Guyana Times Daily - April 25, 2015

President raps Ramsaran over

saturday, april 25, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean needs vibrant Private Sector – LaRocque

Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said the region is in need of a vibrant and dynamic private sector.

He was at the time delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the 40th Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) meeting. The two day meeting, which began on Thursday, was held at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, and was at-

tended by Government officials from the region’s Member States.

LaRocque noted that the sector’s indispensable role must be supported by a regime of harmonised laws and regulations as well as shrewd practices. This, he said, will make doing business in the region easier, in addition to lowering its cost.

“That enabling environment would encourage the creation and seizing of opportunities with the CSME. This will set the stage to in-

crease inter-regional trade and investments as well as facilitating employment and growth, the primary goals of the community. Strong inter-regional trade would not only improve the prospects of Member States but also as a platform for entry into the international trading arena,” the Secretary General outlined.

According to LaRocque, in pursuing such opportunities, the region has demonstrated significant testability and has even submitted proposals to Canada. He believes that these proposals will set the stage for continuing and concluding the trade negotiation, adding that the Secretariat is awaiting a response from the Canadian Government.

The Secretary General further stated that they will be working with the private sector to ensure that the necessary technical work is done in order to advance their case at the level of the Caricom, US Trade and Investment Council. Going forward with the COTED

meeting, LaRocque urged the region’s representatives to make decisions that will see increased regional trade, thereby consolidating the gains of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) while securing external markets.

of the council, noting that it is one of the greatest inventions to further economic collaborations between Member States, in which COTED plays a key role.

“I want us to concentrate on the fact that we have actually brought into force a

in the past the region was hand-in-hand with the Latin American country. “I want us to leave from this meeting, considering that as the brains of this region, that we are able to open a proper door, not windows anymore. Cuba don’t need any

Meanwhile, Chairman of the 40th COTED meeting was Montserrat’s Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Lands Housing and Environment, Claude Hogan. In his opening remarks, he lauded the work

Caricom Single Market and Economy… and we have, at the bilateral levels, improved the communications among ourselves. I think we are at the point where we are now putting fully, not only our economic interests at the forefront of our discussions but the livelihoods and sustainable livelihood of the people in our region,” the chairman stated.

Additionally, he disclosed that Cuba has indicated its interest in furthering trade with the Caribbean. Hogan reminded the Member States representatives that

windows, they need doors to open for them to participate in our economy,” he outlined.

Hogan went onto remind the participants that they are tasked with considering the interest of the region as it relates to its regulatory capacity in order to reengage the region’s private sector, which is now rebuilding its efforts of cooperation at a fast rate.

“So let us not, therefore, sit back and relax and think about the combat but think about the process,” he concluded.

Rice farmer shot, robbed $2.5M

Arice farmer was on Friday afternoon shot and relieved of $2.5 million by two armed men in the vicinity of Republic Bank, Water Street, Georgetown.

The businessman, Fyusa Hussain, 63, of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was shot to the head, and was admitted to the Woodlands Hospital where he is listed as critical.

According to information received, the businessman had parked his car and was about to enter Republic Bank when two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, confronted him.

During the confrontation, the two men instructed the man to release the bag containing the money but instead, he put up a fight. It was during the confrontation that the armed man discharged a round hitting the businessman to his head. They then took away the bag and escaped on a CG motor cycle. The Police patrols that were in the vicinity at the time reportedly rushed to the scene but the men had already made good their escape. The businessman, who was bleeding, was picked up and rushed to the Woodlands Hospital where he was admitted.

Guyana Times understands that at the time of the robbery, the businessman

was accompanied by a relative who gave the Police a statement about the incident. At the hospital, family members stormed in as the news spread about the incident. While they refused to speak to the media, they were heard saying “no body is safe in this country… no one… and the Police can’t do anything to control the problem…too many bandits out there.” The businessman was rushed to the theatre to undergo an emergency surgery. Only a few weeks ago, a Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) businessman was robbed of $1.6 million seconds after exiting Republic Bank at Diamond, EBD. According to information received, Dave Singh, the businessman had withdrew $1.6 million when he was confronted by the lone bandit. Singh and the bandit were involved in a scuffle but the bandit managed to escape with the bag containing the money.

The bandit reportedly ran out of the bank’s compound and entered a car that was parked across the road in front of the East Demerara Regional Hospital. Three men were arrested but were released. The businessman has since pleaded with the bank to release the surveillance footage of the robbery but this has proven to be futile.

A section of the Caricom delegation at the Pegasus Hotel where the 40th COTED meeting was held

Secretary General of Caricom Ambassador LaRocque

saturday, april 25, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, April 25, 2015 – 09:30h-11:00h and Sunday, April 26, 2015 – 11:00h-12:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, April 25, 2015 – 08:30h-10:00h and Sunday, April 26, 2015 – 09:50h-11:20h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on:

Saturday, April 25 – 06:00h, 09:00h and 14:00h

Sunday, April 26 – 07:00h, 10:00h and 15:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Heavy rain showers are expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range from 24 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 3.57 metres per second and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 09:05h and 21:45h reaching maximum heights of 2.24 metres and 2.12 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:09h reaching a minimum height of 0.98 metre.

President raps Ramsaran over remarks

...to have further talks shortly

ublic outrage over the “distasteful” remarks made by Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran against rights activist Sherlina Nageer continues to grow and President Donald Ramotar has also condemned the Minister, announcing that he will be having further talks with him shortly.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Ramotar strongly reprimanded Ramsaran following the revelation of statements he uttered during and following a public confrontation with Nageer in Berbice. “The statements and behaviour of the minister do not reflect the high standards I have set for ministerial conduct nor the public’s expectations of an office holder. It is outright disrespectful and improper. I intend to have further discussions with the Minister on this matter,” President Ramotar said, according to Government Information Agency (GINA).

Meanwhile, the women’s arm of the People’s Progressive Party(PPP), the Women Progressive Organisation (WPO) also condemned Ramsaran saying in a statement that it was “extremely disappointed” with the utterances by the Minister.

The WPO said its disappointment stemmed from

the fact that Dr Ramsaran was a hardworking individual who was schooled in a political environment to respect women’s equality. “Dr Ramsaran is known for his support for women’s empowerment and has always been prepared to provide assistance to women especially those who are medically challenged. WPO is, therefore, dismayed that he allowed himself to react to provocation without giving considerations to his manner of speech; his reaction was unacceptable. We know that there are people who would stop at nothing to make others lose their cool in the performance of their duties, but the Minister, who is an intelligent person, should have recognised that and acted with restraint at all times.”

According to the WPO, Guyanese women are no longer submissive and as such will not allow themselves to be intimidated by statements that seek to denigrate them. “WPO fought for women’s rights and empowerment in Guyana, but is mindful that rights come with responsibilities as well. No one is forced to answer a question except in the court of law and one can always choose to ignore provocation and remain silent or be non-committal.”

For their part, both

the Women and Youth Groups of the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition said they are outraged by the “cursing out of a young woman at the Whim Magistrate’s Court by Dr Bheri Ramsarran”. They said although there had been similar transgressions in the past, they cringed when they “listened to the recent threats” Ramsaran issued to the young woman. Among other things, he threatened to have “some of my (his) women” strip and beat her “just for the fun of it”. The parties said Ramsaran’s behaviour crossed every bound-

certain behaviours of that nature is not acceptable. It is somewhat irresponsible and we just learned that the President would have issued a statement and that he condemned such behaviour. We are of the view that his behaviour warrants sanctions from the President. We are hoping the President would take the necessary actions regarding sanctions of the Minister,” Persaud told reporters.

Asked to clarify whether the call for sanctions meant the sacking of the Minister, PSC Spokesman Kit Nascimento offered: “It could. The view of the Private Sector is that the President should act as the situation requires.

ary of decency. “He has once again demonstrated the crassness and total disrespect for this nation’s women...”

Warrants sanctions

Adding their voice to the issue, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud told a news conference that the actions of the Minister undoubtedly may have been provoked. However, he said: “we also believe strongly that provocation of that nature of persons in the high political offices or Minister and

What our position is that while it may have been provoked, it is a totally inexcusable behaviour coming from the Minister of Health. It matters not what the provocation is.” Since his outburst on Nageer, Ramsaran has apologised for his action, claiming that he was provoked. However, he has been roundly chastised by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Education Minister Priya Manikchand and PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper.

President Donald Ramotar

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

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

Housing development

Guyana is said to be developing rapidly, with an improved economy and infrastructure, and homes and business seeing much growth over the years. Many persons are moving towards the city in search of jobs and subsequently a better standard of living.

Housing development has therefore led to more homes and housing schemes being built not only on the outskirts of the city, but also along the coastal areas. For this population, and those already established, comfort is an important issue and includes the natural right to a safe community in which to reside after work is over.

Perhaps the biggest story of the current Administration is the success in housing development. It is indeed a far cry now when compared to what existed under the PNC regime, when housing development was not only stunted, but it was also confined to certain areas linked to support of the then Government. At that time, a PNC party card was the only sure way to obtain the basic necessities of life.

Along with national development comes personal income improvement, and persons in these suburban residential communities construct not only their homes in these neighbourhoods for their comfort and security, but also recreational parks and sometimes, family entertainment venues to relax on weekends or holidays. These amenities would have been luxuries and were largely unimaginable under the PNC mis-rule.

Recently, the Government announced that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has committed to releasing more lands to the Ministry of Housing’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in an effort to meet the growing demands for housing across the country.

This is testimony to the fact that more and more Guyanese, especially young professionals, are applying for lands to begin constructing their homes. This forces the Government to look at alternative means in helping every Guyanese achieve their dream of home ownership.

As pointed out in a previous editorial, prior to 1992, this level of optimism among young people, and citizens in general, to own their own home was unheard of, as it was very difficult to acquire a plot of land. In addition to having to deal with a very difficult bureaucracy, there was simply a lack of vision on the part of the then government in relation to housing development.

This has now changed as the present Administration’s policies on housing development make it much easier for one to own their own home. The transformation currently being experienced in the housing sector is one that every Guyanese citizen can boast of.

While there were tremendous achievements made in the areas of education, health care delivery, improving social services, etc, the gains made in Guyana’s housing sector have surpassed all others.

The incumbent Government has every right to highlight these achievements as they face the electorate to ask for another term to continue along this path. Voters no doubt will be looking closely to see which of the parties have the best policies for Guyana’s development; and housing is a key concern for many.

About 100,000 Guyanese families have received house lots across the country. A number of new housing schemes have been (and are being) developed. The Government has spent huge amounts of money for infrastructural works. These house lots that are being awarded are highly subsidized as the intention is to ensure that lands are made available for every single category of individuals.

It is worthwhile to highlight some of the useful initiatives undertaken by the Housing Ministry which resulted in the level of success we are currently experiencing. The Ministry hosted a number of “one stop shops” where applications for house lots were fast-tracked.

There are many challenges to overcome as there are quite a number of applicants who are still awaiting word from the Ministry as to the status of their applications. But an objective analysis will prove that Guyana has indeed travelled a long road since 1992, especially as it relates to gains made in housing development.

PNC/APNU out to seize power by deception

Dear Editor,

The election campaign is in full swing and voters are called upon to make a choice. In prior contests, our choice was mainly between three parties. However this season, our choice is limited to only two entities, namely the PNC/ APNU and the PPP/C.

A brief history of the first party mentioned shows a metamorphosis of names from PNC to PNC/ Reform, to APNU, now APNU + AFC coalition. All of this was done to fool the people that their has been a genuine change in the party’s approach to leadership and governance.

However, and as President Ramotar’s statement aptly describes these moves, it is tantamount to a con artist and a criminal who keeps changing his name to evade detection and this is what they are.

The PNC/APNU is a bunch of people who are out to seize power by deception, but they are in for a shocker, because the populace is not amused by that name changing fancy

footwork show of theirs.

What is clear is, you can change your name like a chameleon changes its colour, but you are still a chameleon. Whichever way you look at it, APNU and APNU + AFC Coalition still remain the rebranded item, PNC.

The PNC ruled Guyana for 28 years during which time the country was painfully relegated to the dung heap. Our country was brought to its knees, Guyana was positioned in the rankings as an HIPC (Highly Indebted Poor Country), which meant that we were ranked below Haiti and counted as the poorest nation in the western Hemisphere.

This is the legacy the PNC left us and I will further add that most of the old guard are still in that party, chief of whom is Carl Greenidge, former Minister of (No) Finance and no vision whatsoever.

He is the architect of our destruction as he presided over an economy that was bankrupt and one that had no futuristic vision of go -

ing anywhere. Granger has added salt to our wounds, by including in his arsenal a cadre of old and notorious military men.

This is a clear indication that should they win this election, we will be ruled by force. It will be the last free and fair election while the will of the people is brutally subjected to the whims and fancies of the military elite.

What I have highlighted is a clear cut strategy implemented by the PNC before and if they are given that chance will be imposed on us again.

On the opposite end is the PPP/C, a people oriented people-centred party that has done a phenomenal task of lifting this country out of the morass into the modern era. They have transformed this country into the middle income level.

In 22 years they have done yeoman service to the nation by paying off its huge debt while settling down to the daunting task of rebuilding our infrastructure. The PPP/C

A word of thanks

Dear Editor, Kindly permit me a small space within your letter column to show my appreciation. From the core of my being, I would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the Guyana Olympic Association and Dorado Speed Swim Club for consideration and nomina-

tion for two awards I received over the past two weekends. My independent photography coverage over the past years has been on sports and social and national events, and the awards were for coverage of sports.

Never in a ‘million years’ did I ever think that my pho-

tography coverage would attract such attention and result in awards, and it will indeed take quite a while for it to fully digest.

To the persons who have always been in my corner with encouragement and never stopped believing in me, thank you.

Government built the Berbice River Bridge - a great architectural showpiece - while hundreds of miles of roads had to be rebuilt. Also, there are new hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and new schools which are equipped with modern amenities and staffed by duly qualified tutors.

This Government has created a great investment climate that has seen a massive influx of local as well as foreign investors. Malls are going up like wildfire, while Guyanese have the privilege of shopping in a customer friendly atmosphere. We can buy what we want.

Salaries have gone up - not comfortable, but getting there - as Guyanese can now earn a livable wage. In agriculture, in education, in housing you name it, and the progressive handiwork of the PPP/C Government takes shape.

Neil Adams

My good friend Warren London, I have never forgotten your words to me that “I must take my work seriously.”

Even with these two acknowledgements, the fun part in me still exists.

T Pemberton

Smoke and ash rise from the Calbuco Volcano as seen from the city of Puerto Montt, Chile, April 22, 2015. The volcano in southern Chile erupted for the first time in more than five decades on Wednesday, sending a thick plume of ash and smoke into the sky (Reuters/Rafael Arenas)

Dr Gonsalves praised Dr Jagan in NY

Dear Editor,

With regard to the headline, “St Vincent PM lauds Cheddi Jagan”, in another media, Dr Ralph Gonsalves made similar laudatory remarks about Dr Jagan at a seminar/conference at City College of New York (CCNY) around 1980 or 1981 at the Finley Student Center (South Campus).

This response was not published. Hundreds of Guyanese and many more other Caribbean students were enrolled at the campus at the time, although only a handful came to the lecture.

Dr Joey Jagan also spoke at that symposium which was on Caribbean politics.

Guyanese Chuck Mohan, a host and well known figure at the campus, and fan of Cheddi, was there.

Prof Samad Maragarita Matias, who has held Dr Jagan in high esteem, spoke at the conference. Eusi Kwayana, another of Prof Matias’s fan, was invited but was not at the event; I don’t recollect if his wife Tchaiko Kwayana was here.

Prof Matias extolled the

virtues of Dr Jagan and Kwayana, though noting they were not successful in bringing the races together to oppose “Burnhamism” and racism in the society during the PNC era of governance. I don’t recollect if Tim Hector of Antigua was there, though his name was popular on campus among left wing Caribbean activists.

The CCNY seminar on Caribbean politics was organized and co-sponsored by the Black Studies Department and the Undergraduate Student Government where I was serving as an elected Senator representing the Natural Sciences. I was an ardent supporter of events pertaining to the Caribbean and never hesitated to advocate for the students Government funding for same, including for that particular conference. My colleague Vassan Ramracha, did same.

Dr Gonsalves was a Professor at UWI Cave

Hill campus at the time and he was invited, especially to speak on politics in the Caribbean at a time when several islands had shifted leftward because of the progressive movement that was sweeping the region.

