Guyana Times Daily

Granger sworn in as President

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Guyana’s youths hold Granger to campaign promises

Essequibo woman dies days after giving birth

Police intensify Social Crime Prevention Programme

Pineapple harvesting commences in Region 2 US Embassy, Jimmy Carter congratulate Granger 1 dead; 2 injured in vehicle collision

President David Granger takes the Oath of Office in the presence acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh of as the Eighth Executive President of Guyana at the swearing in ceremony on the balcony of Parliament Building in Georgetown on Saturday

Cheated but not defeated – Ramotar

– says adult suffrage under threat, election results compromised

By Michael younge

Former President Donald Ramotar has urged newly elected President David Granger, to urgently take responsibility for the affairs of the country as he maintained that his party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was not defeated at the May 11 polls, but cheated because of the many irregularities and glaring manipulation of the results.

Ramotar, who is also an Executive member of the PPP/C, said that Granger and the leadership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition must ensure the preservation of peace, respect and protection for all citizens over the next few years regardless of their race, creed or political affiliations.

“As we enter into a new phase of our country’s politi-

cal life, the PPP/C will continue to strive for a strong democracy, a cohesive society and a better Guyana”, he said in a statement to the media.

Ramotar said that the election results “were shrouded in controversy” as he appealed to thousands of Guyanese who voted for the PPP/C to remain calm in the face of widespread provocation “associated with triumphalism”.

Admitting that his party is hurt, aggrieved and disappointed at this point, the former President said a decision has been taken to seek recourse via options made available under the country’s Constitution while hinting at the possibility of an elections petition.

“Once again, we are being removed from office, not through the will of our people, but by electoral manipulations. Yet we will remain

steadfast in our commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy”, he stated.

Under attack

Ramotar stressed that adult suffrage appears to be under attack in Guyana because of recent developments, pointing to worrying occurrences which could have easily undermined and subverted the will of the electorate that participated in the democratic processes to elect a new Government on May 11.

“The right to universal adult suffrage and its exercise of ‘one person, one vote’, which the PPP won for the Guyanese people in 1953, is again under threat”, he remarked.

Ramotar explained that the PPP/C requested the Elections Commission to conduct recounts of ballots cast in various districts because of several irregularities which appeared to have compromised the integrity of

the process but it denied the party’s repeated requests.

He maintained that his party is convinced that if these recounts were conducted the PPP would have won the elections and the discrepancies would have exposed the rigging which took place.

“GECOM by its constitutional mandate and the observer missions, have made their pronouncements on the elections without taking into account the real concerns that have been brought to their attention by our party,” he said.

Proud record

But Ramotar thanked the thousands who worked for, voted for and are members of his party, telling them that the struggle continues as he was proud of the PPP/C’s record in office and the positions it adopted on the campaign trail this year.

He said, “I want to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifices made by you in the campaign, particularly those supporters who toiled, sometimes unnoticed, to keep our machinery going,” before pointing out, “We should be proud of our unstinting commitment and ceaseless efforts to preserve our country’s democracy”.

The former President said all Guyanese should also be justifiably proud of

our record of success in restoring the economy and dramatically transforming our country over these difficult years of struggle.

“Let us not be daunted but redouble our efforts to keep our party strong and resilient. As we look to the future we will stand with our people to continue the struggle for freedom and democracy as we did decades before,” he said.

Ramotar was sworn in as Guyana’s Seventh Executive President on December 3, 2011 after the November 28 polls that year, where the PPP/C secured the largest bloc of votes but became a minority in the Legislature. He joined the PPP in 1967 and was first elected to the PPP’s Central Committee in 1979; then joined the PPP’s Executive Committee in 1983. He was the party’s General Secretary (GS) from 1997 until he became President, and Clement Rohee was elected to replace him as GS.

Ramotar received a certificate from the Government Technical Institute (GTI) in welding, and also attended the University of Guyana. He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, which translates as the “Indian Diaspora Award”, by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas of January 2015 held in Gandhinagar, India.

Guyana’s youths hold Granger to campaign promises

The majority of the youth population of Guyana appears to be extremely ecstatic following the announcement that the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition will form the next Government of Guyana.

But with all pomp and celebrations aside, the youth population has unanimously, through various means, reminded its new President David Granger, of the many promises he made on the campaign trail for a better Guyana. Granger had promised to govern the country in such a way that all Guyanese are provided with equal rights that will see them advancing themselves, and thus advancing the economy.

Social media is exploding with congratulatory comments for the new Government, but is also loaded with warning comments that the “Granger Administration” has an unyielding duty to fulfil. One young person, who currently pursues his studies in business management, congratulated the APNU/ AFC for winning the preliminary vote, noting that

he would hold them fully responsible for the state of the country thereafter.

Another, speaking under the condition of anonymity, explained that he was excited to see what a change in the Government will do for Guyana. However, though sceptical of the uncertainty ahead, he said he would give the next Administration six months to prove to the nation that they made the right choice.

Former President Donald Ramotar

Guyana’s Eighth Executive President David Granger

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, May 17 - 14:30h-16:00h and Monday, May 18 – 05:00h-06:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, May 17 – 16:05h-17:35h and Monday, May 18 – 16:55h-18:25h

Granger sworn in as President

... promises to be “a good President”

SWEATHER TODAY FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure Sunday, May 17 – 05:00h, 14:00h and 17:00h Monday, May 18 – 06:00h, 14:00h and 17:00h

eventy-year-old David Granger was on Saturday sworn in as Guyana’s Eighth Executive President amid allegations of electoral fraud and rigging from the outgoing Government and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Granger’s swearing in ceremony was rushed and came at a time when the PPP/C had made credible allegations that it may have been cheated out of power by the indifferent Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and polling agents who were loyal to the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership of National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

The former Opposition leader was sworn in as Executive President of Guyana by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh amid a sea of smiles and even tears of joy from his avid supporters and partisans.

Men, women and children, the differently able and even the elderly from all walks of life came together in front the Parliament Buildings, shouting, singing and dancing to the coalition’s campaign songs as they awaited the arrival of their leader of the PNC and APNU and now newly elected President of the Republic of Guyana.

With smiles and even tears trickling down some faces, thousands of APNU/ AFC supporters flocked the Parliament Square, hoping to get a glimpse of the man, who had adopted the AFC slogan for “change” and a “government of national unity” since elections were announced in January 2015.

While some tried to hide their emotions, many preferred to let it be seen noting that they were too happy and free to do otherwise as the inauguration would go down in history as being one with a difference.

After almost an hour delay, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally arrived, followed closely behind by David Granger. As he exited his vehicle, the crowd went wild, screaming and shouting “President David Granger”, “change has come”, among other slogans.

The ceremony then began with Guyanese songstress, Lisa Punch taking the stage to sing the National Anthem, followed by prayers from the leaders of the three main religious groups in Guyana. They all prayed for peace, stability and accountability and for the needs of the people to be placed first and foremost in the new government.

The proclamation of Granger as President was then made by Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally while the new President-elect was then formally sworn in by the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh after he recited the Oath of Office.

Taking the podium, immediately after, Granger took the time to thank the Guyanese populace for believing in him and for giving him the opportunity to ascend to the highest office in the land.

“It is written: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” We have come together at the National Assembly of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana as a mark of respect for the Parliament, for our Constitution and for the people of this great country, Guyana. We have good reason to rejoice. We rejoice not only in the favourable results, but also in the enjoyment of our democracy… We therefore record our gratitude, first, to the more than 408,000 citizens who participated in this important democratic process last Monday. We thank, also, the thousands of observers, officers, officials, agents and other workers – from overseas and from Guyana – and representatives of foreign missions who worked to ensure that the elections were conducted in a manner than satisfied international standards for efficiency and credibility,” said Granger.

He noted that the coalition’s victory signalled that the Guyanese people were ready for a new life and was ready to cast aside differences for the better of the country. He did not, however, refer to the claims of the outgoing PPP/C that the election had been rigged and that they were “cheated and not defeated.”

“The Guyanese people have chosen their representatives. The Constitution has been respected. Our democracy has been fortified. Let us now put past rivalries behind us and work in unity to banish poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred. We assemble here today to witness the swearing in, not of a party leader, but of the President of all the people. I shall be a good President for all the people. We the Guyanese people have chosen to inaugurate a ‘government of national unity’ and to promote our multiparty, inclusionary partnership. We are convinced that this is the best way to overcome our historic divisions,” the newly elected president told Guyanese.

On this note, he promised that he will be a President for all. “I shall be the President

to Guyana Greg Quinn; former Ministers of the PPP/C Nanda Gopaul and Maniram Prashad and prominent businessman Brian Tiwari of BK International, as well as President of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lance Hinds; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ramesh Persaud, among other prominent officials.

for all of the people… Let us embrace each other – regardless of religion, race, class, occupation – as fellow Guyanese. Let us work together, to realise our inspiring national motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” Let us be reminded of the famous national song: Let us cooperate for Guyana, Let us cooperate for our land, Let us resolve to fight together, See we do it right together, Can we do it? Yes we can.”

He assured that Moses Nagamootoo will be the next Prime Minister of the land and will be sworn in as soon as possible while the formal inauguration of the government will be done on May 26, Independence Day at the Guyana National Stadium.

The swearing in of Granger comes after the APNU/AFC barely won the 2015 election by one per cent after it managed to acquire 207,200 votes while the PPP/C acquired 202,694 votes, which it claimed was less than that which it has actually secured from its supporters. The new Administration marked the end of 23 years of rule by the PPP/C.

The event was graced by members of the diplomatic community including US Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt; Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles; British High Commissioner

Born in Georgetown, David Granger attended Queen’s College, Guyana’s elite and prestigious school which was also the alma mater for former Presidents Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Cheddi Jagan; Prime Ministers Samuel Hinds and Hamilton Green, as well as scholars such as Dr Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnaraine.

After leaving Queen’s College, where he was a member of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps, Granger joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as an Officer Cadet in 1965, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1966. He received his professional military training at the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria; the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil; and the School of Infantry and the Mons Officer Cadet School, respectively, in The United Kingdom. He trained in Britain, then Brazil, then Nigeria, and eventually became Commander of the GDF in 1979; he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. Granger was appointed as National Security Advisor to the President in 1990 and retired from military service in 1992. Granger founded the Guyana Review news magazine in 1992, and served as its Managing Editor. He has researched and published on military, historical and media themes, and is also the author of Guyana’s state media: the quest for control, and A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in the Anglophone Caribbean

David Granger signing the Presidential Oath

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

An inauspicious beginning

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) finally made its official announcement on the final results of the May 11, 2015 General Elections. It declared that the APNU/AFC coalition secured 50.3% of the vote worth 33 seats as against the 32 seats of the PPPC, awarded from their 49.2%.

So we have a new government that will be sworn in, with the National Assembly and the Presidency controlled by the SPNU/AFC. Our best wishes for the new government to work towards the success and happiness of all Guyana.

It is rather unfortunate however, that the new government will be starting its term of office under a cloud of suspicion as to its very legitimacy. The incumbent PPPC party has contended that they only secured its razor-thin majority through a manipulation of the votes, which could only have been done with the collusion of staff employed by GECOM.

While, as was reported, the PPPC produced evidently solid support for a sample of 22 numbered ballot boxes to be recounted to demonstrate evidence for their contention, this request was denied by GECOM.

In our estimation, because of our tortured history of election rigging between 1968 and 1985 by the People’s National Congress (PNC), which is now the overwhelmingly largest partner in the coalition, the PPPC’s request for a recount should have been allowed, so as to conclusively demonstrate to the Guyanese populace that there was no “fiddling” or “rigging” as claimed by the PPPC.

The latter had made the bold asseveration that even if one of the identified boxes were examined and proved that their figures were incorrect, they would accept the result unequivocally.

In light of the fact that their request was denied, we can only foresee that the PPPC will be filing an elections petition in the Courts to secure what they have defined as a “struggle for a democratic government”.

But just as critical, the APNU/AFC government, in not joining with the PPPC in asking for a recount of just 22 ballot boxes, has lost a golden opportunity to overthrow the albatross of electoral rigging that has dogged its major component, the PNC.

Be as it may, the business of the country must go on after being placed on hold for the last week. This was indicative of the trepidation that has been nurtured in the minds of Guyanese when it comes to post-elections violence whenever the PNC lost. While this might be a bitter truth for the APNU/AFC coalition to swallow, it is however a truth that must be addressed if they are to earn the ultimate legitimacy under a democratic system: the consent of the governed.

That legitimacy is widened to the extent that the consent is widened. While in Opposition, the principals of the new government waxed lyrical about “a government of national unity” and “shared governance”.

No matter what the combinations and permutations performed on the 50.3% of the votes they secured, the APNU/AFC would be insulting the intelligence of the Guyanese people if they insist that they have, in fact, formed such a “unity government”.

The results demonstrate that they won a smaller percentage of the vote than in 2011, and it was the PPPC that increased their share. The latter can only be ignored in the new order of things at the peril of democracy.

The APNU/AFC coalition had adumbrated a desiderata of what they hope to achieve in the next 100 days. This should offer the Guyanese people a yardstick for measuring their performance in the near term. Unfortunately, many of the promises were of a populist nature and premised at doling out money without specifying where that money will come from.

One suggestion, based on their past rhetoric, would be to reduce the salary of the President and have the new Vice Presidents replacing Ministers, on the latter pay scale.

What exactly are we commending

GECOM for?

Dear Editor,

It is rather surprising to note the plea for selfpraise for Guyana Elections Commission by its Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally. This chairman wants the nation to shower praises for their hard work they have done.

In fact, in his press conferences, he attempts to make cases that their operation is sacrosanct and that we as the ordinary citizens must trust everything and anything they do and say. Fair enough! In the same breath he insults the very citizenry of this country.

This individual implied that that Guyanese are products of a poor education system called “dummification”.

For the lay man, this bright gentleman in a most suave manner is simply saying “we Guyanese are stupid”.

If, Guyanese are considered stupid, by extension those working at GECOM must be victims of “dummification” also, since GECOM employees are drawn from the same dummified Guyanese labour force.

Can this explain why we are having so many issues in managing an election of just under one million people and producing prompt results? Being at the head for three consecutive elections, no one expects anything less from GECOM. In fact, we expect better.

One can clearly see that the Chairman singing praise tactics is meant to act as a deterrent to accusations of mishaps that took place or to prevent any changes in the current modus operandi in the organization.

Justifying a claim for praise is making a case to give GECOM the leeway to act above the law. Already, many ask if GECOM is above

the laws of Guyana, as we have seen.

Blaming the method of tabulation approach as “jurassic” is a dummified explanation. Common sense again. Break up large tasks into manageable units. The task is to add 2299 Statement of Polls (double statements) from 10 Administrative Regions.

Each region has varying amount and will arrive at different times, I assume. If one is to allocate resources as follows, assuming that partial SOPs arrived 00:00h from Regions Three, Four, Five and Six the following morning.

Then the math is simple. One team of four persons per SOP; two persons to check and recheck – maximum average time four minutes; two persons to input in computer system – maximum average time one minute. Assuming one SOP takes five minutes, 2299 takes 191 hours.

Increase the team to 10 competent tabulators (not any and every staff doing calculations). This results in reducing the time to 19 hours to produce results. This means that the Guyanese should have start receiving figures at least by 18:00h Tuesday evening.

It would be dummified to think that the tabulators would be persons who were up since Monday morning and all day and expected to be adding the next day, performing with the same zest. Even the human body is subjected to the laws of elasticity. If this occurred, errors are prone to happen. GECOM staff are expected to be qualified and not like the “supermarket cashier” types Surujbally referred to as unqualified. How was it that SOPs were re-

turned for addition errors?

What was the organization’s check and balance system to negate this potential problem? This is not the first election time this occurred, why a repeat? Square pegs in round holes surely should not be an excuse. The nation waited too long for a preliminary result.

It is ironic how the media houses complained bitterly whenever they are subjected to attitudes from Government officials, yet they would not budge at the crude, arrogant and distasteful manner in which Surujbally responds to their questions.

