Guyana Times Daily - April 3, 2015

Nomination Day:

Security measures, traffic P7 control in place

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2452

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, April 3, 2015

Nagamootoo's attack “uncouth, unwarranted” Page 3

...for belittling Harper's domestic abuse – Minister Webster

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Rastafarians distance community from Theocracy P2 Party

– say policies disrespect Rastafarian culture

Skeldon P7 Energy Inc commences operation Post Office heist was P9 $42M, not $90M – GPOC

Catholic Bishop Francis Alleyne washes the feet of some of the men during Holy Thursday Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam, Georgetown (Carl Croker photo)

Princes Street Efficient Judiciary man stabbed to key to economic death, relative growth – Ramotar in custody Page 14

Page 8

...as new No 51 Magistrate’s Court commissioned

Yareya parents P10 complain about high cost transportation – Granger Shipper P15 charged for 177kg cocaine found in charcoal

2 news

friday, april 3 , 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Rastafarians distance community from Theocracy Party – say policies disrespect Rastafarian culture

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he Rastafarian organisations in Guyana: The Guyana Rastafarian Council (GRC), the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the House of Nyahbinghi; have all disassociated themselves from the newly formed Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP), who had purported to be representing the interests of the Rastafarian community.

During a joint press conference on Thursday, the bodies noted that they feel compelled to set the record straight and to clear the air of the negative image casted upon the local Rastafarian community as a result of the policies preached by the HTNTP. “We’ve noted with much concern the questions and confusion that have been raised by the political par-

President of the Guyana Rastafarian Council Ras Simeon, General Secretary of the Guyana Rastafarian Council Ras Ian, Overseer of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Ras Rueben and House of Nyahbinghi Representative Ras Binghi Thrug

ty going by the name theocracy party that purports

to be representing the Rastafarian community…

whilst we recognise and applaud the rights to anyone

who wants to establish a political party and to be involved in the political process, to do so on behalf of a community without proper consultation, we feel is opportunistic, disrespectful and dangerous,” Ras Ian, GRC General Secretary said.

While they would very much welcome the decriminalisation of marijuana, the members argue that that particular movement only appears to be the basis of the HTNTP and is a vast disrespect to the Rastafarians.

According to the members, there are much more pressing issues to address as a political party other than the decriminisation of marijuana, and the fact that the HTNTP is using that as the forefront of their political party, emits a wide stereotype against the Rastafarian community.

“We are not just about smoking marijuana, what about hunger, education, environment, you know, it makes us look bad…”

Further, the representatives contend that no proper consultation was made with the various organisations beforehand, and therefore, it was utterly disrespectful for the theocracy party to be claiming to represent the Rastafarian community.

“We had no consultation, no official contact from the theocracy party that they want to establish this political party… we are presently exercising our own efforts to achieve the same ends that they have…,” Ras Ian noted.

Representatives of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the House of Nyahbinghi also claim that HTNTP did not meet with them before forming the party.

All three councils disclosed that they have already been working behind the scenes to make the marijuana issue an election issue.

“In order to get the

support, then they would have to speak favourably to the marijuana issue…,” Ras Reuben of the Twelve Tribes of Israel said.

On the topic of the decriminalisation of marijuana, the Rastafarian leaders expressed their feeling of discrimination by the Government for denying them their right to practice their culture like any other faith in the country.

Further, the leaders asserted that Guyana should follow in the footsteps of the other territories which have legalised the use of the plant.

“We are entitled to our rights, no matter what country we are living in… the Constitution of Guyana more so recognises our rights as all other faithbased groups and organisations out there. It’s too long… the rasta man is being discriminated (against), he’s being down pressed, he’s being scorned, for his indigenous way of life,” Ras Binghi Thrug of the House of Nyahbinghi said.

“Our position on marijuana, sacramental, medicinal, economical, agricultural, so we can be a vibrant part economically… as we see Jamaica, and we see California… they implied this same experience and it assisted California.

California was economically stuck, cash stapped, the nurses were being laid off, schools were being closed…,” Ras Rueben said, noting that the legalisation of the marijuana boosted the economy of the US state.

Ras Rueben said a letter was dispatched to Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira, inviting the Government to engage in discussions about the discriminisation against the Rastafarian community, however, a response is still pending.

On the other hand, a similar letter was dispatched to the political Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), who responded and promised to address the issue of cultural neglect in their campaigns.

Meanwhile, in advancing the movement for their rights to be represented, the organisations have organised three “important” activities, geared towards using the present environment to press on the marijuana situation and represent their cause.

On April 12, there will be a Rastafarian gathering at the F E Pollard Primary School where members from the community can meet and discuss issues.

On April 26, there will be a decriminalisation rally, and on August 14-16, there will be a regional Rastafarian conference.

news

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friday, april 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, April 3 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, April 4 – 05:00h-06:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, April 3 – 15:50h-17:10h and Saturday, April 4 – 16:25h-17:55h

Nagamootoo's attack “uncouth, unwarranted”

...for belittling Harper's domestic abuse – Minister Webster

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers can be expected throughout the day with partly cloudy conditions in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 03:56h and 16:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:49h and 22:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.59 metre at each scheduled low tide.

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper

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he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has defended its Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper against a vicious attack by the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity- Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo at its Whim Rally in Berbice last Sunday.

Speaking at a speciallyconvened press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster and Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy defended the character and work of the former Director General of the Foreign Service now Prime Ministerial Candidate, while condemning Nagamootoo for attacking her.

According to Webster, Nagamootoo was disrespectful in his attempt to score cheap political points off of the highly-regarded diplomat. She noted that the comments Nagamootoo made regarding Harper being a domestic violence survivor and taking such a stance were “uncouth and unwarranted”.

“The recent attack on the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mrs Elisabeth Harper by the Prime Ministerial Candidate of the APNU/AFC coalition, Moses Nagamootoo where he said at a recent rally in Berbice:

‘this Harper lady wants to be Prime Minister because she was a victim of domestic violence’ is unwarranted. Mr Nagamootoo was facetious in an effort to score political points,” she told media operatives.

She went on to state that such statements did not augur well in a society where all efforts were being made to place more emphasis on women’s rights, more particularly the empowerment of women and the elimination of domestic violence in the country while calling for the respect due to women to be given.

Webster said that any attack on the women of this country meant that the conventions the country had signed on to were being disregarded and broken.

“Women are the backbone of this country. Our men must respect our women. To attack any woman shows disregard for the several United Nations Conventions which Guyana as a country has signed onto including the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Guyana has ratified…

Mrs Harper upon her nomination sought to tell this nation about her life and the abuse she suffered as a young woman. She sought to share her experiences about how women abused by their partners could overcome…To score cheap political points against someone else’s life story is uncouth. We must respect each other…,” Webster expressed.

No comparison

According to the Minister, Nagamootoo can never and must never compare himself to Harper since she was a woman who has served Guyana with the highest level of professionalism and loyalty for the past 40 years.

“Ambassador is a true patriot and an outstanding diplomat who has given almost 40 years of her life and service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by extension the

public service as a whole.

And here again, we see her in the high political office as another form of service to the population. She brings confidence to the PPP given her leadership qualities that she has displayed over the past years, representing the country at an international level as an established diplomat with a proven track record.”

Meanwhile, Dr Ramsammy asserted that Harper was a woman who has held the respect of many for the past years and as such, has the Party’s full support in her bid as the PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate.

Only last week, former APNU MP Africo Selman harshly criticised Nagamootoo’s running mate David Granger for his alleged “anti-woman” stance. Selman

APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo

has accused Granger of using the hardworking women within his party as a front to give the impression that the party respects women and has a plan for their overall development and upward mobility. But, she said, in reality, Granger wanted to relegate them to subservient roles.

Selman, who threw her support behind the ruling PPP/C back in January after claiming she experienced the worst forms of emotional, verbal and psychological abuse within the Opposition camp, spoke at several political public meetings for the

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster

ruling party over the past few weeks. She addressed crowds gathered at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara and Yarrowkabra, located on the Linden Highway, telling them that the coalition and some of its male members, including those at its helm, were sidelining women and young ladies who have dissenting, independent views and wanted to be promoted to senior postings on the basis of meritocracy.

Selman condemned what she called the “sheer hypocrisy” and “window dressing” occurring with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and APNU as she called on Guyanese present at the PPP/C’s meetings to take a stance against the abuse, misuse and maltreatment of women in politics. “They are saying one thing and doing another. They are using women as a front and they are illtreating and sidelining them behind the scenes,” she said as she shared her own experiences with the crowd. “They want to just keep us ‘barefoot and pregnant’.”

In an invited comment, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said, “Nagamootoo has finally found an environment in which he can finally express all his misogynistic and self-abasing sentiments.

He would have been severely reprimanded and disciplined for such statements if he were still in the PPP/C.”

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friday, april 3, 2015

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

Editorial

Good Friday and forgiveness

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ubbed the “holiest” day in the Christian calendar, today thousands in Guyana and millions in the world over will commemorate the death and burial of Jesus Christ on a day – commonly referred to as Good Friday. Though today is not the exact date when Christ was crucified, Christians are more concerned about the significance of his death in the whole plan of redemption.

For many Guyanese, particularly Catholics, they will do penance to commemorate the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The earliest evidence of Christians engaging in fasting and penance on this date can be traced back to the 2nd Century – a time when many Christians celebrated every Friday as a feast day in remembrance of Jesus' death.

Today, Good Friday services in the Roman Catholic Church are much the same as they have been for centuries. In Eastern Orthodox churches, Good Friday is more commonly known as Great Friday and it actually begins the prior evening with readings from various passion stories in the New Testament. There is no Eucharist service celebrated, but there is a re-enactment of the burial of Jesus. Protestant churches also hold special services on Good Friday, often including Holy Communion and a Three Hours Service.

Whereas Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians typically fast on Good Friday, many Protestants observe this date as a feast in honour of Jesus' act to redeem humanity from its sins.

Although with the covering of Christ’s blood, the human race continues to suffer. The growing number of hungry, homeless people; endless violence in the Middle East; the scourge of HIV/AIDS and other terminal illnesses; the many cases of child abuse; teenage pregnancy; and fatherless homes are but a few of the social ills we grapple today with.

And just the way Christ bridged the gap between sinners and his Father, today he is willing to do the same for our country still grappling with race-bait politics, incitement, murders and theft.

When on that Good Friday morning the Son of God was delivered to the people to be crucified with shouts of triumph from his haters he was doing it so that those who believe in him could get a second chance at redemption.

Weak and faint from weariness, pain, and loss of blood caused by the scourging and blows which he had received, the heavy cross upon which he was soon to be nailed was laid upon him. Jesus fainted beneath the burden. Three times the cross was placed upon his shoulders, and three times he fainted.

Simon of Cyrene was next seized. Upon him the cross was laid, and he bore it to the fatal spot. The Bible said companies of angels were marshalled in the air above the place. A number of Christ's disciples followed him to Calvary, in sorrow, and with bitter weeping. They called to mind his triumphal ride into Jerusalem but a few days before when they had followed Him, crying, "Hosanna in the highest!" and strewing their garments and the beautiful palm branches in the way. They had thought that he was then to take the kingdom and reign as a temporal prince over Israel. How changed the scene! How blighted their prospects! Not with rejoicing, not with cheerful hopes, but with hearts stricken with fear and despair, they slowly, sadly followed him who was about to die.

As he hung upon the cross for those final moments of his life, his last words were: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”. If there is one lesson that must be learnt from the death of Christ, it is that even with his dying breath he preached a message of hope and forgivenesssomething which our country so badly needs as we head into one of the most important elections ever.

Pope Francis stands as he leads the Chrism mass in Saint Peter’s basilica at the Vatican, April 2, 2015 (Reuters/Giampiero Sposito)

GHK Lall is spot on Dear Editor, Freddie Kissoon is caught up in yet another major controversy from which he is desperately trying to wriggle out. This one – a stinging attack on Kissoon’s double standards by GHK Lall – has damaged whatever little credibility is left in the former.

Lall, writing under the headline “Exercise in Poor Judgement”, states, and I quote,” I heard from reliable sources a few years back about the funding about Kissoon’s house. He should have known better, he not only compromised himself, he contaminated himself too.”

I strongly believe that these were fair comments from Lall. Kissoon attacks everyone who he perceives to be corrupt yet he thinks that he is beyond question.

This is the position of a hypocrite.

In his reply to Lall, under the headline “Contamination and Deterioration?”, Kissoon admits to the accusation,

“Three friends whom I have known for a long time did what was natural for any human since civilisation began – they wanted to help in small ways and they assisted in small ways.”

Well, $3 million plus $50,000 is what Kissoon considered, “assisted in small ways”. I wonder what these helpers must be thinking.

Kissoon is suggesting that they gave him peanuts!

Thousands of Guyanese would have been more gracious at this great help!

Lall, however, made mention of some very serious issues arising from this deal that Kissoon got involved in. In another letter, titled “Kissoon should embrace full disclosure standards”, Lall strongly argues, “...rather commendably, he has been in the thick, if not the forefront, of unfrocking and excoriating public persons, and taking no prisoners where disingenuousness and secrecy prevail.

“I recommend that he fol-

lows his own standards; he cannot have a higher standard for others, and a lower hazy one for himself.” Lall is spot on here. This is a perfect summation of Kissoon.

He accepts money from his “business friends”, but is reluctant to disclose their names.

Yet he accuses everyone else of corrupt practices. He accuses Government Ministers of “cussing down” while he does this in his letters and columns on a daily basis. Like a drowning man clutching at straws, Kissoon flails at Lall, “I saw Mr Lall walking into German Restaurant with someone from commercial Guyana.”

What has this got to do with the issue, Kissoon?

You, not Lall, are in the media spotlight, attacking people’s character! You are caught in a corner with nowhere to run!

Kissoon also has a very dirty way of responding to his critics – he attacks their character and their sourc-

es. This is very poor coming from a so-called academic.

When Ramon Gaskin raised this same issue of Kissoon accepting money from business friends which compromises the integrity of the latter, Kissoon responds in his letter (2015-03-25) headlined, “Accepted assistance to build house from three friends,” “ I never had any respect or regard for Ramon Gaskin and it goes back a far way.”

This is how he responds to his critics. For Kissoon, attacking the person is much more important than attacking the issues. Time is running out on Kissoon. What he has done for so long under this Government would have never been tolerated by Burnham!

Yet he abuses this privilege! What you are afraid of, Kissoon? Disclose the names of your business friends.

Live up to the standards that you hold everyone to!

Rakesh Singh

Casting doubts over integrity of elections is counter productive Dear Editor, Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, recently held its national elections. This is the first election in the history of that country where an Opposition party managed to unseat the incumbent ruling party in what is broadly believed to have been free and fair elections. President Goodluck Jonathan should be commended for so graciously accepting defeat at the polls.

This speaks well for democracy in Africa where

tribal and religious differences were exploited for political ends. In the case of Nigeria, tension between Muslims and Christians and the murderous and destructive role played by Boko Haram no doubt influenced voting behaviour and voter turnout.

One philanthropist has set up a fund to reward those African leaders who practise democracy and show respect for the rule of law in an effort to encourage African leaders to play by the rules

of democracy.

Democracy is about respecting the will of the majority in certified free and fair elections and any departure from this time-honoured tradition is fraught with danger.

This is why it is so important for all political parties to accept the verdict of the majority and to avoid that tendency to lull party supporters into a false sense of victory even before the elections are held.

The elections are only

over when the last vote is counted and the results declared by the competent authority, in our case – the Guyana Elections Commission.

Casting doubts over the integrity of the elections and the electoral processes when there is no credible basis for so doing is counterproductive and could only do harm to our image as a fledgling democracy.

Hydar Ally

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friDAY, april 3, 2015

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Who has motive to make Crum-Ewing’s Corruption a critical issue murder the political game changer?

Letters continue on page 16

Dear Editor, “War is the continuation of politics by other means “ was a famous aphorism of Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz. He “often emphasised the ‘moral’ (in modern terms, psychological) and political aspects of war”.

Fascinating how that military aphorism is most demonstrative in Guyana’s politics. Finding political advice on April Fool’s Day can be a trick to make laughter – but guess from which politician of all people, such advice came forth?