Dr Gonsalves focused on left wing movements in the region and Dr Jagan was among his heroes. Burnham was condemned for being in bed with the imperialists and for practicing racism against Indians and other ethnic groups not supporting him.

I remember Ralphy (as we called him then, and he did not object), describing Dr Jagan as the most honorable politician in the Caribbean and the “Dean of Socialism” in the region.

The late Maurice Bishop also referred to Dr Jagan as the “Dean of Socialism” in the Caribbean in several of his talks as reported in the Caribbean Contact and Caribbean Review Magazine.

Bishop was among those who condemned elec -

tion rigging and the racism practised by the PNC to deny Dr Jagan his rightful place as leader of Guyana.

At the conference, after Joey spoke about Guyana’s politics and the struggle for free and fair elections, an Afro-Guyanese student asked a question indicting Dr Jagan for racial politics in Guyana.

Joey defended his father saying Cheddi was not the one to introduce race in Guyana’s politics and that his father fought for the upliftment of every worker regardless of race.

Dr Gonsalves blamed Forbes Burnham for the injection of race in Guyana’s politics and for allowing himself to be manipulated by imperialist forces to divide Guyana along ethnic lines.

Dr Gonsalves said Dr Jagan did not have a racial cell in his body and praised him for his incorruptible honesty, decency, and humanitarian qualities that are incomparable in the region.

Vishnu Bisram

No other party suffered denial of democracy like PPP/C

Dear Editor, There is a saying that those who look for faults can find nothing else. As the elections fever picks up momentum, the Opposition parties will go on overdrive to paint the ruling PPP/C as inept and unsuitable to continue in office for another term.

The fact is that there is no Government known to man that could be considered flawless. The same is true for individuals. We are all prone to making mistakes.

As the great Russian leader and revolutionary V I Lenin once said: “He is not wise who makes no mistakes. There are no such men, nor can there be. He is wise who make not serious mistakes and who corrects them easily and quickly.”

Life is all about making choices and having to adjust and re-adjusting plans and strategies. In the final analysis, it is the extent to which we are successful in overcoming obstacles and confronting challenges that really matters and defines us as individuals. The same is true of organisations including political organisations.

It is in this context that the PPP/C has to be judged. In and out of office, the PPP/C has consistently championed the

cause of a free and democratic Guyana. The PPP/C always fought for and remained a strong advocate for parliamentary democracy based on the principle of one man, one vote. Indeed, no other party in Guyana suffered as much from the denial of democracy and democratic rule like the PPP/C.

In 1953, the PPP was removed from office in what could be described as a constitutional coup. In 1964 it was engineered out of office as a result of what former British Minister Harold Wilson described as a ‘fiddled constitutional arrangement.’

In the ‘elections’ of 1968, the PPP was cheated from office in rigged elections which persisted until October 1992. In the elections of 1997, the PPP/C was forced to give up two years of its elected mandate despite winning a decisive victory in certified free and fair elections.

This repeated itself in 2014 when President Donald Ramotar was forced to initially prorogue and then dissolve parliament following the threat of a No-Confidence Motion by the combined parliamentary Opposition. In every instance, the PPP/C was the victim of an aberration of democracy and the democratic pro-

cess for which it has always been the major proponent.

There are some who accused the PPP and Dr Jagan of having made tactical mistakes during the 1950s and the 1960s which resulted in him being outmanoeuvred by Forbes Burnham into losing political office in the elections of 1964.

Similar accusations were made with respect to the signing of the Duncan Sandy’s Agreement which paved the way for the introduction of Proportional Representation as opposed to the First Pass the Post method which resulted in the PPP losing power to a PNC-UF coalition in the elections of 1964.

Our present Constitution does not allow for a post-election coalition Government as in 1964. Had the electorate known in advance that the United Force and the PNC would have entered into a coalition to unseat the PPP, voting preferences might have been different and the votes for the rightwing UF which came mainly from Amerindian and East Indian segment of the voting population significantly reduced.

One positive feature of our present constitution is that it removes any doubt as to any likely post election political configuration

Many half truths, lies peddled at APNU/AFC rally in Essequibo

Dear Editor, I was looking at a televised broadcast of the APNU/AFC rally in Essequibo. There is no doubt that a lot of half truths and downright lies were peddled by Imaam Baksh.

He said that Desmond Hoyte was responsible for bringing back free and fair elections in Guyana - this is a lie. He was pressured by the USA, Canada, UK and other countries to hold free and fair elections after the PCD, GUARD and the Diaspora had requested them to intervene.

Even after the results in 1992 showed that the PPP/C had won the elections, Hoyte refused to accept defeat. His party members rioted in Georgetown burning buildings and beating anyone who looked like a PPP/C supporter.

It was not until President Carter read the riot act him (Mr Hoyte) that he accepted the election results.

Mr Baksh said that it was Mr Hoyte who brought back flour and other banned items to Guyana. I want to ask Mr Baksh who banned flour and other

as voters go with their eyes wide open as to which party or combination of parties they would like to form the next Government.

The APNU- AFC coalition is analogous of the PNC-UF coalition except that in the case of the former it is a pre-election marriage with an uncertain future insofar as its chances of acquiring political office is concerned.

Indeed, there are many who felt that the AFC has taken a big political gamble given the dismal record of the PNC both with respect to coalition politics and governance credentials.

The PPP/C has always regarded political power not as an end in itself but as the means to a greater end, namely to create a free, democratic and just society.

This explains the PPP approach to the politics of the 1960s alluded to earlier. Indeed, this is the defining characteristic of the PPP/C Administration and the party.

Political opportunism and dancing to the music of the rich and powerful has never been a part of the PPP/C’s political make up. This is why when it comes to principles and trust, the PPP/C remains unmatched.

Hydar Ally

goods? It was Mr Burnham who made it a crime to have these goods.

Mr Hoyte was the Prime Minister during that time. Did he not agree to have these goods banned? If he didn’t, then, if he was such a principled individual as Mr Baksh made him out to be, he should have resigned his position as Prime Minister. It showed that he agreed to the banning. Why praise him for releasing the ban?

Mr Baksh told the gathering that it was Mr Hoyte who granted rice millers (like himself) permission to export rice.

This may be true, but at what cost to the rice industry? The millers took advantage of the poor rice farmers and forced them out of the market by offering them prices that made it impossible for them to exist.

They abandoned their rice fields which caused production to drop so low that Guyana had to import rice for domestic consumption. It should be noted that this happened under Mr Hoyte’s tenure as President.

A Persaud

saturday, april 25, 2015|

Police Officer charged with conspiring to traffic narcotics

APolice officer was placed on $500,000 bail on Friday at the High Court on a charge of conspiring to traffic narcotics.

Norrell Hyman, 22, of 47 De Kindren, West Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which was first read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The charge stated that on Monday, April 13 on the East Bank of Demerara, he conspired to traffic two suitcases containing 9.670 kilograms of cocaine.

According to Police Prosecutor Steven Telford, the defendant is a Police officer affiliated with the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU). He stated that on the day of the incident, a man identified as Arthur Manget was detained at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for attempting to traffic the said quantity of illicit substance, which was in hidden compartments of the suitcases.

the fact that even if his client was in the car, it was alleged that he was picked up at one point and dropped off at another point some distance away from the airport and that in no way incriminated him in the offence as there is no evidence.

Canadian High Commission greatly disappointed in Ramsaran

The High Commission of Canada said it is greatly disappointed by the comments made by Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran to women’s rights activist, Sherlina Nageer.

women. The empowerment of women and girls is a priority for the Government of Canada and we remain steadfast in our defense of their rights, both in Canada and abroad.”

“The remarks uttered are disturbing and the High Commission of Canada condemns any form of abuse, including verbal and threatened, towards women.”

It was explained that an investigation was conducted during which Manget alleged that the defendant joined the car which was transporting him to the airport at Land of Canaan. The prosecutor stated that the man further alleged that the defendant took his photo with a cellular phone stating that he would be sending it to someone so that the man could go through the airport security safely without being discovered.

The defence counsel stated that Hyman did not have any previous conviction nor was a flight risk. It was also highlighted that Hyman came to the court without having to be escorted by Police and was assisting with investigations. Thompson also stated that his client was a final-year student at the University of Guyana and made an application for bail in a reasonable amount so that Hyman could complete his studies.

Defence Attorney Adrian Thompson stated that his client denied the allegations and was never in the car. He said that the allegations made by someone charged with narcotics trafficking in no way implicated his client. Thompson highlighted

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of the nature of the offence. The Chief Magistrate remanded the defendant to prison and scheduled the matter to return to court on May 27; however, later in the afternoon, an application for bail was made at the High Court which was granted in the sum of $500,000.

Cellphone technician accused of stealing phones

Acellphone technician was placed on $75,000 bail on Friday by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he appeared before her charged with simple larceny.

Malcolm Harry, 26, of 129 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which read that between March 15 and April 18, he stole five smartphones, property of Virtual Complainant (VC) Kwame Sinclair, who is his former employer.

Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves informed the court that the VC had noticed that a number of smartphones had gone missing during a period of time and decided to do some investigating of his

own. It was explained that Sinclair placed a cellphone on top of a display case. The VC then left his laptop computer facing the phone and left the webcam video recorder on. Sometime later when the man reviewed the footage he discovered Harry stealing the said phone. A report was made to the Police and an investigation was conducted. The defendant was subsequently arrested and charged with the offence.

The prosecution made no objections to bail and the matter was scheduled to return to court on June 1 for statements.

According to the High Commission threats of violence against women are never acceptable. “The struggle to fully attain women’s rights, in Guyana and around the world, is an ongoing battle that must be won. Such incidents weaken the progress that has been made. Global statistics produced by the UN, reinforce the need to strengthen women’s rights: 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence; more than one in three girls alive today were married before the age of 15; women still account for two thirds of the world’s illiterate population; and in the realm of politics, although women constitute just about half of the world’s population, they occupy only 22 per cent of Parliamentary seats worldwide,” the High Commission pointed out.

According to the High Commission all partners should be unwaveringly committed to advancing the rights of women. “Political leaders have a special responsibility because they have the largest platforms, influence and decisionmaking ability. The High Commission of Canada hopes that leaders recognise the critical role they play in governance, including providing leadership and empowering the citizens of Guyana, including

Meanwhile, in a statement the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said: “This is indeed an unfortunate incident which is clearly blown out of proportion by the Opposition media especially at this election season when issues perceived to hurt the PPP/C and the PPP/C Administration is being milked by Opposition elements in order to provide political capital to those opposed to the ruling PPP/C. The PPP/C wishes to state

by Minister Ramsaran to what he thought to be an act of provocation appeared unwarranted and cannot be condoned. He said things that ought not to be said by anyone particularly that of a senior official of Government.”

According to the PPP/C, Ramsaran has no doubt recognised his indiscretion and has offered an apology.

“He has clearly said things that he ought not to have said to anyone in particular a woman. Given our present political context it is quite obvious that the political opposition will take advantage of that unfortunate situation to score cheap political points. Indeed, the strident position taken by

in no uncertain terms that it has the greatest respect for the women of Guyana and have always championed the cause of women in Guyana ever since its formation some 65 years ago. Indeed it was Mrs Janet Jagan who was instrumental in the formation of the first women’s organisation in Guyana, the Women’s Progressive and Economic Organisation (WPEO) and who continued to represent and defend the cause of women right up to her dying moments. Indeed, many of the benefits now enjoyed by women can be credited to her when she served as Minister of Labour, Health and Housing.”

The party said it is a lasting shame that Jagan, despite her sterling contribution to the cause of women was verbally abused and humiliated by the People’s National Congress (PNC) and other Opposition elements during and after the swearing-in ceremony as the first elected woman Head of State in the 1997 elections. What was even more unfortunate was the deafening silence by the Opposition media and other so-called human rights activists despite the fact that a woman in Guyana had created history by becoming the first woman President in the country in certified free and fair elections.

“This double standard employed by those who claim to represent the concerns of women has not escaped the notice of the PPP/C. Be that as it may, the response

the Opposition media is already noticeable, in particular the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News both of which have gone overboard in their attacks against the PPP/C.”

The PPP/C said it cannot and will not condone any form of attack or disrespect towards women. “The party has nothing but the highest regard for our women. This respect and concern is manifested in manifold ways including the several measures put in place by the PPP/C Administration to empower women by way of access to academic, technical and vocational education, access to micro-credit, assistance to single parent mothers, protection and homes for battered women, and legislative action to protect women against domestic violence. Indeed, the PPP/C is the only party that has fielded a full and complete list of women as required by the Constitution for the upcoming elections as opposed to the APNU/ AFC coalition whose list had to be re-submitted after it was found to be deficient by GECOM in terms of women representation.”

The PPP/C said it has a proud record when it comes to promoting and defending the rights of women and no amount of opposition attacks can negate this fact. “In this regard, the PPP/C places high premium on the contribution of women to national development and pledges to continue to treat women’s issues as a top national priority.”

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles

Police Officer Norrell Hyman

Malcolm Harry

Muslim leaders never endorsed APNU/AFC

… slam coalition for “deceit”

The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) said its leaders never endorsed the PNCled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition when they paid the political leaders of that party a visit on Thursday.

On Thursday, the APNU/ AFC coalition via a press release said that its Presidential Candidate, Brigadier David Granger and Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo, and other coalition leaders had met with prominent representatives of the Islamic Community in Guyana, noting that the meeting had taken place at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

According to the release, the group which included members of the ACIC and other religious leaders, outlined a lists of concerns facing the Muslim community in Guyana and in which, the Islamic leaders are reported to have said that it was time to put an end to the moral decay of society and for the development of Guyana to have a human face.

“In endorsing the APNU/AFC, the Muslim leaders noted that Guyana needed a fresh start, and that people were placing great expectation in the APNU/AFC,” the APNU statement said.

However, in a release to the media on Friday afternoon, Hakeem Khan, President of the ACIC, lashed out at the Opposition for using the meeting between the two entities to

Taxi driver

peddle a lie and to gain political mileage.

He noted that contrary to reports in the media, it has not endorsed the APNU/AFC coalition as reported, pointing out that he was shocked to know that the meeting with the APNU/AFC coalition has been used to interpret their presence as the ACIC endorsement for coalition.

Khan said that ACIC is Guyana’s main Islamic Centre and a centre of spirituality, education, peace, universal goodwill and harmony, and it was not and

on

will not be used as a political institution. The man said that given the role of that organisation, it will work and support only the elected leaders of Guyana.

“We will work with the Government of the day, and of course, in much respect to the honourable members of the Opposition of the day. It has always enjoyed the blessings and support of the Government, and indeed, that of the Opposition, and all other religious, civic and non-governmental groups of the nation,” he said.

Khan said that had the APNU/

$100,000 bail

for cellphone theft charge

Ataxi driver was placed on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday after he made his second appearance before her on a charge of robbery under arms.

The charge stated that on March 15 at Barrack Street, Kingston while being armed with a knife, he relieved the Virtual Complainant (VC) Isaac DaSilva of a smartphone valued $100,000. According to Police

Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, on the day in question, the VC was walking along Barrack Street when two men armed with a knife robbed him of the phone. The men then made good their escape in a motor car bearing licence plate HB 6116. An investigation was conducted and it was discovered that the car belonged to the defendant. The phone was found in the defendant’s possession during a search of his car. The defence argued that King was not one of

the perpetrators of the crime but that on the day in question, he was hired by the men. It was added that he was not aware that they had committed the offence and was innocent of all charges. An application for bail was made based on the aforementioned grounds as well as the fact that the man had fully cooperated with the investigation. The prosecution made no objections.

The matter was transferred to Court 11 for May 19 for the commencement of the trial.

AFC stated that ACIC and other Muslim Leaders had discussions and published photos, there would have been no complaints, but “ the fact that it stated our endorsement of the party, is what we feel is most unfortunate, and causing the complex to lose it impartiality,” he said.

Khan said that as a result of the lies peddled by the APNU/ AFC, its local and international partners, many of whom fund the organisation’s projects are dismayed at the supposition of an endorsement of a political party.

“We wish to make it clear that no mention was made of any endorsement as claimed. We have respect for the APNU/AFC which always played a role at our various functions at our complex, as that was based on mutual respects and for the love of our country and people. The Government was also extended similar invitations and courtesies. Visiting the Opposition Headquarter was an act of courtesy to communicate and seek the policies of the political party, and was never meant to give political endorsement to the party. This we are certain was recognised but we are uncertain as to how the miscommunication was issued,” he said.

