GuyanaTimes

Nagamootoo

Lima to benefit from $191M pump station within months

Tackle! Youths from the Rasville football

(Marceano Narine photo)

HPS, Dr Roger Luncheon greets a PPP/C supporter at

SunDAY, mArch 29, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Diaspora prefers PPP/C; vexed with AFC; rejects APNU – NACTA

An informal opinion poll on Guyana’s electoral discourse being conducted by North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) in the last few weeks in the New York metro area has revealed findings that are an almost exact replica of those found in Guyana.

The survey has found that a large majority of Guyanese prefers the ruling Poeple's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to the A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) alliance to govern Guyana. Most AFC supports are vexed with their party and some have withdrawn from supporting it because of its tie up with the APNU (People's National Congress (PNC)).

A large majority rejects APNU saying it is the PNC under disguise latching on to the AFC to come to power. The Diaspora fear the restoration of tyrannical rule should PNC (renamed APNU) return to power through its electoral alliance with the AFC. The majority of the New York-based Diaspora equate PPP/C with progress and development and APNU (PNC) with decline and underdevelopment.

But they are not all in praise of the policies of the PPP/C with many saying the party needs to undergo serious reforms, reject several arrogant officials, and recruit credible members of the Civic community to be on its electoral list.

The survey spoke with dozens of Indo-Guyanese in Queens and a smaller number of Afro-Guyanese in Brooklyn. The survey was conducted by Dr Vishnu Bisram, Director of NACTA Polling.

Although a large number of the Diaspora are dissatisfied with PPP/C governance, they feel it is a better alternative to the alliance led by the PNC (APNU). The majority does not view the APNUAFC alliance as attractive expressing fear of a repeat of history when the PNC and the United Force (UF) formed an alliance to defeat the PPP/C during the 1960s.

They note that after capturing power, the PNC used its majority to kick out the UF resulting in the establishment of a PNC dictatorship and all the attendant abuses between 1964 and 1992.

Guyanese Americans see APNU as the PNC, and they are not pleased with the AFC forming an alliance with it. While many overseas-based Guyanese say they are comfortable with the AFC, and would have supported the party had it fought the election alone, they feel uncomfortable with the AFC teaming up with APNU. They feel no good would come out of such a partnership especially that the APNU (PNC) would control a majority of the MPs and the Cabinet where decisions are made by majority vote.

The alliance gives a 60 per cent majority to the APNU whose leader will control political power as per the constitution.

A large majority of the Diaspora is not in favour of any alliance in which APNU

(PNC) is a constituent part. They feel the PNC (APNU) disqualifies itself for being in any democratic alliance by refusing to address abuses of its governance and tendering a sincere apology to the nation about same. The Diaspora (especially in Queens) endorses the one time view of the AFC that it is “political kokobey” to link up with the PNC (APNU). And they say they are shocked that the AFC would go to bed with the APNU, viewing it as political opportunism and politicking of vengeance against the PPP/C/C.

The findings of the poll also reveal a large number of Guyanese are upset with the PPP/C, venting their frustration over the Government’s handling of a number of controversial matters and perception of corruption. But they say they do not want to take a chance with the APNU, even in an alliance, worried that APNU would resort to racial intimidation and discrimination. They see a repeat of the terrible PNC governance of 1960s thru 1980s all over again. The Diaspora make reference to contraband goods, jail for consuming banned foods, kick down robberies, national service, guylines, rigged elections, and dictatorship, among other complaints. They said they do not wish a repeat of that horrible experience.

The survey found people are divided in their politi-

cal loyalty along racial lines. Almost every overseas-based Afro-Guyanese feels the alliance should be given a chance although they grudgingly say the country has made great strides since the PPP/C came to office in 1992. Almost every Indo-Guyanese feels the AFC should have contested the elections by itself, but some are still supporting the AFC though not pleased with the party teaming up with the PNC.

The overwhelming majority of Indo-Guyanese Americans wants the PPP/ C/C to retain office to keep out the APNU (PNC) from reversing the gains made since the restoration of democracy in 1992. Although many Indians express displeasure with some of the PPP/C’s policies, arrogance of some Government officials, and the perception of corruption, among other complaints, they say they cannot afford to take a risk with APNU-led alliance fearing a repeat of the past.

As some of them put it, it is a case of supporting the lesser of two evils for they know of what the PNC is capable of. Indians fear a reversal of political and economic gains the country has made since 1992 and a reestablishment of a dictatorship. They are convinced that APNU (PNC) is riding the AFC in order to win the election and once it acquires power, it will dump the AFC. Many Indians also express a serious concern of a repeat of racial victimisation and discrimination that characterised PNC rule between 1965 and 1992. PortugueseGuyanese Americans also express a similar fear. AfroGuyanese Americans, on the other hand, do not feel that the alliance will engage in the discredited practices of PNC rule.

With regards to the various figures in the political fray, PNC leader and alliance Presidential Candidate David Granger attracts very strong support among Africans and virtually none among Indians whereas PPP/C leader Donald Ramotar has strong support among Indians and virtually none among Africans. Granger’s running mate, Moses Nagamootoo, the former PPP/C stalwart and freedom fighter, is well admired and respected among Indians, but they are disappointed that he has teamed up with the PNC leader. Africans support Nagamootoo for linking up with Granger to defeat the PPP/C, but he would not have obtained support from Africans had he been the Presidential Candidate of AFC contesting the election on its own.

The Diaspora does not feel it knows enough about PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper as a politician to rate her.

Guyana welcomes new Brazilian military attache

After serving two years as the Defence Naval and Army Attache of Brazil to Guyana, Colonel Ronaldo Pacheco passed on his responsibilities to his successor, Colonel Benedito Romao Da Silva during an elegant ceremony at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

Colonel Pacheco had dedicated much time, energy and effort into strengthening the bilateral relations between Guyana and Brazil.

During his final address as the Defence, Naval and Army Attache, Colonel Pacheco underscored the strong ties between the neighbouring countries.

“The cordial and fraternal manner existing between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Office of the Brazilian Defence, Naval and Army Attache gives me the certainty that Guyana considers Brazil as a sister country,” he noted.

In reflecting on the two years he served, Colonel Pacheco pointed out that the GDF militaries ac-

quired materials and equipment such as a vehicle, computers, projectors and compasses to further improve the instruction being given to them.

Additionally, other activities accomplished includes the “Caribex” (A Caribbean Naval Training Exercise); training at the naval district in Belem with the Brazilian Navy and the GDF Coast Guard; and the successful holding of the first bilateral defence work group conference, incluside of the Brazilian Air Force and the GDF’s Air Corps.

The new Defence, Naval and Army Attache, Colonel Romao, pledged to sustain and further develop ties between the two South American countries.

He successfully completed courses in the Formation of Officers’ Course, Ordnance Course for Career Captains; Basic Parachutist Course; Jump Master Parachutist Course; Aircraft Course; Aircraft Combat Pilot Course; Advance Aviation Course; Command and General Staff Course; English Language;

Police find guns,

French Language; Spanish Language; Italian Language; Masters in Military Operations; Masters in Military Sciences and Air Force Component Course.

Colonel Romao is also the recipient of the Brazilian Army Medals; Silver Medal; Peacekeeper; Silver Troop Corp Medal; golden Badge Command Medal; the Order of Military Merit Medal and the Civilian Medal: Marshal Machado Lopes Medal.

He is accompanied by his wife Elizabeth Costa Machado and their two sons Gabriel Machado Romao Da Silva and Raphael Machado Romao Da Silva. Colonel Romao will be assuming the responsibility of Brazilian Defence, Naval and Army Attache for the next two years.

Meanwhile, the handing over of the responsibilities was done in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; retired Brigadier David Granger; Chiefof-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips; and other members of the diplomatic corp.

ammo in Diamond house - ex-Policemen nabbed

Police on Friday evening were successful in recapturing a wanted robbery suspect who escaped from Police custody while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Twenty-six-year-old Rayon Paddy of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, along with an accomplice was arrested at about 19:40h at a house in 21st Street, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

The men who are said to

be former Policemen were wanted for questioning in connection with a series of armed robberies, including one committed at the post office in Linden.

The men were allegedly impersonating Police ranks along the East Coast Demerara and Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

One of the ex-policemen known as “Paddy” was shot and injured by an off duty Policeman during a recent armed robbery at Popeye’s Restaurant on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. It was while under guard at the

medical facility that the man made good his escape. However, during the operation on Friday evening, Police recovered a .32 semi-automatic pistol with 12 rounds along with 17 rounds 5.56 calibre ammunition and a quantity of cocaine and marijuana. One blood-soaked “hoodie” was also found in the house along with several name tags and materials used to make number plates for vehicles. Both men are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

President Donald Ramotar

APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger

Former Defence Naval and Army Attache of Brazil to Guyana, Colonel Ronaldo Pacheco; Brazil Ambassador to Guyana Lineu Pupo de Paula; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and the new Defence Naval and Army Attache Colonel Benedito Romao Da Silva

By Michael younge

rime

PMinisterial Candidate for the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR)led A Partnership for Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) coalition, Moses Nagamootoo insists that he is not Indian but rather Guyanese.

Nagamootoo while speaking at a meeting held in New York to raise funds for the Opposition coalition group ahead of the May 11 election invoked a trip he made to India to receive a prestigious award where he claimed to have first made the declaration.

He was honoured in 2008 by the Global Organisation of the People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and presented with a community award which is generally given to “People of Indian Origin” recognised for their work among the Diaspora.

Nagamootoo insisted that that he did not see himself by being defined by his ethnicity but rather geography, explaining that he came to the conclusion after a process of introspection and searching for his identity. The organisation that was honouring him, specifically did so for his “community work as a Person of Indian Origin” and not that he was an “Indian National”. Nagamootoo accepted the award which is mentioned on every web page established by him, or about him.

On the campaign trail in New York, Nagamootoo once again took pains to point out “I have Indianess in me because of my ancestry but I had been born in Pakistan looking the way I look then I would have been a Pakistani….I wasn’t born in India, I was born in Guyana

and I am a Guyanese.”

The statement came at an awakard moment in his speech and appeared unrelated to the theme of his address which dealt with moving Guyana forward and appealing to Guyanese to forget their past which was dominated by riggings, injustices and wrongs committed by the PNC, while it was in office. Most of the members of the audience at Nerissa Place in Queens listening to Nagamootoo were Indian Guyanese.

His statements obviously caused some uneasiness among Guyanese here and abroad who interpreted his declaration as denying his ethnic identity, background and original ancestry.

But when Guyana Times contacted Nagamootoo for a clarification as to why he felt it necessary to make such a statement at the meeting in New York, he declined to comment.

Asked too to offer clarifications on statements he made and whether he saw any potential impact on his promise to deliver Indian votes to the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition, he declined to comment and hung up the phone.

But the Indian Arrival

Committee’s Chairman Neaz Suban said it appeared that the politician was denying his ethnicity and ancestry for political reasons.

“This is unacceptable”, Suban said as he explaining that any move to deny one’s ancestry is similar to demonstrating a lack of respect, appreciation and acceptance of one’s culture.

Suban argued that Guyana is now a multiethnic society made up of six races and there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of the races promoting their cultures, traditions or identity.

“If we fail to accept that we are Indian, African, Amerindian, Portuguese or Chinese, in many ways, we are denying the diversity that makes us strong”, he reasoned while explaining that being Guyanese cannot remove genetics.

Meanwhile, Executive Member of the African Cultural Developmental Association (ACDA), Dr Eric Phillips described Nagamootoo’s statement as “intriguing”.

He said that while it is understandable that politicians while have to address the is-

sues of race and unity as central themes on the campaign trail, there is nothing wrong with demonstrating proudness about one’s ethnicity or nationality.

He said “it would be interesting to understand the context and scope of the comments made”.

“I worry about politicians who are not comfortable with their own culture because if they are not comfortable with their own culture how can they be comfortable with somebody else’s culture. If you love your culture, you will treat it with respect and only then you will be able to entertain others cultures”, Phillips said.

Additionally, Ifraan Ali, Housing and Water Minister, when asked as to whether Moses Nagamootoo, who boasted about “spending 50 years in the PPP/C” was following some principle of the PPP/C when he said he was “not an Indian but a Guyanese” said that this was absolutely not so. “I am a young man who has also been the PPP/C practically all my life. And I must say that in no way, shape or form did Nagamootoo get such a belief from the PPP/C.

Dr Eric Phillips, ACDA Executive Director

Neaz Suban, IAC Chairman

Sunday Editor: Michael Younge

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

President of the people

Today at Kitty, the PPP/C will kick off the “rally” component of their campaign 2015, which will set the tone and pace until May 11. Leading the charge will be President Donald Ramotar, who is facing the same old criticism from the Opposition that he is not an “academic”.

The assumption, of course, is that academic training is the sine qua non of being the leader of a country. We remind readers of our 2011 commentary, on this theme.

Some time ago, Lloyd Best expatiated on the development of what he labelled “doctor” politics in the Caribbean. In a nutshell he proposed that because the British insisted the subjects in her colonies had to be “tutored” before they could govern themselves, graduates of her educational institutions assumed that they were automatically qualified to become leaders.

Not surprisingly, the hegemonised ordinary folks also accepted this notion and so we had a succession of “doctors” in subjects such as diverse as law, dentistry, history, etc, leading the West Indies, including Guyana, to independence.

The mould was set: to be a leader one had to be a “professional” – never mind that very few of these leaders were actually successful, if at all, because of their ‘doctor’ training.

Take the local case of Forbes Burnham, who is reflexively always described as an “intellectual”. He jumped through all the hoops that the British had established for producing “leaders”: a Guyana scholar in high school, an orator in university, and a lawyer by profession.

But none of these qualities made him into the leader of Guyana’s independence – the latter was accomplished solely on account of his willingness to be a tool of US-British manipulation.

Similarly none of his “intellectual” qualities prevented Guyana from failing in every sphere of national endeavour: a calamity from which the country has still not recovered. One fatal flaw of these so called “intellectuals” is that they have an inflated and unrealistic opinion of themselves. Believing they are “brighter” than everyone, they are impervious to advice, even when solicited and proffered.

On the other hand, Dr Cheddi Jagan, almost never considered Burnham’s “intellectual” equal by the British-educated elite, was a much more successful leader simply because of his innate disposition to adopt a more principled approach towards achieving real independence for the people of Guyana. He took advice.

Likewise, President Bharrat Jagdeo did not stand down from the greatest threat Guyana faced from internal terrorists because of his training in economics. His innate strength of mind did the trick. But the old “doctor politics” placebo of being an “intellectual” – actually a “graduate” of some professional programme – to become a political leader is still influencing some. Even some purported followers of Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Take the case of Moses Nagamootoo, who claims that he was personally selected by Dr Jagan to be his successor. (The fact that no one else appears to have any knowledge of this “selection” is not germane to the matter at hand.) Selected however, by Dr Jagan as a Minister of Government after the historic 1992 return of democracy to Guyana, Nagamootoo felt compelled to relinquish his portfolio and enter law school to burnish his “professional” credentials to be a “leader”.

On the other hand, Ramotar was selected by Dr Jagan to succeed him in the crucial role (as conceived by the latter) of General Secretary of the PPP/C.

While Dr Jagan opposed the notion of “party paramountcy” after the PNC fiasco, he accepted that the political party was the conceptualiser of the policies and programme its Government would execute while in office.

This was the practical role into which Ramotar was groomed, and accepted, as General Secretary – not the theoretical and cloistered one of “intellectual”. Ramotar is the first Guyanese President to be trained in politics, as a vocation. Cometh the hour, cometh the man!