Set amid the upcoming elections, who could have advised: “Have they (sic) been warned to desist from inciting racial and political violence?” It certainly was an ironic shocker who issued it. Think misdirection given the political climate.

The admonition is so out of character. Almost as if he has gone rogue angelic.

But angelic is not the highprofile savage murder of Mr Courtney Crum-Ewing.

The ensuing feeding frenzy of the pugilists in jihad to make hay of his murder is deplorable.

It can be nothing else but the APNU-AFC Opposition in active game changer mission to win the elections. In case you forgot: “War is the continuation of politics by other means.”

It is their leaders’ most excellent military modus operandi to invest and amass political currency.

Think “by any means necessary” and all falls in place. So let’s examine who is with compelling motive, opportunity, means and would benefit most, to execute Mr Crum-Ewing?

With the game changer plot in ruins, all is not fully exposed. Who are the murderers and the brains behind them? Motive is a critical factor in any murder, especially Mr CrumEwing’s. Who gains substantially with the murder of one former soldier in prominent protest?

In struggle he stood all by himself as a lone ranger.

Isn’t it most strange for any allegedly pro-Opposition picketer, who was a former GDF soldier and identifiably Black at that, to actively and openly be operating all alone, without solidarity backup of any kind – PNC and WPA picketing allies, included?

But note after his death how the weeping usual suspects, in platoon chorus, have suddenly emerged as his loudest champions, his

best friends?

For sure the PPP/C Government was set up to get blamed and buried in an avalanche of public outrage, which did not materialise.

Such brutality by which the ex-soldier was executed is most heinous to be the craftsmanship of amateurs.

Demands

Yes. It was Dr David Hinds’ April Fool’s joke quoted above, so subliminally angelic it prompts you to blink. Dr Hinds in his KN letter of 3-31-15 does not disappoint with his list of demands.

True to form, he specifically demands, as usual, an apology from the Police should two PPP/C high-profile politicians who spoke at their Kitty rally be exempted from investigation.

Turn to page 16

Distortion of history will inhibit the pursuit of real solutions Dear Editor, As a Commissioner of GECOM, it is my practice to stay clear of the partisan silly season exchanges of the politicians.

However, the recent viewpoint of Dr Prem Misir on Moses Nagamootoo’s “relevance of a unity Government now” cannot go unheeded, since it rubbishes the country’s history at the taxpayers’ expense.

Misir attempts to dismiss Nagamootoo’s portrayal of the alliance to Jagan’s previous call for a coalition, as opportunistic and deceptive.

His main contention is that the PNC of 1964 rejected such an opportunity and that having morphed into APNU, it is now joining with the opportunistic AFC to deceive the populace about unity, while its only objective is to acquire power and to perpetuate the politics the PNC, in whichever form, has practised all the years.

This contention rubbishes the history of the calls for coalition/national unity in the past.

First, it does not acknowledge three other attempts between the 70s and the 80s, all of which the PPP embraced while in Opposition, one of which saw the sides reaching agreement only to be shattered by Janet Jagan’s declaration of mistrust on her part, and lack of sincerity on Burnham’s part.

Misir sought to mislead the viewers on the factual history and created a false premise for his analysis and conclusions.

Further to that, he completely distorts the following historical facts.

1. The British did not impose Proportional Representation (PR) on British Guiana (BG). It was Jagan who suggested that Duncan Sands resolve the deadlock between the parties with an appropriate electorate system for strife-

torn BG. Jagan under pressure from his party then rejected the outcome of the process/mechanism he initiated.

2. The elections of 1964 produced similar results to the previous elections.

All that the British and Americans were accused of doing in collusion with the PNC had no impact on the voting pattern and the results of the elections. In fact, those elections, after a period of ethnic strife, resulted in the PPP acquiring a larger percentage of votes than in the immediate past elections.

3. The Governor’s call for the PNC-UF coalition to form the Government was based on the legal provisions for Proportional Representation, which resulted from Duncan Sands being bequeathed , at Jagan’s initiative, to determine an appropriate electoral system for BG, as of 1964.

4. The illogicality of a coalition with the PPP in

1964 was obvious. The two parties emerged because of ideological differences. The PPP’s ideological stance was well-known to be abhorrent to the West, at the peak of the Cold War, and a deterrent to the granting of independence to BG. There was no strategic benefit to be derived by BG, the colony, in its struggle for independence, at that time, from such an alliance.

5. Subsequent attempts at, and agreements on, coalition were fostered in an independent Guyana and in a Guyana where the struggle had been advanced past the attainment of independence, and the parties (PPP and PNC) had gravitated toward similar ideological positions.

A distortion of our history will only inhibit the gullible from seeking real solutions and enhance the chances of the revisionists of misguiding the citizens.

Vincent Alexander

Open letter to the Opposition Dear APNU/AFC, Please tell us, what have you achieved in the last Parliament with your oneseat majority?

It seemed that your focus was on dominating the halls of power by positioning yourselves as Speaker AND Deputy Speaker and saying no to everything else. The desire for power is once again seen in your new

“power structure” where the top positions of President and Prime Minister are not enough for you.

So, you created more….

Vice Presidents, a relic of the past that still sends shivers down our spines as we remember the dark days of the PNC rule.

I believe that the last Parliament presented unique opportunities to

show the people of Guyana that you had evolved, but instead you chose to cut budgets, put people on the breadline, stop development projects, stop the construction of our Specialty Hospital...

Who in their sane mind would vote against a hospital or funding for students to get loans to go to UG? Rather than make the elec-

tion promise of more money for UG and education, please explain to us voters why did you cut it in the first place?

Were or are you so intent on punishing the ruling party that you didn’t care about us, the people of Guyana?

Such vengefulness has no place in our dear country.

Mahadeo Persaud

Dear Editor, Corruption could very well be the determining issue in this election. No party or politician (from the Opposition also) has a monopoly on corruption. People accuse almost all of them of being corrupt.

The two major parties or alliances have their block of support that are almost of equal portion. They just need a chunk of the undecided voters to take them over the 50 per cent mark. Swing (undecided for lack of a better term) voters are looking to see how the two alliances or parties address the matter.

Whichever party comes up with a better plan to address (curtail) corruption will win the election. The minor parties can also win over the undecided if they present an effective, credible plan on how they will hold the victor accountable.

No party is immune from charges of corruption by the electorate. In fact, voters see all three parties as having corrupt elements within them and as closing their eyes to strands of corruption among a select few discredited individuals.

Because several Opposition members are also fingered in corruption, as alleged to me in conversations (stress – no evidence offered), there is no electoral advantage for either side.

(Incidentally, corruption is a major issue in the upcoming elections in Trinidad and Tobago as well). But whichever party refuses to deal with or is pretending its top members are not involved in corruption is simply deluding itself and will lose.

So it is in the interest of all the parties to present plans to address corruption if they want to win over a chunk of the undecided voters who will enable it to win the election.

In my travels, conversations about perception of corruption is all pervading even in the Diaspora or Region 11 (North America and beyond). (Caution: no evidence was or is offered to substantiate the allegations).

All the parties have been accused. It is hurting the PPP and it also has its negative effects on the APNUAFC alliance, with the latter accused of not balancing its books; claims swirl of so much corruption among the Opposition.

It is generally felt that almost every official (including those in the Opposition benches – plenty allegations made against them also), bureaucrat, and most Police officers are corrupt (being on the take).

Last week, I was in Trinidad and Grenada, and heard the same complaint among Guyanese I met there. In Guyana and in the Diaspora, it is the same complaint – “all dem politicians corrupt, including those in the Opposition”.

Oh yes, the Opposition is branded too among the corrupt. But when asked if they have evidence to support the allegations, they went blank. People are convicted in the court of public opinion, but evidence is lacking to convict them in a court of law.

In New York, perception about corruption is the subject of conversation at wakes and funerals, after church service, after juma, and during bhojan time at the mandirs.

The recent Navratri festival was fertile ground for conversations about Guyana’s politics and inevitably people railed against corruption excoriating both Government and Opposition and their roles in corruption.

“Dem ah only full dem pockets”; “All a dem want position to full dem pocket and nah care about the people” are how people see politicians and repeated everywhere I travelled in Guyana, at Jhandis or at Koran Shariefs, or at Christian services.

Almost everyone, on both sides of the political or racial divide, see politicians as corrupt, and they want the Government to clamp down on corruption.

They feel there should be a Commission of Inquiry into corruption going back to the 1960s with effort made to recover money looted from the treasury. Let the chips fall where they may.

In spite of their complaints of corruption, Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora generally agree the country has made a lot of progress. I hardly came across anyone who disagreed that the country has not made progress since the restoration of democracy in 1992.

They feel Guyana is better off today than what it was 20 years ago with better housing, infrastructure, education, and telecommunication, among other improvements. However, they feel the country would have made a lot more progress if corruption were minimal or non-existent.

As I advised complainants about corruption, if you have evidence go to the Police or the leadership of your party or the media and expose the corrupt. The President, Donald Ramotar, has encouraged people to come forward if they have evidence.

Those who are corrupt should be removed from their position and not be given a ticket (placed on the electoral list of probable MPs). People look forward to fresh faces of potential MPs of integrity and probity and there aren’t too many of those among the dominant parties.

And the selection of candidates (decent, honest individuals) could tip the scale one way or another.

Vishnu Bisram

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friday, april 3, 2015

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News

Canada injects $30.9M FAO food price index again in March into Rupununi villages drops ...driven by sugar’s sharp slide ...assistance to support food security, disaster risk reduction T D uring times of flooding or drought, food security is a primary concern for the villages of Wowetta and Moco Moco.

The food staple in both villages is farine, a by-product of cassava, which is in short supply during periods of flooding or drought.

This carries a heavy human toll, with men, women and sometimes even children having to leave the villages to find employment outside of their communities, resulting in fragmented families and children out of school.

Canada is providing over CAN$188,000 (GY$30,918,129) through two projects to increase the resilience of Wowetta in North Rupununi and Moco Moco in Central Rupununi.

The Wowetta project will assist the Wowetta Village Council (WVC) and the Wowetta Women’s Group (WWG) in establishing and maintaining a modern cassava processing and farine storage facility. By the end of the project, Wowetta will have a rotating stockpile of 10,000 pounds of farine.

This stockpile will sustain the village when floods or droughts destroy the cassava crop. Since the farine production will exceed the needs of the community, it will also generate revenue for the WWG who will be able to sell excess farine to neighbouring communities.

An advisor from CUSO International will assist in

the development of a business and operational plan as well as provide training to 49 women from the WWG in business management and recordkeeping, food manufacturing best practices, administrative and financial management reporting systems, and stock control planning.

Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles visited Wowetta on March 27 to officially hand over the project agreement to the WWG. High Commissioner Giles lauded the initiative for simultaneously promoting sustainable economic growth, disaster risk preparedness, and the empowerment of women.

Increased cassava production

A similar project in Moco Moco is being implemented by the Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG). The project will make farine available to the community of Moco Moco throughout the year, regardless of climatic events, by processing and storing at least 20,000 pounds of farine for use during and after disasters. Farine in excess of the emergency needs of the Moco Moco community will be sold at a concessionary price to neighbouring communities affected by disaster.

The project will also

Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles hands over the project contribution agreement to the Wowetta Village Council

promote the expansion of cassava cultivation by the indigenous households of Moco Moco village to 56 hectares of elevated savannah land. As a result, Moco Moco’s six neighbouring indigenous communities will be able to readily purchase raw cassava.

The Moco Moco factory will also benefit from the support of Conservation International.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper first made the Americas a foreign policy priority in 2007 with the vision of a more prosperous, secure and democratic hemisphere. Canada remains committed to the Region and is working with its partners to increase economic opportunity, strengthen security and in-

stitutions, and foster lasting relationships.

Canada’s CAN$600 million Caribbean Regional Programme (CRP) promotes sustainable economic growth, including enhanced security, in the Caribbean.

In order to strengthen resilience across the Region, the CRP supports the Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management (CCDRM) Fund, which is funding the Wowetta and Moco Moco projects. The CCDRM Fund is a small responsive initiative that supports Caribbeanbased Non-Governmental Organisations, community groups, and governmental agencies working at the community level to reduce risks from natural hazards and climate change.

he Food and A g r i c u l t u r e Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index continued to decline with March, dropping 1.5 percent from February and 18.7 percent (40 points) below its level a year earlier.

A sharp fall in the price index for sugar - which reached its lowest level since February 2009 - together with dipping prices for vegetable oils, cereals and meat, more than offset a rise in dairy prices and contributed to the lower index, which in March averaged 173.8 points.

The index has been on a downward path since April 2014. The FAO Food Price Index is a trade-weighted index that tracks prices of five major food commodity groups on international markets. It aggregates price sub-indices of cereals, meat, dairy products, vegetable oils and sugar.

Abundant supplies and rising dollar pushes down international prices of most food commodities. The FAO Sugar Price Index averaged 187.9 points in March, down a sharp 9.2 percent from February. This was mainly due to improved crop prospects but also the continued weakening of the Brazilian currency against the US dollar, which is supportive to exports.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 169.8 points in March, down 1.1 percent from February and as much as 18.7 percent below its level a year earlier. The downward trend in 2015 has been mainly due to large export supplies and mounting inventories, in partic-

ular for wheat and maize.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 151.7 points in March, nearly 3.1 percent below the February level and reaching its lowest value since September 2009. The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 177 points in March, down 1 percent from its revised February value, while the FAO Dairy Price Index rose in March for the second consecutive month to average 184.9 points, up 1.7 percent from February.

World cereal supplies boosted by record crops in 2014 Meanwhile, the cereal output estimate for 2014 was raised to 2 544 million tonnes mainly due to a larger than anticipated maize harvest in the European Union, according to FAO’s latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief. If confirmed, global cereal output in 2014 would outstrip the 2013 record by 1 percent. Looking ahead to the 2015 season, global wheat production is expected to reach 722 million tonnes in 2015, around 1 percent below the current estimate for 2014, mainly due to reduced plantings in the EU. While China, India and Pakistan are all expected to harvest close to 2014’s record levels, production is predicted to decline in the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

As for coarse grains, plantings are only about to start in the northern hemisphere. However, early indications in the southern hemisphere, where crops are more advanced, point to a decline in 2015 production from last year’s high levels.

In particular, South Africa’s maize production is expected to decline sharply, by 33 percent, following severe precipitation shortfalls earlier this year.

Rice production prospects for 2015 are generally positive in the southern hemisphere countries, with sizeable increases forecast in Indonesia and Sri Lanka in Asia and Colombia and Paraguay in South America.

In Australia, by contrast, output is officially anticipated to fall by 18 percent, reflecting lingering shortages of irrigation water. FAO’s forecast for world cereal utilization in 2014/15 has been raised by nearly 17 million tonnes since March, to 2 493 million tonnes.

The increase largely reflects historical revisions in China and India. The forecast for world cereal stocks by the close of crop seasons ending in 2015 has also been revised up sharply since last month’s report and now stands at 645 million tonnes.

The increase mainly reflects upward revisions to wheat and maize stocks in China. Based on the current forecasts for cereal stocks and utilization, the cereal stocks-to-use ratio is expected to reach 25.9 percent in 2014/15, its highest value since 2001/02.

news

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friday, april 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Nomination Day:

Security measures, traffic control in place

D

espite concerns raised about the safety of the building, officials have assured that all the necessary arrangements are in place for the smooth execution of Nomination Day on April 7 at the City Hall.

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba told the Guyana Times that the City Constabulary would be working along with the Police, Traffic Police and the Fire Service to enforce the security measures, control the traffic, and monitor and control the crowd of supporters that usually swarm the area on that day.

activities safely.

She pointed out that the statement by the Fire Chief was merely a recommendation for upgrades to be done to the building, which she assured were being addressed with priority.

The issues raised by the Fire Chief included loose and hanging wires in various sections of the building, an out-of-order southern fire escape staircase and an ageing cracked metal staircase leading to the Council Chamber.

But Sooba noted that those issues would be rectified in time for Nomination Day. She disclosed that the Fire Chief also advised that only a maximum of 40 persons can occupy the ground and first floor of the building.

Adequate security

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

When asked if there were any major concerns, Sooba responded in the negative, guaranteeing that strong systems were in place to ensure everything was executed without any interruptions.

