Guyana Times Daily - May 29, 2015Binder1

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Issue No. 2507

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, May 29, 2015

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Constitutional reform

Carter Center calls on GECOM to release polling station-level results data Pages 3&7

– as PPP/C moves to court for elections results

Heavy rains bring flood to Bourda Market

Govt to forge ahead despite not having the votes P6 – optimistic PPP/C “will come around”

Ramotar P9 blasts arbitrary handout of national awards

Page 14

$6M worth of liquor stolen from GRA P12 – video footage implicates security guards

...vendors at wits’ end, demanding new structure

Cop charged for MFK boss beheading

P13

A vendor still set up shop at the Bourda Market during one of the recent floods in the area

No shutdown of sugar industry – Granger Page 2

…as GuySuCo, GAWU battle over $154M credit union dues

Officers at the New P14 Amsterdam prison taking revenge on inmates – defendant

2 News

friday, may 29, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

No shutdown of sugar industry – Granger …as GuySuCo, GAWU battle over $154M credit union dues

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union has temporarily closed down its Cooperative Credit Union Society Limited across the sugar industry owing to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) failing to remit over $154 million of workers’ contributions.

Contacted for a comment, an official from GuySuCo, said the unions’ account on the credit union dues owed is inaccurate. The official told Guyana Times that sometime back in 2013, GuySuCo begun collecting union dues but it was not remitted in a timely manner. However, the official said GuySuCo has since been remitting the dues but there may still be some outstanding amount.

The Corporation is currently in the process of securing financing and as soon as that is done, the remaining amount will be remitted.

At a time when GuySuCo

is facing threats of closure due to lack of funding, this is more bad news for the Corporation and workers.

GAWU in a statement said it has instructed GuySuCo to cease deductions from workers’ earnings, Credit Union savings with effect from week-ending May 30, 2015.

“The Society’s regrettable but unavoidable decision is occasioned by GuySuCo not remitting workers’ savings to the Credit Union contrary to the extant Agreement between the Credit Union and the Corporation.”

GAWU said as at the end of April 2015, the Corporation failed to provide a huge sum of $154,410,525 which represents workers’ savings for five months. GuySuCo promised the Credit Union some payments not later than the third week of this month (May 2015), but same did not materialise.

“The Credit Union is now

the Credit Union has taken consideration of the fact that it was now unable to secure further loans to satisfy savers’ withdrawals. The sad decision, if it was not urgently redressed by the Corporation, will cause the jobs of the Credit Union’s employees to be in jeopardy.

The Credit Union, therefore, looks forward to receiving as early as possible from the Corporation the workers’ outstanding savings so that its dependable services to thousands of sugar workers would resume as early as possible.

No shut-down of industry

GAWU President Komal Chand

unable to continue to facilitate savers’ withdrawals in the light of the non-payment of the workers’ savings by the Corporation in accordance with the relevant Agreement,” GAWU’s statement read. Additionally,

On Wednesday, President David Granger during an interview with this newspaper said that the politicisation of the sugar industry has been responsible for much of its worries. “It’s bad economics, making political decisions and political appointments.

That is one of the reasons

why GuySuCo is in such a plight today.”

He said, “We will be making some decisions very soon to put the industry on a sound footing. The Board has been too heavily politicised… We are looking for competence first and foremost,” President Granger said.

Questioned about the way forward now for the industry given the announcement by GuySuCo during the course of last week that it could not afford to pay its staff and may have to shut down operations, Granger said shortterm arrangements were being put in place, but a longterm solution was also being looked at.

“I think the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] tried to spring a surprise on us. They knew that the Corporation was in dire straits. They don’t seem to have had answers to the problems facing the Corporation for the last decade or more, but we will solve the problem. We are not interested in shutting the industry down, but right now we are looking at ways and means of ensuring that the workers are paid and that production can be restored.

As you know, productions are far below expectations,” he said.

Granger had in the past called for the privatisation of the industry, but of recent he has floated the commissioning of an intense investigation into the operations of the industry, particularly since there have been numerous reports of workers not turning up for work, among other things.

“We’ve been calling for a turnaround plan. We were asked from time to time for subventions but we had asked them [the former Government] in turn what was the plan to make the industry viable…that is the stage where we are at now... to ensure that the industry doesn’t collapse and the means of financing are identified,” the President continued.

GuySuCo on Monday threatened to shut down operations across estates owing to the lack of funds, which has affected its ability to pay staff. The announcement was made by the labour unions representing sugar workers – GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

The two unions in a joint release said they were informed at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rajendra Singh on Monday that the Corporation was unable to pay senior and junior staff members this month’s salary.

According to the release, Singh said the Corporation may have to cease its operations on all estates with effect from Sunday unless funding to the Corporation becomes available within a few days.

“Should the Corporation cease its operations, the CEO

GuySuCo CEO Dr Raj Singh

explained all employees – waged and salaried – except security personnel would not be provided with work from (Sunday), May 31, 2015,” the unions expressed in the release.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Guyana Times on Monday evening, the GAWU President Komal Chand said the new Administration needed to at this time be clear on its intentions for the sugar industry in Guyana.

He said while the CEO needed to provide answers on the financial dilemma being reported, as he sees it, millions of dollars are urgently needed in the industry or else there could be a major collapse.

GuySuCo on Friday said that it had missed its firstcrop target by over 5000 tonnes of sugar and blamed it on bad weather. It said at the close of the first crop, the Corporation had achieved some 81,194 tonnes, some 5007 tonnes below target.

The industry had set a first-crop sugar production target of 86,201 tonnes.

According to the Corporation, Skeldon Estate began grinding four weeks later than scheduled as a result of the late arrival of critical materials required for the completion of the modification works on its pump dumper which commenced during the last out-of-crop period.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, in an earlier interview with the Guyana Times, had said he intended to commission an inquiry into the operations of GuySuCo as one of his top priorities after assuming office. He noted that it was absolutely necessary that a Commission of Inquiry be conducted since the sugar industry was a vital part of the country’s economy.

He said it was not, and would never be, the Government’s intention to close the sugar industry, stating that it was important that the problems hindering the development of the industry be identified and worked upon so that it could once again bloom. The Commission of Inquiry is expected to be commissioned in June.

news

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friday, May 29, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 16 – 13:30h-15:00h and Tuesday, March 17 – 14:30h-16:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 16 – 13:05h-14:35h and Tuesday, March 17 – 14:05h-15:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings at 08:00h and 15:00h

Carter Center calls on GECOM to release polling station-level results data

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with cloudy conditions in the early evening hours giving way to thundery showers.

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

Winds: North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 13:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.39 metres.

The Carter Center team at a post-elections press conference

By Vahnu Manikchand

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Low Tide: 06:53h and 19:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.95 metres and 0.76 metre respectively.

saturday, MARCH 14, 2015

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ust over two weeks since Guyana held its General and Regional Elections, the Carter Centre has released its Preliminary Report on the findings from their observations of the local electoral process, recommending the implementation of stringent campaign financing laws as well as election reforms. It has also called on the Guyana Elections Commission to release polling station-level results data and make the complete data available as quickly as possible. “This is a recognised international best practice that can enhance public confidence in the process and its outcome,” the Centre said. The release of the results is a subject of court action initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The report was released on Thursday by the United States (US)-based Carter Centre, which was one of the international observer missions in Guyana monitoring the electoral process. In the report, the Centre outlined its key findings and made several recommendations to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Government, and to the political parties.

Amongst the recommendations, the Cater Centre,

which had also observed previous elections in Guyana, calls for the implementation of legislations that are crucial to ensure greater transparency in the financing of political parties.

The Centre noted that the reforms should include requirements such as: the disclosure of sources, not just in the context of elections; establishing party finance regulations with clear, rigorous, and enforceable regulations for reporting; and requiring electoral contestants to make reports on their campaign expenditures publicly available, with strong penalties for those who do not comply with regulations.

“In addition, Guyana should consider establishing and enforcing realistic limits on campaign expenditures to help promote equity and avoid inequalities in access to resources, which undermine the democratic process,” the report added. Campaign finances have been a contentious topic in Guyana. The previous Government had come under constant attack with allegations spewing of misuse of state resources to fund political activities.

Furthermore, the Carter Centre suggests the Guyana Government consider reforms that would see the involvement of political representatives in the organisational structure of

GECOM. The report stated that this would “reduce the politicised composition of GECOM and move toward an election management body with a structure, composition, and operations that are more consistent with international good practice and obligations, ensuring the independence and impartiality of the election management body”.

Additionally, the Centre’s recommendations to Government included the urgency of hosting Local Government Elections. It stated, “Guyana has not held Local Government Elections since 1994, and the repercussions for development and the ability of Government to serve its people are visible at the local level throughout the coastal region. The Government should recommit to holding Local Government Elections, utilising the legislation that was approved in the last Parliament as the foundation for a new consensus law.”

The Centre also propose that political party agents, as well as domestic observers, be allowed to play their critical roles in increasing the transparency of the electoral process without having to sacrifice their right to vote when they are stationed at polls where they are not on the voters’ list. “To this end, reform should focus on allow-

ing agents to vote in the polling stations where they are deployed,” the US-based organisation outlined.

In addition, the international observer body calls for the Code of Conduct to be signed by political parties earlier in the electoral process, and contain a more stringent enforcement system. According to the Centre, the Code of Conduct at the recent elections was signed two weeks before Election Day and more than two weeks after Nomination Day. This timeframe, the report stated, does little to improve the overall campaign environment.

Consolidation of the electoral law and accessibility to the electoral laws; the right to be a candidate and the freedom of association, and the registration process of political parties were some of the other areas that recommendations were submitted on to the Government. On the other hand in its recommendations to the Elections Commission, the Carter Centre calls for GECOM to make available, at the earliest time possible, results from the polling station level. This will be in accordance with international best practices and will enhance the public’s confidence in the process and its outcome.

Turn to page 8

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friday, may 29, 2015

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

History and campaign promises

T

he recent myriad lamentations of government’s youth supporters regarding their increasing sense of betrayal by the coalition is not unexpected - at least not by the more mature of the Guyanese populace who have seen politicians make and break promises before.

They would have long ago experienced such betrayal at the hands of government, in particular under the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led era of rigged elections, dictatorship and mismanagement, which brought Guyana to its knees pre-1992.

In these early days of the new administration, one could advise the youths not to be rash, not to chomp at their bit, or paw the ground just yet. Hopefully, there may be better days ahead.

One could point out to them that many new presidents do try to keep campaign promises, though many fail when faced with the true realities of running a country after years in opposition.

Pandering to popular sentiment during campaigns does not necessarily hold up when faced with global and national dynamics. Even internal party dynamics can jettison campaign ideals and this becomes even more crucial with a coalition government in place.

On the other hand, one could advise that youths should also be the guardians of democracy against any future dictatorship.

They must be vigilant, and raise the alarm when necessary. They must hold their respected elders accountable.

One could point out too that this is perhaps where the strident campaign calls by the said coalition - to youths especially - to ignore history, has revealed its purpose.

To those fully aware of our history, and therefore saw through the cries and saw the nefarious purpose for it, many of today’s actions may be a harbinger of a past repeating itself.

For those who don’t know their past and those who ignore their history, it would become a tragic lesson to learn.

Regrettably, history has repeatedly proved that those hungry for power will say and do anything to convince the masses to give them the opportunity to rule - leaving disappointed and disillusioned young generations. And it’s not just history that has proved the fact; polls do too now.

A Rasmussen Poll in 2014 revealed that among the US population, only four per cent of voters feel politicians keep their campaign promises; 83 per cent say they don’t.

Guyana’s youths were the target of the then opposition’s political campaign. Few among them knew, and still don’t know, the main party in the coalition’s historical penchant for ignoring and thwarting the will of the people, including youths.

The new president, after campaigning for the votes of youth with promises of political partnership and inclusivity, has yet to address the role youths would play in his government.

Neither has he created from his administration’s many ministries any significant department or government organisation that would be looking after the welfare of Guyanese youths.

Subsuming important youth-focused ministries such as the education and culture, youth and sport ministries speaks volumes of the lack of adherence to its campaign promises to youths.

After years of focussing on youth representation in politics while in opposition, and recently on the campaign trail, the president now suggests their apparent lack of experience would be disadvantageous to good governance because experience is what is necessary.

Incidentally, when pressed to discuss the lack of youth within the new administration, the president referred to the lack of experience among the many mature individuals for his new ministries. It is perhaps an admission that does not bode well for the governance of a country by mostly inexperienced individuals.

Experience is important for running a country, but youths have a significant role to play in building a nation.

To date, the David Granger administration has produced scant evidence to Guyanese youth that things promised on the campaign trail and expounded throughout its time in opposition are genuinely being considered now that he is running the country.

Temporary duck lanes have been painted on busy towpaths in London, Birmingham and Manchester in the United Kingdom (The Telegraph)

Achieving economic unity

Dear Editor, As the emotional aspects of an election wears off and where there are still significant contentions on the results, we must concurrently be thinking of the economics of our nation.

None of the Ministries proposed addresses in any detail which entity or person is the belly button for these activities and the nation seems to be running on auto-pilot in these areas.

A strong economic foundation has been built un-

der the PPP/C government with a stable economy thus allowing key aspects of common economic pillars to be achieved.

The proposed paving of the road to Brazil and the deep water harbour are two key ingredients to pivoting our economy upwards while we await the production of oil, in addition to other programmes such as ethanol production which should be of high priority as proposed by the PPP/C.

To note, both parties agree on the road to Brazil and the economic benefits of trade with one of the world largest economies.

I see no reason why this cannot be started as soon as Parliament is agreed to and convenes.

The deep water harbour will be contentious as the PPP/C study proposes it at the mouth of the Berbice River, given infrastructure access (roads) versus the Essequibo River, which would require more infra-

structural development.

This all makes for a good debate but at the end, a deep water harbour must be built within the next few years.

Our focus on achieving economic unity should take precedence over political ideology and differences. The 10th Parliament failed at achieving this and there cannot be any payback motives in the 11th Parliament.

Dr Peter R Ramsaroop

Amerindian village plans funded by the state are not controlled by the Minister Dear Editor, I read Patrick Fitzpatrick’s letter on May 24. Firstly let me congratulate Hon Sydney Allicock, our new Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs and wish him all successes for the continued development of Guyana’s Amerindian communities.

Let me also congratulate Hon Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, on her appointment.

With reference to Fitzpatrick’s letter where he quoted sections of the Amerindian Act 2006, I received the distinct impression that he rejects

Amerindian or indigenous people’s self-determination under Guyana’s law. In this regard it is important that I quote article 46 (1) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which states that: “Nothing in this declaration may be interpreted as implying for any state, people, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act contrary to the charter of the United Nations or construed as authorizing or encouraging any action which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent

states.”

Fitzpatrick seems disgruntled that the Minister has the power to first approve the village rules made by the village council in consultation with the village before such rules come into effect (Section 15[b] of Amerindian Act 2006).

But the importance of the Minister’s approval of village rules is to ensure that such rules are not inconsistent with any other law and shall be void to the extent of such inconsistency (Section 14 (3) of Amerindian Act 2006).

For Fitzpatrick’s information, village plans that are funded by the state are not “controlled” by the Minister,

but are given the necessary advice and technical assistance by the Ministry. And the Toshaos are accountable to the Ministry (now the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs) for the success or failure for village plans.

Was Fitzpatrick when he was a Toshao of the Kwebanna village in Region One (Barima-Waini) accountable to residents for village funds? My humble advice to Mr Fitzpatrick is to studiously apply himself to the Amerindian Act 2006 so as to desist from being irrelevant where the Amerindian Act is concerned.

Peter Persaud

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The coalition Government still has Asking for recount is a chance to galvanise the nation a legal entitlement Dear Editor, The APNU/AFC coalition apparatus branded itself as the unity leader but is this real? Guyanese opting for a fresh start have hired the coalition on the premise of unity to solve an array of problems facing the nation, but solutions will be difficult, particularly since the nation stands divided.

The coalition apparatus ran on the platform of unity but did nothing to end the Guyanese schism.

The fact that its margin of victory was razor thin with just a shade over 5,000 votes calls into question the genuineness of its “efforts”, thus this victory in no way signals unity.

The ideals of unity within the construct of a nation embody the idea that Guyanese need to come together as one for survival.

There is a need for oneness and there is a need for love: A love for each other irrespective of individual differences with the understanding that hurting one is hurting all and pain experienced by one is shared by all. Unfortunately, this ideal never gained traction.

President Granger in an admirable gesture called on Guyanese to stand by him in a united front during the election, but this admiration quickly evaporated when he

bluntly refused to issue an apology for wrong doings dished out on the very people he wanted to stand by him.

Then there were allegations of racial bias at polling stations and tensions simmered, which then roiled through the city of Georgetown culminating with an arson attack on the home of Mr Narine Khublall, a PPP/C supporter.

Undoubtedly, as a result of a series of intimidation, Guyanese were deprived of their democratic rights, stripped of their dignity and pushed into a psychological tailspin.

In a climate of unity Mr Khublall would have never been attacked and feelings of empathy would have poured in for victims of harassment regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.

As the Israel Prime Minister, Ben Gurion famously said that “when Israel has prostitutes and thieves they will know that they have a state like any other”. This can be interpreted that society needs all walks of life for it to stir and tolerance must be shown for each other no matter our differences.

Guyanese were not blindsided by this election saga. As a matter of fact,

it was a highly predictable event that tourism took a dive. Furthermore, riding off past experiences, we all knew that if the PPP/C would have won, then there would have been heightened furor in the country.

Forces of hate and double standards saturate the country only derailing unity.