He said that a delegation of ACIC and the wider Muslim community met with Prime Ministerial Candidate of the ruling party, Elisabeth Harper last week and raised a number of issues. Harper spent several hours, took photos and was in discussion for hours, but she nor her political party – the PPP/C – never used the meeting as an endorsement. Meanwhile, Abdool Fazeel, the Imam of the ACIC, in distancing himself from the article related that “I am in no way connected, associated or in any way, shape or form, share the philosophy, ideology or political platform of the APNU/AFC.” He noted that the Opposition coalition should act in a mature and responsible way and should not use and abuse the honouring of an invitation as an endorsement.

Road rage lands bus operators in court

Two minibus operators were brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday after allegedly attacking a fellow commuter.

The defendants, Michael Edwards of Kitty, Georgetown and Michael Duncan of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, allegedly threatened Virtual Complainant (VC) Pierre Cragen.

Presiding in Court One, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry read the first charge to the two men which detailed that on April 20 at Alexander

Street, Kitty, Edwards drove a BMM 5118 minibus without due care and attention. Also, Edwards is accused of using abusive language against Cragen, causing a breach of peace, while Duncan was charged for using threatening behaviour towards the VC.

Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves told the court that the defendants were operating the minibus along Alexander Street when the bus overtook another vehicle, which caused the VC, who was driving on the same road to veer off-road to prevent a collision. The defend-

ants subsequently stopped the bus and came out of it. Edwards, the driver of the bus, started to verbally abuse the VC, while the conductor, Duncan, pulled out a cutlass from the bus and threatened the VC with it.

Neither of the men had any prior matters in court; thus, Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry granted them bail in the sum of $25,000 bail to Edwards for careless driving and $25,000 to Duncan for the abusive language charge. The men are expected back in Court on June 12.

Fisherman slapped reputed wife – court hears

Afisherman of North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was arraigned on Friday for allegedly slapping his reputed wife. He was brought before

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge.

It is alleged that Faizal Mohamed un -

lawfully assaulted the Virtual Complainant (VC), Gaitrie Mahadeo at their C 51 North Sophia residence.

Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves told

the court that the defendant had slapped his wife and she had reported the matter to the Police. He raised no objections to bail.

With this, the Chief

Magistrate was willing to grant bail to the defendant, but on the condition he lives at a separate location until the issue has been resolved.

In response, the defend -

ant stated that he and his wife lived together and simply had an argument, and offered his parents’ home as an alternative residence.

The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex

PSC concerned over elections hostility

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has written to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to express its concerns over the seemingly escalating hostility with which candidates and supporters of the major political parties are reacting to each other.

Speaking to media operatives on Friday at PSC’s office, the Chairman Ramesh Persaud said the commission is of the opinion that this is an unfortunate and potentially dangerous development, and believes that all parties must accept responsibility for this situation.

a joint statement which condemns all or any form of hostile behaviour and calls for tolerance on the part of each citizen, regardless of political persuasion. The commission believes that the opportunity to lead a political party is a trust which is inviolable and sacrosanct. We therefore expect our political parties to act in a manner which will ensure a peaceful and non-violent election,” Persaud said.

Elections Observers

on their elections campaign since it is believed to be unnecessary.

He noted that all political parties should be reminded that regardless of the outcome of the elections, the country must be governed and governable in their aftermath.

“We would like to urge the leaders of the PPP/C and the APNU/AFC to confront and defeat this trend by coming together to make

Additionally, the PSC urged the major political parties to sign onto the Political Parties Code of Conduct, as soon as possible, so that their behaviours on the political platform can be guided. The commission has also called on the parties to desist from utilising hate speech and languages of fear mongering

On the other hand, the Commission has said that while it is particularly pleased that several local and international observer missions will be here to overlook the elections process, it was even more elated that the Carter Centre has chosen to send a mission here. The PSC also announced that it will be observing the elections with a team of about 35 persons as well as establishing a communications centre at its headquarters on the day to partner and share necessary information with the media.

The PSC said as the voice of the business community it remains committed to the cause of ensuring that elections 2015 are peaceful, free, fair and credible.

Campaign launched against street harassment

As the observance of Sexual Awareness Month (April) nears conclusion, the Witness Project on Friday launched its anti-street harassment campaign in its fight to end the cycle of violence against women.

The campaign is titled “It’s Not A Compliment” as it seeks to put an end to street harassment, which has become a growing problem in the Guyanese society.

The Witness Project Director Rosheni Takechandra said that through the campaign they are aiming to make a strong statement against street harassment and reach out to the wider society by raising awareness through public interaction.

The Project Director outlined that they will be taking the campaign to crowded places where persons can interact, and learn more about the issue. She added that posters will be erected across Guyana.

“Women will no longer stay silent on matters that concern their safety and free-

dom of expression in public spaces. This campaign is using marketing strategies and the arts to give women and girls a platform to make their voices heard. It is giving women and girls a space to work

Ministry to take the campaign to every school. “So the schools will become another stage where we can entertain such discussions and we know that you don’t change behaviours overnight but we can

Manager and US-born Guyanese, Alysia Christani, pointed out that street harassment is not a one-sided conversation as such they need to engage and assess this “obnoxious” behaviour

side by side with decent men to bring an end to the vile and worthless act of street harassment,” the she explained.

Takechandra further disclosed that they have collaborated with the Education

start influence the way people think about their behaviours and the more you educate a population the more, you start to become responsible for your actions,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Project

of males in society. However, she noted that this would not be an easy task, since they do not expect young men, in fact all men, to embrace the idea.

Eyew tness

D...leaked or leaking?

avid Granger's complaining his Manifesto was "leaked". But he should be more worried about how leaky it is!! All that happened is that the folks out there got a sneak preview of what's ahead for themif by some miracle he and Mr 11 per cent get into office.

Right off the bat, this Manifesto's like no other ever seen in the history of party politics - which introduced Manifestoes. And it's not because it's "historic" in the usual sense of the word!

Up to now, Manifestoes spell out the party's programme that they plan to roll out in their next five years. If people like what they're seeing they'll vote for that party. So Manifestoes are all about developing the country economically, socially, politically, culturally and every other ‘-ally’ you can think about!

In fact, it was for this reason that Chief Justice Chang slapped down the Opposition for chopping the Government's budget.

In effect, the Opposition was "crafting" the programme of the Government on which the electorate had put them into office based on their Manifesto. But in this "leaked" PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition Manifesto all of that thinking has been thrown out of the window.

Instead, occupying centre stage is an extended section describing how the spoils of office would be divvied up between APNU and AFC!! This is déjà but all over again!!

The two parties negotiated for over a month in a hot sweaty room - and while people thought they were hammering out a programme of action for developing Guyana - the framework of a Manifesto, in other wordsit was finally revealed that they'd agreed on not a single developmental initiative - just who was going to get what big positions.

Developing themselves is what it turned out to be. And it all had to do with rewarding Mr 11 per cent and his cohorts!! But they didn't stop at positions...their Manifesto also goes on to describe the role of a "referee" who'll mediate between APNU and AFC!!

Can you believe that? We heard about the announcement of the "marriage" - even thought just the month before AFC leader Ramjattan had ventured that the AFC would be "dead meat" if that was ever consummated.

But all the promises of positions obviously worked since there was the "Wedding at Whim". And these are modern times - so what the Manifesto's describing is the "pre-nuptial" contract.

And if PNC leader Granger and his band of merry military men ever decide to screw Mr 11 per cent and the AFC crew ...they have a referee who will twist the screws on the APNU boys.

But then again, maybe they don't mind getting screwed!

...and money

This Eyewitness knows that all the Opposition PNCled APNU/AFC coalition can do is to make promises. And more promises! The PPP/C on the other hand, has been in Government for the last 20 years (you can't count the last three, can you?) and had been executing one project after another. And so for sure they'll be a few stumbles.

The question for the Opposition that folks have to ask...is whether the promises are realistic. The first one should do with money: where will they get all the money to cover just the salary increases they've promised?

When you add Public Servants (what...15,000?) teachers (10,000+), Policemen (3500+), etc, all promised another $10,000 per month EACH, you're talking about a hefty sum.

And since there weren't enough "big" positions around for the big egos in the coalition, they had to create a dozen or so new ones! With big President-like salaries.

Which, the Manifesto didn't say, was going to be reduced! Quelle surprise!

...fake out??

There are some old heads who swear that APNU/ AFC's "leak" was just a manoeuvre to gain some free publicity. And to float some balloons in the meanwhile as the PPP/C launches.

What about more time to deconstruct!!

PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud

Programme Director of the Witness Project Rosheni Takechandra and Programme Manager Alysia Christani at the soft launch on Friday

PPP/C plans glitzy manifesto launch today at Marriott

Following months of anticipation, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will be officially launching its election manifesto at the newlyopened Marriott Hotel this evening.

Throughout the election campaign season, the incumbent Administration has been citing excerpts of several of the plans and policies from the manifesto that it has in store for the future development of the country over the next five years.

The importance of a party’s manifesto is buried within its policies as outlined in the document. In any democracy, a manifesto is extremely useful as it serves as a standard for measuring the performance of a Government and ensuring that it becomes accountable to the electorate based on the promises outlined in the manifesto.

The central themes of the PPP/C’s manifesto include economic growth; jobs, income and wealth creation; transformative infrastructure; enhancing the well-being of Guyanese people; fighting crimes and protecting people; fair governance; and Guyana in a modern world.

The PPP/C has, during the entire election campaigning period, boasted of presenting a wholly detailed manifesto where every aspect is interconnected and complementary to each other.

On the political platform, PPP/C officials spoke at length about the creation of jobs through the establishment of various industries and the enhancement of already existing sectors in Guyana.

From massive projects like the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the Specialty Hospital, the deepwater harbour, among oth-

ers, the PPP/C foresees the creation of jobs in all areas.

As explained during the Party’s rallies and public meetings, these projects will create thousands of jobs directly and indirectly and will also pave the way for the creation of other businesses that will complement those projects, ultimately creating more jobs.

“Let’s say we have the road to Brazil and a truck is driving from Brazil all the way to Berbice for the Deep Water Harbour, that truck has to get washed, it has to get gas, it has to get fixed, the driver got to find a hotel to sleep in, you see all of that creates a whole new section of jobs… so now if I want to be a truck mechanic, I have the opportunity, I can go somewhere between Lethem to Linden and I set up my business. Those are local investment that bubbles up, and this is where the microfinancing comes in, you want to create a mechanic place on the highway, you come in for a loan. Those are support systems that new thinkers can now get an opportunity to become entrepreneurs,” PPP/C Candidate Peter Ramsaroop

had explained.

President Donald Ramotar also outlined an extensive plan for the resuscitation of the sugar industry, which is the bedrock of the economy in Berbice.

Generally, the PPP/C maintains that its manifesto provides coverage for the betterment of all Guyanese of all walks of life.

At a recent PPP/C press conference, former President Bharrat Jagdeo was in high spirits about this launch as he urged all Guyanese to read the document, which he assured, clearly outlines the Party’s vision for taking Guyana forward.

Meanwhile, following the unofficial release of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s manifesto, Jagdeo wasted no time in declaring his assessment of the document. In a statement to the media, the former Head of State described the Opposition’s manifesto as an “unimaginative” and “contradictory” document which contains several of the programmes already being pursued by the ruling PPP/C. He said in his estimation, 75 per cent of the manifesto was arbitrary ad hoc extraction of policies that the PPP/C was already pursuing, but without the strategic framework that Government has outlined in several public documents including the National Development Strategy (NDS); Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP); National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS); Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its five-year education plan. “Because of the absence of this framework, the APNU-AFC manifesto lacks focus. Also, some of their promises are outright preposterous and an insult to the intelligence of the Guyanese people.”

PSC hammers “unreasonable” APNU/AFC

...for foiling presidential

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana has accused the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) of being “unreasonable” in its demands for a prime ministerial debate.

Speaking at a news conference at the Commission’s headquarters on Waterloo Street, PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud said that it was the view of the Commission that the Opposition was being too “unreasonable” in its stance to not engage in a presidential debate unless a prime ministerial candidate debate was also organised. Persaud said that the debate was premised on the presidential candidates and while he understood that there was need for the prime ministerial candidates to debate their policies given the role they play and would play in the event the successful presidential candidate was indisposed, it was not sufficient reason to put a presidential debate on hold.

“The Private Sector volunteered to host a presidential debate and organised all aspects of that debate. Upon request of the political parties, we were provided with a counter request to also promote a prime ministerial debate by the APNU+AFC. The situation as it is right now is that the PPP/C is only committed to a presidential debate and will not consider a prime ministerial debate. However, we don’t believe that the non-participation of the prime ministerial candidates is a good enough reason for not having the Presidential debate. We think that the PM candidate debate is important and it should be held, but it should not be reason why we won’t have a presidential debate,” the Chairman said.

debates

He said that the Commission has also been trying for the longest while to intervene and to find a compromise between the two political parties, but this has proven to be futile. Persaud said that the respective stances taken by the parties was one of immaturity, noting that it did not augur well for the country as if they could not agree on such a simple matter, then they will not be able to decide on major issues affecting the country.

Unfortunate

In further expressing his disappointment, Persaud told this publication that he believed the two parties robbed the nation of a chance to put their future leaders under public scrutiny. “I find it very unfortunate that the electorate cannot be exposed to that… the leaders of the country should be up for public scrutiny,” Persaud lamented. He added that the two parties were making unnecessary and unacceptable excuses to avoid the debates, ultimately robbing the public of the chance to hear them discuss and be questioned on the policies and plans they have for the country.

PSC Vice Chairman Eddie Boyer told media operatives that the political parties should consider the electorate and come to an agreement, since “the debate was owed to the Guyanese people”.

Nonetheless, the PSC Chairman said the door was still open if the two parties came to an agreement to have the debate. He explained that although he was not hopeful the parties would reach an agreement, the PSC was still willing to host the debate. In fact, he disclosed that the PSC made contact with officials from the APNU/AFC coalition regarding the PPP/C’s position

on the situation, and the PSC was now awaiting a response.

Opposition Leader David Granger had initially agreed to debate President Donald Ramotar, but later changed his mind, demanding a Prime Ministerial Candidate Debate as well. But the PPP/C did not succumb to the demand, and issued a statement saying it would not participate in the prime ministerial debate on the grounds that the APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo has consistently been utterly “disrespectful and vile” towards the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper.

However, the ruling party declared that the offer of a presidential debate still stood if the coalition was brave enough to accept without any new conditions. But the APNU/AFC made it clear that it would no longer agree to presidential debates unless a debate was organised for the candidates’ running mates. Only recently, General Secretary of APNU and Co-Chair of the coalition, Joseph Harmon accused the PPP/C of trying to prevent Harper from undergoing public scrutiny.

President Donald Ramotar

PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud

saturday, april 25, 2015|

PPP/C takes elections message to Herstelling

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Thursday night took its elections message to Herstelling, East Bank Demerara where hundreds joined its Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar in a mini-rally.

The public meeting was well-attended by residents – many decked out in their party colours. Addressing the crowd, Ramotar said the Party remained committed to the development of Guyana. He cited the action of the Opposition to cut the national budget over the past three years as a move to target the nation’s youths despite the harm it could have caused.

The move to cut loans for

University of Guyana students was one such example, he said.

The failure of the Opposition to support the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill was another example of the Opposition doing what it could to “put our nation in harm’s way”, the Head of State said. He noted that despite all understanding the importance of the internationally required legislation, the Opposition voted against it “not once but twice” when they had the chance to pass it. This action, the President said, “puts all of us at risk” of international financial sanctions.

The ongoing Walter

Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), the President said, was a clear example of where the Opposition’s true interest lay. He reminded that the CoI revealed that weapons were handed over to the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Government by the Army. He described the Opposition as never really supporting the Police in their crime-fighting efforts, instead it accused them of extra-judicial killings. It was a history that Opposition Leader David Granger wanted Guyanese to forget, Ramotar stated, noting that “he is the only historian that wants us to forget the past”. The Opposition’s intention to further damage

the country, the President said, was also evident when it cut funding for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project. Government already had secured a contractor for this huge project, and failure to meet its obligations would have resulted in litigation brought against the Government which would have been forced to use taxpayers’ money to pay for litigation costs. This, he stressed, was “a deliberate

come.

The PPP/C Government, the President said, has always and will always operate in the interest of the people. He described citizens as the most important factor for the nation’s development; hence, the spending on programmes that benefited all. These, he said, include a successful housing programme which has resulted in over 100,000 house lots being distributed, across Guyana, and the creation of numer-

banks will be permitted to operate, lowered interest rates, and more avenues for persons to start their own businesses were listed by the President.

