadets, for service in the United States Army. The mission of West Point is to educate, train and inspire the Corps so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character, committed to the values of duty, honour, and country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to their nation. West Point provides a superb four-year

education which focuses on the leadership development of the Corps of Cadets, all underwritten by adherence to a code of honour.

Ethical and moral development are emphasised as is selfless service to one’s country. The academic programme grants a Bachelor of Science degree with a curriculum that grades cadets’ performance upon a broad academic programme, military leadership performance, and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. Cadets are required to adhere to the Cadet Honour Code, which states that “a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do”.

As West Point is universally regarded as one of the finest universities in the United States, selection for admission is incredibly difficult, as each year only 1200 of over 13,000 applicants are offered appointments to join the incoming class, an acceptance rate of just nine per cent. West Point alumni include two Presidents of the United States, Presidents of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and The Philippines, numerous famous generals, and 75 Medal of Honour recipients.

Ex-cop gets 10 years for gun, ammo possession

Jarrel Huntley was found guilty of illegal gun possession

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former Special Branch Officer was on Thursday found guilty of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

Twenty-seven-yearold Jarrel Huntley of 140 Lamaha Springs, Greater Georgetown first appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on March 12, 2014 after being apprehended on March 11, 2014 at Barrack and Camp Streets for having a 9 mm Glock Safe Action Pistol and 14 live rounds of corresponding ammunition in his possession.

Huntley was found guilty of using the weapon on March 11 to threaten his business partner,

Surendra Etwaroo. On the day in questioned, he called Etwaroo and threatened to harm his family over a money issue.

Huntley was arrested outside the Special Branch Headquarters after the unlicensed firearm was found in his possession.

Defence Attorney Bernard Da Silva claimed that the firearm found on his client was a toy gun.

However, the prosecution, lead by Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt, was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that this was not the case.

The defendant will spend five years in jail for the unlicensed firearm charge and another five for the possession of the ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently.

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Guyana Business Coalition elects new board on cancer, diabetes, mental health and other issues.

French stated that the successful strategies used in the HIV prevention programmes would be adapted where applicable. She closed by reminding of the importance of partnerships in achieving prevention. Representatives from leading business entities like GT&T, Continental Group of Companies, Sterling Products, Scotiabank, Banks DIH, John Fernandes Ltd, Farfan and Mendes, GNSC, Cara Lodge, Citizen’s Bank and NAMILCO. The Ministry of Labour Human Services and Social Security were also present. Regional/international organisations represented were PANCAP, United Nations Development Programme, UNAIDS,

– launches new name, mandate

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he Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDs (GBCHA) on Wednesday announced its new name and expanded mandate to members and partners at Cara Lodge just before its Annual General Meeting to elect a new Board of Directors.

The organisation has been renamed Guyana Business Coalition on Health Awareness in keeping with its expanded mandate which sought to maintain the Coalition’s relevance to society’s needs. Outgoing Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Ruth Autar, stated that the formal re-launch came after over two years of implementing programmes on domestic violence, gender issues and other issues besides HIV/AIDS. She noted that the newly-launched Guyana Business Coalition on Health Awareness was also due to the groundwork laid by various entities over the years which included United States Agency for International Development (USAID); HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention Project (GHARP I); US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); and founder members of GBCHA like Scotiabank, GT&T, John Fernandes Ltd and Denmor Garment Manufacturers.

She singled out individuals like Derrick Cummings and Sylvia Delafield along with others who made lasting contributions to the GBCHA.

Members of the GBCHA Board of Directors

Autar added that the launch and other successes of GBCHA were testimony to the commitment and versatility of members of the business community. The mission of the organisation is to mobilise the business sector in their response to HIV/AIDS and health awareness by coordinating technical assistance and support.

Derrick Cummings, Permanent Secretary of the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, in his remarks congratulated the GBCHA for its efforts. He stated that the Ministry has worked to support the Private Sector in its initiatives.

Cummings, former advisor to the Private Sector Advisory Board, which was a precursor to the Guyana Business

Coalition on HIV/AIDS, reflected on the roles played by former US Ambassador to Guyana Ronald Bullen; former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy; the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS); and former Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) workplace HIV programme, Sean Wilson, in getting the business sector involved in HIV prevention.

He stressed the importance of such public-private partnerships and highlighted the impact made in the reduction of HIV-related stigma and discrimination and other successes in Guyana.

Effectiveness

Also present at the event was Deputy Chief of Mission

(acting) of the US Embassy, Peter Anthes. He encouraged the gathering to maintain the momentum gained in fighting HIV while focusing resources on the “right thing, in the right place and at the right time” in other to achieve an AIDS free generation. Anthes commended the GBCHA for reaching the milestone and the work done on HIV and other issues like gender based violence.

GBCHA Executive Director Suzanne French reminded the gathering that work would continue with the Ministries of Health and Human Services and Social Security, Help and Shelter and other organisations to address domestic violence, changing gender roles and norms, and raise awareness

US Peace Corps, IOM and Cicatelli Associates Incorporated.

The new Board of Directors to serve for 20152016 is chaired by Donna Roberts-Benjamin of John Fernandes Ltd. The Chairperson will be supported by eight other elected directors namely, Chaitnarine Brijnandan, Continental Group of Companies; Ruth Autar, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd; Andrew Astwood, Guyana National Shipping Company Limited (GNSC); Parvesh Bhola, National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO); Yvette Fiedtkou, Sterling Products Limited; Jennifer Cipriani, Scotiabank; Onecia Johnson, Citizens Bank and Troy Peters, Banks DIH.

$99.5M approved for GECOM to get radios

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s the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) gears up to host the May 11 General and Regional Elections, Cabinet has approved the supply of radios for usage during the elections period.

According to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, $99.5 million was approved by Cabinet for the procurement of highfrequency radio sets.