Interestingly, Georgetown suffered two decades of neglect under Mayor Green, as a result of his distaste for cooperation with the PPP/C and only after this election has he started a long awaited clean –up.

Ironically, the coalition has criticised the PPP/C government of cronyism and nepotism but it is also engaging in the same.

Placing Ms. Sooba on administrative leave is an example of intolerance for other people’s views. The PPP/C was muzzled for these very same actions and the same should apply to the coalition.

How can there be unity under such polarising forces? Where is the logic in all of this? Where is the respect? Where is the decency?

Where is the patriotism? Is this love?

The coalition Government still has a chance to galvanise the nation if it is willing to do the right thing.

As a genuine gesture of unity, the newly minted Minister of social cohesion, Ms Amna Ally needs to issue the clearest message in the strongest of terms, denouncing the forces behind the arson attack, so as to prevent future occurrences and her government needs to rebuild the home of Mr Khublall.

The appointment of Ms Ally to head the newly minted Social Cohesion Ministry is dubious. As members of the public it is our right to know what Ms Ally has brought to the table. In a democracy, transparency prevails and the public needs unbridled access to her portfolio.

The country has been riddled with these same problems under the PPP/C and the coalition is piling more on us.

In short it is time for the APNU/AFC coalition apparatus to put pedal to the metal in an effort to achieve unity.

This apparatus must remember that you do not get unity by ignoring the questions that have to be faced.

I sincerely hope that this Government realises that unity is priceless and is essential for any kind of progress to be made, be it social or economic.

Annie Baliram

My letter was restricted to the failure of APNU executives to meet

Dear Editor, The Guyana Times in its May 26 edition, in an article headlined, “APNU/ AFC backers rap Granger’s high handedness”, sought to give readers the impression that I had criticized the new APNU/AFC administration, in comments I made in a letter which was carried in Kaieteur News and Stabroek News on May 23.2015.

That interpretation of the content of the letter was a deliberate misrepresen-

tation by Guyana Times of what I had said.

In the article, Guyana Times had stated, “WPA executive member Tacoma Ogunseye, who is known to be an APNU/AFC supporter, also criticized the administration for not holding an in house meeting before decisions was made with respect to post elections, responsibilities and ministerial appointments”.

Contrary to what the Guyana Times reported, my letter was restricted to the

failure of the APNU executive to meet. This is a matter that is internal to that organization and is not a governmental issue.

For the benefit of Guyana Times readers who are unaware of what my comments were, this is what I wrote: “This letter is limited to the issue of the failure of the executive to meet at this historical juncture in the life of the APNU and the country when important matters of the organization,

the government and the state have to be decided on.”

It is as a result of what was stated there that I submit, unapologetically, that your interpretation was a deliberate misrepresentation of my very clear, unambiguous statement.

I hope you will have the decency to publish with the same urgency as you did your article, this retraction in the letter column of your paper.

Tacuma Ogunseye

Facing the challenge of a new age: “out of many, one people”

Dear Editor I have just come off the Caribbean Airline flight BW600 between Timehri and Toronto during which I read the airline’s current magazine titled “Caribbean Beat” in which there was an inspiring article featuring a speech given by the all-time great visionary, Martin Luther King , some 50 years ago in Jamaica focusing on the Jamaican motto: “out of many, one people”.

The strong, direct, immediate resonance of MLK’s half-century old message (which incidentally also echoes similar themes by the

revered Mahatma Gandhi and the indomitable, Nelson Mandela, with the exhortations of our own newly swornin President, His Excellency David Granger this week, compelled my penning this piece as a reminder to my compatriots.

As reported, MLK was as impressed by Jamaica as the Jamaicans were charmed by him.

He remarked repeatedly on the fact that in Jamaica “the people are from many nations: Chinese, Indians, socalled Negroes and you can go down the line, people from many, many nations who all

live there with the Jamaican motto foremost in their behavior: ‘out of many people, one people’.

“And they say ‘here in Jamaica we are not Japanese, we are not Chinese, we are not Indians, we are not Negroes, we are not Englishmen, we are not Canadians, but we are one big family of Jamaicans’.”

Can we hope and pray that like MLK did for all the races that live in the USA to be Americans that we in Guyana can become one big family of Guyanese.

And while we are at it, we may also consider the other theme stressed by our keen

President Granger, which also reflects on that of the visionary Dr Martin Luther King who urged his Jamaican audience to excel in whatever field was theirs when he said: “If it falls to our luck to be street cleaners, clean the streets like Raphael painted pictures, like Michelangelo carved marble, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, and like Beethoven composed music. Clean the streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth would have to pause and say, ‘Here lived a great street cleaner’.”

Nowrang Persaud

Dear Editor, Recently, I saw a statement made by one of the PNC charlatans at GECOM stating that the PPP/C has no grounds on which to ask for a recount. Immediately, I said to myself is this for real?

He might be out of his mind or trying to convince his twisted mind that he can steal the people’s will and get away with it, but this will not happen this time around, we are in for the long haul.

What I am saying in clear cut language, we must have a recount. From the very inception when GECOM came out with that bogus declaration of a win, the incumbent Donald Ramotar immediately disagreed with the official results.

The PPP/C at that stage had an unassailable lead. In less than 24 hours all of that changed to a one-seat victory for the coalition. How could that be! The PPP/C knew right from the very start that something was amiss in the results they were being fed

by GECOM. Therewas no match.

Mr Ramotar knew that there was a gross manipulation or misrepresentation of the figures coming from the commission. GECOM at that stage was strangely quiet with nothing forthcoming from them as to the gross discrepancies in the tallied numbers.

It was after strong agitation from the PPP/C’s camp that a partial statement to the effect that there were fake statements of polls (SOPs) being circulated.

How, when, where and what scale the fake polls were infiltrating the system could not be determined.

What was sure is that GECOM’s tally was tainted at best and did not reflect the will of the people. In a situation like this when there is no clarity as to which is fake and which is authentic the sensible thing to do was go the way of a recount, see what is in the boxes.

May I remind my readers that a similar situation confronted the commission after the general election of 1997 when the PNC Opposition made strong claims that they had won the elections.

The same issue of fake statements of poll being the centre of discussion. I vividly remember Mr Doodnauth Singh single handedly mounting a recount under the pub-

lic glare of the camera. The results of the recount showed the PPP/C won by a handsome margin.

Still not convinced the PNC took the matter to court.

That matter dragged on for one year before the same judge who is touted to become the next speaker. At the conclusion of that case the judge found the opposition’s claim credible and declared the elections null and void, which in essence meant that the government was also illegal.

But a government cannot be considered illegal by a mere court order, elections determine who are legal and who are not. An election determines who governs the people.

In that regard, another recount was ordered, this was done under the leadership of international jurist Ulric Cross. Again the results showed the PPP/C as the clear winner with additional votes going their way, over 800 votes for that matter.

But did that settle the matter, no it did not, because the PNC being the bad losers they are were already in the streets with every vile machination they could muster. The country was gripped with fear and there was great uncertainty; Hoyte vowed to make Guyana ungovernable.

In the interest of peace Mrs Jagan truncated two years of her time in office and demitted office, handing over things over to Mr Jagdeo. The picture painted above is the perennial problem of the PNC being in the position of losers and cannot admit it.

They have teamed up with the AFC to show that they have won, but again they’ve lost, only this time an election commission validating that illegal position of loser becoming winner.

So, my point and the PPP/ C’s position is that we cannot accept the results of a rigged election.

Further to the discussion we are appalled with the performance of GECOM. Therefore, we humbly ask for an immediate recount. We are not asking for anything over and above that which we are legally entitled.

The PNC got theirs in past elections, in a similar way we are asking for the same courtesies to be extended to us, nothing more nothing less.

Neil Adams

The Peeper is losing it

Dear Editor, I completely disagree with the Peeper’s statement in his column on May 24, where he asserts that the PPP/C is finished, as it has no leaders to lead it through the difficult road ahead.

The Peeper is losing it and has completely ignored the fact that more than 202,000 persons voted for the PPP/C on May 11.

The PPP/C has to make some difficult decisions, clean house and rebuild from the ground up. The party

has to be infused with new blood and new ideas. The youths have to be given an opportunity in Parliament, unlike what has happened in the coalition government.

A bright, young and energetic leader has to be appointed to lead the young PPP/C stalwarts in Parliament.

What is in the best interests of the PPP/C has to be considered first, otherwise the party is doomed.

Besham Persaud

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friday, may 29, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Constitutional reform

Govt to forge ahead despite not having the votes – optimistic PPP/C ‘will come around’

By Alexis Rodney

T

he new A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government will be moving ahead with its effort to ensure a reform of the 2001 Constitution.

The Government has already begun seeking to have a commission set up to oversee the process.

The Administration said too that it was hopeful the now Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), would “come around” to supporting the transformation of the country’s supreme law.

President David Granger told the Guyana Times on Wednesday that under his Administration, the Constitution will come under review as there are some major areas that need to be focused on. “There is still a long list of unimplemented regulations, but after three years of the 10th Parliament, there are a lot of things for examination. Certainly, we have to examine the powers of the President. That will be reviewed, other areas dealing with governance, the implementation of local government reforms, the non- assent to bills, and several other areas have to be examined,” Granger told Guyana Times exclusively.

He said his Administration was looking to re-examine the entire Constitution, and believes that a fresh commission would have to “look at the Constitution as a whole”. Prior to it becoming Government, the then APNU and AFC Opposition parties had separately called for constitutional reform. Pressure for change also mounted af-

President David Granger

ter the then President Donald Ramotar had made a decision to prorogue the tenth Parliament, following a threat of the tabling of a NoConfidence Motion.

However, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee had maintained that the Constitution was not something to “be tampered with, ransacked or subjected to open heart surgery, whimsically or maliciously, because of political disagreement on issues of governance or the powers of a Head of State”.

He had said that the current Constitution had benefited from a series of nationwide consultations over a three-year period beginning in 1999, during which the inputs of a wide cross-section of Guyanese people, including organised labour, religious and cultural organisations and other interested parties and groups were considered.

He said too that unlike the 1980 Constitution, Guyana today boasts one of the most advanced Constitutions in the Caribbean Region.

Meanwhile, Granger detailed that with the commission in place, countrywide

consultations will be held.

Asked if he was confident of support this time from the PPP/C, the Head of State said “when the time comes and it is put to a vote, the PPP/C might be interested in constitutional change as well. But the first step is to establish a new constitution reform commission and conduct consultation countrywide”.

He said despite the PPP/ C’s current non-cooperative stance, he was hopeful that they will come to the table and discuss. “They have done this thing before, but I am hopeful ...We are accustomed to these sort of things. They’ll come around,” President Granger asserted.

But President Granger did not say whether he was in consultation with the PPP/C as to the shape and form that the commission would take. He did not say explicitly whether he intends to invite the PPP/C to elect or nominate persons to chair the commission that would be established.

In order for any changes to be made to Guyana’s Constitution, President Granger will need to have a two-thirds majority which his coalition does not enjoy at this time in the legislature. He will need to craft a plan to include the PPP/C which has 32 of the 65 seats in Parliament.

Additionally, the PPP/C has made it clear that it was not interested in making changes to the country’s Constitution to suit any political party or personal motives.

The Party has also confirmed that it was not in receipt of any formal invitation to participate in any reform process at the moment.

Guyana’s Constitution is the highest governing document in the country. It officially came into effect on

October 6, 1980 and underwent review subsequently, the major one being in 2001. Prior to 1980 Guyana had a different Constitution which was enacted in 1966, upon its independence

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

from the United Kingdom.

Independent Guyana’s first Constitution, a modified version of the 1961 Constitution, took effect on the first day of independence, May 26, 1966.

It reaffirmed the principle that Guyana was a democratic state founded on the rule of law. On February 23, 1970, the Burnham Government proclaimed the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

This move had both economic and political ramifications. The then Government argued that the country’s many resources had been controlled by foreign capitalists and that organising the population into cooperatives would provide the best path to development. The 1970 proclamation severed Guyana’s last significant constitutional tie to Britain. The Governor General was replaced by a President.

Kitty Market...

Vendors complain about garbage pile-up V endors selling along the roadside of the Kitty Market in Georgetown vented their disgust over the huge pile of garbage in front of their stalls.

The Guyana Times team visited the Kitty Market area on Thursday as several telephone calls were made to the newspaper’s head office regarding the building up of garbage at one of the entrances to the market.

Speaking with a few vendors who were at the time complaining to their fellow colleagues about the awful smell of the garbage, they said that they have been making complaints to the market clerks who regularly come to check on the operations and uplift their stall fees.

However, despite the numerous raised concerns, no one showed interest in taking care of the matter.

Some of the vendors even refused to speak on the situ-

ation, indicating that they are discouraged because they have been trying to get the issue addressed, but none of the relevant authorities took the time to investigate the matter and find a solution.

In an interview with Savo Singh; one of the vendors who had no problem sharing her views, she indicated that she is severely affected by the situation because her stall is just a stone’s throw away from the garbage. She explained that she cannot successfully conduct her everyday operations because persons refuse to purchase their products in an unhealthy environment. Singh also mentioned that she will have to cease her business activities until the garbage is removed, since it is pointless to sit for long hours and hope that someone supports her business, only to realise that she was unable to secure at least a quarter of the profit on the goods she had invested in.

The heap of garbage that polluted the roadside of Kitty Market

The vendor also pointed out that, due to the removal of the bins, this has significantly contributed to the current situation, since persons have nowhere to dispose their garbage. Many of them just left it there thinking that the garbage collectors will come and remove it.

Adding to this, it was re-

vealed that a few days back, one of the garbage men who was intoxicated at the time, came and removed some of the garbage and broke down one of the other vendor’s stall, which was located right next to her. She further vented that not only are their businesses being affected but also their health. The garbage is

Camp and Quamina Streets accidents...

2 vehicles destroyed; 1 person injured T

he number of accidents at the junction of Camp and Quamina Streets, in Georgetown, continues to spiral out of control with another incident occurring on Thursday, May 28, which resulted in the destruction of two vehicles and public property, and the injury of one man.

At around 14:00h, a vehicle bearing registration number PJJ 3967 was making its way South along Camp Street when it was forced to swerve in the westerly direction into Quamina Street to avoid crashing into a vehicle that was travelling East on Quamina. During that process, PJJ 3967 slammed into a motorcycle, CG 1917, and the other motor vehicle drove away.

In that split second, the driver of the motorbike Bernard Richmond pitched off the bike and slammed into a STOP sign, then into the concrete fence of the Moray’s House. His motorcycle was practically buried under the motorcar; partially shattered into bits of pieces. The STOP sign was ripped from its place and fell buried beneath the vehicle as well.

Richmond, 49, of Kitty, Georgetown, sustained blows to his hands and his back. There was a visible incision on his left arm, which was presumably the result of the impact between his body and the sharp edges of the STOP sign.

The white shirt he was wearing slowly transitioned to red, as it absorbed the

blood that was oozing out of the many cuts and bruises on his body.

Meanwhile, in his defence, the PJJ 3967 driver, Rahendra (only name given), maintained that he was in a compromising position and would have ended up in an accident in any alternative approach to the situation he encountered.

“I had no other choice.

The driver (travelling East on Quamina Street) jumped ahead. I had the right of way and he tried to cut ahead. So in order to avoid crashing into him, I swerved to the left and that’s when I hit him (the motorbike).

I had no other choice,” he shrugged as he explaining the circumstances of the accident.

Immediately after the booming sound of the impact reached to ears of passersby, a significant crowd assembled in the area to render their assistance. In their chatter, citizens were complaining of the dangerously high numbers and frequency in which accidents occur at the Camp and Quamina Streets junction.

“Every other day an accident happening man. When will they build a traffic light here? They need a traffic light, they gon wait until somebody die,” one of the bystanders vented.

The accidents that occur at this junction are usually not fatal but they amount to a severe injuries and destruction to property which eventually results in lots of expense.

attracting animals (dogs, cats, donkeys, etc) which can eventually lead to sickness.

Apart from that, the vendors stated that they are paying their market rates regularly and are therefore calling on the relevant authorities to step up and find a solution of disposing the garbage.

When Guyana Times contacted the Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, he said that he was not aware of this situation, but promised that he will speak to his team and address the matter as soon as possible.

In relation to the cleanup campaign, Green stated that he would like to express sincere gratitude to the business organisations and residents of the various communities who have come on board to support the initiative of President David Granger as they progress towards ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Over the past weeks, several businesses have taken it upon themselves to upkeep their corporate social responsibility by organising activities to clean up

the city. Businesses such as Gizmos and Gadgets, Metro, Zoon, John Lewis Styles, Baishanlin, BK International, Ming’s Service Limited and Abby’s Touch of Magic Salon, enthusiastically launched their own clean-up campaigns in Georgetown. The clean-up campaign, under the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, started off at the Independence Arch on Brickdam, Georgetown and has moved to several monuments across the capital city.

In support of the Independence Day activities, which were held just a few days back, residents were also seen hard at work as they poured all their efforts into ensuring that their environment was beautified for the hosting of the historical event.

It is the hope of many that this initiative will continue all throughout the years, and that businesses will continue to demonstrate their commitment to their corporate social responsibility by ensuring that the capital city remains a beautiful sight.

news

7

friday, may 29, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP/C moves to court for elections results

By Vahnu Manikchand

A

lmost two weeks after the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) declared the final results of the May 11 General and Regional Elections, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has approached the High Court with a constitutional motion to have the electoral management body release documents used to tabulate the count.