“Our history is one of progress,” He emphasised, unlike the PNC which destroyed the economy during its rule. He asked the residents, “Can you trust them, Comrades? The path is clear, the decision is clear.” He said that all must consider how far as a nation, “we have

attempt to damage our nation”.

The Specialty Hospital, which President Ramotar described as one that would result in the latest medical treatment and services being offered to all Guyanese, was also opposed by the Opposition. “Are these people interested in development? No, they just want power for power’s sake!”

The question of where all the good things the Opposition promised would come from was put to the residents by the President. He noted that one has to wonder from where the money to pay for all of these things would

ous housing schemes. He spoke of the challenges facing the sugar industry and the flip-flopping of the political Opposition, amid calls for the industry to be closed or diversified away from sugar production. Government will ensure the industry, which he described as the “grandfather of all the industries”, survive through value-added products such as ethanol production and more.

Future developments such as the Linden to Lethem Road, the deepwater harbour, Information and Communication Technology, and an economy that is expanding so rapidly that more

gone and what plans we have to take us even further. I ask you to remember that the PPP has always stood by you in thick and thin.” It was the PPP which fought for universal adult suffrage, he reminded those gathered, a right, he added that was taken away from Guyanese by the PNC via a “proxy government”, not by law but by the practice of rigging elections, a right which was restored by the PPP in 1992. Residents were urged to ‘stand by us, stand by the PPP/Civic... together we can build our country into the better place that it deserves to be!” (GINA)

Mini-vans imported but not registered by May 15 will lose tax concessions

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it has noted with concern the lacklustre manner in which some taxpayers, especially auto dealers and importers, were approaching the importation, modification, and registration of certain mini vans to be used as public transportation which are registered in the “B” Series.

The GRA said in a release that based on an agreement between itself and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), small passenger type mini vans such as the Toyota Noah and the Toyota Voxy were allowed to be registered in the “B” series for use as public transportation for a period of five years. This concession was allowed on vehicles imported up to December 31, 2014.

Further, this tax concession was granted with the condition that the vehicles would have been modified to accommodate 10 persons including the driver, within two weeks from the date that the Tax Exemptions/ concessions were granted. While most of the beneficiaries have com-

plied with this stipulation, many importers are now defaulting on this agreement. This has led to several hiccups and delays in the processing and finalisation of these concessions with the GRA’s Tax Exemptions, Processing, and Verification Division and information shared with the GPF.

Taxes due in full

As such, all importers and owners of these mini vans who would have imported such vehicles prior to December 31, 2014, are advised to have their vehicles registered on or before Friday, May 15, 2015. Any request to have these vehicles registered after May 15, will be denied by the GRA and the importer/owner will be required to pay the full difference of taxes owed to the state.

Persons should note that vehicles which have already been registered for use as public transportation will be allowed to continue operations for a maximum period of five years. Moreover, owners of these vehicles are reminded

that under the terms and conditions of this agreement, they are required to submit their Income Tax Returns annually to the Post Approval Section of the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division of the GRA, to confirm that they are using the vehicle for public transportation and that they are tax compliant. Failure to comply will result in the non- issuance of future Road Service Licence and the prorated taxes will become due and payable.

As was previously stated, in cases where Motor Vehicles which fall under the above category were already registered by the GRA, they must be fitted with not less or more than 10 seats. These vehicles will be examined by the GRA before any renewal of their Motor Vehicle Licences, to ensure that they are in conformity with the required standard. Persons who require additional information can contact the Tax Exemption, Processing, and Verification Division on telephone numbers: 227-6060 Ext. 3500, 3501, and 3502.

President Ramotar addressing residents of Herstelling

Residents of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara welcoming President Donald Ramotar, prior to a community meeting

PPP/C hammers APNU/AFC leaked manifesto

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said the “leaked” People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Manifesto was déjà vu, lacked vision and was contradictory.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and PPP/C candidate Clinton Urling have lambasted the coalition’s proposed plans for Guyana, which it said was prematurely released. Ramsammy said the manifesto, which included a number of projects the Opposition had failed to support in the 10th Parliament, was a platform for disaster.

“This manifesto released by the APNU/AFC takes us back to that. Instead of moving forward, the very people that ask us to forget the past, that past is being resuscitated as our development model… which means we have to practise deficit economics. They in fact articulate a model that guarantees disaster.”

Dr Ramsammy said the coalition was proposing to take the country back to a “failed, destructive past”. He said he was intrigued by the proposed 20 per cent increase for the military and 10 per cent for other public servants, yet questioned the wage bill of sugar workers.

“For us, all public servants, whether they are in the Army, the Police or teachers, all of our workers deserve pay increases. We remind the public that under the PPP Government, we have an unbroken record, where we have never failed to give an annual pay increase,” Dr Ramsammy said.

According to Ramsammy, sections of the manifesto also related the Opposition’s proposal of a massive expenditure in the

face of reduced income.

PPP/C candidate Clinton Urling examined the coalition’s proposal to address tax reform. He said the Opposition has made it clear that it had never before had an interest in this area, it lacked coherence and was contradictory.

“When you look at this manifesto, you can see clearly, it looks like a very crude cut and paste job. It seems more like it is trying to obfuscate its message rather than illuminate in simple terms what are some of the solutions.”

He said the manifesto provided no long-term development plan and it lacked any long-term plan where the alliance sought to deal with taxes and tax reform.

“The only promise that this manifesto has is a promise of developing a plan, only if the combined Opposition gets into power.” According to him, that raises a very “legitimate” question, about their work throughout the years as some of the proposed plans should have been already developed.

He said the Opposition, had never, even during his tenure as Chairman of the Georgetown Chamber of Industry and Commerce, approached the body with any development plan for tax reform. Another contradiction, he argued, was the coalition’s plan to have a “comprehensive re-

view of the taxation structure”, while promising to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) and raise the income tax threshold.

“That sends the message right away that you are not interested in genuine comprehensive, holistic review; you are being more selective than that.”

Another contradiction that is “worrying”, Urling related, is the inclusion of Public-Private Partnership (PPPs) and the alliance’s commitment, while on the same manifesto “they talk about lowering the tolls of the Berbice River Bridge”, a primary example of PPPs in Guyana. He said it was an atrocity for any government to come in and suggest price control and the possibility of reducing the toll, “you are not just talking about a Government project, you will have to consult with the Private Sector colleagues who had partnered in that initiative,” Urling said.

He continued that such a move would hinder future foreign and domestic investors from entering into such economic partnerships. Urling said the Opposition was well aware that the tolls of the Berbice River Bridge cannot be reduced “overnight”, it must go through the consultative channels with the private investors and the best economic practices.

Urling also alluded to the section of the manifesto which detailed the Opposition to “spend, spend, spend”, without sharing any initiatives that tell of plans to finance these spending. He said the youngest child would know that in order for money to be spent, it must be made. “All I see in this manifesto is that we are going to give away all these subsidies, incentives and goodies, but there is not a single talk about how we are going to make the money to do it.”

Campaign launched...

“What we need to do is talk to the people who are approaching this behaviour, not in the way that humiliates them but to try to understand where it’s coming from, and educate them on why this needs to change. We just need to get the conversation started and go on from there,” remarked Christani.

The Project Manager noted that street harassment is not just a Guyanese issue but a global one that has become a culture for men to utter degrading and unwarranted comments at women in public places. “So what we are trying to do is to educate and raise awareness that this is a problem. It is an invasion of my space and it makes me un-

comfortable. It’s not cute, it’s creepy, it actually makes me feel scary,” she stated.

Christani explained that street harassment is a form of sexual harassment and often leads to violence against women since rejected men become aggressive toward women who shun them.

According to the Project Manager, the campaign will be rolled out in three aspects. First, there will be several street art activities, where anti-street harassment posters will be erected at business and public buildings depicting women’s reaction to demeaning remarks from men.

The second phase, she stated, will see particularly the youth members of the Witness

Granger comparison with Obama insulting – Lumumba

Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment

Odinga Lumumba has described as “insulting” the advertisement published in the Kaieteur News, in which US President Barack Obama is being compared to A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Presidential Candidate David Granger.

Lumumba, speaking at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) press conference Friday, said the move by the Opposition coalition to compare its policies with the United States’ is nothing more than a an insult to that country’s leader.

The ad declares that the PPP/C is living in the past and urges Guyanese to look towards the future. It also relates a matching quote by the US President in which he pointed out that

the United States will not be imprisoned by the past, as it is looking to the future.

But Lumumba said that the two could never match up. “When I think of Obama, it’s an Obama, whose campaign and strategies and actions cut across the line of race and class; an Obama, who objected to atrocities from the time he was an adult, an Obama who would have objected to rigged elections, and to the murder of the intellectual Walter Rodney; an Obama who would have walked with Mandela and Gandhi.”

The Presidential Youth

Adviser told the press that a view of Granger’s history recalls numerous atrocities and political hiccups in Guyana.

“If you look at Moses

Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, these were individuals who accused the PNC of murder and rigged elections, who accused the army of violating the rights of the people during elections and during that time, Mr Granger was a prominent figure in this country and not at any point in time he has objected or disagreed with those atrocities.”

Lumumba said that as a leader who “wants to be like the Obama of America”, he should at least apologise for those atrocities. “Nothing is wrong with saying you are sorry, nothing is wrong with saying that it should not have happened. The fact that Granger has stood silent on these matters means he was in agreement.”

from page 8

Project engaging the public by handing out flyers and starting conversations on the issue, while the posters are being erected. Then, there will be an online interaction community where victims, witnesses and perpetrators of street harassment are invited to share their stories and take part in discussions aimed at educating the public on the matter, Christani explained.

The Witness Project, which is an initiative of the US-Based Margaret Clemons Foundation, will be launched today at Nations University where the first set of posters will be put up. The striking oversized posters feature women and girls reacting to commonly used catcalls.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Opposition Leader, Retired Brigadier David Granger

Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment Odinga Lumumba

US President Barack Obama

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“I swear I will never switch” –

TUF leader says party will go it alone

By Devina Samaroo

Leader and Presidential Candidate of The United Force (TUF), Marissa Nadir is insisting that her political party will remain independent even after the May 11 polls, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Based on the party’s controversial history of its leaders either coalescing with another political party or leaving the TUF to join with another party, questions have arisen surrounding the stability of TUF. But Nadir dismissed those perceptions, maintaining that TUF will remain a single entity. “We are of the belief that we do not need to join any political party to represent our supporters,” she said.

The young leader explained that if a motion was being tabled in Parliament, then her party can either support it or not support it based on its view of its importance. Nadir made it clear that her father’s (Manzoor Nadir’s) affiliation with the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will never influence the direction in which she leads TUF. “I am an adult…I have my own opinion separate … from my father,” she asserted.

In quoting the words

of the party’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Roy Van Tholl, Nadir said, “TUF has learnt from the mistakes of all our previous leaders.” She explained that the current executives learnt from the mistakes of Peter D’Aguiar when he coalesced with the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the 1960s and from the mistakes of her father when he joined with the PPP/C. “We are young, qualified, educated …we are fully aware with what is at stake and once we get the support, we are fully confident we will make a difference,” she stated.

TUF first contested national elections in 1964, when it received 12.4 per cent of the vote and won seven seats, becoming the junior partner in a coalition government with the PNC. In the 1968 elections its share of the vote fell to 7.4 per cent and it was reduced to four seats. The party did not contest any elections during the 1970s but returned in 1980, receiving 2.9 per cent of the vote and winning two seats. It retained the two seats in the 1985 elections, before being reduced to a single seat in 1992. It retained its single seat in elections in 1997, 2001 and 2006, but lost it in the 2011 elections.

Challenge

In 2011, the party endured its most significant challenge with the inhouse fight for leadership, which resulted in a court battle that came to an end some two weeks before the General Elections in that year.

At the helm of that conflict was the party’s former leader Valerie GarridoLowe, who after a bitter dispute with the party’s leadership, joined forces with the Alliance For Change (AFC). She has since been serving as a Member of Parliament with

that party. Nadir said the party was unable to carry out any major campaigns across the country and bring clarification to supporters who had strongly believed that the party had some major factions and had split up.

She said by the time the court case came to an end, the party was “head on” into the election.

There has been talk that with Garrido-Lowe’s departure, strong support for the party had waned especially in the party’s stronghold – the interior regions. Nadir said the conflict had caused widespread confusion among supporters as to who was the “real” party leader. She said her party was forced to take the little time available to do some “damage control” and this has been continuing over the years.

Cabinet satisfied with drought response in Region 9

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Friday disclosed that Cabinet has been briefed via a comprehensive report compiled by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on its attempts to coordinate drought relief efforts in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Dr Luncheon, speaking at his post-Cabinet media briefing said that Cabinet was satisfied with the report presented at its April 21 statutory meeting. Dr Luncheon said the report was examined, and then the recommendations were approved, as they “focused on the provision of water to those affected communities in the three sub-regions.”

He added that many of the communities, fortunately, al-

Crum-Ewing murder probe…

ready possess the resources needed for the drought relief intervention, those being, “tractors and trailers, and in most cases neighbouring water sources.”

The CDC has proposed, the Cabinet Secretary said, and Cabinet has approved funding for the provision of water from accessible sources to the affected communities, and institutions such as schools, and health centres. It was noted that some of the water sources ranged in proximity to the communities from hundreds of meters to as far away as 20 miles. The approved funding will cover the purchasing of pumps, tanks and the transporting costs of the water. This will continue until the advent of the rainy season, Dr Luncheon indicated. This drought-like condition is likely to continue into May, he added.

Family considering private

investigation – expresses no confidence in Police Force

Months after the execution-style killing of Courtney CrumEwing, his family has declared no confidence in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to solve the case.

In a quest to achieve justice, the Crum-Ewing’s family is now considering the option of handing over the matter to private investigators.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Friday, Crum-Ewing’s mother, Donna Harcourt said she does not believe that the Police Force will work assiduously to ensure her son’s killers are found.

As a result, Harcourt said that she may very well have to resort to a private investigator “to get to the bottom of the case.”

Crum-Ewing, who

was a former soldier, was gunned down on March 10 in Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) while urging residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote on May 11.

To date, the Police’s investigation, despite several leads, remains inconclusive.

The Police have confirmed that, thus far, eight persons have been arrested but were all released due to the lack of evidence. Investigators are also awaiting the fingerprint analysis done on the bullhorn that was retrieved from the crime scene. In addition, the Police are awaiting the results from the tests done on the car suspected to have been used in the shooting to death of the man.

The most recent development that was reported was the release of CrumEwing’s phone records by Digicel Guyana. A senior Police rank told this publication that the phone records are being analysed but confirmed that the last call to the phone number was made by the now dead man’s girlfriend.

But despite these strides, Harcourt said she believes the Police will never come up with something conclusive.

Moreover, she strongly expressed her dissatisfaction that President Donald Ramotar and former President Bharrat Jagdeo would suggest that her son was involved in “unholy practices.”

Meanwhile, a handful of close family members of the late Crum-Ewing are still continuing with peaceful protests outside of the Attorney General’s Chambers on Carmichael Street, Georgetown. They have pledged to continue their actions until justice is served.

Courtney Crum-Ewing

TUF Leader and Presidential Candidate Marissa Nadir

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Mexican girl sent to US returns home

AMexican girl who was pulled out of her school and forcibly sent to the United States (US) to live with a Texas woman who claimed to be her mother, has finally been reunited with her family back home in Guanajuato state.

Last week Alondra Luna Nunez was misidentified as a missing girl from Houston, Texas, and was dragged screaming from a Mexican courtroom by federal agents.

The near one-week ordeal for the 14-year-old ended after a DNA test proved that it was a case of mistaken identity and that the woman from Houston, Dorotea Garcia, was not her real mother.

The girl’s parents placed blame on the Mexican judge who refused to accept the pile of documents they pre-

sented as proof of her identity; from baptismal records and a copy of her birth certificate to family photographs.

“The other girl had a scar, but on the eyebrow, and I have one on my nose. I mean all this was stirred up over that,” Nunez said at an emotional reunion with her family.

She was identified as

the missing girl by Garcia in Guanajuato. However Houston woman did not elaborate on how she did so.

The Mexican Foreign Ministry said Garcia’s identification of Alondra prompted US authorities to file a petition for her return and the case then was forwarded to the judge. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sandals Foundation to establish coral reef nurseries

In an effort to preserve coral reefs in Jamaica’s ecosystem, the Sandals Foundation says it will be providing funding for local coral reef restoration projects.

