Guyana Times Daily

APNU rejects compromise on

Insel Air touches down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport just before midnight on Wednesday amid a heavy downpour

Friday, june 20, 2014|

“Mango Man” trial aborted

…accused “uncomfortable” with Judge, State Counsel

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

After much drama on Wednesday, Justice

Navindra Singh was forced to abort the trial into the death of an East Coast Demerara trader on Thursday after one of the three accused refused to have his case tried before him and Senior State Counsel Judith MursalinGildharie.

Murder accused, Mark Williams called “Smallie”, is indicted along with Sherwin Nero called “Catty” and Andrew Philander called “Junior” for the August 30, 2007, murder

of mango trader Kumar Singh called “Mango Man”.

The matter was initially set to call earlier this month; however, Williams had asked for some time to get his Attorney Roger Yearwood. Justice Singh granted the leave and set the matter for Wednesday’s date, but when the matter was called, the accused was still unable to get his Attorney. As such, Attorney Raymond Ali was appointed by the State to represent him.

Williams, on the other hand, had informed the court that he does not want State appointed representa-

tion and would like to wait for his Attorney. He had further stated that he does not want the trial to proceed before the same Judge and prosecution, who had previously tried him. The accused even turned away from the court, backing the Judge in protest of his disapproval.

All this occurred before the jury panel was selected and the trial set for Thursday, but on that day, Attorney Ali requested leave from the trial Judge to withdraw his representation in the case. The application was made in the absence of the jury, during which Attorney Ali said that he had observed the behaviour of the Williams towards his appointment on Wednesday. He went onto say that he had requested the accused to give him certain instructions, but he refused and on Wednesday morning when he approached Williams again, he was told to “keep away”.

Ali noted that as an Attorney, he has certain duties towards his clients and for him to carry out those duties; he must be given instructions from his client. In light of this situation and the absence of any instructions from his client, the Attorney requested the court’s leave to withdraw his representation.

Bad behaviour

Williams, who refused to turn up to court on Thursday, had to be lifted out from the prison. He also refused to wear formal clothing and turned up at the court in a T-shirt and beach shorts. The accused informed the court that having a State lawyer is not his only issue. He added that being in front of the same Judge and prosecution again, “I don’t feel I’ll get a fair trial.” The accused further asked for additional time so that his family can sort out some issues and get his lawyer.

Justice Singh explained to the accused that Attorney Ali is not working with the State, but is a private lawyer, who was hired only to represent him in the trial since the trial cannot go on without him being unrepresented. The Judge enquired from Williams whether his last trial (Lusignan Massacre) before him was not fair, but Williams said it does not matter.

Williams told the court that June 15 last marked six

years since he is in custody, and as such, the Judge pointed out to him that he would be spending an even longer time incarcerated if he refuses to go ahead with the trial as there is no guarantee that the trial will be called up in this assizes or even this year. However, the accused said that he does not mind waiting a bit longer to have his own Attorney represent him.

His two other co-accused, Nero and Philander, were told by Justice Singh that he cannot proceed with the trial without Williams having representation and cannot hear the case separate since they are jointly charged.

He advised them that they can have their Attorneys apply to the acting Chief Justice to have the case severed. Both men then informed the court that they do not mind waiting until Williams get this Attorney.

Justice Singh then grant the leave to Attorney Ali to withdraw himself from the case and informed the jury that the trial will have to be aborted since he will be leaving on June 30 and does not have enough time to find another Attorney for the accused. Singh, 51, of Lot 51 Craig Milne, Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, was killed after bandits invaded his home and shot him. Meanwhile, Williams has several other cases pending in court. He was recently acquitted from the 2008 Lusignan massacre after he and his other accused were found not guilty. He is also charged for the Bartica Massacre, the murder of Police Officer Ivor Williams and the death of Fazil Hakim and Rakesh Singh. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

Murder accused Andrew Philander and Sherwin Nero

Murder accused Mark Williams

Countrywide:

APNU rejects compromise on AML/CFT Bill

– but Granger says nothing was offered by President

during meeting

Wind:

minimum heights of 0.86 metre and 0.87 metre respectively.

President Donald Ramotar said the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) has remained stubborn in its non-support for the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT) Bill, even with him committing to assent to it with a raft of Oppositionsponsored amendments.

The President made the announcement following a meeting with the Opposition Leader on Wednesday. But APNU in a statement denied that any compromise was made at the meeting.

In an address to the nation on Thursday, Ramotar outlined the history of the back and forth between Government and the Opposition regarding the Bill. He said on Friday last, Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira, who is also Chairperson of the Special Select Committee examining the Bill, tried to summon a meeting of the committee in an attempt to have the anti-money laundering legislation passed in the National Assembly before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting on June 23 in Paris. The President said his efforts were rebuffed by the Opposition members.