Oh Beautiful Guyana

Nava-raatri: Identifying oneself with the Supreme Spirit

Observed twice annually, Nava-raatri, a period of nine nights, is regarded very sacred by Hindus. While it is outwardly featured with hosts of richly symbolic rituals and ceremonies, it is more of a highly spiritually charged period, wherein every effort ought to be made in identifying oneself with the Supreme Spirit.

It is a period of sincere prayers, symbolic worship, cool introspection and genuine scriptural recommitment.

Religious observances and traditional worship have at times more than one significance. Apart from them being the adoration of the Divine, they are commemorative of thrilling bygone events, allegoric when interpreted from the occult standpoint, and are significant pointers, guiding man on the path of Godrealisation.

Nava-raatri is one such observance. It is dedicated to worship of God as Mother –the feminine aspect in three prominent names: Durgaa,

Lakshmee and Saraswatee.

However, underlying all outward engagements during the observance, there must be a more sublime and profound inward transformation of life, that every spiritual aspirant seeks to undergo.

This deeper purpose of Nava-raatri is captured in its division of three sets of three nights each, to which the spiritual aspirant in his life of spiritual pursuits adore the different aspects of the Supreme Goddess.

This has got a very sublime, yet thoroughly practical, truth to reveal. In its cosmic aspect, it epitomises the stages of the evolution of man into God, from manhood to Godhood. In its individual import, it shows the course that spiritual pursuits should take.

The central purpose of existence is to recognise the eternal identity with the Supreme Spirit. It is to grow into the image of the Divine. The Supreme One embodies the highest perfection. It is spotless purity, “Niranjana”. To identity with That, to at-

tain union with That, is verily to grow into the very likeness of the Divine.

The spiritual seeker has, therefore, as the initial step, to get rid of the countless impurities and the un-divine elements that have come to cling to him in his embodied state. This transformation is to be had during the first three nights (first segment of Nava-raatri), where the Supreme is worshipped as Mother Durgaa.

Then the acquisition of lofty virtues and auspicious divine qualities are then sought for. This happens in the second three nights of the season, wherein the Goddess as Lakshmee in adored.

Thus, rendered full of purity and goodness, Knowledge flashes upon the seeker like the brilliant rays of the sun upon the crystal waters of a perfectly calm lake. This is to be had in the final section of Nava-raatri in which Saraswatee is worshipped.

This arrangement has also a special significance in the aspirant’s spiritual evo-

lution. It marks the stages of evolution which are indispensable for every seeker of spirituality, through which everyone should pass. One naturally leads to the other, and to short-circuit this would inevitably result in a miserable failure. Nowadays, many ignorant spiritual seekers aim straight at the appropriation of Knowledge without the preliminaries of purification and acquisition of divine qualities, and complain that they are not progressing in the path. How can they?

Knowledge will not descend till the impurities are washed out and purity is developed. The pure and good plant can grow on no impure soil.

Therefore, Nava-raatri once observed as pointed out above brings man to realise his higher self and to feel the Supreme Spirit within – all of which helps in the journey of realising the Ultimate Goal – to merge with the Supreme.

Pt Charranlall Nandalall

Stop the misinterpretation of words

Dear Editor, Why are people misinterpreting Bharrat Jagdeo’s statements and making a political mockery out of it?

When Mr Jagdeo said that President Donald Ramotar should “kick asses”, he merely meant that Mr Ramotar should be more strict and severe with his opponents who were cutting budgets in the Parliament and blocking important pieces of legislation to be passed for the benefit of the country. It means Mr Ramotar should take a hardline approach when dealing with his opponents instead of being a “nice guy”.

When I was teaching management 30 years ago, I used to tell my students you have to kick ass to get work done in Guyana. What I really meant was that you have to supervise your workers and keep an eye on them all day or you will never get production. Most businessmen will agree with me here.

About comparing Dr Cheddi Jagan’s house with Mr Jagdeo’s house: Mr Jagdeo was merely trying to explain to the public that his house in 2015 as compared to Dr Jagan’s house in 1960 was not of significant difference due to a different era.

Dr Jagan’s house in 1960

was a luxury at that time as I used to live near to him for a short period. Next door to Dr Jagan’s home was the late Milton Lowe’s residence, a huge three storeyed building with swimming pool and all the surrounding homes were luxurious homes at that time.

It is like comparing a Mini Minor in 1960, a luxurious car at that time, with a Toyota Premio car in 2015. Not much differences when you take the time period into consideration. The same goes for houses in the 1960s when comparing to those in 2015.

About PPP/C being a coolie party: Mr Jagdeo was explaining to his audience and

quoted from APNU supporters who were on the streets during the last elections, saying “ come out and vote the coolie man out”. Now that statement from APNU supporters was directed to the ruling party, PPP/C and all that Mr Jagdeo did was quote from APNU supporters. Mr Jagdeo never said that the PPP/C is a coolie party. I am appealing to the Opposition politicians to stop the misinterpretation of words for their own selfish benefits and political mileage.

Balwant Persaud

An afternoon view from the Georgetown Seawall (Photo by Shantanand Anude)

Part 6

National Service 1973: Racist, oppressive PNC mechanism

Gradually, the question of voluntary National Service was revealed to be a sham and National Service in essence became a criterion for entrance to University of Guyana.

This requirement was then extended for many areas of higher education, be it the nursing or teaching profession, and also became a requirement for obtaining Government funded schol-

“And may I also remind all would be applicants for the University of Guyana will have to do National Service, either at the beginning or during the course of their being at the University, at such time as may be decided by the people’s representative, the Government.”

Burnham sarcasm was evident in his pronouncement on National Service but there is little doubt that

The only way this can be acceptable is if it is done on a voluntary basis, as no other can be acceptable.

“By an ill-conceived and ill-considered act, the Government is aiding and abetting divisions in the country. It is also creating the climate for a greater exodus from Guyana. Compulsory National Service is now being applied at the University of Guyana.

arship for studying abroad.

Even for a job in the civil services, there were clauses attached to employment that suggest if called upon, civil servants had to undergo a stint of National Service. The all-pervasive nature of National Service as a compulsory requirement became very clear when Forbes Burnham on June 8, 1976 made his position very explicit:

Job opportunities

“Though service in the National Service will not be compulsory for those who want to enter the Public Service, those who have done National Service will have acquired so many qualifying points that it will be difficult, for those who have not done to get pass those who have done to get into the Public Service.”

Burnham further added: “We are not saying that it would be compulsory. You can still apply to enter the Public Service, but, comrades you get to be an Olympic world-beater to beat people who have been in the National Service getting into the Public Sector and you know how large the Public Sector is today.

“They are not the days when you could have left the Public Sector and thought going into the last bastions of capitalism; for even those like the walls of Jericho have tumbled since week before the last Tuesday.

the most sensitive issue in Guyana at that time was the Government’s decision on compulsory National Service for women and the impact this had on women especially East Indian women to pursue tertiary education.

East Indians were alarmed by the proposal to send young Indian girls to remote parts of the country.

In Guyana it is customary for unmarried Indian women to live at home with their parents. Those who worked in urban areas away from home lived with relatives or make boarding arrangements with family. This is part of a deep rooted cultural pattern.

Compulsory National Service offends against the mores and customs of the Indian community, “an aggressive political culture, and hostile to themselves without any protection in an unfamiliar forested hinterland”.

Janet Jagan in an examination of National Service writes “that customs and culture of people must be respected, deeply rooted feelings, habits and traditions cannot be changed by cohesion and force… there are also married women who are being inducted into the National Service and this is a violation of the sanctity of the home.

“Why a married woman should be required to leave her husband for a year to serve in an interior camp?

Jagdeo to Trotman: Fear Ramotar, Harper, not me

By Gomatie GanGadin

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo has responded to comments made by co-chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman that he should stay out of the elections race.

Speaking to a packed room of journalists on Saturday at the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP/C) headquarters, Freedom House, Jagdeo related that he could not comprehend why Trotman would make such statements given the fact that for the past three years, the only spotlight he had occupied was the one at Babu Jaan when the PPP/C held its memorial for former President and founder of the PPP/C, Dr Cheddi Jagan and at a press conference he had called two weeks ago.

“I thought that maybe I should host another press conference to assure my friends in the Opposition that some of their concerns and some of their worries will not materialise. The first is that they said that I should stay out of the race and he spoke about the prominence I played on the campaign trail but I have not joined the campaign trail as yet. I made one speech at Babu Jaan and I had one press conference… so I don’t know what he is talking about the prominence that I’ve played on the campaign trail so far,” the former President related.

Opposition. The second thing they said was that I want to get on the ticket; that somehow I want to get on the ticket when the list is handed in. Well I know they are worried about that but I am not on the ticket. I have said that before I am interested in any constitutional post,” Jagdeo expressed.

He noted that the only ticket that the PPP/C has is the one with Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar and Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper, one he fully endorses. The former President reiterated that he fully supports the President and that Trotman’s comments signal fear within the Opposition

APNU+AFC coalition.

“I am prepared to help my Government, the PPP/C Government, a Government that I support headed by President Donald Ramotar in a capacity where I believe I have some skills. I am not in running for any position… We are one ticket. Donald Ramotar is the Presidential Candidate and Elisabeth Harper, the Prime Ministerial Candidate the PPP/C is contesting the elections. I am supporting that ticket,” he said.

He further pointed out that Trotman nor the A Partnership for National Unity’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon did not have the authority to speak on what role he should or should not play on the campaign trail while pointing out that he was asked by the PPP/C’s Executive Committee to appear on the trail and that is all that matters.

On Friday, Trotman told media operatives at the APNU+AFC press conference that Jagdeo should stay out of the elections campaign since he was being featured more than current Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar.

“Women, according to the plan now in operation will have to serve a year in the interior camp if they wish to be students at the University of Guyana. This has led to the drop out of a number of women students. It has also led to a large number of women seeking and wishing university education refusing to enroll under these harsh conditions.” (to be continued)

Jagdeo went on to state that it would seem that the Opposition was scared of his influence but they should not be since he was not interested in running for any position and was not on any list or ticket for the upcoming General and Regional Elections which will be held on May 11.

“I am very pleased that one speech and one press conference would generate so much worry in the

The all-pervasive nature of National Service as a compulsory requirement became very clear on June 8, 1976

PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition Campaign Manager

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

Nowadays, it’s so much easier to get yourself heard across the globe, thanks to the Internet. You can post something on some social media site and within minutes or hours it can be seen by people millions of miles away.

It’s easy to post things without pausing to consider exactly how many people could potentially see what you’re about to share. Confidentiality isn’t such a big deal any more.

It’s not unusual for most people to wake up, roll over in bed, grab their phone (which they fell asleep using) and start scrolling through Twitter or Facebook. We share so much about ourselves on the Internet – what we’re having for lunch, what we’re wearing today, our current location, our political views, complaints

Doctor-patient

confidentiality

“Whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not in connection with it, I see or hear in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret” – Hippocratic Oath

about any and everything, and details about our jobs.

And it’s become so normal to share everything that people don’t really think twice before sharing something. And while for most things, the biggest danger of oversharing is annoying your friends with yet another picture of your healthy lunch, sometimes it can have much bigger ramifications.

But for doctors they have an actual duty to maintain confidentiality – there are exceptions –but there is that duty. So if a doctor decides to take a selfie while in the OR with their patient open on the table behind them, with the caption “Ugh #Mondays”, it’s not just how desensitised she is to think that it’s a good idea to post that, she’s breaking the rule of confidentiality with her patient – which is part of that principle of the patient’s autonomy, I spoke about earlier.

Patient confidentiality is a vital part of the doctor-patient relationship, and as indicated above it’s actually part of the Hippocratic Oath every doctor takes. In order for the doctor to be able to

make a sound diagnosis of the patient’s condition, the doctor must get all of the necessary information from the patient. The patient therefore, has to trust the doctor to not spill all of their private medical details, in order to speak freely.

Doctors have to be able to balance their lives as individuals with their duty as a doctor to their patients. They’ll have to set boundaries. They’ll have to remember doctor-patient confidentiality at all times.

They’ll have to always keep at the forefront of my mind that the cases they’ll be dealing with are actual people who not only have a desire for privacy but a right. They really wouldn’t want the details of their ailment to be bandied about on the Internet for the entire world to see.

It’s about respecting the patient, it’s about having some empathy and placing yourself into the shoes of the patient to think about whether you’d like it if someone was spilling the beans about your health.

Some of the exceptions are pretty straightforward. For instance the law

may require a doctor to inform the authorities of say, a particular communicable disease that presents a public health challenge.

Right now if your doctor suspects that you may have contracted Ebola, she should inform the authorities – while also informing the patient of the diagnosis and also of passing on the info.

While this is a tricky one, doctors many also disclose confidential info if they believe it’s in the patients best interest. But here again, the patient must be informed.

Finally, the last and trickiest exception is if in deciding that a patient’s condition presents a threat to the public, which outweighs the patient’s interest in keeping the information confidential, she must pass on the info.

What I have gained from this issue of confidentiality is that all patients must be considered as subjects with rights and not objects to be manipulated. And patients ought to know about these responsibilities of doctors towards them.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Jagan’s lifestyle…

Ramkarran

distorted my statements – Jagdeo

… insists would never question Jagan’s integrity

By Devina Samaroo

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo contended that former People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive Ralph Ramkarran distorted the statements he made regarding the late Cheddi Jagan’s lifestyle.

Jagdeo had previously commented on the living arrangements of the former President Cheddi Jagan in comparison with his, which sections of the media had seemingly blown out of proportion.

According to Jagdeo, Ramkarran extensively contributed to a very mischievous article suggesting that he (Jagdeo) questioned the integrity and standards of the founder of the PPP/C.

“Mr Ramkarran pathologically hates me… because he thinks I played a role in him not being the Presidential Candidate for the PPP… so for three years he has been criticising me… he deliberately distorted what I said…” Jagdeo maintained.

He further argued that the comments raised by Jagan’s daughter Nadira Jagan-Brancier were in response to the statements by Ramkarran and not in direct response to what he had said.

Jagdeo affirmed that he would never question Jagan’s integrity, nor has be any reason to do so, therefore any medium that attempts to insinuate such a perception has to be formulated for sinister reasons.

“I would be the last person to question his integrity… the under mischief was started by Ralph Ramkarran…,” Jagdeo asserted.

Further, the former President sided with the position taken by Jagan’s daughter after certain media houses tried to imply that he (Jagdeo) said Jagan used his presidency position for personal gains.

Jagan-Brancier clarified in a letter, that “My par-

ents, as is well known, devoted and sacrificed their lives for the betterment of the people of Guyana. They did not use their position for personal gains, which would have been very easy to do… they chose to live a very simple and comfortable lifestyle. They did not lead an extravagant life. Even when they were both Presidents of Guyana they maintained the same simple lifestyle they had always lived before.” Jagdeo alluded that if he were to “feel” that someone had criticised or degraded his father’s character, then he too would have acted in a similar manner to defend his father’s integrity. Jagdeo noted that Jagan was a person of high moral standards whom he shared a close relationship with, and therefore, would never undermine his character.

12 years as President Further, in justifying himself against criticisms on his living arrangements and the size of his pension, Jagdeo highlighted that he served 12 years as President of Guyana and what he is receiving was not specially crafted just for him, but other Presidents such as Arthur Chung had the same conditions.

“If people earn their money honestly, why should they be worried about building a nice house… I served 12 years as President… it’s not something I took for myself… its 7/8 of my salary…its always been like that…” Jagdeo highlighted. He added that the Opposition Leader David Granger, who often complains about the conditions of his lifestyle, walks away with roughly $600,000 a month from Parliament.

In addition to that, Jagdeo noted that the Opposition Leader has other conditions taken care of by the Government such as security purposes and office expenses, none of which Granger ever sought to complain about.

