Guyana Times Daily - February 14, 2015

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Issue No. 2404

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, February 14, 2015

AFC/APNU coalition talks:

PRICE

Page 3

AFC reportedly surrenders... ...Nagamootoo likely to be Granger's No 2

6 homeless after South Ruimveldt Shopping Plaza blaze Page 15

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

APNU urges respect for independence of Service P6 Commissions Court nixes Granger’s motion to stop Govt spending P7 Cop accused of raping P11 teenage girl Caricom Rice Mill tragedy:

Labour Ministry says factory could face closure P14 Essequibo rice farmers ramp up protest over delay in P16 payments

Just for you! This lad of St Margaret’s Primary ensured that his teacher got an early Valentine’s Day gift on Friday following the dismissal of school (Carl Croker photo)

BK Int’l surprised PYO condemns Page 14 at statement from xenophobia, GPL Chairman Page 10 shooting to death of – still awaiting response on critical design issues US Muslim students

P17 Early declaration of results a big challenge – GECOM

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 14 – 13:00h-14:30h and Sunday, February 15 – 14:00h-15:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 14 – 12:25h-13:55h and Sunday, February 15 – 13:25h-14:55h

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings at 08:00h, 16:00h and at midnight

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain can be expected to dominate during the day, with sunny intervals in the late afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 00:02h and 12:31h reaching maximum heights of 2.19 metres and 2.30 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 05:57h and 18:43h reaching minimum heights of 1.03 metres and 0.87 metre respectively.

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AFC/APNU coalition talks:

AFC reportedly surrenders... ...Nagamootoo likely to be Granger’s No 2

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) has reportedly ceded its ambition to lead the proposed coalition with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), accepting the number two spot, well placed sources have confirmed.

The party will today make a formal announcement on its position regarding the coalition following a meeting by its Executive Committee. Already, both APNU and the AFC over the past two days have spoken with more assurance that the “marriage” between them would take place.

Guyana Times was earlier told that the coalition talks had been bogged down by disagreements as to who will lead the alliance and up to Friday there was no clear indication as to how this would go.

The parties had also not been able to agree on the name for their party and the symbols.

This publication was told that APNU has been holding out that it would not change its name and also did not want to give up its symbol.

This newspaper was told that AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo, at the middle of the ongoing negotiations, had indicated that he was willing to serve as Prime Minister in the proposed coalition. Guyana Times was told that his decision did not find favour with AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, who had arbitrarily selected him as the party’s Presidential Candidate for the May 11 election. Observers say that Ramjattan has been trying to stave off possible fallout from his party joining forces with APNU, whose main base comes from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). Already the AFC has come under intense scrutiny for entering talks with APNU. At the formation of the minority Opposition party, they had vowed that they would never join forces with any of the established parties – PNCR and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Optimistic

Meanwhile, speaking at a news conference on Friday, Leader of APNU, retired Brigadier David Granger

said the coalition was likely to come off. Granger told media operatives that he was confident that a coalition would be born. He noted that talks between the two political parties were very intense and it is hoped that the coalition deal would have been sealed by Friday evening. The AFC has set its National Executive Committee conference for today, where it is expected

and the AFC would have to make some sacrifices for the good of the country, since it is the country and the people who will have to be served, noting that “partnership of national unity is our main interest – an outcome that is satisfactory to the large section of the country,” Granger added.

He said APNU has been in discussions for over three years in and out of

Opposition Leader David Granger

to update its members on the way forward. However, up to press time last evening, there was no word on the conclusion of the talks.

“I am optimistic. The talks are intense. The two teams have been meeting very frequently over the past days. The APNU’s Shadow Cabinet has been briefed and we are confident that by the time Valentine’s Day dawns in the republic, we would have good news. We are all aiming at the removal of the PPP/C. Both APNU and AFC are convinced that combined action in the form of a preelection coalition is the best way to remove the PPP/C and I am confident that our team would be working assiduously and putting the entire nation’s interest first.

APNU has put the national interest first and we are working towards ensuring that there is going to be a pre-election coalition in this country,” Granger shared.

Compromise

Asked whether he was willing to make compromises for the national good, he insisted that both APNU

Parliament for various matters. “We are accustomed to sacrifice. We don’t get everything we want; the AFC doesn’t get everything it wants. Most of the time, we see eye to eye and we take action that is in national interest so we understand the need for compromise.”

Leadership

Regarding the crucial issue of leadership, Granger dodged specific questions about whether he would be willing to give up the presidential candidacy, since the AFC had demanded the leadership of any coalition as a make-or-break decision.

He said that at this point in time, “David Granger was not the important factor, but rather it was the interests of the Guyanese people and as such, decisions would have to be taken accordingly.”

“What I can say at this stage is that David Granger’s fate is in the hands of the APNU’s negotiating team and they are aware of my commitment to establishing a pre-election coalition in the national interest. As far as my person-

al involvement is concerned, that is not a matter of interest right now. Right now, the national interest is of greatest concern and that is what we are aiming at; that Guyana must have a good government, a government that enjoys the confidence of the majority of the people from day clean on the 12th May,” the Opposition Leader expressed.

Party base

Meanwhile, Granger related that APNU’s support base and its membership were fully behind the proposed coalition between the two parties. He attributed this to the fact that the Partnership was itself a coalition and as such, coalitions were part of its history and mandate.

“The feedback is similar to the AFC. It is positive and it is massive. People look forward to the removal of the PPP/C. The parties in APNU have been conditioned to the concept of a partnership of national unity for over a decade. So, as far as the constituency is concerned including the WPA, including the GAP, people have been speaking about joint action for about a decade. So, people are accustomed to the idea and they are looking forward to the coalition. We behave in a way that represents national unity,” he intoned.

On Thursday, AFC’s Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo said its supporters too were in agreement with it forming an alliance with APNU to contest the May 11 elections.

Nagamootoo too had expressed confidence that the talks would produce results, noting that both parties were working toward a united country and if they coalesced, it would be the first such coalition in the country’s history. He related that he was quite satisfied with the way things were progressing. Saying that APNU will easily win 40 per cent of the votes at the upcoming elections, the AFC had previously said it could give the David Granger-led coalition the other 11 per cent it needed to clinch a majority at the polls.

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

Editorial

No love lost S

ince being in existence for more than 15 centuries, Valentine’s Day has become a traditional celebration in almost every country around the world, to honor the ones we love. In Guyana it is no different. Every Valentine’s Day, the fragrance of flowers, chocolates and perfumes fill the air.

Lunch and dinner tables today will be bountifully spread with an assortment of goodies and couples will take time out to honour each other with expensive gifts and other things. However, amidst this ‘love feast’ our society, is very much a loveless one.

Since childhood, it has been preached to us that we must love our neighbours as we love ourselves, but today our society reeks of a spirit of narcissism. Gone are the days when our neighbours were not just the people who live in our communities; they represented every person we came in contact with in our daily lives.

Giving charities was not only confined to the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), but we saw it as a sacred duty, and carried that duty out.

Ironically, today while ‘love’ will be on display, there are 805 million undernourished people in the world, while billions of dollars are still being spent on war.

That means one in nine people do not get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life.

Hunger and malnutrition are in fact the number one risk to health worldwide – greater than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. And this is the case in spite there is enough food in the world to feed everyone and no scientific breakthroughs are needed.

Today the world is celebrating love when in 2012, almost half a million people were murdered and around 800,000 take their own lives every year.

More shockingly is that according to a 2013 global review of available data, 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.

Additionally, it is estimated that of all women killed in 2014, almost half were killed by intimate partners or family members.

From the mere statistics, if as a people we are really able to love and feel it, so many people would not have been homeless, hungry and lonely. If we could really love and place it in the centre of our spirit, we would not have to come face to face with robbers and killers at almost every corner of a street and there would be no lack of role models for our youths.

There is no doubt that many problems can be solved if we re-evaluate the relations between teacher and student, child and parent, individual and society, society and state, if we take love into consideration and put it in the centre of our lives.

As captured by the Holy Bible, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love I am nothing.

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love it profits me nothing.” All other ‘religions’ generally promote love as a virtue.

It is therefore worth evaluating Valentine’s Day today as an opportunity to socialise love. Societies that are able to love always leave a permanent and constructive mark.

As we celebrate Valentine’s day today, let us not focus on the ones only who are close to us, but let us open our arms to embrace those who are hungry, who are lonely, who are hurting; they need a little love too.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all Guyana!

Happy Valentine’s Day. The ubiquitous symbol of love – red roses – were everywhere on Friday, the day before the global designated day for expressing love in all its forms (Carl Croker photo)

AFC New York organiser passes on Dear Editor, The Opposition AFC party in Guyana and its support group in New York and the Guyanese community in Richmond Hill area will sorely miss the contribution of Sri Sankar Nirahu, who passed away suddenly in New York last week. He was a very decent human being. And he was respectful of everyone including those on the political Opposition.

Sankar, as he was called, was committed and dedicated to the AFC. He did so much for fledgling party since the inception and for the Guyanese community in the greater Richmond Hill area patronizing cultural events including participation in the annual Phagwah celebrations.

He was one of the key AFC organizers in New York not only in organizing meetings but in fundraising efforts. And he himself made significant financial contribution to the party.

He was respectful and willing to listen to the views of others even when they were in disagreement with his own.

He was quite unlike several of his colleagues in the AFC who were engaged in name calling or denigrating and bashing others in the other media.

He was a moderate and not a fanatic. Although he was AFC organizer, he was in friendly terms with PPP/C supporters.

With regard to his political views, he was not supportive of suggestions that AFC should join APNU

before the 2011 election or after the elections when the PPP/C became a minority Government by one seat. He also did not support some of the policies of the AFC in Parliament.

He could not forget the sufferings of his people during the period of the ethnic PNC dictatorship and minority apartheid like rule when Indians were oppressed and persecuted on account of their race. He was not pleased with the AFC position on the Agricola beating (robbing and raping) of Indians in 2012 as well as the AFC’s involvement of the provocation of the Linden violence.

He felt the party should have sought political reforms rather than took aggressive actions in which Indians were victims especially that it won seats in parliament off the backs of Indians, and had largely become an Indian party.

But Sankar was not one to publicly go against his party. So he remained reserved.

He felt that AFC should retain its independence, using the same description used by Khemraj Ramjattan – political kokobey – when asked about any political affiliation with the PNC. His views, however, were evolving, and he talked constantly of political change since the 2006 election.

Sankar’s death came as a complete shock to me and others who knew well and who and interacted with him. He was not ailing in the least, and the last time I saw him he was

a healthy young man, jovial and high spirited in his conversation. It just goes to show we are all human and can succumb to ailments suddenly, and therefore, we need to pay attention to our health.

Sankar was one of the nicest guys I met and interacted with. He was simple and modest and had no ego about him. I met him some 20 years ago while he was a real estate sales agent in Richmond Hill.

Later, I would bounce up with him on 111 Street of Jamaica Avenue where he shared an office with others, just above where Universal Airlines had its office.

We also met a few times on the aircraft traveling to Guyana or on Liberty Avenue by pure coincidence. In all of my conversations, he would tell me he looked forward for my columns and reports on the Guyanese diaspora.

He always commended me for my volunteerism serving the Guyanese diaspora and writing on Guyana and the Guyanese diaspora in New York. He was always interested in my views on the politics of our homeland and findings of polls I conducted there.

Sankar was not a political activist in the same mould as say the late Lionel Peters or myself or a Vassan Ramracha in community affairs or in the liberation of Guyana from the throes of dictatorship. He did not play an active role in the struggle against PNC persecution of Indians and other non-supporters like

Portuguese, Chinese and Amerindians.

But he was an ardent supporter of the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana, and he backed Dr Jagan, when others like those in the WPA, Dr David Hinds, Dr Clive Thomas and Eusi Kwayana were opposed to Jagan becoming President.

Sankar attended many political meetings in New York including several where Dr Jagan was the Chief Guest and later on when Presidents Janet and Jagdeo visited New York. He was at several PPP/C fundraisers long before the AFC was formed. But like several Guyanese, he became disgruntled with happenings in the PPP/C. And like many of us overseas he was very disappointed when Ramjattan was expelled from the PPP/C. When the AFC was formed in 2006, he supported Ramjattan, and he remained a supporter until his death last week.

I should note that unlike several other real estate brokers and mortgage agents, Sankar did not get himself into trouble with the law. He stayed above real estate scandals.