The foundation said that the aim of the project is to combat the declining coral reef populations by establishing nurseries across the island.

“The Sandals Foundation is passionate about protecting the environment and particularly marine preservation,” said Adam Stewart, President of the Sandals Foundation.

He stated that the coral reef nurseries will produce approximately 1200 coral pieces each year and these

will be transplanted to increase coral populations.

“The rate at which coral reefs are declining is very disturbing considering that they contribute so much to the Caribbean’s economy,” Stewart said. “With this year’s Earth Day theme being “It’s Our Turn To Lead”, we call for the region’s stakeholders to take a stand towards preserving our marine ecosystems and our environment as a whole to ensure that future generations have a Caribbean to call home.”

Funding for this endeavour was provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the C-FISH Initiative a project through the Caribbean Community Climate Change

Centre and implemented by CARIBSAVE.

“Saving the Caribbean’s coral reefs will be critical for the future of the region’s beaches, tourism sector and fishing communities” said Dr. Owen Day of CARIBSAVE.

“We now know that effective marine parks and coral restoration can make reef ecosystems recover faster than previously thought possible. It’s not rocket science; it just requires good management and real partnerships between communities, private sector, government and international donors. Sandals Foundation is fast becoming a regional leader in supporting these efforts.”

(CMC)

Venezuela does US$1B gold swap with Citibank

Venezuela’s central bank has converted part of its gold reserves into at least $1 billion in cash through a swap with Citibank, local media reported on Friday.

The deal will make more foreign currency available to President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist Government as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nation struggles with soaring consumer prices, chronic shortages and a shrinking economy worsened by low oil prices.

Venezuelan daily newspaper, El Nacional, said that the deal was for $1 billion and was struck with Citibank, which is owned by Citigroup Corporate.

Former Central Bank Director Jose Guerra and economist Asdrubal Oliveros of Caracas-based consultancy Ecoanalitica said, in separate interviews, that the operation had been carried out.

The Central Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comments. A Citibank official said that the company has no comment.

A source at the central bank told Reuters last month that it would provide 1.4 million troy ounces of gold in exchange for cash. Venezuela would have to pay interest on the funds, but the bank would most likely be able to maintain the gold as part of its foreign currency reserves. Most of Venezuela’s foreign reserves are held in gold after late socialist leader Hugo Chavez began moving Central Bank assets away from the dollar in the wake of the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. (Reuters)

British trader allegedly stashed millions in the Caribbean

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is investigating a British trader who allegedly stashed millions of pound sterling in offshore bank account in some Caribbean islands.

The London Evening Standard reported that Navinder Singh Sarao, 36, who lives in a modest semidetached house with his

parents in Hounslow, West London, was able to find £5 million (US$7.5 million) in sureties to pay his bail.

The FBI insisted that Sarao hid his alleged illgotten gains in a “complex” web of offshore accounts.

In the criminal complaint, United States of America v Navinder Singh Sarao, filed Thursday at the US District Court in the Northern Illinois, FBI

Special Agent Gregory Laberta claimed that the Briton admitted to amassing “the majority of his (net) worth in no more than 20 days of trading on days when the market was particularly vulnerable”.

According to the FBI Special Agent Laberta, the Briton stashed money he earned during the 2010 Wall Street “flash crash” and in his other high frequency trades in Nevis and Anguilla.

“Around the time of the Flash Crash, Sarao took significant steps to protect his assets,” says the criminal complaint.

According to the criminal complaint, one of Sarao’s ‘wealth management assistants’ described the company, in an email dated November 22, 2012, as having been created as part of “tax planning work” undertaken on the trader’s behalf. (CMC)

Grenada defends decision to open diplomatic post in Miami

The Grenada Government has sought to defend its decision to open a Consulate General in Miami later this month, saying it remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Grenadians in the Diaspora.

“Grenadian citizens and the network community organizations throughout the world continue to make substantive contributions to Grenada’s socio-economic development in all areas of life, and for this the Government is highly appreciative,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

It said “it is, therefore, necessary to have adequate representation, as far as possible, to facilitate Government’s obligations to its citizens and other partners, as we seek to realise the shared goal of prosperity for Grenadians at home and abroad in service to our be-

loved project Grenada”.

The diplomatic post opens on April 30 and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it represents “an important step” in broadening that outreach.

“It is envisioned that the Consulate General will not only provide consular services to Grenadians but also promote Grenada’s socio-economic development through the promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI).”

“The Ministry wishes to underscore that the Diaspora community in the New York Metropolitan area remains an integral pillar of our Diaspora community in the United States and ensuring a close working partnership with our community remains an absolute priority.”

It said that the appointment of Derrick James as Ambassador for Diaspora

and Humanitarian Affairs accredited to the United Nations “is a testimony to the Government’s commitment to ensuring the facilitation of a dynamic and responsive community engagement between our citizenry and government”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Embassy of Grenada in Washington, DC, continues to service the entire United States, including New York with regards to comprehensive consular services.

“The Ministry wishes to further inform that the Government of Grenada is currently reviewing modalities of strengthening its representation in New York with a view to facilitating consular representation and continuing to work hand in hand for the benefit of the people of Grenada at home and abroad,” the statement added. (CMC)

Alondra Luna Nunez

Reporters in London where Navindra Singh Sarao was arrested

Armenians mark 1915 mass killings

Ceremonies are being held in Armenia and around the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks. Armenia says up to 1.5 million people died.

The Presidents of France and Russia joined other leaders for the memorial in the Armenian capital, Yerevan.

Turkey strongly objects to the use of the term ‘genocide’ to describe the killings and the issue has soured relations between the nations.

A memorial service was held in Turkey on Friday. Its Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, said the country would “share the pain” of Armenians, but he reiterated Turkey’s stance that the killings were not genocide.

However, the actual fighting there began on 25 April, and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has accused Turkey of “trying to divert world atten-

tion” from the Yerevan commemorations.

After a flower-laying ceremony in Yerevan, Sargsyan addressed the guests, saying: “I am grateful to all those who are here to once again confirm your commitment to human values, to say that nothing is forgotten, that after 100 years we remember.”

In his address, French President Francois Hollande said, “We will never forget the tragedies that your people have endured.”

France has been a strong

advocate of recognising the killings as genocide and President Hollande has pushed for a law to punish genocide denial.

In his speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the killings as “one the most tragic disasters in the history of humankind” which “shook the whole world”.

“There cannot be any justification for mass murder of people,” he said. “Today we mourn together with the Armenian people.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Eurozone warns Greece no cash until full reform deal

uro zone Finance

EMinisters warned Greece, on Friday, that its Government will get no more aid until it agrees to a complete economic reform plan, as Athens lurches closer to bankruptcy.

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis faced a harsh morning in which Euro zone Ministers bemoaned talks they felt “were going nowhere” and one minister said that maybe it was time they prepared for the plan B of a Greek default.

Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch Finance Minister who chaired the meeting in the Latvian capital, slammed the door on Varoufakis’ pro-

posal for early cash after partial reforms.

“A comprehensive and detailed list of reforms is needed,” Dijsselbloem told a news conference. “A comprehensive deal is necessary before any disbursement can take place…We are all aware that time is running out.”

He also said a remaining $7.2 billion in frozen bailout funds would no longer be available after June, and Greece’s creditors would not talk about longer term funding and debt relief until Athens concluded a full interim agreement.

In a sign of the Euro zone’s frustration, the discussion on Greece lasted

little more than an hour, while ministers declined to go into any detail over issues such as the budget surpluses Athens might target because Greece had no details prepared.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that after meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday he hoped for an agreement by the end of this month.

But Dijsselbloem said finance ministers would review progress again only on May 11 - a day before Greece has to make a crucial and uncertain $750 million payment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). (Excerpt from Reuters)

China’s employment resilient despite slower economic growth

China said, on Friday, that urban employment held up in the first quarter even as economic growth slowed to a 6-year low, but the Minister of Labour warned that authorities cannot be “blindly optimistic” as the pace of job creation is slowing. The urban unemployment rate was at 4.05 per cent at the end of March, little changed from the 4.1 per cent at the end of 2014.

The world’s secondlargest economy created 3.24 million new jobs in the first quarter, down from 3.44 million during the same period last year.

China’s annual econom -

ic growth slowed to a sixyear low of seven per cent in the first quarter, hurt by a housing slump and a downturn in investment and manufacturing.

“The pace of urban job creation is slowing as economic growth weakens. Employment indicators tend to lag behind economic growth,” said Xin Changxing, Vice Minister of Human Resource and Social Security.

He attributed the resilience in employment to the increased size of the economy, faster expansion of the labour-intensive services sectors, along with the Government’s policy to make it easier for people to

Around the World

Meningitis outbreak in Niger

The African country of Niger has begun a mass vaccination campaign as it struggles to control a meningitis outbreak that has now killed 129 people.

Health Minister Mano Aghali announced, on public radio, that the death toll had risen from 85 in less than a week.

The effort to immunise children between the ages of two and 15 has started despite a shortage of vaccines. Schools in and around Niger’s capital, Niamey, were shut down this week to contain the virus.

Authorities said that it was a shortage of vaccines to treat the current strain that caused the outbreak to spread. Only half of the 1.2 million doses needed are currently available; Government said that it is still waiting for more to arrive. Prime Minister Brigi

Rafini had appealed for help in getting the remaining doses earlier this week.

The authorities have warned people against using unauthorised vaccines, saying that the doses might be for the wrong strain of the disease.

Aghali says 1150 cases have now been recorded, mostly in the Niamey and Dosso regions where it is now endemic.

Meningitis is an infec-

tion of the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include severe headaches, fever, drowsiness, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion and a fear of light. A rash may also appear. There is a “meningitis belt” in sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, with high rates of the disease. (Excerpt from BBC News)

set up new businesses.

“I’m confident that we can maintain stable employment as long as the economic performance is kept within a reasonable range. But we cannot be not blindly optimistic,” he said.

In particular, China faces large pressure creating jobs for university graduates this year, Xin said. Facing slowing economic growth, Chinese authorities have said that avoiding mass unemployment is a crucial policy priority.

The government aims to create at least 10 million new jobs in 2015 and keep the urban jobless rate below 4.5 per cent. (Excerpt from

Memorial service held to mark 100th anniversary of mass killing

Child waiting to get vaccination for meningitis

saturday, april 25, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chain snatcher freed after compensating victim

A30-year-old man was released from prison on Friday after he compensated the man from whom he had snatched a gold chain on Wednesday in what was apparently a case of mistaken identity.

Bevon Farley was remanded to prison on Thursday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and given until Friday to repay the Virtual Complainant (VC), Donald Baptiste, for the chain valued $126,000.

Farley had pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge of simple larceny at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on

Region

Thursday. According to Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, on the day of the incident, the VC was sitting in a bus at the Plaisance Bus Park, Regent Street, Georgetown, when the defendant entered the bus, snatched the chain from his neck and made good his escape. It was explained that the VC pursued Farley and soon caught him, never losing sight of him throughout the chase. Farley was turned over to the Police, but the chain was never recovered.

The defendant, speaking in his own defence, stated that he did commit the

offence, but it was a case of mistaken identity. He explained that the VC resembled the son of a man who owed him money and when he saw him, he went into the bus, took the chain as repayment and ran away after the VC dealt him a punch. He said it was only when the VC caught him that he realised that it was the wrong person. He stated that he was willing to compensate the VC for his loss; however, he was only in possession of $100,000.

The VC accepted the offer of compensation, but demanded that he be repaid in full for the chain.

nets

B y I ndrawatt I e n atram

Scores of fisherfolk in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are troubled over the emergence of a strange-looking seaweed in the Atlantic Ocean along the coast that is menacing their catch, and have called for the immediate intervention of the authorities.

The problem is prevalent in Pomeroon and along the Essequibo Coast.

net. Another fisherman, Deoram Ramanand, estimated his losses to be $300,000.

Both fishermen said that they loaded their boats and journeyed to sea to catch fish, but when they put out their seines, the seaweed became entangled in the nets, resulting in no catch. They were forced to return to land with no catch, and had to laboriously remove the seaweed. Both fishermen related that it was very

Fisherfolk are calling on the Agriculture Ministry, through the Fisheries Department, to launch an investigation into the peculiar seaweed and hence find ways of combating the bothersome aquatic weed.

One fisherman, Krishna Kalicharran, said that he has suffered losses in excess of $150,000 as a result of the weeds becoming entangled in his

costly to venture to sea, outlining their expenses for groceries, ice, and fuel, etc, so the seaweed was a serious problem.

Compounding the issue is the fact that the weed is continually on the move with the tide. The steep drop in catch will seriously impact the fishing industry, particularly in Region Two, if the issue is not resolved soon.

Silvertown resident on self-bail after alleged fight with Policeman

Aresident of Silvertown, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday on three charges after allegedly fighting with a Policeman.

Twenty-one-yearold Delroy Rockliffe was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It is alleged that Rockliffe unlawfully assaulted Police Constable John Medford while he was executing his duties as an officer of the law on Tuesday, April 21. The court was told that he was behaving disorderly within public hearing on the same

day and resisted arrest when Constable Medford tried to take him to the Wismar Police Station.

Rockliffe pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Rockliffe’s Attorney, Mark Conway, told the court that his client was a farmer, of 103 Second Street, Silvertown, who had never been brought to court for an offence and requested bail. Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that the prosecution has no objection to bail.

Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry then released the defendant on his own recognisance. His case was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for April 28.

Miner accused of unlawful wounding out on bail

Aminer from Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was granted his pretrial liberty on Thursday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the sum of $25,000 after being accused of wounding his spouse.

The accused, 38-year-old Sherwin Allicock, was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charged with wounding Virtual Complainant (VC), Sharon Nelson.

The charge, which was read in court, stated that on April 21 at Watooka River Drive in Mackenzie Linden, the accused unlawfully and maliciously wounded the VC.

The concerned Chief Magistrate advised the VC about a Protection Order, which she can get for herself under the Domestic Violence Act.

The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for trial on April 28.

Canal Polder carjacking Businessman discharged from hospital

Twenty-six-year-old

Abdul Quadir Nazir, a cambio dealer of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who was shot after he came under gunfire on Wednesday evening, has been discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The businessman has since given a detailed statement to the Police and claimed that he had about $2.1 million in the bag that was taken from his BMW motor car after it was hijacked by the bandits on Wednesday. The car was later found at Nismes, WBD with a quantity of foreign currency.

The businessman, who operates a cambio, reportedly told investigations that he had left Georgetown and

made a stop at his mechanic when his car came under fire. He was shot to his left side during the ordeal, and subsequently dragged from the car and left on the road as the bandits made off with his car.

His mechanic, Mark Crandon, 40, of Canal Number One Polder who was in the car when the bandits drove off, managed to jump out of the speeding car. However, Nazir told investigators that the incident occurred in a jiffy and was thankful for his life. At the time of the robbery, Nazir was heavily under the influence of alcohol and to an extent could not recall what transpired.

Guyana Times understands that the businessman claimed that he could not identify any of the two

men who shot at him and took away his black BMW motor car. The mechanic, on the other hand, reportedly told the Police that he can recognise at least one of the men.

Initially, the businessman did not reveal the content of the bag that was taken away by the bandits but upon his discharge, he was in a better position to speak with the Police.

Police, in a subsequent release, stated that Nazir was in his car in the company of his mechanic when another vehicle drove up and a man exited. The man, who was armed with a firearm, discharged several rounds at Nazir, hitting him to his left side and he was taken out of the vehicle.

The armed man, the Police stated, was then

joined by another man and they drove away in the victim’s vehicle, during which time Crandon managed to jump out of the vehicle. It is believed that the businessman’s car was trailed from Georgetown.

However, as Police continue their investigation, they are working on the theory that the bandits might have been the same group of men that carried out a brazen robbery on a Nonpareil family in September last. In that robbery, the bandits broke into the home of the family and removed a quantity of gold jewellery and cash. A source close to the investigations could not have given additional information but stated that the Police are working very hard to crack the two cases.

The strange seaweed entangled in a seine on a fishing boat

The strange looking seaweed washing up at the foreshore of Walton Hall Village on the Essequibo Coast

saturday, april 25, 2015 |

East Canje man refuses to go to work, commits suicide

An East Canje man on Thursday morning took his own life after refusing to go to work since Monday.

Dead is Fazil Bacchus, 24, of Lot 1073 Canefield New Area, East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). Bacchus was found hanging by the neck from a rope at the back of his home. The gruesome discovery was made by his father about 09:30h.