In the motion, which was filed on Monday, the Party is asking the Court to grant an Order Rule Nisi of Mandamus to the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, compelling him to release several documents that were used to tabulate the final results of the elections. Only on Thursday, the Carter Center in its preliminary report on the elections here urged GECOM to release polling station-level results data. The Center said GECOM should make complete data available as quickly as possible regarding results at the polling station-level. “This is a recognised international best practice that can enhance

Former AG Anil Nandlall

public confidence in the process and its outcome,” the Center said.

Meanwhile, since the announcement of the results on May 16, which gave the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition a 4000 plus votes win over the PPP/C, the PPP/C has been claiming that it was robbed of votes.

The PPP/C claimed that its polling agents were intimidated and forced to leave the Polling Stations before signing the Statements of Poll (SOPs); as such, it re-

quested a total recount, but this was denied by GECOM. The Party subsequently wrote the Commission, requesting all the ballot boxes and SOPs, but GECOM never responded. The Writ of Mandamus was filed by former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall on behalf of Ganga Persaud, who was a PPP/C Elections Agent during the electoral process. According to the legal document, PPP/C is requesting the results from each Electoral District disaggregated by Polling Division and the report from Information Technology (IT) Department of GECOM, separated by polling stations.

Furthermore, the Party is asking for the Court to compel GECOM to release the results from each Electoral District disaggregated by Polling Division as was compiled by the Returning Officer of each Electoral District.

PPP/C is also requesting copies of the SOPs from each polling station that were submitted to the CEO and copies of those SOPs from each Polling Station that were submitted to the

PPP/C Elections Agent Ganga Persaud

Returning Officers Electoral District.

from

Legal duty

In the affidavit in support of the Motion, Persaud disclosed that on May 16 he wrote the Elections Commission requesting each ballot box of votes cast, both valid and invalid, and a copy of every SOP that was used in the tabulation of the final results.

Then on May 20, he said he caused Attorney Nandlall to write the CEO asking for the same documents.

Additionally, Persaud fur-

ther detailed that on May 22, former President Donald Ramotar, in his capacity as the Representative of the PPP/C List of Candidates, also wrote the Elections Officer requesting the same information while highlighting its importance.

According to the applicant, “all of the aforesaid demands were futile … I have been informed by Messrs Mohamood Shaw, Athmaram Mangar and Sase Gunraj, Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission, and do verily believe that similar requests were made to the said Chief Elections Officer and were met with a similar response,” he remarked.

Persaud went on to point out in the legal document that the PPP/C Commissioners have made several attempts to get the Elections Commission to meet, but these have been futile.

He noted that for the past 20 years, he was involved in the electoral process thus he was aware that the requested information was readily disseminated to political parties upon the declaration of the final results.

He highlighted that he

believes the delay in releasing the information, which is tantamount to a refusal, is “suspicious and sinister”.

“Indeed, I fear that there is a clandestine operation being carried out to manipulate and change documents to alter the true will of the electorate expressed on 11th day of May, 2015.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic has made public pronouncements that these elections were marred by several severe and multiple irregularities, illegalities and unlawful actions and omissions, generally, but more specifically by officials of the Guyana Elections Commission,” the court document mentioned.

Persaud outlined that the Chief Elections Officer has a legal duty and national obligation to ensure transparency, as it relates to the administration of the elections and the tabulation of the results.

On this note, he added that the failure to provide the information requested portrays unreasonableness, unfairness as well as amounts to a violation of the principles of natural and open justice.

US envoy calls for early passage of AML/CFT Bill

C

hargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy here, Bryan Hunt has urged the recently sworn-in David Granger Administration to ensure that the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT ) Bill is a priority in the 11th Parliament.

Hunt, who was at the time speaking on a talk show, related that in an effort to protect the country’s financial status and its economy, the new Government

tions I am getting is that it remains towards the top of the agenda and I hope that it will be tabled very soon in Parliament,” Hunt said.

Owing to the frequent extensions which Guyana has been afforded, the country now has until October/ November of this year to ensure that the legislation is passed and enacted, or it could be the subject of further financial blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In ear-

Chargé d’Affaires of the local US Embassy, Bryan Hunt

must work on the passage of the Bill at the earliest possible time. “I think immediately. I would hope that it is one of the first items on the agenda of the new Parliament. I know that there are a number of competing interests that will need to be balanced, as the Government goes through the legislative agenda but this is one on which there is a finite time clock.

It is going to be very important that Guyana is able to present new legislation as it had promised … The indica-

ly 2013, the then combined Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) had blocked the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill in the National Assembly after a period of deadlock and lack of compromise with respect to the process, which was used to move the bill from the special select committee, to the full House.

The two Opposition political parties withheld their support for the legislation

for the second time after they voted first to send it to a Special Select Committee, some six months ago, despite threats of serious sanctions.

Cooperation

Guyana was then given a November 18, 2014 deadline by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to make amendments to the existing legislation, which was non-compliant with the sweeping reforms taking place regionally and internationally to fight money laundering and terrorism.

However, despite the serious political risks associated with offering non-support for the legislation APNU and the AFC made a decision not to support the legislation, given what they had cited as non-inclusion of their recommendations such as the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission.

As a result, Guyana was summarily blacklisted by the CFATF – the regional body that deals with financial crimes.

Meanwhile, questioned on what areas the United States Government will be looking to help the new Government, Hunt related that nothing has changed from the past government to now in terms of cooperation.

“I think there is not going to be a tremendous change necessarily in what we are prepared to offer. I get a sense there may be a change in what the Government is prepared to accept and the fact that we may be prepared to see a broader partnership on some of these areas, because our interests do fairly closely align. The US priority

areas of cooperation are security, governance, transparent management of natural resources, corruption, Local Government Elections, parliamentary oversight and the participation of women and youth in decision-making,” said the US diplomat.

On the issue of security partnership between the two countries, especially as it relates to drug smuggling and human trafficking, Hunt said the fact that the former

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government had granted approval for United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents to work in Guyana alongside their local counterparts now means that there is a greater fight against the crime, with improved results being recorded.

He related that he is now expecting President David Granger to continue that

partnership so that a stronger war can be waged, noting that “the indications that I have received to date are that the new Government takes the fight very seriously and that they want to continue that level of collaboration that we have built, that they welcome the continued cooperation between the counter-narcotics forces here and the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States.”

8 NEWS

friday, may 29, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Woman charged with attempted murder of husband A n East Bank Berbice woman who is accused of attempting to kill her husband has been granted bail while the Police have been criticised for taking the case to court without the husband making a complaint.

Oneka Gilead of Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), is accused of attempted murder, committed on Osmond Gilead of the same address on May 24. The Police are alleging that on the day in question, the accused threw a pan of hot oil on the victim resulting in him receiving severe burns. The charge was read to her on Thursday in a New Amsterdam court

by Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus.

Attorney Charrandass Persaud, who appeared for the accused, enquired from the court whether the pros-

ecution had in its possession a statement from the alleged victim. “This is a matter of justice and the Police have charged my client without speaking to the victim.”

Magistrate IsaacsMarcus rebuked the Police for not completing the file before making out the charge. The Magistrate said that the Police are aware that they ought to have a statement from the victim before making charges.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Sherriff told the court that the Police found out of the victims condition before implementing the charges but agreed that no statement was taken from the victim.

Attorney Persaud questioned the accuracy in the information which Detective Constable Quincy

Colder swore to. He said there are visual signs of burns on the body of the accused. “This is not how justice is done. There is need for a proper investigation.

She has burn marks on her arms, face, chest and legs. My client is currently standing here by means of mere ‘hear say’. There is no crime committed.”

This he argued was so because there is no Virtual Complainant.

He said the victim could not be in Berbice because there is only one burn unit in the country which is situated in Georgetown and he had to be there for medical treatment.

However, Sergeant Sherriff argued that the victim received burns to his lips, face and other parts of the body. Persaud noted that the court should discharge the matter since the alleged victim did not make

Carter Centre calls on...

The observer mission further advised GECOM to review its policy on access to information and the openness of the Commission’s meetings. “Ideally these should be open to media and observers. In any case, agendas should be published well in advance and decisions should be made public,” the report detailed.

Another area that the Carter Centre felt needed to be improved is the tabulation process. According to the report, while the tabulation system is thorough, the slow pace of the process creates a vacuum of information that fuels suspicion and mistrust.

“Guyana should consider a full review of tabulation procedures, possibly including steps such as a double-

blind data-entry system to enhance accuracy and confidence. Improved tabulation procedures and timely dissemination of information will increase trust in the overall process,” the Centre noted.

Other recommendations to the Election Commission includes improved accessibility for voters with disabilities; neutral location of polling stations, and building confidence in the voters’ lists.

The Carter Centre also made recommendations to the local political parties, calling on them to move beyond divisive politics and cooperative for the development of the country.

“While the political system enables a vigilant and energetic opposition, there

a complaint. He however said that if the matter was discharged, then the Police are likely to re-arrest his client and hold her for another 72 hours. He also expressed concerned that despite the fact that Police obtained a statement from the accused, her husband was not charged.

Magistrate IsaacsMarcus ruled that despite the Police not having a medical report and a statement from the victim, the defendant should not discharged for matter at this time.

Bail was granted in the sum of $65,000 to the mother of two who is also an assistant at a cellphone shop, and she is to report to Central Police Station at 18:00h on Fridays.

The matter has been transferred to the Sisters Magistrate’s Court and comes up again on June 16.

From page 3

must be a level of strategic cooperation to ensure that the state can perform its basic functions and regular Local Government Elections can be held. The institutions of the state should not be held hostage to continuing cycles of inter-party conflict,” the Centre mentioned.

Nevertheless, the observer mission stood by its initial conclusion on the electoral process, dubbing it free and fair. The Carter Centre noted that the voting process went smoothly throughout the day, with well trained polling staff directing the process to protect the integrity of the vote.

On the issue of the counting process, the mission observed that anxiety was high during this period with several minor incidents delay-

ing the transfer of electoral material and the processing of results at some locations.

However, the Carter Centre highlighted that following the May 11 polls, while its observers were given unlimited access to GECOM’s data-entry rooms, it was made aware of the detection of fraudulent Statements of Poll but took notice that these were not processed and there were no significant report of irregularities during the post-election tabulation and verification of results phases.

The Carter Centre had some 53 observers from 26 countries at 297 polling stations in all 10 Regions, observing the voting and counting process. However the mission had presence in Guyana since in mid April.

Eyew tness Man in the mirror...

T

...our leader

here's been quite a buzz about the audience that turned up to the big bash at the stadium for the new President's inauguration. If they were celebrating the APNU/AFC's victory, for some reason, the vaunted 11 per cent Indian Guyanese chunk that Moses leveraged to wangle that Prime Ministership didn't bother showing up.

So while the talk about "unity" was ubiquitous - very few were walking the walk. Literally.

Why? Unlike most of the folks who've got their undies in a knot about it, this Eyewitness thinks it's natural.

Nothing untoward about it.

A ton of studies on ethnic groups have confirmed that the identity of the leader is one of the most important issues on voters mind. Folks wanna see "one of their own" in the power seat. It validates them. And that's why it's called "identity politics".

Now this may seem to be a truism, but too many Guyanese don't want to accept it. They feel compelled to utter politically correct platitudes about "may the best man win" when they really mean "may OUR man win".

It generally doesn't matter whether THEIR man did or didn't do anything for them - just to see their own image on that dais (throne?) gives such psychic satisfaction as to make it "worth it all".

Did you see the smiles on the face of the attendees?

That was pure, undiluted joy about not just the leader but about themselves. Didn't we see this play out just in the last couple of elections in the vote for the AFC in the switcheroo between Trotman and Ramjattan as leaders?

But in this last elections, the PNC got a leader with a chance of going all the way in the person of Granger and in the form of APNU. With the choices very clear - it was now a clear two way competition between the two tribes. And boy did the natives in the two camps line up! By all accounts, this election was as polarised as 1964.

Both sides played true to form (and ethnicity). And with the victory of "one side", even those who may've hedged their bets in the past - or even in the elections are now pleased as punch.

They will give Granger the benefit of the doubt - and be happy for him. Because they're also being happy about themselves.

Why now? Some might've been going along to get along with the old order. No more. No need to now speak with downcast eyes.

THEIR time had come...because the leader was one like them. Sadly even though they're in for a broken heart in the coming years, it won't matter.

Oh to see the man in the mirror as the leader!!

...on UG

Our new Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnarine has made a bold promise. In five years if he hasn't turned UG around then let his name be mud! This Eyewitness really believes Roopnarine’s utterance.

The problem isn't his sincerity or he mightn't succeed.

Nah! With that Augean Stables (the Minister is a Classics Scholar, you know!), people will fall at his feet if he just gets the toilets to flush!

The challenge to a fella like Roopnarine who went to university over half a century ago, is he's still stuck in THAT model of what a university should be. Scholars walking around the quadrangle with their eyes bent over their tomes, mumbling Shakespearean sonnets or ode to a nightingale or some urn.

That university's no more, and even his beloved Cambridge is now a business run by a VC who's a businessman with targets and internal rates of return and such like.

Can Roopnarine justify subsidising 3000 students in International Relations and Sociology?

...and Chanderpaul

Does the WICB really believe with Chanderpaul in the middle of the order against the Aussies they're worse off than with ANY one of the present lot? What's THEIR average?

news

9

friday, march 29, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar blasts arbitrary Guyanese woman handout of national awards busted with cocaine

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has registered it concerns over some names of persons who were given national awards, noting that there was no proper consultation before the selection was made.

Former President Donald Ramotar told the Guyana Times on Thursday that the selection was obviously done in a hurried manner without the proper procedure undertaken, and he was disappointed that particular individuals have been selected to receive those awards.

He pointed directly to the Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, who he said has no merit for that award.

Green is among three awardees, Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard and sister Mary Noel Menezes, who have been awarded Guyana’s second highest national award; the Order of Roraima. According to the Ramotar, Green has done nothing for the country, especially the city he has been manning the past two decades.

“What grounds do you give to Hamilton Green that he must receive an award?

He has not served this country, particularly the city of Georgetown,” Ramotar told Guyana Times. He said too that one look at the list reveals persons who are supporters of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

According to him, many of the names are “loyalists” to the PNC and not necessarily

to the country.

He said he was not sure if the process had gone through the right procedure including the involvement of the Chancellor of the Judiciary. When contacted on the issue, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh initially asked that we “call him back”, when we did later he said he was busy.

Concerns mounted Tuesday after some 52 Guyanese were named as awardees of the country’s orders, decorations, and medals. There were concerns that the Head of State had failed to hold consultations with any group, organisation or any other body before selection. But Granger had told the Guyana Times on Wednesday that constitutionally, he is Chancellor of the Orders and that there is an Act which establishes the National Orders of Guyana.

He said several names were already recommended and passed by the special committee, dating as far back as the years under the Bharat Jagdeo-led administration. None of those persons, he said, were conferred with those awards during the leadership of Jagdeo and the most recent President Donald Ramotar.

Concerns were raised too if the constitution provides for the Head of State, could he, on his own, make selections for the awards without consultation with the Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Granger had told this pub-

Former President Donald Ramotar

lication that he had added several more names to the list after it was sent to him.

However, according to the Constitution of the Orders of Guyana, the President is the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana and custodian of the insignia, ribbons and records of the orders.

The Constitution states that an advisory council is expected to submit a list of persons it thinks is worthy of receiving one of the orders. This advisory council comprises a Chairman, who’s the Chancellor of the Supreme Court of Judicature, and between five and seven other members. Up to four of these members can only be appointed after the President consults with his Prime Minister. Also pertinent is that another member of the Council must be named after “consultation” with the

11-year-old hospitalised after anaconda bite

A

n 11-year-old student of the Hampton Court Primary has been admitted at the Suddie Public Hospital after he was bitten by a large anaconda at Devonshire Castle in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). He was admitted Saturday and was treated for the bite.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Akash (only name given) was trying to gather

his ducks when the anaconda struck at him.

The child after he felt the anaconda wrap around his feet, held on to its head and squeezed, causing it to relax and release him, but it had already bitten him twice to his feet and hands.

The child’s mother then saw what was happening and shouted for help. Many persons from the neighbourhood converged at the scene

and rendered assistance.

The child was immediately rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital.

In light of the incident, residents living in the Devonshire Castle Old Road area are calling on relevant authorities to assist in clearing the canal which is infested with dangerous reptiles.

Persons are warned also not to get too close to the infested canal.

Opposition Leader. At present there is no opposition leader.

Among the awardees were Green, Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard and Sister Mary Noel Menezes who have been accorded with the Order of Roraima – Guyana’s second highest national award. Green’s honour was a surprise to many, but according to Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency, Green was honoured for his long and outstanding involvement in the struggle for independence and his role in providing public service for three generations.

Meanwhile, the Cacique Crown of Honour Award was also announced to several persons for their long, outstanding and dedicated service in the fields of politics, public service and community work.

Among them are: Edith Bynoe, former Government Minister; Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress; Yvonne Harewood– Benn, former teacher and Government Minister; LLewelyn John, former Minister of Agriculture, Home Affairs and Local Government; Professor Winston McGowan; Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency; Supriya Singh-Bodden, Founder of Guyana Foundation; Justice Donald Trotman; and Elsworth Williams, Apostle Full Gospel Fellowship.

in South Africa

A

Guyanese woman was busted on Monday last with almost 10 kilograms of cocaine upon arriving at the Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) said. Based on reports, the cocaine was discovered hidden in 10 handbags in a false compartment of the passenger’s luggage as she arrived in Johannesburg, in transit from São Paulo, Brazil to Maputo, Mozambique.

SARS authorities, after suspecting the woman, requested that a search be conducted on her luggage which was pulled from the transit flight.

During the search, the cocaine weighing 9.985 kilograms was found, with an estimated value of US$230,657, concealed in her suitcase.