He said on Monday, he spoke to Opposition Leader David Granger, urging him to have the members of his side attend the Parliamentary Special Select Committee meeting to be held on the same day or the next day.

“I even told him that if he could not get a meeting for Monday, then they should meet on Tuesday. I told him

that I was willing to excuse the four Government members sitting on the Special Select Committee from attending the Cabinet meeting of Tuesday, June 17, 2014, so that they could meet.”

Ramotar told the nation that on Tuesday night, contact was made with the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, informing him that the Opposition Leader “wanted to meet with me soonest”.

Proposals

He said on Wednesday morning, he contacted Granger, who requested that they meet at 17:00h on the same day. “I met with the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday and I proposed to him that the Government was willing to pass the Bill with the Opposition’s amendments, even though we felt it was non- compliant... so that we can have a Bill before the FATF meeting later in June 2014.”

Ramotar said that he also proposed to Granger that if CFATF and FATF were to find that the Bill had non-compliant provisions, that the Opposition would support amending the Bill accordingly. “I also proposed that because of the urgency of the matter, that the Opposition would not link my offer to pass their Bill to their other demands: (1) My assent of all Bills passed by National Assembly and (2) My support for the Public Procurement Commission

being established without Cabinet retaining its role in granting no-objection to awards above $15 million.”

He said to this Granger declined.

“Fellow Guyanese, we have worked hard to get the legislation through because we believe that the consequences could be very serious for our people. We said before that it was a patriotic duty to have this Bill passed and spare you the Guyanese people the negative consequences of not doing so.

“Unfortunately, the Opposition seems to have put more importance on its own narrow political, party agenda before the welfare and interest of our people. Compatriots, I wish to assure you that we would continue to do all we can to protect our nation’s interests. Regrettably, this is now being made much more difficult because of the clearly unpatriotic stance taken by the Opposition, APNU,” Ramotar stressed.

Committed

However, Granger in a statement said the coalition remains committed to ensuring that the people of Guyana get a strong and enforceable AML/CFT Bill. He said contrary to recent pronouncements by President Ramotar, “nothing was offered to the combined Opposition”, when the two sides met. Granger said despite having on his desk (for over eight months) the combined Opposition’s pre-con-

ditions for passage of the legislation, the President made it clear that there would be no nexus between those conditions and the passage of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.

Granger said the Opposition was encouraged by the language emanating from the Office of the President that there might be some concessions.

“However, it was clear when the two sides met that the President was not willing to negotiate and definitely was not in a conciliatory mood. It is clear that the PPP/C is not interested in giving the people of Guyana the strong and enforceable money laundering legislation that they deserve. Instead, the PPP/C has decided to use this situation and any concomitant events to achieve its narrow political objectives,” Granger said.

Opposition Leader David Granger

President Donald Ramotar

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, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Education challenges

The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results have been released, and as is the norm, and rightly so, the country’s top performers are celebrated, but the outcome collectively points to a different story that warrants serious attention.

No doubt, while the Education Ministry recorded an improvement in students’ performance, and should be commended, the celebrations should be moderate, as it is a token achievement.

Based on statistics provided by the Ministry, some 15,000 candidates sat the NGSA, with 51 per cent scoring over 50 per cent and more in English, 31 per cent in Mathematics, 43 per cent in Science and 40 per cent in Social Studies.

These figures, when translated mean that more than 7300 pupils failed to grasp fundamental concepts in literacy; in excess of 10,300 do not know rudimentary addition, multiplication, division and subtraction; more than 8500 do not know elementary Science; and about 9000 spent six years in primary school, yet they do not know the basic history of their country.

This is all for patriotism, which should be instilled in learners at the early stages of their education. The question is what would the Ministry do to address this state of affairs which has been happening year after year, despite Government plugging billions of dollars in the sector every year?

It appears as though the investments are being taken for granted, there is an apparent non-accountability for performance, monitoring and evaluation is an alien thought and the magnitude of failure is accepted as a norm.

Our education administrators need to do some deep introspection and ask themselves if they are proud of their performance, and what can they do to correct an education system that has not been designed in any structural way to address the students who are failing.

A few years ago, the Ministry piloted an initiative called the Education Enhancement Programme, whereby the five poorest performing primary and secondary schools in every region would be placed under the microscope, resourced and every effort would be made to improve their performance. The existence of this programme today is a mystery, and if it still exists, the outcome of the recent NGSA is even more cause for bewilderment.