Although he was not an activist, in the true sense of meaning of the word, the AFC will sorely miss his presence in New York, his organizing skills, fund raising effort, and his visits to Guyana to cultivate support for the party.

Vishnu Bisram

NEWS

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Region 2 youths ready for Case adjourned elections – Minister Ali pending Full C Freddie Kissoon libel case

Court appeal

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he libel case brought by former President Bharrat Jagdeo against Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon was once again adjourned, this time pending the determination of a Full Court appeal Justice Brassington Reynolds again granted further time to the plaintiffs in the libel case. This adjournment was given in order to facilitate the determination of the appeal filed

by Jagdeo’s lawyers to challenge a ruling made by the presiding judge that saw the defendants being allowed to submit new evidence in the matter.

On the last occasion, Attorney Sase Gunraj informed the court that a motion had been filed with the Full Court since December, but no date has been given by the court. He noted that the hearing of the application was assigned to two judges by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, but at the time it was unclear who they were.

Attorney Nigel Hughes, representing Kissoon, had objected to the request for additional time, pointing out that Gunraj was only prolonging the matter and that the plaintiff’s lawyers had taken nine months before they filed for additional time for their application.

Reynolds, in March, granted the application for the defence to amend its case to include additional evidence. Subsequently, the plaintiff had indicated that he would be filing an appeal to have the decision nullified, but this was not done until December 19.

Nevertheless, on the last occasion, the judge granted the adjournment.

According to Attorney Gunraj, the matter is currently before Justices William Ramlall and Dawn Gregory in the Full Court of the High Court and was called up on Monday. The defence has already submit-

ted its affidavit in response.

Gunraj will now have to file his response before the matter is called up again on March 9. On that day, arguments are expected to commence before the presiding Full Court judges.

Justice Reynolds, after being told of this process, subsequently granted the adjournment until March 13 pending the outcome of the Full Court.

Evidence given Last year, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, who is also representing the former President, had objected to evidence given by defence witness, trade unionist Lincoln Lewis. The Senior Counsel had told the court that there were no particulars of the allegations that his client had practised “ideological racism” during his tenure as President.

De Santos had further stated that there were no particulars of general asser-

tions which give the defence the right to lead specific evidence, adding that if they proceeded to do so, then the evidence should be inadmissible.

In response, Hughes had stated that the defence’s case is one of a plea of justification; as such, witnesses were being called to testify on areas of public and social services where “ideological racism” was practised.

The Senior Counsel had then pointed out that the defence did not have the right to produce witnesses, but to prove that the justification relies on particulars and not assertions.

Following arguments on the matter, Justice Reynolds allowed the evi-

hairman of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), Irfaan Ali, is optimistic in the readiness of youths in Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to participate in the upcoming elections.

Ali, who is also the Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister pointed out that youths in Essequibo are very involved in Guyana’s politics.

“The young people are very enthusiastic, they understand the national politics and are very receptive to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Government,” Ali said via a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Friday.

He added that during the PYO’s visit to Essequibo on February 6, youths expressed concern over the number of developmental projects that have been voted down by the Opposition in Parliament.

“They talked about the Hydro-Power Project and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT),” Ali said.

The PYO Chairman explained that that sole pur-

pose of the PYO’s visit to Essequibo was to engage the youth population in a discussion on the future. He added that the Government’s plans, programmes and policies for a sustainable future in Essequibo were outlined.

This, Ali said was well received by the youths who are excited for a future under the PPP/C Administration.

Ali highlighted the start of a factory in Essequibo – to produce a breakfast rice cereal called “Brekkies” – by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) which is expected to create a large scale employment for youths in that area.

The Government during the annual GuyExpo event launched the rice Brekkies cereal on the opening night of the event.

“We also discussed the building of entrepreneurship and the utilisation of skills acquired from the Technical Institutes,” Ali said, while adding that he explained to the youths that these skills are to be utilised in the upstream sector, namely mechanical engineering among others.

The Youth Chairman recalled telling the youths that the acquisition of skills, in the event of failed academic achievements, can provide an alternative opportunity for the creation of a bright future.

In addition, youths were given the opportunity to share their views in pointing out what they anticipate in the future of the county.

Though there has been much controversy about the Government’s FibreOptic Cable Project, Ali is buoyant that the county of Essequibo stands to benefit significantly from the Government’s Information Communication Technology strategy.

During his visit to Essequibo, he called on all Essequibians to give support to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and to vote for Donald Ramotar come election day on May 11.

The event was a massive one since as previously reported; approximately 160 youths have been dispatched in various areas in Anna Regina and Charity, conducting house to house engagement with residents.

Pepin, President of the Commission on Cooperation; Olivier Soret, Director General, Europe and Cooperation and Lionel Sarotte, Cooperation Officer.

The Secretary General held broad discussions with the delegation, focusing on the structure and operations of Caricom, the role of associate members in the Community and the terms

and conditions of associate membership.

This meeting with the Secretary General follows meetings with delegations from Curaçao, Martinique and French Guiana, which have also applied for associate membership to Caricom. A meeting is also planned with St Maarten, the fifth territory which has applied to Caricom for associate membership.

Guadeloupe meets Caricom SG for associate membership talks

Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon

dence to be included in the defence’s case; as such, the plaintiff’s attorneys indicated that they would be appealing the judge’s decision. This was in March and Justice Reynolds had since stayed the main trial to allow the appeal to be heard and completed before continuing with the case.

C

aricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque met on Wednesday with a delegation from Guadeloupe, which is one of five Caribbean territories which have applied for associate membership of Caricom.

The delegation from the Regional Council of Guadeloupe comprised Thérèse Marianne-

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GT stars at Children’s Mash Finals

G

eorgetown supporters left the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in loud ecstasy on Thursday after copping most of the top spots at the Finals of the Children’s Mash Competition.

From the very first, in the Group Dances of students 5-7 years category, the St Pius Primary School secured the first place. The school danced in the category of Religious Beliefs to the theme ‘Together We Will Meet at God’s Feet’.

Region three with the help of the Genesis Early Childhood Centre, placed second while Regma

was able to redeem itself in the individual Dance category of 11-13 years as Richard Ishmael won first place after performing in the category of Religious Beliefs. Caalyah Yasrael, the performer won the hearts of all in the audience. Tutorial Academy in Region 6 and Taymouth Manor Primary in Region 2 gained the second and third place, respectively.

For the 14-17 years Individual Dance category, Georgetown maintained its winning streak.

With the dance themed ‘A Portrait of MY Life’, North Georgetown Secondary

The ‘City Flouncers’ of East La Penitence Primary school recive their first prize in the Masquerade 11-13 years category

Primary (Linden) was third. It was in the older category of Dance, ages 8-10 years that the St Pius failed to secure the top spot.

Region 10’ Christianburg Primary School placed first under the category of Legends and Traditions.

However, Georgetown

School copped the first place, while Zeeburg Secondary and Wisburg Secondary won the second and third prizes.

This continued in the 11-13 years Group Dance category where North Georgetown Secondary School got first place while

Region 3 with Zeeburg Secondary and Region 6 with New Amsterdam Secondary took home prizes for second and third place respectively.

Yet again for the 1417 years Group Dance Category, the performance of the South Ruimveldt Secondary School’s ‘Ancestral Legacy’ won the hearts of their spectating colleagues with their colourful display, flexible moves and an impressive presentation of great creativity.

However, in the relatively new Hip Hop category, the judges awarded the first place of the 11-13 years segment to Region 6’s Tagore Memorial Secondary.

Georgetown was second with the ‘Phoenix’ performance of Queen’s College and Region 10’s Christiansburg / Wismar Secondary School was third.

The winner of the 14-17 years Hip Hop dancer was Region 10’s Christiansburg/Wismar Secondary School, by their piece ‘Flawless Favours’.

Georgetown placed second and Region 6 third.

However, for the Masquerade competitions Georgetown was able to walk away with the prize for first place through the performance of the ‘City Flouncers’ of the East La Penitence Primary school. For the other categories Georgetown was outshined by Region 4, whose students copped the first place in the 8-10 years Masquerade category and the 14-17 years Masquerade category. The Revellers of Ann’s Grove Primary School and the Golden Bouncers of the Golden Grove Primary copped the prizes for Region four.

South Ruimveldt Secondary School receive the First Place trophy for winning the Group Dance in the 14-17 years category

APNU urges respect for independence of Service Commissions

A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is insisting that the independence of Service Commissions be maintained while registering its non-acceptance of the promotion of two Police officers who were accused of torturing a teenager a few years ago.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Winston Felix has stated that the Police Service Commission was established to restrict political interference in the promotion of members of the Force questioning whether Cabinet had any input into the promotion of Mohanram Dolai and Narine Lall.

Government has already said that it had no hand in the promotions and that it was only assured that the officers had met the criteria by the PSC and the acting Commissioner of Police for their promotions.

“The Government does

APNU Shadow Home Affairs Minister Winston Felix

not understand what it means to have independent Commissions,” Felix, however, charged. “They have tightened their grip on the Police Force in such a manner that the Force is compliant, firstly. Secondly, they have done the same things with the Commissions.”

In a statement to the media at the coalition’s weekly press conference, Felix referred to a news article in another section of the media headlined “Cabinet approves promotion of torture cops,” as evidence of his claim. Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon had said that the approval was based on the PSC’s conclusion that the law had taken its course.

But Felix opined that the law could not have taken its due course since the witnesses in the matter failed to testify. Nonetheless, he expressed the belief that there were other methods of disciplinary action at the Police Force level.

“This would’ve brought into question; how do we proceed? By a slap on the wrist or do we warn them that they are likely to be removed or reduced in ranking?” Felix believes that such a move would have sent a “strong message” to others in the Force and prevent other incidents of torture such as those alleged to

have been inflicted against Colwyn Harding.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Granger stated that he would not participate in any activity that sanctioned the promotion of the two officers. According to him, this position is temporary as APNU intends to reverse this following the May 11 elections. “I intend to pursue the law,” he insisted when questioned on how this would be done, given APNU’s stance on preserving the independence of the Police Service Commission.

“The crime of torture is a crime against humanity and I will not be in any position of authority which tolerates the crime of torture,” Granger insisted.

He opined that the promotion of Police ranks who have committed crimes will scar Guyana’s reputation.

“Quite possibly, the man could be promoted to Police Commissioner,” the retired Brigadier noted.

Since the main APNU constituent party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) would have nominated at least a member of the PSC, Granger was asked whether that representative was equally complicit since the promotion of one of the officers was handled by the Commission.

But according to him, he is unaware of how the process (voting) unfolded and as such, could not concede that blame should also be placed at the feet of the PNCR nominated member(s).

Lall and Dolai were accused of dousing with mentholated spirits and setting alight the genitals of a teenager in 2008. The case was dropped in the absence of witnesses to testify.

Acting Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud last week said the promotions were final despite protests by several human rights groups including the Rights of the Child Commission.

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Court nixes Granger’s motion to stop Govt’s spending A

cting Chief Justice Ian Chang did not grant the Conservatory Order as requested by Opposition Leader David Granger to stop Government from spending unapproved monies. The 36-page decision was delivered in writing by Justice Chang in his Chambers on Friday In December, Granger moved to the High Court seeking to prevent Government from spending any monies that were not authorised by the National Assembly or in accordance with the Constitution in the future. He was also seeking several injunctions and orders that would deem the Government’s past expenditure on projects and line items axed from the 2014 National Budget unconstitutional and unlawful.

Following Friday’s session, Attorney General Anil Nandlall told media operatives that the Conservatory Order was not granted since there was no case, not-

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang

as prescribed by the Constitution, whether there is any other remedy that can count. The court said that Parliament may determine whether they may want to impose any other remedy, but the point is that (Article) 218:3 provides the mechanism for which cures noncompliance of (Article) 217 of the Constitution and that has been the position of the Government from the inception, that 218:3 provides the mechanism for the Statement

Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge

ing that this has been Government’s contention from the beginning.

“The court has found that there was no basis to make it on the grounds that the Constitution prescribes how spending is to be done during this period and the Court would be usurping the provisions of the Constitution....,” he explained The Attorney General went on to point out that the court also found that Government had violated Article 217, which prohibits spending without parliamentary approval, but had since adopted a constitutional “curative mechanism” by way of Statement of Excesses to correct this. “A curative mechanism was employed by Government by the Minister of Finance in laying of the Statement of Excesses and that the court has no power to pronounce upon whether the Statement of Excesses

of Excesses to be used,” Nandlall highlighted.