The media is only the messenger. Common sense prescribes do not attack the messenger. Looking at the media conferences, one is left confused as to how this commission functions. No wonder, the social media was a buzz calling the press meeting as “The Stevo Show” and “The GECOM Comedy Show”, among other remarks.

From these little meetings, one can clearly peep into the organization subtleties itself. The image of GECOM as portrayed by those gentlemen did little to market GECOM as a well evolved organization.

Should hardworking taxpayers of Guyana continue to pay these seemingly “always angry” individuals, when asked questions. As bragged by Surujbally, he is the longest serving Chairman of this hemisphere. No doubt he is.

However, this pomposity like posture begs an important question: Should we as citizens not expect a good election from the body entrusted with this responsibility given that you served so long?

For your information, every tax payer and non tax

payers of this land expects that your organization performs outstandingly. The current model of election was adopted from other countries, and it worked. Why the big brouhaha if it worked well in Guyana?

Assumingly, Surujbally wants Guyanese to be appalled that the polls were good. Elections are not overnight happenings with limited notices. In fact, GECOM is given adequate time to prepare. We cannot commend them for counting, least to say.

So what exactly are we praising GECOM for? For the prompt opening of poll? Someone calling the names of voters correctly? Someone issuing ballot papers correctly? Someone inking one’s finger correctly? Someone ticking correctly? Polling Day staff adhering to manuals? For Guyanese behaving peaceful on Poll Day?

Traditionally, the major issue on polling day was finding where to vote. The use of computer was nothing magical, but rather it was in keeping with the current trends of today’s society. Please do not further insult our acumens by suggesting that GECOM needs commendation for introducing computers at polling stations. Computers have become ordinary since 2006 elections. It was only in 2015 GECOM saw it fit use at polling stations. Should we commend this kind of thinking?

GECOM is perhaps the only entity in Guyana which enjoys an abundance of Guyana’s limited resource. The mere fact, they have resources at their disposal, perfection must be the goal.

turn to page 5

Seals dressed in military uniforms swim during a show marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two, at an aquatic park in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, Russia, May 9 (Reuters)

Allow the recounting of the 22 boxes I

Dear Editor,

It is well known that I am one of those persons who urged all parties to unconditionally accept the final results declared by GECOM. When the preliminary votes were declared, I urged the PPP/C to concede the recently concluded 2015 elections.

I even went so far to urge GECOM to declare the elections and make arrangements for Mr Granger to be sworn in as President. I did so under the assumption that the process was free and fair, and with a strong desire for us to move to the next stage toward reconciliation.

However, credible information has been provided by the PPP/C that points not only to anomalies and human errors, but also to what now appears to be a systematic, pre-conceived plan to disenfranchise citizens of the most fundamental of all rights in a democracy and that is the right to cast a vote and have it counted in the way that was intended. We note that two other parties, the URP and the OVP have raised doubts on the credibility of the system.

This now casts a shadow of doubt over the process, a doubt that needs to be expeditiously cleared, and this

can be done by allowing the recounting of the ballots of the 22 boxes called into question by the PPP/C.

The new Government will need the support and goodwill of the entire population to move our country forward and should not want to begin its administration with nearly 50 per cent of the electorate harbouring doubts over the electoral process especially when these point to a premeditated plan of fraud.

Let us remove these doubts once and for all.

GECOM should therefore allow the ballots in the 22 boxes to be counted.

Swami Aksharananda

I anticipate that there will be difficult times ahead

Dear Editor,

As Prime Ministerial Candidate of the United Republican Party (URP), I differ and as such separate myself from any comments made by the URP in relations to a recount of ballots in the May 11 recently concluded polls.

I believe to the best of my knowledge and belief that the results announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are correct and the elections were conducted free, fair and creditable.

As such I will like to extend to David Granger and the Executive of the APNU/ AFC Alliance my profound congratulations on his historic victory in the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Please know that you can count on my support and best wishes as you assume the duties of President and Commander in Chief of our beloved nation Guyana.

It has been a keenly contested election and at the helm of the struggle I was heartened by your parallel belief in the development of Guyana and its people; and your will to put Guyana first.

I believe Guyana is at a critical juncture in its development and I am trusting your leadership will guide the nation in a direction that will return the country to social, economic and political harmony, a country where every citizen regardless of ethnic origin, political persuasion or religious belief can live peacefully

and achieve the Guyanese dream.

My message is one of hope, freedom and opportunity which I know resonate with all across the spectrum of this great country of ours.

I anticipate that there will be difficult times ahead as you and your team strive to rebuild our nation and to restore the dignity and pride of every Guyanese.

As you restore internal security and put in place systems to ensure our territorial integrity. May the good Lord, who has so blessed Guyana, grant you and all those who serve with you wisdom, strength and compassion in the coming years.

Brandon Jones Prime Ministerial Candidate (URP)

What exactly are we...

GECOM has paid trainers since last year huge incentives to do a good job. Were we to be surprised that they did not do a good job?

A conversation with a trainer revealed how rich we are as a country. We can afford even to pay people for doing nothing, literally.

Most trainings finished by early February, 2015, the remaining months leading to elections were simply turn up – idle – sign the time – out- and await the big paycheck for doing nothing afterwards.

Even prior to that only the weekends were not heavily tasked, not forgetting the fringe benefits of travelling across Guyana and demanding what to eat! An example of poor management of Guyana’s limited resources.

Did GECOM ever think of rewarding people when

they actually worked? Since work was not available every weekend, a system of day work pay would have saved this nation hundreds of thousands of dollars. Instead, we pay them for nothing doing.

The Guyana citizenry must be reminded that GECOM never allowed us to know exactly who were the persons entrusted with the revered responsibility of managing the polling stations.

There was no vetting of polling station staff, despite several calls being made. A letter published on May 13 in another section of the media painted a gaudy picture of the kind of employment practices adopted by GECOM.

The rampant employment of family members of senior officials, coupled with

urge that these ballots be recounted

Dear Editor,

I am one of those who called upon the PPP/C to concede their loss in the just concluded elections. I did so because it was my belief that the entire electoral process was “free and fair”.

I believed that the country should be spared post electoral trauma that has unfortunately become the norm since 1992 elections. However, the information provided by the PPP/C of a pattern of anomalies in 22 identified ballot boxes gives me pause. That the changes all conformed

I

from page 4

the placement of close family members in one polling station is surely of concern. Dr Surujbally, is this act worthy of commendation?

All said and done, GECOM needs a feedback mechanism to obtain the views from the citizens and not only the observers on Elections 2015. The post mortem must include a system for confidential feedbacks.

Clearly there is room for improvements. If the system is closed and does not allow for interactions from the people whom it affects then a repeat of 2015 mistakes may very well repeat in 2020 Elections.

Do not insult the Guyanese populace’s observations, experiences and opinions.

Dummified Voter

to a pattern that increased votes to APNU/AFC while decreasing votes from the PPP/C, appears too farfetched to be mere coincidence.

In the interest in the transparency and integrity of our electoral system, which is the foundational institution for instituting and maintaining a democracy, I urge that these ballots be recounted and the results announced before any “final declaration”. Merely comparing Statements of Polls is not sufficient.

The PPP/C has prom-

ised to accept the overall in total if this limited check on just 22 boxes is done. Surely this is not too much for GECOM so that we can have a smooth post electoral period. I note that two of the smaller parties, the URP and the OVP have questioned the fairness of even the recount process. Surely their motives cannot be questioned because they are “sore losers” who did not prevail by just a whisker.

Dr Baytoram Ramharack

condemn the actions of Emile McGarrell

Dear Editor, I wish to extend congratulations to David Arthur Granger - President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo - Prime Minister, and the APNU/AFC coalition for achieving victory at the 2015 National and Regional Elections.

As the new Cabinet is formed and Ministers take their respective places within the Ministries of Government, I appeal to our new President and Government to honor the promises made to the peo-

ple of Guyana during the lengthy campaign period and to create an avenue for inclusive governance and persons and institutions with common interests, thoughts and resources for the socio-economic development of our nation as we proceed into a technologically advance future.

Additionally, I recall in 1992 when the PPP/C Ministers took office, there was the least of anything to hand over and to begin working with.

Today, as Guyana has developed there are tones of records, fixtures and fit -

tings, land and buildings, motor vehicles and contracted projects which are work-in-progress.

In this regard, there must be a transitional period for the smooth handing over process and accountability for transparency and continuity of development.

Thus, I condemn the actions of Emile McGarrell, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, for grossly humiliating former Minister Irfaan Ali.

Hana Mohamed

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Page Foundation

Home at last!

Anu Dev

Well the semester is finally over! I’ve packed my things, put them away in storage and locked up my dorm room for the summer. I realised that I'm somewhat of a pack rat- who else would save old, used up pens because they're reminders of courses completed? As the plane lifted off from the Piarco runway last Tuesday night and I saw the lights of Port-of-Spain spread out below me, I felt like I had finally snapped shut a new chapter- my second year of Med School. It was a relief, to be honest. As the plane climbed higher and higher, I felt like all of my worries and anxieties of the past semester were falling away as I was being whisked away towards home.

“Home is where you go to find solace from the ever changing chaos, to find love within the confines of a heartless world, and to be reminded that no matter how far you wander, there will always be something waiting when you return.” – Kendal Rob

At every level it feels like that exam is the hardest exam I'll ever have to write- that's how I felt writing SSEE, writing CSEC and then CAPE. And invariably I'll look back and think, "Why was I complaining back then? I'd definitely prefer to take back CAPE Unit

home!

And now I'm home, it seems like the May-June rains are here. Ordinarily I would have to be making the journey to QC and the rains usually make that quite a damp, dreary, smelly and quite miserable ordeal that would have me shaking my

2 Pure Math and Physics on the same day again than these 2nd year final exams!"

But as my dad likes to remind me, "This too shall pass." And it does, and I end up surviving another exam and can return home for the holidays.

And it’s been amazing being home, reunited with my family! It’s nice settling into old routines and waking up in my own bed. There really is no place quite like

fist and railing against the stormy sky. But this time around, safely ensconced in bed, I can borrow a line from Frozen and say, "The cold never bothered my anyway."

But my return home hasn't completely been the restful and relaxing lazydays I was looking forward to. I had been scheduled to return to vote - and looking forward to exercising my franchise in what I'd already figured was a critical

one. But then fate, in the form of Caribbean Airlines, intervened when they arbitrarily switched me to the day after.

The past couple of days has been focused more on our elections that I had anticipated. I had (naively) expected that the votes would soon be tallied, a result announced and a Government sworn in relatively soon, not the long, drawn-out saga that has played out. I would've hoped that after all the drama with past elections, systems would be in placed to speed up a more transparent process.

The GECOM press conferences proved to be pure theatre...complete with dramatic tension and conflicts. Hopefully today there will be a denouement today that'll allow Guyanese - including me - to get back to our everyday routine. As I finish this piece I've been staring at the TV screen for the last hour - waiting for the final announcement to be made as to who'll form the next government. My deadline's past...so I'll just say: Good luck to the next administration. Life goes on...

IRO urges all Guyanese to welcome David Granger as President

With a clear distinction that nearly half of the voting population refused to elect the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition as the Government, the InterReligious Organisation (IRO) urges all Guyanese to accept the decision of the electorate and give the new President, David Granger, a chance to rule the country.

IRO Chairman Reverend Ronald McGarrell, speaking with this publication shortly after the country’s eight Executive President was sworn in, expressed his hope that the new Government will eventually have the support of all Guyanese. “I hope that he will have the support of all Guyanese to build this nation…I call upon all Guyanese to put their skills together to develop the nation,” he appealed.

According to the data from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), APNU/AFC received 206, 817 of the votes while the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) received 201, 457, the United Force 880, the National Independent Party 561, the United Republican Party 338 and

the Independent Party 338 votes. The statistics clearly indicate that a significant portion of the Guyanese society was against the coalition.

Other independent bodies, including the GCCI (Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry), have highlighted this reality and urged the coalition to work towards convincing this magnitude of Guyanese that the coalition government will ensure Guyana continues to prosper.

That aside, McGarrell acknowledged that it is a bittersweet moment in Guyana’s history as the country is divided into a section that is celebrating the victory of the coalition, while another is mourning the loss of the PPP/C after 23 years.

Nonetheless, he called on all Guyanese to remain calm and continue to live together as one. “I don’t think we should be fighting with one another…We should all care one another,” he urged.

Further, McGarrell said he will, and so should every Guyanese, hold this new Government accountable to the luxurious promises they guaranteed to fulfil while they were on the campaign trail trying to garner support. “I hope the President elected will make life better for all Guyanese; making the country safer; making sure more jobs are created; and put things in place so that people who suffer can no longer suffer, so that they can be glad to live in this land,” he stated.

IRO Chairman, Reverend Ronald McGarrell

Business community wants partnership with new Govt

Joining hands in welcoming the Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition David Granger as Guyana’s eight Executive President, the local business community noted that it looks forward to the forging of strong partnerships with the new Government so that the nation can continue to flourish and prosper.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), after ruling the country for 23 years, has developed the country to such an extent that businesses even in the most remote areas have been successful.

Under the PPP/C, Guyana has experienced consecutive years of economic growth which significantly benefited the business community and in return, the Guyanese peo-

ple.

With a change in Government, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have come forth to congratulate the APNU+AFC coalition on their long awaited achievement and signalled their expectations for sustained cooperation between the governing Administration and the business community so that development can continue.

The PSC in a statement lauded the coalition for making “a united country” the focus of their campaign and, for promising an inclusionary government which ensures the needs of all the people are met.

“The Private Sector Commission, on this histor-

ic occasion, extends warm congratulations to the new President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency David Arthur Granger, and his new Government,” the statement read.

It continued to indicate its expectation of the new Government to encourage Private Sector investment and support as it continues to strive for creation of jobs and the overall development of Guyana.

The GCCI, also in a press release, congratulated the new Government while too, noting its expectation of unyielding partnerships that are critical to the nation’s economic future.

The GCCI went further to remind the new Government that there is a “magnitude” of work ahead.

“A win by less than 10,000 votes is a clear indication that there is a significant constituency that needs to be convinced of the new Government’s good intentions… The vitriol spewed all over social media by both sides of the divide during the election season, shows clearly that there is a lot of work to be done,” GCCI said.

The organisation also acknowledged the coalition’s willingness to work with the PPP/C Opposition to ensure Guyana’s future is secured and urged the PPP/C Executives to do the same.

“The coalition has already indicated that it is willing to work with the Opposition but it is also for the Opposition to play the responsible role in Parliament expected in a functioning democracy,” the release noted.

Essequibians still calling for recount

housands of

TEssequibians and supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) are calling on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to recount each and every single ballot country wide. Essequibians were very saddened by GECOM’s move to declare a result that they claim is not authentic. Many are saying that the election was rigged. And although the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has produced evidence of rigging, GECOM did nothing. “GECOM did the greatest injustice to the people of this land, they didn’t do a good job” one PPP/C supporter said.

lice officers are saying that if GECOM had nothing to hide they would have granted the PPP/C a recount.

Many persons including housewives, farmers, businessmen, students and po-

Many Essequibians say they would not accept the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) party as Guyana’s new Government unless a forensic audit is done on all of the votes casted on May 11.

“How can we accept such a Government whose hands are not clean? They rigged with fake SoPs (Statements of Poll); this is unacceptable,” another PPP/C supporter said as he reacted to GECOM’s decision to declare the People’s National Congress Reform-led APNUAFC coalition the winners of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Eyew tness

New brooms…

....from old coconut “pointa”

Well, the other foot’s finally dropped. For a while there, folks were beginning to worry whether a kick in the face was comingbased on their previous experience. But then the foot and finally touched ground yesterday at noon.

The PNC had won the elections - and they should be congratulated for this feat that few thought they could pull off a decade ago.

Your Eyewitness credits the PNC for the victory because if you look at the numbers from the individual polling stations, the AFC just wasn’t able to deliver the bill of goods they sold the PNC during their “coalition” negotiations.