One sincerely hopes that the remedial Grade Seven programme, which the Ministry is eerily silent about, and which was launched about five years ago to bring students who would have failed to master basic concepts in literacy and numeracy on par with normal Grade Seven students is still in place, not as a museum piece, but as a regularly evaluated programme.

The Ministry should also consider rehiring seasoned, retired Mathematics and English teachers, to man these remedial classes, and perhaps should solicit the advice of the administrators of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School, which has developed a reputation in converting slow learners from the primary school system, into high-flying secondary school students.

These can be part of the solutions to deal with the horses out of the stable, but a more diagnostic approach is needed to address the failures at the primary level.

The weaknesses should be detected at the National Grade Two Assessment level and most of it should be addressed before the National Grade Four Assessment stage, but from all indications, this is not happening in the manner it should, and is most likely the primary reason for the huge majority of students failing at the NGSA.

This problem in the education system can only be addressed if the Ministry adopts a culture of evaluation, which on the whole would also require the Minister to be more open and measured in discussions on the challenges confronting the education system.

At the end of the day, the poor taxpayers with children in school do not really want to hear about talk, they want to see action, and the Ministry must deliver now.

Historical political gridlock makes federalism best solution

Dear Editor, Guess who came to dinner in Richmond Hill, Queens? PNC Leader David Granger, with blood on his hands. He is no likeable Sidney Poitier. Hosting carloads of PNC supporters for a sumptuous duck curry dinner and drinks in a neglected PPP/C party stronghold in Richmond Hill, Queens, still amounted to zero.

The reaching out by the eager Richmond Hill Indian peace makers who want to get along with the recalcitrant PNC leadership does not automatically transform the PNC and Mr Granger from any ordinary black leader to one of high virtues. The PNC’s entourage did not become more pliable or sympathetic dinner guests regardless.

Mr Granger adamantly emphasised the PNC will not apologise. What was achieved that can be bragging rights for Indian tolerance and reconciliation?

Mike Persaud, and others like him, have completely failed to understand that nature of the PNC and how it operates.

During the anti dictatorship struggle against the PNC, it was quite common to host prominent black Guyanese leaders, example Eusi Kwayana of the WPA and a few others from that group. Mr Persaud completely ignores the cavalcade of black leaders who trot out to defend black rights and interests, as if he is not in touch with Caricom’s reality.

Mr Granger wants to build a monument (another one) for the unfortunate victims of the 1960s Son

Chapman boat tragedy, but totally ignores those nearly 1600 Indians who were previously raped, tortured and brutalised at Wismar in 1964.

In fact, some “peaceful, trusting” Indians returned to Wismar immediately after the first massacre to be pounced on again in followup attacks. Those were the blessed peacemakers who did not learn from history.

In the 1973 elections, the same GDF which was seizing ballot boxes when Mr Granger was political liaison to Forbes Burnham found two youths – Jagan Ramessar and Bholanath Parmanand – shot dead at Number 63 Village, Corentyne. Some even claimed witnessing his gun butting protestors elsewhere.

The same familiar colleague of yesteryear, Mr Persaud, was standing on the periphery when my friends and I were actively involved in the Conservative Party of Guyana (CPG) and the Jaguar group to restore full democracy in Guyana.

Braving bricks and bottles, taunts and insults, yes even in New York, we actively picketed PNC leaders like Dr Ptolemy Reid, Desmond Hoyte, the UN and Pandit Gowkarran Sharma, who actually said Burnham was the reincarnation of Lord Krishna and Green was Lord Rama.

Those few Indian business people in New York who boldly supported the illegal PNC racist regime got equal treatment and went out of business. We did not discriminate against anyone by race while we were

university students fighting to restore democracy in Guyana.

Will Mike comprehend and face the truth that Indo Guyanese were brutalised as Indians by race and definitely not as “Guyanese”?

Former Trinidadian Prime Minister, Dr Eric Williams who rigged elections by voting machines and was in political power for some 45 years, actually taught Mr Burhnam the tricks of rigging.

He financially propped up Mr Burhnam’s PNC Government and without exception, all Caricom black governments were silent as the PNC destroyed democracy, brutalised Indians and degraded their culture by stigmatised racial rape and humiliation. Mr Persaud writes incessantly about transforming Guyana’s political parties into genuine multiracial entities. Who can have any problems with that?

The PPP/C lost its parliamentary majority in 2011 because they neglected their supporters and party, etc. Come a snap election, it may be voted out. The onus is more on the PNC to make the bold moves to have greater ethnic inclusion within its ranks as they may be the next Government.