In addition, the Agriculture Sector saw a contract for $199.999 million being approved for the supply of fuel

and lubricants for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority. Meanwhile, some $83.7 million was approved for the Education Sector.

This will be used to purchase laptops for the Guyana Improving Teacher Education Programme (GIPTE).

Furthermore, Cabinet granted its blessings for the supply and delivery of motor control centres as part of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) 60-cycle upgrade at the Shelter Belt.

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friday, may 1, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Baishanlin says deeply concerned Man lands in jail for damaging car windshield about media attacks

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he management of Baishanlin International Forest Development said it is deeply concerned about what it deemed as “misrepresentations and false reports” being carried out on the company by some sections of the media.

The firm singled out Kaieteur News for “leading this campaign with reports that are erroneous in nature, which fail to highlight, even in a single instance, where the company itself has broken any law or regulation”.

According to the firm, in an April 30 report in the Kaieteur News captioned “ Baishanlin delays US$70M wood processing factory for gold, housing, logging”, the newspapers states; Baishanlin was reportedly approved US$70 million to invest in a wood processing

plant just off the Linden area.

Instead, it diverted the money to logging, gold and housing activities. Baishanlin is a privately owned company that does not receive capital from the Government of Guyana. The newspaper’s use of the word “reportedly” seems adequate enough for them to justify printing unsubstantiated information that can only be geared more towards sensationalism, and less towards keeping the public informed. A closer look at many of these articles shows that they are based on hearsay and reckless speculation.

Wood Processing Plant The company said it has indeed suffered major setbacks in completing its state-of-the-art wood processing facility that will create hundreds of jobs for Guyanese. “These setbacks

directly relate to lack of adequate funding from its financiers, who, since last year when these sustained attacks began, became concerned about the soundness of investing further in what appeared to be a hostile environment.”

According to Baishanlin, public record shows that Guyana is felling significantly less trees than is allowed under agreements the country has with international partners. As it relates to the company’s operations, Baishanlin has consistently remained well within the law/regulations governing the forestry sector. Kaieteur News has again failed to point out exactly where and when the company breached these regulations regarding its logging operations, but has chosen instead to make grand statements implying massive de-

forestation and illegal exports are being carried out. “This is clearly a patent falsehood.”

The company added that under regulations governing the mining sector, only Guyanese can participate in auctions and bid for mining lands. Chu Hongbo is a naturalised Guyanese. The law, therefore, allows him to bid for mining lands, which he has done, and paid for. These auctions were held publicly with full participation of the media. “Baishanlin is deeply disturbed by the implication that Chinese acquiring Guyanese citizenship should be treated differently under the law.

Baishanlin will continue to engage communities, particularly those in which it has a presence and remains committed to further strengthening relationships with all stakeholders.”

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man was on Wednesday sentenced to two weeks in prison after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a charge of unlawful damage to property.

Odelli Grant pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on April 26, at Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he unlawfully damaged one motor car windshield; the property of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Cleveland Ogle. The man who claims to be unemployed remained silent and verbally unresponsive during court choosing to answer using gestures instead.

According to Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonzales, on the day in question, the man went to his mother-inlaw’s house and asked her to open the front door so he could enter the premises.

The woman refused so he ventured to the back of the said car and started hurling bricks at the house. It is reported that one of the bricks hit the windshield, damaging it. The matter was reported to the Police and the defendant was soon after arrested and charged with the offence. The Magistrate sentenced him to two weeks in prison along with a $30,000 fine. Magistrate SewnarineBeharry also ordered the man to compensate the VC for the damages incurred.

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friday, may 1, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Executed Agricola man linked to $42M Post Office heist

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ays after Gladstone George, 32, of Brutus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara was killed execution style while in a minibus, the Guyana Police Force on Thursday confirmed that he was linked to the $42 million Bourda Post Office heist.

The robbery took place on April 1 at the hands of at least three armed men, who hijacked a Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) bus that was carrying money for Old Age Pensioners at the time. Based on reports, the men, armed with firearms, held up a Police escort, Andre July, and the driver of the motor vehicle, Darwin Hinds, outside the Post Office in Regent Street, Bourda.

The perpetrators took away the Policeman’s service G3 Rifle with 20 rounds and then entered the vehicle and forced the driver to drive,

with the Police rank inside.

The men abandoned the vehicle along Cemetery Road, Georgetown, but not before taking the money that was in the vehicle ($42,522,000 to be precise), along with the Policeman’s firearm.

Stravo Evans, 31, of Lot 169 Middle Road, Georgetown, was arraigned for the robbery and was remanded to prison. He was slapped with several charges of robbery, as well as restraining and abducting Hinds and July.

A Police source told the Guyana Times they had continued their investigation into the robbery and had questioned several persons.

It was after the shooting incident that the Police received information that the George was one of the men who committed the robbery.

The source stated that based on investigations, the man would have taken

a large sum of money from the heist and disappeared, though, from all indications, he was being monitored by his accomplices.

On the night he was killed, George was reportedly sitting at the back of the bus which was stuck in traffic as a result of a fire at Eccles, when the gunman came up, fired two shots at him and made off on a motorcycle.

The now dead man was the clear target since there was no attempt by the gunman to harm anyone else.

George was rushed to the Georgetown Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Relatives of the dead man remained tight-lipped about the shooting and claimed that they were not aware that the now dead man had returned from Suriname where he lived for some time.

Prison Officers charged for smuggling contraband into Georgetown Prison

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Prison Officer will be a prisoner in what was once his place of work after being charged for smuggling an assortment of contraband into the Camp Street Prison.

The man was brought before Magistrate Judy Latchman, with another colleague, on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to two charges that have been laid against them.

Prison Officer Fedroy

Nicholson, who is 27-yearold, was charged with smuggling two packets of cigarettes into the prison on April 28, while 47-year-old Prison Officer Claudette Osborn is accused of smuggling 110 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) on the same day.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges that were levied against them.