APNU+AFC Whim rally… Jagdeo to Granger: explain 1973 ballot box killings

By Devina Samaroo

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo has challenged the newly formed A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition to address several pressing issues in connection with the village of Whim, as they take their rally to the community to try to sell their alliance as the next Government of Guyana.

Today, the APNU+AFC will be taking its campaign trail to Whim, Corentyne Berbice- an area that has over

plain why those two men were killed.

Despite many foreign territories indicating that elections were rigged in Guyana post-1992, Jagdeo pointed out that Granger constantly denies those allegations.

Therefore, he concluded that when Granger hides from the past and maintains that elections were not rigged, then he is justifying that those two men died in vain.

Granger had written in his book, New Road about the 1973 event. He said that the “soliders had performed splendidly

ballot boxes to an undisclosed place and changed the votes in support of the PNC.

In fact, after killing the two men, who were later declared to be "The Ballot Box Martyrs", the GDF took the ballot boxes to Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown where ballot boxes from all over the country were also brought. The government said that the ballots were counted - even though the process was observed by none of the invited official observers and the PNC was declared to have received 70 per cent of the votes. With more than two

the years voted solidly for the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Incidentally, Jagdeo challenged the party’s officials to explain the brutal killings of two civilians while trying to protect the integrity of the ballots in 1973.

“Ten miles from Whim in 1973, two persons – Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Paramanand – were killed when they tried to protect the ballot boxes from being stolen, they were shot dead…,” he highlighted.

On that note, he dared Opposition Leader David Granger and Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo to stand on the platform at Whim and ex-

in the face of provocation” after explaining that the PPP was trying to disrupt the process.

Granger also referred to the PPP/C supporters as “gangsters” in the book but none of the civilians who defended the ballot boxes were armed or aggressive towards the Army officials who went in with guns and heavy-duty weapons.

In the book New Road, Granger appeared to be glorifying the role played by the Army and fails to acknowledge the fact that Guyanese were killed while demonstrating for their rights as the ballots were not counted at the place of poll back in 1973 and there were fears that the PNC using the Army would have taken the

thirds of the Assembly, the PNc could change the Constitution at will.

Further, Jagdeo challenged the Opposition to justify why they were against the construction of the University of Guyana Campus in Tain, which is now benefiting the education of all the children in Berbice.

He pointed out that the Opposition had unreservedly opposed to having a campus in Berbice.

“When we sought to build that campus, they were opposed to it, they said we were carrying university education to our supporters, now I think everyone in Berbice uses the campus, not only our support-

ers. Now Granger promises free education and now they cut the University of Guyana student loan and the party opposed the Tain campus just a stone’s throw away from Whim…,” Jagdeo stated, noting that the coalition will have to work assiduously to justify those facts to the residents.

Jagdeo highlighted that the coalition will show up in Whim and then claim to have a plan for education and the betterment of life while all their ac-

tions throughout the years is contradicting their campaign speeches.

The former President did not stop there; Jagdeo had more suggested issues for the coalition to address during their rally. He highlighted that, during the Burnham era, the Government had denied residents of Whim the right to electricity.

“Because the residents voted for the PPP, they took electricity to Berbice and bypassed

Whim and then went on to Manchester,” he disclosed. Jagdeo went on to challenge the coalition to explain why they were readily willing to shutdown the sugar industry – an industry that basically drives the economy in Berbice. Jagdeo reflected on when an APNU Member of Parliament had called for the closure of the industry, which facilitates the livelihood of most of the residents in Berbice.

“I am not Indian”...

The PPP has always maintained that Guyana is a multiethnic nation – and that everyone should be proud of their culture.”

Minister Ali questioned why Nagamootoo would deny his ethnic identity in a meeting introducing the AFC’s new coalition partner, the PNC-led APNU. “I find it very hypocritical of Nagamootoo to enter a coalition with APNU in which he pointed out his only bargaining chip was “the 11 per cent Indian-Berbician votes” he could deliver and now act as if there is something wrong about being “Indian”. The APNU/ AFC coalition is now boasting about creating “national unity” because APNU’s predominantly African-Guyanese would be joined by Nagamootoo’s “Indians-Guyanese. So where is Nagamootoo in that “unity”??

When asked that maybe as an old Marxist, Nagamootoo rejects “ethnicity”, Minister

Ali was very scoffing. “Let me tell you something comrade. As far back as 1988, on the 150th Anniversary of African Emancipation and the beginning of Indian Indentureship, Cheddi Jagan – in collaboration with the same Nagamootoo, imagine that!! – complimented Dr Walter Rodney for being a “Pan African”.

“On the question of race/ethnicity and class Dr Jagan believed as CLR James did: “The race question is subsidiary to the class question in politics... but to neglect the racial factor as merely incidental is an error only less grave than to make it fundamental.”

Min Ali continued, “And Nagamootoo isn’t even making an “error”. It’s clear he has serious issues with his identity as an “Indian Guyanese”. Maybe he’s trying to curry-favour with his new companions in APNU. But in the same year as Dr Jagan’s compliment to Rodney,

the Marxist leader had also written:

“It is short-sighted to see the “Caribbean man” only as a “black man”, and Caribbean culture as African culture. Apart from the different countries of their origin, both our black slave and Indian indenture ancestors watered the sugar cane with their blood. Through their struggles and sacrifices, they have made valuable contributions to our historical and social development.”

But he should know that all his new friends in APNU have long gone past that complex – especially the two David’s, Granger of the PNC and Hinds of the WPA. If they can say they are proud to be “African Guyanese” why does Nagamootoo believe they don’t want him to be an “Indian Guyanese”?? Yet he wants to exploit Indian Berbician votes as such. What a hypocrite!”

One of the many scenes of Army officials fetching ballot boxes from the place of poll

PPP/C promises more development if re-elected

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul called on the residents of Queenstown, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to give their support to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the upcoming election, saying that development will continue under a PPP/C led Administration.

Dr Gopaul was at the time speaking at a public meeting held at Queenstown. The Labour Minister, who spoke at length, said their only choice should be the PPP/C; a party which has a developmental agenda.

Turning his attention to the Opposition, Dr Gopaul said the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is sheltering under A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) trying to shield itself as a “saint”, when in fact it is well known for rigging elections.

“They coming and fool you, sugar was at the lowest level, the bauxite industry had collapsed and the rice industry

was on its knees, there were severe food shortages, and blackouts was the order of the day,” Dr Gopaul said as he turned back the pages of history to a time when the PNC was in control.

Dr Gopaul said that the past should always be remembered, highlighting that when the PPP/C took the reins of power after winning the National and Regional Elections on October 5, 1992, Guyana as a country saw true

transformation in every sector. He said the re-building process commenced under the great leadership of Cheddi Jagan.

Dr Gopaul, speaking on the rice industry, said “it has come a long way,” and the Opposition is now trying to mix rice with politics. He said due to the investments made in the sector, it has managed to strive.

The Labour Minister said the drainage and irrigation network has improved throughout the country, noting that concrete culverts, revetments and bridges were constructed across the country. He further pointed out that rice production has grown significantly under the PPP/C Administration.

Dr Gopaul told Essequibians that the PPP/C has a vision to transform Guyana, adding that the party had intended to complete all infrastructural work by the end of 2015 where lights would have being installed along the road ways from Georgetown to

Crabwood Creek, Georgetown to Parika and Supenaam to Charity.

The Minister explained that those plans were hindered by the Opposition after the 2011 Election when APNU and AFC combined their seats in the National Assembly and got a one seat majority over the Government.

“For three years not a single project proposed by the PPP/C garnered the attention of the Opposition, they are blocking everything,” the Minister stressed.

Dr Gopaul also told the gathering, the Opposition has nothing to offer and its quest is all about power. “When they come let them tell you what they will be doing for you, they are talking and criticising all the time, this is not what leaders do.”

Former Members of Parliament Cornel Damon and Farouk Khan were among the other speakers at the forum. Another PPP/C public meeting was also held on Saturday at Golden Fleece Estate.

Eyew tness

Barefoot and pregnant...

...women of the PNC

The Americans have some very evocative expressions: keeping women "barefoot and pregnant" is one of them. "Barefoot – to make sure she's not out in the "bright lights” – and "pregnant" so that she's kept busy "minding" babies. The man is BOSS!! He is to be SERVED by HIS women.

In fact, one US women's group ironically bestows a Barefoot and Pregnant Award "to persons in the community who have done the most to perpetuate outmoded images of women and who have refused to recognise that women are, in fact, human beings”.

Well, if Guyana had such an award (and, boy does it need one!) according to Africo Selman, the PNC-led APNU would win it hands down. Especially its leader, David Granger.

Selman's a relative of one of the old female stalwarts of the PNC – Shirley Field-Ridley – who was a very bright lawyer and was made Education Minister by Burnham. She married Hamilton Green and died under very suspicious circumstances that led most folks to conclude she was murdered.

Selman has good PNC pedigree. But after eight years as a PNC parliamentarian, Selman quit the party and joined the PPP/C. Why?? Can't say it's "for the soup". She waited until the Government was dissolved to make her announcement. Can't be because the PPP/C's a shoo-in at the upcoming elections: even the PPP/C would concede this election's going down to the wire.

So why DID Selman leave the PNC?? For the simple reason, from her long and bitter experience, there's no place in the PNC (or its place holder, APNU), unless you accept that your place is to be "barefoot and pregnant".

You're supposed to do the bidding of those who were born to be leaders – that is the males. According to Selman it wasn't even just Granger – WPA Executive Desmond Trotman, who couldn't even garner 10 votes at an election, could dress down her and other female young PM's with impunity.

In an eye-opening interview in this newspaper, Selman revealed the pattern of abuse that males in the PNC dole out to women – excepting those like Amna Ali who revel in their "lapdog", doormat role.

The proof of the subservience is in the roles women were allocated in the PNC. President or Presidential Candidate? None. PM?? None. Debra Backa was dropped like a hot potato after filling the "security portfolio" the moment Felix came aboard.

In contrast the PPP/C's produced a female President and a female Prime Ministerial Candidate. The PNC has never "walked the walk" when it comes to females.

Barefoot and Pregnant is the best a PNC woman can aspire to.

...Third World

The late, great Lee Kuan Yew reminds us that Third World countries can't accept the "barefoot and pregnant" ideology writ large: where the poorer countries have to be doormats for the richer ones. Here, the running assumption by the Opposition is if they bark every time the "developed" powers snap their fingers, they'll get a stab to become "lapdogs in office".

The Government recently seems to be falling into line. After belatedly complaining that the USAID-funded IRI's behind an unsolicited "youth vote" initiative (recently joined with a women-funded group), they seem to have capitulated.

But the recent meeting of some foreign ambassadors with our Army top brass really crosses the line. Did our Secretary of Defence approve this intrusion into our most sensitive institution?

Can anyone imagine our Ambassador to Britain requesting a meeting with their Chiefs-of-Staff of their armed forces before their next elections?

They might do what they want to do in any case...but do we have to bend over??

...Nagamootoo

An email from a NY PNCite big wig revealed the pressures they've exerted on Nagamootoo on what he can and can't say. What did Martin Carter say about the mouth being "muzzled by the hand that feeds it?"

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul

Lima to benefit from $191M pump station within months

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lionel Wordsworth has disclosed that stateof-the-art high capacity pump station at Lima, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), will be commissioned within the next eight months.

Wordsworth made this disclosure while inspecting the multimillion-dollar project on Thursday. At

carved, orientation has been completed and test piles were also driven,” the NDIA CEO said as he alluded to aspects of the project completed thus far.

When commissioned, Wordsworth said, the facility would be the largest pump station in Region Two that has the capacity to pump 200 cubic feet per second, an optimum of 89,000 gallons of water per minute. This, he said, will bring great relief to

the time, he was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Baksh and NDIA Engineer, Jafaun Permansingh.

Speaking on the project, Wordsworth said he is satisfied with the pace at which the projecting is progressing, although it is still in its initial stage.

“The footprint of the project is presently being

persons living within the Coffee Grove to Hampton Court environs.

Reliable drainage

He explained that the system will be very reliable, and will drain water off the land easily. Even as the pump station is being erected, Wordsworth noted that all of the pumps on the Essequibo Coast are opera-

tional.

The CEO noted that NDIA has embarked on a massive drive to improve all the drainage systems within the country, noting too that new systems will also be installed. It was pointed out that over $1.5 billion has been expended to enhance drainage and irrigation throughout Guyana.

Seven more similar projects have commenced in various areas across Guyana. Establishment of pump stations as well as installation of pumps is presently being done at La Grange, Canje, Black Bush Polder and Number 43 Village in Berbice.

Meanwhile, Minister Baksh said that residents and farmers will benefit significantly from the multimillion-dollar high capacity pump station. Baksh noted that the pump will serve over 3000 acres of rice lands and 1000 acres of other crops from La Belle Alliance to Coffee Grove area.

He further explained that the establishment and installation of the pump is a promise made to farmers and residents during the flooding in 2014. Baksh said he is happy that today the promise is coming to a reality. In the past, the pump at Lima was constantly clogged with sling mud, preventing the flow of water resulting in flooding.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Agriculture Ministry and the NDIA. The contract was awarded to Samaroo’s Investment from Hampton Court.

First lady brings smiles to Essequibo children

Guyana’s First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar brightened the faces of hundreds of children in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday when she showered them with kites to usher in the festive season of Easter. Ramotar began her distribution at her place of birth, Huist Dieren, where she interacted with children in the area. She then ventured to Golden Fleece Estate, Anna Regina, Dartmouth, Bounty Hall and Charity, where the children were not only overwhelmed with joy to receive their kites but also to meet the

First Lady.

At the time, she was accompanied by Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud and Regional Education Officer, Bharamdai Seepersaud.

During the distribution exercise, the First Lady told the children to take their education seriously. She advised them that education is critical to their development and reminded them to attend school regularly and punctually.

During the First Lady’s visit, she mingled with parents and community members as well. She also engaged the

children in an interactive session on the meaning and symbolism of Easter and kite flying.

The children were also reminded of the significance of Easter. “It signifies when Jesus Christ was crucified and then he was resurrected. He rose from the dead, from the grave and he went into Heaven, when you raise your Kite remember Jesus Christ,” the First Lady encouraged the children.

In return, the children showed their appreciation by reciting poems and songs for the First Lady and her team.

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar and her team arranging the kites for the children

NDIA CEO Lionel Wordsworth (right) and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Ali Baksh (centre) inspecting the project site at Lima

An excavator clearing sections of the site for the multimilliondollar pump station

Burrowes School of Art celebrates 40th Anniversary

The E R Burrowes School of Art celebrated its 40th anniversary on Thursday at its Lot 15 Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, location with a short ceremony and art exhibition. The school was established in September, 1975 with the objective of providing aspiring artists with formal art training and education in an environment in which their talents could develop.

The ceremony featured renditions of music as well as poetry. The audience was thrilled by the performance of a mime that had the crowd roaring with laughter. Young Ayesha Scotland, a current student of the school, moved the audience with her poem titled “Master Art” which led to calls of encore from the au-

dience. Ivor Thom, a gifted sculptor as well as an old student of the institution, reflected on the history of the school as well as his days in the school. He stated that the school was first located at the Sophia Exhibition Site, Greater Georgetown, but in 1976, it relocated to a more spacious building which

was formerly the district doctor’s residence, in Old Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Subsequent moves were made to the former Lillian Dewar College of Education building and later to Carmichael Street. In 1999, the school was moved to the former History and Arts Council building at Lot

15 Carifesta Avenue, where it is still housed.

Scotland also reflected on the establishment of the school which first saw the entrance of 68 students and saw drawing, painting and sculpting being offered. The school later introduced ceramics into the curriculum but this was not sustained for long. He said after two years only 21 students remained, however, only seven passed the exams and graduated inclusive of himself. He stated that to date, out of the graduates, four are practicing artists.