In responding to the claims reportedly made by the Fire Chief that the City Hall was a fire hazard, Sooba reassured that this was not exactly the case.

The acting Town Clerk maintained that systems are in place to host Nomination Day

Additionally, A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken also assured that adequate security would be provided to ensure the activities on Nomination Day were conducted with ease and that the crowd was better managed.

Hicken added that necessary traffic control measures would be provided to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on that day.

Meanwhile, political parties will be expected to use the Avenue of the Republic as the entrance to City Hall and Regent Street as the exit. It was previously reported by this publication that the political parties have expressed their satisfaction with the preparations made for Nomination Day, when they will know whether they are eligible to contest the upcoming polls.

On this day, the par-

A Division Commander Clifton Hicken

ties through their respective Representative and Deputy Representative will present their List of Candidates.

According to an advisory from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Representative or the Deputy in submitting the list to the Chief Elections Officer must ensure that it is submitted in the prescribed form, noting too that a Statutory Declaration will be required for each candidate and for the President named in the National Top-List.

GECOM says no one on the list could be on more than one Geographical Constituencies’ List. The Representative must also ensure that the necessary corrections are made and submitted to the Chief Elections Officer no later than the 29th day before Election Day. If a List of Candidates is in any way defective; the party will be required to make an application in writing to the Chief Elections Officer for the allocation of a symbol no later than the 32nd day before Election Day. This symbol must be approved by the Elections Commission.

Jamaican jailed for smuggling cocaine

A

20-year-old Jamaican national felt the full brunt of Guyana’s judicial system on Thursday when he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for attempting to smuggle 1.266 kilograms (kg) of cocaine to Canada.

The young man, Richard Daniels, was found guilty by Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two. The verdict arrived at after three months of trial.

Daniels first appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on January 7, to answer to the charges in Court One. On that occasion, he pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The charges read that on January 5, he was an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on his way to Canada.

It was around 22:05h on that day that ranks attached to the Police Narcotics Branch were on an eradication exercise when they saw the defendant – who was an outgoing passenger on a Fly Jamaica flight – acting in a suspicious manner.

He was stopped and a search was carried out on his luggage. In one of his suitcases the officers found two bottles of body lotion and two and a half pairs of socks. The cocaine was found concealed in the socks – 105 pellet shaped objects rapped in silver foil paper.

The case was prosecuted

Richard Daniels got the maximum penalty for trying to smuggle cocaine to Canada

by Police Prosecutor, Rural Constable Jeffers, while the defendant was unrepresented by an attorney.

Several witnesses were brought forward by the prosecution to prove that Daniels did indeed have knowledge of the cocaine in his suitcase. Officers from the Police Narcotics Branch testified on the illegal nature of the substance and the fact that they found him with the illegal substance.

However, the defence tried to convince the court that Daniels had no knowledge of the substance in his bag, although he had claimed that he packed both suitcases himself. The defendant had also claimed that a man, Shemroy Roberston had approached

him about trafficking the illegal substance but Daniels said he had refused the offer.

This proved to be insubstantial evidence, but nonetheless, the prosecution brought forward Robertson to testify about any relation he may have had or has with the defendant. None was found. The defence also had the opportunity to cross exam the witness and was unable to make him contradict himself.

Magistrate McLennan told the court that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Daniels is guilty of the offence. She gave this verdict on the basis that the defendant’s own statements mixed him up.

The Magistrate also mentioned that the aforementioned pellets were in photographs and the defendant had admitted to taking those pictures. Thus she said the court is satisfied that the defendant is guilty and he was sentenced to the full penalty of the law, given to amount of cocaine that was being smuggled by the defendant, the seriousness of the offence, the prevalence and the fact that deterrence is needed to curb the practice.

Daniels was sentenced to five years imprisonment and was also fined $3,418,200 – the market value of the 1.266 kilograms of cocaine found on him.

Skeldon Energy Inc commences operation – to significantly benefit Berbicians

C

hairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington has lauded the establishment of the Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI), saying that it will do well for Berbicians.

The state-owned SEI which began operations on Tuesday and is jointly owned by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and NICIL, replaces the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) energy assets and its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Brassington told reporters, at a press conference on Wednesday, that the power company is currently supplying as much as 12 megawatts of power from Demerara to Berbice.

He said if anything should happen to that transmission line the power supply will be interrupted. He noted that the power company expects a substantial increase in demand, as such, the excess supply that is enjoyed in Demerara, will no longer be available.

“Overtime, we have to plan to ensure that we have sufficient generation. If Skeldon was not available, we would have to look at installing additional generation, most likely in Berbice to ensure the power supply in Berbice. And so what we are doing here, is seeking to not only maintain, but to expand the power generation facilities at Skeldon,” Brassington explained.

He said it is expected that by next year, the power generation of that plant should be increased by 50 per cent by the end of 2016 and, almost 100 per cent by 2019.

Brassington said with the investment that is being made, sooner or later, there will be need for further investments to reach the demands of the populace.

The expected benefits of the restructuring of the Skeldon energy assets include: the enhancement of the generating capacity of the Skeldon Wärtsilä and Bagasse Co-Generation power plants, providing GPL and GuySuCo with a stable and reliable source of power generation, relieving GuySuCo of the responsibility to manage the power generation, provide some US$30 million of capital resources to GuySuCo, and securing, stabilising and expanding the power generating capacity.

Questioned about the capacity to fuel this project, Brassington related that the bagasse co-gen facility has a lot more capacity than could ever be used.

“In order to harness that full capacity, we need to make some investments to increase the transformer capacity so that more power could be taken out of that plant. We would need to rehabilitate that plant. And so the combination of having a separate company, the SEI own and operate that plant separate from Wärtsilä, the bagasse will be bought from Guysuco.”

According to Brassington, it is expected that over time, every entity involved would work together with GuySuCo, investing and improving the operations so as to maximize the power coming out of the plant.

“We may not always be able to get the full capacity, because there may be

some limitations, but based on our modest projection, we should be able to double the level of energy that has been generated at the plant. And of course, we still have the 10 megawatts of Wärtsilä which operates at heavy fuel oil. So, when we don’t have the energy generated form bagasse, because that is seasonal, we still have the megawatts”, Brassington promised.

He said one of the benefits of the new arrangement is the ability to have a “standalone independent power producer,” which based on the revenue stream from the power it provides, could finance all that is needed to finance, not only to pay GuySuCo for the assets, but to pay for the maintenance of those assets.

Meanwhile, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rajendra Singh related that the sugar company is projecting to crush some 750,000 tonnes of cane with the hope of generating about 275, 000 tonnes of bagasse at the Skeldon Estate.

He said outside of Skeldon, there is an excess of bagasse at the Albion Estate. He said GuySuCo usually takes bagasse from Albion whenever it is needed to be used at the Skeldon Sugar Factory.

According to him, there is enough bagasse to run the project.

“We are seeking to procure a briquetting machine that will briquette the bagasse during the crop when there are excesses at other areas and take it to Skeldon to be used during the out of crop period. We are projecting that we will have more than enough to power this project,” Dr Singh assured.

8 NEWS

friday, APRIL 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Princes Street man stabbed to death, relative in custody

By Vahnu Manikchand

P

olice have arrested a teenage relative of the young man who was killed on Wednesday afternoon at their Lot 44 Princes Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown home.

According to the Police, Carlos Solomon, 21, was involved in an argument with a relative in his yard when he was dealt three stab wounds to the chest, including one to his heart.

The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect has been identified as 19-yearold Nicolas Hercules and he was taken into custody to assist with the investigation.

The mother of the young man told the Guyana Times that she was upstairs when the incident happened. The woman recalled that her son came home late Wednesday afternoon and showered before leaving the upper flat of the house.

“I hear the tumble, he and the other boy de arguing and they end up in the yard, but I didn’t check cause I say is a normal fight. Then I hear somebody say “he dead, he dead” and when I look out, they already take him away in a car,” the woman stated.

She explained that she thought it was a prank since it was April Fool’s Day; however, it was not until her daughter-in-law called and informed

A dated photo of the deceased, Carlos Solomon with his sister

her about Solomon’s death that she realised the truth. “When me daughterin-law call and tell me that he dead in she hand cause she de carrying he to the hospital,” the mother recalled. She related that she was unaware of what exactly caused the problem between the two young men.

Hercules is the son of Solomon’s step-sister, Nicola. This newspaper was made to understand that the two families were not close-knitted and usually would have disputes.

Scuffle

The suspect’s mother told this publication that she witnessed the scuffle between her son and stepbrother. The woman said that she heard the scuffle

between the two young men and called her son, but Solomon followed him.

“Carlos keep coming behind he and me son say stop following me and then Carlos start abusing he, pushing he in he face and they start fight. Then a guy from up the road come and part them and take he away, but he rush back this side and me son bar he ‘cause he de charging he. Next thing I see Carlos on the bridge and just so he fall down,” Nicola said. She maintained that she did not see her son stab Carlos.

Nicola disclosed that she then took her son to the Alberttown Police Station to make a report and get a medical for him because he had a wound on his right knee but while there, the Police held him informing them that Solomon died.

According to the woman, Solomon and some other guys had a problem and the guys were harassing her son. She added that on Wednesday afternoon, her son came home from work and was in a car with a friend explaining the whole situation when her stepbrother began abusing him.

When this newspaper visited the home, relatives were heard saying that Solomon was a trouble-maker and would usually get into fights. However, he mother described him as a friendly person. Solomon leaves to mourn his mother, sister, and two brothers.

His body is at the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Eyew tness

Military...

D

...Granger in politics

r Roger Luncheon, Chairman of the Defence Board, has again raised the clear and present danger of exmilitary personnel dominating the PNC-led APNU/ AFC Opposition grouping. Your Eyewitness uses the word "grouping" because they surely ain't behaving like no "coalition" or "alliance" that he knows about.

How can you have a "coalition" that doesn't even have a programme?? The only thing they've agreed on is "same sex marriage" - with Nagamootoo's obsession about "marriage" to and "divorce" from, Granger!!

This military involvement is serious stuff - especially against the history of the region in general - and our own history in particular. Who doesn't know about the military dictators of Latin America that gave the world the term "Banana Republic"??

For us in Guyana, the military spying on the populace with their separate "Intelligence Unit" was just the start.

They didn't know when the Venezuelans would march in and annex Ankoko...but they sure knew every time the WPA met!! Burnham actually boasted about this.

We also had the army stomping through villages intimidating the Opposition supporters. Then there was the army rigging elections on behalf of the Kabaka. They collected ballot boxes, brought them to Camp Ayanganna and then stuffed them with "filled-in ballots". Was so tough on the soldiers' fingers, they couldn't press their triggers for a week!

What should concern Guyanese carrying on that the military fellas with Granger are all retired fogeys, is the answer to the question, "Retired from what??" Retired from all the skulduggery above, that's what!

Granger's squaddies are all dyed in the wool, indoctrinated toughs who passed through the course he ran on "ideological clarity" for Burnham. And it's not just army graduates...fellas like Winston Felix should remind the young'uns that ALL officers of the Disciplined Forces went though the same ideological courses. And where's Collins, again??

Now even if all these military types were all patriotic and well meaning and all of that...Guyanese have to appreciate that the military isn't exactly a breeding ground for democratic sentiments.

To these men (and Granger's only brought in male squaddies) - imbued with the unshakeable resolve that it's not the place of folks to "reason why" - all that's expected from them is "to do or die".

And it's not only supporters of the PPP/C who should worry about this military mindset. All women should be worried. Don't think that Africo Selman's experience is a coincidence. All PNC loyalists should be worried.

Remember what happened after Hurricane Burnham hit us?

The AFCites?? They're getting "larwah". But they like that!! Ask Nagamootoo.

...Granger and Hoyte

Isn't it more than passing strange that even though Granger had all that experience in the GDF as its Commandant, Desmond Hoyte passed him over as Chief of Staff in favour of Joe Singh??

But it's not so strange if YOU knew Granger like Hoyte knew Granger. Hoyte was there from the beginning when Burnham plucked young Cadet Granger and shipped him off to Mons, the military school in England.

Burnham wanted an army ...but not the one that the British'd set up. That was "balanced" and "professional".

Not qualities that Burnham wanted in an army that he's already decided would buttress his regime, when the British departed.

Granger returned, Burnham kept his eye on him and he became the chief spear carrier for "the new army". He "re-educated" the army to swear loyalty to Burnham, who in turn placed him in command of the GDF in 1979 when Rodney was infiltrating it.

When Hoyte moved against the "Burnhamites" after 1985 to consolidate his power, Granger's goose was cooked.

Why would he risk a coup from Granger??

...Granger and ethnic strife

So Granger bided his time - and burnished his credentials.

What's been his major post-army accomplishment? To raise a monument to the sunken Sun Chapman, without even mentioning the ethnic cleansing of Wismar!

news

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friday, april 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Three more charged for Post Office heist was $42M, not $90M – GPOC drunk driving

The Bourda Post Office

T

he Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) on Thursday clarified that a total of $42 million was snatched by armed men on Wednesday in the front of the Bourda Post Office and not $90 million as was reported by the Police.

In a release, the GPOC stated that about 08:15h five heavily-armed bandits hijacked a vehicle belonging to the entity, which was transporting the money slated for pension payments to the Bourda Post Office, Regent Street, Georgetown, sticking up the driver and a Police officer. The vehicle and the two men were later found at Cemetery Road, East La Penitence where the bandits abandoned the vehicle and made good their escape with the money.

According to reports received, the men who were in the queue in the Post Office

ran out to the van, which had just parked, and held the clerk and a Police rank who was in the vehicle, along with the driver, at gunpoint.

It was at this time that the gunmen relieved the Police rank of his G3 Rifle.

They then jumped into the vehicle and forced the driver to drive away with the 17 bags of money. The Guyana Times understands that the van had started its run to deliver monies to at least 17 post offices around the city and would have made its first stop at Bourda.

Quick response by the Police resulted in one of the suspects being arrested in the vicinity of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Suspicious

“This robbery took place despite the presence of full

contracted security personnel, GPOC staff and a menu of infrastructural and external security reinforcements complementing the Corporation’s internal agents. These measures, that were implemented earlier this year, come at a considerable cost to the Corporation,” the GPOC release added.

The Corporation apologised to hundreds of pensioners for the inconvenience in the non-payment of pensions at several paying offices on April 1. It stated that payments at affected offices continued on April 2 and all payments will continue on April 7.

It disclosed that it was again reviewing all its options and working with the Police to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, a Police source told the Guyana Times that one of the suspects who was arrested moments after the robbery has since denied his involvement. The source added that the driver of the GPOC vehicle, the Police rank who served as security, and the clerk were interrogated on Wednesday evening.

In light of the increased attacks on Post Offices across the country, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster was of the opinion that there had to be collusion going on.

She had also called on the GPOC to reassess the security arrangements at the various locations.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

GuySuCo remains committed to private farmers – CEO

C

hief Executive Officer of Guyana Sugar Cooperation (GuySuCo), Dr Rajendra Singh said the sugar company remains committed to its partnership with private sugar cane farmers to ensure optimum production.

According to Dr Singh, GuySuCo has maintained the decades old tradition with private cane farmers across the country, which has become a mandate through the cane farmers’ legislation.

Dr Singh was at the time addressing journalists at the National Communications Network (NCN) on Wednesday, where he, along with the Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington was engaging the media on the establishment of Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI).

“We believe strongly in partnering with farmers in this country, across the industry, we are partnering with farmers at Wales, Uitvlugt, East Demerara and the Berbice estates. We believe that sugar farmers are critical to any agricultural operation in this country”, Dr Singh told reporters.

He said at the Skeldon Factory, the formula calls for a third of the cane supply to come from farmers. He referred to the expression of interest for the expansion of the Blairmont Estate. All this he said is being done through partnership with private farmers.

“We are expanding the Blairmont estate and we are doing this through partnership with farmers. At Skeldon, it is working well.

Another advantage is that we had an agreement where if you are a small farmer

and you form yourself into cooperatives, the sugar refineries give a premium, to encourage farmers. It benefits us, and it benefits the farmers,” he related.

Dr Singh, in a prior interview with this publication had said that high operational costs, among other things, have always been major stumbling blocks for the sugar industry.