SARS said during the 2014-2015 financial year, there were eight incidents at the Tambo International Airport where the modus operandi was using handbags to conceal narcotics. The weight of the seizures varied, with the lowest being 2.895 kg and the highest being 16.82kg.

In a statement released on Thursday, SARS said, “This (handbag) concealment method allows for

smugglers to attempt to bring in large quantities, as opposed to swallowers and those that use body wraps...”

The authorities stated that it will continue to do everything in its power to ensure that illicit substances, such as narcotics, are prevented from entering or leaving South Africa.

The Guyanese woman was handed over to the South African Police as investigations continue.

Also on Monday, Ronda Williams, 27, was arrested moments after arriving at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados via a LIAT Flight with 1.7 kg of cocaine in false walls of her suitcase.

According to information received, upon arrival at the airport in Barbados, Williams was interviewed

by Police and was subsequently referred to Customs Officials for a search to be conducted on her luggage.

During this search, the cocaine was found in three packages stashed in false compartments of the woman’s suitcases.

Williams was arrested and was charged two days after with possession, possession with intent to supply, trafficking and the importation of 1.7 kg of cocaine into Barbados.

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friday, may 29, 2015

News

GECOM may have missed Suddie Hospital gets ophthalmology equipment from Latter-day Saints deadline to gazette elections results

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) is reportedly in breach of the country’s laws governing elections and the declaration as well as gazetting of results emanating therein.

The Guyana Times understands that the Representation of the Peoples Act clearly outlines the procedure that must be followed after the close of polls and the declaration of election results are made public.

This newspaper understands that GECOM has ap-

proximately 15 days from the day the poll closes to publish the official results in the Gazette.

Fifteen days after the elections which were held on May 11 would have been May 26, which is three days ago. Chapter 01:03 of the Act at Article 90 under declarations of the election results states clearly that “As soon as practicable, but not later than fifteen days after Election Day, the Commission shall publicly declare the results of the election and shall cause to be published in the Gazette a

notification thereof, specifying the number of votes cast for each list of candidates, the number of rejected ballot papers and the number of seats allocated and the persons who as a result of elections have become members of the National Assembly”.

At this moment, there is no indication how soon the Commission would move to become compliant with the legislation and what was responsible of the hold-up and disregard for the electoral laws. Efforts to contact GECOM’s Chairman for a comment proved futile.

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton, Dr Celeste Hinds and Elder Kimball Poulson, among other members, at the handing over of ophthalmology equipment

R Brazilian remanded to prison for attempted murder

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Brazilian national was on Thursday remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of attempted murder.

Ivan Nacimento DeCosta, of Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, was not required to plead to the in-

dictable charge which stated that on Wednesday, May 27 at Black Water Backdam, he wounded Rondell Wellington with intent to commit murder.

DeCosta, with the assistance of a translator, told the court that he was in the country employed as a painter. Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to

bail, stating that the defendant is a Brazilian national with no ties to Guyana and if released, it was likely he would not return to court.

After listening to the facts presented, the Magistrate refused bail and remanded the defendant to prison. The matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for June 15.

epresentatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints on Thursday handed over ophthalmology equipment, valued at US$32,062 to the Public Health Ministry, for use at the Suddie Hospital, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, said that the vision of the Ministry is to have citizens outside of Georgetown benefit from the same kind of benefits that those in the city enjoy, and that the donation of the equipment was a step in the right direction.

During brief remarks at a simple handing over ceremony at the Health Ministry’s storage bond, the Minister Norton noted that what is even more re-

warding is that Dr Celeste Hinds, an ophthalmologist stationed at the Suddie Hospital, originated from that area.

“That is the idea we want to spread, that she knows the area, she is from the area, she is the best person to go back there and serve …” Dr Norton pointed out.

The church also promised to conduct training in the area of bio-med technicians, which Minister Norton said is very important, because the instruments are sensitive and need regular servicing. Eventually, he said, the training will be extended to the main health institutions across the country.

M e a n w h i l e , Representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints, Elder Kimball Poulson, explained that the equipment were made available to the Suddie Hospital after it was recognised that there was the need for such services at that location. This determination was made during a visit to the institution, he said. He noted that this demonstrates the humanitarian side of the church and hopes that it will be used for the benefit of the people.

Accoring to the Government Information Agency (GINA) Dr Hinds expressed gratitude to the church for the equipment, and said that this donation will now allow eye care services to be extended to all Region Two residents.

Thief who tried to run away remanded

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man who could not out run Police Detective Constable Delon Alexander after allegedly committing a robbery has been refused bail when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdell IsaacsMarcus on Thursday in a New Amsterdam court.

Alex Beepat of Lot 19 Sawmill Dam, Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is alleged to have committed the offence on May 24 last. The court was told that on the day in question, Beepat while in the company of others robbed Somattie Sayranja of Lot 864 Fort

Ordinance Housing Scheme, Canje, of $300,000 cash while using personal violence.

The accused was not required to plea to the indictable offence.

The 27-year-old told the court that he had previously served a sentence but it was for a narcotics offence. Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Sherriff told the court that the accused was arrested between five to seven minutes after committing the alleged robbery. He said the accused was arrested not far away from the scene and was identified by the victim and others on the scene as one of the perpetrators of the robbery.

Magistrate IsaacsMarcus in refusing bail ordered that the accused be in court on June 27, for a Police report on the matter.

It had been reported in the media that on May 24, three men removed an undisclosed sum of money from a grocery shop at Fort Ordinance and escaped.

However, Police who were responding to the robbery spotted the men in their escape bid and gave chase. It was also reported that one of the men led Police in the vicinity of the Canje Bridge in a high speed chase on foot.

He was caught and taken into custody.

Rose Hall resident remanded for stealing bag with money

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Rose Hall Town man was on Thursday refused bail when he appeared in a New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court to answer a charge of simple larceny.

Rajindra Bulkarran, also called “Gomes”, pleaded not guilty to the charge which says that on May 24 at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) while

armed with a dangerous weapon, that is to say a knife, he robbed Devika Moniram of one shoulder bag valued $5000, one gold finger ring valued $5000, one gold bangle valued $15,000 and $34,340 cash, all being the property of Moniram.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Sherriff objected to the accused being granted bail based on the

gravity and prevalence of the offence. When asked if he had anything to say in relation to bail being granted, the defendant remained silent.

Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus refused the accused pretrial liberty and ordered that he return to court on June 20 for a Police progress report. The case has been transferred to the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

friday, may 29, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

GRA introduces online licence transaction checker

– public encouraged to take full advantage

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he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) continues to encourage taxpayers to utilise its online facilities which are geared towards providing a more efficient and convenient option for taxpayers.

In keeping with its thrust, the agency recently introduced another online facility for taxpayers, which allows them to check on the status of their licence transactions through the agency’s website.

In a release, the GRA

said to access this service, the taxpayer simply visits the agency’s website www.gra.gov.gy, click on the Licence Transaction Checker link, enter their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and the last six digits of the transaction number found on the lodgement slip. This allows them to log in and see the status of their transaction.

The facility also provides applicants with an email notification of their transactions status, provided that

Wazeed Manjoor: A proud Guyanese ambassador

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e made headlines in March during the opening of a US multimillion-dollar company in Providence, East Bank Demerara and received accolades from former President Donald Ramotar, who described him as the quintessential ambassador.

Despite this, Wazeed Manjoor remains a humble taxi driver based at the country’s main port of entry – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. What is interesting to note is that Manjoor’s professionalism and accommodating attitude enabled a significant investment in Guyana. His assistance to Alejandra Romero, a Qualfon Executive, in 2004, paved the way for a US$4 million Call Centre Campus constructed in Providence, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) which was opened on March 27, 2015.

The company will employ over 3000 Guyanese.

“To be honest I was surprised at the recognition I received. I saw a young woman who could not access any cash because we had no ATM then. I offered to take her to her destination knowing that there was a possibility I may not have been paid. My thought was this could have been a relative of mine in another country,” Manjoor told the CJIA’s Public Relations Officer (PRO). “What I did for her is something I would do for anyone.”

However, his deed was highly appreciated. Apart from an established friendship, the 59-year-old fondly called “Waja” has secured an exclusive contract with the company. Being a familiar face at CJIA since 1980, Manjoor’s first few years were challenging since “he was a new kid on the block”.

But over time, his reputation has preceded him with a number of international companies seeking his services. “The secret to getting clients is quite simple – a smile.

That has been my motto from the inception. Passengers may disembark an aircraft irritable. A friendly face and a good conversation can change all that,” the veteran driver explained.

A comfortable journey

Wazeed Manjoor

for his clients is also top on Manjoor’s list. He currently uses a 19-seater Pitbull equipped with maps, an assortment of tablets, bottled water and locally manufactured candies. “I ensure I replenish when the stocks go down,” he continued with a laugh. “But seriously, I take pride in what I do. It’s a service we pledged the management of the CJIA to provide at the highest level. It is a pledge I will always upkeep.”

Manjoor felt a sense of pride when then President Ramotar called him a true ambassador.

He believes that all Guyanese must play a part in the tourism/hospitality sector.

“It is a known fact that Guyanese are hospitable. We just have to keep up that momentum,” he posited. The father of two has no immediate plans to retire, since he is blessed with good health. “I don’t drink or smoke. I can safely say I am a very disciplined individual who takes his job seriously,” Manjoor disclosed.

As he continues to ply his trade every day, Manjoor is pleased with the progress made at CJIA, and is supportive of the CJIA expansion project. “The number of passengers that pass through the airport has increased and I personally think that a new airport will position Guyana in a positive light,” he added. For his fellow colleagues, Manjoor is of the view that being polite, considerate, mannerly, and being a good listener are the key ingredients of being a successful CJIA taxi driver. (CJIA)

the applicant has supplied the agency with an active email address. Taxpayers can check the status of transactions for Trade and Miscellaneous Licences, Motor Vehicle, Driver’s, Hire Car, Conductor and Provisional Driver’s Licences, and updates to the Licence Transaction Checker are made every 15 minutes. Additionally, there is the Customs Declaration Checker which allows Customs house brokers and importers to check the status of their Customs Declarations Forms C72.

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

highlighted the importance of these new facilities. “Can you imagine the benefit to

the taxpayers of having these services at their disposal; they would not have

to come down to this busy area any longer to find out if a document is ready or to be notified of the status of a transaction”. He further noted that the technology allows the GRA to bring its services to the taxpayer’s fingertips. “The taxpayer can literally sit at home or at the office and go online and access these services; it makes life much simpler for our taxpayers”.

This new system brings greater transparency to the process and removes the perception of preferential treatment being given to some individuals. The Licence Transaction Checker was developed by the agency’s Information Technology Division.

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friday, May 29, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

New Ministry to help raise $6M worth of profile of birth certificate liquor stolen – Felix vows streamlining of GRO, immigration

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he newly created Ministry of Citizenship, being headed by former Commissioner of Police Winston Felix, will be replacing the General Registry Office (GRO), President David Granger has said.

Granger has come under criticisms for the widespread changing of names of some of the Ministries, as well as the merging others.

He has, however, defended his decision, stating that the name changes reflected the true functions of the Ministries and policy direction of his administration.

The General Register Office is a department of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is located at the Guyana Post Office Corporation. It operates in accordance with Chapters 44:01-Births and Deaths, and 45:01-Marriages of the laws of Guyana. Its main objectives are to maintain and secure national registers and registration forms of birth, death and marriages of the Guyanese people, and of foreigners occurring in Guyana, and to supply members of the public, extracts of entries recorded with minimum of delay upon request.

Before July 1, 1987, the registration of births and deaths were done throughout the country in the registration districts, for example, Georgetown had 11 Districts, Plaisance had 9 which included Lodge and Kitty. Speaking to the Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger explained that the Ministry was convened as the name suggest, to deal with the rights of the citizens with regards to birth, naturalisation and immi-

Winston Felix being sworn in as Citizenship Minister

gration.

Granger said that every citizen of the country deserves to have a birth certificate signalling their rights to the country, and it was therefore felt that emphasis should be placed on an area which represented the interests of all of the citizens. “In the Amerindian villages, you have a woman give birth, she goes back to everyday life, her child grows up, turns an adult and still don’t have a birth certificate. When the agency was under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Minister Clement Rohee, they would go only to register people in the interior locations when it’s elections time. As soon as they are finished, they leave and never go back. We do not want that,” Granger said.

Meanwhile, Felix, speaking to the Guyana Times on Monday, related that his Ministry will be looking closely at the laws and systems which are in place as it relates to the issuance of birth certificates, naturalisation, and the means by which persons are afforded the right to become a citizen of Guyana. “Well you know

that there are three main ways you can become a citizen of Guyana; that is by birth, naturalisation or by descent, if one of your parents is a Guyanese. We want to ensure that the systems which govern the issuance of birth certificates are not archaic laws and we also want to create that environment which can ensure that the issued birth certificate has a certain standard of availability. That you can take it to certain places, just as an Identification Card and a Passport and it is accepted,” Felix shared with this publication.

He further went on to state that the Ministry will be especially tasked with matters of immigration which focus on monitoring how people enter the country, the duration of their visits and to look and review applications from noncitizens for citizenship in Guyana. The newly appointed Minister, who is operating out of the Ministry of the Presidency, formerly the Office of the President, said that the Ministry will also be looking to educate the population on their rights as citizens as well as the legal pro-

cesses involved in becoming naturalised. During their campaign the APNU+AFC coalition had promised remove some of the functions of the Immigration Department and hand them to civilians. This is in keeping with recommendations contained in the Disciplined Forces Commission report.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) only last week pointed out that the establishment of several new Ministries by the Government is illegal. During a press conference held at Freedom House Executive Members highlighted that the new Government is creating new Ministries without following the proper legal procedures.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, explained that the formation of new Ministries is illegal since monies cannot be released to those entities, which are not represented in the Appropriation Act. “You cannot disburse monies to Ministries that don’t exist anywhere except by this new decree. There is no budget now at this point in time… only after the budget or in the budget process, you’ll be able to create a Ministry; have it reflected in the budget and the Appropriation Act; allocate funds to that Ministry and then you can disburse resources to it. You can’t create a Ministry today and take money from another Ministry and send it to this non-existence in law Ministry,” the former President outlined. Jagdeo further pointed out that the 1/12th rule that was adopted by the PPP/C while in power to fund the various Ministries after Parliament was prorogued, cannot be used to fund the new Ministries.

from GRA

– video footage implicates security guards

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GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it was peeved at the disappearance of approximately $6 million worth of foreign liquor from its Eccles Warehouse Facility, East Bank Demerara.

This discovery was made by officers of the agency’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) during a routine inventory exercise, which led to the immediate launching of an investigation on May 13, 2015.

As a result, surveillance footage was reviewed and has revealed that officers of the security firm contracted to provide 24-hour security to the said warehouse were very much involved in the reprehensible act.

In light of this, the GRA has since provided copies of the recording to the management of the private security firm and has indicated to the firm that it was being held culpable.

Additionally, the matter has been reported to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for further investigation and

the subsequent institution of criminal charges.

Meanwhile, GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur has assured that the agency will spare no effort in having the perpetrators brought to justice. He noted that the agency had previously installed a Close Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring system to safeguard against such incidents and this had significantly aided the investigation.

From all indications, this incident was orchestrated utilising the cloak of darkness in an effort to avoid detection of the activity and the identification of the perpetrators.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that no current employee of the GRA is involved in this incident. As a result, the agency is urging members of the public, including members of the press to avoid speculations at this point.

As investigations continue, additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Increased arrivals to Cuba’s most Cuban Poet wins popular holiday resort Spanish award

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six per cent increase in tourist arrivals to Varadero, Cuba’s most popular holiday resort, was registered at the end of April, reported Ivis Fernández, Ministry of Tourism representative in the province of Matanzas.

Fernández noted revenue rose by a little over three per cent during the period while rates of customer satisfaction remain positive. Canada continues to be Varadero’s principal emissary market constituting almost 44 per cent of visitors during the period cited, while Germany took second place and the national market, third.

On the other hand – he said – arrivals of Russian and Argentine visitors de-

According to Cuban Ministry of Tourism representative in the province of Matanzas a six per cent increase in tourist arrivals to Varadero, Cuba’s most popular holiday resort, was registered at the end of April

creased. Fernández commented that during the recently-concluded highseason (winter) various records for bookings were broken daily at the resort, with an average 34,500 clients

registered in the first three months of the year. ”Cuba, our Revolution and its achievements are attractive features which impact tourist activity,” noted the specialist, who ex-

plained that conditions are being prepared for the possible opening of new markets.

Varadero is located some 140 kilometres east of Havana, on the Hicacos Peninsula in northern Matanzas, and has a hotel complex offering 20,200 rooms and a large network of non-hotel establishments.

It has 50 hotels, almost 70 per cent of which are four and five star rated, and receive the third largest number of visitors to Cuba.

Also known as Playa Azul, Varadero features among the top 10 beach resorts in the world, and in 2014 received – for the seventh consecutive year – more than one million international tourists.

C

uban Poet Luis Lexandel Pita won the First Poetry Prize Manuel Oreste Rodriguez Lopez of Spain, that this year celebrated its 20th edition, the provincial leadership of Cultura de Matanzas has revealed.

The work presented in the literary contest was a booklet entitled “Escribiendo lentamente la palabra lluvia”, sent under the name of “El caballero de las botas azules”, added the source.

In the current 2015 version edition, 577 texts were presented, out of which 295 are vying for the poetry award and the remaining 282 for the narrative catego-

ry, reported the organiser.

Pita serves as territorial methodologist specialising in literature at the Centre of Houses of Culture in Matanzas, a western Cuban city, located 100 kilometres east of Havana.