Take Region 6 - their claim to fame and the raison d’être for the PNC’s interest - for instance. The total number of votes for the PNC and AFC actually dropped from 2011!!

And it’s not that the AFC just lost those votes to the PPPC. In each of the areas where the traditional PNC constituents resided, the votes increased and if this weren’t so, the almost total wipeout of the AFC would’ve been even more evident.

As it was, the PPP picked up 7250 more votes in Berbice - all of which we can say with certainty, came back “home” after their brief flirtation with the AFC.

So we’ll now have the old weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth that once again Guyana reverted to “ethnic voting”. With ethnic voting, the outcome’s a foregone conclusion: you just need to glance at the census’ ethnic breakdown.

So what’s the problem? Should make life simpler, no? For results, just check the census!! Unfortunately, for reasons best known to the Census Bureau, we don’t have the latest 2012 version. So we’ll just have to extrapolate from the 2002 numbers.

Indian Guyanese had declined from 51% in 1980 to 43%, while the African/Mixed bloc rose from 42% to 47+% and Amerindians from 5% to 9%. That trend would’ve continued.

Basically then, using your Eyewitness’ theory, the PPP would’ve exchanged some Indian Guyanese vote for an equivalent African/Mixed ones. And even though they got another 6% from the Amerindian that would only push them to 49% while the 3% Amerindian takes the PNC to 50+%. VOILA!!

And that’s also why the difference between the two parties is so razor thin. And why the PPP’s pulled out all the stops to double check all possible hanky pankies.

But the PNC wasn’t taking any chances...and nobody has more experience in rigging elections than them. They didn’t need to rig too much and they did this with surgical precision.

Like the fella with the three-card monte, you got to hand it to them.

...and unity Govt?

The test of the new coalition bond fides as to whether it won’t be the same ole, same ole politics they’ve always practiced, is whether they’ll put their money where their mouths are when it comes to their “government of national unity” spiel. It’s clearas analysed above - that the AFC didn’t bring squat to PNC/APNU. So they can’t claim any “national unity” there!!

This Eyewitness would like to see how they can ignore the 49.2% PPPC when they talk about “the nation”.

They have no choice this time when they get around to selecting the Deputy Speaker: there’s only the PPPC. Their “broad mindedness” will be on test when it comes to the other Committees in the House. Are we going to see the old hogging of all positions they wallowed in during their last go around?

It was nice to “talk fat” when they were outside. We’ll see if they walk their talk now! But don’t hold your breath.

...and the Mook

The Mook used his favourite Uncle Tom to put in a word for a job with the fellas he assisted so much through his FUCOP. He wants to hand out contracts!! Cat guarding the milk??

Police intensify Social Crime Prevention Programme

As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues with efforts aimed at crime prevention, more emphasis is being placed on its Police-Community Partnership Programme as well as the Social Crime Prevention Interventions in the policing divisions.

In its monthly report, the Police noted that, during April, the community projects conducted in ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) included the continuing efforts to empower youths through skill training such as craft making, cosmetology, leather craft, embroidery; and educational talks on domestic violence, proper use of the roadways and drugs awareness. Through these programmes, a sign indicating the name of the school was donated to the Queenstown Secondary School, and a number of kites were distributed to children in various communities.

Meanwhile in ‘B’ Division (Berbice), the Police held a fund raising event that was aimed at garnering finances to aid in the rehabilitation of a building on the playground at Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, in order to convert it into a Research Centre. This division also distributed kites to youths in several communities.

Then at Linden, in ‘E’ Division (Linden/ Kwakwani), there were a series of educational talks on issues such as domestic vi-

olence and drug awareness with youths of several Police Youth Clubs including the Wisroc Youth Group, the Victory Valley Youth Group and the Silver Hill/Bamia/ Kairuni Youth Group. In addition, first aid and computer training were also held with the youths, and kites were distributed to children of various communities around the Easter holiday.

Furthermore, along with the community projects, the various Divisional Commanders also held community outreach meetings in various communities within their respective divisions. There they interacted with residents on issues of mutual concern.

During the month April, there were also a total of nine interventions supported by the religious community in the Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN), which treat juvenile first offenders for minor crimes as a pre-emptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps.

Since the launch of the Cops and Faith Community Network, up onto the end of April this year, there has been a total of 153 such interventions. In all cases, the youths were counselled by religious leaders. However, a majority of cases involving parents/guardians, and the victims where necessary, were warned and sent away.

Also through the CFCN, the Police Force had in December last, formally

launched its Family Liaison Project for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence, at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

It has been recognised, that in some instances, the victims of serious crimes are not cooperating fully with the police investigators on issues such as giving statements, attending identification parades and attending court. It is therefore felt that the involvement of the religious leaders attached to the CFCN can have a positive impact by way of bringing some psychological relief to the victims in the first instances. It can give encouragement for their cooperation with the Police, as well as, the provision of feedback to them on the progress of the investigations into a particular matter.

Another benefit from this programme is the fact that, in many instances, persons are more comfortable talking to a religious leader, and the presence of the religious leader will serve to motivate ranks to be more professional in their delivery of service and consequently assist in enhancing public trust.

In this regard, during April this year, there have been a total of 16 interventions by the religious leaders in instances relating to incidents of armed robbery, domestic violence, sexual assault, and attempt suicide, where the affected persons were counselled.

Guyana’s youths hold Granger...

“If families can finally walk on the streets without fear of being robbed or killed; if we can finally live in peace; if a new Government changes anything; that Sophia incident is not the change I was expecting, but I shall wait and see what this new Government brings,” he noted.

Live up to standards

“We can see that you’ve won the election. Now understand that you’ve set a standard and a goal, and you’ve made promises. The public has voted you in because they have faith in you and put their

trust in you. You better live up to that standard and fulfil all the promises you made; no slacking off. Bring us the change you promised,” an energetic student declared. Granger, during his campaign trail, promised to fix the flaws of the country without giving many details on how he intended to do so. Granger explained that he was unsure of the condition of the treasury and therefore could not pronounce on a detailed plan. Nonetheless, he has constantly assured that he has a vision for change and repeatedly promised Guyana

Guyanese women busted with over 12kg cocaine at CJIA

A29-year-old woman and a 40-yearold woman were, on Friday afternoon, intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport with a total of over 12 kilograms of cocaine in their suitcases.

While the identities of the women have not been re-

leased, one is from the East Coast of Demerara while the other resides in Georgetown.

Head of the Custom AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, confirmed the seizure and arrest of the two women. He stated that the women are complete strangers and were travelling

separately on a Caribbean Airlines 527 flight destined for the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The bust was made by members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit at about 16:00h on Friday while their suitcases were being scanned. CANU ranks detected strange contents in the suitcases; hence they were pulled from the scanner and manually searched. During the search, the cocaine was unearthed in false walls of the suitcases. The women were immediately taken into custody and are being questioned at CANU headquarters.

Over the past years, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit has been working with other stakeholders in making sure that drugs are not peddled through Guyana’s main ports of entry. Several additional security features were being implemented as the drug enforcement officers continue to put a dent into the drug trade.

Essequibo woman dies days after giving birth

Less than a week after delivering a baby at the Suddie Regional Hospital in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Yonette Grey of the Essequibo Coast took her last breath while receiving medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The woman arrived at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC, on May 10, in an unconscious state.

Despite desperate attempts by doctors to save Grey’s life, she took her last breath on May 15.

Guyana Times understands that upon admittance to the hospital, the woman was in a critical state. Grey was immediately placed in the Intensive Care Unit of the medical facility, where she was monitored by doctors. Her condition, however, worsen over the past two days since she never re-

gained consciousness. Her newborn is doing quite well and is with relatives on the Essequibo Coast. Attempts to get into contact with relatives of the dead woman proved futile. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed to determine the cause of death. In a released, the Georgetown Public Hospital extended its condolences to the family of the deceased.

from page 2

to deliver such a change.

Though statistics are not yet available, independent observers claim that a significant portion of the voting population consisted of young people who voted for the APNU/AFC coalition. These observers believe that the coalition succeeded in reaching out to this section of the electorate and convinced them that it was time for a change.

Young people are currently looking to the APNU/AFC to deliver upon the promises it made, warning that if it did not, then the coalition must go.

The illegal substance, cocaine

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud during one of their exercises under the Social Crime Prevention Programme

Despite PPP/C evidence of election rigging...

GECOM declares Granger President of Guyana

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), after four tense days of national trepidation, finally declared the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition as Guyana’s new Government on Saturday, moments before the Coalition’s Leader, retired Brigadier David Granger, was sworn in as Guyana’s eight Executive President before a massive crowd at the Parliament Building.

While it was revealed since Wednesday that the coalition is leading the race causing its supporters to kick off the celebrations, GECOM made the final declaration on Saturday. The announcement was delayed after the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had cause to request several recounts.

provided evidence of 22 Statements of Poll (SoPs) from identified boxes from Region Four by its polling clerks, claiming the votes indicated on the same SoPs in the possession of GECOM were all altered. In each instance, the alteration removed votes from the PPP/C to the APNU/AFC in multiples of 10.

He asked that GECOM

The PPP/C had initially made a request for a recount to be done in Regions One, Two and Eight but subsequently, as more disparities and irregularities surfaced, asked for a recount in sections of all 10 regions, claiming that it was cheated of votes. This request was also denied by GECOM despite the PPP/C producing evidence to support its claims.

Finally, on Friday, now former President Ramotar

check the ballots from the boxes corresponding to the enumerated SoPs and said that if even one of them was correct and not altered, as he indicated, he would remove his call for a recount. At that point he said this was agreed to by the Chairman of GECOM, but was never done. The final declaration of the polls was subsequently made at approximately 1:30h the following day.

Moments before the

swearing-in ceremony held at the Parliament Building on Saturday, GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, revealed the final results from Monday’s polling day. He disclosed that the final figures were approved by the Commission. They show the PNC-led APNU/AFC holding a 4500 lead over all other contesting parties.

The PNC-led coalition picked up a total of 207,200 votes with the PPP/C running close behind with 202,694 votes for General Elections. On the other hand, the coalition is also leading the way in the Regional Elections with a total of 205,001 votes, 2733 more votes than the PPP/C. Meanwhile the National Elections results for the small parties are as follows, The United Force (TUF) party came in third with 1080 votes, while the United Republican Party (UR) secured 432 votes putting them in the fourth spot. The Independent Party (IP) came in fifth with 344 votes, and the National Independent Party (NIP) acquired 262 votes from the National Elections.

As it relates to the Regional Elections, TUF secured 1314 votes while the URP got 1283 votes. Additionally, the Healing the National Theocracy Party (HTNTP) manage to acquire 294 and the

GECOM and rigged elections Guyana 2015

Organisation for Victory of the People’s Party (OVPP) got 418 votes.

Based on these figures, the winning party secured 33 seats in the National Assembly while the PPP/C acquired a total of 32 seats, putting the former ruling party on the opposite side of the House in more than 20 years.

On the other hand, Chairman of the Elections Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally, read the Declaration stating “… Whereas more votes were cast in favour of the list of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change than in favour of the list of any other parties contesting the election of members of the National Assembly held on the 11th day of May 2015; pursuant to Article 60 (II) of the Constitution; now therefore… I do hereby declare that David Arthur Granger… has been elected as the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

Dr Surujbally also pointed out in its efforts of delivering its mandate, GECOM made a genuine effort to “do right and not look right”. According to the Chairman, the inevitable delays were caused by the many legal elements that needed to be addressed.

“It must almost be compulsory that, in the future, we are going to have to shortened all these steps if the nation wants its results on time and quickly,” he remarked.

Following a no-confidence motion filed in the National Assembly last year by the AFC, former President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament and called snap election. Then in February, the APNU and AFC signed the Cummingsburg Accord to form a Government of National Unity in order to end the PPP/C’s 23 years streak as the ruling party.

URP continues to question GECOM’s credibility

The United Republican Party’s (URP) Presidential Candidate Vishnu Bandhu, has reinforced his party’s position that the 2015General and Regional Elections were seriously flawed and represents a lucid distrust in the democratic process of the country.

In a statement on Saturday, only hours before the swearing in of Guyana’s new President David Granger, who is the Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, the URP objected to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) decision to move forth with the declaration of a new President when numerous questions still linger with regards to the integrity of the election process.

“I am already on record as having questioned the credibility of the preliminary count provided by GECOM because of the discrepancy concerning the national and regional votes recorded for the URP,” Bandhu reiterated.

The minor political party explained that on Thursday, May 14, it was invited by GECOM to witness a recount of the ballots in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), however, when an official arrived at the time GECOM instructed her to, the ballots were already recounted and she was handed a document with the numbers tabulated.

“She was told that these numbers would be transferred to a Statement of

Poll (SoP) later,” Bandhu explained. He also explained that the URP was only granted permission for their scrutineers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) to scrutinise the voting process.

“We were thus effectively denied the right of all political parties to scrutinise the voting process,” Bandhu vented, noting that he is firmly convinced that there are severe problems with the system administered by GECOM.

“I am very sceptical about the integrity of GECOM’s count that has been announced. The URP does not think it won this election, but it wants to reaffirm faith in the democratic process in our beloved nation,” he said. This has been the position taken by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), which strongly believes that some of GECOM’s staff colluded with APNU/AFC to rig the election so that they can rid the PPP/C, after 23 years, from office just so that they can gain executive power.

See no Evil Hear no Evil Smell no Evil

URP’s Presidential Candidate Vishnu Bandhu

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield (left) and Chairman of GECOM Dr Steve Surujbally (right), during the press briefing where they declared APNU/AFC as the winner of the 2015 General and Regional Elections

Members of the audience present for the declaration of results

PPP/C agrees to facilitate smooth transition

New Opposition party, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has agreed to establish a transition team to facilitate the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s ascent to government.

This was revealed by newly elected President David Granger at his swearing-in ceremony on Saturday afternoon at Parliament Buildings.

Speaking to a magnitude of supporters, well wishers, international representatives and other officials at the Parliament Buildings in Georgetown, the new President took the Oath of Office and declared that he has been elected as the President for all the people and will have a Government of national unity which will ensure better lives for all.

He confirmed that Moses Nagamootoo will be the country’s Prime Minister while the APNU’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon will temporarily serve as Head of the Presidential Secretariat until Cabinet appointments are made. The two men will head the transition team for the handing over of State assets from the former PPP/C Administration while the Cabinet of Ministers is expected to be revealed and inaugurated on May 26, the country’s Independence Day at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

In further remarks,

Granger told the large crowd which had gathered in front of the Parliament Buildings to see their leader being sworn in, that he will extend a hand of friendship towards the now PPP/C Opposition leader Donald Ramotar for the practice of inclusionary democracy, in the spirit of unity as the coalition will work for the good of the country and erase the scourges of race-hate, crime, violence against women and the other troubles that have gripped the nation, as he pledged to be the President for all Guyanese.

“The elections are over. The Guyanese people have chosen their representatives. The Constitution has been respected. Our democracy has been fortified. Let us now put past rivalries behind us and work in unity to banish poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred. We assemble here today to witness the swearing in, not of a party leader, but of the President of all the people. I shall be a good President for all the people. We the Guyanese people have chosen to inaugurate a ‘government of national unity’ and to promote our multiparty, inclusionary partnership. We are convinced that this is the best way to overcome our historic divisions,” the eighth Executive President expressed.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the former Opposition leader told reporters that the transition team will focus on matters such as security, foreign affairs

and finance to ensure that the country is able to move forward in a positive light.

“We have witnessed the damage done to our beautiful country over the past 23 years. We have been mocked by the destruction of local democracy and the denial of Local Government Elections. We have been treated with contempt by the dictatorial prorogation and dissolution of Parliament. We have had to bear the brunt of the high rate of crime including armed robberies, arson, inter-personal violence, murder, piracy, rapes, road fatalities and trafficking in persons. We have had to bear the cost of the squandering of state resources on exorbitant but misconceived mega-projects. We have suffered most from the high cost of living and the high level of unemployment,” he said.