He is, however, hoping that the industry’s efficiency rate will increase this year with the injection of the US$7.5 million provided by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

He said the loan, which was approved on December 11, 2014 will be completely utilised in the area of mechanisation.

According to the CDB, the loan will be used to reduce operational costs and simultaneously improve mechanisation.

A

s the Guyana Police Force’s T r a f f i c Department continues its enforcement activities, three more persons have been charged and taken to court for driving under the influence

Then, Indarpaul Deowattie, of Jib Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was also sentenced to pay a fine of $7,500 after he too pleaded guilty to the DUI of-

Shawn Griffith

Beesham Persaud

(DUI) of alcohol.

On March 8, Beesham Persaud, of Lot 34 Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was driving motor vehicle PNN 5642 on the Madewini Public Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, when he was stopped and tested. The man was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption as such he was charged and taken to the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Court, four days later, where he pleaded guilty to the DUI charge and was fined $7,500.

Meanwhile, an another man was stopped and tested while riding motor cycle CH 1609 on the Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast, on February 15.

Shawn Griffith, of Lot 33 Westbury, Essequibo Coast, was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was subsequently charged and taken to the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on February 16, where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500.

Indarpaul Deowattie

fence. The man was driving motor vehicle PRR 6940 on Cotton Field Public Road, Essequibo Coast, on February 2, when he was stopped and tested. Deowattie was found to be above the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption.

He was charged and two days later, he appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

Friday, april 1, 2015

News

Yareya parents complain about highcost transportation – Granger

W

hile visiting the community of Yareya in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Tuesday Brigadier David Granger said he heard residents complain bitterly about the challenges that they face with respect to the quality of and access to education for their children.

In a release from the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Granger said parents reported having to spend between $1500 and $1700 each per week to purchase fuel for a boat to transport their children to school. The boat’s engine – which has not been replaced since it was gifted to the community under the Desmond Hoyte Administration – is often in need of repairs, making it even more challenging for parents to ensure their children’s access to education.

According to APNU, residents also expressed their frustration over the washrooms for the school which are in disrepair, despite the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

APNU Leader David Granger

Administration having initially spent $8 million to build the 10 flush-toilet facility and another $2 million to repair it.

“Brigadier Granger responded by saying that an APNU/AFC Government under his leadership would ensure that every schoolchild would be provided the basic necessary support to help him or her achieve academically, including free transportation via bus or boat as the situation dictated,” the release quoted him as saying.

Further, Granger said that the economy needed to

Students rejoice after final day of NGSA exam

A

fter months and even years of hard work, students from public and private schools across the country completed the two-day National Grade Six Assessment examination, rejoicing at its finality.

Some 15,200 students had registered to write the examination which com-

there were some difficult questions in Mathematics.

“During the holidays, I just want to play cause I didn’t had the chance during the studies,” he said, while adding confidently that he will get Queens College. “I will get Queens, I’m always in my 90s,” he declared.

Then Rachael Hutson

School.

Nevertheless, during the holidays he will be focusing on enjoying himself. “I will stay home with my family and may fly kites but my most important plan is to spend my birthday proper – it’s this month, April,” Hall added.

On the other hand, there

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

be expanded so that children and adults graduating from high school and university, respectively, could actually attain jobs and be absorbed into the national economy.

Granger was accompanied by his wife, Sandra; PNC Reform Vice Chairman and former APNU Parliamentarian, Dr George Norton; former APNU Parliamentarian, Pastor Rennis Morian; Alliance For Change representatives Antonio Hackett and Tracy Johnson and Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon.

Students from Stella Maris Primary rejoicing after the exams

menced on Wednesday.

Primary students wrote English Language and Science on the first day, and then Mathematics and Social Studies on Thursday.

NGSA is a placement examination offered at the end of the primary school cycle to determine which secondary school students will be placed. These candidates have already completed the National Grade Four and Grade Two Assessments back in 2013 and 2011 respectively. Results for this year’s NGSA examination are expected to be out by June 4.

Guyana Times interviewed some of the students after the examination to get their reactions. The first stop was at Stella Maris Primary School on Woolford

from the same school pointed out that the exam was “fine”. She said that she is happy that she was able to complete it and is hoping to get a good school. “I had some difficulties in Sciences and Maths but I feel good about it and now I can have fun with lots of leisure time,” she added.

Guyana Times also spoke to some of the students from North Georgetown Primary on Woolford Avenue. Latoya Adolphus related that “the exam was kind of difficult but I mastered it”. The student added that despite the difficulties in Science on Wednesday, she is hoping to secure a spot at Bishops High School or Queens College. During the Easter holiday, she will be having fun kite flying but will not

was high drama outside of the North Georgetown Primary School’s compound after the students were locked in the yard after the exam and were made to rearrange the furniture.

The parents were outraged that the children were being made to do such tedious physical task immediately after they had two days of mental stress.

As the parents flocked at the gate of the school, they were informed that the Headteacher had instructed for the gates to remain closed until all of the furniture was replaced to its correct classes as before the two-day examination.

One mother vented that “all the time the children working and after two days of hard work, you lock the

These North Georgetown Primary students celebrate the completion of the NGSA exams

Avenue, Georgetown, where students gave their overall feedback and their plans for the Easter holiday.

Tameka Alleyne said “the whole common entrance exam was easy but Paper Two for Maths was hard”.

Another Stella Maris student, Mickhail, was excited that the NGSA exam was finally over. He noted that while the exam was easy,

completely give up studying.

Finally, Shemar Hall told this publication that the exam was somewhat “inbetween”, noting that while some students had difficulties in Mathematics, “to me it was a little simple this year comparing to all the mock exams we did on past papers. He too was confident that he did well and will acquire a spot at Bishops High

gate and make them pack desks and benches. This is unreasonable! It could have waited, these children need to go home”.

However, there were some parents and even teachers who commented that there was nothing wrong with the children rearranging the furniture, adding that they would have done this before.

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friday, april 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Impact Albouystown Project Lodge resident smiles after 2-month sentencing produces leather crafters

Director of the Masjid an-Najm and Social Centre Naeem Muhammad as he works with a participant of the Leather craft project in Albouystown

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he Impact Albouystown Project, an initiative being facilitated by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in collaboration with several faith-based organisations, has produced 17 trained leather crafters.

Drawn from various parts of Albouystown, the participants were equipped with their certificates after completing three weeks Leather Craft Skills Workshop.

On Saturday Guyana

Times visited the Masjid anNajm and Social Centre, located in the center of Albouystown, where the training is being executed. At the time of the visit, several women were cutting leather, smoothing it over with a tool while some were painting and designing it.

One of the trainers, John Dowridge told this newspaper that the workshop started on January 19, 2015. He said that the project is opened

to anyone that is willing but young women and single mothers are particularly encouraged to be a part of the project.

According to Dowridge, the training programme is a success so far because the first batch of women has become professionals in the field.

Another trainer, Nhonda Duncan Small said that the women now have the possibility of becoming their own bosses with the aim of generating finance.

Devi Barlow, one of the beneficiaries said Impact Albouystown is already making a difference in the lives of residents, noting that persons are now feeling safe to dwell in community.

Regarding the training, Barlow said she was quite fortunate to be a part of it as she has always been interested in art. She said that she has been experimenting with a number of designs.

Director of the Masjid Naeem Muhammad told Guyana Times that the training is the first workshop that the Muslim community in Albouystown has partnered with the force to execute, adding that he hopes it continues.

Muhammad explained that the project has two parts, the crime fighting aspect which the Police Force takes care of, and the skills training aspect which is facilitated by faith-based organisations.

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35-year-old resident of Lodge, Georgetown, was all smiles on Thursday even though a two-month sentence was handed down to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Andre Hardy from Princes Street, Lodge, was sentenced after he was found guilty of assaulting his 50-year-old reputed wife.

The report read that the defendant assaulted the Virtual Complainant (VC) Jenny Henry at A&D Princess Street, Lodge with the intent to cause bodily harm.

Hardy had initially pleaded not guilty to the offence

Andre Hardy

when his case was heard in Court One. However, feeling remorseful for actions and not wanting to waste the court’s time, he admitted to the charge.

He told the court that the VC had withdrawn a substantial amount of money from his account on the day in question and he became quite upset as he accused her of being wasteful of the money he worked for. Hardy told the court that he is usually in the interior for months at a time working for money to support his children, who are his priority. However, he will try to restrain himself in the future.

Magistrate Annette Singh however was not convinced of the man’s sincerity and sentenced the defendant to two months imprisonment.

Phone snatching shopkeeper remanded

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man appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday facing charges of simple larceny.

Anthony Charles, 24, a shopkeeper of 4th Street, Albertown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that on February 6 at the Mahaica bus park in Georgetown, he stole one Samsung Galaxy cellphone worth $125,000, the property of Parmadai

Sookhoo.

According to Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day of the incident the VC and her mother were in a minibus at the aforementioned location when the defendant walked up the bus window, snatched the cellphone and made good his escape.

The defendant denied these allegations claiming that on the day of the incident he was gambling with the VC and won the cellphone in a wager. He then

requested bail claiming that the Police Officers who arrested him accepted his bail money, along with a bottle of champagne in exchange for his release.

The Prosecutor objected to bail stating that on his last appearance, the defendant was placed on bail and signed a recognisance agreement, however, he never returned on his court date and had to be arrested. The man was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on April 24.

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friday, april 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Copa Airlines spreads Easter cheer at GPHC

Staff from GPHC and Copa Airlines along with a patient at the Paediatric Ward during the Easter cheer event

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opa Airlines embraced the humble nature of the Easter holidays on Thursday when its members visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Paediatric Ward with a bunch of Easter goodies for the children.

In a statement on Thursday, GPHC stated that the illustrious airline donated a basket of fresh local fruits to the Paediatric Ward.

Additionally, the airline’s staff read a collection

of stories to the children before sharing out small Easter eggs.

GPHC said one member of the Copa family even provided live entertainment for the children and their parents by playing the steel pan.

“Easter is a time of great joy and cheer for so many children, with the flying of kites, enjoyment of chocolates and other goodies. We wanted to have the chance to share with the little ones, who unfortunately have to be in the hospital,

that same kind of happiness and delight,” Copa Airlines’ Country Sales Manager, Nadine Oudkerk said during visit.

She thanked GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Khan for affording Copa the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of the children.

Oudkerk also wished the children a full and speedy recovery and good health so that they can rejoin their families at home as soon as possible.

Hamilton admits she never applied to Yale

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uyana’s 2014 top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) performer, Elisa Hamilton has admitted that she never applied to attend Yale University.

In clearing the air, Hamilton explained that she had expressed an interest in attending the world class university after President Donald Ramotar had promised that his Government would be issuing scholarships to the nation’s top students to attend any university of their choice.

But Hamilton’s hopes came crashing down when she received a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Hydar Ally, informing her that she can only apply to study in Guyana, China and Cuba in the fields of engineering, dentistry and medicine under the Government’s scholarship programme.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, Hamilton, though admitting that she never sent an application to Yale University, said she is extremely saddened that her options are limited to Guyana, China and Cuba.

Hamilton said her inability to attend a university of her choice under the Government’s scholarship programme is a breach of the promise made by the President.

Elisa Hamilton

When asked for the explanation that was given for the alteration in the scholarship programme, Hamilton said she could not remember clearly, and as such she did not want to misquote the official. However, Hamilton noted that the explanation recently given by the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon was not the explanation she received.

Dr Luncheon had explained that the reason for the snafu in the scholarship award was owed to the absence of an Appropriation Act. According to Dr Luncheon, Government could only spend one-twelfth of the previous year’s expenditure from the Consolidated Fund for its expenditures for the current year, and be-

cause each Ministry cannot spend above that fraction, various hindrances were surfacing.

Dr Luncheon noted that the one-twelfth provision only allowed Government to perform the most necessary functions to run the country.

“Save and except that one-twelfth rule which makes provision for the expenditure for Government business to continue to be available even in the absence of an Appropriation Act, issues like paying salaries and issuing vaccines and such like that couldn’t conceivably be withheld because there wasn’t an Appropriation Act,” Dr Luncheon explained.

He further explained that Hamilton is not the only student being affected by these complications. Dr Luncheon revealed that owing to the limited spending by the various Ministries, students on scholarships abroad are unable to receive their monthly stipends.

He explained that “until such time as the 11th Parliament is convened and a budget is passed and an Appropriation Act becomes law those expenditures will not be met.”

Hamilton, a 16-year-old Queen’s College student, obtained 19 Grade Ones and one Grade Two at the CSEC examinations last year, making her Guyana’s top performer.

Women cross charged for assaulting Minibus conductor forcefully removed from court after being sent to jail each other at Bourda Market

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wo women appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday to answer to charges of assault.

Alisha Daniels of 219 B Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, pleaded not

guilty to the charges which read that on April 1, she unlawfully assaulted Kristen Fisher at Bourda Market, Georgetown, causing actual bodily harm.

Fisher of 289 Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, also pleaded not guilty to the charge which

read that on the day in question she unlawfully assaulted Daniels at Bourda Martket.

The women were both placed on $50,000 bail and were made to sign a bond to keep the peace. The matter will return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on April 30.

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minibus conductor appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday facing charges of simple larceny.

Kevin Washington pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on March 30, he stole one gold cricket band worth $186,000 – the property of

Portia Jacobs. The man denied the allegation, claiming that he had never seen the Virtual Complainant (VC) nor was he at the scene of the incident.

According to Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day of the incident, the VC was in a taxi at the corner of Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, when the accused walked up to the car and snatched the band off of the VC’s left hand and made good his escape. The VC filed a complaint with the Police and the taxi driver later identified the perpetrator who is known to him.

Washington speaking in

his defence told the court that he had been wrongfully accused and that he does not have any knowledge of the incident. He requested bail which the Prosecutor objected to stating that in 2013, Washington had served 18 months in prison for a similar charge and if released on bail it is unlikely he would return to court. The Magistrate remanded the defendant to prison until April 24 when the matter will return to court. Upon hearing the Magistrate’s verdict, the man began shouting loudly in court requesting to change his plea and had to be forcefully removed.

West Ruimveldt man on assault charge gets $100,000 bail

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man appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts facing charges of assault.

Royston Hope, 31, of Lot 2 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that on March 30, in the vicinity of West Ruimveldt, he unlawfully assaulted the Virtual Complainant (VC) Indranie John causing her actual bodily harm.

According to Police

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question the VC went to the defendant’s place of employment and requested to use his phone after which she shoved her hand into his pocket to retrieve the said phone.

The defendant then swung his hand which came into contact with the VC’s face and caused her injuries to the right side of her face.

The prosecution did not object to bail and it was granted in the sum of $100,000 bail and will return to court on April 25.

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friDAY, april 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Everything is about your mind and not your physical attributes – William “The Conqueror” France

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“

eople discriminate against people with disabilities, believing that they are weak and cannot do certain things for themselves… look at me, I have been one legged for 30 years and I drive, cook for meself… everything is about your mind.”

These are the sentiments of the quintessential sportsman, William France.

Guyana Times had the opportunity to sit down with William France on Saturday morning to discuss the past that has offered him lessons on the importance of will power and the overall determination to be independent, no matter what.

This determination has

help with the healing and the pain. He grimaced as he explained the several bags of saline and blood that he needed as the doctors worked painstakingly to save his life.

However, it was through this misstep that France was able to truly find satisfaction in helping others in need and a platform to do so. He told Guyana Times that it was in the hospital that he saw a soldier in a wheelchair playing basketball and he thought of the possibilities. France stated that if that soldier was able to still play ball without the use of both of his legs, l then he definitely should be able to do so and more.

The walkathon champion told this newspaper that

William France’s hero Terrence “Terry” Fox has a statue in Ottawa, Canada

earned him the Walter Rodney Award from the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and also the Medal of Service Award in 1997 – the first amputee to receive such an award. However, it is France’s well known contributions to several charitable organizations – that range in the millions – that mostly make him loquacious. He said that ensuring young people have a second chance is his passion.

France at the age of 58 has the wisdom of a man who has seen the good times and the bad times, and has chosen to push past the latter to gain more of the former through his love of sport. The sportsman smiled as he reminisced on the painful experience of being shot eleven times in 1985 when he tried stealing from Hamilton Green who was Prime Minister at that time.