The men were represented by the same Attorney. He told the court that his cli-

ents were searched by Police Officers and no such contraband was found on their persons.

However, Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick challenged this, saying that Osborn was caught with the illicit drugs and cigarettes in his shoes and pockets.

Due to this technicality, Nicholson was released on $70,000 bail while Osbourne was remanded to jail. The men are expected back in court on May 18.

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APNU/AFC launches project to get unofficial elections results fast ... move can create confusion – Jagdeo

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he People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition has launched a public service initiative to help the general public access unofficial elections results in a timely manner.

Project GPS has two phases, the coalition said in a release. Phase One is the GPS mapping of all the Polling Booth locations for the May 11 General and Regional Elections. Phase Two is the submission of photographs of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) on election

night. Members of the public are asked to submit the GPS locations and photos of polling stations nationwide using their smartphones via WhatsApp to mobile number 602-7021.

On election night members of the public are asked to take a photo of the SOP after it is posted outside the polling station and send the same to the same number or upload to their social media accounts using the hashtag #guyanadecides. According to the coalition, all the SOPs will be collated and posted on the Internet for everyone countrywide and over-

seas to see unofficial results.

The website on which the results will be posted will be announced later.

However, in an invited comment former President Bharrat Jagdeo said that such a move can create confusion in the country. Jagdeo said that with this project persons can post false statement of polls which can lead to false results thus misleading the nation.

He is insisting that only GECOM should be allowed to issue statement of polls.

He is therefore urging the coalition to rethink the project.

3 Cuban nationals fined for forgery

sentence each if they are unable to pay the fines.

Benitez, Pompa and Torres posted bail Thursday afternoon and left Guyana the same day.

Accused: Osdani Perez Benitez (left) and Oliva Pompa

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hree Cuban nationals were on Thursday fined $100,000 each when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for forging their passports.

The accused men – Osdani Perez Benitez, Oliva Pompa and Yenier Pypo Torres – pleaded guilty before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry when the charges were read to them.

Benitez admitted before the Chief Magistrate to the charge of forging Guyanese immigration passport stamps on April 24 on page 13 of his fake United States (US) passport (number 207733001) purporting to say that it was done at the Central Immigration Passport Office in Guyana.

He said he had done “nothing wrong” but admitted he had a made a mistake by being human and succumbing to the temptation of going to the US by obtaining the passports under false pretences.

Torres pleaded guilty to the charge that page nine of his US passport (number 112851701) had been forged with the intention of defrauding when giving the impression that it had been issued by the Central Immigration Passport Office.

The 36-year-old told the court that it had been a mistake to buy the passports, stating that he simply “wanted to go home” and would never do such a thing again.

Pompa too pleaded guilty to buying the forged passports. The charge that was read to him was that he had

forged two Guyanese immigration stamps – 4765 and 41429 – and passed them off as those issued by Guyana’s Central Immigration Office as well.

The father of two told the court that he was quite sorry that he did it. He explained that the opportunity presented itself and they simply took it. He said that he has never been in such trouble with the law and asked the court to give them a pass so they can go home.

Their Attorney Paul FungA-Fat also pleaded with the court to give the men leniency. He asked the court not to incarcerate the men as they would not last in Guyana’s prison system, having been attacked by prisoners earlier that day in the holding cell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Attorney Fung-A-Fat told the court that his clients made a mistake in buying forged passports and that is their only crime. He said that they are men of repute, explaining that Torres works as a Disc Jockey in Havana and has two children and a wife.

Pompa is divorced but his children also expect him back home. He stated that Pompa works as a Sports Teacher, while Benitez is a qualified Computer Engineer.

Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry listened to the men’s pleas with that of their attorney and made a decision to fine them $100,000 each for the charges that were levied against them. She stated that the men will face a six-month

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PPP/C urges public servants to vote for progress in sector A s Labour Day is being observed today, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is calling on persons to vote for progress in the Public Sector at the upcoming May 11 General and Regional Elections.

The PPP/C said it saluted the workers of Guyana on the occasion of International Workers’ Day or what is commonly referred to as Labour Day, which is observed on May 1.

“This is a good time to reflect on how far we have advanced in Guyana especially in terms of gains made by the PPP/C Administration both at the legislative level and in terms of the implementation of programmes and policies to protect workers against exploitation, unfair wages and to bring about improvements to their living and working conditions.”

The PPP/C is proud of its record as a pro-labour party which has over the decades defended the rights of

workers not only in Guyana but throughout the world.

It was the PPP/C which enacted the Trade Union Recognition Bill and the National Minimum Wage Bill, both of which are landmark pieces of legislation to protect the rights of workers.

Regrettably, in Guyana, today the labour movement is fragmented by opportunistic elements who, under the guise of representing the cause of workers, are aligning themselves with the very forces that were responsible for the pauperisation of the working class during the period of People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorial and anti-working class rule.

At the global level, despite advances in science and technology and the consequential increases in labour productivity, the gap in living standards between the rich and the poor continues to widen.

This is particularly evident in some of the more advanced capitalist countries,

including the United States and Western Europe.

Millions of workers are finding it difficult to make ends meet not to mention the millions more who cannot find work and who are

unemployed and forced to live on handouts.

The PPP/C takes this opportunity to call on the workers of Guyana to be on guard against those who would make all manner of unreal-

istic promises especially at this time when Guyanese will go to the polls on May 11 to elect a government of their choice.

The PPP/C wishes to reaffirm its commitment to

a strong, stable and secure Guyana, one in which the working people would be the major beneficiary in the economic and social gains made by the collective efforts of the Guyanese people.

FITUG lauds public servants’ drive against challenges

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n this Labour Day message, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) said with heightened activities in the homestretch leg of the elections campaign, the day most of the world sets aside to recognise and to celebrate as Workers Day is at hand.