The E R Burrowes School of Art is an undergraduate institution accredited by the University of Guyana. Students graduate in two or three years with the Burrowes School of Art Certificate or Diploma, the latter qualification earning a two-year exemption from the Fine Arts degree programme at the university. Through an intervention by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, the school now has an improved building as well as support from the Government.

When Harree met Lalloo

Satiricus had long been a big time fan of Brother Bob Marley. And had freed his mind of "mental slavery". But he was still more than a bit upset when folks snickered at Lalloo Ram for insisting they call him "Chris".

OK...OK.... All Lalloo's buddies had followed Brother Bob's advise and changed their slave names back to real original ones like "Mwahebi Olumba" (meaning "one who stopped eating pork") and such like. But hey!! Didn't some other poet (not as famous as Brother Bob) ask, "What's in a name??"

Satiricus felt vindicated when it was revealed that Lalloo was actually a British citizen. Can't have a Britisher called "Lalloo", can you?? You can have one named "Lily Lolo" but that's grist for another mill. There WAS something in a name! And Satiricus hoped that all those who couldn't stop giggling at Lalloo's suspenders and pedantic language would ease up now.

"But what was Harree Narayan's excuse?" wondered Satiricus at the subject that had brought about this train of thought. Here it was that for donkey years (not "asses years" – that's not suitable for a family newspaper!) Harree had been telling one and all that he was "Ralf" even though he boasted HE never suffered from mental slavery!!

He had solved the contradictions of dialectical effluvia... and saw things in their "essences".

Satiricus only discovered Rolph was actually Harree when he read in the GTimes that "the man who would be President" had opened up a bank account in Barbados to clean up some money that had fallen into mud.

And those Bajans insisted he tell them his real name – or they would put him on the "GUYANESE bench" to sit for days. Rolph confessed right away that his real name was "Harree Narayan". He had "pile" and couldn't sit on the GUYANESE bench too long.

But why would Harree hide his real name?? Could it be that he too was British?? If he was "British" he couldn't run for President!! That was it! More than anything else in the world, Harree wanted to be President. He really wanted to have those Police cars with their sirens wailing when he would travel around.

But more important, when he sent his money that keeps on falling into mud to be washed in Bajan banks, they wouldn't be able to ask him for his real name. Immunities!!

And this explained what a little birdie had told him: Lalloo was suing GTimes on Harree's behalf for blowing his cover. The Brits have to stick together, wot?

Bel Air Park women on bond after alleged abuse

A28-year-old woman on Friday appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged for the use of abusive language.

The defendant, Alana Butcher of Lot 3 Bel Air Park, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on February 25, she verbally attacked the Virtual Complainant Indranie Mahindranauth, who lives in the lower flat of the house, which both the defendant and the VC been renting for five years.

The prosecution stated that on the day of the incident, Mahindranauth was openly complaining about the defendant’s dog defecating in the yard, when Butcher rushed down stairs, and an argument ensued between the two. It was stated that during the argument, the defendant verbally abused the Virtual Complainant (VC), addressing her with the use of some very uncomplimenta-

ry names.

However, the defendant refuted this claim, saying that she did not verbally abuse Mahindranauth but that it was Mahindranauth who had abused her. She said that Mahindranauth frequently drinks alcohol after which she would usually have altercations with her.

She claimed that on the day in question, when the VC allegedly launched into an animated argument directed at her and her family, about their dog, she remained silent through the entire incident.

According to Butcher, when she went into the yard, the VC approached her in a violent manner addressing her as a “prostitute” and “barren” several times and proceeded to lift her skirt into the air exposing herself.

Butcher said she chose to ignore the woman and had returned to her apartment. She said that sometime after, she was made aware that the VC had lodged a complaint against her.

Mahindranauth admitted to the accusation that she had in fact verbally abused the defendant on previous occasions which the prosecution took into consideration, however, through previous contradictory statements by the defendant, it was concluded that her testimony was false. The Prosecutor argued that while the VC had been speaking in an abusive manner on the day of the incident, it cannot be proven that the abusive language was directed at the defendant as Mahindranauth had not mentioned her name during the argument.

The defence attorney then pleaded for leniency in Butcher’s sentence as she lives with her mother, sister and niece, all of whom she cares for, is meaningfully employed and has had no previous conflict with the law. Butcher was fined $5000 and both women were made to sign a bond to keep the peace for 18 months. Failure to abide by this bond would result in one month of imprisonment.

Some pieces on display from students attached to the E R Burrowes School of Art

Capt Gouveia calls for constitutional reform to develop Guyana as wedding destination

By Devina Samaroo

The Roraima Group of Companies’ 7th

Annual Wedding Expo began on Friday evening, with the aim of showcasing Guyana’s diverse wedding industry and at the same time promoting the country as a wedding destination.

During his address at the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Roraima Group, Captain Gerry Gouveia said Guyana needs a constitutional reform to pave the way for the development of its wedding industry, as the current laws do not attract foreign couples to

travel to Guyana to be wed.

“Unfortunately, our wedding laws are still very arcane and people need to be here for three weeks before they can get married. People who are coming to wedding destinations expect that their weddings are facilitated at a higher rate…,” he said. He urged the lawmakers to make it a priority to change the laws to facilitate this initiative.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett underscored the importance of that amendment towards the development of Guyana’s tourism sector. She pointed out that, working cou-

ples often times get limited vocational leave to facilitate their wedding and therefore, cannot afford to wait three weeks. As such, she vowed to advocate for and assist in any way she can to have the legislation amended.

That aside, RodriguesBirkett applauded the coordinators for their incredible work in creating a forum where Guyanese entrepreneurs can showcase what Guyana’s wedding industry is made of.

Cultural change

The Minister reflected on Guyana’s traditions where families come together to plan weddings. However, she pointed out that times are changing and families now prefer to utilise external planning services as it takes away from the hassle and fatigue persons normally endure leading up to the wedding.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Lance Hinds also took to the podium to congratulate the Gouveia family for starting this initiative. Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ramesh Persaud was also in attendance.

Meanwhile, Wedding Expo 2015 saw a significant decrease in the number of

PSC letter on access to state media... Protocols already in place – President

President Donald Ramotar will be considering the request made by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for the Opposition parties to have equitable access to the State media during the elections period.

On March 19, the PSC wrote the President asking him to address the issue.

Speaking with Guyana Times via telephone on Saturday, President Ramotar has acknowledged that he received the letter and stated that “careful considerations” will given to the request made.

According to the President, there are protocols already established that were used in previous elections as such he will be reviewing those before making any decisions on the matter.

“I have to look at what was done in the past because everybody seemed to be pleased with what was done then so I will look at that and give careful considerations (to PSC’s request),” President Ramotar related to this newspaper.

Opposition parties have over the years complained about being unable to access the state broadcaster, National Communications Network (NCN) to aid paid programmes and advertisements and took a decision in previous budgets to cut allocations for both NCN and the Government

Information Agency (GINA). Guyana Times was told that the matter was recently raised by several international organisations and will be coming up for discussion at other forums soon.

The PSC shared its conviction that all political parties contesting the upcoming elections should be allowed fair and equitable access to all media entities for paid political advertisements and party elections broadcasts. “In this regard, the Commission calls for transparency by the media entities of the spots and spaces that will be made available for political advertisements and for transparency in the pricing of such allocations,” the PSC statement said.

In its letter to President Ramotar, the PSC said it is integrally involved in the process of ensuring that the upcoming Elections of May 2015 will be free

booths on display, when compared to the previous years. Commentators expressed that the lesser turnout is probably owed to the uneasiness due to the elections’ pe-

rene wedding atmosphere.

Wedding Expo is an event that provides couples preparing to be wed, as well as those assisting them, with an excellent opportunity to see

On display were fashion commodities, catering services, décor design services, and photography services, among many other services that would surely create

riod.

Nonetheless, the small exhibition attracted a significant crowd of people who came out to enjoy the se-

and interact with local businesses that offer the services necessary for planning and executing a seamless wedding.

and fair, outlining that it has been meeting with the United Nations agencies, Diplomatic Missions, the OAS and various other stakeholders involved in monitoring the elections.

“In all of our meetings, the issue of equitable access to radio and television, both state and privately operated for both political advertising and party election broadcast has been raised as a matter of priority to ensure a fair election.

In the course these meetings, we have determined that it is necessary for there to be a clear and defined policy and requirements governing broadcast licensees,” the PSC told President Ramotar in their letter.

“We write you, therefore, particularly as the Minister responsible for information, to request that you urgently address this matter. We have reviewed the Regulations of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa with respect to regulations governing Party Election Broadcasts and Political Advertisements during the election period”, the letter stated.

The letter which was written by Ramesh Persaud Chairman of the PSC was also copied to Chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority Bibi Shaddick.

the dream wedding of a lifetime. Wedding Expo ended on Saturday when the lucky couple, Winston Waddle and Natasha Goodridge wed.

This elegantly decorated booth was among several others on display at this year's Wedding Expo

The stunning bride, Natasha Goodridge stands on stage, surrounded by her bridal party as the wedding ceremony gets underway at this year's Wedding Expo at Duke Lodge

PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud

PPP/C Lusignan public meeting… Opposition prevented job opportunities – Omar Shariff tells residents

As People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continue their community public meetings, the party’s Central Committee Member and Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President, Omar Shariff, accused the combined Opposition of hindering the creation of job opportunities by stifling transformative projects.

Shariff was at the time speaking at the public meeting on Friday at one of the party’s strong-hold communities, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. He pointed out that the Opposition never misses the opportunity to call out the Government on the lack of job opportunities for the thousands of graduates coming out of the country’s education system.

However, Shariff noted that in this criticism, the Opposition is in fact praising Government by highlighting that there are thousands of graduates now when compared to before 1992, when there were very few graduates coming out of schools. He said that at the time, persons were not concerned about getting educated since they were struggling.

“They are quite right! Droves of people are graduating from secondary schools and university as well so like I said the Opposition in asking that question is more or less praising your work, praising your confidence in the Government, praising you the people who stood by the PPP that is what the Opposition is doing and I take it as a compliment,” he stated.

Shariff nevertheless highlighted that that the lack of jobs for Guyana’s youths is an issue that bothers the ruling party especially since it continues to train teachers and building schools so that every Guyanese child can have access to education. He told the gathering that the PPP/C Government is unable to provide the much need job opportunities since all of their major projects are being blocked by the combined Opposition.

“We started out with those transformative projects because we were thinking about creating jobs… but we are not able ever to get a footing to get those projects done, we are not able to create those jobs. In 2011

to 2014, Comrade Donald Ramotar could not get the PNC (People’s National Congress) to put this country in front of their own lust for power, they were a hindrance to every single thing,” Shariff outlined.

Meanwhile, feature speaker at the public meeting, Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, underscored that while the combined Opposition secured a one seat majority in the 10th Parliament, they did not use their power to do anything for the development of the Guyanese people.

“Every occasion they forced the Government to reduce the budget. Any ordinary Opposition would canvas, would pressure, would agitate, would struggle for the Government to spend more so that the people of the country can benefit more. This Opposition will go down in history as being an Opposition that forced the Government repeatedly to do less and less for the people of this country,” he disclosed.

The Minister explained to the gathering that the combined Opposition sought to chop some $89 million from the National budgets that were presented in 2012, 2013 and 2014. This, the Minister pointed out, affected every single Guyanese but the Opposition had said that it was “collateral damage”.

Nandlall further outlined that the Opposition do not care about the welfare of the Guyanese people and that is why for three weeks, they were negotiating “the sweetheart deal” to determine who gets what.

“Not one day did you hear them speak about what they will do to improve the economy of this county; how they will get your children jobs; how they will improve the education system so that your children can get their superior education; how they will attract investment in this country; how they will deal with crime; how they will alleviate poverty. Not a word about that!” the minister pointed out.

He went onto talk extensively about the recently formed coalition between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), referring to it as the “sweetheart deal” since they signed

PNC-led APNU/AFC to reintroduce National Service

The Opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) is promising a revival of the National Service as part of the solution to unemployment if elected on May 11.

This commitment was made during a recent campaign meeting at Edinburgh, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). APNU’s Youth Leader, Christopher Jones addressing residents alluded to statements made by the current Administration that youths are the country’s future but has provided no opportunities to protect this group’s interest.

the agreement on Valentine’s Day.

The Legal Affairs Minister told the gathering that the PNC, which has disguised as the APNU, collated with AFC so that they can trick people to vote for them. He went onto remind the residents of Lusignan of the hardship they faced under the PNC Government.

Referring to the Burnham regime, Jones said the then ruling Administration; the People's National Congress (PNC) took cognisance of the fact that not everyone was academically inclined and used the National Service t sharpen other skills.

“So that if they drop out of school of they didn’t fur-

ther their education, they will have an opportunity to be trained and if you go to many countries in the Caribbean you will find trained persons and if you ask them where they learnt the trade, they will say in a country called Guyana and a place called National Service,” Jones related.

He said when the People's Progressives Party/ Civic (PPP/C) took office in 1992, they closed down the National Service without taking into account the importance of the institution.

“And now we have a situation in this country in which thousands of young people, certified and uncertified are left to wander the streets in their communities every day,” he added. Quoting the Bible, Jones expressed “the devil finds work for idle hands.” This and criminal activity are correlated, he added.

“If you paying people starvation salaries what do you expect? They have their

families to provide for, and this is not justifying criminality but reality is reality.” Jones added. “If he doesn’t get it one way he will find it some way. That is why the corruption in this country is so rampant…”

According to him, too many young Guyanese have adopted a life of crime; referring to prison records which indicate that 70 pre cent of the inmates are young persons.

Meanwhile, Jones also criticised the Government for not having the East Bank Berbice main access road repaired despite promises and also criticised the local health system while saying that under the current Administration persons are allowed to borrow funds from the treasury, which is wrong. He told the gathering that the time has come to vote for ‘change’ and urged residents to ensure that the coalition assumes power after the May 11 elections.

A section of the gathering at the PPP/C meeting in Lusignan on Friday

Police commission multipurpose court for Rasville youths

Amultipurpose court for recreational activities was today commissioned by Commander of the Guyana Police Force A Division Clifton Hicken at Rasville Georgetown.

The concrete structure which cost roughly $350,000 was the result of the kind donations of stakeholders and features an open court and pavilion. Speaking to the community, Hicken related that construction had

commenced earlier however it came to a halt due to undisclosed circumstances. He said that residents then approached the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and sought their assistance to complete the project which was granted through financial aid.

The process of construction itself was a self-help initiative by residents of the community who cooperated to build the structure on receipt of the construction

material. The Commander expressed gratitude to Jermaine Enterprise which was the main donor in the project.

He said that through this initiative he hopes that the youths of the community would meaningfully occupy their leisure time as to curb the increased crime rate within the area, as well as establish a positive relationship with the law enforcement within that area.

The court was commissioned by Hicken with the handing over of footballers’ uniforms to the community’s football coach Mark Cumberbatch who expressed his gratitude to the GPF for their continuous support.

The facility was then christened by a friendly football game between a team from the GPF and the Rasville Football team. Rasville won the match 3-0.

Gold industry needs transformation – Consultant

Canadian-based Guyanese Andrew Ramcharran, a mining Consultant with much interest in developing his home country, noted that Guyana’s gold industry is in dire need of a massive transformation.

Ramcharran reflected on the international gold crisis and made an extensive comparison between Guyana and the other gold mining countries across the world.

“Guyana’s mining industry, its way behind the rest of the world and for a country that is heavily dependent on the production of gold, it needs, in my view, to get on par with the rest of the world,” he stated.