He said that he was not a “bad egg” but acted out of frustrated and did something quite foolish. He told this publication that he spent six months and 17 days at the Georgetown Public Hospital and it was pain beyond anything he had ever felt before, adding that he must have gone through hundreds of antibiotics and pain relievers during those six months to

such thoughts kept with him when he was released from the hospital and imprisoned for 12 years for his crime. It was there that he read of his role model, Terrence Stanley “Terry” Fox in the Reader’s Digest. France boasted that this one-legged stranger from Canada had received, like him, the highest award his country could have given him at the time.

This one legged miler was his inspiration, France said.

From the moment, he started to read that article he became interested in keeping fit. France said he exercised by hopping up and down the stairs at the Camp Street Prison, walked round and round the various blocks, etc.

However, it was his close friend, Carlos Vansrazam who gave him the incentive he needed to believe that he could actually follow in the footsteps of his rolemodel Fox. When he was released from prison and had embarked on making leather slippers with his mother. It was around this time in his life that his friend Vansrazam brought a magazine showing a Grenadian amputee doing just what his model Fox did – walking 30 miles.

France said his training became more focused and intense as he tried to walk the

full distance of the Mocha Road in a certain amount of time. He said he exercised three months straight.

However, France with an expression that said just how difficult it was for him, said that it took him six months to completely walk the full distance of Mocha Road.

The sportsman said he was training because he was preparing for his very first walk-a-ton; one that was being hosted by his good friend Vansrazam hosted it. It was a 30 mile walk from Timehri, Wast Bank Demerara to America Street in Georgetown. He said that it was the first time an amputee had taken part in such a walk. However, he did and completed it.

He said that it was important for him to show to persons that although he was an amputee, he was still very much his own man. “Not be-

cause you get a disability, you can’t do it… I wanted to do the walk faster than the man from Grenada”, he stated.

This walk-a-ton opened a number of doors to France; as he was asked to participate in other walks, such as the 100 mile walk in 1994 that took him a time of 47 hours, three minutes and three seconds.

He stated that he raised over $1.2 million at that walk and all of it he donated to charity, making people think he was crazy. He explained that the “Bible say if you steal return 77 times what you steal.”

France was dubbed the “Conqueror” by the media after he had been through his fare share of walk-a-tons and marathons locally and internationally. For international challenges, he said he enjoyed the Boston Marathon as it offered a real challenge to all sportsmen alike. He said he went there five times and he

William France as he carries the Queen’s Baton for the 19th Commonwealth Games in 2010

is trying for the sixth, which would be his last.

He said presently, he is promoting sports in Mocha, on the East Bank of Demerara – his hometown. He stated that he usually finds time to go to schools to make presentations on the impor-

tance of staying away from crime and drugs. These are two of his main platforms as he said crime was quite rampant when he was a boy growing up and he believes that a positive influence in the lives of young people makes all the difference.

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friDAY, April 3, 2015

News

Good Friday...

Commemorating the sacrifice of Jesus

Efficient Judiciary key to economic growth – President Ramotar ...as new No 51 Magistrate’s Court commissioned

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

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Jesus on the cross at Calvary

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ood Friday; a Christian religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday proceeding Easter Sunday.

It may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover and is known as Holy Friday. Based on the details of the gospels, the Crucifixion of Jesus was on a Friday in AD 33.

Good Friday is a widely-instituted legal holiday in many national governments around the world, including in most Western countries, particularly among Catholic nations and majority-Catholic countries.

Because the sacrifice of Jesus through his crucifixion is commemorated on this day, the Divine Liturgy (the sacrifice of bread and wine) is never celebrated on Good Friday, except when the day coincides with the Great Feast of the Annunciation, which falls on the fixed date of March 25.

Also on Good Friday, the clergy no longer wears the purple or red that is customary throughout Great Lent.

There is no “stripping of the altar” on Holy Thursdays as in the West; instead, all of the church hangings are changed to black, and will remain so until the Divine Liturgy on Great Saturday.

On that day, Christians revisit the events of the day through public reading of specific Psalms and the Gospels, and singing hymns about death of Christ. Rich visual imagery and symbolism as well as stirring hymns are recorded as remarkable elements of these observances.

In the Orthodox understanding, the events of Holy Week are not simply an annual commemoration of past events, but the faithful actually participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus According to the accounts in the Gospels, the Temple Guards, guided by Jesus’ disciple Judas Iscariot, arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas received 30 pieces of silver for betraying Jesus.

Following his arrest, Jesus was brought to the house of Annas, the father-in-law of the high priest, Caiaphas. There he was interrogated with little result and sent bound to Caiaphas the high priest where the Sanhedrin had assembled.

Finally the high priest adjured Jesus to respond under solemn oath, saying “I adjure you, by the Living God,

to tell us, are you the Anointed One, the Son of God?” Jesus testified “You have said it” (Matthew 26:57–66).

In the morning, the whole assembly brought Jesus to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate under charges of subverting the nation, opposing taxes to Caesar, and making himself a king.

Pilate questioned Jesus and told the assembly that there was no basis for sentencing. Upon learning that Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate referred the case to the ruler of Galilee, King Herod, who was in Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Herod questioned Jesus but received no answer; Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.

Pilate told the assembly that neither he nor Herod found guilt in Jesus; Pilate resolved to have Jesus whipped and released. Under the guidance of the chief priests, the crowd asked for Barabbas, who had been imprisoned for committing murder during an insurrection.

Pilate asked what they would have him do with Jesus, and they demanded, “Crucify him” (Mark 15:6– 14).

Pilate’s wife had seen Jesus in a dream earlier that day, and she forewarned Pilate to “have nothing to do with this righteous man” (Matthew 27:19). Pilate had Jesus flogged and then brought him out to the crowd to release him. The chief priests informed Pilate of a new charge, demanding Jesus be sentenced to death “because he claimed to be God’s son.”

This possibility filled Pilate with fear, and he brought Jesus back inside the palace and demanded to know from where he came (John 19:1–9).

Each hour of this day is the new suffering and the new effort of the expiatory suffering of Jesus. The echo of His suffering is heard in every word of worship service – unique and incomparable both in the power of tenderness and feeling and in the depth of the boundless compassion for the suffering of the Saviour.

The Holy Church opens before the eyes of believers a full picture of the redeeming suffering of the Lord beginning with the bloody sweat in the Garden of Gethsemane up to the crucifixion on Golgotha.

Taking us back through the past centuries in thought, the Holy Church brings us to the foot of the cross of Christ erected on Golgotha, and makes us present among the quivering spectators of all the torture of the Saviour.

resident Donald Ramotar on Thursday commissioned a new state-of-theart building which will house the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court.

The $48 million facility is fully air-conditioned and is also equipped with an internal Police outpost and has a briefing area for prosecutors. In declaring open the new court house, President Ramotar noted that a functioning and efficient judiciary is important to economic development.

Investors are more likely to invest in a country where they are assured that the judicial system can guarantee them good results and justice accordance with the law.

Over the past five years, he noted, Government has upgraded all the Magistrate’s Courts in the country and soon the new court house at Lethem will be commissioned. Before the end of the year, the Magistrate’s Court at Pleasance will also be upgraded, the President said, while noting that the complement of High Court Judges has been increased from 12 to 20.

New court houses in rural communities have been equipped with living quarters so that Magistrates can spend longer periods attending to cases in those communities. “We will continue to provide resources to our people to ensure that our people have access to the justice system.” The Head of State added that the justice system in Guyana must be equally for both the poor and the rich. “People with money must

President Donald Ramotar cuts the ribbon to officially open the new court house as Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh and Attorney General Anil Nandlall look on

table. For years some have been locked away. We must be careful in our democratic society to try to avoid violating the human rights of anyone in our society.” The President also commented on the granting of bail by Magistrates.

“More particularly to repeat offenders are readily released on bail by Magistrates. When these people are released on bail they threaten witnesses who do not turn up to give evidence and the cases are dismissed.” He said in those instances victims claimed that they are denied justice.

“More importantly these persons continue to commit similar and even more serious offences even

The new Number 51 Magistrate’s Court building

not have more access to justice that the poor. The court must be a major defender of the poor. This Government will continue to ensure that our judiciary remains independent… You will never see the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) flag flying at any court building.” Ramotar added that his Administration will continue to encourage the judiciary to embark on new initiatives that will foster greater speed in the system in order to minimise the delay which results in a back log of cases.”

However the President said that he was not pleased with the slothfulness of some matters in the court. “Some matters are pending for years, this is unaccep-

while on bail. While I recognise I cannot interfere with how bail is granted, I feel compelled to draw these matters to the attention to the judiciary.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said Government views the justice sector as an integral factor in the developmental equation of our country.

Wherever people are afforded that fundamental facility of freedom and where the justice system is functioning, there is economical progress, there is social progress and indeed the entire society prospers. He said over the years Government has invested billions of dollars into the justice sector to ensure that all have access to the justice system. “More

particularly the disadvantaged, the working people and the poorer class of people I society.”

Nandlall noted that the more vulnerably are the ones who have a greater need to have access to the justice system. In the justice system the Attorney General said there has been a transformation but it is a work in progress.

“We are not unaware of the challenges, we are not unaware of the changes that have to be made but we also have financial constraint under which the executive operates.”

Nandlall assured that the judiciary independence will continue as the constitution enshrines it. Making reference to a period in Guyana’s history when the flag of the political party in Government was flown on top of the Court of Appeal building in the country and the aped of the judiciary, Nandlall said it signalled to the world that the judiciary is subservient to that political party. “That will never happen under this Government. This Government respects the independence of the judiciary and indeed uses it as a fundamental corner stone of our democracy.”

According to Nandlall, very soon the Family Court will come into being while the Deeds and Land Registry will see improvements. Meanwhile Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh, who used the old Magistrate building in the mid 1980’s to do land registration, recounted the conditions under which he was forced to work even back then. “I had to sit in a one arm chair and sat at a 45 degree tilt. There were few panels left in the ceiling and those that were left were partially intact with clouds of some kind of dust. I seemed to me like rat and bat dung that came down on those who sat on the bench.”

The Chancellor noted that former Magistrate Krishendat Persaud operated under those conditions with out complaining.

The contractor for the new court was executed by R Kissoon Construction Services with E&A Consultants Inc being the engineer.

friday, april 3, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News

List Representative chosen …but APNU awaits AFC’s approval – Dr Roopnaraine AFC will not occur.

However, in the event the AFC rejects the nominee, then the coalition will have to ensure a mutual agreement is reached before Nomination Day. When prompted to reveal the identity of the Representative, Dr Roopnaraine declined to disclose, noting that Guyana will

The Guyana Times was unable to make contact with the other contender named.

that they would be contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections as one entity, with APNU Leader David Granger as the Presidential Candidate and AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo as the Prime Ministerial Candidate. The “Cummingsburg Accord”, which was signed between the two parties, outlines the operations of the entities within the coalition.

The agreement stated that the responsibilities and

Dr Rupert Roopnarine

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ust four days before Nomination Day, the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition is yet to make a decision concerning who will be the Representative of the List.

Speaking with the Guyana Times on Thursday, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), an APNU member party, disclosed that the two parties have reached an agreement about which member of civil society would head the list. However, that name has to be submitted to the AFC executives for approval.

When prompted about the course of action should the AFC reject the name submitted, Dr Roopnaraine explained that the AFC would then have to submit its choice and then the matter would be discussed among all parties.

But Dr Roopnaraine is confident that a rejection from the

Yesu Persaud

Ralph Ramkarran

know in due time. Information reaching this publication revealed that Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram; former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran; and retired businessman Yesu Persaud were among those persons who were courted. However, both Ram and Ramkarran have been disqualified. Ram for his part explained that since he was a British citizen and the holder of a British Passport, then he was automatically disqualified from being considered, while the coalition said Ramkarran was not in the running for the position.

The APNU/AFC coalition agreed that the Representative of the List will be entrusted with important tasks such as ensuring the Cummingsburg Accord agreement between them, as it relates to the National Assembly and other matters are kept. The Representative must also ensure that the list is submitted in the prescribed form, ascertain that the list is accompanied by a Statutory Declaration for each candidate and for the President named in that National Top-List.

The Representative must also make sure the necessary corrections are made and submitted to the Chief Elections Officer no later than the 29th day before Election Day if the List of Candidates is in any way defective.

APNU and the AFC on February 14 announced

Christopher Ram

Cabinet power will be represented by a 60:40 ratio between APNU and AFC respectively.

The Accord also outlined the distribution of certain powers between the President and Prime Minister, although this is fixed by the Constitution.

The Representative of the List will be delegated with the responsibility of ensuring the conduct of both the APNU and AFC is in accordance with that agreement.

Historic GDF Paratrooping Course concludes

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hirty soldiers successfully completed a historic Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Basic Paratrooping Course and received their “Wings” at a simple graduation ceremony on Thursday at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

The course was historic since it marked the first time that the Defence Force trained personnel from another military institution in the skill of paratrooping.

Among the graduates were 17 Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) troops, inclusive of an Officer. Delivering the feature address, Colonel Enoch Gaskin noted that this was a signal moment for the GDF and will augur well as the Force goes forward. “This is historic,” he said, “as it is the first time that we have embarked on training personnel from other Forces in the skill of Paratrooping.”

He remarked that while many may find it strange that men and women will choose a career where they will jump out of a completely perfect aircraft, those choosing this as a career path are demonstrating to the military command and to their nation that they are dependable: “that they are willing to make the difference between securing freedom

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rather than being conquered”.

He explained that historically, paratroopers are deployed in small numbers but are expected to make an impact that is sometimes several times greater than their numerical force.

He said that this was proven during World War II. “Paratroopers are among the bravest, boldest and ruthless when it comes to destroying the enemy and because they are normally inserted behind enemy lines, their success is always dependent on their fighting skills as well as the element of surprise.

He charged the paratroopers to embrace characteristics such as fierceness, resourcefulness and dependability which make them unique.

“Remember that “failure” is not a word or a concept in the vocabulary of a paratrooper,” he emphasised, “at this level, you have learned the basics about paratrooping. Moving forward, you are to remain operational; that means staying fit. Read and research, always, keeping abreast with new developments in the field and always be ready to join the fight against the state’s enemies, whomsoever they may be; being ready, means that you must remain current with your jumps.”

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier

Mark Phillips indicated that the presence of the Jamaican troops on the course was the result of an invitation he had extended to military leaders across the Caribbean at a recently held conference for such leaders in the Region.

“I indicated to my colleagues that in keeping with the commitment by Caribbean states to cooperate and collaborate on defence and security matters, Guyana and the Guyana Defence Force were committed to providing training in various aspects for which it had the expertise. In that regard, I extended an invitation to all to make use of the opportunity to have members of their military be trained at our facilities in Guyana.

Jamaica took advantage of our offer and here we are today. We are graduating 17 members of the JDF together with our troops,” he said, “the invitation remains open and with this basic level training concluded, we are hopeful that the JDF will send these troops back sometime soon to complete the Free Fall training. It is the next phase of paratrooping that builds on the skills achieved at this basic level.”

The Jamaican troop Captain indicated that their coming to Guyana and to the GDF at this time to be trained

as paratroopers is in keeping with the need for the JDF to strengthen its capabilities at handling emerging threats in Jamaica. He indicated that goal accomplishment was his team’s vision and he is proud that his troops succeeded. “We came with a unified purpose and we are leaving having fulfilled that purpose. This training will enhance the JDF’s capacity for rapid response and precision insertion in circumstances involving future threats in our country. The GDF and Guyana has been very hospitable. We feel like we are at home. Transitioning was never an issue for any of us and we do look forward to coming back soon,” he said.

The Guyana Defence Force continues to offer opportunities to members of militaries in the Caribbean for training at various levels. To this end, the GDF continues to graduate Officers for the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) and Belize Defence Force (BDF).

Most recently, several troops of the SKNDF completed training at various courses offered by the GDF. Currently, three GDF Officers are pursuing training in Jamaica. A GDF Major is serving as an instructor and three Other Ranks (ORs) are serving as support staff there.