In Guyana, the observance of Labour Day goes back to colonial days. Our early labour leaders understood and promoted the observance of Labour Day and all that it meant and symbolised for the country’s

working-class.

Veteran Labour Advocate, Senior Counsel Ashton Chase recalls that the British Guiana Labour Union and its indomitable leader, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow ushered in May Day celebrations around 1930. There were parades and rallies from the Bourda Green to the Parade Ground.

He noted that the colony’s merchants and upper echelons seemed to regard the annual workers’ celebration rituals as a distraction.

The Trades Union Council (TUC) after 1944

clamoured to take over the celebration from the Labour Union and eventually succeeded by the mid-fifties.

Thus in February 1958, the Legislative Council approved an amendment to a Motion by Mr Rupert Tello that Labour Day be declared a national public holiday.

Today, 57 years on, FITUG, the largest organised representative grouping of the nation’s workers, is pleased to continue in that tradition of observing this International Workers Day. “As we celebrate May Day 2015, FITUG recognises the need for increased efforts to protect workers’ rights and gains; for improved FITUG-TUC collaboration where our members’ interests coincide; for wage increases to be always above inflation rates; for a review of the tax regime to make it fair and less burdensome for workers; for the NIS to settle valid claims speedily; for increases in the NIS, National Old Age pensions and Public Assistance.

While these goals are not exhaustive, we must also recognise the accomplishments beneficial to workers in recent years and upon which we seek to build.”

FITUG acknowledges too that worker-friendly legislation will be necessary to move forward as well as the support from employers in both the Private Sector and Public Service.

This May Day finds our nation in the throes of vigorous campaigning for the National and Regional

Elections scheduled for May 11. FITUG advises its thousands of members to reflect seriously before making their choice of one political party or the other. The party’s track record in promoting workers’ interests and commitment to our country’s development could guide us in making that choice in the upcoming elections which we expect to be free, fair, transparent and peaceful.

“Our future of continuing stability and progress is once again in our hands.

Comrade workers, we urge you to choose well on May 11.

“FITUG takes this opportunity to express warm May Day greetings to all Guyanese. In the challenges ahead nationally and on international issues also, let us not forget the value of unity in our efforts to score greater achievements.

“Considerations must include the track record of any group with respect to genuine respect to workers’ concerns even within budgetary limitations when they were in office? Which group now offers credible, realistic policies they are likely to keep, in terms of labour policy and wages and working conditions, inclusive of worker education? Can you afford to take a change with the untested against the tried and tested?

“FITUG knows that these are crucial long-term decisions. May the first of May inform your workers’ wisdom.”

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Bagotville woman hacked to death during domestic dispute A

mother of one was on Thursday evening stabbed to death by her husband during a row at their home at Bagotville, West Bank Demerara.

The woman has been identified as Donessa Joyce-Barker, 28.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the couple had been married for more than a year, but had been experiencing marital issues.

The suspect, Allan Barker,

would frequently accuse her of being unfaithful, causing them to separate a few times.

On Thursday night, the couple were heard arguing followed by a scuffle. After some time, Barker left the home, but returned only to find the door locked.

He reportedly got annoyed, jumped through the bedroom window, collected a knife from the kitchen and stabbed the woman several times.

Neighbours ran to the woman’s rescue, but it was too late. She was picked up and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect had fled the scene with the murder weapon. JoyceBarker was reportedly burnt by Barker resulting in her being hospitalised.

A relative told the Guyana Times that the woman would nor-

mally defend her husband whenever a report was made to the Police.

“Every time she get beat, she always say that she doesn’t want to continue with the matter... he does beat she bad and always accuse her of cheating on him”, the relative stated.

The Police have launched an investigation into the matter. The woman’s body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home.

Donessa Joyce-Barker

Family healthcare given priority with Medicine Programme O n Wednesday, the Health Ministry in collaboration with the University of Ottawa and the University of Guyana (UG) launched the Family Medicine Training Programme at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.

This programme involves training several health professionals from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a variety of medicine that would be needed by families.

Ruth Derkene, a Physician from the University of Ottawa told Guyana Times that the programme was established with the intention of having doctors in Guyana specialise in family medicine. She stated that the area of family medicine “needs additional skills” other than the standard training of doctors. Thus the programme aims to train the doctors in this specialised field of medicine.

The programme started a few days ago and is expected to last for three years. Duneikmene stated that the curriculum for the programme was designed by a throng of doctors from Guyana, particularly in the fields that are of concern to Guyanese, such as malaria and chronic diseases.

Feedback for the curricu-

lum have also been gauged from Caribbean doctors who have specified as family physicians in Trinidad and Jamaica.

Derkene said that it has been a long process of development as a team from Canada has also worked on the evaluation of the curriculum to ensure that it corroborates with internationally recognised principles of medicine but, Derkene stat-

Canadian Derkene

Physician

Ruth

ed that the “needs of people of Guyana” are always on the front burner.

The physician further explained that the UG has become a part of the programme as it will be assisting the doctors with gaining their masters in family medicine. She stated that

the university will accrediting the programme thus enabling the six doctors to be officially qualified for their training.

The Georgetown Public Hospital will be assisting as most of the doctors have come from health centres attached to the public hospital. Derkene said that these doctors are just a pilot initiative, as the programme is expected to involve the length and breadth of Guyana in years to come.

The Health Ministry as well as the GPHC was thanked for their involvement in providing the funds necessary to make the program possible. It was announced that the Canadian embassy had also held a fundraiser where an estimated $4 million was raised to assist with further expenses the programme may accrue. Air Jamaica has also played a major part in providing tickets to the specialists from the University of Ottawa to come to Guyana to train the six doctors for weeks or months during the three-year period.

The six doctors who will be part of the Family Medicine Training Programme are Krystle Fraser from GPHC’s Obstetric Department, Tamica Daniel Williams from the Enmore Polyclinic, Cathrine Persaud from the Psychiatric Department of

GPHC, Baishan Kuarlall from the Kitty Health Centre, Kampta Prashad who is the Director of the Campbellville Health Centre and Indira Bhoj from GPHC’s Diabetic Department.