Firstly, Ramcharran said Government needs to develop more long-term strategies to deal with the gold crisis whenever it attacks the local industry.

“The next time this cycle comes around, we can be prepared to assist the small-scale miners, so we can assist them in such a way so they can continue to create employment, continue to produce gold and in turn add revenue to the country,” he pointed out.

Ramcharran highlighted that the fluctuation of gold prices is becoming more and more unpredictable due to the fact that its function no longer depends on the US economy alone.

He said major contributing factors include the unrest between Russia and Ukraine and the situation with Islamic State (IS), and as more countries gear up to fight against IS, the more unpredictable the gold prices will become.

Consequently, Ramcharran said many countries worldwide have longterm strategies in place as a safety net for these troubling times.

“There are quite a few mechanisms in place around the world that we can leverage off and we don’t have to recreate the wheel on these strategies to assist the local miners,” Ramcharran said.

In countries where a significant amount of revenue is generated from mining industries, Ramcharran said funds are normally established to assist miners throughout these times.

Additionally, considerable concessions are given and expensive commodities are subsidised during the unstable and unpredictable seasons.

But most crucially, Ramcharran said Government should develop strategies to encourage investors to join a venture in partnership with the local miners. He said if local miners work with a larger company, whose money will be spent and invested into the operations, then the lost and depression of the low gold prices will impact the investors more than it would the local miners.

Investors

However, Ramcharran said the entire cultural of gold mining in Guyana would need to change in order to attract investors.

According to the Consultant, mining is normally done in a more scientific manner on the global scale.

He explained that in order for mining to be more ef-

fective and economical, then operations should cover geomechanics, resource-saving mining technologies, stability of mine working, investigation into wave processes in rock mass, mineral dressing, mining machine and ventilation systems.

Ramcharran said if the necessary data is gathered, compiled, analysed and presented to potential investors, then it can open the door to new and bigger possibilities for the local gold industry.

Large companies

Meanwhile, with larger companies coming on stream the local industry, Ramcharran suggested the Government put systems in place to monitor their operations.

“The larger mining companies are non-Guyanese… they should be able to declare their gold to the Gold Board (Guyana Gold Board) instead of just taking it out

Younge’s Take

Embracing progress

Guyanese must be shocked by statements in the media attributed to Chairman of the Youths For David Granger Organisation, Christopher Jones, who appeared to be trivialising the institution of family and marriage in his bid to achieve relevance in this political season.

Mr Jones is quoted as saying that his group has recommended a proposal to the People’s National Congress Reform led-A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition that would see them considering granting house lots to couples who decided to get married.

He attempts to make the argument that this would somehow encourage a return to moral values in our society, and the development of families.

Mr Jones, in his usual attempt to score cheap political mileage, must be delusional and is living like the other youth representatives for the hurriedly put together coalition, in the land of Narnia where all sorts of farcical ideas are floating around with no real substance.

Surely, Mr Jones, who is a former parliamentarian, cannot be convinced that bartering house lots for marriage is a solution to fixing the social ills that plague our society.

and flying it out of the country, in that way, we can have a better idea of how much gold is coming out of the industry… Guyana has to start monitoring the larger companies so the country can have background information and data to backup what they’re saying and not taking their figures alone…” he explained.

Ramcharran said similar measures are established around the world to prevent any glitches in the system.

Mercury

Furthermore, Ramcharran suggested that the Government invest in modern centralised processing units instead of having individuals miners utilise sluice boxes.

According to the Consultant, centralised processing units reduces the use of mercury and increases recoveries, which eventually results in higher production rates and leads to more revenue for the country.

Ramcharran said this initiative is something the Government should consider and work towards.

He said the Government could begin by targeting where most of the gold is coming from and then work from there onwards. He also suggested that other miners within a reachable district come together and work towards that initiative.

Nonetheless, Ramcharran acknowledged that the transition would be challenging but noted that, in the long run, it would be beneficial towards the industry.

He could not seriously believe that such a proposal would lead to the restoration of morals or values in our society much less the strengthening of the institution of family.

It is clear that the Youths for David Granger team has trivialised the notions of true family, morals and values in its attempt to campaign and appeal to the Guyanese youth.

It is pronouncements like the one made by Jones that undermine the value of marriage and morals in our society, as youths may be encouraged to enter into arranged, failed and loveless marriages to pursue the acquisition of private property.

This in turn could also see the country giving away its limited resource of land as an incentive with the hope of achieving farcical results. Such a proposal is also discriminatory in nature and could prove litigious if or when marriages are dissolved.

The Government’s housing and development programme through the Ministry of Housing and Water has seen thousands of young Guyanese becoming home owners over the last two and half decades regardless of their marital status, religion or political affiliation must be supported.

The programme as it stands and with all its requirements have resulted in the empowerment of young professionals, while also encouraging youth with talent and skills especially vocational to enter into investments and business ventures in the private housing sector.

Guyanese had hoped that our fellow youths over at Hadfield Street and Congress Place would have presented a plan that would have encouraged more youths to become enfranchised by applying to own a house lot.

We had hoped that their proposal would have recommended more housing schemes and the creation of more partnerships to build homes designed for specific groups of youth.

We had hoped that they would have come up with a proposal to transform the University of Guyana further with the view of establishing a plan of action to work with the University Administration to do more for students.

One hoped that they would have come with measures to boost the socio-economic wellbeing of newlyweds and young people by promoting projects such as Government’s Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project, the Marriott Hotel, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project, the Specialty Hospital and the Hospitality Institute, which would see thousands of youths gaining jobs and becoming employable.

Canadian-based Guyanese Mining Consultant Andrew Ramcharran

Commander Clifton Hicken interacts with members of the GPF and the Rasville football teams at the launching of the multipurpose court

PPP/C only party with clear vision for Guyana

... Ramotar tells Zeelugt/Hague meetings

BY AHREEFA BACCHUS AND DAVENDRA KISSOON

Hundreds of Guyanese turned up at Zeelugt and Hague, West Coast Demerara in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) to listen to the People's Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) message of continued development and progress ahead of the upcoming May 11 election.

The public meetings which both began at 18:15h was dominated by energy as supporters of the ruling party vowed to go door to door to encourage other Guyanese to vote the current Government back into power.

PPP/C Presidential Candidate and Incumbent President, Donald Ramotar addressed the crowd at Zeelugt telling the hundreds gathered, some standing and some sitting on make-shift benches and structures, that the party remains the only one with a clear vision, plan and policy that would take Guyana forward.

He explained that the PPP/C wants another opportunity to continue to transform the socio-economic landscape of the country through prudent macroeconomic policies, pointed social policies that would target reforms and good foreign and regional international relations.

Ramotar, speaking with enthusiasm, urged those present not make a mistake and

vote the People's National Congress (PNC) back into power as it was disguising itself as a new creature in the form of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

He explained that Guyanese must take a look at the Opposition’s posture

ry sector. He made it clear that the PPP/C was a party of struggle and over the years, it has learnt from the mistakes it made in its past.

“In 1992, less than 50 per cent of Guyanese completed primary school. Today we have achieved universal primary education and over 90 per cent of our students go on to complete secondary school”, he said.

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate warned Guyanese in Region Three about the desperation in the Opposition camp and their fear of discussions centred on the sordid state of affairs that obtained in Guyana in the pre-1992 era.

Ramotar gave an example of the state of the health sector during the PNC/R’s tenure reminding Guyanese that it “was in a rundown state”.

mentarians who served as part of the Opposition in the tenth Parliament of sabotaging Guyana’s overall development by voting against policies, programmes that could have further transform the lives of Guyanese.

He drew the crowd’s attention to how Granger is shitting his position on various issues with the aim of fooling Guyanese into voting for his coalition. Ramotar said that Guyanese must read about his earlier statements on the sugar industry and the fact that the APNU wanted to shutdown the industry.

But now, Ramotar continued, after strong Opposition from the ruling party, Granger has come to the realisation that “sugar is too big to fail”. He also drew the audience’s attention to the previous positions articulated by

and his allies are eager to get their dirty hands on the State’s resources.

“All they can do is lick up and bruk up and looking for the PPP/C to restore”, Dr Luncheon told the crowds at Hague and Zeelugt before describing Granger and his team as “misbegotten sons and daughters of Guyana” and “bruk up artists”.

He said that they the

and behaviour in Parliament if they wanted to get a picture of the massive destruction and confusion that would reign were they to be elected to office.

Ramotar said that he was humbled and satisfied with the PPP/C’s track record which was dominated by change and progress in eve-

GGMC commences indepth review

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has commenced an in-depth review of critical departments and divisions within the entity with the aim of improving the quality of service and their operation after being instructed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to do so.

The Ministry has been receiving numerous complaints against the Commission which led to it making several recommendations to the GGMC Board.

In a press statement issued on Friday, GGMC said “the exercise com-

menced in December 2014 and was aimed at reviewing the operations of the Mines Division, Land Management and Geological Services Divisions of the Commission to determine the coherence of the structures and functions, the adequacy of its staffing, the flow of its operations and to identify systemic problems and other conflicts and deficiencies”.

It explained that the team of consultants was also required to investigate whether the activities of the specific departments/ divisions were aligned to the overall strategic plan for the sector.

turn to page 17

“When the Opposition was in Government, they spent more money on the Foreign Affairs Ministry versus what they spent on the total welfare of the country and the country’s development”, he said.

Placing attention to the modern day political affairs, the President accused David Granger and other parlia-

Granger on the Amaila Falls Hydro-Power Project which the APNU and AFC voted against in Parliament and the things Granger is talking about now on the campaign trail.

Meanwhile, PPP/C Executive Member and Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said that Granger

PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition do not represent change or forward movement but rather were a representation of the notion “forward to the past”.

Luncheon accused the Opposition parties of being “shocked into virtual silence when asked about policies”, sending the crowd into

a frenzy as they agreed with Luncheon’s style and arguments.

He said that the political ambition of the Opposition coalition was to pursue power for selfish reasons which include sharing out the spoils.

“They only know how to run a Government by bullyism, intimidation and use of force… Give them scamps another chance fa lick we up and bruk we down and cat eat we dinner”, Luncheon said.

Dr Luncheon declared to the hundreds there that “ain’t nothing under the sun in the APNU that could take on the PPP/C and win”.

But Region Three’s Irfaan Ali, who is the PPP/C’s main representative there, reflected on the lack of press freedom, freedom of speech and media independence was compromised in the time of the PNC.

“There could not have been a Kaieteur News or C N Sharma in the time of the PNC”, Ali said explaining that people were arrested for simply attending PPP/C meetings and were locked up for days without committing a crime.

Ali said that Guyanese must never forget their past experiences as he too lamented on the roles played by David Granger and the PNC as far as rigging elections were concerned.

He told the crowd that Granger, a military man and politician at the time wanted to bring back National Service.

President Donald Ramotar as he addressed residents at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo in Region Three

A section of the large crowd which gathered at the PPP/C meeting

HPS, Dr Roger Luncheon greets a PPP/C supporter at the meeting

SunDAY, mArch 29, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Jagdeo says “Greenidge

has a lot to

– must explain acquisition of multimillion-dollar Bel Air

Former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo has lashed out at former Finance Minister under the People’s National Congress (PNC) and shadow Finance Minister of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Carl Greenidge for his “less than transparent track record in office.”

Speaking at a press conference at Freedom House on Saturday, Jagdeo told media operatives that Greenidge and his party would consistently harp about the existence of mass corruption in the current Government but has never addressed, in the public domain, the means by which he had acquired a house at Bel Air Gardens which he termed “the best area in the city” for some four million Guyana dollars based on a Transport dated January 25, 1993, months after he had long ceased to be the Finance Minister since the PPP had already taken over Government.

Providing and displaying a copy of the Transport, Jagdeo noted that it was amazing that Greenidge can consistently talk about unsubstantiated allegations of corruption against President Donald

Ramotar, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and himself over the past years but cannot justify nor speak of his acquisition of the property from the Guyana Stores Limited (GSL). “I am not just making an allegation. I am producing evidence of it.”

According to Jagdeo, history has shown that Greenidge

is the most unaccountable Finance Minister in the country since accounts were never produced for the country during his tenure with him even prohibiting then Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran from auditing his financial records.

To add to his argument, he recalled the state of Guyana’s

economy when the PPP/C took office after the 1992 elections pointing out that everything was in a state of falling apart.

“He said he made some changes in processes that allowed the PPP to start producing the accounts from 1992 but that changes that he made could not have been im-

“Psycho” gets 12 years for killing fellow prisoner

An inmate of the New Amsterdam Prison has been sentenced to a further 12 years in jail by Justice Brassington Reynolds after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Jason Orlando Mc Kenzie also called “Psycho” of Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) said he was responsible for the death of Sebastian Clato between April 27, 2011 and May 4, 2011.

The 28-year-old was jailed after a probation report was presented to the court. In presenting the facts of the case, State Prosecutor Judith Mursalin noted that the deceased along with Andy Adams were in custody on a charge for murder. She said on April 27, 2011, at the New Amsterdam Prisons, the accused and three other inmates – Rickford La Fleur, Raymond La Fleur and Kevin James – were engaged in a fight with Clato.

Mc Kenzie along with others, while prisoners at the New Amsterdam Prison, armed themselves with pieces of wood and other implements, and beat Clato and Andy Adams, who were also prisoners of the New Amsterdam Prison.

After the beating, the injured men were rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where Adams was treated and sent away. Clato, who was rendered unconscious due to an injury to the head, was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital where he subsequently died.

At the time of the incident, Mc Kenzie was being held on a simple larceny charge which was subsequently dismissed. Clato was incarcerated for murdering Nizamudeen Khan, a security guard attached to a Rosignol saw mill on July 20, 2007.

State Prosecutor Mursalin told the court that Police in investigat-

ing the incident held confrontations will the persons involved. Mc Kenzie admitted to committing the act and gave Detective Corporal Lawrence Thomas a written caution statement which she read.

“On April 27, I had been in the remand centre and Sebastian Clato pull a jucker pon me and I tek a piece of wood from de bench an lash he pon he head an he fall down. Them prison officer come an carry he away. Me later hear he dead in hospital.”

She noted that the La Fleurs and James were charged with murder but at the end of the Preliminary Inquiry, the Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to commit the others to stand trial for the offence.

She asked the court to impose a sentence that would send a clear, strong message of deterrence to others.

In presenting a probation report to the court on Mc Kenzie, Welfare and Probation Officer Joanne Samuels said that the convict was expelled from the school

system due to his involvement in numerous confrontational situations. She said that in March 2011 he was charged with robbery under arms and in September 2014 charged with four counts to commit murder. “He was also described as a bully and one who does not share a good relationship with residents within the neighbourhood. New Amsterdam and Timehri Prison administrators encountered numerous problems with the accused who was frequently evolved in different altercations with other inmates and that his behaviour while on remand was deemed to be unsatisfactory,” Samuels told the court.

In seeking leniency, Attorney Raymond Ally said the accused admitted to the crime very early in the investigation. “He needs rehabilitation but whatever sentence is given should allow him substantial time back in the community.”

In handing down sentence Justice Reynolds said after listening to all the facts, probation report and the defence that he is convinced that the environment may have contributed to the accused becoming what he is. “It is unfortunate that he is a victim of the environment he grew up in.” the Judge said.

“This act cannot go unpunished. The best place for you is some where you can get help. I am not sure that the prison is the best place to give you that help, but it is the best we can do for now.”

He said that the sentence will be 20 years but reduced five years for the fact that the accused did not waste the court’s time and a further four years which represents the time he was incarcerated awaiting trial. An additional year was added for the brutality with which the crime was committed.

answer for”

house

plemented before…You would believe that he left us a wonderful economy the way Carl Greenidge and the others speak about it,” Jagdeo said.