Approval However, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge outlined that the Statement of Excesses has to be approved by Parliament in order for the spending to be legal.

“In other words, you have done something which is wrong, which is illegal. The Minister is authorised to come to the House and say here is a Supplementary Estimate… we spent, although it was not approved, (and) we are asking the House now to approve it retroactively. That’s what the Statement of Excess was.

The Statement of Excess does not have any effect until such time that it is approved by the House.

The Statement, first of all,

was laid after the deadline by which it should have been laid. It, having been laid, was never approved by the House before the House was prorogued although the House met at least three occasions after the Supplementary Provision was laid. So, on all counts it’s illegal,” Greenidge maintained.

The APNU Shadow Minister insisted that under Section 85 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, there are jail and financial sanctions against persons who misuse, waste or engage in misappropriation of State resources. He opined that the Minister of Finance, officials from the Finance Ministry and those Ministries that benefited from the excess spending should be held accountable.

Asked whether APNU would be moving to bring criminal cases against the

Finance Minister and other financial officers given the ruling, Greenidge referred the question to APNU Executive Member, Attorney Basil Williams.

He, however, said that the law was very clear as it related to the misuse of the State’s resources or taxpayers’ monies on things that were not approved and persons should be prosecuted for that.

Williams subsequently told the media that the coalition’s economic adviser’s insights would be taken into account as he determined the political grouping’s future actions. The Attorney had expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it showed that the Minister of Finance cannot override the decision of the Parliament when it does not approve Expenditures.

On the issue of the

Conservatory Order, he explained that it could not be applied in 2015 because there are constitutional provisions that allow expenditure for the first four months of a year. This amount, however, is limited to onetwelfth of the approved Estimates from the previous year. Williams underscored that the Chief Justice found the unapproved $4.5 billion that was spent by Government was unconstitutional since $37 billion from the 2014 Budget was not approved by the House and, therefore, could not be spent.

But Nandlall stressed that Government was never in doubt of the limitations that the Constitution imposed on spending during a period where there was no Appropriation Act. He added that the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

and even himself have publicly acknowledged the limitation.

“We are not in doubt about that and that is why I was saying bringing of this case was unnecessary because we had never contended that we have a power to spend at large.

We always agreed that there is a prescribed formula for spending as per the Constitution and the Financial Management and Accountability Act … we have faithfully complied with that formula,” he emphasised.

According to the Attorney General, the formula has two conditionalities: one, there is a limit to spending which is one-twelfth of that which was approved in the preceding year, and secondly the spending is confined to what is described in the Constitution as the normal services of the Government of Guyana.

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saturday, february 14, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Neesa Gopaul trial

Evidence taken from Eyew tness Gopaul’s home missing A

nother startling revelation came out at the Neesa Gopaul murder trial when Police revealed the disappearance of critical evidence taken from the home of Bibi Sharima Gopaul, who is accused, along with her former lover Jarvis Small, of murdering her 16-year-old daughter in 2010.

Police Sergeant Rawle Nedd on Thursday told the High Court that he has not been able to retrieve “important” evidence he took from the home.

During his testimony, Nedd told the court that on October 4, 2010, he and other Police officers along with Sharima Gopaul went to the premises at Lot 13 Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara, where Gopaul’s father and her sister came to open the locked building. He said that the bottom flat of the house was opened and there were clothes and other items scattered on the floor.

The officer, a Crime Scene Investigator attached to the Crime Laboratory of the Ruimveldt Police Station, recalled that there were three suitcases, but nothing was found inside them. He went on to say that there was a bedroom with two beds but one had no mattress. Upon entering another room, he saw a mattress and a substance was found on it; as such, a sample was taken. He added that swab samples were taken of suspected chop marks on the door.

The Police Sergeant continued that he saw a ziplock

Neesa Gopaul

bag and a padlock outside, which were also taken into evidence. A tub with items “soaked down” was also found. He disclosed that ranks removed the items from the tub and hung them on the fence to dry, while they continued with their examination of the property. During the search of the yard, a cutlass too was found in a plant pot. A pair of dumbbells was found behind the kitchen door.

The Police Sergeant disclosed that samples were taken of hairs and bloodstains found in the home, and a black plastic handled knife with suspected bloodstains was bagged as evidence to be tested. A bucket with an unknown substance found in the bathroom was also bagged for testing.

Nedd said one of the wet items hung out to dry turned out to be a white sheet with a suspected bloodstain.

He recalled that Corporal

Alisha Browne was with him taking photographs of all the items he found. Nedd told the court that he then returned to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, Eve Leary, with the 10 items he took from the premises as evidence and the following day, dropped them off at the Forensic Lab for testing.

No analysis

Asked by State Counsel Diana Kaulesar, who is prosecuting the case along with Mercedes Thompson and Stacy Gooding, whether he uplifted the items from the Lab, Nedd replied in the negative.

As such, under cross-examination by Defence Attorney Glenn Hanoman, he was grilled on this. Hanoman, along with Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam and Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, are representing

Small called “Barry”, who is accused along with the teen’s mother of killing the former Queen’s College student between September 24 and October 2, 2010 at the Emerald Tower Resort, Madewini Creek, SoesdykeLinden Highway. Earlier on Thursday, the accused woman had told the court that her daughter and Small were lovers.

The Attorney asked the Crime Scene Investigator if he was unable to retrieve the items because they were lost to which he replied he did not receive any information to that effect, but he was unable to uplift them as maybe at the time they were not yet processed.

Nedd explained that he went to the Forensic Lab on several occasions. He said he last went there just before he gave evidence in the case at the Magistrate’s Court. Attempts made by the Attorney to deduce from the witness the reason for not picking up the items proved futile as the officer was vague in his responses.

Nevertheless, he accepted the suggestion by Attorney Hanoman that the items were perceived to be potential evidence yet he did not collect an analysis report from the Forensic Lab, which he said was not available.

Meanwhile in his crossexamination, Attorney George Thomas, who is representing Gopaul, put to the officer that he deliberately refused to uplift the items from the Lab, a suggestion he denied.

Ennui...

“O

...in cricket

ne Day International” cricket – ODI – appears to’ve become the odd man out the threesome of the modern game – test, T-20 and the ODI. Imagine the ODI World Cup starts today and Government's NCN was unable to intervene to secure the TV rights for the ordinary man to be able to see the games. Just one cable operator. But that's another story.

Think of it. Test cricket seems to be able to draw enough purists to view broadcasts to have big TV operators pay big bucks for multi-year broadcasting rights. Even though in many instances, the live audience in the stadiums (who the heck says “stadia”??) are conspicuous by their absence, the wider interest survives.

T-20 cricket, on the other hand, has become the dominant variant of the game thanks to its brash aggressiveness and shorter time span.

While altering, but not sacrificing the traditional finer points of cricket, the early fears that T-20 would become a “slam bam, thank you ma’am” affair has been dissipated.

Sure there’s big hitting – but hey!! The top batsman were always ones who could loft the ball over the boundary!

Bradman, Lara, Tendulkar, Viv Richards weren’t exactly bashful in the hitting department, were they? And bowling?? Can you conceive of even Test cricket opening their bowling with spin?? How much more conservative can you get?? Point is, T-20s incorporated the finer points from all formats of the game in the decade that it’s been around.

ODIs on the other hand, was the original shortened form of the game – going back several decades – but it seems to’ve run out of steam. It’s kind of so “in-between” the other two forms that it’s in limbo.

Now this Eyewitness has to be honest and admit that maybe his view of ODI in general – and the World Cup in particular – is a bit jaundiced by the standing of the West Indies in the format. We’ve been placed at the bottom of the barrel – while New Zealand, who used to wallow there with us, is right up there with the perennial big boys – India, Australia and South Africa.

How many times can you see your team being drubbed?

There’s only so much even a masochist can take. But then again the West Indies haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire in Tests, but your Eyewitness still follows them, doesn’t he?

What your Eyewitness will do is to wait for June...

That’s when CPL and the Amazon Warriors get going. He’s assured of more than his fair share of excitement then!

...in the political scene

Attentive readers may’ve observed a lowering in the temperature of your Eyewitness’ political commentary of late. Truth is, it’s hard to get worked up when the whole campaign’s so desultory up to now.

The two Opposition parties are locked in “secret negotiations” in forming their coalition – but in the not so “secret” leaks, they’re still stuck on the initial issue of “who’s gonna be on top?” How trite!

Then from the Government side, it doesn’t appear that they’re ready to hit the ground as yet. So we’re in that in-between period – the calm before the storm. The Opposition parties have promised to announce tomorrow – Valentine’s Day – as to whether they’ve consummated their long courtship. It’s clear that only then will both “sides” be clear as to what tact they’ll be taking in the campaign.

If you, dear reader, thought that even now debating the issues could’ve been going on – you’ve clearly been hibernating. Guyanese elections are totally focused on personalities, not issues. Cuss down is IT!!

...in the canefields

The Stabber News reported that “15 cane harvesters” were fired because they hadn’t applied fertilisers in the fields!! We know the Stabber has “intellectual” pretensions but jeez!!

They don’t know the difference between the “manure gang” and the “cane cutting gang”??

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BK Int’l surprised at statement from GPL Chairman – still awaiting response on critical design issues

B

K International says it is surprised by statements attributed to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated Chairman Winston Brassington, in another section of the media on Friday.

In an article titled “Trucking of fuel to V/Hoop…GPL not ruling out liquidated damages against contractor”, Brassington is said to have admitted that “GPL is not happy with fuel lines not being in operation because of delays”. He is also quoted as saying that “There is the option of liquidated damages being applied in accordance with the $242 million contract signed with BK International.”

In a release issued later on Friday, the company said “We are surprised that Brassington failed to acknowledge that there are delays on all sides on this project, including the employer GPL. “It must be noted that current delays in completion of the fuel lines are primarily related to design changes on the project, including changes in the diameter from 10 inches to 12 inches and changes in the elevation.

These design changes often result in procurement delays that add substantial time increases to the project.

As of today’s date [Friday, February 13], there have been 11 documented changes sent from GPL by way of Notice of Proposed Changes (NOPC) and numerous other changes not documented by NOPCs. The latest

GPL to remind the Project Manager that the responsibility of the contractor was to build according to the approved design and not to make design changes. The GPL is yet to reply.

GPL Chairman Winston Brassington

NOPC was issued to BK as recent as Wednesday, January 28, 2015.”

BK wrote to GPL on January 23 and January 26 requesting instructions on how to proceed given the critical challenges to the pipeline elevation resulting from the elevations shown in the design drawing. On January 24, GPL replied instructing BK to make the necessary changes.

On January 26, BK wrote again to

Design modifications “It should be noted that many of the design changes and modifications have contributed to overruns in both time and cost and in some cases, the cost overruns have been borne by the contractor,” the release from BK continued.

The last major activity to be conducted is the ‘pickling’ of the pipeline to ensure that is it free of contaminants before fuel is allowed to enter the tanks that serve the power station. This process is also being affected by design issues and changes. BK is currently awaiting responses from GPL on modifications to pipe supports along the access road.

BK Group Chairman Brian Tiwarie said Friday that “the time has come for Ministries, Agencies and Government-owned corporations to improve their capacity to properly supervise and manage projects and stop blaming the contractors every time there is a problem”.

He added that where there is shared responsibility, “officials should be honest enough to say so and when they have failed they should not be above admitting the failure”.

A man wid plenty secrets

S

ome people always have to seh some ting. Not that dem have some ting to seh, is just that dem have to be sayin some ting all de time. Some call it yappin, others call it naggin. Although it unfair, nuff men does seh only women does yap and nag.

It got some men who does yap and nag all at one time, and more than women some times. And is by no coincidence that nag start wid de same three letters as Nagga Man. He been yappin quite a lot in recent times, not only when he gotta large in fronta he.

But no matter whah Nagga Man yap about, it does never come to pass and it does somehow never be true. Nagga Man yap a long time back that he was suppose to be de new Pappa Cheddi after Pappa Cheddi gone.

Every body know whah happen after that, but whah ever Nagga Man had seh suppose to happen just never happen.

Nagga Man yap bout bein a lawyer, but no matter how much he study, this lawyer ting just never really happen either, although he call he self a lawyer.

Nagga man and he rum pardna Rum Jhaat been yappin that some body from de Pee-P-P bribin he party members not to vote fuh a certain motion. But up to now, none of dem can’t yap again to seh exactly who was doin de bribin and of course not even de motion ever happen.