Dr Madan Rambarran was appropriately applauded as facilitating the programme with the needed space and tools needed for

it to be a success. He stated that the doctors once trained will be a great addition as teachers to expand this area of medicine in Guyana.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Shamdeo Persaud said that health care in Guyana has improved tremendously and with such continued programmes he said that

such growth will continue. However, he noted that Guyana still has a long way to go, stating that malaria and worm infestation is still a problem in Guyana.

Thus he stated that the health system have to be willing to open its doors to areas of experiment and research to contribute to the growth that has been seen recently.

20 NEWS

Friday, may 1, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Jagdeo pours cold water on coalition’s manifesto

F

ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo has accused the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition of pinching portions of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) policies to formulate its manifesto, a developmental plan, which he said still contains vague promises and lacks imagination.

Jagdeo made the comments around the same time the coalition launched its 46-page manifesto at the Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown on Thursday afternoon. Portions of the said manifesto, the coalition said, were prematurely circulated last Thursday.

Government had since then begun criticising the APNU/ AFC’s proposal and promises.

At a press briefing on Thursday, and with a copy of the coalition’s official manifesto before him, Jagdeo argued that almost 75 per cent of the policies contained in the booklet were lifted from various documents that the PPP has already produced and published. And while

the coalition had pulled its “leaked” manifesto and made some noticeable restructuring, the former Head of State said that it still could not address the fundamental issues.

The PPP/C had pointed out that some of the coalition’s policies were not only contradictory, but were destined to “bankrupt the country”. “Because for you to spend money, you also have to create revenue streams. You have to create wealth before you expend it. If you do not identify sources of creation of national wealth and you keep spending more, you are taking the country back to the 80s – a period of difficulties,” Jagdeo told a press briefing at the Party’s Robb Street headquarters.

Debt

while some specific promises were not connected to any strategy. “It does not offer how they are going to finance those promises and that can only lead to failure,” he said Examining portions of the proposal, Jagdeo said

Former Jagdeo

President

Bharrat

He continued, “Because you will have to find a way of financing the expenditure and the only way you can do it is by debt. If you accumulate more debt, you are taking the country backward,” the former President said.

He said the manifesto lacked imagination, was filled with empty promises,

he was pleased with a photograph the coalition has used to depict its plans for the Amerindian community. The picture showed a group of primary school children, fully clad in uniform and standing in front of a spanking new school building.

“Isn’t this a wonderful picture, with these bright

to better service Guyanese public servants.

Notwithstanding the glaring and deliberate antiworking class environment, he said, Public Servants prevailed in a matured and patriotic manner, professionally providing quality public

services in the peoples’ interest and ultimately pursuing national development to the best of their ability.

This included the delivery of health care, education, agricultural development, infrastructural development, aviation, security, revenue

young Amerindian faces lining up with school uniforms and a new school behind them?”

He said it was testimony of what has happened under the PPP/C from the days when there were no secondary education and scholarship in the Amerindian communities.

He questioned the thoughtlessness of the APNU/AFC in its promise to develop a hinterland and depressed area fund for the Amerindian community. Jagdeo said the plan was an insult to the Amerindian people, after they (the combined parliamentary Opposition) had cut some $4.5 billion from the Amerindian development fund and from the community development plan.

“This money that we got through the Norwegian agreement was supposed to go to fund the village development plan that each of those villages had come up with by themselves. They cut that money from the budget and are now promising to develop a fund. We already have a fund. We have a huge programme for community development plan.

We have set aside large sums of money for their development. It is an insult to Amerindian people.”

Jagdeo examined the housing proposal offered by the coalition in which it is promising a house rental initiative. “In this day and age, when our aim is to ensure that every Guyanese can own their own home, their biggest promise is a house rental initiative.

It is shameful, absolutely shameful.”

Jagdeo said the party, still bent in the policies of the PNC, still believed that people should live in rented homes. He said his Party believed otherwise. “We believe people should own their own things. It is an old philosophy of the PNC, that you don’t create personal wealth. People should not accumulate things; they must spend everything on rental.”

Under youth development, the coalition has promised to establish a National Youth Council.

But Jagdeo said as far as his memory serves him, there is already a National Youth Council (NYC).

Contained in the manifesto are also plans to de-

velop and implement a plan for “universalising technical and vocational training”. But Jagdeo said that his government has already upgraded the technical programme in Linden, one in Essequibo, one in West Demerara, one in Region Five and another in Region Six.“We are already doing this. And we have already promised through various programmes, not to take kids and send them in the interior, but at least 8000 youngsters would be trained in Technical Vocation programmes, students who are school dropouts that are not part of the tech voc programme.”

Jagdeo said it was unreal that the coalition was now seeking to put its all into the same investments that it had failed to support in the 10th Parliament.

“Isn’t it amazing that they are now proposing to build the Brazil road, the deepwater harbour, to do the hydro and national airstrip? I can show you that it is lifted. The entire section on infrastructure is almost lifted sometimes word for word from some of the things we had proposed,” the former President said.

myth. In fact, everything was achieved under an aura of disappointment and fragmentation, as well as, undue distractions and distortions that decent and law-abiding people should not have had to consider.

“When considering the foregoing, I proudly salute the traditional public service workforce for their forbearance and commitment fully conscious of the great personal sacrifice being experienced, particularly our women faced with ongoing outrageous experiences and young workers challenged with demoralising employment opportunities and an unsure future,” Yarde said.