In his artistic work, he has earned awards in events organised by cities of the Iberian nation such as Barcelona, Seville, Algeciras and Alcobendas. In addition, several publishing houses have published Pita’s works such as “Oficios para el olvido”, “Delirios del Escriba”, “Diálogo en Soledad”, “Ritos de la Primavera”, “Hijos del Tiempo”, “Mapas del Polvo” and “Letanías de la tierra Muerta”.

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friday, march 29, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Digicel launches Heads of top agriculture trade-in programme agencies call on new Minister in Jamaica

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heFood and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Caribbean Subregional Coordinator, Deep Ford; the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture’s (IICA) Director of Management and Regional Integration, Diego Montenego; and Barton Clarke, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute’s (CARDI) Executive Director, on Thursday paid a courtesy call to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder.

The meeting, which was held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Regent and Vlissengen Road office, saw discussions being centred on further collaboration in agriculture. Among those were cassava, agro-processing, soil mapping and small ruminants.

Ford, underscoring the importance of agriculture, pledged the support of the FAO to work with the new Government in ensuring that agriculture in the region progresses.

IICA’s Director of Management and Regional Integration also spoke of ways in which the institute can work closely with the Agriculture Ministry to further advance agriculture in the region. “We (IICA), recently approved a medium/

– making smartphones accessible while protecting the environment

D Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder (centre left), flanked by FAO Sub-regional Coordinator, Deep Ford (left), and FAO’s Country Representatives

long term plan which focuses on the thematic areas where stronger focus will be placed this year….IICA has been a strong player within the Ministry of Agriculture, all with the aim of fostering regional integration,” Montenego said.

Among the areas of interest discussed were soil mappings and Disaster Risk Management (DRM).

According to Montenego, the institute has recently approved a Rapid Response Mechanism programme to assist developing countries, of which Guyana also stand to benefit. Over the years, IICA has been a major player in assisting small farmer groups in Guyana.

CARDI, on the other

hand, will be looking to further push agricultural research and transportation of agricultural produce, looking at cheaper alternatives by sea. According to Clarke, if Guyana is to solve the issue of cheaper transportation of agricultural produce, a more stringent plan is needed in this regard.

“We need to also push for private sector development and move beyond fresh produce…when we speak of food security we need to look at transporting of produce from one country to another,” Clark said.

Clarke also called for stronger action to be taken at the national level if countries are to achieve food security. The Agriculture

Cop charged for MFK boss beheading

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Murdered: Mohamed F Khan

he Police Sergeant charged in connection with the murder of prominent businessman Mohamed F Khan, popularly called MFK, made his first appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Leon Lindo, of 20 Belle West, Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, who is a member of the Guyana Police Force attached to the

Tactical Services Unit for the past 23 years, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that between July 8 and July 10, 2014 he conspired with Lennox Wayne to kill Khan.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that between July 8 and July 10, 2014, Khan was shot and subsequently went missing on August 21, 2014. He stated that on September 22, a headless body was discovered in Cummings Lodge and DNA testing revealed that the body belonged to the missing businessman. It was revealed that, through investigations, Lennox “Two Colours” Wayne was taken into custody. It was stated that Wayne revealed that there was a plot between himself and the defendant to kill the victim.

Defence Attorney Tanicia Daniels stated that her client was not a flight risk

Lennox “Two Colours” Wayne who is the main suspect in the murder

and has been fully cooperative throughout the investigations, citing that he came prepared for court voluntarily. She argued that her client has all intentions to defend his innocence and wanted the case to be ventilated so that he could be vindicated. The Magistrate refused bail and the man was remanded to prison. The matter will return to court on June 12 for the report.

Quamina Street man wanted for fraud

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he Guyana Police Force on Thursday issued a wanted bulletin for 40-year-old Niaiol Paul for questioning in relation to a matter of fraud which is currently being investigated by the Police.

Paul’s last address was given as Lot 337 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, but several visits to the house proved fu-

Niaiol Paul

tile. Police suspect that the man might have absconded.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Paul is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers: 225-6411, 2258196, 226-7065, 227-1149, and 911, or at the nearest Police Station.

The Police reassure that all information will be treated with strict confidence.

Minister welcomed the interventions by the development partners, alluding to the fact that agriculture continues to play a major part in the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

In addition, the Minister added that the success of any DRM programme depends on coordination and continuous monitoring, and this is one of the areas which the IICA, FAO and CARDI is excited to be working closely with the Agriculture Ministry on. Over the years, IICA, FAO and CARDI have worked not only to boost relations with the Ministry of Agriculture but to strengthen coordination to further push agriculture in the Region.

igicel is making it easier and more affordable to own a smartphone with the launch of its new trade-in programme which offers customers the best value by giving them a chance to turn in their used or defective handsets and receive credit towards the purchase of a brand new one.

Recognising that customers need and want to be connected to the web, social media and each other, Digicel is introducing this programme to allow everyone to keep up with the latest telecommunications technology.

And, in line with its “GoGreen” philosophy, Digicel’s programme is demonstrating its environmental awareness. Cellphones contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and brominated flame retardants – many of these materials can and should be recycled and reused instead of being allowed to contaminate the soil, air or ground.

Digicel Group Chief

Commercial Officer Claudio Hidalgo said: “Digicel is always looking to deliver value to our customers. With the launch of the trade-in programme, we are making it easier and more affordable for customers from all networks to own a smartphone while helping to promote environmental conservation and protection.

In addition, customers who take advantage of the programme, meaning non-Digicel customers can join the Region’s biggest family on the fastest and most reliable network.”

How it works

Customers can bring in their handset to any participating Digicel store where a specialist will assess their handset. Once the handset is accepted, the dollar value of the handset will be credited towards the purchase of a new smartphone. This promotion is not limited to Digicel customers only as handsets from other networks can also be brought in for assessment.

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friday, may 29, 2015

News

Heavy rains bring flood to Bourda Market

Sterling Products, GGMC murder suspect apprehended

...vendors at wits' end, demanding new structure

A

t wits end with the continuous flooding of the Bourda Market every time it rains, the vendors there said they want the new A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to invest towards a total reconstruction of the entire market and its surroundings.

Year after year, vendors have been losing millions of dollars as a result of the incessant flooding the market undergoes whenever it rains for a mere few minutes. The vendors swear they are not exaggerating when they claim that the slightest trickle of rain would cause sections of the marketplace to be deluged.

The Guyana Times visited the Bourda Market on Thursday after Georgetown experienced some amount of heavy downpours during the prior days. With all too familiar woes, the vendors were nearly discouraged from complaining, as they believe their cries will go unanswered as it normally seems to do.

However with a new Government in place, some vendors expressed a hint of optimism as they lay their trust in the new President, David Granger, to address their needs by facilitating the reconstruction of the Bourda Market. “We are paying stand rent and we would like to have a condu-

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkhan

cive market where we can do our business…I would like the new Government to reconstruct the market.

This market is about 200 years old; this market is older than I am. As a child, I used to be selling right in this place with my aunt since 6-years old, and nothing done to the market since then. I’m near 50-years now; I am half a century. So if so long now and nothing didn’t do, this market needs reconstructing now,” a clothing vendor, Wanda (only name given) complained.

Her colleague, who is also a clothing vendor, pointed out all the flaws in the Bourda Market from the poor drainage to the inferior structure. “The roof is

leaking, as you can see all the zinc rotten, all the zinc crack; look at the gutter; the gutter cannot take off the water, it pouring down; look all the beams here rotten; one of these days it might just fall and knock somebody. Look at the floors, the floor needs raising; the drainage got to be better,” she went on.

The vendors further vented about the leaky roofs as they complained to this publication of the numerous inconveniences it causes. “Come look here, we have the Kaieteur Falls here; we have Nigeria Falls; Orinduik Falls; all the falls in here. We even have a new one - the Bourda Falls,” the vendors humoured as they try to make the best out of a sad situation.

But with all light heartedness aside, the vendors urgently called on the Granger-led administration to ensure that its Ministry of Communities addresses the problems they are facing in their everyday working environment. “Let them make sure the Ministry of Local Government (Ministry of Communities) get the finance so they could come and reconstruct this place,” the vendors cried.

Efforts to contact the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkhan, for a comment on the Ministry’s vision for the Bourda Market proved futile.

A

Dead: Trevor Abrams

fter almost two months, the Police on Wednesday apprehended a third suspect who escaped a Police operation at 21st Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara where his colleagues, Orin Arthur and Rayon Paddy, were arrested implicated in the murder of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Engineer Trevor Abrams and Sterling Products security guard Wilfred Stewart.

The suspect, Uwee Varswick, is expected to make his first court appearance as soon as possible.

A senior rank told the Guyana Times that Varswick is being grilled by investigators with respect to the guns and ammunition found during a raid conducted in April last, in addition

O

is the same officer who was locked in the cell when I get bun.”

He said that despite the injuries which he is still suffering from, he has been hit with objects by prison officers.

Williams is currently on remand on an allegation that on March 30, 2015 while at Vrymen’s Erven, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), he had in his possession 121 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Williams requested bail on the grounds of the ill treatment meted out to him at the New Amsterdam Prison. The court did not grant bail. The matter comes up again on July 27 for a progress report.

Meanwhile, on May 23, 2014, a single prisoner overpowered a prison officer and took control of his keys and then locked him in a cell.

After arming himself with a cutlass, the prisoner opened a cell with four prisoners and dosed them with acid,

while some of them were chopped.

The alleged perpetrator is Randolph “Shoulders” Rodriguez, who is serving a 20-year sentence for murder.

Those injured in the attack are 32-year-old Abdulsalam Azimullah called “Sato”, who received chop wounds about his body; 28-year-old Davindra Harrichand who suffered a fractured right leg and injuries to all his fingers; 40-year-old Clarence Williams and 33-year-old Kuame Bhagwandin, also called “Baggi” who was chopped about the body and received acid burns.

Azimullah has since been freed in the High Court on a murder charge while Bhagwandin is now back in prison on several robberies under arms charges. Harrichand of Nigg Squatting Area, Berbice remains remanded on a charge of robbing a Corentyne business man of $10 million in cash.

Dead: Wilfred Stewart

it was the same type used to execute security guard Wilfred Stewart last December. The .223 ammunition is commonly used in M-15 rifles. The 45-year-old security guard of Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara, was shot a few times by armed men who invaded the Sterling Products Limited compound.

It was reported to this publication that about 10 men, all of whom were armed with high-powered rifles, stormed the compound through the front gate. But, according to a release from the Guyana Police Force, there were only three gunmen. Police said the men were able to locate a safe in the building, but were unable to open it and decided to leave empty-handed.

Accused robber attempts to flee court

Officers at the New Amsterdam prison taking revenge on inmates – defendant fficers at the New Amsterdam Prison are taking revenge for the May 23, 2014 incident which left four prisoners injured after a prison officer was locked in a cell by one of the inmates. One of the men who was injured in the May 2014 incident, related to a New Amsterdam Magistrate that officers at the New Amsterdam Prison are taking revenge.

The prisoner who appeared before Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus on Thursday, told the court that the officer who was locked in the cell during the incident has slapped him and ill-treated him in an act of revenge. Clarence Williams, also called “Wild Hog”, who was burnt during the incident and now is back before the court on a narcotic charge, for which he is currently remanded, told Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus that he has been beaten.

When asked the name of the officer, Williams said he did not know the officer. “It

to the two murders.

His colleagues, Orin Arthur and Rayon Paddy, were already slapped with eight charges including possession of guns and ammunition, and two counts of murder.

On the day of the operation, the men had 17 live .223 rounds and 12 live .32 rounds of ammunition, along with a quantity of cocaine and marijuana. Upon conducting a ballistic test on the .32 pistol, it proved that it was the same weapon used to kill Abrams in the vicinity of the Demerara Distillers Limited in March.

Abrams was shot at least four times by occupants of a Carina 212 motorcar moments after he left a commercial bank at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

It was reported that the young man was driving his silver grey Toyota Allion bearing registration number PSS 6855, when the Carina pulled up alongside him.

Several gunshots were then heard. Abrams attempted to escape and accelerated away, but crashed into a utility pole and ended up in a nearby canal. The other car disappeared. Moments after the car plunged into the trench, public-spirited citizens ran to Abrams’ rescue and managed to pull him from the submerged vehicle, but he was already dead.

In addition, tests also conducted on the .223 ammunition confirmed that

Jermaine Daly, who made an unsuccessful attempt of escaping at the court

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man attempted to escape Police custody at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday shortly after being charged for robbery.

Jermaine Daly, 23, of 24 Cooper Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, and Akeem Charles, 20, of 78 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, both pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Monday, May 25 at Agricola, Greater Georgetown, they robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC) Bibi Razia of one shoulder bag worth $2500, which contained $40,000 in cash and a number of doc-

uments including banks cards and a Western Union card. Additionally, the men pleaded not guilty to a charge which read that on the same day at Agricola, they robbed another Virtual Complainant, Bibi Khan, of one gold chain worth $8000.

According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, on the day in question at approximately 10:45h, the two VC’s joined a route 42 minibus en route to Georgetown. The two defendants entered the bus at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, and requested to be dropped off at Flour Mill Road, Agricola.

As the bus stopped, Daly dealt Khan several punches to her face and mouth and took off with the said gold chain, while Charles escaped with the handbag belonging to Razia.

A report was made to the Police Outpost at Agricola and ranks went in search of the defendants. It was revealed that a short while later, the two were spotted on a bicycle and were apprehended by the Police. In a search conducted on their person, the gold chain and $16,500 were found on Daly, while $13,500 was found on Charles. It was further re-

Akeem Charles

vealed that the handbag was found close by to where the men were apprehended. The prosecution objected to bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, and stated that if granted bail, the men are not likely to return.

Both men pleaded for bail while denying any knowledge of the robbery.

The Magistrate refused bail and the men were remanded to prison until June 12 when the matter is scheduled to return to court. While the men were being escorted to the holding cell at the court by officers, Daly attempted to escape by making a dash through the back gate but was immediately caught by the vigilant officers.

friday, may 29, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Agri Minister inspects ongoing Maid on bail for work to aid flood-affected stealing millions rice farmers, residents from employer

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griculture Minister Noel Holder on Wednesday visited several affected villages in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) to ascertain the flood-related damage, and to ensure works presently being undertaken by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) are moving apace.

During the visit, the Minister ,who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, George Jervis; NDIA Chief Executive Officer Lionel Wordsworth, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh and National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Oudho Homenauth, met with several affected farmers and got a firsthand look at the situation.

More than 1000 acres of rice lands and villages such as Capoey, Windsor Castle, Devonshire Castle and Queenstown have been affected by the floodwaters which accumulated in the backlands over the past several days. Excessive rainfall overnight has aggravated the situation.

Among the issues raised by farmers were the failure to desilt the clogged outfall canal and blocked internal drains and the illegal installation of tube pipes by some farmers which has aided in the farmlands being under water.

The farmers are, however, Guyana Times was told, satisfied and thankful for

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Farmers meeting with Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and other officials

the swift actions taken by the Government to drain excessive floodwaters from rice fields and residential areas.

“The agriculture sector as a whole has played an integral role in Guyana’s development and it is paramount important to the Administration that we maintain food and nutrition security for all … we are working around the clock to ensure that the water recedes and in a timely manner,” Minister Holder said.

Holistic approach

He added that while immediate intervention is being undertaken by the Government through the NDIA, the Cabinet will be looking at a holistic approach – through a longterm plan – in having the

situation addressed.

Two pontoons with excavators were deployed to the Windsor Castle and Capoey areas to desilt the clogged outfall canal, which residents stated were neglected by the previous Administration.

During the visit, engineers with mobile pumps were deployed to the area and were working around the clock to have the situation return to normalcy.

Among the pumps deployed, one mobile pump was set up near Taymouth Manor sluice to bring relief to Queenstown, Affiance and Capoey residents, while another was set up at the Lima sluice.

“We (Government) will ensure that all possible alternatives are put in place

to ensure that we bring relief to farmers….thus far, … mobile pumps have been deployed and are working on a 24-hour basis; however, I implore that you be the watch guard and hold the workers accountable as you are the ones who stand to benefit,” the Minister said to residents.

One farmer, Sona Persaud, who spoke on behalf of other Region Two farmers, expressed gratitude for the many interventions during the short period of time within the Region.

He said the prompt action brought immediate relief to his rice fields.

According to Persaud, water was quickly draining off from the rice lands and 80 per cent of the fields were ‘under control’.

40-year-old maid was released on bail on Thursday morning from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after being read a charge of stealing over $5 million from her boss.

The defendant, Yvette Sookraj, of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that she stole $2,900,000, US$4000, two gold chains worth $800,000 and two gold rings valued at $500,000 from her employer, Basil Dyal, between May 13 and May 25.

Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves told the court that the Virtual Complainant (VC) left his home on May 13 with his wife to go overseas after securing cash and several pieces of his jewellery. When they returned on May 23, the VC checked and discovered that a huge sum of money was missing.

The Prosecutor said that it was not until the next day that the VC noticed that the jewellery was also missing. He reported the matter to the Police who came to his home to investigate and conduct relevant searches.

During this time, the defendant was at the home performing her paid duties as a maid. When it was her turn to be searched, Sookraj upturned the lone bag she had in her possession and the contents fell out.

Prosecutor Gonsalves said that $100,000 fell out of the woman’s bag, along with the jewellery.

Nevertheless, the

Maid charged for theft, Yvette Sookraj

Prosecutor said he had no objection to bail.

However, he informed the court that the defence is making a claim for the money that was found in her bag, stating that it is hers. Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry told the court that the money stolen from the VC was not marked, thus one was unable to say if it belonged to him or the accused.