De latest yappin of de naughty Nagga is that some big ones from de Pee-P-P wanna come over to de KFC. Nagga Man even yap and seh who de KFC ain’t want, but he still can’t seh who are de ones who comin over.

After all, Nagga Man might seh he got to keep every ting a secret, just like how he and de Old Soldier talkin in secret. No wonder people wonderin whah other secret Nagga Man got.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie!

Dem people in Berbice done know though and dem waitin fuh he May 11!

Bank leak reveals billions from Caribbean stashed in Switzerland

T

he International Consortium of I n v e s t i g a t i v e Journalists released a report this week revealing billions of dollars held in nearly 60,000 internal Swiss bank documents from 2006 to 2007 leaked by whistleblower Hervé Falciani, a former employee of HSBC in Switzerland.

The report disclosed that HSBC maintained accounts for customers connected with 30 countries in the wider Caribbean – see table below: However, in the case of The Bahamas, although it is also a financial centre, 55 Bahamian citizens or passport holders were associated with accounts at HSBC. Likewise, Bermuda, where 13 of its citizens or passport holders were associated with such accounts.

Also noteworthy is that one Suriname national held an account with HSBC in Switzerland, five customers from the US Virgin Islands, nine from Belize, four from Dominica, one from the Dominican Republic, three from Haiti, one from Grenada and two from Jamaica.

Venezuelans are also questioning why a former Treasury Minister and ex-bodyguard of late President Hugo Chávez is linked to an account with HSBC holding billions of dollars – one of 490 customers holding Venezuelan passports.

The bulk of that amount was reportedly held by

Estimated from percentages reported

Venezuela’s Treasury Office under the name of Alejandro Andrade, who served as Venezuela’s Treasury Minister from 2007 to 2010, and was also President of the Economic and Social Development Bank of Venezuela, known as Bandes, from 2008 to 2010. The bank became the target of a US lawsuit targeting four individuals accused of participating in a kickback scheme benefiting Bandes’ Vice President and a Miami-based brokerage firm. The scheme allegedly occurred during Andrade’s tenure, but Andrade himself wasn’t named in the suit.

Andrade was also a close

associate of Chavez’s, having participated with him in the 1992 failed coup attempt.

According to the report, he is now based in Palm Beach County, Florida, and “has invested in show horses.”

Venezuelan opposition deputy Andrés Velasquez spoke out in response to the leaks on Monday.

“I request that the Government clarify the destinations of the public fund deposits in Swiss accounts,” he wrote on Twitter. “The corruption of the regime has obliterated immense oil revenue,” he added. http://www.icij.

org/project/swiss-leaks/explore-swiss-leaks-data

news

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satuRDAY, february 14, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Giftland supports Cancer AFC’s former General Secretary resigns Institute of Guyana F

Officials of both Giftland OfficeMax and the Cancer Institute pose for a photograph following the presentation

G

iftland OfficeMax on Thursday started a new tradition, their “Valentine’s White Rose Cancer Awareness” event.

The company donated white roses to the nursing team and doctors of the Cancer Institute of Guyana for their hard work, in caring for those stricken with cancer. Food, mini-teddy bears, blankets and towels and a donation of $50,000 was given to the Cancer Institute to help with treatment for future patients.

These gifts will assist patients with their treatments and help them with some basic needs.

In a release, the store said that Dr Mujahid Ghazi, Director of Guyana Cancer Institute stated that “this is the first

time a corporation has stepped forward to assist the Institute”. He also welcomed additional such gestures from Guyanese.

Andrew Ballenthin, Giftland’s new Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer responded by pledging that this is only the beginning of the company’s monthly ongoing programme to provide further support to the cancer patients of the Institute.

The smiles on the faces of all the patients at the Cancer Institute were as big or bigger than what you see at Christmas. One woman in her 70’s who was there with her husband had tears of joy in her eyes, as she felt overwhelmed at the fact that someone showed they cared.

Patients and their families

were deeply touched that even during this difficult period in their lives, they were remembered.

ormer General Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Sixtus Edwards has resigned from the party, citing what he says are personal reasons.

This was confirmed by party member Cathy Hughes who said that the former member tendered his resignation last week to the party.

According to Hughes, the resignation letter stated that Edwards was leaving the party for personal reasons. The party said that the resignation came as a surprise but they nevertheless respect the decision taken by Edwards.

“We are very, very sorry to see him go. In his letter, he did say that it was due to personal reasons and we know that in the last two, three years, Sixtus has been focusing on his education and business,” Hughes said.

However, she speculated that there may have been disagreements which may have led to Edwards leaving the party.

Sixtus Edwards

“As with any political institution, especially as we deal with the issue of a possible alliance we know that for various reasons, we may not always be on the same footing. We may not agree on the same approach but Sixtus has mentioned that its personal reasons and we took that at face value and we will continue to have a relationship with him”, she noted.

Meanwhile, Vice

Chairman of the party Moses Nagamootoo, said Edwards was not re-elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the party.

“I am not aware of any specific reasons for his departure except that he has not been re-elected to the Executive Committee but his departure is a surprise and I would consider it a loss,” Nagamootoo related to media operatives.

Guyana Times was unable to reach Edwards for a comment on the matter.

Edwards was a member of the AFC since it was formed in 2005 and reportedly played a key organising role.

He served as General Secretary to the AFC prior to David Patterson’s appointment in 2012. He has a degree in Political Studies from Cuba in 1972, with military honours including a State Warrant in 1970, Border Defence Medal in 1974, Military Efficiency Medal in 1980, and a Military Commemoration Medal in 1990.

Cop accused of raping teenage girl

A

member of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) was on Thursday evening placed under close arrest after he was accused by a 14-year-old girl of forcefully having sexual intercourse with her. The Police rank, who is said to be in his early twenties, allegedly committed the act on Wednesday.

Based on information received, the teenager claimed that she was visiting a friend when the Police rank made advances at her. She also

claimed that the man forced himself onto her and committed the act. It is not clear where the friend was at the time of the alleged rape.

After committing the act, he reportedly told the teenager that he was a cop and no one would believe her story. As such, the teenager took up the challenge, re-

ported the matter to her parents, who ultimately took her to the Police station where a complaint was lodged.

The Police rank was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where he was placed under close arrest.

Nevertheless, he has since denied the allegation, claim-

ing that he and the teenager shared an intimate relationship.

An investigation was launched in to the incident. Guyana Times understands that the teenager was medically examined and the file is expected to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

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PYO condemns xenophobia, shooting to death of US Muslim students T

he Progressive Youth Organisation of Guyana (PYO) wishes to strongly condemn the shooting to death of three University students in North Carolina, United States of America and the growing sentiments of xenophobia there.

In a release, the PYO said it also wished to express its concern over the circumstances which led to the deaths of Deah Shaddy Barakat, a 23-year-old University of North Carolina dental student; his 21-yearold wife, Yusor Mohammad; and her 19-year-old sister, Razan Mohammad AbuSalha.

The gunman who had posted anti-religious messages on Facebook was charged with killing the three young Muslims in what Police said on Wednesday was a dispute over parking and possibly a hate crime.

Muslim activists in the US demanded that authorities investigate a possible motive of religious hatred for the killings.

Additionally, the PYO expressed condolences to the

family and friends of the students who lost their lives on Tuesday, February 11, 2015.

The PYO firmly believes that the heinous crime committed against these students were as a result of extreme sentiments of sharp intolerance.

“Our youth body recognises that we live in a world with growing extremism from different quarters and we, therefore, urge our world leaders to take decisive action that would see higher levels of tolerance existing in our multiethnic, multicultural and multi-religious societies.

“The PYO therefore calls on all Guyanese, youths in particular, to equally condemn this most recent hate crime as we call for the perpetrator(s) responsible to be brought to justice. Our society must practise the principles of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, love and unity.”

In conclusion, the PYO said it was appreciative that in Guyana such extreme cases of intolerance do not exist, but will continue the struggle against them.

Caricom Rice Mill tragedy:

Labour Ministry says factory could face closure

I

Threeson Gittens

n light of the “freak accident” at Caricom Rice Mill Limited, Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul said the company could be shutdown, if investigations confirm that the management is liable for the accident.

The accident, which claimed the life of 18-year-old Threeson Gittens, occurred on February 5 at the rice mill’s Cotton Field location in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

According to the Labour Minister, the accident occurred in a manner that suggests the incident could have been prevented, if proper safety measures were initially in place.

Minister Gopaul explained that the most severe penalty for an industrial accident is closure, noting that a company would only be allowed to recommence operation until it is in compliance with the health and safety regulations.

However, Dr Gopaul de-

clined to comment further until the investigation is completed.

“I can’t say anything until the report is released…an investigation was launched immediately after the incident occurred, so when that report is compiled, we’ll know the next step,” Dr Gopaul said.

Gittens of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast was killed after tonnes of falling paddy buried him alive while he was working in the factory. Vishon Singh from Anna Regina is also nursing injuries to his right foot at the Suddie Public Hospital.

According to a source, Gittens was in a huge metal tank when the cone attached to the top broke and the paddy started to rush down.

The cone that is attached to the top of the tank usually stores approximately 300 bags of paddy. Gittens saw the bottom of the cone coming off and tried to escape, but, unfortunately, he was trapped by the paddy pouring down.

The two other employees who were in the tank with Gittens managed to escape from the tank unhurt. They were reportedly closer to the door.

The teenager was retrieved by officers from the Anna Regina Police Station with blood flowing from his mouth and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. Singh was also taken to the hospital.

The Labour Minister

views with regret the terrible incident, as he calls on all manufacturing companies, mining industries, factories and other companies to stringently comply with international safety regulations and the Industrial Training Act. “We have continuously been urging companies to adhere to these regulations… we have been sensitising them about these things…”

Dr Gopaul pointed out that industrial actions are quite costly to both the employee and the employer.

According to him there has been a major reduction in the number of industrial ac-

“We at the Ministry have also been encouraging people to form a work and safety committee in the workplace to monitor the workplace to ensure all safety rules are in place,” the Minister said.

He noted that workplace accidents are usually avoidable; therefore, employers and employees should pay more interest in ensuring their environment is safe.

He highlighted that employers should realise the significance of their employees, thus, ensure the working environment is hazardous free and employees should not be afraid to report if employers

The Caricom Rice Mill

cidents throughout the years, with 10 fatal accidents in the workplace last year.

Nonetheless, he believes that “it is 10 too many.”

Dr Gopaul also disclosed that he has already prepared a draft legislation to give additional “teeth” to the existing constitution governing industrial safety procedures and penalties.

fall short of these measures.

It was also pointed out by a concerned citizen Mohamed Khan, that the problem with the Caricom Rice Mill situation appears to have existed over a long period of time, indicating that no one seemed bother enough to make a complaint about the state of affairs.

NEWS

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saturday, februARY 14, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Laparkan celebrates Valentine’s Day 6 homeless after with GTPAK customers South Ruimveldt Shopping Plaza blaze O

Firefighters battling to contain the blaze on Friday

T

he home of popular musician, Compton Williams was on Friday morning completely destroyed by fire, leaving at least six persons homeless.

The fire reportedly started in the third bedroom of the apartment located at the Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to information gathered, the fire started sometime after 10:00h but the Guyana Fire Service received the first report at about 10:23h.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the musician explained that moments prior to the fire, he had left home and was heading into South

have seen it. The distraught woman was seen sitting on a chair weeping as she spoke with the fire officials.

She claimed that there were electrical appliances plugged into power outlets but this was contrary to reports of neighbours who revealed that there was loud music booming in the apartment when the fire started.

There were also reports that the woman might have left something cooking on the stove at the time of the fire.

Wilkerson stated that she has no idea how the fire started and confirmed that no one was injured.

The woman said she was at home alone when the fire

A distraught Ingrid Wilkerson being consoled by a relative

Ruimveldt when he received a telephone call from his wife, Ingrid Wilkerson, who informed him that the apartment was on fire.

Williams immediately made an about turn but by the time he returned, the fire had already engulfed the entire apartment.

Nevertheless, he stated that no one was injured to which he is thankful. Upon enquiring, his wife told him that she was in the bathroom when she heard her grandchildren screaming.

As she stepped out of the bathroom, she saw smoke everywhere, and people were shouting “Fire! Fire!”

With the help of neighbours, she managed to remove several pieces of household items including two speaker boxes belonging to her husband. She did not have time to grab any clothing.