“Following May Day 2015, on the eagerly-anticipated 11 May 2015, all of Guyana will have another opportunity to determine its choice of governance at the National and Regional Elections. On this occasion, I would wish that there is the fullest participation of the Guyanese electorate in a peaceful and law-abiding manner, consciously contributing to credible, free and fair elections, with such legitimacy that it would have a resounding acceptance by all. These elections should commence and culminate with trust and, thereafter, there should be a process for the creation of harmony, credible institutions, good governance, comfort, security and prevailing will and spirit of the

people to look to the future with expectations and confidence that their dreams of peace, comfort and happiness would be fulfilled and in the best interest of the nation.

“The GPSU, with this expectation in mind, has consciously pursued being a domestic observer in this process and has chosen to make this sacrifice, even with its limited and scarce financial resources, to assist in the validation and credibility of the processes of this most invaluable national event, in the interest of the people of Guyana. The involvement also considered the perseverance and protection of the legacy of the forefathers of the Union, whose struggles were in the interest of the enhancement of workers’ rights and quality provisions for the protection and welfare of their families, which ultimately encapsulates the goals and objectives of the GPSU, which is to protect, preserve and in that process improve, appropriately,” Yarde said.

“It is, therefore, in this spirit and with this expectation that I extend Labour Day greetings to all members of the Guyana Public Service Union, all workers of Guyana, the Caribbean and worldwide. Let us together pledge and proceed to take action in the interest of and for the betterment of all mankind.”

GPSU hails public service for success in face of challenges

G

uyana Public Service Union (GPSU) President Patrick Yarde said that this Labour Day was a time for serious reflection and reassessment of the Union’s performance, while designing a course forward for the next decade

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

collection, environmental protection, beneficial use of natural resources, housing development, the provision of pure water supplies and adequate electrification, among other services.

All this was done while being constrained by incompetent, corrupt and insensitive elements, who were strategically placed to obstruct the legitimate and conscientious efforts of the public service workforce, consistently denying workers their rights, which were associated with sound and established principles in full recognition of human rights, justice and fair play.

In the absence of good governance, credible institutions and a civil society willing to stand up and assert itself, national unity remained fragmented and countrywide harmony seemed a very distant

News

YELLOW PAGES

Insurance company re-establishes operations in Guyana

friday, may 1, 2015

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21

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 226-9921

T

he New India Assurance Company (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited, a renowned global insurance firm, has re-established operations in Guyana after exiting the market sometime in the 1970’s due to the economical constraints of the country at that time.

At an auspicious inaugural ceremony at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday, the insurance firm officially announced its intention of re-entering the market and the opening of its new branch office at 58 B Brickdam, Georgetown, which will offer the Guyanese public accident and liability insurance, motor vehicle insurance, fire insurance and general insurance.

Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga during his address outlined the tedious process the international firm had to endure to obtain a licence to operate in Guyana. “During the course of last year, management of the company approached the Bank of Guyana and indicated their interest to enter the Guyanese market. It declared its intention to provide services that will further enhance the capacity of the insurance sector towards the financial security, investors’ confidence and economical growth of the country… the company subsequently applied to the Bank of Guyana on December 10, 2014 for a licence to operate a branch office in Guyana,” Ganga stated.

He explained that the application and supporting documents were in accordance with the Laws of Guyana and the company met the requirements, with a thorough assessment proving the firm was eligible for registration. Also, taking into consideration the need for such a company on the local market and its benefits towards the economy, the Bank of Guyana granted permission

for the company to operate a branch in Guyana with effect from April 27.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in welcoming the company to Guyana reflected on the downfall the insurance industry in Guyana experienced with the CLICO incident in 2008.

“The insurance industry… has taken as something of a body blow; the names of CLICO and BICO are perhaps bad words in the Caribbean. As a result of that experience, the industry as

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh speaking at the event

a whole…did suffer a considerable shock,” he related.

Nonetheless, he expressed his satisfaction that over the course of the years, the industry has grown rapidly in spite of the damages caused.

On that note, he extended his warmest welcome to the international company as he wished them the greatest of success in their venture in Guyana.

Innovation needed Dr Singh, while very cognisant that the General and Regional Election is imminent, assured the company that the Government under which he serves, being the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C), will maintain a conducive environment for the company’s viability on the market.

“I am confident that you will grow and prosper in Guyana and that they will be provided with the necessary environment to grow and expand under the current Administration,” he assured.

The Minister also noted that there is much need for innovation in the industry and challenge the new firm to introduce that to the Guyanese market.

“I hope with the benefit of your global experience, with the vastness of products you already offer elsewhere, with the benefit of your access to more sophisticated tools of the industry and markets, I expect that New India Assurance will bring to the insurance industry in Guyana significant innovation whether it’s the introduction of new products or indeed more competition…” he stated.

The New India Assurance Company is based in India, is wholly Government of India owned and has operations all over the world.

The company has a global premium of US$2.3 billion; net assets of US$7.7 billion and net worth of US$1.4 billion as at the end of the 2013 financial year.

Additionally, the company which has been operating in the Caribbean Region for over 60 years, has a gross premium at TT$130 million and net premium TT$79.2 million, which represents just over 60 per cent of its gross premium. Managing Director of the Parent Company, based in Trinidad and Tobago, Jyoti Garg, pledged the firm’s commitment to add quality and value to its business with the aim of providing “world class general insurance services”.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, may 1, 2015

All set for RHTY&SC ANSA McAL 5-over tournament T

welve teams will battle for championship honours when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) stage the ANSA McAL sponsored five-over SecondDivision tournament today at the Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town.

The one-day tournament is organised by the RHTY&SC, as part of its Silver Jubilee Anniversary, and funds raised will be used for the Club’s cricket development programme.

The first ball is set to bowl off at 09:00h, with six games of four overs each, while the second round of three games, the semi-finals and the final would be played with five overs per team.

Delbert Hicks

The winning team are set to take home $70,000 and a trophy, while the

losing finalist will receive $30,000 and a trophy.

The losing semi-finalists will receive $20,000 each.