“We have not been filled with hatred by these conditions. We are, indeed, more determined than ever to refashion society into one in which our womenfolk can look forward to working for living wages to cope with the cost of living; one in which old folk can enjoy adequate pensions and social protection. Our young people will be able to attain higher educational standards and look forward to finding satisfactory jobs when they leave school. Our women and girl children can look forward to living in safety and to being protected from abuse and violent crime,” he further continued.

Congratulatory messages pour in for President Granger

Guyana’s new President David Arthur Granger has received congratulatory messages from several organisations following the official declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission today, and his subsequent swearing-in at Parliament Buildings.

The United States Embassy in Georgetown expressed the hope that President Granger will work to repair the divisions in Guyana’s society which emerged during the election period and, “will work to promote inclusive governance and national development in the best interests of all of the people of Guyana. The United States of America pledges its willingness to work collaboratively with the new government in this regard.”

Former US President Jimmy Carter also extended congratulations to President Granger, via the Carter Centre. The former US President said, “I have great expectations that the new government will reach out and promote healing and reconciliation in Guyana. It is now time for all Guyanese to unite and work together to realise the great potential of their country.”

The Private Sector

Commission also extended congratulations to President Granger, describing the occasion of the swearing-in of the nation’s eighth Executive President as “historic”.

“The Commission lauds the new President for a well fought campaign which focused on uniting the people of Guyana, and for the promise of an inclusionary government which ensures that the needs of all the people are met.”

The business organisation expressed confidence that the new government will encourage private investment and support the Private Sector “as it continues to strive for the creation of jobs and the overall development of our country”.

Other contesting parties including The United Force (TUF) and the United Republican Party (URP) have offered congratulations, as well.

Home is my self

By Ryhaan Shah

It was not until I returned home to Guyana in 1997 that I was ever called on to account for myself as an Indian. I left in the mid-70s at the height of the Burnham dictatorship but I was politically naïve and was not paying much attention to what was happening around me beyond what was needed for survival.

My political naivete continued through the twenty years I spent abroad in the United States, Britain and the Cayman Islands. In these countries, I was a student and a professional among other roles, and I lived comfortably within my respective environments. My ethnic identity was never called into question by anyone. In Britain, it probably helped more than it hurt since my Indian self, no doubt, helped employers fill their minorities quota.

It was returning in 1997 just before the post January 1998 elections violence that set me on my journey of discovery, the discovery of myself as an Indian. I realized that my Indianess was a problem, a trouble and an issue in my country of birth. As an Indian, I was perceived to be a PPP supporter. This made me a target that could be stripped, robbed, raped, assaulted or killed. This was more than enough to make anyone sit up and take notice, and I did.

It required not only filling in the details of history, those of indentureship and the struggle of our foreparents to give us a better life, but also of our more current political events and the violence that comes with it. I grew up on the Corentyne in the 1960s and was aware of the riots

in the city, and of all the violence that preceded our independence from Britain.

At the same time I was being brought up in an Indian home, and more specifically a Muslim Indian home. We learned our namaaz and Arabic alphabet and enjoyed our Indian traditional clothes, sweets, and festivals. For me, as a child, there was no grander experience than the splendor and rituals of a countryside Hindu wedding.

On reflection, there was a sense of self without my even being aware of it. V.S. Naipaul puts it succinctly in “A Way in the World”: “But we go back and back, forever; we go back all of us to the very beginning; in our blood and bone and brain we carry the memories of thousands of beings.”

Your selfhood is your very DNA and there is no renouncing it so my journey of discovery was not so much a beginning as a continuation of a journey that began centuries ago. It required some navel gazing. Where is home? Is it Guyana, or India, or both? More to the question for me is: what is home?

Because I have lived comfortably in countries abroad and because I find that I have to explain and account for myself only in my country of birth, I have concluded that my home is my Self.

Where others see baggage as something to discard, I travel about with the baggage of who I am. I take it everywhere. I stand in it and with it at all times and I am always ready to defend it if need be.

As a novelist, I write from my truth, and that truth, as much as it includes Guyana and the West, would not be whole

if it did not also include the India within me. My material comes from that essential being as much as from my familial relationships and from those with my wider environment. No one can write but from her truth, her perspective and her point of view.

We are each of us a story and to say that any of us could truncate it and take away its source, its wellspring, would reduce it to nonsense. For a storyteller, the first sentence, the first words of a narrative are the most important. Everything that comes after hangs from those first words.

Because of my firsthand experience of the ethnic violence, because of my awakened sense of awareness, of identity and self, I became involved with the Guyana Indian Foundation Trust (GIFT) and was elected president of the Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA). I became aware of my Indian self not only as a cultural being but as a politically aware one. I will always feel a responsibility towards that self. My journey is not ended. There are more discoveries still to be made.

Ryhaan Shah

Newly elected President David Granger and Prime Minister-elect Moses Nagamootoo

The arrival of President-elect David Granger at Parliament Buildings on Saturday

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally and Mrs Surujbally

Chief Election Officer Keith Lowinfield (right) arrives for swearing in ceremony

Caricom Secretary General Irwin La Racque (centre), Hunt and other members of the diplomatic community

Lisa Punch singing the National Anthem

Members of the diplomatic community at the swearing in ceremony President-elect

sunday, may 17, 2015 | guyanatimes

The mammoth crowd of APNU/AFC supporters outside Parliament Buildings

Moses Nagamootoo at Parliament Buildings. Partially hidden is Larry London at centre

La Racque (centre), US Charge d' Affairs Bryan diplomatic community

Some enthusiastic APNU/AFC supporters

Businessman Brian Tiwarie and former PPP/C Minister Nanda K Gopaul as they arrived for the ceremony

Eddie Boyer, Ramesh Dookhoo and Ramesh Persaud, along with former PPP/C Minister Maniram Prashad at the ceremony

President-elect David Granger, Basil Williams and Shawn Austin on his arrival

Rescue workers recover bodies of Colombian gold miners

Rescue workers have begun recovering the bodies of miners trapped in a flooded gold mine in Colombia.

So far six bodies have been recovered, and the authorities believe there may be nine more bodies inside the mine. Officials said some of the miners were trapped at a depth of about 17 metres (55 feet).

The mine collapsed because of flooding, apparently after a power cut shut off pumps to keep out water from a nearby river. The accident happened in Caldas province in North-western Colombia.

Leonardo Mejia, the mine owner, told report-

ers that several miners had managed to escape when they realised something was wrong. The National Mining Agency (ANM) said local fire fighters reported that gases in the deep, vertical tunnels

had contributed to the cavein. Colombia is a major gold producer but more than half its mines are unregulated.

(BBC News)

Reputed gang leader not guilty of shooting

An alleged gang leader from Laventille, Trinidad was found not guilty of shooting a TT Defence Force Intelligence Officer during an incident in 2002.

A nine-member jury in the Port of Spain High Court deliberated for a little over two and a half hours before they returned with the unanimous verdict in favour of Anthon “Boombie” Boney, of John John, Laventille.

Despite the legal victory, Boney did not leave the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain to greet his relatives, as he was immediately placed back in handcuffs and transported to prison, where he is currently on remand for a se-

ries of pending charges for gang-related activity and attempted murder.

During his trial before Justice Hayden St ClairDouglas, the alleged victim testified that on September 3, 2002, he was involved in a joint Army and Police anti-crime exercise designated “Operation Anaconda”.

The officer said that while performing undercover surveillance at the John John Recreation Ground he was confronted by a gunwielding Boney. He claimed that he drew his service pistol and a shootout ensued, in which both he and Boney were wounded in the crossfire.

Boney was placed under

Police guard and was subsequently charged with shooting the officer with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm, upon his release from the hospital.

After Prosecutor Nigel Pilgrim closed the State’s case in the month-long trial, Boney opted to enter the witness box to testify in his defence.

Boney admitted that he was in the park on the night of the shooting but claimed that he was there with his sisters and nephews. Boney said that it was the soldier who drew a gun and began the shooting and he was hit in his elbow by a stray bullet while running away. (Excerpt from the Guardian)

Venezuela’s foreign reserves take a hit

Venezuela’s foreign reserves have dropped by nearly a third, to less than US$18 billion, since President Nicolas Maduro took office two years ago.

The Central Bank’s reserves this week fell from a 2015 peak of US$24.2 billion in late February to US$17.8 billion, according to data from the central bank; this is a fresh 12 year low.

Amid growing concerns about liquidity, late last

month the Central Bank swapped part of its gold reserves for US$1 billion in cash through an agreement with Citi Bank of America. Venezuela, which has the world’s largest oil reserves, is reeling from lower crude prices and is unable to overcome severe shortages of basic goods.

President Maduro is grappling with an economy expected to shrink seven per cent this year. Venezuela’s oil basket fell to an average

monthly low of US$40 per barrel in January, making it increasingly hard for the country to pay for imports and leaving it suffering from chronic shortages of everyday items, such as nappies.

As there is a delay between selling oil, receiving payment for it and importing goods, BancTrust, a boutique investment bank, wrote on Friday. “We are now witnessing the effects of January’s five-year historic lows in oil prices not only on the shelves, but especially on international reserves... We believe this is the reason why the Central Bank has been making active use of cash from international reserves and other sources,: it stated.

Caracas-based consultancy Ecoanalítica estimates that lower Government revenues caused by the fall in oil prices cut imports by 22 per cent last year and will trim another 31 per cent this year. (Excerpt from the Financial Times)

Failed Free-Trade Agreement negotiations between Caricom, Canada disappointing

Jamaican Opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Edmund Bartlett, is expressing disappointment at the failed FreeTrade Agreement negotiations between the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Canada.

He said the agreement could have paved the way for significantly enhanced trade and investment flows, especially as it relates to tradein-services. “It is extremely disappointing that the negotiations between Caricom and Canada have not culminated in a successful agreement, as this could have opened up tremendous opportunities for Jamaica. In an age where the fortunes of a country are heavily depen-

dent on agreements it is able to secure and advantages it is able to leverage, Caricom has missed out on a huge opportunity,” Bartlett said.

He said the existing Carib-Can Agreement is not sufficient to secure Jamaica’s full access to the Canadian market, as that agreement is centred on trade in goods, but does not treat with tradein-services.

“It is important to note that Canada is likely to secure a waiver from the WTO (World Trade Organisation) to continue the non-reciprocal arrangements now embodied in the Carib-Can Agreement, but this does not advance our cause much as the emphasis at this time must be on services,” said Bartlett.

“The changing geoeconomic landscape and Jamaica’s strategic interests in terms of the growth agenda suggest that we establish a mechanism for unlocking our potential in logistics, tourism services, business-process outsourcing, the creative industries and the knowledge economy,” he added.

The spokesman said that while there is an interestdriven nature of negotiations and emphasis is placed on securing outcomes that are acceptable to the parties involved, it is counter-productive for Caricom to have had the entire negotiation fall apart because favour was not found with a particular aspect of the potential agreement. (Excerpt from the Jamaican Observer)

Dominicans to be charged for attempting to smuggle migrants into Puerto Rico

Four citizens of The Dominican Republic will be prosecuted under United States (US) immigration law, after Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces for Rapid Action (FURA) and the Coast Guard intervened and apprehended 13 undocumented Dominican Republic immigrants earlier this week.

Border Patrol Agents assume custody of migrants transported by the Coast Guard. On Sunday, May 10, a group of 15 Cuban undocumented migrants reached Mona Island and were processed in Aguadilla according to immigration statuses.

Alberto Coplin-Mercedes and Felix Manuel GuzmanRamos, appeared on Friday in US District Court on charges of attempting to bring into the island United States undocumented aliens; and Marcos Rafael Contreras-Rosario and Frank Kelly GuerreroDiaz, appeared on charges of attempting to re-enter the country after a previous removal. All defendants appeared before US Magistrate

Judge Marcos E Lopez.

“Our collective resolve is to be able to arrest and prosecute migrant smugglers who have complete disregard for undocumented immigrants they transport,” stated Ramiro Cerrillo, Chief Patrol Agent for the Ramey Border Patrol Sector.

Also on May 11, a CBP Border Patrol agent patrolling with a Puerto Rico Police Maritime Unit detected and intercepted a vessel

one mile west of Rincon.

The makeshift wooden 23 foot vessel, white and blue in colour, powered by a single 75 horsepower engine, had 13 undocumented migrants, all claiming to be citizens and nationals of The Dominican Republic and reported to be in good health. The migrants were transferred to the US Coast Guard cutter Drummond for biometric processing. (Dominican Today)

Heartthrob Trey Songz for St Kitts Music Festival

Music festival fans are already in a buzz over Trey Songz, the first international act announced for the 19th Annual St Kitts Music Festival. The R&B/ Hip Hop artiste is best known for United States (US) chart topping hits such as “Neighbours Know My Name”, “I Need A Girl”, “Say Aah”, and “Bottoms Up”. This is the artiste’s first

appearance on the Music Festival.

He joins an already impressive line-up of regional performers for the June 25-27 festival including Reggae, Dancehall, Kompa, and Soca acts.

The Observer understands that at least three more international acts are planned for the summer festival and the Production/ Artiste Selection Committee

head, Adrian Lam, said that the Committee is going after a more youthful demographic this year. He said the artistes, while capturing the appeal of a younger audience, will not be ‘bubble gum’ acts. With the Music Festival just six weeks away, the other acts – local, regional and international – are expected to be rolled out soon. (The St Kitts and Nevis Observer)

Rescue workers removing the deceased from the collapsed mine

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

CBP checking migrants as they enter Puerto Rico

Egypt sentences Mohamed Morsi to death

An Egypt court has sentenced former President Mohamed Morsi to death for a mass prison break in 2011, prompting immediate condemnations from Amnesty International and the Turkish President.

The court ruled on Saturday that the sentencing of Morsi and 105 others will be referred to the Grand Mufti, the highest religious

authority in Egypt, for confirmation. Many of those sentenced were tried in absentia. The court will pronounce its final decision on June 2.

Saturday’s sentence came as an attack in the Sinai peninsula left three Judges dead and another three wounded. The group was travelling by car from Ismailiya to El Arish when they were shot at by uniden-

FBI looking into suspicious bid for Avon

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is probing the suspicious buyout bid for cosmetics company Avon Products Inc by purported acquirer PTG Capital Partners, an agency official said on Friday.

The news was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal, which said the FBI review on the bid was in its preliminary stages.

The United Stages Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which was running a separate civil probe, has shared information with the FBI, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The apparently non-existent firm on Thursday offered to buy Avon for almost thrice its market valuation.

PTG Capital Partners said in an SEC filing on Thursday that it would pay US$18.75 per Avon share, sending the company’s stock up as much as 20 per cent.

According to the SEC’s Edgar company database, PTG is incorporated in British Indian Ocean Territory, an archipelago between Africa and Indonesia with no civilian population, according to the Central Intelligence Agency’s fact book. A spokesman for the United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Office said there was no corporate register in this territory.

Avon, whose shares were marginally up in after-market trading, said it hadn’t received any takeover bid. (BBC News)

tified gunmen. Since Morsi’s removal by now President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a series of attacks have targeted security forces in Sinai, but Saturday’s attack was the first against members of the judiciary.

Morsi, who was overthrown by the Army in 2013 amid protests against his Government, was spared the death sentence in the first of two trials that concluded on Thursday, in which the court advised death sentences for 16 defendants on espionage charges. Egyptian authorities have banned Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood since his overthrow and arrested thousands of his supporters.

Last month, an Egypt court sentenced Morsi and 12 other defendants to 20 years in prison for ordering the arrest and torture of protesters in clashes outside the Presidential Palace in December 2012. The court acquitted the former President of murder charges that could have seen him face the death penalty. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China, US at odds over disputed waters

China’s Foreign Minister has told United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry that Beijing is “unshakable” in its defence of sovereignty, as tensions between the two nations mount over disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The US is weighing sending warships and surveillance aircraft within 12 nautical miles – the normal territorial zone around natural land – of artificial islands that Beijing is building waters in question.