According to Bacchus’s father, Rasheed, he got home and the front door was locked, so he decided to go around to the back door and it was when he realised that something was amiss. “The first thing I see is that the hammock cut and on the ground.” He said as he approached the hammock, he saw his son in a standing position with a rope tied around his neck. Immediately, he called out to neighbours for assistance

thinking that his son might still be alive. However, he was soon informed that he had already died. “They say he dead already because froth coming out he mouth,” the father told this publication.

The younger Bacchus had used the rope from the hammock in which he reportedly spent most of his days to make a noose around his neck and stepped off a jar in a deadly two-foot plummet.

As neighbours gathered, the dead man’s mother, who is a domestic worker and was at her place of work in the vicinity, was contacted.

According to the saddened mother, Fazila Alli, neighbours came to her place of work and told her that she needed to go home because her husband had fallen ill. “They didn’t tell me what happen; they tell me that ma husband get pressure.”

She said when she got home, the yard was filled with neighbours and she was told to go and sit inside. When she saw her husband, she immediately knew that it was her son who was in trouble and immediately started to scream. “They told me not to go at the back and right away I know he dead,” she related.

The elder Bacchus said he had no idea why his son would have wanted to harm himself, describing him as a

peaceful young man who did not speak much. “He had no problem with work or house. Dem boy from workplace come an talk that he had no problem.”

Like his father, the younger Bacchus worked at the Rose Hall Sugar Estate.

According to the dead man’s mother, her son spent most of his days in the hammock

bed and sleep night time.” Bacchus reportedly did not go to work for the week and when asked by his father why he was absenting himself from work, replied that he did not ‘make work’. The young man had no girlfriend, according to his parents.

His body was cut down by Police. It is now at the

when he was on the night shift. She said on many occasions, she would ask him to get up and assist his father in the yard, but he never responded. “If he in the hammock, whole day, he would only move when he going to

Armed bandits rob NA pawnshop of $8M

Police in Berbice are investigating an $8 million robbery at the People’s Pawn Shop in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The incident occurred about 13:45h on Thursday when two men entered the pawnshop at New Street, New Amsterdam, dragged the two female attendants to the back of the store and bound them with duct tape before stealing a quantity of gold and diamond jewellery.

The pawnshop, which was opened some two years ago, is owned by Winston and Samantha Saunders and had never been robbed before. According to Winston’s mother, Valencia Saunders, who was one of the attendants at the time of the robbery, a man who had earlier enquired about the price gold was being sold for came into the shop, raised up his shirt and took out a gun. Saunders, along with her niece – the other attendant, Marsha D’Andrade – was pulled to the back of the store by the man and his masked accomplice, who had a stocking over his face. “They tape me up and they let her take out everything from in the safe first, and then they tape she up.”

She explained that they were bound hand and foot and pieces of duct tape were placed over their mouths. “They take their time and walk out. You see they didn’t take out the jewellery from in front because they didn’t have time.”

The ordeal lasted about five minutes, Saunders said. “I thought they would have killed me at the back there,

because we see his face plain plain,” Saunders said of the first bandit. The men took with them $5.3 million in gold and diamond jewellery from the safe along with $2.2 million in cash. Saunders was relieved of eight gold bangles valued $200,000, and a BlackBerry cellphone valued $80,000 while D’Andrade was relieved of one gold chain valued $200,000, a pair of gold and diamond earrings valued $250,000 and one Samsung cellphone valued $200,000.

The men reportedly left on bicycles.

PAHO targets 60 million children, adults for Vaccination Week

The Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) has targeted more than 60 million girls and boys, men and women in 45 countries and territories for vaccination against measles, rubella, polio, pneumonia and other diseases starting today as part of Vaccination Week in the Americas which will conclude on May 2.

Vaccination Week is the flagship regional initiative of PAHO. “Vaccination Week in the Americas began 13 years ago as an effort among many countries, and now it has become a global health initiative,” PAHO Director Carissa F Etienne said.

“It is a clear example of what can happen when our region’s countries work together, regardless of our different languages and cultures, toward the common goal of protecting the health of all our peoples.”

Thanks to high vaccination rates, the countries of the Americas have been global leaders in controlling and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases. The region was the first in the world to eradicate smallpox (in 1971) and to eliminate polio (in 1994), and expects in the near future to be certified as having eliminated measles and rubella. Other vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, have also been substantially reduced throughout the hemisphere.

“Maintaining high immunisation rates in our region is essential to protect these public health achievements and to advance toward new milestones,” Dr Cuauhtemoc Ruiz, Head of PAHO’s Comprehensive Family Immunisation Programme said. “Vaccination Week in the Americas is an important part of our region’s efforts to keep coverage rates high and to ensure that more vulnerable and remote communities share the benefits of immunisation.”

“Boost your power!”

The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Boost your power! Get Vaccinated!” highlighting how vaccines boost the immune system to help people fight off more than 20 different diseases. The slogan also suggests the

importance of completing one’s vaccination schedule by getting “booster” shots when recommended, such as for measles, pertussis, polio and tetanus.

One of the major objectives of Vaccination Week in the Americas every year is to reach out to groups that otherwise have limited access to health services, and are at increased risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. These include residents of urban fringe areas, indigenous communities, and people living in rural and border areas. “Vaccination Week provides an opportunity not only to raise awareness of the importance of vaccines but also to make vaccines available to the people and communities who need them most,” Ruiz said.

This year’s regional launch of Vaccination Week in the Americas will take place in Duran, Ecuador, with the participation of Ecuador’s Health Minister, the Director of PAHO/ World Health Organisation (WHO) and representatives of UNICEF, UNAIDS, the United Nations Development Programme, the Sabin Institute and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, among other partners.

Arokium Funeral Parlour awaiting an autopsy. This is the first suicide to have occurred in New Area, East Canje, a community which has been in existence for 10 years. Car disappears

According to Saunders, she and her niece remained bound for about five minutes after the bandits left the store. “We studying whether they were in front waiting to see if we will come out and raise an alarm. I took my hand and removed the tape from my mouth and then bit the tape and freed my hand so I could loose out my feet and then I loose her out.”

Police have taken into their possession surveillance footage which captured the robbery. No arrests have yet been made.

Astop to buy fried chicken turned spectacularly wrong on Wednesday night when a court marshal moonlighting as a taxi driver in Berbice returned to the spot where he had parked his car only to find it missing.

Reports are that Royden Pompey, who is attached to the Berbice High Court in

Together with the United Nations Foundation, PAHO/ WHO will host a #GetVax + Social Good webcast from the site of the regional launch.

Also today, PAHO Assistant Director Francisco Becerra will present the 2014 PAHO/WHO Immunisation Award to the Local Comprehensive Healthcare System (SILAIS) of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, for its success in ensuring high vaccination rates through integrated immunisation and follow-up efforts.

From April 24-30, more than 180 countries and territories around the world are expected to participate in the 4th Annual World Immunisation Week, a global initiative that was inspired in part by the success of Vaccination Week in the Americas. This year’s global campaign calls on countries to “close the immunisation gap” that leaves one in five children in the world missing out on routine life-saving immunisations.

New Amsterdam, left his car parked outside the Church’s Chicken outlet at Strand, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and went inside to make a purchase. However, when he returned some 10 minutes later, his car was gone. The matter has since been reported to the Police, who are investigating the incident.

The People’s Pawn Shop at New Street, New Amsterdam

The grieving parents, Rasheed Bacchus and Fazila Alli

Dead: Fazil Bacchus

42 ENTERTAINMENT

Miss Linden Town Week Pageant on this evening Erphaan Alves to perform live at Gravity tonight

As the clock winds down on the countdown to Miss Linden Town Week Pageant, we are reminding all of what is at stake, besides the prestige of the crown.

The crowned queen will drive away with a brand new car, compliments of Trans Pacific Motor Spares. The first runner-up will pocket a four-year scholarship to the University of Guyana to pursue studies of her choice, while the second runner-up will spend six nights in the land of reggae, Jamaica.

The keenly contested pageant will see the nine delegates clashing head on with the hope of winning the crown and the grand prize. The pageant is set

for tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground.

The delegates are Manouska Vyhuis, 18; Keisha Lewis, 18; Lurlee Stephens, 18; Irie Cadogan, 17; Keisha Fraser, 20; Carletta Johnson, 20; Shenelle Browne, 18; Shellon Massiah, 18 and Nickita Mcfarlane, 21

The delegates recently participated in the intelligence segment aired on the National Communications Network, Channel 13 (Linden), during which they were vigorously grilled on their platform and social ills in society.

Tonight, the delegates will compete in the talent, evening gown, introduction, swim wear and the final

question. Before the final question is asked, the judges will be given the task of reducing the number of delegates by almost half. The finalists will then be given the same question which they will have a specific amount of time to answer.

Patrons will also be entertained by members of the Lichas Dance Company, Diana Chapman, Yoland Nedd, and others. They are bound to add that special flavour to the night’s proceedings.

Tickets for the event cost $1000 in advance and can be collected at various locations in Linden. The Miss Linden Town Week Pageant is promoted by VYBZ Entertainment Inc.

Trinidadian rising soca star Erphaan Alves will be hitting the Gravity Lounge this Saturday evening as he performs his smash hit “Bumpa Like Rain”. With his soca vibes, the venue is expected to be stormed by soca junkies.

Born on November 23, 1991, Alves is a young singer, songwriter and producer who lives in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago.

He attained his early education at Rosary Boys’ RC School in Port of Spain, then went on to St George’s College, Barataria.

His singing career began at the age of nine when he entered the calypso world of competition at primary school, gaining the monarchy for three consecutive years, (2001-2003) with songs like the upbeat “Carnival Time”, “Put In A Slang” and “Thank you Sir”. Alves entered the Music Festival in the Boys Under-13 Solo Category in 2002.

In the early years of this energetic, young artiste’s career, he participated in several competitions. He

was the Xante Calypso Monarch, a finalist in the Junior Soca Monarch Competition and was named “Most Promising Calypsonian” in the Eastern Credit Union Calypso Competition. As he grew older he participated in a number of competitions and has definitely made a name for himself.

In 2013, he released six soca tracks, (“I Never”, “Pump”, “Come Down”, “Eruption”, “Dis Carnival” and “Doh Test We”) which received much airplay. “Doh Test We” was selected for the International Soca Monarch

“Champions

Apart from the live performance tonight at Gravity, there cials all night long. sored by Boom Energy Drink and Electronic City. For those who plan to party at the Gravity Lounge

night after which patrons will pay $2000.

in Action 2” slated for today at Tuschen Centre Ground

The Tuschen Community Centre Ground will today come alive with frolic and festivity as A&S Lumber Yard Crew, alongside Sundar, presents the muchanticipated “Champions in Action 5-5 Floodlight Softball Cricket Fantasia”.

This event will see the best teams from the Westside battling for $400,000 in cash and other prizes.

Each team will be required to deposit a $15,000 entrance fee before entering the competition. Showtime has been set for 17:00h and

music will be provided by Slingerz Family, HIfI Sounds and Matrix Sound System. Fans can expect a hilarious performance from character dancer “Granny Ivelaw”, Westside Dancehall Queen, ‘Shortie’, and standup comedian Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine.

Sponsors for the event include Stag Beer, A&S Lumber Yard, TO-To Gas Station, Sand and Stone Depot, Parbhu General Store, Sarah Fishing Boat Company, and Classic Culture Gas Station and Supermarket.

“Sensation”’ for PC tonight

The place to be this evening is Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown for “Sensation” – an event promoted by Pulse Entertainment. The event will be off the hook and it will be one of the wildest concept parties ever.

Patrons will be treated to the best music that will definitely set the atmosphere for a fantastic evening and more so, with one of the best DJs in the house, you are bound to have a great time. Yes, DJ Marcus Williams out of Trinidad and Tobago will be on the console as the music doctor.

DJ Marcus is no stranger to Guyana and has

been mashin’ up every dance in town. He is also known for his charm and good looks; that will be a plus for the female partyholics. In addition, Pulse’s very own, DJ Ryan will also be adding some flavour to the night.

Admission to “Sensation” is absolutely easy. Ladies will be admitted free before 23:00h, while general admission will be $2000 before 23:00h.

The event is powered by Pulse Entertainment and is sponsored by R1 White Ice, Real FM, Best Warehouse Deals, Panasonic Air Conditioners and Bartenura Moscato.

Erphaan Alves

Granny Ivelaw

Marcus Williams

Freedom to protest did not exist during PNC era

Dear Editor, Dr Bheri Ramsaran’s invective response to a female protester is unacceptable and must be condemned by any right thinking person. Kudos to Government officials for condemning the Minister’s uttering to the female activist.

The fact that a female protester provoked the Minister into attacking her is not justifiable reason for him to behave in an uncouth manner. However, I should note that this is not the Dr Ramsaran I got to know during the late 1980s and thru the restoration of democracy in 1992; he served Berbicians well.

And during this oppressive period, protests against the PNC or its officials were not tolerated. Critics of the regime were brutalized, and if you engaged in protests, you were beaten or arrested.

Democracy has been flourishing since 1992 that people can confront any Minister or official of Government in the most derogatory and uncouth manner and can pen or say any nonsense in the media.

The female activist, who is not a reporter, and who was the subject of Bheri’s verbal irate response, did not have a right to disrupt the Minister. She has a right to ask questions but not to disrupt the right of reporters who were engaging the Minister for their media report. Her freedom of speech should not have ended just a few inches from the body of the Minister and the reporters who engaged the Minister.

Clearly, the Minister did not want to engage the protesting activist. But as revealed by reporter Leon Suseran in a letter, the protester baited the Minister who fell for the bait and responded inappropriately. Bheri should have ignored her or ask to be excused or the reporters themselves should have asked her to excuse them so they could do their job.

The Minister compromised his professionalism in verbally dressing down the woman in public. That is not the Bheri I know. Corentyne

people displayed great respects for him for his medical practice. And they rated him highly whenever I polled on Ministerial popularity over the last eight years.

The first time I met Bheri was in Berbice when he was a practicing doctor in Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant during the late 1980s. In every trip to Guyana from New York, I would take medicine or other supplies to medical institutions and or doctors to help the poor at a time when medicine was virtually unavailable.

Bheri’s medical office was one of the beneficiaries for my small stocks. He was among a few doctors who helped the poor and the working class and the respected Uncle Bissoon (a businessman who was known by most Berbicians) recommended that I donated my limited medical supplies to his office.

Bheri was very helpful to the poor. He charged relatively low fee and or provided free medical service. He made medicine available to the poor cheaply and or virtually for free.

Although very busy with lines of people waiting for his service, he availed himself to me for political discussions and we exchanged discussions on the struggle for the restoration of democratic governance and how to improve peoples’ lives in the area. He had enormous respect for Dr Jagan and followed every directive of the great leader and founding father of the nation.

Bheri came across as a champion of women and children causes on the Corentyne, and as I observed, most of the patients he attended to were women or little kids. I understand he did same when he practiced in Demerara and even when he worked at Georgetown Hospital.

I was shocked, therefore to learn about his uttering at the woman. It is not like him. He should not have paid heed to the woman whose behavior must also be condemned for disrupting an interview the Minister was

having with the media.

As Suseran reported, the protester, who it is reported is affiliated with the opposition PNC-led coalition, repeatedly provoked, interrupted and confronted the Minister while he was speaking.

That kind of behavior is also not acceptable and must be condemned. People should be free to speak their mind without drowning out the voices of others or disrupting the rights of others to speak or violating the personal space of others.

On freedom of speech, all activists, like myself and Dr Ramharack, Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan, David Hinds, Ogunseye, etc, would remember well that there hardly existed any freedom of speech or right to public protest during the dictatorship. One could hardly have questioned a Minister in private much less so in public.

In those days, Government officials did not resort to verbal abuse but physical abuse; many of us were victims of beatings even though we did not engage in any fishmonger protests like what have been taking place since the restoration of democracy.

Terror reigned on those who protested against the dictatorial Government; I was whipped for exercising my right in a protest on the Corentyne. In Demerara, we were constantly intimidated and threatened with violence by thugs who broke up our political meetings and protest actions.

Police hardly allowed protest activities. Father Bernard Darke was killed by Government thugs for exercising his right as a photo journalist. Father Morrison was constantly harassed and set upon by thugs for his reporting of Government abuses. There were numerous other cases of abuses against free speech. But the abuses under the PNC dictatorship in no way justify the behavior of Dr Ramsaran.