Lucky patrons will receive special gate prizes, while the RHTY&SC will be promoting its “Say No to Drugs and Suicide” message during the tournament.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster stated that the day’s tournament was expected to be quite exciting as players of the calibre of Delbert Hicks, Akshay Homraj, Balchand Baldeo, Sharaz Ramcharran, Khemraj Mahadeo, Balram Samaroo, Linden Austin, Anil Beharry, Imran Khan and Vidal Crandon were set to participate.

GCC to compete in T&T Women’s Hockey League

The GCC Ladies after their victory in the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Festival last year

T

op national women’s hockey club, the GCC Tigers, are set to debut in the Trinidad and Tobago National Women’s League today in the firstever appearance for a Guyanese team in the competition. The local Bourda ladies have dominated local competition since 2008 win-

ning virtually every competition both indoor and outdoor on the local calendar since then.

Their local success has prompted the Club’s management to seek opportunities for competition further afield in order to further challenge the team.

In 2014, the Club applied to the Federation of the twin-island republic, since they boast one of the highest levels of women’s hockey in the region, for its women’s team to compete in their outdoor season.

After some deliberation, the Guyanese side was accepted and will create history as the first hockey club to participate in the annual season of a foreign country.

While this will be new territory for the GCC ladies, many of them have participated in Trinidad before while wearing national colours. They are familiar with the competition and many of the players in the Trinidadian league and look forward to testing their skills against the Region’s best.

The GCC ladies begin the competition with a gruelling five-match weekend beginning today against Ventures from 18:30h at the

Eastern Regional Sports Centre in Trinidad. This match will be followed by two matches on Saturday against Magnolias and Paragon, then two more on Sunday against Notre Dame and Checkers. According to Coach Philip Fernandes, the schedule had to be packed as tightly as possible in order to save costs.

The team, of course, will have to bear its own cost of travelling to Trinidad on three separate occasions to complete the 12-match season.

Fernandes indicated that it was a huge opportunity for the ladies to compete in this competition, as all matches will be staged on the artificial hockey pitch in Trinidad.

He posited that while the Guyanese ladies will be giving up much in terms of experience on the surface, this was the only way at the moment for them to improve in such conditions as hockey in Guyana is only played on grass.

He further opined that while it would be ambitious to expect a victory at the end of the competition, he was hopeful that they can be competitive in all of their matches.

Beacon Ministries golf tournament on tomorrow

B

eacon Ministries Inc will on Saturday stage its Medal/Stoke Play golf tournament at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC).

Beacon Ministries is headed by golf enthusiast, Reverend Dr Philbert London, who plays regularly at the LGC, along with a few members of his congregation.

Organisers are setting to increase competitiveness by grouping handicappers into three categories or Flights: 0 – 9, 10 – 18, and 19 – 28.

Winners in each Flight will be rewarded. Also, there will be a Longest Drive play-off between the six best long drivers during the competition.

There will be a Nearestto-the-Pin playoff between the six golfers who shot

Nearest to the Pin during the tournament.

Finally, there will be prizes for the three golfers with the overall Best Net. Lusignan Golf Club President David Mohamad said that the tournament was expected to attract a large field.

He considers the goodwill, camaraderie and enthusiasm golfers display during the Beacon Ministries Tournaments as a great fillip for the development of the sport in Guyana.

Beacon Ministries, the home of the weekend television broadcast “Revelation & Power”, promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages its members to participate in sporting activities in addition to worshipping.

Tee-off time is set for 10:30h.

23 GCB launches 2nd GSCL/Independence Cup bowls off today edition of “The Guyana Cricketer” E guyanatimesGY.com

friday, may 1, 2015

GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie (right) presents a copy of the magazine to former Test player Alvin Kallicharran in the presence of GCB Marketing Manager Raj Singh (Avenash Ramzan photo)

I

n a concerted effort to document its achievements and history for current and future generations to become edified, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Wednesday evening unveiled its second annual magazine, “The Guyana Cricketer”.

The informative magazine is the second to be produced by the current executive of the GCB. The 68-page full-colour magazine was distributed to patrons during a gala dinner at the Savannah Suites of the Pegasus Hotel.

The successful compilation and production of the magazine have been deemed a significant milestone in the Board’s rich history by Marketing Manager Raj Singh.

“The GCB is the only known sporting entity in Guyana that has produced and continues to produce such a classy publication.

The GCB has been tasked with administering the game of cricket in Guyana and we do take this mandate very seriously and have been making tremendous strides towards the professional execution of this mandate whilst preserving the integrity, independence and the assets of the Guyana Cricket Board, building upon a solid foundation,” Singh told the gathering.

Singh explained that the

idea to produce an annual magazine was put forward

by President of the Board, Drubahadur during one of the monthly executive committee meetings. Singh was then subsequently given the task of making the project a reality.

“The revenue obtained from this magazine was earmarked to be used for cricket development and the cosponsoring of our Four-Day Inter-County Tournament for which we are struggling to attract any sponsors for the last five years or so,” Singh explained.

He added, “Our Four-day tournament is the bedrock upon which our cricketers are identified, nurtured and developed, but sadly this format of cricket has become unattractive to sponsors.

Further, our detractors continue to ridicule and castigate those sponsors that do come on board and have contributed immensely to the lack of support by the sponsors.”

According to Singh, the major objectives of the magazine are to chronicle the records and achievements of the country’s cricketers; record the highlights of tournaments administered by the GCB and West Indies Cricket Board; feature interesting, topical and pertinent cricket related articles; and improve upon the com-

Busta Soft Shoe tournament...

Semi-finals on tonight

T

he semi-finals of the Busta Soft Shoe Tournament will kick off this evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground from 21:00h.

The action-packed and highly entertaining tournament has seen numerous goals being scored.

Queen Street Tiger Bay will face West Front Road in the first semi-final of the evening that is sure to excite the fans since both teams usually look to play attacking football.