She said such an application cannot be granted until the trial has proven the truth of the case.

The defence lawyer, Bernard DaSilva, informed the court that the defendant has two children and has worked with the VC for eight years without any complainant from him. He petitioned for bail as she has no reason to flee and every reason to show up to court.

This was granted by the Magistrate on the condition that Sookraj lodges her passport with the prosecution and report to the Officer in Charge (OC) every Friday at 17:00h.

Ex-police Constable jailed for forging Chief Justice’s name

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n ex-police officer was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment for forging the signature of the honourable Chief Justice Ian Chang at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

The now convicted felon, Ann Small of South Sophia, Georgetown, will be taking up residence at the New Amsterdam Women’s Prison after being found guilty by Magistrate Ann McLennan of two charges; forgery and obtaining money under false pretences.

On her first court appearance on March 13, the accused was read the charges which stated that between November 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013, she obtained $480,000 from Chandrawattie Sahadeo under false pretences, as she pretended to have possession of a document that was signed by the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.

The second charge against

her read that she forged the signature of the Chief Justice on April 7, 2013.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones explained that Sahadeo had a civil matter involving a plot of land against her sister-in-law in the High Court and Small, who was at that time a Special Constable attached to the High Court, approached Sahadeo (saying she was acting on behalf of the Chief Justice) and told her that she can get the matter dismissed. With this, Sahadeo gave the defendant $480,000 to have the matter attended to. She had to make two payments to meet this amount.

In his submission to the court last Friday, the Prosecutor voiced his confidence in having proven an air tight case against the defendant.

He told the court that he has proven all the elements of the offences against Small, adding that his wit-

Jailed for 18 months, Ann Small

nesses are credible and were compelling in their testimonies.

Prosecutor Jones argued that the defence’s case surrounded the receipt; however, he said the issue is the forged signature of the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice had denied signing the receipt or authorising

anyone to do so on his behalf.

The Police’s Writing Analyst, Inspector Charles, had also testified to the handwriting on the receipt being that of the accused after examining it and samples given from her. Jones told the court, “This is clear evidence that the defendant signed on behalf of the Chief Justice and not only signed on his behalf, but signed the Chief Justice’s name.”

The Virtual Complainant (VC), Chandrawattie Sahadeo, testified to receiving the receipt from the accused.

Prosecutor Jones said she had explained about Small informing her that she can help resolve the land matter knowing “fully well she couldn’t have done so as she did not have the authority to do so, and obtained the $480,000.”

In ensuring there were no holes in his case, the

prosecution brought forward witnesses who testified to seeing Small with Sahadeo. The Prosecutor said that one witness specifically stated that the accused had visited the VC’s home at one point.

Jones also asked the court to put credence on the caution statement made by the defendant where she admitted to signing the receipt and giving it to Sahadeo. Prosecutor Jones questioned why the accused would write a receipt if she did not receive money. Thus he concluded by asking the court to find Small guilty.

Presiding over the matter in Court Two, Magistrate Ann McLennan told the court that she has considered all of this as well as the defence put forward

by Attorney Patrice Henry on behalf of his client. She agreed with the Prosecutor in the statement that his witnesses were credible, thus the Chief Justice nev-

er signed the receipt.

The Magistrate said that, after also considering the defence’s case, “The court is satisfied that the prosecution has persuaded that defendant tried to defraud knowing it to be wrong.”

Magistrate McLennan stated that she believed that Small did obtain the money from Sahadeo under false pretences, promising her that she will help when she knew she cannot.

Attorney Henry asked the court for leniency in the sentencing of his client, advocating that his client has never been convicted of any offence and the fact that she has already suffered due to the charges that was lodged against her.

Smalls was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for each of the two charges. However, she will only serve 18 months imprisonment as the sentences will run concurrently.

friDAY, may 29, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

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ome this evening at the National Cultural Centre, it will be cameras, lights, action and laughter as “Nothing to Laugh about 8” touches down and is ready to explode. This evening will be the first viewing of the theatrical production which will continue on Saturday, Sunday and Monday evening, commencing at 20:00h.

The cast members are ready to hit the stage with their routines that will keep you rolling with laughter and at the edges of your seats. It will be a showcase of high quality comedy by a group of seasoned comedians who are all set to thrill the audience from the beginning through the ending of the show.

Patrons are advised to wear loose fitting clothing,

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since it will be more comfortable, even if it come to them rolling on the floor of the NCC with laughter.

Through the years, the “Nothing to Laugh About”

S-born hip hop/rap sensation, Louie Banks, will take centre stage right here in Georgetown in June for the launch of his second album “OTCU” Vol2. The album launch marked the beginning of an era for this young and energetic hip hop/rap artiste born to Guyanese parents.

“I am able to express myself through music and as time goes by, I’m growing to love music even more, it’s what I do, and music is my life,” the singer said. “I am very enthusiastic at this time, I can hardly wait to launch “OTCU” Vol2 here in Guyana and I’ve chosen to launch here first because of the interest my Guyanese fans have shown over the years and doing it here as a native Guyanese, I will be surrounded

franchise has never disappointed loyal fans since it is a well produced and competently performed production, through a collection of comic sketches, many of

by my friends and family which has always been my source of strength”, Banks stated.

Born in Miami, Florida, Banks who began his career at the age of 11, in Brooklyn, New York, performed at local functions and now he is on the verge of making history with his voice of lyrical value. “OTCU”Vol2 is the beginning of his recognition as a hip hop/ rap artiste.

Banks is very confident that this is his time and he will continue to work hard towards his musical goals with the help of his family and friends and most importantly his fans. His own motivational words are “from nothing to something.”

Banks is welcoming his Guyanese audience with free entrance to his “OTCU” Vol2 album launch at a date and venue to be announced later.

which capitalise on topical humour and references with

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ou saw them four years ago when they set the place on fire with Episode One and Two of “Bashment Granny”; now the entire cast is heading Guyana’s way for three big shows as they promote the third edition of the Theatrical Spectacle which has been creating a storm in the Caribbean and further afield.

“Bashment Granny 3” was performed to a sold out audience in London, England where they performed with excellence, thus winning the

a touch of political humour.

The script writers have produced a mixed collection of funny pieces including the sharp, the good and the indifferent. This show certainly understands what to produce to provide enjoyment to their unending multitude of fans.

The cast includes Lyndon “ J u m b i e ” Jones, Henry Rodney, Michael Ignatius,

Kirwyn Mars, Chris Gopaul, Clemencio Goddette, Leza “Radika” Singh, Mark “Chiney man” Kazim, Leslyn Bobb-Semple, Gerard Gilkes, Simone Persaud, Alana Craigen, Leon Cummings, Johann David, and Brian Goodman.

The show’s Stage Manager is the ever efficient Sonia Yarde.

Tickets for the shows cost $1000, $1500 and $2000, and are being sold at Giftland OfficeMax, Nigel’s Supermarket, Payless Variety Store, Elegance Jewellery and Pawnshop, Gizmos and Gadgets, and the National Cultural Centre.

hearts of the Britons. The performing group, “Shebada and Friends” leave an embedded mark wherever they perform.

Keith Ramsay is a Jamaican actor and comedian, best known for his appearances in “roots” plays, but is popularly known as “Shebada”. The show is set for July 4, 5 and 6 at various locations across the country.

The first show is slated for July 4 and will see Lindeners getting the first bite of the pie at a venue to be announced later. So

Lindeners be ready for the time of your life. On July 5, the show heads to the National Cultural Centre to give coastlanders a chance to be a part of the action. The final show is billed for the New Amsterdam Technical Institute on July 6 (Caricom Day).

Guyanese who intend on being a part of the audience are advised to brace themselves for one of the biggest comedy extravaganzas to rock these shores. Tickets for the show will be released shortly.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, may 29, 2015

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n today’s personality profile, we present a young and talented cyclist out of Team Coco, 21-year-old Mark Anthony Harris who describes himself as humble and jovial.

This young man was born at the Georgetown Public Hospital to Annie Balkaran and Mark Anthony Harris on October 16, 1993. He is the youngest of six siblings. The others are Tyron, Leon, Sharon, Rosanna and Bonita.

His mother is of Scottish and East Indian ancestry and is the one who looked after the house while his father attended to his job as an Architectural Designer but he migrated to Ontario, Canada to seek greener pastures.

Harris grew up in La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, but at the age of 7, he and his immediate family moved to Lamaha Street, Newtown, Kitty, Georgetown. He attended the LBI Nursery School then on to the St Angela’s Primary, before completing his high school studies at Tutorial Secondary and Apex Academy.

During his school life, he received medals, trophies, certificates and warm encouragement as he excelled in various subject areas, athletic and dramatic events. He says his favourite sport is none other than cycling.

At the age of 15 he was presented with a BMX bicy-

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cle which gave him the opportunity to ride with the boys in the National Park. A senior cyclist saw his potential and encouraged him to pursue his education, while at the same time developing his skills in cycling. As he rode, he drew on the experience of the older riders and made cycling a path to his career.

As a cyclist he rode with Guyana’s best which helped him to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit.

While he has been riding, he is yet to win a race but the youngster remains optimistic that he has a bright future ahead.

He nevertheless visited Suriname in 2014 with Roriama Cycle Club to represent Guyana. He has had the opportunity to meet lots

he place to be this evening is the 704 Lounge, Lamaha Street, Georgetown for one of the wildest parties as we usher in summer in grand style. Patrons will be treated to the best music of yester year to present by the best deejays in town.

The event which is titled “Summer Crank Up” will blow you away and everyone will be admitted free before midnight. A entrance fee will be charged afterwards.

of people in the cycling fraternity and hopes one day to become a professional cyclist and more so to meet his role model Kenyan-British professional road racing cyclist and winner of the 2013 Tour de France, Chris Froome.

“If you have a passion for cycling, apply hard work and dedication and you will be successful. Keep away from smoking and using alcohol”, is his advice to young people.

He claims to be a product of his environment thus becoming an individual with a cosmopolitan attitude and had no desire to isolate himself from the mixture of ethnicities that make Guyanese unique. Apart from cycling, he enjoys playing football and cricket, and loves to swim.

Make sure to wear the dancing shoes as Deejay Avalanche and Deejay Tallest will mix the best in Indian, Soca, Dance Hall, Hip Hop, Reggae and many more. Those who attend the concept party will be furnished with free summer shots upon entry.

The evening is sponsored by 704 Lounge and will be the best way to welcome summer.

he Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara will be hosting a reality TV show that will allow major exposure and development opportunities for amateur Guyanese singers.

The reality show which will be dubbed “Princess Star” will run over a threemonth period, commencing June 27 and will feature several knockout segments before the “Princess Star” is declared and crowned.

Promoters have already declared that the panel of judges will include music elites with a vast reservoir of experience and musical background.

The winner of this event is guaranteed major bragging rights, cash, trophies and a recording deal like

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none before as they pave their journey to international stardom.

Auditions for this event will be staged at Club Next inside the Princess Hotel on Saturday, June 15 starting at 20:00h and those wishing to be part of the audience will be required to pay an entrance fee of $500.

All competitors will be fully attired in caps and jerseys bearing the Princess Hotel label and logo. Auditions are also expected to be staged out of Georgetown so as to ensure singers from rural communities are given an opportunity to compete.

Interested persons are urged to make contact with one of the organisers on telephone number 699-6156.

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he Classique D a n c e Company will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in grand style on June 13 at the National Cultural Centre with “50 Shades of Dance”.

The buzz is already filling the air as this production is expected to be the best of the best. The Classique Dance Company over the past 15 years has choreographed more than 1000 dance pieces that have indeed wowed Guyanese.

“50 Shades of Dance” will comprise dances pieces of several other dance groups from around the country, making the production as diverse as it can get.

These dance groups include, Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Group, National Dance Company, National School of Dance, Let’s Dance Studios, Dance Fanatics, Happy Feet and most obviously, the Classique Dance Company.

This is the first time for such a production but from feedback received, it will be one that will be on the tongues on many for a long time. The twohour dance production will comprise two segments and an inter- mission.

The actual show starts at 20:00h and for the first half, patrons will be blown away

by the diverse dance pieces by the other groups. After intermission, however, it will be a full hour of dance routines by the talented and well groomed dancers of Classique Dance Company.

Apart from the dance routines, Tennicia De Freitas will be spicing things up with her melodious voice and a segment of Spoken Words by Nuriyyih Gerrard. Tickets for the event cost $2000 each and are available at the National Cultural Centre and from Classique Dancers.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, maY 29, 2015

F

elix Kiprono, a lawyer in Nairobi, Kenya, has his eye on someone special: President Obama's daughter Malia.

His offer to win her hand? Fifty cows, 70 sheep and 30 goats.

"People might say I am after the family's money, which is not the case. My love is real," he told the Nairobian newspaper.

Moreover, he adds, he's been faithful to his beloved since he first became aware of her.

"I got interested in her in 2008," he said. "As a matter of fact, I haven't dated anyone since and promise to be faithful to her. I have shared this with my family and they are willing to help me raise the bride price."

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Malia and Sasha Obama arrive prior to their father, President Barack Obama, at the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7 in Selma, Alabama

Kenyan lawyer Felix Kiprono outside the Supreme Court of Kenya

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s the two best football teams in the world – Juventas and Barcelona – get ready to go head to head in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final on June 6, ANSA McAL is also preparing to host its third consecutive Final Viewing Party at the Gravity Lounge.

This event, like in previous years, will allow consumers to win a variety of unique UEFA prizes, witness international entertainment by Trinidad’s “Farmer Nappy”, and win a PlayStation 4.

“Heineken has been a major sponsor for the Champions League for a number of years now and the brand’s involvement in the activity continues to grow. Not only does it give me great pleasure to continue to bring an international event of this magnitude to the shores of Guyana but nothing makes me happier than being able to give back to our loyal customers”,

He's currently working on a letter to announce his intentions and plans to give it to the local U.S. Embassy.

According to prices on Africa Farming, Kiprono's offer could be worth in excess of $90,000.

There are some issues, of course. For one, Malia Obama is 16. For another, she'll have to develop a taste for village life.

"Ours will be a simple life. I will teach Malia how to milk a cow, cook ugali (a starchy dish) and prepare mursik (a sour milk) like any other Kalenjin woman," he said. (Excerpt from CNN)

Heineken’s Brand Coordinator, Robert Hiscock related.

The “Champion the Match” promotion, which has been running from the beginning of April and concludes on June 5, has allowed consumers to redeem loads of spectacular UEFA prizes, including tickets to the Final Party, by playing Foosball against the Heineken brand representatives.

Hiscock also pointed out that tickets are not on sale and must be won at the promotions throughout the country.

He expressed his excitement at the prospects of this year’s event being even bigger than last year’s and encouraged eligible participants to get their tickets as early as possible.

The UEFA Champions League Final Party kicks-off at 14:00h on June 6 at the Gravity Lounge.

fter ushering in the summer at the 704 Lounge on Friday evening, the party continues at the Palm Court on Saturday evening as Pulse Entertainment p r e s e n t “Dreamers Paradise”. This is another concept party that will be explosive and is exclusively promoted by the most creative groups of all time.

The promoters are calling on all partyholics to be present on Saturday, May 30 at Palm Court to witness glitz and glamour to the highest level.

Patrons will be partying to the vibes of Trinidadian superstar deejay team comprising Deejay Jerry West and P-Star Perry from the Westsiderz, alongside

Pulse’s very own Deejay Ryan.

The sexy dream dancers will also be performing live on the dance floor after which they intend to mix and mingle with patrons.

Guys, you just cannot afford to miss these glorious moments.

In addition, the venue will be transformed into the ultimate party venue for this event – a once in a lifetime experience.

Admission to “Dreamers Paradise” is $2000 before 23:00h. Music and lighting will be provided by Pulse Entertainment. The event is sponsored by Mermaid Designs, Plur Islands, Glow T&T and Pulse Taxi Service.

The queen, Maria Jones addressing the audience with Kaila Allicock, Abigale Mc Collin and Annasha Gobin

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ittle Maria Jones, age 11, was on Saturday evening last crowned Miss Cornelia Ida Primary School when the school held its pageant and fashion show in the school’s auditorium.

Kaila Allicock came in as first runner-up, while Abigale Mc Collin was adjudged the second runnerup and Annasha Gobin was named the third runner-up.

The other contestants in the pageant were Akeisha Hasan, Beyonce Sparman, Priyanka Balram, Onecia King and Akuwanna Moses.

Apart from the crown, special prizes were rewarded to the contestants.

Akeisha Hasan copped the Best Smile prize while

Kaila Allicock was rewarded with the prize for most photogenic. Annasha Gobin won the prize for Best Gown and Maria Jones was awarded the prize for the Best Talent.

The nine beautiful princesses were judged in five segments – interview segment, casual wear, talent piece, evening gown and intelligence segment – by a team of professional judges.

For the interview segment, the girls were asked questions based on themselves, their school and the country at large.

After the first four segments, the four finalists were announced in random order much to the delight of the audience. The final four were asked the same

question which was “If you were the Head teacher of your school, what would you change and why?

There were varying interesting answers that impressed the judges and the audience but the one that stood out was that of Abigale Mc Collin who stated that she would change the way people disrespect the environment by littering and thought that as students and teachers of the Cornelia Primary School, they should be more dedicated in keeping the surroundings clean.

She said she would also encourage teachers to pardon her colleagues when they litter since it was done in an unconscious manner.

After the scores were tabulated, the results were revealed.

The judges for the evening were Former Miss Guyana India 2011, Roshini Boodhoo; Academic teacher and dramatist, Bibi Salima Dasrath; 2nd runner up at the Miss Emancipation Pageant 2015, Marva Langevine and dancer and Assistant Dance Choreographer attached to the Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Group, Adrian Ramlochan.