The former President called on leader of the Opposition and Presidential Candidate for APNU+AFC coalition, David Granger to first address Greenidge’s acquisition of his house before accusing Government officials and Ministers of corruption, which he could not even provide evidence of.

He pointed out that while it was not his wish to rehash the past of anyone, Greenidge was again running for the post of Finance Minister and as such, ought to explain the acquisition noting that “you can’t run from your record.”

“Granger talks about investigating corruption, maybe he should start with this so here is actual basis, I am not just making an allegation. I am giving you a document. I would love if they do the same when they make allegations of corruption about us. If you are coming to the people and asking for their votes then you can’t run from your record.”

Meanwhile, the President defended the record of current

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh noting that he was nothing like Greenidge. He pointed out that Dr Singh has been trying his best to perform his duties as he is mandated to do, but the Opposition was too trying to sabotage his efforts by launching a ‘vicious campaign’ against him.

“I think Ashni Singh is a bright young man... I think he has done a great job as Minister of Finance and I think that he has been the subject of a vicious campaign by several persons because they can’t get their way of shutting down the country because effectively what they would have done is shutdown the country,” Dr Jagdeo told members of the media corp.

In continuing his defence of the Finance Minister, Jagdeo related that the court actions which the Opposition has brought against the Minister was an attempt to ruin his track record and his reputation pointing out that they wanted him to be seen as ‘thief.’ “They made it look like Ashni Singh stole the money but there is no criminal liability of anything of that sort…. they have made it look like if Ashni Singh is a thief and he is not.”

Donald Trotman’s car catches fire

Donald Trotman, former Judge and father of former speaker of the National Assembly and Co-chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Raphael Trotman, is now thanking his lucky stars after the car he was driving – PFF 7984 – caught fire on Friday evening.

According to reports received by this publication, the man was proceeding East along the East Coast of Demerara Highway and while in the vicinity of the Mon Repos market, smoke was seen emanating from the bonnet after which it was consumed by fire.

The man upon seeing the smoke emanating from the bonnet

of the car, immediately parked the vehicle at the corner of the public road and quickly exited.

According to an eyewitness, who was at the time heading to Mandir, she observed that the car was parked at the corner of the road with smoking emanating from the bonnet but it was soon engulfed in flames.

It has been confirmed that the former Judge managed to escape unhurt.

It was only last Saturday that 24-year-old Andrew Budburgh of Plantation Hope, East Coast Demerara, was burnt to death after his Toyota 192 exploded soon after he left a relative's home.

Businessman charged for tax evasion

Masir Mohammed, the Acting Director of Everest Construction Incorporated, was Friday placed before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of tax evasion. At the time, Mohammed was representing the company.

The charge read that Everest Construction Inc failed to submit its corporation tax returns to the

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the period 2009-2014 as well as its property tax returns for the same period.

Mohammed pleaded guilty to the charge. However, his defence attorney pleaded for leniency, stating that the company wasted no time in making its court appearance or admitting to the offence. The company was fined $5000 on each offence for each financial year and the matter was dismissed.

Jason Orlando Mc Kenzie, also known as “Psycho”

Donald Trotman, former Judge, and his son, former speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

Copy of the purchaser's affidavit of the Lot 45 Bel-Air property that was aquired by Carl Greenidge

Doerga wanted in Florida for contempt

– failed to repay millions in loans; "Alesie" trademark, others illegal

Police in Florida, USA, have issued an arrest warrant for Turhane Manohar Doerga of Rumzeight Rice Processors Inc after he was found in contempt of a 2006 Summary Judgement Order by a Court there. The arrest warrant was issued on March 12, 2013 after Doerga failed to discharge an order following a prolonged case with a former investment partner, Evert Louwman.

Guyana Times understands that Louwman is exploring the legal options to widen the jurisdiction to the Caribbean to ensure that Doerga does not ‘hide’ from the law. He has hired attorneys in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago to give effect to the Florida issued order; this publication has been reliably informed. TT has an agreement with the United States that could be applicable in this instance and give

effect to the order there and by extension Caricom, with the twin-island Republic being a member.

This issue was birthed from the failure of a partnership entered into between Louwman, and Turhane Doerga, for the purpose of processing and trading in rice throughout the Caribbean, Europe and other locations. According to a court document that Guyana Times was able to access, Louwman’s contribution to the Partnership was, among other things, to provide the capital necessary to acquire the operating companies and fixed assets of the Partnership from Doerga’s previous partner and lender, the Citco Banking Group. Louwman was also to advance working capital necessary to conduct the rice business. Doerga was to manage the Partnership’s day-to-day business.

The Partnership operated

through an extensive group of affiliated entities knownas the “Alesie Group.” The statements of Facts outlined that “in addition to his initial contribution of US$9.7 million, Louwman advanced US$20.5 million to the Partnership for working capital. Because Louwman’s total investment of $30.2 million exceeded the value of the partnership companies, it was agreed that there would be no distribution of profits from the Partnership until Louwman’s entire investment was returned.

But as the document further read, “Doerga operated the Partnership from 1994 until mid-2000 without repaying any of Louwman’s investment.

The partnership was ruled dissolved on March 20, 2006 by the Curcuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida, which consequent-

ly ordered that Doerga “(a) must surrender to the court all shares of stock or other indicia of ownership in the Partnership companies; (b) is enjoined from using Partnership assets, including the Partnership companies; and (c) must file with the court an accounting of all assets of the Partnership, including the funds advanced by Louwman for the benefit of the Partnership, the location of all real and personal property belonging to the Partnership and its companies, the liabilities of the Partnership, and the profits and losses of the partnership from its formation through its dissolution.”

This has brought into question, the man’s continued use of the “Alesie” brand and general operations of Rumzeight Rice Processors Inc. After failing to uphold this ruling almost seven years later the warrant was

issued that Doerga be arrested and ‘brought before Judge Spencer Eig’.

The court established that Doerga deliberately disregarded and refused to comply with its SJO by “continuing to use Trinidad Commodities Limited, failing to account for its assets and failing to deliver all shares of stock in TCL to the Clerk of Court; continuing to use and failing to account for the Alesie Trademark: and continuing to use and failing to account for Rumzeight Rice Processors Inc; Indecon NV, Doerga Equipment, Alesie Suriname NV, Ramragiya NV and Rice Trading Guyana Ltd.

According to the document, Doerga shall be immediately taken into custody by the Sheriff and shall be confined in the county jail for an indefinite period unless he purges himself of contempt by deliv -

EBD 4-lane expansion to be completed by mid year

The Public Works Ministry is looking at a mid-year completion date for the works on the East Bank Demerara (EBD)Four lane expansion project, as the project continues to face difficulties.

Subject Minister Robeson Benn stated that among the major works to be completed is the Diamond Bridge located in proximity to Demerara Distillers Limited. Parts of it have been dismantled and a bypass has been created to allow for traffic.

Work Services Group (WSG) Coordinator, Geoffrey Vaughn said there are many reasons for the delay in the project, some of which include shortage of material, delays in the relocation of utilities, procurement of material, poor management by the contracting firm, cash flow, down time of equipment, shortage of human resources, poor planning and construction methodology.

Minister Benn noted

that the Government is very much aware of the problems there and the same kinds of difficulties are expected during the West Demerara road expansion, recently announced.

In addition, he stated that there are attempts to have contractors work in the nights; however security concerns were raised and have therefore thwarted progress in the area.

It is eminent that the new road, designed as a modern highway with international standards, will provide access for more than 480 acres of unutilised land, and will allow for the creation of new communities, targeting almost 1500 households, and further adding to the development of the East Bank corridor.

Over the past years, Government has been

spending billions of dollars towards improving the country’s road infrastructure. The East Bank road is being extended into four lanes from Providence to Diamond with US$20 million loan from the Inter American Development Bank (IDB). Government had al -

ready built a four-lane road from Ruimveldt to Providence in light of the traffic congestion caused by several new housing schemes opening on the East Bank corridor, and the fact that there are about 10,000 vehicles added to the country’s roadways every year.

GGMC commences...

The statement said “the Commission was and still is cognisant that any deficiencies within the management framework and current practices, can contribute to non-fulfilment of the Commission’s objectives, and can possibly lead to the presence or possibility of undesirable acts of malfeasance”.

In addition to identifying the potential gaps within the management system that could lead to unwanted practices, the team of consultants were also required and to provide recommenda-

tions aimed at bridging the identified gaps.

The Inception Report was submitted by the review team to the Chairman of the Board of Directors in February 2015 at which point it was then forwarded to the Board for review. The report provided insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the various departments along with areas of conflict that required specific interventions at the level of the policy makers.

In this regard, on the 24th March, 2015, the consultants were invited to

ering an accounting of the assets, books, records and audited and unaudited financial statements, bank statements, all shares of stocks and executed copies all agreements related to TCL.

Observers have concluded that Doerga’s operations under this arrangement are in effect not owned by him. Doerga has been highly critical of the Government’s handling of the rice industry, recently. Only recently, the Guyana Rice Development Board received a complaint that an Alesie Rice shipment to Chile was of a poor quality and businesses were consequently sceptical of purchasing more rice from Guyana as a whole.

Observers have criticised Doerga for his criticisms of the management of rice today, with the failure that seemingly accompanies his operations today.

– Benn

The project kicked off in early 2012 and was expected to end late 2013. The roadway itself not only links West Demerara via the Demerara Harbour Bridge, but leads to the main international airport at Timehri, and Linden, a main gateway to the hinterland.

from page 15

present the report officially to the Commission and stakeholders of the sector, namely, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Guyana Public Service Union.

The work of the consultants are ongoing and will continue with the objective of streamlining the Commission into a more efficient organisation better equipped and designed to serve the needs of the mining sector by creating the enabling environment to support its continued growth and development.

Transgender group calls for inclusivity in national development

– observes trans-visibility day today

The Guyana Trans United (GTU), a group representing the interest of the transgendered here, is calling for the removal of policies that stymie the greater contribution its members can make to the country’s advancement.

GTU President, Davenand Milton in an interview with <<<Guyana Times>>> has referred to the transgendered as a ‘hurt population’, who needs the support of their fellow Guyanese.

“If the policies change to be more inclusive, there can be a lot of things we can do to help to push the country forward,” he explained, noting that the group comprises members with lots of potential to make a real difference in Guyana.

“When people discriminate against us, they keep us from making a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s development.”

Milton, who prefers to be addressed by his feminine expressions, has noted that despite non discriminatory work place policies, many still experience ‘subtle’ forms of discrimination, as he related a personal experience that lasted near 30 years.

“We are human beings too, we have feelings like everyone else; as transgendered we are not less in any way. Let us live as one people, one nation,” he expressed.

Milton was employed by an unnamed company as a Chemist for 28 years without being promoted, a move he saw

as discrimination because of sexual orientation. He stayed knowing that it is difficult to find another job because of the same reason. Nonetheless, he was fortunate to have received the love and support of his family.

GTU has organised ‘Transvisibility Day’ to raise awareness to such issues. The point of it is to educate Guyanese on the differences between ‘trans’ and men who have sex with men (MSM) as well as to tell some of the positive stories.

According to the American Psychological Association, transgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression or behaviour does not conform to that typically associated with

the sex to which they were assigned at birth.

Often, transsexual people alter or wish to alter their bodies through hormones, surgery, and other means to make their bodies as congruent as possible with their gender identities (feminine or masculine). There are others who crossdress by wearing clothing that is traditionally or stereotypically worn by another gender in their culture. There are also other forms of transgendered such as ‘drag queens and gender queer’.

Cross dressing is illegal in Guyana, but the Court ruled in 2014 that in expression of gender ‘cross dressing’ is allowed but not for ‘improper purpose’. This case stemmed from sev-

eral cross dressers being arrested and charged several years prior, one of who was the Executive Director of GTU, Quincy McEwan. Section 153(1)(xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02 of the Laws of Guyana makes it a criminal offence for a man to wear ‘female attire’, and for a woman to ‘male attire’, in public, for an ‘improper purpose’.

McEwan informed this publication that the failure to define ‘improper purpose’ could see sex workers being arrested under the law. She argued that because of discrimination and the consequential failure to secure jobs, many transgendered are forced into prostitution as a

means income. The group is still awaiting the first hearing on the matter in the High Court since last year.

Meanwhile, he related his experiences to find a job noting that significantly he was forced to act as a ‘man’ in order to find work. It was only at the age of 30 that McEwan was able to secure a job that allowed her to fully express her gender preference—at the Guyana Sex Worker Coalition.

The group plans to have an award ceremony for those who continue to support them over the years. “In Guyana, although there is so much discrimination, some people still feel they can support us, even if it is undercover.”

The East Bank Demerara Four lane expansion project

Williams deals with Niculescu but Bouchard upset

Serena Williams put aside her knee injury to begin her bid for an eighth Miami Open title with a 6-3 6-1 win over Romania’s Monica Niculescu at Key Biscayne on Saturday but sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard was upset by German qualifier Tatjana Maria.

Williams withdrew from her semi-final at Indian Wells last week with the knee injury and said upon arriving in Miami that this tournament would involve ‘managing pain’. But the 19-times Grand Slam winner was too much for Niculescu, ranked 70th in the world.

The match was scheduled for Friday but was postponed following a rainstorm in South Florida.

Niculescu, making ample use of her effective slice and playing some clever tennis, forced a series of entertaining rallies but Williams was always in control.

Canadian Bouchard lost 6-0 7-6(4) to Maria.

Bouchard was outplayed in the first set, but provided a strong fight back in the second taking a 5-3 lead.

But Maria, whose last win over a top ten opponent was five years ago against Li Na, rallied to take the set and match.

“It is the best win I have

ever had,” said Maria, “I just didn’t think she was comfortable against m style.”

Maria has returned to tennis after giving birth to a daughter 15 months ago and has worked her way back to the tour via the ITF circuit.

Fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki battled past Estonian Kaia Kanepi and into the fourth round, winning a tough match in windy conditions 4-6 6-1 6-3.

Germany’s Angelique Kerber beat Britain’s Heather Watson 7-5 3-6 6-4 while Italy’s Sara Errani defeated Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 7-6(5). (Reuters)

Sharapova in shock Miami exit to wildcard Daria Gavrilova

M400m Olympic runner dies

anadian runner

CDaundre Barnaby drowned during a team training camp in St Kitts on Friday.

Canadian runner Daundre Barnaby, who represented Canada at the London Olympics, drowned after a strong current took him out during down time he was enjoying with teammates.

The 24-year-old’s teammates tried to save him before he was found four-anda-half hours later by local search and rescue.

“It is with heavy hearts that Athletics Canada announces the passing of national team athlete Daundre Barnaby of Brampton, Ontario, during the East Hub training camp in St Kitts,” an Athletics Canada statement read.

Athletics Canada chief executive Rob Guy said: “This is such a sad and profound loss, Daundre was an outstanding athlete and an even better young man.

“On behalf of Athletics Canada I offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to Daundre’s family and team-mates.

“Athletics Canada will do whatever is necessary to support the athletics family through this tragedy.”

Rooney not close to Bobby Charlton status – Roy Hodgson

Wayne Rooney must deliver at a major championships to be remembered as an England great, says coach Roy Hodgson.

There were no problems for fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki, who sealed a comfortable 6-0 6-1 win over American Madison Brengle in less than an hour.

In the men’s tournament, Canada’s Vasek Pospisil beat Juan Martin Del Potro.

Pospisil claimed a 6-4 7-6 (9-7) win over the Argentinian, who was making his return after suffering a wrist injury that had kept him out since January.

Friday’s play features British number ones

Andy Murray, who faces American Donald Young, and Heather Watson, who plays Germany’s Angelique Kerber.