Shipper charged for 177kg cocaine found in charcoal

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charcoal dealer was on Thursday arraigned for the possession of 177 kilograms of cocaine found in a consignment of charcoal on Monday last at Silver Hill, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

Colin Prescod, 58, of Silver Hill, was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry despite a plea by his attorney, Euclin Gomes, for bail under the condition that the cocaine might have been planted among the coals by someone since the area is readily accessible.

Prescod pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on March 30 at Silver Hill, he had 177 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

On Monday last, the Port Control Unit (PCU) in collaboration with officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) intercepted 1400 bags of charcoal, in which the cocaine was found.

According to information received, members of the Unit carried out a search on a 40-foot container as it was

Charcoal shipper Colin Prescod

persons had access to the area where the coals were prepared.

No bail

A bail application was made by the defence lawyer on the grounds that the businessman had 29 children and had no previous brushes with the law.

The GRA in a release after the bust stated that based on information received from the PCU, a joint examination was conducted on the shipment scheduled to be exported to the United States of America, after it was flagged for 100 per cent

The cocaine disguised as charcoal among the actual wood product

being loaded with the bags containing the charcoal.

During the search, the illegal substance was found in one of the bags and as a result, members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Police were called in to assist in the investigation. The shipper is a well-known businessman, who has been in the charcoal business for quite some time.

At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, CANU Special Prosecutor Oswald Massiah told the court that the cocaine was discovered among the coals after a member of the Drug Enforcement Unit saw a whitish substance on pieces of coal.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that among the genuine coals, there were fake ones containing the illicit substance.

The cocaine was reportedly neatly wrapped to make it look as if it were charcoal.

Prescod reportedly was the only person tasked with making sure that the coals were packaged and ready for shipment thus Massiah refuted claims made by defence counsel that other

examination on March 11, 2015.

The shipment was scheduled for examination on March 13, at Silver Hill in the presence of the GRA’s Goods Examination Unit (GEU) and the PCU. However, the exporter did not present the consignment for examination on the scheduled date, indicating that he was experiencing some unforeseen difficulties.

As a result, the examination was rescheduled for March 30. During the examination, officers observed four strange objects in one of the bags which did not conform to the description of the charcoal.

As the objects were probed, a white powdery substance appeared. A field test was carried out on the substance in the presence of the exporter and the substance tested positive for cocaine.

The examination process was immediately halted and the exporter was cautioned and detained. CANU was informed of the discovery and later aided in unearthing all cocaine among the coals.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, april 3, 2015

Smear campaign, not political campaign Dear Editor, I sat and listened to the political campaign of APNU/ AFC on the West Bank of Demerara last week. The speakers from the beginning to the end attacked officials of the Government.

I kept listening for their policies and programmes

and how they will implement same and govern this country. I was astonished that not a single speaker spoke on any of these issues.

Most of my friends are young educated Guyanese and we came to the conclusion that this is not a political campaign for elections

purposes; it’s a smear campaign.

Apparently, their financers gave them this strategy.

Incidentally, their financers have given GECOM a clean bill.

I wish to remind the Opposition that you can fool some people all the time, but

you can’t fool all the people every time.

Finally, I wish to remind all voters that a “partnership” is always a “leaky ship”. It will eventually sink.

Delvin Abraham Canal Number 2 Polder

Identity of a Company Secretary of any company is a matter of public record Dear Editor, On a radio programme, Nigel Hughes, Chairman of the soon-to-be-defunct AFC, appeared.

The interviewer asked him why it is he didn’t disclose to the party and the nation that he was the Company Secretary of the Sithe Global Company so as to avoid an unethical conflict of interest type situation.

He claimed that it would have been a breach of his client’s confidence and of the sacred lawyer/client privilege if he were to tell the nation and/ or his party that he was the said Company Secretary.

This is absolute nonsense. The identity of a Company Secretary of any company is a matter of public record and can be accessed by any member of the

public for the right fee.

As a matter of law this, the identity of the Company Secretary, is disclosed upon the filing of a company or upon the change of Company Secretary. Nigel Hughes is aware of this and so must have been dissembling during that interview.

Notably, he shares everything to do with him and his public relations on his

Facebook page. At the time of writing, he is yet to share this published conversation.

He obviously doesn’t want other lawyers or business people to hear his reasoning, which just cannot stand up to scrutiny. Now, why would he seek to cover up his behaviour yet again?

Attiya A Baksh

Who is Hanuman ji?

Dear Editor, Shri Hanuman ji is a unique and ideal icon whose image or idol instantly invokes pure love, faith and devotion in all of us. His name is a threat to all that is negative. He is a saviour, ambassador, teacher, defender and healer.

He is the most iconic role model for us to shape

He acted as a medical expert and saved Laxmana’s life. He defended and protected the honour of Maata Seeta, thus showing us the duties we have towards women. He fearlessly uprooted the huge mountain and seized the ego of Raavan.

He is the greatest teacher of humility, simplicity and respect, although he

our own being, character and destiny. Let’s not hesitate to imitate his profile blissfully inked

by Tulsidas ji in the holy scripture, the Ramayana.

He united two divine lovers, Shri Raam and Seeta Maata. He comforted a brother, Bharat, whose heart was blistered by the separation from his own brother, Shree Raam.

Who has motive to...

How times have changed that Dr Hinds can make privileged demands from afar in the USA that Guyana’s Police must investigate two Guyanese politicians who rightfully condemned a Guyanese citizen’s brutal murder.

Why are he and Dr Clive Thomas both absent in evidence at the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (RCOI)? Anything to hide?

In comparing the intent of the US-based Buxtonian most diametrically at odds with the two Guyanese politicians, one finds it’s more of the same mutual mudslinging.

When will Guyanese be rid of the rancid rigmarole long-time story of political conflict? It keeps repeating itself ad infinitum. It is a story with no end in sight.

Educational

Where Guyanese history is educational is the convincingly clear evidence who habitually incites racial hatred and political violence to pursue their political interests and it’s certainly not the PPP/C. What will they now gain with elections on the horizon? Suspicion automatically can only fall on those who will gain most by murder. It cannot preclude any logical suspect even Dr Hinds.

After his conviction by the PNC Government (under appeal) for smuggling guns in a suitcase at the airport, he has frittered away any moral authority.

Anyone who can condone violence and the brutality of Mr Crum-Ewing’s murder is not fit to make demands.

But Dr Hinds so far has not condemned the murder despite the hubbub he has caused.

is “Gyaan Guna Saagar” or an ocean of knowledge.

Shree Hanuman ji possesses the world of knowledge, but behaves like he is at the nursery level.

This is the key to winning God’s grace. Always allow the inner winner to conquer the outer sinner.

Pt Surendra Persaud

from page 5

He follows the soldier’s game changer script in which collateral damage is normal, for him as well, where firmness and resolve is paramount and where there is no room for compassion and softness of heart.

Precision

Does0 anyone in their right mind really believe in 2015 that the heavily preoccupied PPP/C Government on the eve of an election has either the brainpower, military precision and resourceful surgical execution skills which visited that murder?

Given that Mr CrumEwing was hostile to the PPP/C Government but an intimate friend of some in the Opposition, who would have been privy to his private plans of protesting at Diamond, his intended car route and specific timing schedule for that date with

destiny?

How would grilling the two senior PPP/C politicians be the game changer to break the case? Their public schedule is public knowledge at all times. Oh the plot thickens! Play the music louder still.

Dr Hinds is being too shady and disingenuous.

What else should the Police be doing if he can share what’s on his script. The PPP/C Government must quickly invite Caricom and a neutral Western country, for example Australia or New Zealand, to rush their crack investigators on to the ground before the case grows cold. Let’s get the mother of all inquiries started.

What are they waiting for when so much is at stake?

Sultan Mohamed

Cove and John Police road block was not withdrawn Dear Editor, The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News Thursday, April 2, 2015 under the caption “Do the Officers respect the Commissioner of Police?” in the Freddie Kissoon column.

The Police Force wishes to clarify that the Commissioner of Police had stated that Police roadblocks should be conducted in front of Police Stations and should be done by ranks in uniform that includes name tags.

He went on to say that in cases where a police roadblock has to be held away from a Police Station, then it must be done by uniformed ranks using a clearly marked police vehicle.

The Guyana Police Force states that the Police roadblock held at Cove and John last Tuesday was not “improper” nor was it being conducted “in violation of Police procedures” as stated in the article.

The roadblock was being held on the Cove and John Public Road at the entrance to the Cove and John Police Station and the Police Divisional Headquarters by ranks in Police uniform;

there was, therefore, no need for any marked Police vehicle at that point.

It should be noted also that at the entrance to the Cove and John Police Station Compound, there is an illuminated sign clearly indicating the location of the station.

The Guyana Police Force further states that the Police roadblock was not withdrawn following the intervention of Mr Freddie Kissoon and then later replaced as is implied in the article.

The roadblock continued in progress until it was assessed to be tactically appropriate to conclude the activity.

The concern expressed by Mr Freddie Kissoon to the effect that the ranks at the Police roadblock at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday were not wearing name tags has been noted and that issue is now engaging the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

Ivelaw Whittaker Police Public Relations and Press Officer

A bedtime story Dear Editor, Here’s a bedtime story: there were two boys, Moses and Ramjattan who were star-boys in their day. They joined a team to play a game where the trophy was the biggest you had ever seen – the right to lead Guyana.

They played happily as a member of the team for a few years after ‘dem’ team won the prize.

Then like any other game, the team needed a new captain. Moses exclaimed: “I want to be captain – pick me, pick me!”

Another man said, “I want to be captain” and another man said, “I want to be captain!”

So the owners of the team came together and selected the next captain and Moses and the other man got bowled out.

But the story didn’t end there – Moses was mad and get vex bad bad. Ramjattan, who didn’t want to be captain, just wanted to play on the team, but when the new captain took charge, Ramjattan got vexed because he didn’t like that the new captain didn’t listen to his advice.

So one day, Moses and Ramjattan gaffing about how the team abandoned them and they didn’t want to play anymore. But they heard the cheers on the field and coming from the stands and they started to feel a way.

They wanted to play

again, but wanted to join back the team in the best positions. But the new captain said, “No, you walk out of the game, you just can’t walk back in and play first”.

So Moses and Ramjattan get vexed and said, “We will start we own team” and they manage to bore into the game.

But the playground was not big enough for three teams and being afraid that they will disappear completely, the two stars went to the next team and asked for a chance to play. ‘Dem’ boys told the next side that if they were allowed to play with this side, they will bring more people to the game and they will sell more tickets than they ever sold in their entire life.

So the captain of the next team said, “OK ,you can join we team but you have to deliver 11 per cent more than you had and if you do, we promise that we will give you a chance to be in the top line-up.” So our players put on their new team jerseys and hit the field working to deliver more people.

The spectators now watch to see the ending of the game. But like every spectator watching – a word of caution to Moses and Ramjattan. Biblically, Moses never saw the Promised Land even though he delivered the people.

Tony W Atchin

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friDAY, april 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

guyanatimesgy.com

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lans are moving apace for the hosting of Lake Mainstay Resort’s sixth Annual Car and Bike Show on Saturday evening at Mainstay/Whyaka Village.

Registration came to an end on Wednesday and saw a number of entries for Best Car; Best SUV/Bus; Best Bike (small); Best Bike (super); Best Artwork for cars, bikes and SUVs; Best Audio for cars, SUVs and Minibuses

and other categories.

The final category will see prizes given out to the Best Bicycle (open); Best Bicycle Jr (open); and Antique Bicycle. The past five Car and Bike Shows held at the resort were well-received by thousands of Essequibians and this year should be no different.

Given previous experience, the resort has made available additional parking lots to cater for the influx of vehicles expected. More than $1 million is ups for grabs along with trophies and other prizes.

Apart from the competition, there will be lots of fun especially with radio and television personalities, Malcolm Ferreira

Friday, April 3, 2015

will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

For the best in music, there will be Pream’s Mega Sounds for the after party. There will also be well-stocked food courts and beverage bars. The children will not be excluded, a children’s fun park, complete with all the popular rides will be there to ensure they have an enjoyable time at the resort.

Gates will be opened from 15:00h and the show commences at 17:00h .Admission is $700 for adults and $500 for children under 10.

Among those set to grace the Annual Bartica Easter Regatta weekend are Sonia Noel, Paul Burnette, Ravi B and Nadia Batson

Prince JP

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ll roads will lead to the Tuschen Community Centre Ground on Easter Monday for the most anticipated kite-flying competition and after-show promoted by Westsiderz Entertainment.

The inaugural Easter Fest was off the hook and this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better, especially with the fun activities that are planned for every member of the family.

This year, fabulous prizes will be given out for the Smallest Kite, Biggest kite,

Bunty Singh the kite That Went The Highest, Most Unique Kite, Most Colourful Kite among others. There will also be some special prizes that will be announced on the day of the action.

The kite-flying competition commences at 14:00h and everyone is welcome to participate. Patrons can also enjoy games and mouth-watering barbeque and other delicacies. Lucky patrons can also win a free trip to Trinidad and Tobago.

During the day, the kite flyers will be entertained by

Halima Khan the DJs of TRS Sound.

However, as the sun sets, it will be time for the older folks to play. Last Easter Fest saw a massive turnout at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground with some splendid performances by both regional and local artistes including Rick Ramotar, Saleem Beharry, Dholly Boy and Vanessa Ramotar.

This time around, the headlining act for “Easter Fest 2” will be Prince JP, who wrapped up his New York tour with great reviews – he created some stir

Aamir Khan at three separate shows in the United States.

He will be joined by Princess Halima; Bunty Singh who recently placed at the National Chutney Monarch Competition; and Aamir Khan, who has also been creating some waves on the local scene. The versatile artistes are expected to hype the audience with hit after hit.

Everyone will be admitted free before 20:00h. The event is sponsored by Carib, Sky Vodka, West Side Taxi Service and others.

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he Annual Bartica Easter Regatta is definitely on this weekend – April 4-6, in the gateway community. However because of the current elections season, out of respect for this important time in our community and country, the organisers have scaled back a little on the festivities.

The programme will consist of the Gospel Fest today at the Community Centre Ground; a football competition and power boat races on Sunday, April 5, as well as a Fashion Extravaganza; and a Soca/Chutney show

featuring Ravi B on Monday evening.

This year, there is no Ms Regatta Pageant but this slot has been filled by the Fashion Extravaganza featuring young and upcoming designers of Bartica along with two other prominent Barticans in fashion, Tiffany Sampson and Special Lynch alongside Paul Burnette and our own Fashion Queen – Sonia Noel.

Along with the power boat races, this will be the premier activity for the weekend and is an event once cannot miss.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, april 3, 2015

B

I

t’s Easter and there are a number of fun-filled activities planned to mark the religious celebration.

Kite- flying competitions seem to be the most popular activity this time around and the Wales Community Centre Ground will definitely see some action.

This Monday, many residents of the West Coast of Demerara will assemble at the

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esidents of Enmore/ Foulis, East Coast Demerara will be in for a treat this Easter Monday as Elite Entertainment plans to create a storm at 18th Street Foulis.

The event is dubbed Enmore/Foulis Easter Fest and is in its fifth year of existence; thus, it is expected

Community Centre Ground for the event called West Side Celebrations that will not only feature events for one section of society but for all.

The day will begin with the kite-flying competition where prizes will awarded for the smallest kite, largest kite and the most unique kite. Then there will be the children’s show featuring several cartoon characters

to be “madddd vibes”. Well, with Team MMR led by Party Boss WR Reaz in the house, it is rightly anticipated it will be off the hook.

It will be the first time that the MMR Team will be on the East Coast. The place is expected to “tun up” to the sounds chosen

by Selector Andy and Reaz.

More so, the atmosphere

including Dora, SpongeBob, Spider-Man and Barney.

The children will use the opportunity to meet and greet the characters and take photos with them.

But as the place gets dusky, the real entertainment will commence for the older folks with drink specials on all Banks DIH products. For the Easter Wash Down, music will be pro-

will get hotter with a special dance appearance by Dularie, a popular MMR member.

However, during the day, patrons can enjoy various activities ranging from kite-flying competitions to bouncy castle rides.

Also on tap will be facepainting for the kids, trampolines and many other

vided by Big Lite Sounds and Power ‘m’ Sonic Music System. Admission to the event costs $500 before 16:00h and more after.