Such a move could lead to a standoff on the high seas in an area home to vital global shipping lanes and believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits.

After talks in the Chinese capital, Foreign Minister Wang said, “The determination of the Chinese side to safeguard our own sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and it is unshakeable.” He added, “It is the request of our people on

India, China sign US$22B worth of deals

India has signed trade and economic cooperation deals worth US$22 billion in Shanghai as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China draws to a close. The agreements cover a range of industries including renewable energy, the financial sector and ports. On Friday, more agreements worth US$10 billion covering education, railways, and scientific research were signed. “Let us work together in mutual interests,” said Prime Minister Modi. “Now, India is ready for business.”

On Friday, Modi held talks with China’s Premier Li Keqiang, and both sides agreed to seek a “fair resolution” to dispute on their common border.

Both have claims on various parts of each other’s

territories, including an Indian-administered area known as Zangnan or South Tibet in China, which is considered part of Arunachal Pradesh state in India.

Modi said, at a press conference, that he and Mr Li had agreed to explore a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution” to the issue. The Chinese Premier said the two countries had “enough political wisdom to manage and control” differences.

A statement by China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry reported the Chinese President as saying to Modi that their two countries “must work together to enhance mutual trust, control our differences and problems to avoid them interfering with bilateral relations.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Burundi coup plotters appear in court

Eighteen people have appeared in court in Burundi, accused of helping to organise a failed coup against President Pierre Nkurunziza, lawyers and relatives said.

They are reported to include an Army General and two Police Commissioners.

General Godefroid Niyombare, who launched the coup bid on Wednesday, is said to be still on the run.

Earlier, President Nkurunziza thanked the army for thwarting the coup and appealed for calm.

Those who appeared in court in the capital, Bujumbura, on Saturday included former Defence Minister General Cyrille Ndayirukiye, and Police Commissioners Zenon Ndabaneze and Hermenegilde Nimenya, according to lawyer Anatole Miburo. Miburo said they had been accused of attempting to overthrow the State, also stated that they had been beaten after their arrest on Friday. “They were

seriously beaten, in particular General Ndayirukiye,” he said. Relatives of two of the accused told the Reuters news agency that the suspects had visible injuries and that one had lost hearing in one ear due to a beating in the cells.

Some demonstrations continued in Bujumbura on Saturday, despite calls from the President that they stop. Protesters carried banners and sang as they marched through the streets.

President Nkurunziza

was in Tanzania when military leaders moved against his bid for a third term on Wednesday. He returned to the country on Friday, initially travelling to his northern hometown of Ngozi, before continuing to the Presidential Palace in Bujumbura.

Security remains tight in the capital, where private radio stations are still closed and soldiers and Police have been patrolling the streets looking for anyone involved in the coup. (Excerpt

BBC News)

our Government as well as a legitimate right of ours.”

Kerry was less assertive in public, saying that Washington was “concerned about the pace and scope of China’s land reclamation” and urged it “to take actions that will join with everyone to reduce tensions”. The region needed “smart diplomacy”, he said, rather than “outposts and military strips”.

The world’s top two economies have significant commercial ties and Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to pay a state visit to the US in September.

The US is China’s second-biggest trading partner after the European Union, with two-way commerce worth US$555 billion last year, according to Chinese figures. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russian rocket carrying satellite burns up over Siberia

ARussian rocket carrying a Mexican satellite has malfunctioned and burnt up over Siberia soon after launch on Saturday, Russia’s space agency says.

The Proton-M carrier rocket broke down minutes after it was launched from Kazakhstan on Saturday morning. The cause of the accident is being investigated, the Roscosmos agency said

Problems occurred about eight minutes into the Proton-M flight, which was broadcast live by Russia’s space agency Roscosmos.

“There has been a malfunction on board the booster rocket. This broadcast is now over,” the presenter said. Roscosmos said that “an emergency situation took place when the Proton-M rocket launched with a MexSat-1 satellite”.

Russia’s space programme has experienced a series of embarrassing mishaps in recent months. On Tuesday Russia was forced to delay

the return of three astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) after an out of control unmanned cargo ship also burnt up as it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere on April 28. Space industry sources say that the Mexican satellite has not been found and launches of Proton-type rockets will be grounded until the reason for the malfunction is established.

Russia earns large amounts of foreign exchange from the launches of Western and Asian commercial satellites. The Proton-M carrier rocket is Russia’s main vehicle for commercial satellite launches, but in recent years has been repeatedly grounded because of mechanical difficulties.

Russia has been using Proton carriers since the Soviet era and now has a monopoly on sending astronauts to the ISS following the mothballing of the US Space Shuttle programme.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi

US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang

Russian Proton-M rocket burns and crashes

US Embassy, former President Carter congratulate Granger

The United States (US) Embassy and former US President Jimmy Carter on Saturday congratulated the newly elected President David Granger, while expressing appreciation to former President Donald Ramotar.

In a statement to the media, the Embassy said it hopes that President Granger will work to repair the divisions in the Guyanese society that emerged during the election period, and will work to promote inclusive governance and national development in the best interests of all of the people of Guyana.

“The United States of America pledges its willingness to work collaboratively with the new Government in this regard”, the statement said, before extending its appreciation to outgoing

President Donald Ramotar and the members of his Government for their service to the people of Guyana.

“The Embassy congratulates President Ramotar for the numerous achievements

his Government made in the socio-economic development of the country, and in strengthening the relationship between Guyana and the United States of America. We look forward to continuing to work closely with President Ramotar’s People’s Progressive Party/Civic in its new role as loyal Opposition”, the statement read.

The Embassy also congratulated the people of Guyana on a democratic and peaceful election and transfer of power, and the leadership and staff of the Guyana Elections Commission on a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

“With the election campaign concluded and all ballots cast, counted, and verified, it is time for Guyana to move forward. The Embassy calls upon all political leaders to work together in a spirit of reconcilia-

tion and to focus their efforts on collaboratively building the nation’s future”, it said.

Meanwhile, former US President Jimmy Carter also congratulated President Granger and the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition on their success in the 2015 election. “I have great expectations that the new Government will reach out and promote healing and reconciliation in Guyana. It is now time for all Guyanese to unite and work together to realise the great potential of their country,” he said in a statement.

The Carter Centre deployed more than 50 observers throughout all 10 administrative regions of Guyana for the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

APNU/AFC supporters in Essequibo celebrate win with prayer service

The Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) declaration that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition has won the 2015 General and Regional Elections was marked with a prayer service at the coalition’s branch office in Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

At around 12:30h on Saturday, the prayer service commenced with APNU/AFC supporters singing a number of songs, such as “What a mighty Lord we serve”, “Lift

Jesus Higher” and “My God is an Awesome God,” among others. These songs were accompanied by African drumming as supporters rejoiced. Prayers were then recited by three religious leaders from the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities.

Pastor Minerva Britton Roberts called on supporters to cooperate and embrace change. The Pastor said that most of the supporters fasted and prayed months ahead of the election, not only for APNU/AFC to become victorious but for peace to prevail

before and after the election.

The prayer service was followed by a grand motorcade which attracted persons from all parts of the region, many of whom were dressed in green and yellow. They called for national unity, cooperation, and an end to racism.

The supporters hailed from Henrietta, Supenaam, Mainstay Lake, Richmond, Pomeroon River and Queenstown. Several supporters said they would like to see a change in the rice industry, singling out the need for prompt payments by mill-

ers. Moore (only name given), who owns 21 acres of rice land, pointed out that she was forced to rent her land due to late payments.

Another supporter said that jobs need to be created so that young people will be meaningfully occupied. “Too many crimes in this country, we need to stamp it out,” he added.

Former Regional Vice Chairperson (1981-1985), Mary Williams said she knew there would have been a change, pointing out that the coalition won Mainstay by 80 votes. She called for more markets for pineapple, and for the resuscitation of the Mainstay Pineapple Factory. Williams pointed out that many of the pineapple factories were abandoned due to lack of markets. She also called for the holding of Local Government Elections.

Chenille Bowen, a Teacher, said she would like to see more jobs created for young people, as well as more tertiary institutions established in Region Two. Bowen also said that she would like to see more persons involved in agriculture.

Pineapple harvesting commences in Region 2

By: IndrawattIe natram

Farmers living within the Amerindian sandy communities of Mainstay/ Whyaka and Capoey have begun the harvesting of pineapples. According to farmers from both areas, they commenced harvesting some two weeks ago and despite the varying weather conditions, they managed to receive bumper harvest.

Farmers can be seen along the roadways of the Essequibo Coast selling their pineapples, with prices ranging from $250$300 a pineapple. According to a farmer from Capoey, she produces just enough organic

pineapples to sell to her customers within Region Two. She would usually sell at the road head of Capoey and as the vehicles pass persons would stop and support her. She brings out approximately 100 pineapples on a daily basis, and by noon all would usually be sold.

Pineapple farming within the region has been the main source of income for persons living in those Amerindian communities. Over the years, the planting, growth, cultivation and marketing of the tasty fruit has paved the way for community development, advanced educational possibilities, tourism enhance-

ment, and hence a better life for residents through its prosperous returns.

A few pineapple farmers from Mainstay gave a whole new dimension through which pineapple farming and its benefits can be assessed. According to Telma Williams, who usually sells at Anna Regina, the reaping season commenced and was carried out despite the inclement weather. This process will continue until the latter part of July this year.

The 52-year-old farmer, who developed her passion for pineapple farming over 33 years ago, said through the sales of the fruit she managed

Younge’s Take Rebuild, regroup, reform

History has repeated itself in Guyana and those who want to deny it, are either living in a dismal world or were part of the plot to deliberately cheat the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) out of power after Guyana went to the polls on May 11 this year.

There is evidence in every administrative region of this country to prove that sinister events in the lead up to, on, and after the May 11, show that the system and schemers worked extremely hard to ensure that the PPP/C did not secure a sixth term in office.

Additionally, the Guyana Elections Commission must now seek to regain its integrity and the confidence of thousands of Guyanese who feel cheated by the manner in which the elections results were declared, the timeliness of the declaration of the winner and the glaring errors in its tabulation of the results from the onset.

GECOM and its haughty Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally must now embark on a journey of introspection and analysis to determine the way forward in addressing the elections irregularities raised by the PPP/C, the discovery of fake Statements of Poll, the complaints about collision of its staff and the party that emerged winner of the 2015 polls and the shameful technical issues which arose during its live press conferences to the nation.

These elections were rigged, and rigged in a calculated, systematic and internal way at GECOM. Therefore democracy can never be alive in Guyana if the will of thousands of voters were subverted and changed without their knowledge or consent.

That aside, the thousands who demonstrated confidence in former Presidents Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo must allow themselves to feel broken, hurt or hopeless because their party has not been officially declared the winner of this year’s polls.

They are the biggest victors because they have stood strongly with a party that fought tireless for the betterment of the lives of every single citizen of this country and has managed to its credit to modernize countless aspects of their socioeconomic lives.

The PPP/C, over the past 23 years, with admiration has stood the test of scrutiny and held the forth of governance under the most turbulent circumstances and in the midst of all sorts of schemes from the Peoples National Congress aimed at creating instability, haplessness and divisions within this country.

Those who voted for the PPP/C must now remain calm and listen resolutely to the leaders of that political party who will no doubt work diligently over the next five years to regain the reins of Government.

Guyanese, who endorsed the new opposition party, must now also join its ranks and to ensure that healing, reorganization and rejuvenation commence internally so that a stronger political animal is born.

The leaders of the PPP/C must now craft a plan to become an effective opposition force to safeguard the interests of all Guyanese when they enter the eleventh parliament as their conduct there will determine their chances of unseating the new Government in 2020.

Focus must also be placed on winning the upcoming Local Government Elections as the party must demonstrate that it is still very much in the game.

to maintain her household and also provided for her children’s schooling.

Another farmer, Zina Allen, has also testified that pineapple farming is what she does to provide for her family. She added she usually plants more than five acres in pineapple.

The village of Mainstay/ Whyaka has hundreds of acres of the tropical fruit under cultivation.

The community had a pineapple factory which had a guaranteed market in Europe. However, over the years the factory has been out of operation and farmers are forced to sell their produce locally.

For those who supported the PPP/C, the next few days of their life will no doubt be challenging as they will have to get accustomed to living under the rulership of a new Government and President.

Rapt attention, over the next five years, must be paid to the undertaking and manner in which President David Granger administers the affairs of the country. Guyanese must hold him to the promises he has made on the campaign trail, many of which still appear to be fanciful and unrealistic.

He has promised to be a “good” President who would represent “all the people” but Guyana can never achieve national unity without the PPP/C and its supporters who continue to face the worst and most vile attacks in person and on social media from Granger’s endorsers and image managers.

Even though the elections are over and the dust left behind on the campaign trail is settling, racial tension in the country is high and ethnic insecurity is climbing.

Both parties must work together to crush these phenomena as they have a way of undermining the concept of togetherness and unity within our society.

Former US President Jimmy Carter

APNU/AFC supporters in Region Two participating in the prayer service

22-year-old dies after car slams into utility pole –

girlfriend attempts suicide

Asugar estate worker lost his life after the car

he was driving collided with another vehicle, which was travelling in the opposite direction at Number Seven Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Friday evening. Moments after the accident, his girlfriend attempted to commit suicide.

Dead is 22-year-old Abdool Ameer of Number Two Village, West Coast Berbice. At the time of the accident, Ameer was the lone occupant of the car.

Police, in a release on Saturday, said investigations are being conducted into the fatal accident that occurred at about 18:00h. According to the release, investigations revealed that Ameer was driving a motor car along the roadway, when he attempted to

the 4-Runner PSS 529 forcing D’Aguair-Pollard out of her lane to avoid a collision. His vehicle, however, collided with the 4-Runner’s rear right wheel, ripping it out in the process.

An 80-metre skid mark at the scene indicates that after the impact, Ameer may have applied his brakes causing the vehicle to skid before slamming into the utility pole. The impact caused the left side of the car to be push almost all the way to the opposite door. Ameer suffered a fractured neck and skull, and received other injuries to the upper torso.

Speaking with Guyana Times, his mother Fareida Ameer said the family received a telephone call sometime close to 18:15h saying that something bad had happened to her son. She said when she got to the Fort Wellington Hospital,

overtake a vehicle and collided with motor vehicle PSS 529 that was travelling in the opposite direction.

He was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The release said Melissa D’AguairPollard, 38, of Fort Wellington Government Compound, and her two-year-old daughter, were in PSS 529, received some injuries and were treated at the Fort Wellington Hospital.

This publication understands that Ameer had left home at about 16:00h to visit a commercial bank at Rosignol, and it was on his way home that the accident occurred. Reports indicate that Ameer was earlier seen imbibing at a bar at Rosignol.

According to sources close to D’Aguair-Pollard, Ameer drove into the path of

medical staff were preparing to take him to the city hospital. She had last seen her son on Friday morning when she made him breakfast. “He only drink half of his tea and told me to drink the rest because he know that I like tea. Then he tell me he want some loving up and I give him a kiss on his cheek, and then I tell him I want some loving up and he give me a kiss on my cheek.”

According to her, that was an everyday “ritual”. However, the grieving mother told this publication that she last spoke with her son at about 14:00h on that day. “I call him at work and he say that he coming home now and I say that I leaving to go to the farm.”

Referring to her only son, she said he was always caring and always tried to find out if everything was “ok”. “He don’t fight or drink,” she told Guyana Times

Ameer has been a licensed driver for the past two years

and bought the car two months ago. He leaves to mourn his parents and two sisters.

Meanwhile, when this newspaper visited D’AguairPollard at her Fort Wellington Government Compound home, she was resting comfortably and her two-year-old daughter seemed very jovial.

As news of the young man’s demise reached his girlfriend, Maureen Mohamed, the 21-year-old attempted to kill herself. Reports are that Mohamed of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice told family members that she could not live without her boyfriend of one year. On Saturday morning, relatives saw an empty bottle which had previously contained a poisonous substance used by farmers. Shortly after Mohamed was seen vomiting and the smell was similar to that of gramoxone. She was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital where she still remains a patient.