World number three

Rafael Nadal takes on fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, while women’s world number one Serena Williams plays Romanian Monica Niculescu. (BBC Sport)

The Manchester United forward is two goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton's national scoring record of 49.

But Hodgson says Rooney must do more than break a goals record if he is to rival Charlton's legacy.

"To do it, a player would have to be very successful at a European Championship or World Cup as Bobby Charlton was," he said.

While Charlton lifted the World Cup with England in 1966, Rooney is yet to progress beyond the quarter-finals in five major finals.

"People would argue Bobby was England's best ever player – there wouldn't be many of my age who would have him outside the top three," said Hodgson, 67.

"If Wayne can break into

Wayne Rooney

that in the future when he stops playing, then that is fantastic for him.

"Bobby Charlton, for me, is up there on a pedestal and it will take time for any of the modern-day players to get up to that level."

Rooney, who scored his 47th international goal in

the 4-0 win over Lithuania on Friday, may have another opportunity to match Charlton's record in Tuesday's friendly against Italy in Turin, when England will be forced to make changes because of injuries.

Seven wins in a row since last summer's early World Cup exit have put England firmly on course for qualification for Euro 2016 - and provided Rooney with another chance for success on the international stage. But however England fare for the remainder of Rooney's international career, Hodgson says he is confident his captain will still be remembered by fans.

"He will be remembered," said Hodgson. "We don't have that many players who have played 100 games for England or captained England, so don't worry about Wayne Rooney not being remembered - he will be." (BBC Sport)

Serena Williams

Born in Jamaica, Barnaby became a Canadian citizen

in 2012 and the specialist 400-metre runner represented the nation in London. Barnaby also competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. (Digicel Sportsmax)

Daundre Barnaby

aria Sharapova is out of the Miami Open after suffering a surprise second-round straight-sets defeat by world

number 97 Daria Gavrilova. World number two Sharapova, 27, was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 by 21-year-old fellow Russian Gavrilova.

Maria Sharapova

Clarke to retire from ODI’s Hamilton takes pole position in rain affected Malaysian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton took pole position for the Malaysian Grand Prix as Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel split the Mercedes in a rainaffected qualifying session.

Hamilton held on with a time set on his first flying lap despite not improving on his final run as Vettel got to within just 0.074 seconds of him.

The Briton’s team-mate Nico Rosberg took third after appearing to delay the world champion on his penultimate lap.

Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen, 17, was a stunning sixth in only his second race.

The Dutchman was just behind the two Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat.

Vettel’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen hit traffic on the only lap before a tropical downpour hit in second qualifying and will start 11th in the race which starts at 08:00 BST on Sunday.

The Finn, who had been neck-and-neck with Vettel all weekend until that point, said: “We got it wrong. We should have been out earlier but that’s how it is.”

Hamilton was right behind Raikkonen on the track after a delay exiting his garage, but managed to sneak through into the top 10 shoot-out in eighth place.

After a half-hour wait for the spectacular thunderstorm and torrential rain to abate, Hamilton set a blistering pace on his first lap, more than a second clear of Rosberg.

The two Mercedes came in for a fresh set of intermediate tyres and Rosberg returned to the track ahead.

After being delayed behind Williams’s Valtteri Bottas at the first corner of what would have been

his first flying lap, Rosberg backed off and in doing so it appeared as if he might have delayed Hamilton after the Englishman had just set what was his fastest first sector time to that point.

Hamilton backed off and then failed to improve on his final lap. Rosberg did, ending up 0.465secs off his team-mate but unable to beat Vettel.

“The first lap was quite good,” he said. “It’s always difficult because none of us had driven this weekend in the wet and the first lap is an unknown. You don’t want to take too many risks but you need a banker.”

Hamilton set his fastest first sector time on his final lap but said that he “lost time” on the rest of the lap.

Ricciardo was more than a second back in fourth place but 0.4secs quicker than team-mate Kvyat, who snuck ahead of the impressive Verstappen by just 0.03secs.

The top 10 was completed by Williams duo Felipe Massa and Bottas, Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson and Lotus’s Romain Grosjean, who had qualified eighth but dropped two places after being punished for a pit lane infringement in Q2.

Jenson Button beat

team-mate Fernando Alonso on the Spaniard’s first race of the season but the McLarens could manage only 17th and 18th.

Alonso had been ahead on their first runs, as he had been all weekend on one-lap pace, but made a mistake on his final lap and Button edged him by 0.11secs.

The Spaniard said he “lost the car in Turn Six” and lost several tenths of a second, but did not feel that was enough to prevent him progressing into the second part of qualifying.

Nevertheless, McLaren’s performance was an improvement on the first race of the season. The team were 0.6secs away from making it through into second qualifying - a step forward of about a second a lap compared to Melbourne two weeks ago.

Manor Marussia, who failed to participate at the Australian GP, were given a reprieve by stewards and will start Sunday’s race despite failing to set a qualifying time within the required 107% of the fastest time in Q1.

Roberto Merhi’s best time fell short, while Will Stevens failed to get out in qualifying because of a fuel system issue. (BBC Sport)

Australia’s captain Michael Clarke will bow out of ODI cricket after the 2015 World Cup final against New Zealand, following the example of his predecessor Ricky Ponting. Clarke, 33, made his decision public at the prematch press conference on the eve of the final in Melbourne, bringing an end to a career that began in 2003. It is a retirement that will clear the decks for the limited-overs team ahead of the next cycle leading towards 2019, affording his likely successor Steven Smith the sort of clear air Clarke himself enjoyed when Ponting quit after the team’s quarter-final elimination in 2011.

“Tomorrow will be my last ODI game for Australia,” Clarke said. “I’m extremely thankful and grateful - I’ve just found out that tomorrow will be my 245th one-day game - it’s been an honour and a privilege to represent my country for that amount of games. I’m grateful to every player I have been lucky enough to play with and this team is no exception to that.

“I think it is the right time for me and the Australian team. I was very fortunate four years ago to get the opportunity to captain this one-day team. That was really good preparation for me leading up to this World Cup, I think the next Australian captain deserves the same opportunity. I don’t think it is realistic that I’ll be fit and healthy and available to play the next World Cup so I believe it is the right time.

“I think I’ll leave the oneday game for the Australian team in a better place than when I took over the captaincy. Last World Cup we were knocked out in the quarter-final, this World Cup we have been able to make the final and hopefully tomorrow we can go on

and have success in that final. So two finals and one quarter-final for my time in World Cups. I’m hopeful it will prolong my Test career as well. That’s obviously a priority for me, to continue to be successful in the Test format. I think by walking away from one-day cricket it probably gives me my best opportunity.”

Clarke has played 244 ODIs for Australia, and made 7907 runs at an average of 44.42 with eight hundreds and 57 half-centuries. He led his country in 73 matches, of which Australia won 49. The relatively low number of matches Clarke has captained provides an illustration of how his ODI place had become more peripheral, as injuries had him missing many fixtures between Test assignments.

“I’ve never hid behind the fact that I find Test cricket to be the pinnacle of our sport,” Clarke said. “I’ve never gone down that road anyway in regard to what is the best thing to do for the public interest, as I’m sure you would have seen through my career, I’ve copped my fair share of smacks in the mouth.

“But I am who I am and it’s about being true to my-

self and I don’t feel bad about saying I believe Test cricket is the toughest part of our game. I love that challenge, I find it extremely difficult every Test match I play. I do see it as the pinnacle. I still think I’ve got a lot to offer the team as captain of the Australian Test team, and I want to make sure I continue to have success in that format.”

As an ODI batsman, Clarke was most at home in the mid-innings passages that linked an often frenetic start with an even more hyperactive finish. As early as his very first match, on a dry Adelaide Oval pitch against England in January 2003, Clarke took on the middle-order role of guiding his team home to a target, and he said it was a position that Ponting had always advocated for him. Though he did occasionally open the innings, Clarke at times looked out of place alongside more powerful players, as he relied more on deft placement and footwork.

“If it was about me I think I would have batted at No. 3 a hell of a lot more than I have throughout my career,” Clarke said of his role.

Wales top Group B thanks to comprehensive win

Wales produced a hugely impressive performance to leapfrog Israel at the top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group as two goals from Gareth Bale inspired a win that leaves them in an excellent position to reach next summer’s finals in France.

Manager Chris Coleman had described this match as Wales’ most important since the Euro 2004 play-off defeat by Russia in 2003.

And with three wins and two draws from their first five matches, this is Wales’ best start to a campaign since that ill-fated bid 12 years ago as they attempt to reach a first major finals since the 1958 World Cup.

Victory against an Israeli side who had won all three of their previous qualifiers must rank as the finest of Coleman’s tenure.

The visitors had the better of the first half in Haifa and took a deserved lead as Aaron Ramsey headed in from Bale’s flick-on just before the break.

The Real Madrid star doubled their advantage with a superb, swerving free-kick from the edge of the area soon after the restart and, a minute later, Israel’s Eytan Tibi picked up a second booking for fouling Bale as Wales took control.

He then added a final gloss with a sweeping finish late on as Coleman’s side moved two points clear at the summit of Group B.

Wary of their in-form opponents and a hostile atmosphere at a packed Sammy Ofer Stadium, Coleman reverted to a 5-3-2 formation that allowed him to give Bale a roaming role in attack.

As ever, much of the prematch build-up revolved around the 25-year-old, whose indifferent recent club form had drawn fierce criticism in Spain.

Bale seemed undeterred, however, as he tormented Israel with a fabulous display.

After sending a fizzing low shot narrowly wide, Bale fashioned Wales’ first

real chance as his inviting cross found James Collins unmarked at the far postbut the West Ham defender trod on the ball when it seemed easier to score.

There were some early scares for Wales, with Israel’s attacking midfielders Tal Ben Haim - whose namesake and Charlton captain was also playing for the hosts in central defence

- and Eran Zahavi dangerous from wide positions.

But the visitors were seldom seriously troubled, and their pressure eventually produced the opening goal moments before the break.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey’s long ball was headed on by Bale for Ramsey, whose looping header deceived Ofir Marciano to silence Haifa’s

hitherto hostile crowd. It took less than five minutes of the second half for Bale to get himself on the score sheet.

Fouled right on the edge of the area by Tibi, the world’s most expensive player produced a fierce, dipping shot from the resultant freekick to send around 950 travelling Welsh supporters into raptures.

Just a minute later, Israel’s fate was sealed when Tibi body-checked Bale and was sent off for a second yellow card.

From that point, Wales were barely without the ball as the Israeli fans fell silent. Their misery was compounded with 13 minutes left, as Ramsey glided into the box and found Bale, whose sweet first-time finish flew past Marciano to crown a memorable night for Wales. (BBC Sport)

Lewis Hamilton after the race

Michael Clarke

Gareth Bale struck with a curling free-kick after he had been fouled on the edge of the Israel area

NBA roundup…

Durant out for season with bone graft

Kevin Durant, the N.B.A.’s reigning most valuable player, has played his final game of an injury-marred season. Durant is scheduled to undergo a bone graft next week on his ailing right foot, the team announced Friday, and is not expected to resume basketball-related activities for four to six months.

It will be the third surgical procedure on Durant’s right foot this season, a worrisome development for one of the league’s most dynamic scorers — and for the Thunder, who are vying for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Thunder, who are 41-31 and increasingly reliant on Russell Westbrook, are in eighth place, which would set up a first-round meeting with the Golden State Warriors, who currently lead the conference.

Durant, 26, appeared in just 27 games this season, averaging 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Durant initially had surgery after breaking a bone in his right foot in the preseason. Last month, he had an additional procedure to replace a screw that was causing discomfort in his foot. At the time, Coach Scott Brooks expressed optimism that Durant would return to the lineup.

But as a result of what the team described as persistent soreness, Durant and team personnel consulted two specialists in the past week: Dr. Martin O’Malley in New York and Dr. James Nunley at Duke University. It was determined, General Manager Sam Presti said in a news release, that the fracture of Durant’s fifth metatarsal was “demonstrating signs of regression” and that additional surgery was necessary.

A bone graft is standard procedure in the rare instances when these types

of fracture operations are unsuccessful, Presti said. O’Malley will perform the procedure.

“While everyone is disappointed that Kevin falls into that group, we are encouraged that the bone graft procedure has historically demonstrated long-term health and stability,” Presti said in the release.

Steve Kerr, the coach of the Warriors, said the news came as a blow.

“I always hate hearing when anybody gets injured and is out, especially someone like Kevin, who is so good for the league and gracious and such an incredible example for the league,” Kerr said.

Durant’s contract with the Thunder runs through next season.

Celtics 96, Knicks 92 Isaiah Thomas scored 18 points, and Jae Crowder had 17 points and 9 rebounds as Boston held off a late rally by the host Knicks.

Brandon Bass scored 16 points, Evan Turner had 15 and Avery Bradley finished with 10 for Boston.

Andrea Bargnani tied a season high with 25 points for the Knicks.

The Celtics led by as many as 11 points in the

fourth quarter, but Langston Galloway’s 3-pointer with 25 seconds left cut the Knicks’ deficit to 92-88.

Jason Smith hit a 3-pointer with just over a second to go to make the score 95-92, but Bradley made a clinching free throw.

Hawks 99, Heat 86 DeMarre Carroll scored 24 points as Atlanta clinched the top seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs with a victory over visiting Miami. The Hawks wrapped up the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage in the conference playoffs when the Nets beat Cleveland, 106-98.

Paul Millsap had 21 points and Al Horford had 15 for Atlanta, which never trailed despite playing without the injured guard Jeff Teague.

Raptors 94, Lakers 83 Toronto clinched its second straight Atlantic Division title, beating visiting Los Angeles with 18 points from Lou Williams and 19 from Jonas Valanciunas.

James Johnson had 17 points, Amir Johnson had 11 and Terrence Ross added 10 as the Raptors ended a two-game losing streak and beat the Lakers for the first time since Dec. 8, 2013. (The New York Times)

Kell Brook beats Jo Jo Dan to retain IBF world

England’s Kell Brook successfully defended his IBF world welterweight title with a fourthround victory against Jo Jo Dan in Sheffield.

Unbeaten Brook, 28, was fighting for the first time since he was stabbed in the leg while on holiday in Tenerife.

He dominated in his home town, flooring Dan four times before the Romanian did not come out for the fifth round.

“I didn’t think I would walk again, never mind box again. Now I’m here defending my title,” said Brook.

“I’ve come from a council estate, now I’m world champion. I’ve come from the bot-

tom and I’m at the top.”

Dan, 33, had never been stopped in his previous 36 professional fights, but was sent to the canvas twice in the second round and twice more in the fourth before he was pulled out of the fight by his corner.

Brook, who has a perfect record of 34 wins from 34 bouts, was making the first defence of his world title after he had beaten American Shawn Porter on points in California last August.

However, Brook’s career looked to be over two weeks later when he was stabbed in the leg with a machete in what he called an “unprovoked attack”.

“It was amazing to be

Woods will fall outside world’s top 100 on Monday

Former world number one Tiger Woods will on Monday drop outside the top 100 in the rankings for the first time in more than 18 years.

The 39-year-old American is down at number 96 and a world ranking official told Reuters that he is likely to slip to 102nd when the list is adjusted after this weekend’s tournaments.

Woods posted an 82 at the Phoenix Open in January, his worst round as a professional, as he slumped outside the leading 50 in the rankings for the first time in more than three years.

Since then the 14-times major winner has continued a downward slide that resulted in him failing to qualify for this month’s WGCCadillac Championship, an event he has won seven times.

Woods was ranked 433rd when he turned professional in September 1996.

He then jumped to 75th after landing his first victory as a professional at the 1996 Las Vegas Invitational, the first of 79 PGA Tour titles.

Woods first moved to world number one when he finished 19th at the 1997

U.S. Open.