West Side Celebrations is sponsored by Banks DIH, Sunil DVD Club, Shoppers Super Store, Apache CD, West Side Taxi and Anjolie Pharmacy. The event is promoted by EPIC Entertainment Group.

games enjoyed by children.

There will also be barbecue, ice cream, and food booths with goodies to satisfy the cravings of those present.

Prizes will be rewarded for the smallest kite, largest kite and the most unique kite. The prizes include mobile phones and accessories compliments of Elite Electronic Store, which has its grand opening on Wednesday.

As it gets dark, the ground will be transformed into a disco setting with laser lights and other special effects that will indeed be attractive to those present.

The Fest is sponsored by Jai Signs, Team MMR, Stag Beer and others. There will be secure parking for patrons.

In addition, the Hype radio duo of TEAM MMR Selector Andy and Reaz will also be at Club NextPrincess Hotel, East Bank Demerara on Saturday evening for the “EASTER BASH”. The event will feature Bunny Dancers and free Easter Jello Shots.

Admission is only $1000.

Come celebrate with TEAM MMR in fine style.

erbicians living in the Diaspora will be returning home for a 10-day Easter Unity Fest.

Organised by Berbice Unity promotions in New York, the event opens with a church service at the All Saints Scots Church at Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, Region Six, (East Berbice-Corentyne) today, Good Friday, to be followed the next day with a massive cleanup campaign of New Amsterdam.

When the sun goes down that evening, there will be the unity dance and fashion display on State House Lawns. Organiser of the event, Wayne Overton said more than 100 Berbicians have signalled their intention to come back home for the 10-day event, which will also include a kite-flying competition on April 6, a karaoke competition and a disco night.

The feature event will

T

he New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Humanitarian Mission will be providing an Easter treat for children in East Berbice on Sunday when it holds its Easter Sunday Gymkhana.

The event will be held at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), although Hindu based, is trying to give back and spread love despite religious background or social status; hence the celebration on Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The organisation’s President, Pandit Suresh Sugrim told Guyana Times Entertainment that children would be treated to free kites, food and beverages all day at no cost.

In addition, there will be kite-flying, lime and spoon races, Tug-o-war, Easter egg hunt, sack races, needle and thread races, a kite-making competition and many other fun activities.

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar is expected to attend the event as head of the First Lady Foundation.

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be the “All-White Yanked Night” on State House Lawns on April 10, while an appreciation hang-out will be held on the 11th at Flavours in Pitt Street, New Amsterdam.

Overton explained that scores of Berbicians return home to visit the Number 63 Beach on Easter Monday annually. “This year, to prevent people from making that long and dangerous trip, we have organised a kite-flying competition and fun day at the Burnham Park slated for Easter Monday.”

He said most persons from the town will be able to ride a bicycle to the event.

There will also be a competition for upcoming DJs in the town.

According to the overseas-based Guyanese, several persons and entities in the USA have already contributed towards the success of Easter Unity Fest.

The event is being sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese Parmanand Lutawan of Broadway Poultry. The former Number 48 Village, Corentyne e resident has been doing business in New Jersey for more than a decade. Banks DIH Ltd will also be sponsoring the event, which will also see ice-cream and other goodies all given away.

According to Pandit Sugrim, the Mission is hoping to be able to put smiles on the faces of many children who otherwise would not have been able to really enjoy the festive season.

“The idea is about showing love and letting children understand that they are loved despite their circumstances.”

The fun day begins at 12:00h.

Since its formation in 2005, the Humanitarian Mission of the New Jersey Arya Samaj has been working with various faith-based organisations in Guyana, carrying out its mandate to the poor and those in need, without any preference or discrimination because of political, religious, or ethnic persuasion.

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guyanatimesGY.com

friday, april 3, 2015

Cook eyeing return to form as Pietersen not on England England depart for Caribbean radar during West Indies tour

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n upbeat England left on Thursday for their three-Test tour of the Caribbean, with captain Alistair Cook confident of making a huge impact against opponents struggling in the game’s longer form.

England exited the recent ICC World Cup without reaching the second round and are now focussed on regaining some lost pride in the series which bowls off in Antigua on April 13.

“We’ve got to focus on the exciting thing which is the next five weeks and the guys who are lucky enough to pull on that shirt, to represent our country and be committed to playing for England,” Cook prior to his departure from Gatwick Airport.

England, ranked number three in the Test rankings, will be expected to roll over West Indies, ranked number eight in the world.

However, much of the focus will be on Cook who has struggled in recent times with the bat, and who missed out on selection for the World Cup after also being dropped as captain.

The 30-year-old said the time away from the game had left him refreshed and he was hoping to now return to his prolific self.

“Every cloud has a huge silver lining and spending three months at home has

Alistair Cook

been fantastic if I’m being honest with you,” the lefthander explained.

“It’s been living a normal life again which I haven’t had for quite a long time and it’s been great spending time with family and friends and being at home.

“On that side of it, it has been really refreshing and actually really enjoyable but obviously a lot’s gone on since that last win at the Oval against India where we played three outstanding Test matches to come back from 1-0 down in that Test series.”

He added: “To say we can get back there straight away is going to be a challenge for the players, for the leadership, and obviously me and Mooresy [head coach Peter Moores] to try and do that because the last three Test

matches we’ve played, we played some good cricket.””

Moores has come under fire following England’s poor run in the World Cup, and many believe the Windies tour will be a trial for the experienced coach.

However, he said he was clear on what England’s objectives would be for this tour.

‘For me and Alastair it’s pretty clear. We’ve got some new players coming in and we’ve got Jonathan Trott coming back,” he said.

“We’ve got to make sure that the side moulds quickly.

We’ve got a couple of practice games and we go straight into the Test series and we don’t need to go any further than that.”

England play two warmup games in St Kitts starting next week before heading into the first Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in St John’s.

The second Test is scheduled for the Grenada National Stadium from April 21-25 with the final Test set for May 1-5 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

SQUAD – Alastair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Gary Balance, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Joe Root, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Mark Wood.

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ngland coach Peter Moores says he is focused on this month’s tour of the West Indies and not on Kevin Pietersen.

Moores said batsman Pietersen “isn’t on the radar” while they prepare for the three-Test series starting on 13 April.

Incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves has spoken to Pietersen about a return to international duty.

The 34-year-old was sacked in February 2014 following the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia.

Moores was England coach in 2009 when he and the South-African-born player suffered an “irretrievable breakdown” of their relationship that led to Moores being sacked and Pietersen resigning as captain.

The batsman has said he could work again with the coach, who was reappointed in April 2014.

Speaking ahead of their flight to the Caribbean on Thursday, Moores said: “My focus is to support [Test captain] Alastair Cook as I always would and the 16 players on this tour.

“The frustration for me is that people whose dreams are being made by going on this tour aren’t being mentioned.

“They are not getting any air time and it’s frustrating.

We’ve got some very, very

Kevin Pietersen has returned to Surrey in order to boost his England chances

good players. That’s very exciting.”

Pietersen, who scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28 in 104 Tests, has re-signed for Surrey and will play in the County Championship this year in an attempt to earn an England recall.

Moores added: “I understand Kevin’s a huge subject, but I don’t think we can be drawn into that.”

Meanwhile, Cook said he is feeling “refreshed” after a “fantastic” break, two weeks after criticising the selectors for stripping him of the one-day captaincy before the World Cup. England were eliminated in the group stages of the tournament but Cook, 30, has challenged the team to replicate the form they

showed in the Test series win over India last summer.

“Spending three months at home has been fantastic,” he said.

“A lot has gone on since the last win against India at The Oval where we played two outstanding Test matches to come back from 1-0 down in the series.

“To say we can get back there straightaway is a challenge but it’s up to the players and the leadership of me and Peter Moores to try and do that.”

England won only two of their six group games at the World Cup as they failed to reach the quarter-finals But Moores rejected the notion that he must win in the West Indies to hold on to his job, with England set to play New Zealand in May before the Ashes series starts in July.

“It doesn’t work like that,” he said. “We all know we’re in a results business.

“It’s not about the coach.

It’s about the players and about winning. It’s about England cricket.

“We have a very committed bunch of players, coaches and support staff who are desperate for England to win.”

England, who flew out on Thursday, face a St Kitts and Nevis Invitation XI on Monday, the first of two twoday warm-up games before the opening Test in Antigua.

(BBC Sport)

Vettori signs on as Brisbane Heat coach D aniel Vettori has been appointed as coach of the Brisbane Heat for the next three years. His tenure will begin upon his return from the IPL, which runs till May 24 and where he coaches Royal Challengers Bangalore.

With only two wins from eight games, Heat had finished at the bottom of the points table in the BBL and led to coach Stuart Law and captain James Hopes stepping down. They had won the title in the second season but haven’t been able to build on that success.

“It is a big job but one that I am excited about tackling,’’ Vettori said about the challenge that awaits him. “It has been a few big months for everyone with the World Cup but I am pleased to begin getting myself ready for what comes next.

Vettori has been part of Queensland T20 cricket for five years, has played for the Heat in all four seasons of the Big Bash League and was their player of the year in 2013-14. He becomes their first standalone coach since the inception of the BBL in 2011. Usually

Daniel Vettori has played all four seasons of the Big Bash for Brisbane Heat

the coach of the Queensland side in the Sheffield Shield and Matador one-day cup assumes charge.

“I found my initial experience as the coach of Bangalore in the IPL to be very rewarding last year and so I am grateful to them for allowing me this additional opportunity to develop my coaching skills and background,” he said.

Brett Jones, Queensland’s high performance manager, said Vettori’s signing would also help plan their combination going into the coming BBL

season.

“Dan coming on board for the next three BBL seasons will certainly assist us with finalising the bulk of our recruiting and planning for the coming year,’’ he said. “We’re delighted to have him back with us, considering it is a relationship that goes back more than five years ago to the original Big Bash when he played for Queensland.”

Heat have so far resigned all-rounder Ben Cutting and batsmen Joe Burns, Chris Lynn and Nathan Reardon. (Cricinfo)

sports

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Local cricket teams record convincing victories against USA Cricket Academy L

ocal teams, West Demerara U-18, Demerara U-15 and East Coast U-13 recorded convincing victories in their matchups with USA teams of the same age group in the 2015 USA Academy Tour of Guyana.

At the Wales Community Centre Ground, West Demerara thumped USA by 64 runs. Batting first, West Demerara posted 193 all out in 49.2 overs. Akshaya Persaud led the way with 58 and got support from Daniel Base and Chaitnarine Poor with 26 and 20 respectively. Chetram Persaud was the pick of the bowlers for

USA with 3-23. He got support from Josh Patel and Gauranshu Sharma who captured two wickets each.

In reply, USA was bowled out for 129 in 41.2 overs. Only Nandan Lolisety put up a fight with 25. West Demerara’s Nicolai Reddy and Travis Persaud bagged 3-16 and 3-28 respectively.

Over at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground, Demerara U-15 thrashed USA by 60 runs in a match that was reduced to 30 overs per side. Demerara posted 144-4 in their allotted overs.

Aahmead Nedd was unbeaten on 38 while Alphius Bookie and Robin Williams

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Orleans Pelicans.

At 7ft 5in, Bhullar will also become the tallest man currently playing in the NBA.

Narine’s IPL hinges...

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The 22-year-old signed for the Kings in August 2014 and has been playing for their affiliate team Reno Bighorns. (BBC Sport)

from page 24

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The Tour continues with the fifth round on Saturday, April 4. East Coast U-18 will be in action at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, Guyana U-15 at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, and Everest U-13 at the Gandhi Youth Organisation Ground.

The sixth and final round will be held on Sunday, April 5. East Bank U-18 will compete at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground, Guyana U-15 at the Police Sports Club Ground, and the Bel Air Rubix U-13 at the Ogle Community Centre Ground.

scored 31 each. Michael Katwaroo was the primary wickets taker with 3-25.

In their response, USA never got going and were eventually bowled out for 84 in 29 overs. Sanjay Stanley and Nankishan Dass made 21 and 19 respectively, while Avin Gangadin and Jospiece Jones accounted for 4-11 each.

At the Ogle Community Centre Ground, East Coast U-13 completed a 55-run victory. East Coast managed 138 all out. Hemraj Mohabir topscored with 45. Among the wickets for USA were Yash Khangura and Aditya Sharma, with three wickets

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Sunil Narine was called twice in two matches during last year’s Champions League Twenty20

He also stressed that being tested in Chennai did not mean Narine’s action would continue to be clean.

“The umpires could still call him, but we just want to be doubly sure. Will we deprive our own tournament of (missing out on) star value?”

The official insisted the BCCI was only following the stated policy which indicated that a bowler once called,

would need to report to the Chennai centre. He said he could not understand why Knight Riders were so “apprehensive” about sending Narine to Chennai.

It is reliably understood that a few months ago, the BCCI wrote to Knight Riders that Narine could go to any ICC accredited centre with a caveat saying that in the unlikely event and for valid reasons, if the

committee required him to come to Chennai, he should be ready.

So the BCCI gave their approval, but it was conditional. Having followed the BCCI rules, Mysore asked Dalmiya what exactly those “valid reasons” were, and questioned the concerns of the committee. The other argument was that the BCCI had never made it mandatory for Narine to

Knight Riders’ anguish is understandable considering Narine remains their most coveted player, having been their Player of the Tournament in the two years they won the title, in 2012 and 2014. The franchise failed to understand how Narine, at the time the No.2 bowler in the ICC’s Test and ODI rankings, was called despite having bowled with the same action throughout his career.

The BCCI, though, insisted they were not targeting any particular player.

“If someone appears once, that does not mean he is immune from being called in future. What we have told them is there will no harassment of any kind,” Dalmiya said.

When the umpires called Narine for the first time during the Champions League last year, three deliveries were reported suspect - all three were the quicker balls - in Knight Riders’ final group match against Dolphins. But in the semi-finals, against Hobart Hurricanes, all 24 deliveries of Narine’s spell were called suspect by the on-field umpires. (Cricinfo)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, april 3, 2015

Webb’s leadership RHTY&SC holds Cricket Development Camp marks new era for CONCACAF

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Coach Delbert Hicks poses with some of the camp members

Jeffrey Webb

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he Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has undergone a period of dramatic transformation and reform over the past three years.

Under President Jeffrey Webb’s leadership, CONCACAF has successfully implemented initiatives that provide credibility, accountability and transparency to the organisation. That focus on improvements off the field has also led to impressive performance on the field, giving CONCACAF a renewed outlook and strong, united perspective in the global football arena.

CONCACAF had arguably the confederation’s best ever showing at the last year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, with USA, Mexico and Costa Rica exceeding their own expectations.

Shaka Hislop, a former professional player, who supports the recent initiatives said, “In the last three years, CONCACAF has risen to heights previously unattainable. By garnering a confederation-first approach, the traditional powerhouses have helped to raise the level of all within the region. Webb has been a dynamic presence.”

Webb’s legacy

Webb, who is running unopposed for re-election in the Bahamas during the organisation’s congress later this month, implemented new leadership, instituted fiscal controls, introduced committees to improve transparency, committed to more inclusive governance to empower its member organisations, built promising partnerships and promoted the values of equality, respect and integrity.

CONCACAF’s reform efforts have yielded many positive results. In 2014, CONCACAF unveiled its first ever official partner – Scotiabank – as well as new partnerships with the International Criminal

Shaka Hislop

Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the European Sports Security Association (ESSA) and the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES).

CONCACAF also reached an historic agreement with CONMEBOL to host the 2016 Centennial Cup America—the first time the event will be played outside of South Africa.

“Football is bigger than any of us,” Webb said. “It can provide unprecedented opportunities for our youth and create avenues for our children to express themselves through focus, discipline and determination. Our main mission at CONCACAF is to Educate, Develop and Win, which we have been working tirelessly to achieve since 2012. Three years later, collectively we have made significant progress in the region.”

Increased investment

To that end, CONCACAF has championed the collective interests of members on a regional and global scale.

Since 2012 CONCACAF has increased investment in its members by creating more standing committees that make decisions on all aspects of the game.

This new era for the Confederation has given local players and regional teams promising new opportunities. Many countries have hosted CONCACAF World Cup qualifying championships, providing them positive exposure to build the country’s football base, attract thousands of fans and inspire youth players.