Kaieteur News lies, PS never locked out Minister Ali

The Ministry of Housing and Water expressed its strongest of disappointment at the controversial Kaieteur News media outlet for once again peddling inaccurate information that could tarnish the reputation of civil Guyanese.

In its May 16 edition, the Glenn Lall owned news entity reported an article titled “PS shuts out Irfaan Ali from Ministry” that sought to insinuate that former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali was denied access to the Ministry. The article read that “an angry Ali was informed that he was no longer the Minister and therefore could not have access to the offices.”

However, in a statement, the Ministry explained that at no point in time was the Permanent Secretary (PS) Emilie McGarrell contacted or was the former Minister denied access to his former quarters. The statement explained that the “action reportedly taken by the Ministry was done with the knowledge of the former Minister after he had completed clearing his of-

fice of personal items and documents.”

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali also slammed the Kaieteur News for peddling information aimed at ruining his character.

In a comment to Guyana Times, Ali clarified that he did not visit the Housing and Water Ministry since the Friday before Election Day and condoned in the highest possible terms, Kaieteur News’ constant attack on his character.

“I wish to register my rejection of the Kaieteur News’ continued alignment of my character with malicious, manufactured and vindictive attacks on my personal integrity,” he noted.

Further, Ali made it clear that in the future, he will not be taking such incidents so lightly.

“Going forward I will not be condoning nor ignoring any form of malicious attacks by what has become known throughout Guyana to be a rag of a publication. I will not descend into a muddy war with this Glenn Lall, who I be-

lieve is the centre of these attacks. I will certainly take all steps necessary, legal included, to protect my integrity,” Ali asserted.

The Housing Ministry maintained that it is a professional and respectful agency and therefore the inaccuracies peddled in the Kaieteur News article only brought dishonour to the “lauded” offices of the Minister and Permanent Secretary.

Further, the release noted that the Permanent Secretary, who is in charge of the Ministry until a Minister is assigned, advised his staff to be prepared to work under the leadership for a new Minister from the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) party. Additionally, the Ministry noted that it expects the new leader to act in a professional manner and do likewise.

In conclusion, the Ministry extended its warmest gratitude to the former Minister for his contributions and services to the Ministry, and welcomes the new Housing Minister to do the same.

The car which was being driven by Abdool Ameer at the time of the accident

Deceased Abdool Ameer

The deceased’s girlfriend, Maureen Mohamed

You

President Granger should agree to a recount

Dear Editor, Congratulations to David Granger on being sworn in as the new (8th) President. He ran an effective, organized campaign and came out on top as per GECOM.

However, in light of questions raised about the elections, I think he should agree to a recount of the ballots since he is now President and cannot be removed - his victory is assured and cannot be undone by the courts.

I applaud GECOM for its arduous work in the elections. Organizing and holding and election in Guyana are no easy tasks. Counting the ballots and declaring the winner is even more difficult.

And several questions have been raised about the credibility of the conduct of the elections and the certification of the results that cannot be dismissed. It should not be a court matter. It should be an accounting matter that can be easily rectified. I am one of those who congratulated the coalition.

However, evidence has been presented to challenge the counting of the ballots and the tabulation of the results. Serious allegations have been made and there were even suggestions of a conspiracy (between GECOM staff and another party) and attempts to cover

up fraud.

In order to remove any doubts about the outcome, GECOM should seek to undertake a recount of the ballots and a verification of the SOPs along with those given to the parties immediately after the ballots were counted.

It is not too much to ask when there is a cloud of suspicion especially when there is a close outcome. The elections commission must give the reassurance that it is not politically biased.

As reported, GECOM’s Chairman stated all the ballots were recounted, as requested by the PPP/C in Regions One, Two, and Eight. We now learn, from the PPP/C, that no recount was undertaken, and that only the SOPs were recounted.

GECOM, therefore, has misled the public and the diplomatic community, if what the PPP is claiming is true. We are told that the Returning Officers (ROs) are opposed to a recount. If there were suspicions about the result, why would they be opposed to a recount? If the count is right, and they are confident about their numbers, why not have a second count? It won’t take long and it will erase all doubts about an APNU/AFC victory?

It is imperative that the elections commission acts

with alacrity and remove concerns that it is contaminated with politically biased staff, including ROs. The public would also like to know how fake SOPs ended up in the office for input into the computers to determine the winner (but that is for a subsequent investigation).

The APNU/AFC coalition carried out a fantastic campaign, far more effective than the PPP/C and deserves a victory. But the party should oppose a recount, failing which it will cast doubt about its earned victory.

The party should agree to a recount forthwith since it will not want to be viewed as being elected under a cloud of suspicion.

The PPP/C has requested that 22 boxes be recounted in Region Four where the party felt the numbers are not correct. The party says if the counts correspond to what are on its tally sheets, it will concede the results. That is a fair request. APNU/AFC should agree to the recount to erase all doubts that it has won. With David Granger being sworn in as President, and will form the rest of his Government soon, now that he is in charge he should agree to the recount . GECOM should act immediately.

Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, While GECOM has announced the results indicating that APNU/AFC is in the lead, I have been privy to the fake SOPs and other irregularities that warrant a full recount.

Initially before seeing the evidence I too, like others thought it was all over and was willing to offer my congratulations.

While working Election Day, at over 20 polling stations, at no time did I see an overseas observer at the time of counting or even during the day.

I worked at mostly APNU areas. Most of GECOM staff, except for a few, were laugh-

ing at the fact that Kwame McCoy was beaten up, showing the absolute support for APNU.

In addition during the counting, they were excited to see votes going in their favour demonstrating the most unprofessional approach to the elections.

At one polling station, I was responsible for, our agent was not allowed to put our seal on the ballot box. That was my sample. The party has numerous other pieces of evidence.

The fact that fake SOPs, totalling in the hundreds, are public record must support our call for a full recount. I am very disappointed, given the

fact that the ABC countries are involved and that they believe they can be our voice. Fair and free is more than crossing the ‘t’ and dotting the ‘i’ that the process was smooth at voting areas. It is about ensuring that over 200,000 people now feel disfranchised from the system and the fact that their voices must be heard.

I support the party’s call for a full recount and encourage other supporters of the PPP/C to come out in numbers and demand fairness. We should not be bullied by any one.

Dr Peter R Ramsaroop

Dear Editor, The Guyanese people through the sheer power of their vote have brought forth to this land a new paradigm in Guyana’s politics; where no more would any one political party have an exclusive monopoly over the political destiny of any ethnic group.

At the May 11 General and Regional Elections,

the people spoke loud and clear about national unity as their critical priority, and they did this through fracturing the traditional support bases of the two major political parties.

And for those who are reluctant to accept and engage this new historical reality must be deemed to be in denial.

But for now, all Guyanese should congrat -

ulate APNU/AFC coalition on a well-deserved electoral win which places it in the driver’s seat to advance nation building, fully inclusive of the poor and vulnerable.

Let me also use this window of opportunity to wish the coalition well in the formidable tasks that lie ahead.

Prem Misir

Dear Editor, GECOM’s results on the 2015 elections show a photo-finish.

The exemplary conduct of the people in turning out, exercising their civil responsibility and waiting patiently as well as the various endorsements on the electoral process are a credit to us all and deserve the greatest respect.

Given the closeness of the results, as well as the divisiveness of the campaign, it is clear that much work lies ahead to build lasting reconciliation and trust.

The well known adage says “forgive and forget”. In reality we don’t forget but we can remember without the bitterness and pain: we can be healed and reconciled and trust again and must claim this.

To this end I call on all to exercise moderation, for the losing party to concede immediately upon the declaration and the winner to magnanimously accept, so that as one people we can focus with resolve on the critical business of nation building.

Our faith traditions teach us that “the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society - in economics and politics, in law and policy - directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community” (USCCB).

I pray that as a people we encourage and support one another in broadbased inclusion in the governance and life of the nation.

Bishop Francis Alleyne

Dear Editor, The record will show that in the year before we celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a nation, the people of Guyana peacefully selected a new Government to become the steward of our national affairs.

There were of course, some delays and hiccups which caused some tense, if not frightening moments.

Through it all however, we as a people and a nation showed the level of patience that prevented us from going down that path of senseless violence and destruction from which it would have been difficult to recover.

As the coalition celebrates its electoral success in the coming days, it is critical that it realizes the magnitude of the work ahead.

A win by less than

10,000 votes is a clear indication that there is a significant constituency that needs to be convinced of the new Government’s good intentions.

The vitriol spewed all over social media by both sides of the divide during the election season, shows clearly that there is a lot of work to be done.

We must caution however that the solution is not to focus only on allaying the fears of one section of the population but the establishment of a comprehensive social compact that ensures that all groups are comfortable living and prospering in Guyana as is their right as citizens.

The coalition has already indicated that it is willing to work with the opposition but it is also for the opposition to play the responsible role

in Parliament expected in a functioning democracy.

The last few days were not encouraging of course but we are willing to assume that these are temporary emotions triggered by a loss at the polls. It is said that third time is the charm. Once again, we have been given another opportunity to govern ourselves in a manner that will realize the potential that for the past 50 years has been nothing more than a broken promise. It is important we do not squander the opportunity. We may not get it again.

We at the Chamber therefore wish the new Government all success and look forward to the forging of the partnerships so critical to the nation’s economic future.

Monique Tiwari GCCI

Dear Editor,

Yesterday, we saw the declaration by GECOM that the APNU/ AFC led by David Granger won the General Elections and Mr Granger is now the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

I would like to thank everyone who worked selflessly and tirelessly with the PPP/C and myself during the campaign.You are now a part of me and me a part of you forever, as we push on with the PPP/C and help to rebuild our party for the next General Elections.

I would like to acknowledge the leadership and support of our party leaders President Donald Ramotar and others. We are all Guyanese and we must now work together in the

interest of the country. We also must understand that the electoral system is not perfect and we have suffered from that imperfection.

I call on all of our supporters to remain strong, brave and vigilant and always defend your right to be heard and not be bullied. At the same time we should not engage in any form of backwardness or do anything to destroy our country.

This was a very life changing experience for me as a young politician and like my fellow comrades, I truly care for Guyana and want to see our country progress and develop for everyone.

I am and will remain a supporter of the PPP/C and continue to be vigilant in holding the current Government accountable to their promises.

I will also continue to maintain our Facebook group and establish my public page as a politician so that we can remain relevant and have a place to express our views and support each other.

It has always been my belief that the only way Guyana can truly progress, is when we work together with visionary leaders and I still believe that the PPP/C has that vision. So it is now upon APNU/AFC to prove us wrong. Regardless of my objections to the electoral process, it is my obligation as a fair minded citizen to congratulate the new President and wish him well. God bless Guyana and long live the PPP/C.

Malcolm Watkins

Gatlin’s message

American sprinter

Justin Gatlin promised something special in Qatar and what he left with was a new personal best, the joint sixth fastest time in history and a message that no doubt has been received.

In a blur of blue, the divisive figure, who these days seems to fall somewhere between ‘good guy’ and ‘bad guy’ after serving two drug bans, showed that he can also do some talking on the track, running a staggering 9.74 seconds to win the men’s 100m at the Doha Diamond League meet inside the Qatar Sports Club.

Truth is, it was never a contest.

Jamaica’s own Nesta Carter got left behind in the blocks and became a spectator like everyone else, crossing the line in sixth place (10.07) as Gatlin had the crowd pointing to the clock as he crossed the line, left hand pointing to the sky, in what is the fastest legal time he has ever recorded.

“He’s (Gatlin) really good,” Carter volunteered after stepping off the track.

Message to the world

For the American, it was important that he sent a message. But to who? Usain Bolt? Displaced world leader Asafa Powell?

Nope. The world, according to Gatlin.

“It was important that I came out here and showed what I can do. It was important that I sent a message to the entire world,” he said to a cluster of tape recorders.

Fellow American Mike Rodgers was second in 9.96 with Trinidadian Keston Bledman posting 10.01 for third.

It was also a miserable night for shot put standout O’Dayne Richards, who came into the meet looking to improve on his 20.48m season’s best. He was only good enough for eighth place on the night, with a best mark of 19.89m out of only two legal throws.

“I think the officials called fouls that were in my opinion ridiculous but I can’t control that, I can only do my best,” he consoled himself.

The event went to German David Storl (21.51m), who finished ahead of Reese Hoffa (USA) 21.30 and Ryan Whiting (USA), 21.06m. Stephenie-Ann McPherson, 50.93 (season’s best) was the best finisher among the Jamaicans at the

meet, with a third place run behind the powerful looking American pair of Francena McCorory, 50.21 and Sanya Richards-Ross, 50.79. Defending Diamond League champion Novlene WilliamsMills was fourth in 51.28 with Christine Day running sixth in a season best 51.53.

In other highlights, Jasmin Stowers (USA) continued to amaze in the 100m hurdles, lowering her world leading mark to 12.35 to beat a packed field including Olympic champions Sally Pearson and Dawn Harper Nelson. Sharika Nelvis (USA) was the surprise in second place with 12.54 as Great Britain’s Tiffany Porter, 12.65 took third.

“This is amazing! Beating these great champions. I just want to ensure that I remain

consistent throughout the year,” Stowers said

The man to beat Bershawn Jackson is the man to beat so far this season, racking up his fourth straight win in the 400m hurdles with a 48.09 time, the fastest time in the world in 2015, while Allyson Felix won her 11th straight race in Doha, outpowering the women’s 200m field with a world leading 21.98 seconds effort.

Pablo Pichardo (Cuba), 18.06m and Christian Taylor (USA), 18.04m produced the third and fourth best jumps in history in a nail-biting men’s triple jump showdown as the recently returned Frenchman Teddy Tamgho, who seemed to hurt himself, took third place with 17.24m.

In the men’s 3000m, the top billed Mo Farah left it a little too late and was beaten to the line by Ethiopia’s Agos Gebrhiwet in a world leading 7:38.08 with the Brit bearing down on him in 7:38.22.

The IAAF Diamond League series moves on to Shanghai in China on today.

(The Jamaican Gleaner)

Virat Kohli has said that Royal Challengers Bangalore’s away win over Sunrisers Hyderabad has given them their “two most important points” in the last three years. The win took Royal Challengers to second position with 15 points, almost sealing their playoff spot with a home game left against Delhi Daredevils. The last time Royal Challengers made the playoffs was in 2011.

“These are the two most important points in the last three years for us. Hyderabad is the team that have cost us dearly in 2012 and 2013,” Kohli said. “This victory feels really satisfying because we needed these two points. To be able to do it in a shortened game again… this is the fourth game we have played that has been hit by rain. The last one hurt in Mohali as we just had to rush onto the field, (but we) got a bit of time for this one to prepare.”

Kohli made an unbeaten 44 off 19, and hit Bhuvneshwar Kumar for three successive boundaries

The 2 most important points for RCB – Kohli

in the sixth and final over as Royal Challengers chased 81 with a ball to spare. Kohli and Chris Gayle had put on 43 for the opening partnership in 2.2 overs but then the latter and AB de Villiers fell to Moises Henriques off successive deliveries. Kohli said that had made Royal Challengers’ task much harder.

“It was pretty tough when Gayle and AB got out back-to-back balls. It is always a tough pill to swallow when Chris and AB get out chasing 13-14 an over. Eventually you just have to

relax yourself, take a deep breath and get back to work. There is nothing you can do about that. I just decided to play percentage shots, pick my areas, keep a strong base, choose the balls that are to be hit and run quick because the field was big, so put pressure on running those twos as well.

“It was a mixed bag of thoughts (before the chase started). Someone said if it rained for 15 more minutes, there won’t be any game left and we would get one point. The other side of me said ‘Okay, fine, if we have to go out there and fight it out so be it’. To take the team across the line is a special feeling. This is what a cricketer craves. These sort of moments remain special in your career and you remember them for a long time. I am glad we went out there and we got the right result.”