The American spent a record total of 683 weeks at the top of the rankings until he lost the number one spot to Australia’s Adam Scott in May 2014.

Current number one

Rory McIlroy has been top of the rankings since August. (Reuters)

Park Tae-hwan sorry for doping ban

Atearful former Olympic swimming champion, Park Taehwan of South Korea, offered an impassioned public apology Friday, four days after receiving an 18-month ban for failing a doping test.

Park, who won South Korea’s only ever swimming gold in the 400 meters freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Games, was handed the ban Monday by world swimming governing body FINA after testing positive for testosterone in an out-of-competition drug test. The FINA ban began retroactively the day of the positive test in early September and will expire on March 2, 2016.

Park’s agency has blamed the results on an injection administered by a local hospital, which offered him free chiropractic and other treatments in July.

title

able to walk to the ring again and this is where I belong,” added Brook. “It was hard to hold it together. I didn’t think I would box again, and I can’t put into words what it means to defend my title.”

Dan, born in Romania but based in Canada, was the mandatory contender but suffered only the third defeat of his 37-fight professional career.

Brook now hopes this win leads to an all-British bout with Amir Khan.

“If you’re watching Amir Khan, then get in here with me. I know you’re delicate around the whiskers,” said Brook. (BBC Sport)

Park said in a news conference Friday he’s sorry for having disappointed his fans and the South Korean people and that he will have time to “deeply reflect on myself.”

A teary Park said the last few months were like “hell” for him, which he also described as “the difficult and lonely time that I felt like dying.”

“The 18 months that I’m stripped of the rights as a swimmer will probably be the most difficult moment for me,” he added.

It was his first public appearance since the 25-yearold was informed of the results of his doping test in late October, according to his agency Team GMP.

Park has been one of the most popular athletes in the South Korea since his Olympic win. He also owns the country’s only other three Olympic swimming medals. Park added a silver in Beijing, and two more

silver medals at the 2012 London Games.

South Korea’s Olympic body said Thursday it was considering easing its eligibility rules for athletes entering international competitions, which would allow Park a chance at qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Park said Friday he wants to finish his swimming career honorably but declined to comment on the 2016 Olympics.

“It’s not time to talk about future here as I made a mistake that I myself couldn’t accept,” he said.(ESPN)

golden Jaguars name strong... from back page

Coach Jamaal Shabazz said, “We are happy to be back on the field one week later for another warm-up match. This game opens up an avenue for us to see more players. Only five of the players who started the last game will start in this game and this gives us an opportunity to widen the pool of players for the national team going forward.”

He added, “Of course the result is important to us, but

it is crucial for us to see how some of the new players blend into the team like Neil Danns and Matthew Briggs with the experience they bring. Then we have two kids in Pernell Schultz and young goalkeeper Anthony Whyte who will get starts and get the opportunity to gain exposure.”

The Golden Jaguars are hoping to seal a second consecutive win after beating St Lucia 2-0 last weekend in an international venue at the

same venue. "It's not about changing a winning team, but more about building the programme looking further down the road. We want to make the team so competitive that it will give us headaches to select. And that has already started to happen."

Admission to the venue is $1,000 for general seating, $4,000 for VIP, while children under 12 will be admitted free.

Kevin Durant

Tiger Woods

Park Tae-hwan

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Clarke to retire from...

“But I think Ricky told me at a very young age he thought I was best suited to the middle order in the oneday game especially, to go and face spin bowling and make sure I bat through those middle overs to help our power game at the end. I’ve continued on in the same way. The other night and in Perth, those opportunities being one down in the 30th over, I thought it was the right thing for the team to send some power-hitters out in front of me.”

While hesitant as ever to put words in the mouths of the selectors with whom he has endured a tense and at times testy relationship over the past four years, Clarke endorsed Smith’s maturity as a batsman and an emerging leader for the future of the national team. “Smithy’s certainly matured as a player and a person, there’s no doubt about it,” Clarke said. “His form is because of his hard work, I’m not surprised that he’s scoring as many runs as he is because he’s training extremely hard.

“He’s worked hard on his game, he’s learned a lot about his game. It’s not fair for me to go into who’s going to be the next captain, that’s not my place ... Smithy’s somebody who will be spoken about ... there’s a reason he bats No. 3 for Australia. He’s earned that right and he’s grabbing that with both hands in the one-day format. If he gets an opportunity to bat No. 3 in Test matches I’m really confident he’ll grab that with both hands as well. He’s playing a big role in helping us have success. I’d love to see another hundred from him tomorrow.”

As for Clarke’s legacy as a cricketer, much of it may be dictated by whether or not he guides Australia to victory in the Cup final over New Zealand. Having regained the Ashes last summer and also scaled to the top of the international rankings, a World Cup would help complete a successful if eventful tenure. Nevertheless, Clarke felt he would be defined as much by relationships with team-mates as anything he has done on the field, and by his leadership of Australian cricket during the mourning that followed the death of Phillip Hughes last November.

“I think your legacy is dictated by what your teammates think of you to be honest,” he said. “I’ve shown through my career in any format that I’ve always put the team first, [but] I think a lot of my legacy will be based around what happened recently off the field with my little brother.”

serVICes

BCC set to host Easter Cricket Camp

The Blairmont Cricket Club (BCC) will be hosting a cricket clinic during the Easter break holiday starting March 29 to April 11 at the Blairmont Estate Ground, from 13:00h to 17:00h each day.

Under the theme “Cricket and education”, the Camp seeks to attract youngsters for membership from ages 10 to 17 years residing within Ithaca to Abary on the West Coast of Berbice.

The coaching session will have both indoor and outdoor components where the participants will be taken through their paces by a team of experienced and qualified coaches.

In addition, the youngsters will be taught the finer points of the game including batting, bowling, fielding, catching, wicket keeping, throwing among other skills.

Lectures will be held by qualified individuals on top-

ics such as peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, road safety, sports and education, leadership, respect for the elderly, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana use etc.

The club previous camps(since Aug 2012 to Dec 2014)has been fruitful seeing

individuals making national and inter-county teams such as Nick Ramsaroop, AvishkarSewkarran, KevonJawahir, DerickNarinejr, PermanandRamdhan, DevishwariPrashad, Waqar Hassan, Rameshwar

Somwaru, ZameerInshan, Mohammad Sibdhanny, SeonGlascow, JavidKarim,C handradatVeersammy,And reBissiondyal, Nigel Deodat and MarvanPrashad.For more information contact can be made with club president Shabeer Baksh on 628-6767.

DCB set to hold AGM,Elections April 30

The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has decided to hold their Annual General Meeting and Elections on April 30.

The decision came after a meeting was held among the various constituents at a meeting on March 27 at the GUYNIC Sports Club on Woolford Avenus, NonPariel Park.

The membership discussed a wide range of matters affecting the conduct, the playing and the administration of cricket in Demerara at the March 27 meeting.

Further, there was the general feeling that a resolution of the crisis in Demerara cricket would essentially pave the way towards legality, order and good governance at all levels including the West Indies Cricket Board.

Italy Coach receives death threats

Italy coach Antonio Conte received death threats following an injury to Juventus’s Claudio Marchisio, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has revealed.

With the successful passage of the GCAA, the delegates were optimistic that at long last, proper and lawful elections of the DCB could now be held and would include the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA).

The midfielder was suspected to have ruptured his knee ligaments as he trained for Saturday evening’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria.

Juventus have since confirmed the 29-year-old has not torn his ligament.

England play Italy in a friendly in Turin on Tuesday.

president

threats on the internet.”

“I saw Conte shaken this morning, I met with him for a long time and he is not calm.”

He added: “All these things have been said on social networks and he feels vilified for something that is not his fault. The FIGC stands by him.”

Former Juventus player and manager Conte said Marchisio injured himself in a training warm-up.

Azhar Ali named new Pakistan ODI captain

The PCB chairman, Shaharyar Khan, has decided to appoint Azhar Ali as captain of Pakistan’s ODI side, ESPNcricinfo understands. Azhar, who was not a member of Pakistan’s World Cup squad and has not played an ODI for two years, will succeed Misbah-ul-Haq after his retirement from the format.

The PCB is also set to create a new four-member selection committee, with former batsman Haroon Rasheed as the new chief selector. That would mean the end of Moin Khan’s time in the role, after he was called home from the World Cup for visiting a casino. The PCB is expected to announce details on Monday, after the board endorses the changes.

Azhar has only played 14 ODIs and last featured in January 2013, despite an average of 41.09. The 30-yearold is a regular in the Test XI, providing a steadying influence at No. 3. His deputy will be Sarfraz Ahmed, the wicketkeeper batsman, who is also expected to become vice-captain to Shahid Afridi in T20.

This is not the first time Azhar has been considered for the Pakistan captaincy. In 2010 he was seen as potential candidate to take

over after the spot-fixing saga, despite having only made his debut that year, but then chairman Ijaz Butt chose Misbah on the basis of experience.

Both Misbah and the coach, Waqar Younis, preferred Azhar for the one-day job because he is seen as a safe, unproblematic choice, as well as a sensible batsman in the mould of his predecessor. He has smooth relationships with fellow players and the board. Azhar has also captained at various levels in Pakistan, with a record of played 34, won 16.

Teams he has led include Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Khan

Research Laboratories and Baluchistan Warriors. Azhar also captained Wahab Riaz and Nasir Jamshed, members of Pakistan’s World Cup squad, at Under-19 level.

Although he has not played over the last two years, Azhar has been in contention for an ODI place but found senior batsmen Misbah and Younis Khan preferred to him in the lineup. With Misbah’s retirement and uncertainty over how long Younis will continue, the PCB wanted a reliable middle-order replacement and is evidently confident that Azhar can cope with the pressure of being recalled to the side as captain after a long absence.

Haroon’s panel of selectors will be made up of former internationals Kabir Khan, who was previously the coach of Afghanistan, Azhar Khan and Saleem Jaffar.

Haroon has previously served as a member of the selection committee on two different occasions, as well as twice being head of the junior selection committee. He is currently working as game development manager at the National Cricket Academy but will have to relinquish this post. (Cricinfo)

FIGC

Carlo Tavecchio told Italian radio station Radio Rai: “He received death

(BBC Sport)

Antonio Conte

Azhar Ali

Malteenoes Sports Club fundraiser on today – Tiger Sports facilitates Media XI participation

In an effort to upgrade the facilities that currently exist at the Thomas Lands-based Malteenoes Sports Club, executives of the 113-year club will be hosting a fundraising cricket competition and BarB-Que today, with action set to commence as early as 09:00h.

Eight corporate teams will provide the on-field cheers; while beyond the boundary there will be musical entertainment for patrons.

To ‘bowl’ things off, the organisers will perform the draw of teams to square off in what is virtually a quarter-final, but they have granted the Media XI the opportunity to play the first match since they have another engagement during the day.

Besides the Media XI, the other participating teams are Guyana Bar Association, Upper Level Barber Shop, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Police Officers, Qualfon, Demerara Distillers Limited, Renegades and Wartsilla Power Company.

The day’s activities, which are being co-sponsored by General Industrial Supplies Enterprise, Trophy Stall and Star Party Rental, will be coordinated by members of the Malteenoes

Sports Club and will see the top three teams receiving trophies, while individual prizes will be available for the Most Valuable Player in the final, the Best Batsman and Best Bowler of the day.

The umpires will be Linden Matthews, Joseph Jeffrey and Shannon Crawford, while the Match Referee is Omar Bacchus.

Meanwhile, Tiger Sports of Old Road, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday outfitted the Media XI with jerseys to compete in today’s encounter. The jerseys, bearing the Media XI emblem on the front, and Tiger Sports logo on the rear, were generously donated to the Media boys by Managing Director Sheik Mohamed, who is a former national cricketer.

Mohamed’s son, Fawaz, also a former national cricketer, presented the shirts to captain John Ramsingh during a simple ceremony at Malteenoes Sports Club on Saturday. Ramsingh said his boys were very grateful for the kind gesture of Tiger Sports, and will look to represent the company’s image to the best of their abilities.

Also present at the simple ceremony were former captain Calvin Roberts, fast bowler Zaheer Mohamed and middle-order batsman Avenash Ramzan.

RHTY&SC set date for Busta Champion of Champions

– to donate part of proceeds to Sports Journalist Calvin Roberts

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club have scheduled the finals of the 11th edition of the Busta Champion of Champions for April 25 at the Albion Cricket Ground from 15:00h in a day/night encounter.

Arch rivals Albion Cricket Club (ACC) and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets will face off for the third consecutive year and the match is expected to be of the highest standard with four test and numerous national players involved.

Players of the calibre of Assad Fudadin, Devindra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Anthony Bramble, Jonathan Foo, Delbert Hicks, Collis Butts, Shawn Perierra, Akshay Homraj, Leroy Bristol, Keon Sinclair, Balchand Baldeo, Sharaz Ramcharran and Khemraj Mahadeo are scheduled to be on show in what is expected to be a close and thrilling encounter.

Club Secretary/CEO

Hilbert Foster, disclosed that as part of its humanitarian outreach programme, the RHTYSC would be donating a substantial part of the gate reserve to the medical expenses of cricket Journalist Calvin Roberts of the Guyana Chronicle.

Roberts, who is ill has a huge monthly medical bill and the RHTYSC would be assisting to overset some of it. Funds raised would also be used for the club’s development programme and assisting less fortunate students with school bags.

Foster also disclosed that several fun games like cricket ball throw and hitting the wicket would be arranged for patrons.

Several lucky patrons will also receive gate prizes including a tablet, food hampers and designer watches.

The winning team will receive $100,000.00 and the Busta Cup while the Runner-up is set to pocket $50,000.00 and trophy. The Man of the finals will pocket$10,000.00 and a trophy.

Fawaz Mohamed (second left) representing Tiger Sports presents one of the shirts to Media XI skipper John Ramsingh. Sharing the moment are, from left, media players Calvin Roberts, Avenash Ramzan and Zaheer Mohamed

guyanatimesgy.com

Golden Jaguars name strong squad for Grenada clash today

The Golden Jaguars have named a strong 20-man squad to face Grenada in the second international friendly in the space of a week this evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The squad includes two goalkeepers, six defenders, eight midfielders and four strikers.

The full squad reads: Goalkeepers Anthony Whyte and Akel Clarke; Defenders Joshua Brown, King Solomon Austin, Daniel Whyte, Matthew Briggs, Jamaal Smith and Colin Nelson; Midfielders Clive Nobrega, Konata Mannings, Neil Danns, Eon Alleyne, Trayon Bobb, Vurlon Mills, Walter Moore and Chris Nurse (Captain); and Strikers Emery Welshman, Purnell Schultz, Sheldon Holder and Daniel Wilson.

Everest honours under-13 team

The Everest Cricket Club (ECC) honoured their under-13 side for their outstanding performance in the Banks Smalta under-13 cricket tournament that concluded recently.

The Everest under-13 side won the final against Ghandi Youth Organisation (GYO) by 40 runs to show their dominance at the grass root level. At the award ceremony,

the youngsters were awarded with plaques as well as medals for their efforts.

President of the Everest Cricket Club, Stephen Lewis encouraged the kids to continue in good vain as well as

focusing in their education. Lewis also lauded the players for their effort and noted that consistency, focus and dedication is required to reach to the national level. Further, Lewis highlight-

ed that in light of the players’ performance, the association will ensure that their players are involved in more cricket so that their skill set can continually improve. Immediate plans are to have in-house tournaments while long term plans are to have overseas teams coming in to play the youngsters and in some cases travelling overseas as well. (Treiston Joseph)

The under-13 Everest team pose with President of the club Stephen Lewis (extreme left) and Coach Shaheed Mohammed (extreme right)

The Golden Jaguars during training turn to page 20