The fashion show was held with the aim of raising money to offset the expense of sewing graduation gowns for the graduating class of 2015.

friday, march 29, 2015

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NBA Western Conference finals… Luis Suarez: Players’ union to

challenge Fifa ban for biting

Warriors win, will L take on Cavs in the NBA finals

uis Suarez’s ninematch ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 2014 World Cup group match in Brazil should be annulled, a players’ union says.

The Uruguay players’ union wants the issue raised at Friday’s meeting of the Fifa Congress.

The challenge to the sanction comes in the wake of corruption allegations against football’s governing body.

United States authorities have indicted nine Fifa officials for corruption.

Uruguay players’ union legal adviser Ernesto Liotti said: “With these facts [of alleged corruption], Fifa’s decisions in the last few years have come under a mantle of suspicion.

S

tephen Curry had 26 points and eight rebounds, Harrison Barnes added 24 points and the Golden State Warriors advanced to the NBA finals for the first time in 40 years with a 104-90 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

After decades of wishing and waiting for this moment, the Warriors finally arrived. They shook off a slow start and sweated out a shaky finish in Game 5 to close out the Rockets and set up a matchup with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers beginning June 4.

All five Rockets starters scored at least 10 points, but James Harden had a forgettable finale. Harden had a playoff-record 13 turnovers and scored 14 points on 2-of11 shooting.

Dwight Howard led Houston with 18 points and 16 rebounds.

“We deserve to celebrate tonight but we’ve still got unfinished business and it’s a long time coming for the Bay Area,” Klay Thompson of the Warriors said.

Curry said he had no lingering effects from his frightening fall in Game 4 that left him with a bruised head and right side.

He wore a protective yellow sleeve on his right arm, which he shed in the third quarter after shooting 4 of 12 and the Warriors clinging to a 52-46 halftime lead.

Things got tougher on Curry when Thompson faked a shot that drew Trevor Ariza in the air early in the fourth quarter. Thompson absorbed Ariza’s knee to the side of his head, sending him to the floor.

Stephen Curry

Thompson, who finished with 20 points, lay on the ground for a minute before walking to the locker room. He came back to the bench with what the team called a right ear laceration.

The Warriors said he could have returned but they never needed him. They started the fourth on a 13-4 run and held off Houston’s last-ditch efforts on free throws. (Portland Press Herald)

Hernandez banned for Phil Jones punch

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during last summer’s World Cup

“We have no proof that this [sanction] was made within the framework of illegal actions but nothing guarantees us that it wasn’t.”

Liotti said one of the arrested officials, the now suspended Venezuelan Football Federation president Rafael Esquivel, was on the Fifa disciplinary committee that handed down the sanction to Suarez.

Windward Island cricketer arrested at airport for ammunition

F

letcher was arrested on Thursday afternoon Windward Island cricketer Andre Fletcher has been arrested at the Douglas Charles Airport this afternoon, Dominica News Online (DNO) has been reliably informed.

Sources told DNO that 50 rounds of ammunition were found in his possession.

DNO understands that Fletcher has been in Dominica for several days practicing with his team, the Windward Island Volcanoes.

Fletcher is a Grenadian national and a wicket keep-

H

ull City’s Abel Hernandez has been banned for three games for punching Manchester United defender Phil Jones.

The incident occurred in the 70th minute of the 0-0 draw with United in the final game of the Premier League season which, coupled with a win for Newcastle, confirmed Hull’s relegation.

The forward admitted an

act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

Hernandez will miss the first three Championship games of next season.

The Uruguayan joined Hull for a club-record £10m from Palermo last September.

He made 24 appearances in his first Premier League season, scoring four goals.

(BBC Sport)

er.

He played for the West Indies team in the 2006 U-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka.

DNO is following this developing story and will publish information as it becomes available. (Dominica News

Online)

Serena escapes as women’s seeds continue to fall

T

Abel Hernandez

The 28-year-old former Liverpool striker, who moved to Barcelona last summer for £75m, was banned from all football for four months and for nine competitive international matches.

That means he is due to miss champions Uruguay’s Copa America campaign in Chile, which begins on 11 June. (BBC Sport)

he pre-tournament shortlist of favourites for the French Open women’s crown continued to shrink and for a while on Thursday it looked as though top seed, Serena Williams, would also vanish.

Shortly after former world number one Caroline Wozniacki was knocked out

by Julia Goerges, meaning the third, fifth and sixth seeds had all gone before round three, Williams, 33, faced unheralded 21-yearold German Anna-Lena Friedsam.

It looked like a mismatch but 105th-ranked Friedsam gave the 19-times grand slam champion a torrid time on Court Suzanne Lenglen, taking the first set before a nervy Williams recovered to scrape into the third round 5-7 6-3 6-3.

Serena Williams

Twice former champion Williams has suffered at the French Open before -- last year when she was beaten by Spain’s Garbine Muguruza at the same stage

and more memorably in 2012 when France’s Virginie Razzano knocked her out in round one.

With the American’s groundstrokes sailing over

the baseline and even her fearsome serve deserting her in the first set -- she was broken three times -- another blot on her incredible grand slam record loomed.

Even when she led 4-2 in the second set, Williams appeared shaky, going 0-40 down and dropping serve, but once she got level and broke Friedsam’s serve at the start of the decider she relaxed.

“A win is a win and as long as you live to survive the next day, you can always improve,” Williams said. “I know my level is literally a hundred times better than I played today.

“I take more solace in the fact I can play better as opposed to the fact that that’s the best I could play -- then I would be in trouble.” (Reuters)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, march 29, 2015

Murray reaches French Open 3rd round A

ndy Murray was given a stern test by Joao Sousa before securing his place in the French Open third round.

The Briton, seeded third, won 6-2 4-6 6-4 6-1 to set up a match with Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.

Murray began and ended the contest in fine form, but showed his frustration as Portugal’s Sousa fought back in the second and third sets.

Fellow British number one Heather Watson lost 6-2 6-4 to American Sloane Stephens on Court Seven.

That leaves Murray as the only remaining Briton in the singles at Roland Garros.

The Scot has now taken his clay-court record in 2015 to 12-0.

However, his first meeting with Sousa on clay proved a far tougher challenge than his five straight-sets wins over the Portuguese on hard courts.

“For a lot of the match I played very well,” Murray told BBC Sport.

“I didn’t really help myself in the second set. I served badly, which made it difficult.

“Then at the end of that second set he was able to

dictate a lot of the points, and he played very well at the beginning of the third set and had some chances there as well.

“I was happy with the way I was able to turn it around and make some adjustments out there on the court, which turned the match in my favour.”

Another regulation victory appeared likely when he powered through the first set, dropping just three

tee off with his forehand especially.

Murray was given a time violation on his way to dropping serve at 3-5 and, after reclaiming the break immediately in an intense game - screaming “Let’s Go!” - he let his serve slip once more to hand over the set.

He was now up against an opponent, and a crowd, that was buzzing with expectancy, and Sousa had two chances to break early

Andy Murray

points on serve.

That area of his game began to falter as the skies darkened in the second set, a first-serve percentage of just 36% allowing Sousa to

in the third, only to fire a return long and watch as an ace flew past him.

A second time violation, which led to the loss of a first serve, did nothing to

brighten Murray’s mood.

“Probably I was playing too slow and I didn’t argue at all with the umpire,” he explained.

“It was just on the second one, I was up at the line in good time but they were still playing the highlight of the point before, so I didn’t serve when that was going on.

“I tried to speed up after that and I think I did a good job of that.”

Murray was becoming increasingly mired in a battle, urging himself to “calm down, calm down”, but as the threat of a storm overhead passed, so Murray’s mind cleared.

A blistering backhand winner down the line gave him a break point at 3-3 and a heavy forehand into the corner clinched a lead he would not relinquish.

Murray served out the set and broke at the start of the fourth, before whipping a cross-court forehand winner for 3-0 that brought coach Amelie Mauresmo to her feet in the stands.

The two-time semi-finalist closed out the match in a similar vein to how he had started, breaking again to wrap up victory in two hours and 30 minutes. (BBC Sport)

FIFA elections on today F

ifa’s 209 member associations will vote to elect a new president today with the crisis engulfing football’s governing body hanging over it.

Jordanian Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, 39, is standing against 79-year-old Swiss Sepp Blatter, who has been president since of Fifa since 1998.

The vote takes place after bribery and racketeering charges were laid against top Fifa officials by US prosecutors.

Blatter resisted calls to resign led by Uefa president Michel Platini.

Instead Blatter, who is seeking a fifth term of office at world football’s governing body, promised to restore trust in Fifa and “find a way to fix things”.

Opening a meeting of Fifa’s annual congress in Zurich on Thursday on the eve of the presidential election, he said: “These are unprecedented and difficult times for Fifa.

“It must fall to me to uphold responsibility for the well-being of the organisation.”

Blatter has condemned the “action of individuals” for bringing “shame and humiliation” on football in the corruption scandal.

But he said that although many held him “ultimately responsible” for the football community, he could “not monitor everyone all of the time”.

Swiss authorities have launched a second investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.

How will the election unfold?

Blatter has been publicly backed by the football confederations of Asia (AFC) and Africa (Caf), which means

cent scandals. Prince Ali himself is said to believe he has the support of 60 nations outside Europe.

FA chairman Greg Dyke has already called on Blatter to go while Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney says the president should step down for “the good of the game”.

Prince Ali (left) will stand against Sepp Blatter, who is seeking a fifth term in office

that most of their member nations are expected to vote for him.

Prince Ali is the favoured candidate of European confederation Uefa, so he is likely to pick up most of the European votes. Platini believes “45 or 46” from 54 European members could back him.

It is not quite so clear where the votes from the North American (Concacaf) and South American (Conmebol) confederations will go.

In the past these regions have been loyal to Blatter but there are suggestions that at least some of their member nations will back Prince Ali, especially in light of the re-

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan claims Prince Ali is the “only credible candidate”, while Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford says “change is needed in Fifa” ahead of the vote.

The bookmakers currently make Blatter the 1/2 favourite, with Ali’s chances rated at 13/8.

What happens if Blatter wins?

Good question.

The BBC has learned that Uefa could call for an extraordinary general meeting of Fifa’s congress if Blatter is victorious.

If 20% of members agree with the motion, the meeting

would have to be held within three months - and a motion of no confidence would almost certainly be put forward.

Uefa did not want the vote to go ahead because it risked turning it into “a farce”, although they decided not to boycott the congress.

That is not to say a wholesale Uefa boycott of Fifa or its tournaments could not happen further down the line.

“All of these things have been discussed,” Stewart Regan told BBC Radio Scotland.

FA vice-chairman David Gill also says he will resign from Fifa’s executive committee if Blatter is re-elected.

It seems unlikely that either Russia or Qatar will be stripped of the World Cups, though.

Despite Fifa’s numerous attempts to prove the bidding process was fair, rumours persist that not everything was above board - and the Swiss investigation into the bidding process has only added to those suspicions.

However, Fifa is adamant there will be no re-run of the bidding process, and that position would be unlikely to change should Blatter stay in power.

He has powerful allies in this regard. Russian president Vladimir Putin is a supporter of Blatter and has accused the US of overstepping its authority, suggesting the arrests were part of an attempt to take the 2018 World Cup away from his country.

(BBC Sport)

Marsh strokes century but Brathwaite, Warrican impress

S

haun Marsh struck a timely century to press his claim for a spot in the first Test against West Indies next week but all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite smashed a cameo, unbeaten half-century and grabbed two wickets, to inspire the West Indies President’s XI on the second day of their three-day game here Thursday.

Left-hander Marsh finished the day on 118 not out as Australia closed on 205 for six in their first innings.

Adam Voges struck 52 in a 116-run, third wicket partnership with Marsh which pulled the tourists out of difficulty at 25 for two.

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the main destroyer with three for 69 while Brathwaite collected two for 28 from his 14 overs – including the scalp of captain Michael Clarke for 15.

Shaun Marsh

Earlier, Brathwaite had blasted exactly 50 not out off a mere 42 balls to help fire the President’s XI up to 382 all out, after resuming the day on 288 for five at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

The right-hander, on the fringe of Test selection, hammered three fours and five sixes, and put on a rousing 58 for the last wicket with Miguel Cummins who made just six.’

Roston Chase converted his overnight 65 into 76 while Jason Mohammed, who started the day on 42, made 55.

They stretched their sixth wicket stand to 117

Carlos Brathwaite

before being separated in the tenth over of the morning, when Chase missed a full length outswinger from seamer Peter Siddle and was bowled at 314 for six.

His wicket was one of four to fall for just ten runs as the hosts slumped to 324 for nine, before Brathwaite counter-attacked.

Seamers Josh Hazlewood (2-36), Mitchell Marsh (2-40), Peter Siddle (2-64) along with leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed (2-113), all finished with two wickets apiece.

Left with just over halfhour to survive before lunch, Australia lost Chris Rodgers who was prised out cheaply by seamer Miguel Cummins for two in the third over of the innings.

On 22 for one at lunch, Clarke fell soon after the resumption, top-edging a hook at Brathwaite to gully where Shamarh Brooks took the catch.

However, Shaun Marsh and Voges then stemmed the rot with their century stand.

Marsh struck 13 fours and three sixes in an innings which has so far spanned 216 balls and 4-1/2 hours while Voges faced 109 balls in just over two hours and counted seven fours.

He eventually departed, lbw to Warrican pushing forward at 141 for three in the final session.

His dismissal sparked a slide where four wickets tumbled for 62 runs. (CMC)

SCOREBOARD

WI PRESIDENT’S XI 1st Innings T Theophile c M Marsh b Hazlewood 4 R Chandrika b Ahmed 74 *L Johnson c Clarke b Hazlewood 0 S Brooks c S Marsh b Ahmed 4 +S Dowrich c Siddle b Lyon 78 R Chase b Siddle 76 J Mohammed c Voges b Siddle 55 C Brathwaite not out 50 J Warrican c wkp Haddin b M Marsh 0 M Mindley b M Marsh 0 M Cummins c Nevill b Lyon 6 Extras (b21, lb8, w1, nb5) 35 TOTAL (all out, 114 overs) 382 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-20, 3-38, 4-141, 5-197, 6-314, 7-323, 8-324, 9-324, 10-382.

Bowling: Hazlewood 19-7-362 (nb1), Siddle 21-4-64-2 (nb1), Lyon 28-5-87-2-1, M Marsh 14-3-40-0, (w3, nb1), Ahmed

28-5-113-2, Voges 4-0-13-0.

AUSTRALIA 1st Innings C Rogers c Brathwaite b Cummins 2 S Marsh not out 118 *M Clarke c Brooks b Brathwaite 15 A Voges lbw b J Warrican 52 M Marsh c wkp Dowrich b Brathwaite 8 +B Haddin c Cummins b Warrican 1 P Nevill c Johnson b Warrican 5 P Siddle not out 0 Extras (lb1, nb3) 4 TOTAL (6 wkts, 70 overs) 205 To bat: N Lyon, J Hazlewood, F Ahmed.

Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-25, 3-141, 4-166, 5-178, 6-203.

Bowling: Cummins 14-3-42-1 (nb1), Mindley 10-2-32-0 (nb1), Brathwaite 14-3-28-2, Warrican 26-4-69-3, Chase 6-1-33-0.

sports

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21

Blatter refuses to quit as president, vows to ‘restore trust’ S

epp Blatter has refused to resign as Fifa president following a request from Uefa chief Michel Platini.

The 79-year-old Swiss held an emergency meeting with key Fifa officials on Thursday after world football’s governing body was subjected to yet more damaging corruption claims.

Platini then made a personal appeal for Blatter to quit but was told it was “too late” to resign.

Blatter later vowed to restore trust in Fifa and “find a way to fix things”.

Opening a meeting of Fifa’s congress on the eve of Friday’s presidential election, he said: “These are unprecedented and difficult times for Fifa.

“It must fall to me to

member associations, such as Russia, have said they will back Blatter.

While Prince Ali has not given up on prising some votes fro Africa, Caf, which looks after the interests of Africa, has reiterated its support for Blatter.

President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, told BBC sports editor Dan Roan that Blatter will definitely win the election and he should not be held accountable for the corruption allegations.

The Asian Football Confederation, too, supports the Swiss - although one of its members, the Australian football federation, has announced its intention to vote for Prince Ali. “A big, big, big majori-

dent of the North, Central American and Caribbean Association (Concacaf), and Eugenio Figueredo, president of the South American confederation, were both absent after being arrested on Wednesday.

Concacaf later said it had provisionally suspended Webb and president of the Costa Rican Football Federation Eduardo Li, who was also among the 14 indicted by US authorities.

Blatter, who has been in power since 1998, was widely expected to win a fifth term as president before the current crisis engulfed Fifa.

But things are not so clear cut now.

He is understood to have widespread support among Fifa’s 209 member associations, but Prince

ty of the European associations will vote for Prince Ali,” said Platini.

Dutch FA boss and former presidential candidate Michael van Praag - who pulled out of the running so as not to split the antiBlatter vote - said: “He is the end responsible person in Fifa. You cannot always continue washing your hands.”

Fifa was plunged into fresh crisis on Wednesday when United States authorities indicted 14 people and arrested seven senior football officials on bribery and racketeering charges.

In a separate development, Swiss officials opening criminal proceedings into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid processes.

Blatter’s decision to chair an emergency meeting with representatives from Fifa’s six confederations is significant.

Such gatherings are rare.

It also took place without two of its nominated members.

Jeffrey Webb, presi-

Ali, a Fifa vice-president from Jordan, could benefit from the latest crisis to his world football’s governing body.