Williams stated that his computer with all his music was completely destroyed.

It was hidden from the children hence his wife could not

started. Her grandchildren, she noted were in the yard.

Divisional Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Compton Sparman in an invited comment stated that they would have received the call at 10:23h.

Two tenders from the West Ruimveldt Fire Station responded along with one from central.

By the time the fire fighters arrived, the interior of the apartment was completely engulfed and the fire had started to scorch the exterior. Firefighters immediately got into action and contained the fire to one location. The origin and cause of the fire, Sparman added, have not been established.

He also noted that the fire engines were operational with all the necessary equipment and water, hence there were no hiccups. They are presently assessing the damages with the aim of establishing the cause of the fire.

Williams and his family have been living at The Plaza since in the 1980’s.

n Friday, Laparkan Trading Company c e l e b r a t e d Valentine’s Day early with the three winners of its GTPAK Valentine’s Day promotion.

Laparkan’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Yonette Jeffers explained that customers had a chance to win a variety of prizes by using the Private Mail Box (PMB) GTPAK service during January 16, 2015 to February 12, 2015.

The first place prize included a complimentary dinner for two at Princess Hotel on Valentine’s Day along with a hamper, while the consolation prizes included two hampers.

First place winner, Javed Alli told Guyana Times that he has been quite impressed with the PMB GTPAK service from its beginning. He has been using Laparkan’s services for six years and it has been the “best service ever.”

The two consolation prizes went to Neil Lewis and

Winner of the GTPAK Valentine’s Promotion Javed Alli, as he receives his prize from Laparkan’s PMB Internet Coordinator Parbattie Nankoo Singh. Consolation prize winner Nicholas Marx (second left) watches on with Laparkan’s Administrative Assistant Nirmala Singh (far left) and Sales and Marketing Manager Yonette Jeffers

Nicholas Marx. Lewis could not make it to collect his prize; however Marx arrived to receive his Valentine’s Day hamper.

“The PMB GTPAK service has allowed me to buy a range of things from the US that I cannot buy in Guyana,” Marx said noting

too that the “prices are very reasonable.” Marx has been using Laparkan’s services for eight years.

In a release, the shipping company said the Valentine’s Day promotion was held in an effort to give back to loyal customers who use the Private Mail Box

(PMB) GTPAK service. This service has been available to customers for several years.

It is an express service that allows Laparkan customers to make purchases online using their credit cards and ship to a Laparkan assigned address in the United States of America (USA).

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VOX POPULI

PUBLIC OPINION

I SAY...

How do you know when you’re in love?

Jonathan Ford “Well, that’s a good question. I can’t say for sure if I’ve ever been in love. When you’re in love, I think your emotions and your feelings and everything is a little more vulnerable. Your emotions are more controlled by that person you are in love with, you act depending on that person.”

Chantal Jones “I think when I’m in love, I will know. I think love is something that you practice; it’s something that you have to consciously think about, so when you decide to be in love, because I don’t think it’s just something you fall into. When you decide that you’re going to commit to loving someone irrespective of the little things that they do, I think that’s when you really exhibit what love truly should be.”

Candica McGarrell “I know I’m in love because of the feelings I have for him.

When we are together, I feel like we’re joined together like we are one together. I feel like nothing in the world could separate us.”

Monique Yaw “I know when I’m in love when I can’t stop thinking about the person, everything I do, before I do it, I think about how this will affect them. They basically have control of my thoughts and my emotions and everything I do all the time, and I can’t make it stop.”

Cindy Sankumar “Well you have to understand someone and care for someone in order to love them. The first step comes from caring and understanding them because you can’t love someone if those things don’t exist.”

Brian Gonsalves “To me it’s like, you get this feeling, the butterflies in your tummy. I’ve been in love one time. It’s like, you don’t care about nobody else, and you don’t really look at nobody else. Love is a messed up thing.

It gets to you. You just lose yourself.”

Gavin Saunders “It’s a feeling that you feel, you’re just so consumed with this person. It’s simply indescribable because you just want to spend every moment with that person. You just know when you’re in love.”

Sunil Ally “Well it’s someone you love and you just working at it.

It goes two ways, sometimes you know when you love her and she don’t love you back and it hurts, that’s one way to know. And if you get her, then you just feel satisfied and accomplished.”

Alberto Atkins “You just got to hear from the girl. You feel like you need to talk to her every minute, you want to see her all the time, spend time together and just create the bond.”

Essequibo rice farmers ramp up protest over delay in payments

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

R

ice farmers on the Essequibo Coast on Friday continue their protest against delays in the payments for their paddy; an action deemed by some as political mischief, stirred up

by Alliance For Chance (AFC) Councillor Naithram who incidentally is head of the Essequibo Paddy Association.

On Friday the farmers staged a peaceful protest starting at the Cotton Field New Market area and proceeded to the Anna Regina High Bridge, under the supervision of Naithram, who was last year charged for leading an illegal protest, which turned violent after he and others stripped naked and lit tyres on the Anna Regina Public Road.

Armed with placards bearing statements such as “Rice farmers demand immediate payments for paddy sold”, “Farmers need better paddy”, “Farmers demand representation from GRDB”, “GRDB needs a dynamic sale agent” and “Millers are taking advantage of farmers”, Naithram said, in an invited comment, that farmers are experiencing serious issues on the Essequibo Coast. He said the protest will continue until the farmers’ needs are met. He explained to media operatives, that farmers are still owed millions and the new crop is just two weeks away from

Rice farmers protesting on the Anna Regina High Bridge

harvesting. “The rice industry is at the crossroad, Seeraj went on the TV the other night saying that RPA [Rice Producer’s Association] has ready market available and they trying to seek market in Africa, we need attention and if conducting a protest is the means of getting it, we will continue” Naithram asserted. He pointed out that the farmers are calling for an amendment to the Rice Factory Act, a proper grading system and a fixed price for the sales of paddy for the upcoming crop. “Seeraj from RPA said that the price will remain the same as last crop, last crop some farmers get as low as 1000 per bag

of paddy, we need a proper pricing system,” the AFC Councillor noted.

Two farmers who claimed that they are owed huge sums of money from millers are demanding immediate intervention. According to Chait Lall of Reliance, he sold around $8 million worth of paddy to a miller and to date, he has only been paid $500,000. This he said is unfair; pointing out that more than $7 million is outstanding. Lall said he has 75 acres in Danielstown, Coffee Grove and Reliance area.

Another farmer, Basant Mohan, from Reliance said a miller from Vilvoorden owes him

$677,000. When asked if he received any payments since he sold his paddy, he said only half.

Politically motivated

Meanwhile, according to a senior officer from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), 95 per cent of the farmers who were owed in Region Two were paid. The official said that the Agriculture Ministry, along with the GRDB became aware that a considerably large amount of money was owed to farmers; as such, an intervention was made. Money was given to millers to make payments.

The official said that is not a

situation where money was given to millers directly but officials from the GRDB sat with millers where the amount of money owed to farmers were written in individual cheques then taken to the bank where the money was later released. The official said that prior to meetings conducted with farmers, they requested for a “change”.

The official said the Government as well as the Agriculture Ministry is doing all that it can to help, pointing out that the sale of paddy is a private agreement between millers and farmers.

Meanwhile, during a live call-in programme aired on RCA Channel 8 (Essequibo), Naithram said that farmers will continue to agitate for their rights. During the programme, viewers questioned why farmers are not diversifying their crop if they are continuously been owed monies by the millers.

Naithram commented saying that if that we to happen, then there would be a glut on the market.

Other callers told the farmers to stop what they were doing which is politically driven and live peacefully. Other callers also mocked the AFC Councillor about the recent protest where he dropped his pants for attention. A Partnership for National Unity Region Two RDC Councillor, Prince Shepherd was also present at the protest giving support to the farmers.

17 Japan pumps additional funds into Guyana’s development news

saturday, february 14, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn-Rodrigues-Birkett and First Secretary of the Japan Embassy Takaaki Kato among various representatives from the NGOs, Japan Embassy and Foreign Affairs Ministry

T

he Government of Japan signed three new contracts with Habitat for Humanity Guyana, Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre and Special Needs for Life Incorporation, totalling US$290,199.

The contracts were signed on Friday, shortly after the curtains closed in on two projects funded under the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Habitat for Humanity will receive financial sup-

port totalling US$100,684 to assist with the construction of its resource centre in Linden, Region 10.

The Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre will receive US$90,373 to fund an initiative entitled “The Project

for Renovating Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre” in Region Six while the Special Needs for Life will get US$99,142 for the construction of Bina Hill Indigenous Youth Skills Training Centre in the North Rupununi District.

“Through the grant assistance received, these three organisations will now be able to develop their infrastructural capacity and enhance the training skill set offered to the communities throughout various Regions within the Republic of Guyana,” First Secretary of the Japan Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago Takaaki Kato said.

He further noted that his Government recognises the importance of developmental growth and educational stability, and is therefore

proud to contribute to the betterment of individuals through the GGP. Guyana has been benefiting from the GGP since 1998 when the first Information Technology laboratory in Corentyne was erected using funds from Japan.

Meanwhile, Rawle Small from Habitat for Humanity; Yetrawatee Katryan from Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre; and Mark Adams from Special Needs for Life, voiced their utmost appreciation for the grant.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett also expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan for continuing to develop the bilateral relations between the two nations.

“Indeed the relations between the two countries have

borne fruit in many different ways, the construction of the Caricom Headquarters… the construction of the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Corriverton Water Supply Projects. We also received assistance with Japanese volunteers in many different areas…and we are also receiving assistance from the Japanese Government with the East Demerara Water Conservancy Project, which is ongoing,” the Minister said.

The simple ceremony, commemorating the signing of the contracts

by First Secretary of the Japan Embassy and the representatives from the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

PYO donates hampers to GPHC Paediatric Ward Early declaration of results a big I challenge – GECOM

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has asserted that notwithstanding its great desire to provide accurate results of the upcoming May 11 elections at the earliest possible time, it remained exceedingly cognisant of the existing logistical and other challenges to doing so.

In that regard, GECOM is encouraging all Guyanese citizens to be very cautious and responsible, and to carefully manage their expectations relative to the timely announcement of the May 11 elections results.

According to a statement, GECOM said it has noticed some reports in certain sections of the media suggesting that the 2015 election results would most likely be declared the day after the polls. “Please be advised that there exists a number of logistical challenges directly related to the geographic peculiarities that exist, not lastly in the hinterland areas. Similarly, there are a number of unforeseen circumstances which can or may occur and which could have an adverse effect on the timely delivery of the elections results.

Therefore, while GECOM will do its utmost to produce prompt and early results, it cannot and will not do so at the expense of accuracy.

GECOM would like to clearly reiterate that the delivery of accurate elections results remains one of the priorities of the Commission.”

GECOM said the electoral system being used for the conduct of elections in Guyana is Proportional Representation, which included some elements of Geographical and Gender Representation. The entire mass of 212,000 square kil-

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

ometres of Guyana represents one single constituency consisting of hundreds of thousands of electors responsible for the election of the President and the 65 members of the National Assembly.

Deleterious circumstances

“This means that in order for GECOM to arrive at accurate results, all votes from all the polling stations across the length and breadth of Guyana must be correctly counted and forwarded to the Chief Election Officer. This is quite unlike the First-Past-The-Post system where there are several small constituencies (less than 20,000) which can quickly be recounted, if there is a challenge,” GECOM explained.

Further, GECOM said that political parties have the right by 12 noon on the Tuesday (May 12, 2015) following Election Day to request a recount. Any such activity would delay the announcement of the poll results.

So, notwithstanding GECOM’s desire to declare early and accurate results of the May 11, 2015 Elections as a priority, deleterious circumstances can impact upon this ambition.

It should also be remembered that the elections of May 11, 2015 are being held Turn to page18

n celebrating Valentine’s Day, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) of Kingston West donated 25 hampers worth $70,000 to the Paediatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday.

The hampers were happily received by medical personnel within the ward, who said that the children will definitely be grateful for the packages.

The hampers included stationery, food and clothing, among other items, that were accumulated through donations from various persons and organisations.

Chairman of the Kingston West PYO Group Saeed Baksh said it is always a pleasure for mem-

Members of the Kingston West PYO and Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry Collin Croal at the hospital

bers to give back to the community and see the bright smiles on the faces of children as they receive their hampers.

Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry Collin Croal, who

attended the simple ceremony on behalf of the PYO Chairman Irfaan Ali, applauded the PYO for their noble work.