Vishnu Bisram

Let’s stand with the youth leader and the new order

Dear Editor

Marissa Nadir is the youngest political leader in Guyana today, the youngest presidential candidate in Guyana, a qualified attorney at law who came through TUF’s youth arm the Guyana United Youth Society (GUYS).

I as the oldest (in membership) serving member of TUF am proud to have this young patriotic youth coming out to give our young people a voice in Parliament. Yes, young people of all walks of life, of all races, of all religions especially the growing youths out there.

When Marissa enters Parliament after the next elections it would not be Marissa alone in Parliament, and all the other youths of our party, but it would be all tens of thousands who for the first time will be having a say in matters concerning them.

In the past, as a young teenager Marissa would sit at our Executive meetings, she would draw up a chair away from us and listen attentively to our debates which were not only about party matters, but also matters of the nation. When her father was not too keen on having her at a particular discussion he would tell her to ask the Chairman for leave.

Marissa’s elevation to leader and presidential candidate of TUF was done at an Executive meeting when

I nominated her for that post. If voters could remember well there was a lot of commotion as to Valerie Lowe who well benefited in the 2011 election amidst all the challenges. Valerie Lowe had switched and immediately became a member of AFC (Always Fooling Citizens). Lowe got into Parliament after that election.

Today, as Marissa and her party enter this 2015 elections we have been telling our supporters that this election is not about one race verses the other as in the past, or the rich verses the poor. This election is about youth verses the past. It is the first time and praise to God the young people out there will be able to hold their heads real high and proclaim title.

This can only be realized by supporting a party like TUF. Our young people have for too long been only a pawn in the political game. I as an elder person with my family will be voting for Marissa and TUF on May 11 and, when those votes are counted, I as an elderly person can say I on my own have made a contribution to the future.

Youths, you too can contribute to the development of young people. This can only be done by voting for the “Sun” symbol of TUF. Marissa Nadir and company need your support young people and those of us who would live to see youth lead-

ing our land will be proud. Marissa is not of the bourgeois class, she like her father was born in Albouystown (at the corners of James and Hogg streets). Her door is always open to anyone with problems. I know my children had and she was there for them. I first met her as a child of eight years old when I went to see the Nadirs. At that time they were living opposite Sophia in Garnett Street. I came up on my cycle and went to the yard. She was at the pipe and I asked this child does Mr Nadir live here? With that she shut the pipe and shouted, “Daddy, someone is here to you. Now here was this middle age man who this child had never seen. She did not run up the stairs in fear, nor did she look at me with suspicion or question. She treated me like a human being. Today, that child is the same race and gender neutral person, a political gift to you. Young people have been offered and Guyana accepts Marissa Nadir and party. For the first time, a real chance is being offered. Accept Marissa and her party, they are the new order. No Manzoor Nadir and her mother had nothing to do with this. It is we the members of TUF. Let’s stand with Marissa the youth leader and the new order.

Murtland Williams

GRA has zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct

Dear Editor,

Given its mandate to collect and secure revenue for the state, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) cannot and will not countenance any misdemeanours or slippages where security is concerned.

In the past those slippages have cost the GRA great shame, criticism and un-

Toll gates and food as weapons

Dear Editor,

As a young adult in Guyana I weighed 110 pounds because of the limited amount of food that was available to me in the 1980s. This was because food of any kind was in short supply.

The PNC/APNU wanted to starve Berbicians into submission because of their supporting for the PPP.

Berbicians tried to supplement their food supplies by going to Suriname to bring back sardines, potatoes, salt fish, peas and other basic food items. These were

considered contraband – the equivalent of the possession of cocaine, and punishable by fines and jail times.

To punish Berbicians even further, the PNC/APNU installed toll gates. These were installed to further penalize an already malnourished population. But to further insist on showing their hatred the PNC/APNU installed three toll gates in the Corentyne area.

The toll gates were used not only to extort money from an impoverished section of the population but to

seize food items coming from across the border and to intimidate the people of the Corentyne.

The toll gates were used to stop and frisk everyone who traveled on the public road. The women were forced to stay away from traveling on the public road to save themselves from the embarrassment of being fondled by the thugs guarding the toll gates.

I am once again being threatened by Moses and the PNC/APNU that I should not remember those horrible

days. I am further afraid that if I do not inform the current generation of the horrors I suffered by people like David Granger that I would have neglected my responsibility as a human being.

Let my experience serve as a guide to what can happen again if you let yourself be fooled by Moses and his new found friends. Say never again to anyone who tells you to forget the past.

Let your history serve you to its fullest.

Ganesh Persaud

warranted public attention, all of which have prompted management of the Authority to put corrective measures in place.

As taxpayers visit the Authority’s central office in large numbers on a daily basis, security officers on the ground floor are responsible for directing members of the public to the appropriate area.

They also regulate the queues and number of taxpayers in the lobby area in an effort to ensure timely and orderly transactions.

This policy is reiterated in response to a letter in the April 22 Edition of the Guyana Chronicle, captioned “GRA security distracted by non-security activities,” which alleges that “the security personnel stationed at the entrance of the building was occupied with activities, mostly not security related”.

The public should be reminded that directing and

conversing with the public is part of the security’s inevitable responsibilities.

Nevertheless the GRA can only reiterate that it expects its officers, whether security or otherwise to act professionally, particularly in the eyes of the observant taxpaying public.

Moreover, as an agency with a mandate to provide quality service, the GRA expects nothing less than a high quality performance from its staff so that the services required of the Revenue Authority by the various clients are delivered.

In light of the foregoing complaint by the taxpayer, the matter is being addressed with a view of taking corrective measures if there is such a need. The GRA also wishes to thank the concerned person for highlighting the issue.

Public Relations Dept GRA

VP Baichan and Sons sponsors Upper Corentyne/RHTY&SC for May

Day Cup

The Combined Upper Corentyne and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) team received full sponsorship for the May Day Cup one-day event, billed for May 2 at the historic Albion Sports Complex.

Vishwan Persaud Baichan, Sawmiller and Sand and Stone Dealer of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, readily provided sponsorship for the team after being approached by the event’s organising committee.

At a simple presentation ceremony, Mahendra Persaud Baichan, son of the

sponsor, said that his father was happy to assist with the sponsorship of the team and was also happy to give back to the community. He said that he was in full support of the event and praised the initiative.

Accepting the cheque on behalf of the organisers was Vicky Bharosay, who thanked the sponsor and promised that the tournament would be well-run.

He said that the sponsorship included provision for uniforms for the team, assistance with preparations leading up to the event and provision of refreshments

and meals for the team on match day.

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

Archrivals Berbice and Demerara clash in the feature T20 game. Several top national and international players will be on show in the T20, according to the organisers.

The winning team will collect $200,000, while the losing team will get half that amount. The Man of the Match will receive $20,000.

Further, the event will see four exciting zone teams from the county of Berbice – West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne/RHTY&SC clash. Matches will be 15 oversa-side with two semi-finals and the grand final.

The winners will take home a trophy and $100,000, the runner-up $50,000, and the two losing semi-finalists $25,000 each. The Man of the Match will also receive a trophy and $10,000.

Following the cricket, Shakti Strings Orchestra, accompanied by the popular Crown Vibes International, will entertain the crowd during the big after-party lime.

The day’s activity bowls off from 10:00h. Tickets cost $1000, with children under 12 admitted free.

The members and Executive of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) have planned a grand dinner for April 29 at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel from 18:00h, to honour former Guyana and West Indies batting legend Alvin Kallicharran.

Kallicharran was invited to Guyana to impart his vast knowledge and expertise to the cricketing youths across the country.

It was the first time in his illustrious career that the batting legend was invited back to Guyana in order to do a programme of any such nature.

There has been positive feedback on his coaching sessions with the youngsters. He has been conducting technical and theoretical sessions with the youths at various grounds.

In addition, he observed and provided guidance to the players who recently competed in the GCB/Raj Singh Insurance Brokers U-19 Three-Day InterCounty Competition, and is currently doing the same in the ongoing GCB/Raj Singh Insurance Brokers U-19 50-Overs Inter-County Competition, with the finals set for today at the Everest

Ground.

Kallicharran will be the featured speaker at the dinner. After which he will spend some time autographing the second edition of “The Guyana Cricketer” magazine, which will be formally launched at this dinner, followed by a cocktail hour to give his loving fans the opportunity to mingle with him.

Last year, to commemorate its 70th anniversary, the GCB created history by launching the first edition of the magazine, which turned out to be one of the Board’s major successes. It is anticipated to be a bigger success this year.

Its content includes articles on past and present cricketers, competitions fixtures, and cricket reports among other information.

Long-serving President Devin Munroe and Junior Development Coordinator Robert Fernandes were both reelected to their positions when the membership of the Hikers Hockey Club held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 11 at the Guyana Red Cross headquarters in Kingston.

The new members of the Executive include a cross section of the Club’s generations, with veteran ladies player Shundel Durant elected to the post of

Munroe re-elected President of Hikers Hockey Club Hockey season to start today

The Guyana Hockey Board’s 2015 season swings into full gear this weekend with the start of the 2015 edition of the John Fernandes Insurance Second Division Men’s League, as well as the inaugural Woodpecker Products Ladies League.

The 2013 champions Hikers will be without the services of their junior stars Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart and Jamarj Assanah, for the first time since they made their debuts for the club.

The trio have been debarred from competing in second-division competitions after making the senior national side, which won a bronze medal at the 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup in Uruguay.

Hikers will open the defence of their title against Old Fort today at 16:00h, while

Marlon Samuels should keep having fun at England’s expense, says West Indies bowling coach Sir Curtly Ambrose.

Samuels continued his ongoing battle with Ben Stokes by saluting the England all-rounder after he was dismissed for eight on day three of the second Test.

As Stokes walked off he passed Samuels, who clutched his hat to his chest and raised his right hand to his temple.

“There’s nothing wrong with a little bantering,” said Ambrose. “This is international cricket.”

Treasurer, while Under-21 player Latacia Chung was elected Secretary. Hubert Forester is the new Vice President, while Colonel Heywood and Shane Samuels were elected Social and Coaching Coordinators respectively. Charlette Elliot is the new Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, while Jamarj Assanah and Nicole Eastman are the new junior representatives.

In his remarks, Munroe thanked the outgoing executive body and indicated his excitement to work with the

new members of the committee to achieve the Club’s stated objectives, which include acquiring its own facility to execute the Club’s social and player development programmes.

Munroe also thanked the Board of Governors and staff of St Stanislaus College who have made their facilities available to the Club for years; in exchange, the Club runs hockey classes for students of the school in addition to maintaining part of the college’s Carifesta Avenue Ground.

the preceding match will feature their main rivals, 2013 runners-up All Greys against GCC at 14:30h.

All Greys will be led by former national players Ivor Thompson, Allan and Philip Fernandes, while GCC’s challenge will come from their wealth of junior national talents – Daniel Hooper, Shaquille Leung and the McKenzie brothers, Kareem and Keon.

Sunday’s action will begin at 13:00h when Old Fort, led by junior nationals Deheron Wilkinson, Stephon Sprosta and Omar Hopkinson, take on the Ato Greene, Joel Hunte and Kevin Edwardsled Saints side.

The feature match of the day will begin at 16:30h between Men’s heavyweights GCC and Hikers. All matches will be played at the St Stanislaus College Ground, on Carifesta Avenue.

The ladies competition will also feature the dominant GCC ladies as well as a national Under-20 women’s squad, who will be included to build experience for the 2016 Pan American Junior Championships scheduled for April of next year in Trinidad.

This year’s competitions promise to be extremely competitive since a large number of the participants are part of the Board’s junior training programmes.

That match will be followed by the opening encounter of the inaugural Woodpecker Products Ladies League between a Hikers side featuring senior national players Maria Munroe and Tekeisha Deleon, against a young Old Fort squad full of talents such as Bushani Kaladeen, Minsodia Culpepper and Owinter Henry.

Samuels said attempts by Stokes to goad him acted as motivation as he scored 103 in his side’s innings of 299 on Wednesday.

And former England captain Michael Vaughan, commentating for BBC’s Test Match Special, praised Samuels for his response.

“I think that’s the greatest thing I’ve seen in Test cricket for a long time,” said Vaughan.

“I hope he doesn’t get any kind of fine. I thought that was brilliant banter.”

Ambrose, who took 405 Test wickets in 98 appearances for West Indies, added a word of caution.

“As long as it doesn’t go over the top, I’m fine with it,” he said.

“I think it’s more friendly than anything else. He gave a salute. Is that a sign of respect? I don’t know but I’m hoping so.

“We always make sure that we tell the guys to keep it clean, keep it within a certain range and don’t go over the top.”

Joe Root dominated the third day’s play, hitting an unbeaten 118 to put England firmly in control.

The tourists finished on 373-6, 74 runs ahead of the home side’s first-innings total. (BBC Sport)

Mahendra Persaud Baichan, son of the sponsor, VP Baichan, presents the cheque to Vicky Bharosay, a member of the organising committee

Alvin Kallicharran

Front row from left to right: Secretary – Latacia Chung; Vice President – Hubert Forrester; President – Devin Munroe; Treasurer – Shundel Durant; and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer –Charlette Elliot. Back, from left to right: Junior Development Coordinator – Robert Fernandes; Female Junior Representative – Nicole Eastman; Male Junior Representative – Jamarj Assanah; Coaching Coordinator – Shane Samuels; and Social Coordinator– Colonel Heywood

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National School Windball cricket competition

Soesdyke and Supply win

boys’ and girls’

The 18th annual Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport National Schools’ Year-End Primary Schools Windball Cricket Competition started last weekend with the first leg being played at the Timehri Red Ground in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

Soesdyke Primary won

the boys’ title and Supply won the girls’ title. In the final, Soesdyke batted first and made 68-4 against Supply. Neon Barrow was in form smashing 47 not out with five sixes. In reply, needing six runs to win off the last two deliveries, Supply were restricted to 63-2 with Brad Thomas scoring 21 runs and Mohan

tittles

Fraser making 19. Meanwhile in the girls’ tournament, Soesdyke chalked up 42-1 with Tanace Briseilo making 17 and Shannon David, 10. In reply, Supply made the required runs without losing a wicket, with Akila Persaud scoring 23 and Renita Winston, 15.

Before the start of the

West Indies v England, 2nd Test, St George’s, 4th day…

tournament, the organisers urged the students to stay in school because education is the greatest weapon in life. Director of Sport Neil Kumar, who was scheduled to deliver an opening address, was unavailable, but sent a message for the students: “have fun and play the game in the spirit of the sport”.

Brathwaite ton stiffens West Indies’ resolve

An unbeaten hundred from Kraigg Brathwaite was the lodestone of West Indies’ second-innings efforts to defy England in Grenada. As the National Stadium basked in sunlight, Brathwaite summoned his first significant contribution of the series to bind together a resolute reply, after England had taken a 165-run lead and early impetus in their attempts to force a victory.

A second-wicket stand of 142 between Braithwaite and Darren Bravo tempered England’s expectations after they had removed Devon Smith in the third over. Bravo also passed 50, showing greater patience than in the first Test, until England succeeded with a plan to bowl doggedly into the rough outside off stump. James Anderson and Stuart Broad took the wickets but England’s attack otherwise worked hard for little reward.

Brathwaite, 22, has made each of his four Test hundreds within the last 12 months and his relish for long innings was again in evidence. Twice he flashed Ben Stokes behind gully, to the all-rounder’s noticeable chagrin, and he survived a review for lbw against Chris Jordan thanks to an inside edge. Otherwise, there was little for England to exploit.

Eight of Brathwaite’s 11 boundaries whistled away through the area from point round to third man and he was equal to England’s attempts to have him caught at short leg, as in the second innings in Antigua.

ened England’s ambitions of taking a 1-0 lead in the series but, as Brathwaite and Bravo dug in during the afternoon, the pace reverted to something more in keeping with life in the Caribbean. It was the first time in the series that West Indies had gone through a full session without losing a wicket.

England took a considerable first-innings advantage largely thanks to Root, who made an unbeaten 182. He provided the thrust as England added 91 to their overnight total, before Anderson struck in his second over - Smith becoming the last player to deflect the ball on to his own stumps while attempting to leave.

early. Root took it upon himself to score the majority of the 77 added for the last three wickets and in the process he extended his innings past 150 - the fourth time he has done so from six Test centuries (and the other was an unbeaten 149).

behind Alastair Cook. With just the No. 11, Anderson, for company, he struck Bishoo for sixes down the ground and over midwicket and was pushing on towards a second career double-hundred when a third run-out finished the innings. Anderson’s absentminded failure to run his bat in left Root wondering what had occurred and swiping his own bat in frustration. His thirst for runs cannot be slaked.