Kitty Weavers will face

Sparta Boss in the last semifinal encounter in a match that might just determine who wins the tournament come May 5.

Meanwhile, four exhibition games will be played on the said evening, with the first two games being played before the first semi-final and the final two exhibition games, before the second semi-final.

The most touted exhibition game will be Guinness Bar versus the Media team.

The Busta Soft Shoe Tournament will culminate on May 5 at the GFC Ground.

munication process between the Board, its members, its players and the cricketing public.

The magazine comprises several informative pieces by popular writers and executives of the Board.

These include the Secretary’s report, reflections on the 2014 awards ceremony, a review of the Professional Cricket League franchise system, Future talents, an analytical view of the impact of T20s on Test cricket, exclusive interview with Alvin Kallicharran, Guyana Cricket Board outreach programmes and a feature on Guyana’s latest Test player Leon Johnson, among others.

The publication was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors and is available free of cost.

xciting softball action is anticipated this weekend when some of the top Over-40 and Open teams battle for supremacy as the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) Independence Cup bowls off today.

Six teams that will collide in the Over-40 division have been placed into two zones with each team from Zone A playing their Zone B counterparts once.

The top four teams will contest the semi-finals on Saturday at Everest from 13:00h with the first place playing fourth and second facing third.

Four teams in the Open segment will play on a round-robin basis with the top two advancing to the final; both finals will be played on Sunday at Everest.

The first-place team in the Open category will

take home a trophy and $75,000 and the runnerup, a trophy and $30,000.

The Over-40 winner will receive a trophy and $100,000 and the runnerup, a trophy and $30,000.

The Man of the Match in both finals will be rewarded.

The drawing was held at the GNIC Sports Club earlier this week. In the Over-40 division today at Everest on Pitch Three at 09:00h, Regal Masters will play Industry Super Kings, Park Rangers will face Tropical Spring on Pitch One, and Floodlight will take on Shallim Masters on Pitch Two. At 13:00h, Park Rangers will tackle Industry Super Kings on Pitch One, Regal will match skills with Shallim Masters on Pitch Three, and Floodlight will play Tropical Spring on Pitch Two. On Saturday at 09:00h

at the said venue, Park Rangers will challenge Shallim Masters on Pitch One, Floodlight will battle Industry Super Kings on Pitch Two, and Regal will clash with Tropical Spring on Pitch Three.

At the Demerara Cricket Club in the Open segment at 09:00h today, Regal will take on Shuttle Max on Pitch One and Wolf’s Warriors will face Farm on Pitch Two. At 13:00h, Regal will play Farm on Pitch One and Wolf’s Warriors will tackle Shuttle Max on Pitch Two. On Saturday at the said venue, at 09:00h, Regal will play Wolf’s Warriors on Pitch One and Shuttle Max will take on Farm on Pitch Two. The sponsors on board so far are Click Technology, Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Trophy Stall, Digimax Technology and Wolf’s Furniture Store.

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

friday, may 1, 2015

West Indies could unleash pace quartet against England in 3rd Test W

est Indies are contemplating unleashing an allpace attack on England in Barbados.

The famous West Indian sides of yesteryear were renowned for pummeling tourists into submission with a fierce battery of quicks but times have changed in recent years.

They no longer have the best fast bowlers in the world and the slow nature of pitches has encouraged the use of spin in the Caribbean.

But a slight fitness concern over leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, coupled with all-clears for Jerome Taylor (shoulder) and Jason Holder (ankle), means they could join Shannon Gabriel

and Kemar Roach in a pace quartet.

The pitch at the Kensington Oval is likely to be harder and bouncier than those at Antigua or Grenada, but leaving parttimer Marlon Samuels as the only spin option would still constitute a gamble.

Slow left-armer Veerasammy Permaul has

been summoned as cover, but captain Denesh Ramdin is pondering taking that risk at 1-0 down in the series.

“We will see how it goes in the morning, you never know, we could go all four seamers,” he said.

Holder had some bowling on Wednesday and a full net today, so he is fit and ready to go; Taylor is fit, he

Jason Holder is also fit again and could join Taylor, Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach in a pace quartet @AFP/Getty Images

is ready.

“But Bishoo is nursing a light injury. In the last game he bowled 50-odd overs and he feels a bit sore. Coming into the second innings the skin (on his finger) just peeled off a bit.

“We will assess it in the morning and he is covered

by Permaul.

It’s going to be a good pitch, a bit more bounce than the last pitches.

When we play in Barbados, there’s always a bit of bounce and I think we need to come hard at the English.

“We are one down, so we need to play a little more aggressive and positive cricket.” Ramdin believes his side are ready to compete despite the disappointment of their last-day defeat in Grenada.

Having fought their way into a position where a second consecutive draw

seemed the likeliest outcome, the Windies colluded with an inspired James Anderson to lose six crucial wickets on the fifth morning.

“The last Test match we played four brilliant days of cricket. We fought right through and it was just one hour where we lost the Test,” he said.

“We have to accept that we played some bad cricket on that fifth day, but we have gone past that.

The confidence is good still. We’ve put that behind us, we know where we went wrong and hopefully we can overcome that.

“We would like to be more aggressive in all aspects of our game, don’t let them settle or anything like that. Be aggressive to their batters, be aggressive when we go there and shove the ball all over the park.” (Mail

Online)

Golden Jaguars go down to Suriname G

uyana's senior national football team, the Golden Jaguars, suffered a 1-0 defeat to host Suriname in a FIFA international friendly on Thursday evening.

The Guyanese conceded what turned out to be the winning goal in the first half.

Both teams had several opportunities to score, but failed to convert.

The Jaguars suffered a

massive blow in the 1 0 t h minute when midfielder C l i v e Nobrega was red carded.

The game was the Golden Jaguars' fourth for 2015. They had previously drew with Barbados 2-0 before notching up 2-0 successes over St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

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