Croal said the event is in keeping with Valentine’s Day, noting that the day is

not confined to lovers, but love among each other.

On that note, he encouraged all young people to the PYO group with the aim of advancing the cause of youths in Guyana.

18 news

saturday, february 14, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Melsha furniture gifts millions Boat operators benefit in prizes to 6 loyal customers from first aid training

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Winners of the Melsha Gift Bonanza with owner Doodnauth Mahadeo (fourth right) and Managing Director Melsha Mahadeo (centre)

M

elsha Furniture Store on Friday held their annual Gift Bonanza, where six loyal customers were presented with several Melsha designed pieces for their steady patronage.

Jacqueline Johnson from Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-

won a television stand.

Jacqueline Johnson stated that she values Melsha, since it’s a company that produces quality products. She congratulated the company for its punctual deliveries.

However, she indicated that more of the pieces that are available to the main branch in Georgetown should also

Kamini Persaud presented with her bed by Managing Director Melsha Mahadeo (right)

Corentyne) won a sofa suite; Dianna Wickham from Parfaite Harmony, West Bank Demerara won a queen size single seater chair; Desiree Joseph from Bel Air, Georgetown, won herself a dinette set; Kamini Persaud from Providence, East Bank Demerara, won a queen size bed; Nolan Williams from Hopetown, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) won a Berbice chair and Geeta Thakoor from New Amsterdam, Berbice

be available in Berbice as well.

Melynda Mahadeo, who chaired the event, stated that the Gift Bonanza is an opportunity that Melsha takes every year to show its customers just how much their patronage is appreciated. She said the company has been functioning for 17 years and the recent years have been quite successful, which could not have been possible without their customers.

She added that such customers are “valued and precious” to the company, stating that they are the reasons the company has been able to expand to Regions Three, Five, Six and 10.

Clyde Mayers, Berbice Branch Manager shared the same sentiments. He said that the furniture store is here to stay, as every year sees significant growth that has allowed the company the ability to continue to support customers. He specified that West Side Berbicians have been particularly supportive of the Berbice branches.

He detailed that in 2014, his branch had giving discount cards to a number of its customers as a reward for remaining loyal to Melsha.

Melsha Mahadeo, Managing Director of the store, reiterated to the customers that it was due to their patronage that the company is able to continue to produce great pieces. She stated that even the customers who do not win are winners from the quality pieces they buy from the store.

Also at the prize giving ceremony was the store’s bank of choice – Bank of Baroda – with it’s representative Senior Branch Manager, Mahebookhan Pathan. He stated that the company has become like family to his bank as they have been working together to ensure the prosperity of the business.

he Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), in collaboration with Reliance Health Care Training Group, has embarked on training boat operators throughout the country in basic first aid.

The first session was held at the Transport and Harbours Sports Club on February 8, 2015 when 25 boat operators from the Georgetown-Vreed-en-Hoop service along with eight Marine Cadets from MARAD were in attendance, a release from the Department said.

This training is the beginning of an initiative by MARAD to equip boat operators throughout Guyana with first aid skills. These skills will enable the operators to respond to a commuter should an emergency arise on the boats. MARAD continues with its mandate of promot-

The first session of the basic first aid training

ing safety on the waterways.

Among the topics covered during the training session were burns, heart attack, seizures, bleeding injuries, fractures, shock, CPR, and water rescue.

According to Jermaine Ifill, Director and Facilitator of training from the Reliance Health Care Training Group, his organisation was pleased to collaborate with MARAD

in providing this training.

The training sessions will continue every weekend at the T&HD Sports Club.

Meanwhile, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Mahaicony Creek benefited from a training seminar on safe boating practices organised by MARAD, which was held at the Mahaicony Health Centre on January 31, 2015.

Sterling Products invasion

Family of dead guard gives up on justice – Beharry compensates family

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loria Stewart, mother of the late Wilfred Stewart, the security guard who was shot dead during an attempted robbery on Sterling Products Limited, said the family has given up on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to deliver justice.

Stewart, 45, of Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara, was employed by the Edward Beharry Security Firm, attached to Sterling Products Limited as a security guard for over 16 years.

His mother, during a telephone interview with Guyana Times, said the family is still recovering from their tragic loss, noting that “it is not something easy to overcome.”

She also disclosed that the Police have not contacted the family since the three suspects, who were arrested in connection with the incident, were released from custody after the 72-hour detention period had expired.

“They didn’t call us and we didn’t call them. It doesn’t make sense to call them because they have nothing to report, if they did, they would have called us. We just want to move on and it does not make sense holding on to the past,” she lamented.

She explained that the family will never find closure if they keep on hoping that the Police will deliver justice, as it will not change the fact that her beloved son

Wilfred Stewart

is no longer with her.

“I know the grace of God will take its course and sometimes, with all these killings you seeing in the papers, the persons who did this to my son, they probably dead already. But I know that God will make sure everything is right,” the mother said.

Nonetheless, she opined that if the Beharry Group of Companies had more interest in the situation and had pushed the investigators, the case would have progressed.

“I think if Beharry had pushed a bit more, maybe, I don’t know, they would have got something, because you know, that’s a big company and you know how it is, they have more power…”

But the mother is very much grateful for the assistance the company delivered to the family.

While she did not disclose the amount of money received, Gloria said the compensation will be divided

Early declaration... at the commencement of the rainy season. This could result in the sudden disappearance of airstrips in the far-flung areas of the country, thus precluding a speedy delivery of results

among Stewart’s two daughters and his reputed wife, who is seven months pregnant with his third child.

Gloria highlighted that his ‘wife’ is slowly moving on with her life, but fears upon the birth of the child; she will have an emotional breakdown.

“She is doing alright, she is working back now, but I really don’t know what’s going to happen when she gets the child because it might bring back so many memories,” she said.

On December 8, 2014 Stewart reportedly died on the spot after several gunmen opened fire indiscriminately as they made their way through the main entrance of Sterling Products at its East Bank Demerara location.

The incident raised many questions about the reliability and effectiveness of the GPF, especially with respect to the deployment of the SWAT team, and the company’s security system.

It was in wake of this incident that Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Products Ramsey Ali vowed to improve the security measures at the company.

With respect to the three suspects, a senior Police rank told the Guyana Times that the evidence was insufficient to tie the men to the murder and attempted robbery and as such, they had to be released.

from page 17

from the hinterland. And it should be noted that the implementing of alternative plans for those eventualities are concomitant with delays. Of course, if everything moves smoothly (no

flippant or frivolous legal challenges; no weather-related setbacks; no eruption of violence, etc), then “we may deliver the results by the following day after the closure of polls”.

19

guyanatimesgy.com

T

he third edition in Georgetown. This Over the past time around, the On the night line act, along with well set and the The action performance by Edmondson, others. There is tistes, Olatunji.

On Saturday, citement since Known for their will culminate on the Asylum Band out Patrons are encoursion. Admission to all the

saturday, february 14, 2015

of

“STAGE” sponsored by ANSA McAL will kick off on Thursday, February 19 at Parade ground (Opposite the Promenade Gardens), is an annual feature by the company as the nation celebrates Mashrmani. two years, thousands have flooded the Merriman’s Mall, Bourda, to be a part of the event but this space will be much bigger and more people will be able to attend. of the launch, Trinidadian Comedy Queen, Rachel Price will be the headGuyana’s own Chow Pow, Mark Kazim and other local comedians. The stage is artistes are ready to entertain to the fullest. continues on Friday February 20 with the Local Night which will see the Carib Soca Monarch contestants including Kwasi “Ace” Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts and expected to be a special appearance by Trinidad’s soca arFebruary 21, Guyanese can Trinidadians Jaiga and Blaxx hyped up performances, it is exSunday with live performances by of Trinidad and Tobago. aged to walk with their powders and events is absolutely free. It is held under

21 at 704 Lounge and “Insomnia” with Shal Marshall a n d Parliament o n February 22 at 704 Lounge.

After

P

lans are moving apace with Mashramani 2015 celebrations and taking the lead is Pulse Entertainment as it braces itself for the biggest party in town, come February 23.

Mash celebrations start with a full calendar of concept parties, live performances and more excitedly, the Mash day road tramp.

The Pulse Party Truck Parade consists of 10 big bad trucks with over 500 revellers passing through the streets of Georgetown.

The revellers will be entertained by Trinidadian Soca superstars Shal Marshall, Olatunji, Parliament, DJ X-Bass and DJ Ryan. This is one party that you really don’t want to miss. The trucks will be fully shaded with mobile drink bars, great food and nonstop Mash vibes.

The parties leading up to the grand mash tramp are “Cupid’s Chokehold” on February 14, at Gravity Lounge; followed by “Amnesia” on February 20 at the 704 Lounge; “Olatunji Live” in concert on February

the road tramp, patrons will be entertained at 704 Lounge for “One more wine” on February 23 at 704 Lounge.

Those interested in participating in the road tramp will pay $5000 for the standard trucks; which entitles you entry onto the truck, breakfast, lunch and a recharger, free entry to the official Pulse Party Truck after party “One More Wine”

at 704 Lounge. Revellers can walk with two bottles of their choice of alcohol.

The Vodka VIP Truck costs $10,000 and entitles you entry onto the truck, breakfast, lunch and a recharger, free entry to the official Pulse Party Truck after party “One More Wine” at 704 Lounge, and revellers can walk with four bottles of their choice of alcohol.

The VIP truck which entities you to nonstop drinks costs $20,000 and will cater for entry onto the truck, breakfast, lunch and re-charger, free entry to the official Pulse Party Truck after party “One More Wine” at 704 Lounge and patrons can walk with any number of bottles of alcohol of their choice.

Those who wish to purchase costumes can have theirs designed and customised by Olympia SmallSonaram for a special prize apart from the packages.

All Pulse Party Truck ticket holders will be given Free Admission into the three level Mash AfterParty “One More Wine” valued at $3000 at 704 Lounge.

Tickets for the various trucks went on sale on Wednesday, February 11 at the Pulse Entertainment office located at 236 South Road Lacytown G/Town, Guyana.

T

he Indian Monument Gardens will be hosting a Pre Mash Family Fun Day on February 22 at its location, Camp and Church Streets (Opposite St Roses High school).

Come and be mesmerize by the melodious voices of Mohamed Ali from the East Coast of Demerara and Colin Freeman.

Only recently, Ali toured Suriname and left his audiences spellbound with his voice, which many say

prepare themselves for some exwill take the stage by storm. pected to be explosive. STAGE Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons and colours since it will be Jouvert sesthe STAG Beer brand.

Jewan Ka Nritya

is similar to that of legend Mohamed Rafi. Also performing at the event will be members of the Jewan Ka Nritya, led by its leader Roshini Boodhoo.

This group participated at the Annual Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabah’s Folk Dance Competition and won it twice (2013 and 2014). The members are very talented and will indeed perform to the satisfaction of the audience.

Apart from the perfor-

mances, there will be lots of attractions for children, including face painting, a mini golf course and bouncy castle. There will be lots of things to eat and drink such as Bar B Que, hot dog, burgers, curry and roti and even candy floss for those with a sweet tooth. Admission to the event will cost $500 for adults and $100 for children.

Tickets will be sold at the gates. The action starts at 12:00h. Come and enjoy a day of entertainment.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, February 14, 2015

NZ v SL, World Cup 2015, Group A, Christchurch

Anderson lifts New Zealand to 331 W

ith Lasith Malinga back in their ODI side for the first time since August, Sri Lanka chose to bowl in the opening game of the World Cup against New Zealand.

And with cloudy skies over Hagley Oval and an even cover of grass on the pitch, Sri Lanka's captain Angelo Mathews expected conditions to aid his three seamers early on.

Malinga hadn't played for Sri Lanka since undergoing ankle surgery in September, and his participation in the World Cup had at one stage looked in doubt. He recovered fully, though, and bowled in both of Sri Lanka's warmup games. Tillakaratne Dilshan, who suffered a bit

Corey Anderson chips one through the off side, New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Group A, World Cup 2015, Christchurch, February 14, 2015 ©ICC

of a scare when he twisted his ankle during Sri Lanka's pre-match prac-

tice, was also fit to take his normal place at the top of the order. Jeevan Mendis

edged out Thisara Perera in the allrounder's slot, giving Sri Lanka an extra spin option alongside Rangana Herath.