Webb’s vision is that every man, woman and child passionate about football has the opportunity to access the beautiful game and develop their talent, so that the region can benefit from great football.

Before 2012, there were no development initiatives, programmes or youth tournaments. Since then, CONCACAF has increased

investment in development by 20 percent and hopes to inject up to 70 percent more over the next four years.

Returns on investments

Ricardo Gardener, a former professional player, believes that these investments are paying off. He said, “I commend CONCACAF on the youth development programmes and the various initiatives that they have been undertaking to improve the standard of football and increase interest in the game, regionally. Development and training are two key elements in ensuring that there is a continuous pool of talent from which regional stars can emerge. Football is one of the greatest games in the world and must hold this status for generations to come, but this is only possible with the support and investment similar to what CONCACAF is undertaking.”

To date, CONCACAF has established and implemented more than 80 development courses across the region, as well as creating the first official licensing programme for coaches. Women’s football has also taken a foothold in the Confederation, with new initiatives designed to educate, promote and inspire improvements to the women’s game. The most recent enterprise is the establishment of the Caribbean Professional League Task Force, which has been examining the feasibility of a professional league in the Caribbean. The goal is to improve the standards of football played and ultimately the quality of the game in the CONCACAF region.

“The continued focus on regional grassroots development, coach licensing, youth football for both sexes at all levels, and a professional league to help further raise the level of the CFU nations, the future of CONCACAF looks even brighter,” Hislop said. (Concacaf)

ith the aim of improving the skills of its young cricketers, the Cricket Development Committee of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) last Tuesday commenced a two-week Easter Cricket Development Camp for 30 young players.

The camp is being conducted by cricket coach Delbert Hicks, and is held at the Area H ground.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the club in 2015 is placing special development of its junior cricketers from the Under-13 to Under-19 lev-

els.

Emphasis is being placed on getting the youngsters physically fit and improving their batting, bowling and fielding skills.

The Educational Committee of the RHTY&SC will also be working along with the players to improve their knowledge of the game and to get them to understand their duties as a role model and a sports ambassador of the club.

Foster urged the young cricketers to develop a culture of discipline, hardwork, dedication and respect for others.

He cautioned them that the RHTY&SC will not tol-

erate indiscipline, lack of respect for management or players, who are not willing to develop themselves by listening to the advice of senior players.

He advised them that senior players like Assad Fudadin, Royston and Esaun Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings achieved success by dedicating themselves to the game.

Coach Hicks expressed confidence that the twoweek camp will be a success.

Hicks, who still plays First Division cricket, stated that he is impressed with the attitude and commitment of the players.

Parbattie Jaggai memorial Inter-Secondary School U-17 tournament…

Skeldon High crowned champions

Steven Seeraj (right), son of the late Parbattie Jaggai, hands over the winners’ trophy and stationery voucher to Captain of Skeldon High. Also in photo are UCCA President Dennis De Andrade (far right) and other executives of the UCCA

T

he youngsters of Skeldon High School were crowned champions of the Parbattie Jaggai Memorial Inter-Secondary School Under-17 cricket competition.

The final was played on a limited overs format with 25 overs per side. Played at the Crabwood Sports Complex, the boys from Skeldon High were bowled out for 133 runs in 22.2 overs.

Torend Shiwamber hit a top score of 35. L. Roberts (26) and R. Gordon (13) were the other main run scorers. Bowling for Skeldon Line Path, Mahendra

Chaitnarine claimed 4-54 and G. Chatterpaul 4-32.

In reply, Skeldon Line Path mustered 128 runs in 23.5 overs with A. Burnett scoring 47 and S. Kumar 14.

Bowling for Skeldon High, Kameshwar Chatterpaul took 6-51. Burnett was judged Man-of-the-Match.

The winner received a trophy and a stationery voucher valued $15,000, while the runner-up received a trophy and a stationery voucher valued $10,000.

Both Skeldon High and Skeldon Line Path now will advance to the Berbice

Cricket Board/A. Ally and Sons Berbice playoff. This competition was sponsored

by Steven Seeraj in memory of his late mother Parbattie Jaggai, who was a big cricket fan.

The tournament was organised by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association for schools in the Central to Upper Corentyne area.

Five secondary schoolsCentral Corentyne, Black Bush Polder, Tagore Memorial, Skeldon Line Path Secondary and Skeldon High- participated in the competition

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, april 2, 2015

23

Batting legend Kallicharran All systems in place for Guyana on coaching stint in Guyana Cup Fever horse race meet

– youth cricketers to benefit

Alvin Kallicharran (second right) in the presence of GCB President Drubahadur, Marketing Manager Raj Singh, and Secretary Anand Sanasie

F

ormer Test batsman Alvin Kallicharran has returned to his homeland Guyana to instill his knowledge of the game to youths here in an effort to help lift the standard of the sport locally.

Kallicharran’s stint here has been facilitated by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), who said on Thursday in a statement, that, “All Guyanese would recall the excellent performances of our Under-15 and Under-19 teams last year in the Regional WICB tournaments and the GCB has pulled off another major coup in being able to secure the expert services of none other than our own Alvin Kallicharran.”

It added, “The GCB is very serious of its cricket development programme in spite of all the challenges being faced by this Board and the relentless ridicule vented by a few misguided persons. GCB has now expanded its cricket development programme with this bold move. This is the very first time that the administration would be bringing an ‘overseas coach’ to our shores to be part of our youth cricket development programme.”

According to the GCB, Kallicharran will work with the country’s young cricketers from April 5 to May 4, mainly targeting the Under15s and Under-17s by travelling around the country to conduct various clinics.

“The GCB has strategically planned Kallicharran’s visit to coincide with the conclusion of the Under-15 and Under-17 Inter-county tournaments and a few short months away from the WICB Regional tournaments in the summer,” the GCB said. “The GCB remains steadfastly committed to rolling out its strategic plan for the complete overhaul of our cricket as we continue to build on our successes from last year and prepare our teams to be more successful this year and beyond.”

The GCB added that it has been doing its part to improve cricket at the youth

level, as was evident during the Senior Inter-county competition, which featured the national Under-19 team as a fourth team.

“This experiment is being replicated at the other age group levels with the Under-15 team playing as the fourth team in the Intercounty Under-17 tournament and the Under-17 team play as the fourth team in the Inter-county Under-19 tournament. This innovation provides the lower age group to compete at a higher level thus forcing them to elevate the standard of their game. This can only benefit them and improve their confidence whilst preparing them for higher level competitiveness,” the GCB release stated.

Kallicharran’s profile

During his playing days, Kallicharran was recognised as one of the most talented and complete batsmen, having conquered many top notch bowlers around the world. Kallicharran’s illustrious cricketing career spanned 26 years, from 1966 to 1992.

Kallicharran was the first youth team captain for Guyana that participated in the Regional tournament in 1966. He made his Test debut for the West Indies team in 1972 against New Zealand where he made a century.

He scored his second Test century before that series ended and chalked up six centuries in his first 22 Tests. Kallicharran plied his trade in the English County circuit for several years playing for Warwickshire until 1992, which surely enhanced his game over the years.

The left-hander turned out for the Australian State Queensland for a while and Transvaal in South Africa.

His Test career was cut short in 1981 at the ripe age of 32 when he surely had several more years of quality cricket left in him.

He finished 66 Tests with 4,399 runs at an average close to 45 and 12 centuries. He also closed his

First-Class career with a phenomenal 32,000 runs and 87 centuries, and was Wisden Cricketer-of-theYear 1983.

“Alvin had reached out to the administrators of the GCB and expressed his burning desire to be part of the turnaround in Guyana and West Indies cricket and it did not take long for our administrators to translate this glorious opportunity into reality. Alvin had remained in regular contact with our administrators since early last year with his noble gesture, which had to be delayed due to the very hostile environment that enveloped the administration of cricket in Guyana during the past five years,” the GCB related.

Meanwhile, the GCB’s Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart, has been mandated to work on a detailed programme to develop an intense four-week schedule that will capture all of our age groups that have just and are currently participating in the Intercounty competitions.

“Our main objective is to capture the best 20 elite players in each of the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 age groups cricketers for Kallicharran to work with during this period. This great son of our soil will be ably assisted by some of our national coaches. It is anticipated that Alvin will also work with some of the contracted players of the CGI Academy squad and will visit all the counties during his short stint,” the GCB release added.

The Board said it will make every effort to ensure that this developmental activity is sustained and can be a regular feature of the Board’s cricket calendar with this distinguished former Test son of the soil.

The Board will make further announcements of Kallicharran’s pending arrival and more details of his coaching schedule in the forthcoming weeks, during the execution of his coaching clinics.

Several close races are carded for Sunday

By Rajiv Bisnauth

W

ith entries topping the 90-horse mark, the principals of the Guyana Cup Fever have already put all systems in place for Sunday’s horse race meet, scheduled to be staged at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Chief organiser, Nazrudeen Mohammed Jnr., said on Thursday that turfites can expect a truly entertaining day since majority of the country’s race horses have confirmed their participation.

An impressive line-up of animals, including Score’s Even, C.P Got Even, the record breaking Diplomatic Cat, Curfew Tower, Jack In My Style, Run Nana Run, Lady Budapest, Spit Fire, Tiz a Holiday, Just Call Me Boss, Unsettled, Swing Easy and Big Man Boss, are among the animals entered to participate.

Seven races are on the cards with over $10 million in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

The organisers have changed the feature race from D1 and Lower to A1 and Lower. The race will run over 1800 metres for a whopping $1.2 million and trophy.

The programme shows that the organisers are also moving in line to implement a number of new initiatives taken recently by those in the horse racing fraternity with the ratings and classes of the animals being taken into consideration.

The D1 and Lower event will now be classified D3 and Lower over 1600 metres for a winning take of $800,000 and trophy.

The F1 and Lower 1200 metres event will also feature animals classified Three-year-old West Indies and Guyana bred, colts, fillies, mares and up for a to-

tal prize of $940,000 and trophy.

There is an event for West Indies and Guyana bred Three-year-old animals including colts and fillies also for a total prize of $940,000 and trophy over 1500 metres.

The event for Guyana bred Three-year-old colts, mares and fillies has now been restructured to cater for those I and Lower horses for a total prize package of $560,000 and trophy over 1200 metres.

The I Class event has been dropped. The final race will be for animals classified J2 and Lower and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares for a total purse of $375,000 over 1200 metres.

The races will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Race time is 12:30h. Admission is $1500 for adults, while children will be admitted free.

NBS 40-over Second Division tournament…

RHT Bakewell A crush Port Mourant by 10 wickets

A

Sherwin Murray

hostile spell of fast bowling from veteran pacer, Sherwin Murray, and an explosive half-century from former national Under-19 all-rounder, Khemraj Mahadeo, propelled Rose Hall Town Bakewell A to a crushing 10-wicket victory over archrivals Port Mourant in the

opening round of the New Building Society 40-over Second Division tournament.

Played at the Area H ground, RHT Bakewell made light work of the visitors with Murray claiming 5-27 off 7.2 overs, while Mahadeo made 62 not out from 46 balls.

The boys from Port Mourant were asked to bat first after RHT Bakewell skipper Major James Fraser won the toss. They were bowled out for 102 off 25.2 overs.

Harrinarine top scored with a composed 44, which included five boundaries and a six.

West Indies female pacer Erva Giddings supported Murray with 3-30 off eight overs, while Denzil Sinclair had 1-15 from four overs.

Extras were a healthy 23.

Set 103 from 40 overs, RHT Bakewell cruised to an easy victory as Mahadeo and former Berbice

Khemraj Mahadeo

Under-19 player, Vidal Crandon, tore into the Port Mourant bowlers with disdain.

They raced to 105 without loss. Mahadeo innings included five boundaries and four massive sixes, while the usually dominant Crandon supported with 34 (2x4s, 2x6s).

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

friday, april .3, 2015

25th Annual Kashif and Shanghai football...

Alpha United, Bakewell Slingerz to battle for top prize I

n a Georgetown/West Demerara showdown, Guyana’s top football side Alpha United will clash with Bakewell Slingerz FC in the final of the 25th annual Kashif and Shanghai football tournament after victories in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening.

Bakewell Slingerz FC made a huge statement ahead of the final, blowing away Riddim Squad 4-0 at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Queenstown, while Alpha United needed just one goal to get past Pele in the other semi-final.

A Devon Millington double led the victory charge for the West Side

team, while Julian Wade and Anthony Abrams chipped in with one apiece.

Millington was on target in both the first and second halves, scoring in the 36th and 64th minutes, while Wade netted in the 65th minute and Abrams completed the rout in the 89th.

Captain Tishard Joseph was elated with Bakewell Slingerz FC victory, noting that his team is peaking at the right time. He said his team’s only aim since the inception was to win the competition and he feels they are on course to do so.

Should Bakewell Slingerz FC win on Sunday, it will be their

first Kashif and Shanghai title to add to several others they have won in their short existence.

In the other semi-final, Alpha United, through a first half goal from ace striker Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson in the 36th minute, needled Pele 1-0 to set up a sizzling final on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The champion team is guaranteed $2 million, the Kashif and Shanghai trophy and bragging rights for one year. The losing finalist will collect $1 million, while the third and fourth placed finishers are assured of $750,000 and $500,000 respectively.

Bakewell Slingerz goalscorers (from left) Anthony “Awo” Abrams, Julian Wade and Devon Millington

Narine’s IPL hinges Melanie B, Beterverwagting on Chennai retest A through to final East Coast Guinness Street football…

W

est Indies offspinner Sunil Narine will have to get his bowling action cleared at the ICC-accredited centre in Chennai in order for him to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL. BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya informed the same to Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore on Thursday after Mysore dashed to Kolkata for a meeting. The franchise had lodged an official protest with Dalmiya last week after Narine was asked by the BCCI to travel to Chennai despite submitting a clearance report issued by the testing centre at University of Loughborough, another ICC accredited centre, in early March.

Narine was called twice in successive matches during last year’s Champions League Twenty20 in September, and had to

get a clearance from one of the ICC accredited centres, according to tournament rules. He subsequently went to Loughborough in early March to undergo various tests, and got a positive nod from the experts.

But once the report from the Loughborough centre was submitted for review and clearance from the sub-committee dealing with corrective actions, the BCCI wrote back to Knight Riders saying Narine would have to undergo another round of tests at the Sri Ramachandra University centre, the first ICC accredited centre in the subcontinent, which opened last October. It meant the BCCI was effectively cancelling the Loughborough report.

Knight Riders questioned why the BCCI would not accept the report from the Loughborough centre if the ICC accredited centres all over the world followed the same apparatus,

procedures and tests, and asked why a second report was required. When they received no specific reason, the team’s management sought the intervention of Dalmiya.

However, Dalmiya said that the BCCI was only going by the rule book. “I cannot do anything out of fear or favour. I cannot change a set of rules already in place for one person. What I can do is assure justice is done. That is what I told them (KKR),” Dalmiya told ESPNCricinfo.

One BCCI insider said the board was not discrediting the Loughborough report, but merely making their own assessment to be entirely convinced. “It is just a safeguard,” he said.

“And that is only good for a high-profile player like him. In case he gets called in the first match he plays, then it is not good for him.

Not good for the team. Not good for the tournament.”

Turn to page 21

The competition will culminate on Saturday evening at the Haslington Market Square Tarmac

T

he title of East Coast street football champions will be a straight fight between Beterverwagting A and Melanie B after the two teams recorded contrasting wins in the Guinness Greatest in the Streets football semi-finals on Wednesday evening.

Playing at the Haslington Market Square Tarmac, Melanie B edged Nabaclis 3-2 in the first semi-final to

book their place in Saturday evening’s final at the same venue.

Amoniki Rodgers led Melanie B to the win with a double in the sixth and 23rd minutes, while skipper Anil Hernandez added a third in the 35th minute. Nabaclis’ scorers were Rickford Morrison and Nicosi McCloud in the 18th and 22nd minutes respectively.

Semi-final two required

just a solitary goal, which was scored by Akin Curry in the 17th minute to hand Beterverwagting A a 1-0 victory over Plaisance A. The winner of Saturday’s final will earn the right to compete in the national playoff later this year. The national champion will then be Guyana’s representative at the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge in Trinidad and Tobago.

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