With four needed off the last two balls, Kohli swung Bhuvneshwar down the ground. David Warner took the catch in the deep but even as he started celebrating, he stepped on to the boundary.

Kohli said that sight would stay with him for a while.

“I never thought I could see that far because I wear contacts on the field, but that one I clearly saw. That compression in foam is something that will be very special in my memory. I knew instantly that he stepped on it. I saw his body language as well. That is a tough one. He is a great fielder - one of the best in the world. Sometimes in pressure situations, even the best can falter, can drop catches as well. I feel for him but getting those two points feels very, very good.”

Royal Challengers have won six of their last eight games and Daniel Vettori, their coach, credited Kohli’s captaincy for the success. “If you look through our winning streak over the last sixseven games, it’s been led by Virat,” Vettori said. “His leadership has gone a long way for us. To go out there in a pressure situation after a really tough bowling effort, to stand up as a leader and win the game for the team is something very special.” (Cricinfo)

Gerrard farewell ends in defeat

Liverpool failed to give Steven Gerrard a victorious farewell to Anfield as Crystal Palace emerged worthy winners on an emotion-charged occasion .

Gerrard was making his final appearance at Anfield before making his move to Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy - and Liverpool supporters gathered at the stadium hours before kickoff to pay tribute to their iconic captain.

Palace, however, were in no mood to indulge the celebrations and after Adam Lallana put Liverpool ahead, Jason Puncheon equalised on the stroke of half-time before substitutes Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray wrapped up the win.

The game itself was almost reduced to a footnote as far as Liverpool were concerned - but in a strangely low-key 90 minutes, this performance graphically illustrated the work that needs to be done by manager Brendan Rodgers once Gerrard has departed after next weekend’s final game of the season at Stoke City.

After the formalities of the final whistle were completed, Gerrard went down

the tunnel before re-emerging to a prolonged, deserved ovation where he was greeted by former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, the man who made him Liverpool captain, before receiving a presentation from the club.

Gerrard then addressed Liverpool’s fans before joining his team-mates on a lap of honour and then leaving the Anfield turf for the final time after a 17-year career that has brought the Champions League victory against AC Milan that he inspired in Istanbul in 2005, as well as the Uefa Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cup triumphs.

The Premier League title may have eluded him but as he walked around Anfield it was only the good times Liverpool fans rememberedand he has given them plenty of those with his 185 goals stretched out across a glittering career.

Now Rodgers faces the Herculean task of replacing the 34-year-old, who has been a symbol of the club since he made his debut in 1998.

The game itself almost assumed the status of a sideshow as the shadow of

Gerrard’s farewell understandably loomed over the entire occasion.

Anfield’s DJ set the tone with a pre-match playlist that was a musical tribute to Gerrard, from David Bowie’s “Heroes” to the REM tune “The End Of The World As We Know It”.

And The Kop was decorated with banners recalling Gerrard’s greatest moments including one reading “The Best There Is. The Best There Was And The Best There Will Ever Be”.

Gerrard came out to warm up ahead of his teammates, who allowed him to take the acclaim of The Kop - and in the moments before kick-off Anfield was united in tribute to the man many regard as Liverpool’s finest.

He emerged with his daughters Lourdes, Lexie and Lilly-Ella through a guard of honour formed by both sides as thunderous roars swept around Anfield.

The kick-off actually dampened the atmosphere, Liverpool taking an undeserved lead after 26 minutes when Lallana was the beneficiary of Martin Kelly’s poor ball, running on and beating Wayne Hennessey with an accomplished finish.

Palace, however, continued to be the better side and were full value for the equaliser that came two minutes before half-time, Puncheon sending a 20-yard free-kick beyond Simon Mignolet after Emre Can fouled the dangerous Yannick Bolasie. Pardew decided to introduce Zaha to add to Palace’s attacking threat - and it was a move that paid dividends as he slid in Bolasie’s cross with his first touch after just 23 seconds on the pitch. As Liverpool’s defence rocked, the outstanding Bolasie almost extended their advantage when he cut inside the struggling Martin Skrtel, but struck his shot against the bar.

There was to be no final rescue act from Gerrard and substitute Murray secured Palace’s win by putting in the rebound from his own penalty, which was initially saved by Mignolet. The spot kick was awarded after Lucas fouled Zahaalthough it looked as though the first contact was outside the box.

It was then time for Gerrard to take his leaveand for Liverpool to ponder how they can possibly fill the gap he leaves behind.

Justin Gatlin

Virat Kohli

CSK seal top spot with thumping win

Kings XI Punjab’s final match followed the narrative of much of their season, as their underwhelming 130 for 7 in Mohali was reeled in with seven wickets and 20 balls to spare by Chennai Super Kings. Six of the seven bowlers Super Kings used picked up wickets, with left-arm spinner Pawan Negi taking two. They sealed their position at the top of the table, and are assured a place in the first qualifier. Faf du Plessis hit 55 from 41 balls to lead the largely straightforward chase. Suresh Raina stayed unbeaten on 41 at the finish, with a 16ball 25 from MS Dhoni hastening the end.

Kings XI began brightly enough, as Wriddhiman Saha - the star of their Wednesday win over Royal Challengers Bangalore - hit a four in Negi’s first over, then rocked back to launch Ishwar Pandey into the stands beyond square leg soon after. Expecting more aggression, Negi looped the

second ball of his second over up outside off stump, and drew the false shot. Saha had attempted to thrash the ball over the off side, but managed only to lob it to cover, to collect 15 from 12.

Ashish Nehra then struck with his first ball, pushing one across George Bailey who sent a nick through to the wicketkeeper . The wickets just kept tumbling thereafter. Manan Vohra top-edged a cut shot to third man to leave his side 35 for 3 in the sixth over. Gurkeerat Singh Mann hoped to attack his side out of the mire, when he advanced to R Ashwin immediately after cutting him behind point for four in the ninth over, but the bowler anticipated the batsman’s advance. Ashwin slowed up the ball, pitched short, and spun it past Gurkeerat’s thigh pad, for Dhoni to complete a simple stumping.

Glen Maxwell was out playing around a straightforward delivery from

Indian Policeman blinded in eye by 6 hit in IPL

Apoliceman has been left blind in one eye after being hit by a six struck by South Africa batsman David Miller in an Indian Premier League match.

Aloke Aich, 53, was hit in the right eye during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab at Eden Gardens on 9 May.

“The incident and its ramifications have been terrible.” Miller said.

“I wish this was not true - I am sorry for Mr Aich’s irreversible loss and wish him the best recovery possible.”

Aich’s son said that Kolkata Police were paying his father’s medical expenses but also said that he feared the injury might force his father, the sole earning member in the family, to give up his job.

“I don’t know what will happen. With his right eye

gone, I don’t think he would be able to sit behind the wheel again,” he told the Indian Express newspaper.

“Will they keep him in the job or will he be asked to take voluntary retirement?

How will we survive if he loses his job?

“We are a lower middleclass family, dependent solely on his income.”

Miller scored 27 not out from 11 balls in the match in question, which Kolkata won by one run.

The 25-year-old first joined Kings XI Punjab in the IPL in 2011, and hit a 38ball century against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Mohali in May 2013, the third fastest hundred in the history of the tournament.

The left-hander has appeared in 71 one-day internationals and 31 Twenty20 internationals for South Africa.

scrambled approach after a tough season.

Rishi Dhawan and Axar Patel put on the innings’ longest stand - a 44-run effort that pushed the team above 120. But even with the 14-run 19th over off Dwayne Bravo, the hosts did not appear to have made enough.

NBAn Playoff roundup…

Hawks, Warriors

move onto Conference Finals

ARavindra Jadeja. David Miller was caught superbly on the legside outfield when he had nearly bludgeoned the cover off the ball. Nothing Kings XI’s top order did seemed to result in a meaningful partnership. There was no clear theme to their downfall on a battingfriendly surface, save perhaps for several batsmen’s

Michael Hussey, playing his first game of the season, and Brendon McCullum, playing his last, were each dismissed inside two overs to raise the crowd’s hopes of an upset. But du Plessis and Raina coasted through the early and middle overs, attacking only the wayward deliveries to stay in touch with the modest required rate. Du Plessis’ running six over long on and pull shot past deep midwicket off Axar in the 12th over was as violent as his innings got.

He was bowled making room to hit through the off side with victory in sight, but Dhoni waltzed in and quickly secured the two points. He hit two sixes off Anureet Singh, then all but finished the game with a glide to third man. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kings XI Punjab innings (20 overs maximum)

WP Saha† c McCullum b Negi 15

M Vohra c Nehra b Pandey 4

GJ Bailey* c †Dhoni b Nehra 12

GJ Maxwell b Jadeja 6

Gurkeerat Singh st †Dhoni b Ashwin 15

DA Miller c Jadeja b Negi 11

AR Patel c †Dhoni b Bravo 32

R Dhawan not out 25

BE Hendricks not out 1

Extras (b 4, lb 2, w 3) 9

Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 130

Did not bat: Anureet Singh, Sandeep Sharma Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-31, 3-35, 4-53, 5-55, 6-78, 7-122

Bowling: P Negi 4-0-25-2, IC Pandey 3-0-22-1, A Nehra 3-017-1, R Ashwin 4-0-14-1, RA Jadeja 3-0-18-1, SK Raina 1-0-80, DJ Bravo 2-0-20-1

Chennai Super Kings innings (target: 131 runs from 20 overs)

MEK Hussey c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 1

BB McCullum b Hendricks 6 F du Plessis b Dhawan 55

SK Raina not out 41

MS Dhoni*† not out 25

Extras (w 6) 6

Total (3 wickets; 16.5 overs) 134

Did not bat: DJ Bravo, P Negi, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, A Nehra, IC Pandey

voiding overtime in Game 6 when Paul Pierce’s potential tying 3-pointer was released after the clock expired, Atlanta made it to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time by winning at Washington 94-91 on Friday night.

The Hawks held on thanks to DeMarre Carroll’s playoff career-high 25 points, including two layups in the last minute off assists from Jeff Teague.

After Al Horford went one of two from the freethrow line for a three-point lead, the Wizards inbounded the ball with 6.4 seconds left. They got the ball to Pierce, who won Game 3 on a banked-in buzzer-beater, then put Washington briefly ahead late in Game 5 with a 3. This time, his 3 from the corner swished through,

but after a couple of anxious minutes for both teams, a replay review determined it was too late.

Once trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series against the Wizards, the Hawks won three straight games.

No.

will host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the conference finals on Wednesday night. It’s the Hawks’ first trip to a conference final since the NBA realigned into conferences in 1970-71. The team had not won two playoff series in a single year since moving to Atlanta for the 1968-69 season.

Warriors 108, Grizzlies 95

Stephen Curry scored 32 points, including a 62-footer to end the third quarter, and Golden State advanced to its first Western Conference finals since 1976 by winning at Memphis. They advanced with some of the best shooting in the NBA postseason since 1985, becoming the first team since that year to hit 14 or more 3s in three consecutive playoff games.

Curry was eight of 13 from beyond the arc as the Warriors knocked down a playoff-best 15 3-pointers, closing out Memphis with their third straight victory. Curry also had 10 assists. (STL Today.com)

PSG win French title for a 3rd season

Paris St-Germain were crowned French champions for the third consecutive season after a hardfought away victory over Montpellier.

PSG needed only a point to be certain of becoming only the fourth Ligue 1 club to win three consecutive titles.

France midfielder Blaise Matuidi and Argentina forward Ezequiel Lavezzi gave the visitors a two-goal cushion.

Montpellier forward Anthony Mounier pulled one back for the home side but Laurent Blanc’s men held on.

Now PSG are aiming to become the first team to win a Ligue 1, French Cup and French League Cup treble.

They lifted the Coupe de la Ligue with a 4-0 win against Bastia last month and face second-tier Auxerre in the Coupe de France final on 30 May.

PSG were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed the game with a calf injury, and in the Sweden striker’s absence they were not quite at their fluent attacking best.

In their previous four matches PSG had scored 17 goals with eye-catching wins

over both Lille and Guingamp where they scored six goals.

Blanc’s side created plenty of chances but were only able to secure victory by a narrow advantage after Montpellier, who had the slim hope of se-

side’s defence and took a neat touch before he stroked the ball into the corner of the net.

Lavezzi added a second with a crisp finish from Serge Aurier’s low right-wing cross which beat the dive

second spot after a 1-1 draw with Bordeaux, while the race for the third and final Champions League place will go down to the final weekend. Monaco are currently in third spot after a 2-0 win

curing a Europa League place before kick-off, pushed them right to the end.

Matuidi, who said this week he does not want to leave PSG after being linked with a move to the English Premier League, opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

He broke through the home

of Montpellier goalkeeper Jonathan Ligali. Mounier reduced the deficit five minutes before the break when he swung in a leftfooted cross and the ball sailed over the head of Salvatore Sirigu in the PSG goal and into the net.

Elsewhere, Lyon secured

Metz but should they slip up Marseille and St-Etienne are poised. Marseille were 4-0 winners over Lille while St-Etienne claimed a 2-0 success over Evian, who are now relegated to Ligue 2 along with Metz and Lens.

Faf du Plessis hit five fours and a six for his 55

over

PSG won their eighth

Now

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Sachin and Warne to start US league 20-20 cricket

Dear Editor,

The Australian newspaper is reporting that two cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne are set to join hands with other sporting officials and business partners to start a 20-20 professional league in the United States.

The matches will be played during the month of September. Some 28 former international players will be contracted at $25,000 per game for the league to be played.

The newspaper stated that the players have been approached to play 15 T20 matches over a three-and-ahalf year period.

The players approached include Australian greats Brett Lee, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath, former England captains Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff, and South African all-rounder

Jacques Kallis.

Players will also be recruited from West Indies, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zaeland and other cricketing nations.

The report also states that the players have been offered a one-page contract detailing a package that includes business class travel and a $10,000 sign-on fee. There is also a report in an Indian newspaper that Indian billionaire Subhash Chandra’s Essel Group is believed to be planning a rival body to the International Cricket Council to.

Reports suggest the Indian company has offered current players Michael Clarke and David Warner $50 million each over 10 years. Huge contracts have also been offered to other players.

Vishnu Bisram

Drakes: All is not lost after

Windies Women's defeat

Head coach of West Indies women Vasbert Drakes says all is not lost after the regional side was outplayed by Sri Lanka in the second One Day International (ODI) of a four match series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

The Windies women lost by six wickets as Sri Lanka levelled the series one all after losing the opening fixture earlier in the week.

Drakes also said his side entered the match with confidence, but failed to execute on the day.

“Coming into the game we thought we would have covered our base and everyone was pretty comfortable,” said Drakes.

“Unfortunately we did not execute as a unit consistently in any of the departments so consequently we allowed them to control more of the game than we did. Obviously, the most important thing is not to dwell too much on it”.

The Windies Women were dismissed for 124 in 42.3 overs after they chose to bat, with Shashikala Siriwardene undermining their batting with figures of 4-30 from 9.3 overs.

None of the Windies Women’s bowlers could make a big impact and Siriwardene guided the home team to victory, leading the way with an unbeaten 42 from 72 deliveries that included just a couple of boundaries.

“We know where we are at, we have reflected and we know we have some work to do,” said Drakes.

“All is not lost we have two games left so it is important that we win those two games and move up the

rankings .The main objective is to assess the areas that we fall short on”. Drakes said his side failed to adapt to the conditions.

“There is a little bit of dryness on the surface and I think if you are going to be coming to the sub-continent you are not going to be expecting Sri Lanka to do you any favours,” he said.

“So we were very mindful of the fact that if we have to bat we have to set a target that we could defend. If you do not take wickets up front with the new ball we can always be playing catch up cricket. So that’s the area that we really felt short in and that is the area that we have to be looking to improve on “.