England had resumed six down and 74 runs ahead, with the expectation that it would be Buttler to get the scorer’s pencil scratching. He managed one boundary, thumping Devendra Bishoo down the ground, but fell to the leg-spinner’s next ball, lured out of his crease and this time beaten by a delivery that dipped short of him and spun past the bat for a simple stumping.

Batting in long sleeves having finished the third day wearing a cap, Root was again busy from the outset, sprinkling judicious boundaries among scampered ones and twos. He seems to be a source of renewable energy, the kind governments around the world are devoting technology and finance to discover; clean, too, apart from when he is chirping at the opposition from under a helmet at short leg.

When he had made 126, Root reached 2000 runs in Test, the second-youngest England batsman to do so

That meant England had lost 4 for 58 at a time when they would have anticipated the cavalry at Nos. 6, 7 and 8 scattering the opposition bowling to all parts. Jordan looked in more adhesive mood, helping to add 39 for the eighth wicket before being run out by Root’s enthusiasm. Root steered the ball to deep backward point and intimated he wanted a second; Jordan obliged only to be sent back. It was one of the few moments in the day when Root, who also bowled 13 overs and threw himself around in the field, shirked a challenge. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 1st innings 299

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During the evening session, he spent 26 balls on 69, as well as playing out six maidens against Joe Root. England attempted to delay him through the 90s, as well, but Brathwaite was unperturbed and inched to three figures in the penultimate over of the day, having faced 228 balls. It meant there had been a West Indies centurion in each of their four innings against England.

The morning session had passed in a blur, as Root made his second-highest Test score and England lost their last four wickets to be dismissed for 464. The wicket of Smith before lunch sharp-

The game was moving on, which increased the pressure on West Indies’ batsmen, who faced the prospect of having to bat another four sessions, as they had done to draw the Antigua Test. Neither Brathwaite nor Bravo contributed to that rearguard but they made England wait 48 overs for the second wicket this time. With the pitch remaining true, West Indies will feel they already gone a good way to picking a path to safety; by the close, they had a small lead.

England, despite building another dominant position, were hampered by time lost earlier in the match, though once again their attack did not look penetrative enough to break down sides in benign conditions.

England might have started the day hopeful of a total beyond 500 but that prospect became more remote when Jos Buttler fell

England 1st Innings

Cook b Gabriel 76

Trott c Blackwood b Bishoo 59

Ballance b Samuels 77

Bell b Gabriel 1

Root not out 182

Moeen run out (Blackwood) 0

Stokes c Blackwood b Bishoo 8

Buttler st Ramdin b Bishoo 13

Jordan run out (Holder) 16

Broad c Devon Smith b Bishoo 0 Anderson run out (Gabriel) 2

Extras (18-nb, 1-w, 9-b, 2-lb) 30

Total (all out; 144.1 overs) 464

Bowling: Roach 28-4-100-0, Gabriel 22-3-67-2, Holder 21.16-57-0, Bishoo 51-10-177-4, Samuels

21-4-38-1, Blackwood 1-0-14-0 Fall of wickets: 125 (Trott), 159 (Cook), 164 (Bell), 329 (Balance), 335 (Moeen), 364 (Stokes), 387 (Buttler), 426 (Jordan), 431 (Broad), 464 (Anderson)

West Indies 2nd Innings K Brathwaite not out 101

Devon Smith b Anderson 2 Darren Bravo c Buttler b Broad 69

Samuels not out 22

Extras (1-nb, 6-b, 1-lb) 8 Total (for 2 wickets;75 overs) 202 Bowling: Anderson 14-4-27-1, Broad 10-2-23-1, Moeen 17-448-0, Jordan 13-4-41-0, Stokes 8-0-34-0, Root 13-6-22-0 Fall of wickets: 3 (Devon Smith), 145 (Darren Bravo)

Joe Root fashioned an unbeaten 182, his sixth Test century

All systems in place for PPP/C horse race meet

With entries topping the 90 mark, the principals of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) have already put all systems in place for Sunday’s horse race meet, scheduled to be staged at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Chief organiser Dennis DeRoop said on Friday that turfites can expect a truly entertaining day, since the participation of the majority of the country’s race horses have been confirmed.

An impressive line-up, including Score’s Even, CP Got Even, the record-breaking Diplomatic Cat, Curfew Tower, Jack In My Style, Run Nana Run, Lady Budapest, Spit Fire, Tiz a Holiday, Just

Call Me Boss, Unsettled, Swing Easy and Big Man Boss, are among the animals entered to participate.

Over $7 million is up for grabs at the eight-race programme.

The feature race of the day is for animals classified A and Lower over a distance of 1700 metres for $1.2 million and the President’s Cup. Other events billed for the day are the E1 and Lower race, which will run over 1300 metres. Other 1300-metre races are for animals G1 and Lower, H1 and Lower and Three-year-old West Indies median bred.

There are two 1200-metre races and these are for animals classified J1 and Lower and Three-year-old Guyana bred and J3 and Lower.

The Three-year-old West Indies bred animals will run over a distance of 1400 metres, while K Class non-winners will run over 1000 metres. Registration closes on April 20, and according to DeRoop, no late entries will be accepted.

Admission to the venue is $1500 for adults and children under the age of 10 will be admitted free. Parking cost $300 while programmes will be available free of cost.

Razick crowned Assuria Singles champion

Last year’s Trophy Stall Novice Doubles

Champion Daniel Razick completed his novice stint by defeating 2014 GBTI Novice Singles finalist Charles Adams 6-1 to be crowned the first champion of the Assuria Insurance Open Singles Classic.

Throughout the match, Razick showed perfect form and consistency as he maintained his composure to win. Also, a new marathon man emerged in the Men’s Over35 Singles when Godfrey Lowden held his ground

for three hours, 20 minutes to defeat resilient veteran Rudy Grant 6-7 (6/8), 7-5, 6-2 after defeating Chethan Narayan 7-6 (10/8), 6-2.

Also in this category, Sanjeev Datadin defeated Harry Panday 4-6, 6-0, 6-3. In the Men’s Over-45 Singles, Lowden also blasted Stephen David-Longe 6-0, 6-1 to book the first place in the semi-finals.

In the Ladies Open Singles semis, Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan set up a final against her daughter Nicola Ramdyhan when she

made light work of Kizzy Richmond 6-0, 6-2. Junior champ Nicola clinched a win at 7-6 (9-7), 6-0 over Aretta Dey, who recently returned to the competitive arena.

In the Men’s Open Singles category, the number one seed, Anthony Downes, rolled into the quarter-finals by defeating Oswin Coggins 6-0, 6-3 to play Sandeep Chand, who defeated Keenan Persaud 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Daniel Lopes brushed aside the veteran Rudy Grant 6-0, 6-1 in the third

round and Nicholas Glasgow 6-1, 6-1 to gain a place in the semi-finals.

Glasgow earlier claimed a win over Stephen Bailey 6-3, 6-2. Benjettan Osborne finally sealed a win against William Spangler with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 scoreline, while Leyland Leacock defeated Osborne 6-2, 6-3 after getting past Andre Erskine 4-6, 7-5, 6-0.

In the other games, Philbert Clarke defeated Hemant Dalip 6-3, 6-2 and Mark McDonald won 6-3, 6-2 against Hemraj Resaul.

BBCI contributes to Draughts Association

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has provided assistance to the Guyana Draughts Association (GDA) for its upcoming Tri-Nation tour in Suriname.

On Monday the BBCI presented a cheque worth $50,000 to the President of the GDA, Jiaram (only name) to help over the travelling, hotel accommodations and meals for the players.

The BBCI was pleased to make the donation towards the tour since the players would have the opportunity to compete at the international level.

BBCI has supported the Guyana Draughts Association over the years and will continue to do so, subject to the availability of funds, a release stated.

marriott rolls out red carpet...

Marriott International (Caribbean) Area Vice President Andrew Houghton said, “We know how important the CPL is not just for the millions of global fans, but for the Caribbean countries, from both a social and economic viewpoint. With our expertise aligned to our values, it made perfect sense to associate ourselves with the number one sporting event in the Caribbean, where we can give the teams

and our guests the services they require and help showcase the beauty of this amazing part of the world.”

Anticipation for the 2015 Limacol CPL is ramping up, with the tournament schedule revealed last week, and fans snapping up tickets, which went on-sale online last weekend. Global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi will join the Caribbean’s finest crick-

from back page

eters, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, and exciting upand-coming local talent in the almost eight-week long tournament.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even better, as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high-quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere off it.

Chief organiser Dennis DeRoop

Daniel Razick Sandeep Chand

Godfrey Lowden (right) and Rudy Grant after their marathon game

BBCI driver Mohaamed Imran hands over the cheque to GDA President Jiaram

Top national players in action at today’s Busta Champion of Champions final

Anumber of top national cricketers will be in action today when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club host the final of the 11th edition of the Busta Champion of Champions tournament at the Albion Cricket Ground from 15:00h.

The day/night 40-over game will be contested by old rivals Albion Community Centre and Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets.

The match is expected to be a keen one with both teams strong on paper.

However, Albion will start as slight favourites at home. They will be led by West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, with support from discarded West Indies middle-order batsman Narsingh Deonarine.

Their powerful batting line-up also includes national players Jonathan Foo, Anthony Bramble and the

promising Kandasammy Surujnarine, Sharaz Ramcharran, David Latchya and Adrian Sukhwa. Their bowling, which is spin based, centres on Permaul, off-spinners Deonarine, Ramcharran, Latchya and Foo with support from West Indies Under-19 left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie.

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets’ challenge will be led by former national Under-19 Captain Shawn Perriera and his deputy, West Indies Test player Assad Fudadin. West Indies T20 player Christopher Barnwell, who has been a registered member of the Club since 2014, will also be a key player for the defending champions.

Fudadin, Barnwell, Akshay Homraj, Vidal Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Perriera and Renwick Batson

will be the key batsmen if the visitors are to post a challenging total on a pitch that is expected to be full of moisture due to excessive rainfall over the past week.

Barnwell, along with medium pacers Keon Sinclair, Fudadin and Sherain Murray, is expected to enjoy the conditions as will off-spinners Collis Butts, Troy Mathieson and leg-spinner Perriera.

According to Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the host club, Hilbert Foster, special arrangements are being made to have the pitch properly covered to ensure that rain does not affect the start of the game.

Today’s winner will receive $100,000 and the Busta Trophy, with the loser collect-

ing half that amount and a trophy.

The winner of the playerof-the-final award will earn $10,000 and a trophy.

Lucky patrons will also win attractive gate prizes including a tablet, electric household utensils and food hampers.

Live ball-by-ball commentary will be aired on the Voice of Guyana (VOG).

The Umpires are Zaheer and Imran Moakhan, with O Samaroo as the standby. Meanwhile, 25 per cent of the gate revenue will be donated to ailing Guyana Chronicle Sports Reporter Calvin Roberts towards his medical expenses.

Albion: Kandasammy Surujnarine, Veerasammy Permaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Jonathan Foo, David Latchya, Anthony Bramble, Sharaz Ramcharran, Gudakesh Motie, Adrian Sukhwa, Asif Ally, Joshua Haricharran, Joshua Dhanai, Kelvin Omroe, with Muthusammi Permaul (Manager) and Andre Percival (Coach).

Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets: Renwick Batson, Vidal Crandon, Akshay Homraj, Delbert Hicks, Assad Fudadin, Christopher Barnwell, Shawn Perriera, Collis Butts, Troy Mathieson, Sherain Murray, Keon Sinclair, Denzil Sinclair, Simeon Lawson, Junior Sinclair, with Keith Hicks and Ravin Kissoonlall (Managers) and Delbert Hicks (Coach).

Ross urges Agricola youths to be disciplined, work hard

Youths in the Agricola community were encouraged to be disciplined and adopt healthy lifestyles by Guyanese world-renowned bodybuilder Hugh Ross, who paid a visit to the Greater Georgetown community to promote his health and wellness programme. Ross, who is the

Malta Supreme Brand Ambassador, was invited by Banks DIH Limited, producers of the non-alcoholic beverage, to visit the village as part of its outreach programme to communities in the lower East Bank Demerara areas.

The United States-based bodybuilder and fitness expert told the attendees that

with discipline and hard work they can achieve and encouraged them to be role models in their community.

Ross, who was born in Berbice, said he was on a drive to promote fitness and healthy living in Guyana, a mission that is catching on in the society.

Malta Supreme Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie

spoke about the health benefits of the beverage to the youths.

McKenzie said similar visits are planned for other communities in Ruimveldt and the lower East Bank.

Banks DIH Limited Sales

Administrative Manager

Andre Davis also accompanied the team to Agricola.

Internationally renowned Guyanese bodybuilder Hugh Ross and Malta Supreme Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie interact with youths of Agricola during the outreach exercise

Christopher Barnwell

Veerasammy Permaul

Assad Fudadin

Marriott rolls out red carpet for Limacol CPL

– hotel giant becomes partner with “Biggest Party in Sport”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is proud to confirm a partnership with Marriott Hotels, which will see the global giant become the leading Hotel Partner of the CPL.

The deal will see the leading resort brand play host to CPL teams and their staff throughout the tournament, in St Kitts and Nevis and Guyana, the CPL said Friday in a release.

The Marriott Courtyard in Barbados will look after all the TV and support staff, while travelling fans in Trinidad and Tobago will be offered fantastic discounted rates during finals week.

The news is testament to the continued growth of the CPL, dubbed the “Biggest Party in Sport”, which continues to go from strength to strength in its third year.

The Marriott brand is

Brathwaite ton stiffens West Indies’ resolve

global leader in the hospitality industry, with over 4100 hotels in over 79 countries and across 19 brands, offering a service with exceptional standards. Marriott offers over 26 hotels across the Caribbean in destinations like Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Kitts and Nevis, and Aruba.

Limacol CPL Chief Operating Officer Pete Russell noted, “It’s a sign of the wide-reaching appeal of the CPL that such an internationally-renowned brand has recognised the value of partnering with us. We’re confident that this relationship with Marriott Hotels will ensure that our teams will enjoy excellent hospitality during the tournament, and local economies will continue to thrive in each country that we visit.”

Demerara can retain title – Coach

By Rajiv Bisnauth

emerara Coach

DLatchman Yadram is confident his team can defend their Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 InterCounty One-Day title given that the winning momentum is with them.

The defending champions, who had a clean sweep of their three preliminary round games, will clash with the National Under-17 team in today’s final at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Speaking with this publication on Thursday afternoon after Demerara’s win over Essequibo at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, Yadram expressed confidence that his team possessed the requisite firepower to deliver

another successful game.

“We get a group of players who are keen to showcase their class, so overall I am confident that we can retain the title,” Yadram revealed.

He pointed out that the main strength of the side, however, is the team unity and self-belief of each player.

“The players are a mentally strong group of young men and they have that belief of winning every game they play,” the Coach stressed.

The Coach of the National Under-17 team, Garvin Nedd, also believes that his combination of players have shown great team spirit throughout both tournaments and based on that, he is confident his charges will deliver when it matters the most.

The competition is be-

ing used as a yardstick by the junior selectors to pick the Guyana team for the West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Under-19 competition scheduled for July in Jamaica.

The local competition, which began in 1976, has produced all but two of Guyana’s Test players – Clyde Butts and Neil McGarrell. The six regional teams – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands, along with a side from ICC Americas – will play the others once in a round-robin competition with the top two teams contesting the final to determine the winner.

Demerara squad for the final reads: Travis

The

Sukwah

a The Guyana Marriott Hotel which recently opened for service

Persaud (Captain); Ronaldo Renee; Malcolm Hubbard; Akshaya Persaud; Sherfane Rutherford; Tevin Imlack; Carlton Jacques; Gavin Moriah (Vice Captain); Ershad Alli; Vivian Albert; Daniel Basdeo; Tariq Dharamlall; Mark Hamilton; and Chetnarine Pooran.

Under-17 squad: Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (Captain); Raymond Perez; Joshua Persaud; Adrian

(Vice Captain); Ramnarine Chatura; Bhaskar Yadram; Kevin Sinclair; Richie Looknauth; Timothy McCalmont; Steve Deonarine; Ashmead Nedd; Joshua Jones; Stylus Tyndall; Asif Ally; Sagar Hatheramani; Romain Muniram; and Tameshwar Motieram.

Latchman Yadram

Ronaldo Ali Mohamed Garvin Nedd

Travis Persaud

Kraigg Brathwaite’s hundred defied England during the final two sessions of day four