Prime Minister David Cameron and English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke joined those calling for Blatter to step down.

Britain’s representative David Gill also says he will resign from Fifa’s executive committee if Blatter is re-elected.

At their meeting on Thursday, Uefa delegates even discussed leaving Fifa and boycotting tournaments should Blatter be re-elected.

The Scottish Football Association’s Stewart Regan told BBC Radio Scotland: “All of these things have been discussed.”

But support for the president has come from Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has claimed the United States is meddling in Fifa’s affairs in an attempt to take the 2018 World Cup away from his country. (BBC Sport)

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Sepp Blatter

uphold responsibility for the well-being of the organisation.”

However, while admitting he could not be held responsible for the actions of a few, he conceded: “I’m sure more bad news may follow but it’s necessary to restore trust in our organisation.”

His speech came just hours after Frenchman Platini said the latest crisis had left him “absolutely sickened”, adding: “People have had enough, they don’t want this president any more.”

Blatter, who has been president since 1998, is seeking a fifth term when he takes on Prince Ali bin al-Hussein in Friday’s election.

Several influential football figures had called for the vote to be delayed after seven Fifa officials were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday.

But Uefa, which governs European football, decided on Thursday not to boycott the election and will continue to back Prince Ali, although some

22 Chanderpaul no longer Webb sacked as confederation moves to stem fall-out from scandal good enough to play C for WI – Holding guyanatimesGY.com

friday, march 29, 2015

seeing. He was a little bit slow with his reactions to the fast bowlers and we know what Australia are going to be bringing.”

Holding also echoed Lloyd’s sentiment of making way for youth though it would take time to fill the Chanderpaul-sized void.

“Chanderpaul has to make way for someone younger. The person that comes in obviously is not going to fill Chanderpaul’s

sue. Chanderpaul is just 86 short of equalling Lara’s record of being the highest West Indian run-scorer in Tests.

“From what I have heard I don’t think anybody can complain. From what I heard they called him, had a meeting with him. They told him exactly what they would like to do and I have no problems with that,” Holding said.

“I don’t think Chanderpaul is ever going

Michael Holding

M

ichael Holding, the former West Indies fast bowler, has backed the chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd’s logic of jettisoning Shivnarine Chanderpaul for the Australia series. Holding said that Chanderpaul, who has managed 183 runs in his last 11 innings at 16.64, was no longer good enough to be picked for West Indies.

“I don’t believe that cricketers should just get a series for getting a series sake.

I don’t think Shivnarine Chanderpaul has proven in recent times that he is still a good enough player to be playing for West Indies,” Holding told ESPNcricinfo.

“He has done yeoman service for over two decades.

West Indies should be happy to have had him playing for them for that long. All good things have to come to an end.

“I saw him play against South Africa recently and he certainly did not look like the Shivnarine Chanderpaul that I was accustomed to

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

shoes immediately. He has done so much good work for West Indies. But it is time for someone younger than him who can grow into those shoes.”

While Chanderpaul’s former team-mate, Brian Lara, criticised the ‘despicable’ treatment meted out to Chanderpaul and called for a farewell series akin to the one arranged by the BCCI for Sachin Tendulkar, Holding said that he had “no problems” with the way the WICB had dealt with the is-

to be one to say, ‘listen, my time has come and I have to move on’. So they have done the right thing.”

When asked about the legacy left behind by Chanderpaul, Holding said: “Chanderpaul’s legacy will be someone who went and played for West Indies and gave his all for a very long time. To show everyone that if you can go out and work hard, if you have deficiencies in technique and you work hard enough, you can produce the goods.” (Cricinfo)

ONCACAF on Thursday moved swiftly to provisionally sack Jeffrey Webb as president and install senior vice-president Alfredo Hawit as interim head of the confederation.

Eduardo Li was also dismissed as Costa Rica federation president while CONCACAF General Secretary Enrique Sanz was placed on an immediate leave of absence.

The decisions follow a meeting of CONCACAF’s executive committee which was held less than 48 hours after Webb and several other FIFA officials were arrested here in a dawn raid

by Swiss law enforcement authorities.

Webb, also a FIFA vicepresident, along with eight other current and former FIFA officials, were subsequently named by the United States Department of Justice in a 47-count indictment on corruption charges.

Sanz was not among those arrested or named in the alleged corruption scandal.

“While we are profoundly disappointed by the allegations made by authorities that again, CONCACAF has been the victim of fraud, we remain committed to CONCACAF’s goal to develop, promote and manage the game of soccer,” Hawit said.

“We have now taken the appropriate steps to maintain our operations and

Jeffrey Webb

continue to deliver on our commitments to all of our constituents, including our fans, members, as well as commercial and broadcast partners.

“We also continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation by governmental authorities, which have not placed any restrictions on our ongoing activities.”

The Executive Committee also appointed a Special Committee to “evaluate and sustain all of the business operations of the Confederation” in light of the latest round of corruption charges.

Victor Montagliani, the Canadian Soccer Association president; Justino Compean, head of the Mexican Soccer Federation and Sunil Gulati, president of U.S. Soccer Federation, comprise the committee.

CONCACAF’s deputy general secretary, Ted Howard, has been appointed

acting general secretary.

The US Department of Justice and the FBI said Wednesday the arrested officials had been involved in an elaborate US$150 corruption scheme which involved racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offenses.

Competitions being investigated are CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the CONCACAF Champions League, and the CONMEBOL/CONCACAF Copa America Centenario, set to be staged next year.

Former CONCACAF president and FIFA vicepresident, Jack Warner, was also named as a defendant in the indictment.

He was granted bail in his homeland Trinidad and Tobago after turning himself into police and making a subsequent court appearance. (CMC)

BFA head says Webb arrest has left “air of despondency” McIlroy makes nightmare over confederation

start at Irish Open

R

ory McIlroy faces an uphill battle to make the cut at the Irish Open after carding a nightmare nine-over-par 80 in the first round at Royal County Down.

McIlroy, 26, posted five bogeys in his first nine holes and dropped a further four shots in his second nine.

The world number one has missed the cut at the last two Irish Open tournaments.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, the 2007 winner, shares the lead with Maximilian Kieffer of Germany on four under par with Soren Hansen one shot behind.

England’s Danny Willett, Argentinian Emiliano Grillo and Dane Soren Kjeldsen are two off the pace after carding rounds of 69 at the Newcastle links course.

English trio Luke Donald, Matt Ford and Chris Wood are among seven players nicely placed on one under.

Starting at the 10th, world number one McIlroy,

who pledged to donate his prize money this week to his charitable foundation, the official tournament host, strayed occasionally off the tee, was repeatedly erratic with his iron play and struggled with the putter throughout.

The Northern Irishman has won two of his last four tournaments, the WGC-Cadillac Match Play and Wells Fargo tournament at Quail Hollow, but missed the cut at last week’s PGA Championship at Wentworth.

“I was caught between trying to play two ways. My poor iron play led to missed greens and I left myself a lot of eight to 12 foot putts for par, pretty much all of which I missed,” said McIlroy after his round.

McIlroy’s playing partner, American world number nine Rickie Fowler, is in contention near the top of the leaderboard on level par, but the third member of the illustrious group, Germany’s Martin Kaymer, has a lot of ground to make up on eight

over.

Fowler was making his first appearance since securing the second PGA Tour win of his career in The Players Championship earlier this month.

Graeme McDowell was two under after 15 holes but the former US Open winner bogeyed the final three holes of his round, the seventh, eighth and ninth, to drop back to one over.

The third of the host nation’s recent major winners, European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke, lies well back on four over, but his compatriot Michael Hoey fared better on level par.

Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez is one over, while Lee Westwood registered a three-over-74 in the windy conditions in front of a sellout 20,000 crowd at the seaside links.

Ernie Els, playing in the Irish Open for the first time since 1998, had a level-par round, but 1999 tournament winner Sergio Garcia is down the pack on four over.

(BBC Sport)

B

arbados Football Association president, Randy Harris, says the scandal that has rocked CONCACAF, had left “an air of despondency” over the regional confederation.

Harris was speaking just hours after Swiss law enforcement authorities swooped down on a hotel in Zurich and arrested several CONCACAF and FIFA officials, including CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb.

Also a FIFA vice-president, Webb was among nine current and former football officials, along with five corporate executives, subsequently named in the 47-count indictment announced by the United States Department of Justice and the FBI. On Thursday, CONCACAF announced that Webb had been “provisionally dismissed” and senior vice-president Alfredo Hawit installed as interim head.

“Basically it came out of the blue. When we awoke [Wednesday] morning we heard the news and obvi-

ously we were shocked because just the night before we had a cocktail reception with some of the persons who were nabbed,” said Harris, who is in Zurich for Friday’s FIFA presidential elections.

“There is an air of despondency here. Obviously we are very, very concerned that some of those nabbed are members of CONCACAF.” Webb was only last month elected CONCACAF president for his first full term in charge, and was set to be installed during the FIFA Congress which got underway Thursday.

Ironically, he took over the helm of the confederation in 2012, after a similar corruption scandal claimed long-serving football strongman, Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago.

Harris said during his relatively short time in charge, Webb had built strong relationships with regional associations.

“He and I built quite a close personal relationship besides the football one and he also had a very good relationship with all the

members of CONCACAF,” Harris explained.

“We were quite proud that he was elected president and he has been of great assistance to us. It was unbelievable he would have been in any company such as that but you’re innocent until proven guilty so we’ll wait and see the outcome.”

Harris said Barbados football had nothing to fear as a result of the latest scandal as only recently, FIFA had given the BFA’s finances its blessing.

“This [scandal] is not anywhere near the level of the member associations.

This is alleged to have happened at the very top, with the people who make the decisions, the movers and shakers. We have nothing to worry about,” Harris stressed.

“As a matter of fact, the day before, we were told here by FIFA who did an audit of the BFA earlier in the year, that they are proud of the way that we run the association at this time, and that our financial matters are above board.”

(CMC)

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, march 29, 2015

23

Lumumba blasts FIFA Stag Beer Independence officials involved in Cup kicks off tonight corruption scandal – says “change” is needed

P

resident of the Alpha United Football Club, Odinga Lumumba blasted the FIFA officials charged in the recent corruption scandal during a press

ation where these officials have access to millions of US dollars to themselves and the sport is not where it should be,” Lumumba highlighted.

Odinga Lumumba

conference on Thursday at the Water Chris.

Lumumba was very critical of the involved officials, labeling them as “selfish” during the press conference.

“What happened is that it was selfishness, a lot of selfish people that have imposed their will on amateur people without care or concern,” Lumumba highlighted.

Further, Lumumba was shocked that the high ranking officials did not do more for the sport in the region especially with the type of money at their disposal.

“What amazed me is the money that was available to the heads of CONCACAF that could have been used for the development of elite clubs in the region.

“We can’t have as situ-

From left: Slingerz FC captain Tichard Joseph, Slingerz FC PRO Rawle Toney, Slingerz FC GM Collin Aaoron, Ansa McAl’s PRO Darshanie Yussuf, Stab Beer Brand Rep. Shawn Abel and Slingerz FC player Philbert Moffat at the launching

In addition Lumumba noted that change is needed and that the territorial bodies should vote for change in today’s FIFA elections.

“I’m calling today for change, a change on the side of humanity, justice and decency…I call on the Caribbean to vote for change, vote for Ali Al Hussein.

“If we support him we support change, I was initially in support of Blatter but these report were revealing and really changed my mind and I communicated that with our representative headed to the elections,” Lumumba quipped.

Nine FIFA officials were charged with offences such as racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy on Wednesday.

T

he third edition of the Stag Beer sponsored West Demerara Independence Cup was launched on Thursday and commences tonight.

The tournament will be the first football event to be hosted at the National Track and Field Centre, with all the matches in the tournament penciled for the historic venue.

At the launch on Thursday, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of ANSA McAL Darshanie Yussuf noted her happiness with the involvement of team outside of the Region Three region.

Stag Beer Brand Representative Shawn Abel stressed that the

Close to 50 riders...

from back page

The Independence Three-Stage will pedal off in Berbice on Saturday

The third stage from Linden to Georgetown is held on the final day, followed by a grand presentation ceremony.

Team Coco’s Darren Matthews is the defending champion of the race,

which is considered the second largest in terms of participation behind the “Ride for Life” Five-Stage.

Matthews clocked six hours, 53 minutes, 18 seconds to beat overseasbased Guyanese Geron

Williams, who was timed at six hours, 54 minutes, 24 seconds.

Other winners from last year were Akeem Arthur in the Junior category and Robin Persaud in the Veteran division

main objective is the development of football which is important to the brand.

General Manager of Slingerz FC, Collin Aaron shared his gratitude to ANSA McAL for coming onboard with the tournament for the third straight year.

The tournament which will have all the matches played at that Leonora facility will feature eight

teams from several associations competing in a knockout format for the top prize of $600 000.

In the curtain raiser scheduled for 18:00h, Fruta Conquerors will battle Pouderoyen FC while the two-time defending champs Bakewell Slingerz FC, will tackle Grove HiTech in the feature game from 20:00hrs.

Meanwhile, the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $300,000, $150,000 and $100,000, respectively.

Financial incentives will also be given to the bottom four finishers, with the resulting fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth positioned teams walking away with $75,000, $60,000, $50,000 and $40,000.

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

friday, may 29, 2015

Shiv’s axing “untidy and distasteful”, claims WIPA Close to 50 riders

33rd annual Independence 3-Stage cycling

confirmed to compete in 2-day event

By Avenash Ramzan

C Wavell Hinds

P

layers union, WIPA, has slammed Shiv Chanderpaul’s sacking as “untidy and distasteful” and says it will continue to engage the West Indies Cricket Board on the matter, with the hope of finding an “amicable solution”.

The 40-year-old was controversially dropped from the Test side to face Australia next week, with selectors and head coach Phil Simmons citing the players “rapid decline” in form as the reason.

However, WIPA said Chanderpaul’s treatment was disturbing, taking into consideration the two years of service the player had giv-

en to West Indies cricket.

“The West Indies Players’ Association acknowledges and accepts that the purview of selecting the West Indies cricket team lies solely and independently with the selection panel led by Chairman Clive Lloyd, however we are very disappointed in the manner which Mr Chanderpaul was treated,” WIPA president and chief executive, Wavell Hinds, said.

“WIPA believes the process of omitting Mr Chanderpaul was untidy and distasteful. We will continue to have dialogue with the West Indies Cricket Board with the hope to bring

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

an amicable solution in the best interests of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and West Indies cricket.”

WIPA underscored Chanderpaul’s illustrious career, pointing out his 164Test career, 11 867 runs and excellent average of 51, with 30 hundreds.

“At present he is our highest ICC ranked Test

batsman and a man who has on numerous occasions held the West Indies batting innings together.”

Australia are set to play two Tests, the first at Windsor Park in Dominica starting next Wednesday, while the second is carded for Sabina Park in Jamaica, bowling off June 11. (CMC)

lose to 50 riders have signed up for this weekend’s 33rd annual Independence ThreeStage cycling meet, according to national coach and chief organiser of the event, Hassan Mohamed.

In giving an update on the event on Thursday morning, Mohamed said while registration has been moving slowly, he was generally satisfied with preparations for the two-day activity, which will pedal off on Saturday. That list includes strictly local riders, as no overseas cyclist had entered up to press time on Thursday.

Mohamed said in an effort to allow for more riders to participate, registration will be extended to at least this afternoon.

The event, which is usually funded by the Government, will be held on Saturday and Sunday,

Hassan Mohamed

touching the counties of Berbice and Demerara.

The only difference in the arrangement this year is that the cyclists and officials will depart for Berbice from the National Sports Commission office on Homestretch Avenue, instead of the Sport Ministry on Main Street.

The contingent will head off to Berbice today at noon. turn to page 23

GFF announces 8-team Elite League I n keeping with the new mandate issued

by CONCACAF, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) invited applications for Elite Club Licence from all member associations to be submitted by May 12, 2015. A total of 11 applications were received.

According to the GFF, as per CONCACAF guidelines, a First Instance Decision Making Body was established to review and pronounce on these applications. It was agreed that no Normalisation Committee Members of the GFF would sit on this body.

Following the review process, all 11 applications were approved for Elite Club Licence. The Competitions

Committee of the GFF then met with the view of choosing eight of the 11 clubs to participate in the soon-tobe-launched Elite League.

The selection process was guided by four criteria that were established long before applications were received.

These criteria were (1) Elite League Licence (which all 11 clubs satisfied); (2) budget and financial standing; (3) competitive results over a three to five year period; and (4) geographic proximity of the club.

Following a thorough review based on the criteria outlined, the following eight clubs were invited to participate in the inaugural GFF Elite League: Alpha United, GDF, Slingerz FC,

Pele, Fruta Conquerors, GFC, Buxton United and Monedderlust FC. The announcement was made on Monday last at the Water Chris Hotel and Bar in the presence of CONCACAF Club Licensing Manager Andres Portabella and FIFA Consultant Michael Gandler, who visited to speak to the eight selected clubs about the vision of CONCACAF and Club Licensing in the region.

He noted CONCACAF’s Mission Statement: “To develop, promote and manage football throughout the Region with integrity, transparency and passion in order to inspire participation in the game.”

Portabella stated that in-

Slingerz FC, one of the country’s successful clubs in recent times, has made it to the GFF Elite League

spiring participation is key.

“So we want to inspire more clubs, we want to inspire more leagues, more admin-

istrators, and more coaches to take their organisation o the next level.”

The GFF congratulates

the eight clubs and looks forward to the commencement of the Elite League, which is scheduled for August 2015.

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