New Zealand picked three of their quickest bowlers, with Adam Milne joining Trent Boult and Tim Southee in their three-man seam attack. This meant Mitchell McClenaghan and Kyle Mills sat out. Daniel Vettori edged out Nathan McCullum as their lone spinner.

New Zealand: 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Corey Anderson, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Adam Milne, 11 Trent Boult

Sri Lanka: 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Lahiru Thirimanne, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt),

6 Dimuth Karunaratne, 7 Jeevan Mendis, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Lasith Malinga

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD New Zealand 331/6 (50.0 ov) Innings break New Zealand innings MJ Guptill c †Sangakkara b 49 Lakmal BB McCullum* c Mendis b Herath 65 KS Williamson c 57 Karunaratne b Mendis st LRPL Taylor †Sangakkara b Mendis 14 GD Elliott c Thirimanne b Lakmal 29 CJ Anderson c Lakmal b Kulasekara 75 L Ronchi† not out 29

Extras (lb 2, w 8, nb 3) 13 Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 331 To bat: DL Vettori, TG Southee, AF Milne, TA Boult Fall of wickets: 1-111 (McCullum, 15.5 ov), 2-136 (Guptill, 22.2 ov), 3-193 (Williamson, 33.3 ov), 4-193 (Taylor, 33.4 ov), 5-258 (Elliott, 43.5 ov), 6-331 (Anderson, 49.6 ov) Bowling: KMDN Kulasekara (80-78-1); L Malinga(10-0-84-0); AD Mathews (6-0-28-0); MRKB Herath (9-0-37-1); TM Dilshan (5-0-35-0); RAS Lakmal (10-062-2); BMAJ Mendis (2-0-5-2)

England set for fiery Valentine’s day date A full house crowd in excess of 90,000 is expected at the MCG to see these old enemies start their World Cup campaigns.

Most will be expecting a Valentine’s day massacre. With Australia having won all three of the ODIs between the sides in the

may weigh heavy on their shoulders, but they are rated No. 1 in the ICC ODI table for a reason. Their batsmen can tear apart any attack and they have two men in the top 10 of the bowling rankings. Playing in conditions in which they are familiar and suit them

This way or that, Eoin Morgan needs runs

preceding tri-series, there is a sense not so much of two teams battling it out as much as one team being thrown to the lions.

You can see why.

Australia have won 11 of their last 12 ODIs - including a 4-1 victory over highly-rated South Africa; they have a battling line-up that extends beyond the horizon - their likely No. 10 here, Mitchell Starc, has scored 99 in a Test Match; and a battery of bowlers that contains, arguably, the three quickest seamers in the tournament in Mitchell Johnson, Pat Cummins and Starc.

Perhaps that expectation

and cheered on by a home crowd, they remain strong favourites for this match and the tournament.

England, meanwhile, are unburdened by expectation.

Having recently changed their captain, not won an ODI series for almost a year and failed to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup since 1992, little is expected of them. Their recent record against Australia in Australia - they have lost 13 of the last 15 ODIs - provides further evidence towards the same conclusion.

Their new look side promises to be undaunted by the cauldron in which they will start. And, if

the ball swings for James Anderson, if they can somehow contain better in the last 40 overs of the opposition innings, if they get off to a good start with the bat, then perhaps they could cause a shock. But it would be a surprise if they ruined the Valentine’s day of 100,000 Australians.

Australia’s captain, George Bailey, openly admitted that he would almost certainly not be in the side if Michael Clarke were considered fit to play. Bailey, who has failed to pass 25 in his last seven ODIs and only once passed 32 in his last 14, is therefore in desperate need of runs to secure his place for the second match against Bangladesh in a week.

England’s skipper, Eoin Morgan, can empathise with Bailey. While his place is not in serious jeopardy, he knows that his side desperately need him to contribute more if they are going to challenge. He has been dismissed five times from the last 19 balls he has faced and, while he scored a fine century against this opposition just four ODIs ago, that performance was the aberration: he has passed 40 only twice in his last 23 ODI innings. Including warm-up matches, he has scored two runs in his last four games. Having sacked Alastair Cook for his poor form in the run-up to the tournament, the last thing England want is more concerns about the personal performance of the captain.

(Cricinfo)

21

SPORTS WICB-PCL 4-day tournament…

YELLOW PAGES saturday, February 14, 2015

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G

uyana Jaguars put themselves in position to continue their winning run in the WICB Professional Cricket League when they manhandled Leeward Islands Hurricanes on the first day of their sixth round contest here Friday.

Opting to bowl first, Jaguars bundled out the hosts for 139 and had reached 14 without loss in reply, at the close at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

In a game pitting the tournament leaders against the bottom dwellers, Jaguars were quick to press home their authority.

Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton led the onslaught with four for 40 while

Ronsford Beaton

seamer Chris Barnwell (217) and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (232) picked up two wickets apiece.

For the Leewards, only tail-ender Jeremiah Louis with an unbeaten 27 showed any resistance while Akeem Saunders got 21 and Austin Richards, 20.

The rut for Hurricanes began when Beaton removed Sherwin Peters for five with the score on 19 for one and continued when Beaton trapped Montcin Hodge lbw for three at 27 for two.

Off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine then bowled Richards at 39 for three and wickets continued to tumble as the Leewards reached 71 for six at lunch.

There was no recovery as Jaguars kept the pressure on afterward.

Editor’s note: scoreboard is unavailable. (CMC)

Little Divas intensify training

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T

Members of the Little Divas Flames Football Club

he Little Divas Flames Female Football Club has intensified training in preparation for their friendly game against Foxy Ladies of West Demerara.

The game will be played at the Georgetown Football

Club (GFC) Ground on February 21 from 13:30h as part of the Pele FCorganised Watson Memorial Football Tournament.

The girls are having three days of practice each week – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

at the Girls Guide Ground in order to be ready for the encounter.

The training facility was acquired by President of the Club, Lawrence Griffith, and the girls will be under the watchful eyes of Coach Colin Mc Nicholas.

Milo Under-20 School football Tournament...

Round 2 to provide exciting weekend action

By Treiston Joseph

R

ound 2 of the Milo Under-20 School Football Tournament will kick off today with three exciting games at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Freeburg Secondary and Richard Ishmael Secondary will kick start the action from 11:00h in a game that might produce a tight finish depending on the team that find their rhythm earlier in the match.

The second match of the day will feature North Georgetown Secondary and School of the Nations in a game that can go either way depending on the team that play the better game of football.

The final game of the day will feature North Ruimveldt Secondary and Charlestown Secondary in a match-up expected to be a nail biter.

Meanwhile, Sunday will feature four games with the

Some action during round one of the tournament

first pitting Christ Church Secondary against Morgan Institute of Learning.

Christ Church, the more experienced of the two teams, will look to dominate the game based on their experience, but with the Learning Institute already registering a win in the competition, momentum will be on their side in the clash.

Kingston Secondary and St Joseph High School will meet in the second game on Sunday in what is expected to be an easy win for Kingston on account of their versatile team.

Former champs St

George’s Secondary will lock horns in the third game on Sunday with Brickdam Secondary in game that is expected to be dominated by the former champs.

However, Brickdam Secondary have proved themselves worthy opponents and could possibly pull off an upset.

The final game on Sunday will pit David Rose Secondary against Tucville Secondary in a possible walkover for Tucville who have always performed in the group stages of the tournament.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, February 14, 2015

Guyoil, GTM support August Beverages and Sparta Boss GBBC’s card to host futsal tourney on Sunday

Howard Cox of the GBBC receives GTM’s contribution from Assistant Manager of the Brokers Department, Oceola Van Doimen, in the presence of Marketing Officer Anuradha Singh and GBBC President Peter Abdool

C

orporate support for the staging of the “Caribbean Collision” boxing card continues to pour in for the February 21 event at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) and the Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life Insurance (GTM) Company have joined the band of sponsors for the event.

The five-fight card is the first on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) calendar of activities for 2015, and will be headlined by a title fight between Guyanese Clive Atwell and Jamaican Sakima Mullings.

At a simple function at the GBBC head office on

Avenue of the Republic on Friday morning, representatives of the two companies presented their contributions of undisclosed sums to officials of the

GBBC. GBBC President Peter Abdool expressed gratitude to the entities for their partnership on the card, noting that sponsorship was crucial to sustaining the GBBC’s programme.

GTM was represented

by Assistant Manager of the Brokers Department, Oceola Van Doimen and Marketing Officer Anuradha Singh, while Guyoil’s cheque was presented by Castrol Brand Manager Nadia Sugrim in the company of Customer Service Representative Devanand Mangal.

They all expressed elation at being on board with the first professional boxing event for 2015.

Castrol Brand Manager Nadia Sugrim, in the company of Customer Service Representative Devanand Mangal, hands over Guyoil’s cheque to GBBC officials Howard Cox and Peter Abdool

A

ugust Beverages and Sparta Boss futsal team will collaborate to host the second edition of their small goal knockout tournament on Sunday at Sparta Turf, Go Slow Avenue.

Sixteen teams will be part of the tournament with the top team walking away with $300,000. Second place will receive $150,000, while

third will receive $50,000.

The tournament will run from Sunday through to February 22 when the final will be played to determine the winner.

On Sunday, a feature grudge match for $4 million between Sparta Boss and August Beverages will be played where a definite winner must be arrived at.

Meanwhile, the teams

that have already confirmed their participation in the knockout tournament are: Sparta Boss; Broad Street; Albouystown; Island Allstar; Fruit Stand; North (Zoro); Future; North East; Globe Yard; Plaisance; Front Road; Chester Jewellery; Stevedore; and Charlotte.

The tournament is expected to start at 20:00h on Sunday.

Letter to the Sport Editor

The revival of Guyana, WI cricket hinges on Cricket Administration Bill

Dear Editor, The Cricket Administration Bill, 2012 (CAB) evolved out of a crisis that enveloped Guyana’s cricket during 2009-2011, culminating in Chief Justice Ian Chang’s ruling in the 2011 matter of Angela Haniff vs the GCB. In dismissing the application for injunction, Justice Chang ruled among other things that the cricketing bodies were legal non-entities and could not sue nor be sued.

He further recommended that the Minister of Sport could intervene, since there is a Ministry of Sport and that cricket is our national game.

Also, the Minister could set up an interim body in the short term and institute legislative action as the long term remedy.

This has been my simple layman’s understanding of the Chief Justice’s ruling. Despite my being privy to comments from a number of learned individuals who did not agree with the Chief Justice’s rulings, I find it strange that not a single one has challenged it to date.

I am wondering if the recent BCCI ruling against their President N Srinivas, has any bearing on Chief Justice’s earlier ruling.

In any case, the CAB involved widespread consultations and contributions from all and sundry, including the GCB; the two factions of the DCB; Berbice and Essequibo Cricket Boards; and East Coast and West Coast Demerara; Georgetown; and Upper Demerara Cricket Associations, along with Kwakwani, Ituni, the Riverain areas, groups, political parties and individuals.

It was subjected to 20 meetings of the Parliamentary Select Committee, which had total agreement on the Bill before its passage at the National Assembly, when APNU and PPP/C voted unanimously in favor, while the AFC abstained.

It was surprising to many persons that the AFC did not support the Bill, since their leader, a lawyer by profession, sat on the Select Committee and they personified the dragon that breathed ‘fire and fury’ on the Government for corruption lawlessness, financial mismanagement and fraudulent electoral practic-

es.

Those very charges and more were levelled at the present so called local cricket administration. The AFC seems to be in opposition with its own policies especially when the personalities involved constitute friends and party members.

Any party aspiring to lead the country, regardless of relationship, must stand consistently for order, decency, free and fair elections, accountability and against corruption and lawlessness, all of which are enshrined within the terms of the CAB. The GCB has been against the Bill from the start, and since its enactment has been wailing, whining and whimpering that the Bill has deficiencies and flaws and is therefore no good. They pretend to be the victim, using guile to influence politicians in all three major political parties, the Judiciary, the Police Force and WICB officials along with some naïve local cricket officials.

Evidently, certain GCB officials find themselves present at every cricket election, be it Essequibo, West Demerara, East Bank, East Coast, Georgetown, Berbice and Linden, thereby imposing their influence on the outcome of the elections, often times officiating.

It therefore is no surprise that the GCB is crying foul, for they do not want order in our cricket. They enjoy the present chaotic situation that exists, since they will stay in charge and enjoy the power, privilege and perks without any opposition or consideration for the cricket or the cricketers.