The match was the first of three between the two sides in the ICC Women’s Championship and the Sri Lankans drew first blood and earned valuable points. Both teams have played seven matches in the Championship – the Windies Women currently have 6 points and are one point ahead of the Sri Lankan Women on the points table. (CMC)

VACAnCIeS

Vasbert Drakes

Upbeat Mumbai hope for more knockout magic

It will be the last of the 56 group stage games and it will decide the last of the four qualifiers. The equation is simple: The winner moves on to the playoffs, the loser pulls curtains on their season.

There is very little to choose between the two teams. Sunrisers enjoy home advantage, but Mumbai Indians hold a slight edge.

Not just because they enter the game having won six of their previous seven encounters, they also have a knack for pulling off stunners at the latter stages and make it to the knockouts. They did in in the CLT20 2013, chasing 150 against Perth Scorchers in the last league game in a little over 13 overs to scrape through to the semi-finals. They did

it again in IPL 2014, edging Rajasthan Royals by running down an improbable 190 in 14.3 overs. Here they are, hoping to repeat what they are best at.

But Sunrisers, in the second half of the tournament, have emerged as a formidable unit and they will hope to make it to the top four for the second time in three seasons. The last thing

Mane scores fastest ever Premier League hat-trick in win

Sadio Mane scored the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history as Southampton demolished Aston Villa to keep their Europa League hopes alive.

Mane’s three goals came in two minutes and 56 seconds with Saints 3-0 up inside 16 minutes.

They were 5-1 up at half-time with two strikes from Shane Long, while Christian Benteke headed home his 15th goal of the season for Villa before Graziano Pelle’s late volley.

The result lifts Southampton to sixth with one game left while Aston Villa missed the opportunity to seal their Premier League safety.

Saints felt they had an early goal wrongly disallowed when Pelle was flagged offside but it mat -

tered little after three stunning minutes at St Mary’s.

Mane side-footed home on 13 minutes after Shay Given’s initial save. He had his second when Long latched onto Ron Vlaar’s poor backpass and the Senegalese was on hand to stick it away into an empty net.

He created history with a fine first-time side foot from just inside the box to seal his hat-trick and also beat Robbie Fowler’s 21year record of four minutes 33 seconds for Liverpool in 1994.

The goal prompted wild scenes at St Mary’s and there was more to come with Long curling home from 12 yards for 4-0.

His second and Southampton’s fifth was a stunning strike from 40 yards that flew over Given and into the net. Villa had a consolation

Hyderabadis would want is for weather to intervene like it did on Friday night. At the moment, the forecast is partly cloudy. And neither team would not want the heavens to open up.

Watch out for…

Trent Boult (and Kane Williamson) will head to England to join the New Zealand squad after Sunday’s game. And Boult will be keen to get a look in and help Sunrisers get the better of Mumbai. That Shane Bond, the former New Zealand bowling coach, will be present in the Mumbai dugout might give additional zip to Boult’s performance.

He has a reputation of coming good when it matters the most. But Rohit Sharma will not enter the game with the best form. Though he has tallied 400-plus runs this season, he hasn’t been able to notch up a fifty for nine innings. The Mumbai captain will be hoping to get a big one come Sunday. (Cricinfo)

Powell withdraws from Cayman Invitational

Former world record holder Asafa Powell has withdrawn from this weekend’s Cayman Invitational, citing a need to fully focus on earning a podium spot at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

Powell clocked an impressive 9.84 seconds, the world’s second fastest time over 100m this year, at last weekend’s Jamaica International Invitational.

However, according to the player’s agent, Paul Doyle, having also participated in the Penn Relays as a last-minute addition, and another meet in Guadeloupe, it appears the sprinter who has had his fair share of injuries over the last few season’s, will not be risked at another meet so soon.

Powell will now focus on getting ready for a series of three meets in Europe.

on the stroke of half time through Benteke’s header from close range in what was a breathless 45 minutes of football.

Mane turned provider with 10 minutes remaining sending in a fierce low cross which Pelle thumped home from close range for 6-1.

Saints end their season at Manchester City next weekend with Liverpool, Tottenham and Swansea also in the hunt for the two Europa League places. An Arsenal victory over Villa in the FA Cup final would also see seventh place earn entry into Europe.

Villa host already-relegated Burnley on the final day of the season but their own Premier League status will be confirmed if Hull do not earn all three points against Spurs later on Saturday. (BBC Sport)

The sprinter will compete in the 100 metres at the Ostrava Golden Spike World Challenge meet on May 26, the Rome IAAF Diamond League meet on June 4, and is also down to compete at a meeting in Montreuil France on June 9. According to Doyle, the sprinter hopes the events will put him in top shape ahead of the Jamaica National Championships on June 27.

“Asafa will use the following two weeks as a training block to prepare for three meets in Europe that will set up favourably for his trials. The big goal for Asafa in 2015 is getting back to the podium in Beijing. We wish nothing but the best for the Cayman Invitational.” (Digicel SportsMax)

James, Merritt to clash in Shanghai

Kirani James will look to continue his recent winning run against 400-metres rival LaShawn Merritt at Shanghai’s Diamond League meeting.

China may gain a glimpse of what to expect at this year’s World Athletics Championships when the Diamond League arrives in Shanghai, with the world’s leading 400-metre runners set to clash.

Reigning world champion LaShawn Merritt of the United States is set to take on 2012 Olympic gold medallist - Grenada’s Kirani James - at the Diamond League’s second meeting of 2015.

It could well be a dress rehearsal of August’s 400m final for men at the world titles in Beijing, with the pair having dominated the event in the Diamond League last year.

Merritt won five races in 2014, while James

claimed three victories, although they only raced against each other twice.

In Eugene, USA, James pipped Merritt in a photo-finish, while the Grenadian triumphed when the pair clashed in Lausanne, Switzerland.

James also edged out Merritt when they met in Shanghai in 2013.

“I love racing in Shanghai,” James told the IAAF’s official website.

“It’s always a very wellrun meeting and there’s a great atmosphere in the stadium. I’m happy I have the opportunity to compete there again this year.”

In the men’s high jump, the past two Diamond League champions will go head-to-head.

2014 title-holder Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar will face 2013 champion Bohdan Bondarenko of Ukraine.

They will be joined by American pair Erik Kynard, who won silver at

the London Olympics, and Jesse Williams, the 2011 world champion. The women’s 100m will feature a strong Jamaican contingent with twotime Olympic champion over the distance ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce joined by Veronica CampbellBrown, who is more known for her 200m prowess, plus their regular relay teammate Schillonie Calvert.

Meanwhile, in the women’s javelin, two winners from last year’s Diamond League will make the trip to China’s largest city - Canada’s Elizabeth Gleadle and Martina Ratej of Slovenia. (Digicel

Mumbai Indians have a history of pulling off steals in the final game of a T20 season

Asafa Powell

Sadio Mane

SportsMax)

LaShawn Merritt

Kirani James

Hinds hopeful of final 4 berth for national squads at CBC championships

By TreisTon Joseph

President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation

(GABF) Nigel Hinds is optimistic of the national basketball squads making the final four at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships set for July in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

In a telephone interview with Guyana Times Sport, Hinds who confirmed that tickets for the team travel will be bought this month end noted that his optimism for both teams.

“This year we want to make the final four, hope-

fully the men will get into the final four… last year we brought fifth and we had some good players and some

are expected to be back with us along with some new additions.

“For the women Mariam McKenzie will be with us and she is really good, so we are hoping for a final four sport for both teams and really just look to build on what we have,” Hinds stated.

Meanwhile Hinds noted that preparation for the event has been going well as both teams aim to make an impact at the championships.

“We are training three times a week and we are looking to step up the pace, by month end we are hoping to increase the amount

of days we train.

“We have a good foundation from our previous to series and we have some international players set to come in an join the team… for the women awe have been focusing on fitness and its really going well with McKenzie set to join the squad,” Hinds related.

Hinds also informed that they are aiming to create a better environment for their players so that they can focus on basketball and make the final four.

The team will have a practice session today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Powell admits doping charge tarnished image

Former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, who just confirmed he will be in the starting blocks at the Ostrava Golden Spike track meet in Prague, admits that his image has been hurt by doping allegations.

On May 26, Powell will head to Ostrava on the heels of the first sub-10 100 metre run of the season.

Powell ran 9.84 seconds at the Jamaica International Invitational at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday May 9. It was a moment of redemption for the track legend, his supporters, and Jamaica and his first major win since returning from a one-year ban.

“That really affected me—I would never take drugs. My body and my honour are important to me, and I just don’t see the point in messing around with that stuff. So to find out that I had inadvertently taken a contaminated supplement was the hardest thing to deal with. In a way, my name and reputation have been tarnished for life. I can’t get those back. I’ve had to go through so much to prove my innocence in the matter,” Powell said.

Powell and former clubmate Sherone Simpson have since sued Epiphany D1, the manufacturers of the supplement that contained the substance oxilofrine.

“They put it in the supplement and didn’t list it in the ingredients or tell people who were buying it. It wasn’t on the label nor was it listed on their website. We got the supplemented tested by numerous labs, even World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) tested it themselves and the American FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Both of those results came back positive and the FDA has even put the company on a ‘high risk dietary supplement list’ and for that I am glad at least other athletes will have awareness,” Powell said. Notwithstanding, Powell is excited to be back on the track after being awarded an undisclosed amount in fees and damages and his 18-month ban reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“I have been training hard and I am focused on running. My focus is what I have control of – my race and how I run it; I’m just out there to give it my all,” Powell said.

It was at the Jamaica International Invitational Meet 10 years ago that Powell ran 9.85, breaking his own national record.

The Ostrava Golden Spike Meet is not a part of the Diamond League series, however it has become a staple for big-name athletic stars over the years.

“The gains I have made in training are starting to show in my performance. I’m looking forward to Ostrava as my next race, it has been a special place for me in the past and I always enjoy that meet and the people of the Czech Republic,” Powell said.

Powell holds the meet record for Ostrava’s 100M— 9.83 seconds. After Ostrava, Powell will compete in a few more meets in Europe before the national trials.

“I think I’m in great shape to do well this season, and it’s not just because of my training. The support from fans and well-wishers also motivates me when I’m on the track, and knowing that they have my back, is a big part of what keeps me competing. My goal is always to represent myself and my country 100 per cent so that they—our supporters—are proud and happy,” he said.

Fraser-Pryce

wants to be ‘one of the greatest’

Double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wants to become “one of the greatest” athletes in history.

The 28-year-old Jamaican sprinter, who won the 100m and 200m world titles in 2013, suffered an injury-hit 2014.

But she returned with a 200m victory in Kingston last week and runs her first 100m of the year at Shanghai’s Diamond League meeting on Sunday.

“I believe there’s much more in store and I’m looking forward to becoming one of the greatest,” she said.

“Yes, that would be nice.”

Fraser-Pryce is taking her comeback carefully and says she is likely to compete in just the 100m in this year’s World Championship in Beijing.

“Next year is the Olympic Games so you want to make sure your body is right there,” she said.

“I just believe there’s more I can do in the sprints. I’m yearning to surpass my best of 10.7 seconds and that’s one reason I’m focussing on the 100 more.”

Sunday’s field features six sub-11 second sprinters, headed by Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown and American Tori Bowie.

Javier Sotomayor’s longstanding world record of 2.45m could come under threat in the high jump with both Qatar’s Essa Barshim and Ukrainian Bohdan Bondarenko clearing 2.4m indoors this year.

The men’s 400m sees Grenada’s London 2012 gold medallist Kirani James up against America’s 2013 world champion LaShawn Merritt.

In the long jump Great Britain’s Olympic champion Greg Rutherford takes on world champion Aleksandr Menkov and world number one Jeff Henderson.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

The winning Guyana squad who swept Bermuda earlier this year at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

Nigel Hinds

(BBC Sport)

Asfa Powell

Former South Africa

T20 captain Johan

Botha will play in the Caribbean Premier League for the first time this summer when he dons the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel shirt for the Biggest Party in Sport, starting on 20 June.

We caught up with the 33-year-old, currently in action for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, to chat all things CPL...

Q How much are you looking forward to the 2015 Caribbean Premier League?

A I can’t wait. It’s my first time, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve heard great reports from loads of

players who have played in the last two tournaments, and now it’s my turn to get involved. [IPL team-mates] Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have both been talking it up, and I’ve chatted lots to Dwayne Bravo too as he’s gonna be my captain at the Red Steel. Everyone’s enjoyed it, from what I can tell!

Q It’s an easy sell isn’t itsix weeks in the Caribbean?!

A Haha, yeah! I really enjoyed touring the West Indies in 2010 with South Africa, it’s a very beautiful place and I can’t wait to go back. T20 is a great format and it’s an easy sell to players all-round.

Botha pumped for CPL debut

“Dwayne Bravo is a captain that leads by example, carrying his team-mates with him” - Johan Botha

Q What did you make of the recent West Indies’ success in the Test series with England?

A Well, the West Indies players have really stepped it up in the T20 format since winning the World T20 in 2012 - as a group of players they’ve done really well in the format around the world because they’re so good with bat and ball and they’re explosive players. It’s good to have a competitive West Indies team, and often that helps in other formats of the game, and it was good to see them show fight against England. The IPL guys I was with were really proud of the Windies team!

Q Who are you looking forward to playing with?

A It’ll be really nice to play with Jacques Kallis again, after playing with him for South Africa many times. The Bravo brothers have been around for a while too, and I can’t wait to play with Dwayne and Darren. Dwayne is a real captain, a man who leads by example,

taking spectacular catches and carrying you with him. I’m also excited about playing with a man who has bowled brilliantly in the IPL many times before, Samuel Badree.

for obvious reasons. Lendl Simmons is also playing really well in India at the moment, leading from the top of the innings.

“Get Gayle out early on. If not, just limit the dam-

Q Who are you looking forward (or not looking forward!) to playing against?

A There are a few I’m not looking forward to bowling to! Andre Russell definitely, he’s been on fire in the IPL. And Chris Gayle always,

age!” - Johan Botha

Q How do you go about bowling to someone like Chris Gayle when he’s in the mood?

A The plan is to try not to go for a boundary every ball! Seriously though, it’s like

fielders almost don’t matter anymore - he can mis-hit a ball for six, so you can’t get too upset by that happening. You really have to try and get him out in the first 1015 balls of his innings, and if you can’t, after that it’s about limiting the damage.

Q There’s a bit more help for you spinners in the Caribbean, isn’t there?

A Yeah, the wickets are definitely a bit slower and turn a bit more, and there are more options for slow bowlers out there - it seems to be a more even contest between bat and ball. Like Sunil Narine said, someone like Andre Russell can be destructive, but you do get assistance from the wicket so it isn’t all one-way.

Q What can Red Steel fans expect from Johan Botha?

A I’ll just try and play my role the best I can for the team. I like to try and control an innings in the middle overs with the ball, not let the opposition get away, and I usually bat 6, 7, or 8, it’s usually my job to finish an innings off as best I can. And I’ll try and field as well as Dwayne Bravo, too! (CPL.com)

GTTA aiming to improve seniors and juniors

– set to host Independence tournament on May 28

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is aiming to send a nucleolus of the senior players on training camps in preparation for several upcoming tournaments.

According to President of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe the association is having a look at training camps and other engagements in countries such as Germany and China for some of their top senior stars such as Chelsea Edghill, Trenace Lowe, Shamar Britton and Nigel Bryan to name a few. Munroe noted that it is imperative to get the players in top form for upcoming tournaments especially the Caribbean Championships slated for July.

In addition, the junior and cadets will be able to test their skills at two tournaments in Puerto Rico this coming June.

While the full squad is not announced, Munroe highlighted that the two meets are the World Junior and Cadet Open from June 19-23 and an the Latin America Junior and cadet Championships, both in Puerto Rico.

Munroe noted that the meets will serve to the youths well in building their skill against some of the world’s and region’s best.

Meanwhile the GTTA is expected to host the Independence Championships from May 28 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The meet will be for both juniors and seniors and will end in June as the tournament has proven to be one of Guyana’s premier table tennis championships.

Chelsea Edghill

Shamar Britton Godfrey Munroe

Johan Botha

Dwayne Bravo