I would like for the GCB to explain how their Constitution ould have been amended in keeping with WICB rules, when the Berbice Board and Demerara Board did not attend any general meeting since 2009, and where any amendment, requires a two-thirds majority.

Every rule, law or constitution caters for amendment.

If there are flaws in our new CAB, there is provision to correct or amend them after free and fair elections as every rule, law or constitution caters for amendment(s).

It is indeed a very small price to pay for the restoration of order, decency, and

overall involvement within our cricketing landscape.

The CAB establishes credibility to the badly damaged process of our cricket administration and offers the opportunity for our cricket and cricketers to fully exploit our vast talent pool, a situation which the GCB oviously does not want.

They have been selective in which parts of the Bill they accept, only when it suits their purpose. I again remind them that the Bill which is now law clearly states that they must present financial statements to the National Assembly and National Sports Commission annually.

The Bill seeks to ensure that persons seeking to attain high offices within the cricket administration of this country must be proven administrators or successful cricketers at least.

The present upsurge of businessmen who have imposed themselves in the various cricket bodies and who have no previous experience in the game cannot be good for the development and administration of cricket; as they care not for the game but only seek to acquire the personal aggrandizement that the T/20 format offers.

What contribution some officials make at the WICB, when their cricketing knowledge is so shallow. They cannot refer to any club, association board or cricketer whose success they have contributed meaningfully to. Yet they currently represent our dear country.

No wonder West Indies cricket is in such a disastrous state.

I therefore strongly advise the Minister of Sport and the Cricket Ombudsman to act swiftly and enforce the CAB to restore order, accountability, free and fair elections to our shambolic cricket culture. The people will thereby decide whom they want to lead them after which the law takes over.

I will be extremely happy thereafter regardless of whom the electorate chooses, for it will be democracy at work, and as long as Guyana’s cricket improves, so will West Indies Cricket.

Winston G Boston

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, February 14, 2015

Gumdac badminton tourney...

Ramdhani, Ali cop Men’s Doubles

Part of the action in the final at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

T

he Gumdac annual Open Doubles Badminton tournament concluded on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with action in the Men's Doubles quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals As expected, the top national players of Guyana

all reached the semi-fonals `in fine form and Guyana’s two top players Narayan Ramdhani and Nicholas Ali came out the winners once again.

In the remaining two quarter-finals, Deodat Etwaroo and Raymond Khalil defeated Darell Carpenay and Ernesto

Choo-A-Fat 21-23, 18-21, 21-8, Jonathan Mangra and Avinash Odit defeated William Holder and Haymant Ramdhani 21-15, 20-22, 21-15.

In the semi-finals, Narayan Ramdhani and Nicholas Ali defeated Deodat Etwaroo and Raymond Khalil 21-13, 21-6,

and Jonathan Mangra and Avinash Odit defeated Gokarn Ramdhani and George Melville 21-12, 21-14.

Narayan Ramdhani and Nicholas Ali then defeated Jonathan Mangra and Avinash Odit 21-11, 21-23, 21-15 in the final to lift the title.

Gittens walks away with 10k race

S

hemon Gittens took the first 10k race walk event of 2015 with a comfortable win in the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club-organised event on Sunday in Golden Grove, East Coast

Demerara.

The win by Gittens was a huge statement early in the season, while Enoch Allicock and Dyrell Sancho finished second and third respectively. Shane Singh was fourth in the race.

In the junior category, Richard Vandenburg won the event to finish ahead of Akeem O’Brien who finished second. Wesley O’Brien finished third.

Meanwhile, the race walking season will con-

tinue on Sunday, starting and finishing at President’s College from 06:30h, while the third event of the year will be on February 22 with a 10k walk around the National Park.

GCB U-15 50-over competition bowls off Sunday

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-15 InterCounty 50-over Competition is set to bowl off on Sunday with the GCB’s President XI taking on defending champions Demerara, at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground.

The other match in round one will be contested on Monday at the Wales Community Centre Ground between Berbice and Essequibo.

Round two will have two matches being played simultaneously on Tuesday.

Berbice will go up against Demerara at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, while action between Essequibo and the GCB President XI will go down at the Police Sports Club Ground.

The third round will be on Thursday. Essequibo will go up against Demerara at the Wales Community Centre Ground, while the GCB President XI will battle Berbice at Everest Cricket Club Ground.

The top two teams will then be engaged in the final on Saturday at the Wales Community Centre Ground.

Each match will commence at 09:00h.

The teams are as follows: Demerara: Ashmead Nedd (Captain); Avin Gangadin; Robin Williams; Jamal Michaels; Alphius Bookie; Chandra Mohan; Adrian Hinds; Pradesh

Amazon Warriors balanced...

Barnwell in terms of power hitting in the end, we needed another one to support Barnwell, and having gotten Perera now we feel that we have that power hitting at the end now to propel us to the total we are looking for and plus Perera will bowl four overs of medium pace for us,” Khan established.

In addition, Khan revealed that the management unit was also pleased to have retained Narine, Lendl Simmons and Ramdin, and for the first time, Australia’s Brad Hodge and West Indies veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Meanwhile, with the aim of giving home-grown players the opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage, the Warriors have snapped up several local cricketers as part of the franchise, an arrangement, Khan said, the management unit was keen to implement this year.

“We went for the full allotment of Guyanese; in terms of the team regulations, you only need to select four local players, but

we decided we want to go with more than four and give the players an opportunity, who we feel can add value to the team and bring some strength in terms of their individual specialised talent to the team”.

“That is why we include Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Devendra Bishoo, Trevon Griffith, Assad Fudadin and Paul Wintz as the other members of the squad,” Khan concluded.

Structure

Further, according to Khan, the structure this year remains the same as last year, whereas the team to win its respective league will automatically reach the final.

The CPL is the Region’s premier T20 tournament, attracting sold-out crowds and millions of viewers across the globe. The 2015 CPL will take place from June 20 to July 26.

The Amazon Warriors lost at the final hurdle in the previous two editions, to Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and Barbados Tridents last year.

Tillakaratne Dilshan

23

Balkissoon; Omar Torrington; Jeremiah Scott; Parmanand Goontipersaud; Daniel Scott; Jospice Jones; and Andrew Persaud. The Manager is Richard Albert and the Coach is Garvin Nedd.

Berbice: Kevlon Anderson (Captain); Alex Algu; Junior Sinclair; Brandon Mangal; Andrea Bissoondial; Seon Glasgow; Kelvin Omroa; Antonio Kempadoo; Nivendra Persaud; Cheddie Boodhoo; Gevon Schultz; Haife Walters; Garfield Benjamin; and Davendra Somra. The Manager is Kwesi Maltsy and the Coach is Andre Percival.

Essequibo: Orlando Jailall (Captain); Bhomesh Ramdahin; Mahendra Dindyal; Arnold Adams; Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon; Romario Stephen; Amos Sarwan; Ramesh Persaud; Sheldon Charles; Esho Persaud; Azim Fredericks; Parsram Singh; Sevond Dess; and Kevin Standiford.

The Manager is Vickram Ramnarine and the Coach is Forbes Daniels.

GCB President XI: Joel Spooner (Captain); Melvin Singh; Leon Swami; Christopher Harry; Joshua Bacchus; Sachin Persaud; Parvesh Dhanraj; Lance Roberts; Dicquin Clarke; Anil Singh; Tyrese Assanah; Sachin Basdeo; Yodister Persaud; and Marvin Persaud. The Manager is Dhanpaul and the Coach is Julian Moore.

from back page

saturday, February 14, 2015

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

“Amazon Warriors balanced and capable of winning” – Operations Manager

By Rajiv Bisnauth

O

perations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, believes the squad selected for the upcoming third edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is capable of facing the challenges ahead, adding that the squad is a well-balanced unit comprising the maximum number of match-winners.

Speaking to this publication on Thursday, Khan, who served in the same capacity in the previous two tournaments, said: “We are very happy to assemble what we think is a very good team, in terms of the overall balance, in terms of the strengths of the team.”

He added: “The squad as I see is a well-balanced squad, and I see it as a squad once you play together, understand the role and responsibility of each player, and

everybody comes together and working together with the coach we will do well, and we will make Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise very proud and the people of Guyana very proud.”

The former West Indies

Omar Khan

Team Manager also believes the team’s flexibility provided by the presence of established batsmen and bowlers in addi-

exciting young Sri Lanka allrounder Thisara Perera, who, according to Khan, brings to the table power hitting to the end, one thing the management unit felt was short in the first two seasons.

“With only Christopher turn to page 23

tion to the batting and bowling all-rounders will be a major asset in the tournament.

“One thing the senior players, the Captain, Denesh Ramdin, and Sunil Narine and the management unit were adamant about, was that we get Lasith Malinga in early, and that is why we went for Malinga in our first choice in the Draft. We feel with Malinga and Narine eight of the 20 overs we sure are secured,” Khan pointed out.

Power hitting The Teams Operations Manager also added: “We are happy to get Tillakaratne Dilshan and, as you know Dilshan brings to the table not only his batting skills, but his all-round skills as an offspinner as well as an excellent fielder in any position.”

Further, Khan revealed that the management unit was also pleased to have the

Lasith Malinga

NCN unable to secure TV rights for Cricket World Cup

T

he 11th Cricket World Cup commenced Friday night (Guyana time), with co-hosts Australia and New Zealand both playing on the first day.

New Zealand's game against Sri Lanka got the tournament of one-day matches under way at 22:00 GMT on Friday, while Australia meet England in front of an expected 100,000 capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 03:30 GMT Saturday.

"The World Cup is massive because it is one of those special times when all the teams come together," former England off-spinner Graeme Swann was reported as saying on the BBC. "There is a huge audience around the world, there is hype, and you feel the excitement as a player."

"Cricket is so big in Australia and New Zealand," said Swann. "There is a buzz, everyone is really looking forward to it. It's going to be big."

The 14 teams competing will take part in 49 matches, of 50 overs a side, across

14 venues, followed by an estimated global audience of more than one billion people.

But in Guyana, only those who are subscribers to a local television cable operator would be privileged to watch the games after Government, through the National Communications Network (NCN) was powerless to broker a deal in talks with rights holder ESPN, to air the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup games.

According to a news report in the state-owned newspaper, ESPN’s partner in Guyana is E-Networks and Government’s NCN was unable to ensure that the Walt Disney Company and Hearst Corporationowned entity breaks protocol to allow NCN or any other station the right to air the matches.

This could mean that less than 5,000 people in Guyana would be able to watch the Cricket World Cup, which has been described as the third biggest sporting event in the world after the Olympic Games and football's World Cup.

Fly Jamaica tickets up for grabs at “Caribbean Collision” B

oxing buffs have more reasons to attend the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) season-opening card “Caribbean Collision” on February 21 as Fly Jamaica has upped the stakes for its promotion on fight night.

After initially agreeing to donate an all-expenses paid ticket to one of three destinations (Canada, New York or Jamaica), the company has willingly provided another ticket so that the winner can take along someone.

Fly Jamaica Senior Marketing Officer Wesley Tucker said the ticket giveaway would coincide with the company’s second anniversary in Guyana. He encouraged boxing fans and Guyanese in general to attend the card, as that would their only chance of winning the tickets.

GBBC President Peter Abdool thanked the company for the kind gesture, noting that his executives were grateful for the support.

Fly Jamaica Senior Marketing Officer Wesley Tucker (second right) presents the tickets to Mike Fung in the presence of other officials of the GBBC (Avenash Ramzan photo)

Apart from providing the ticket, Fly Jamaica will also be flying in the Jamaican Judge, Keith Browne, who

would be part of the officiating team at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The card will be head-

lined by a showdown between Dominica-based Guyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell, who has

replaced the injured Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis, and Jamaican Sakima Mullings.

The duo will square off for

the vacant CABOFE Junior Welterweight belt over 12 rounds.

The card, the first for 2015 in Guyana, will start with a clash between debutants Travis Fraser of Guyana and Charwin Estwick of Barbados in a Junior Middleweight six-rounder, and will also see an eight-round Middleweight rematch featuring Edmond DeClou and Dereck Richmond.

The last time these two met, DeClou suffered a broken jaw. He has not entered the ring since.

In the other two fights, Quincy Gomes will face debutant Keeve Allicock in a four-round Lightweight contest, while Dexter Gonsalves will match gloves with Mark Austin in an eight-round Welterweight rematch.

The action will start at 20:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and admission to the venue is $3000 (Ringside) and $1500 (Stands).

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