Is this being done? Will Mr Persaud go back to Guyana, join the PNC officially and become part of their Indian makeup? He is welcome to put his foot and resources where it should not be (example, Richmond Hill) rather than use it where (Guyana) and what he advocates others to do. Guyana had the best

promise of multiracial harmony in the early 1950s PPP from its inception. Trinidad never had such a multiracial political party. Now many can now boast the current People’s Partnership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been a trailblazer.

Mr Persaud should be reminded that Mr Burnham first ensured black people’s rights for full ethnic security by breaking away from the PPP and forming the PNC. After they had done so they opportunistically allied themselves with the same white colonial imperialists White people whom they hated because they had enslaved them.

Dragging their feet on Guyana getting independence under the 1960s, the PPP found Mr Kwayana bluntly refusing to support Guyana’s freedom from the British. He blackmailed both the PPP Government and the PNC by racist attacks, accusing them as selling out black people’s interests and demanded partition of Guyana. The British slave master obliged and switched the electoral system to favour the PNC-UF who took over power. When the PNC eventually flushed the UF away, it fortified its racial interests as paramount over all Guyanese. But in the 1970s, things started to fall apart.

The PNC again switched course and with the PPP willingly giving critical support, the same PNC declared itself a Marxist-Leninist party. It did so while it was still in control of political power.

Some 300 riders from 15 teams around China took part in a traditional horseback riding event in Hongyuan county (BBC News)

EU FLEGT is a requirement for Guyana’s LCDS

Dear Editor, I refer to Guyana’s European Union (EU) Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process. Guyana is currently engaged with the EU by way of consultations and negotiations so as to arrive at a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) based on FLEGT and known as Guyana’s EU FLEGT VPA by September 2015.

The EU FLEGT basically is an initiative which seeks to stop illegal lumber from entering the EU, thereby promoting sustainable forest management in exporting countries such as Guyana.

So with a signed voluntary partnership agreement (VPA) with the EU by September 2015, Guyana will have open access to the European markets for legally produced timber. It must be noted that the European market is growing and moreso for timber which is legally harvested and where this legality can be established.

The EU FLEGT is a requirement for Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) according to the joint concept note (JCN) between Guyana

and Norway, and so far since 2009 there have been ongoing consultations with relevant stakeholders of Guyana’s Forest Sector, including Guyana’s indigenous peoples consistent with Guyana’s EU FLEGT roadmap.

The EU FLEGT can play an important role in Guyana’s LCDS, since it is about stopping forest destruction and promoting sustainable forest management in the Fight against global climate change.

But what is currently disgraceful and counter productive to Guyana’s EU FLEGT process, is the granting of €150,000 to the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) by Guyana’s EU office, which will likely sabotage Guyana’s EU FLEGT process under the pretext of indigenous rights.

In this regard, the APA claims that it will be holding EU FLEGT workshops in Amerindian communities to educate Amerindians on the EU FLEGT process. But since the APA is known to be hostile to Guyana’s LCDS and the EU FLEGT is a requirement of the LCDS, it is clear that the APA will be using the €150,000

to mislead Guyana’s indigenous peoples about Guyana’s EU FLEGT process, so as not to give their support, thereby helping to contribute to Guyana’s LCDS failure.

So let me make it quite clear that should the APA be a hindrance to Guyana’s current EU FLEGT process paid for by Guyana’s EU office, the alternative should be the withdrawal from the EU FLEGT process by the Government of Guyana.

On the June 13-15, the APA held its first EU FLEGT Workshop in the Barabina Community of the Mabaruma Sub-Region of Region 1 (Barima/ Waini), and according to information gathered, lots of misinformation and irrelevancies were delivered by the APA presenters, which were not consistent with Guyana’s EU FLEGT roadmap.

For instance, what do land titling and the need for redrafting the Amerindian Act 2006, thereby implying that Amerindians will not be allowed to do logging, have to do with the current EU FLEGT process?

Is the Guyana EU office through the APA helping to promote erroneous information about the goal of

the EU FLEGT process and indirectly supporting the evils of forest destruction in Guyana’s Amerindian communities?

Fortunately, experts from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MOAA) attended the APA’s EU FLEGT workshop, who corrected the misinformation that was delivered to the workshop participants. This means that the APA’s remaining workshops must be attended by the National Technical Working Group (NTWG), which overlooks the activities of the EU FLEGT process in Guyana.

Finally, the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the Guyana Forest Products Association (GFPA), two key Forest Sector bodies which were refused funding by Guyana EU office for EU FLEGT awareness activities, including other non-governmental and organisations, need to vigorously condemn the Guyana EU office in granting funding for the EU FLEGT awareness activities in Guyana.

Yours sincerely Peter Persaud

Why do vehicular homicides go cold?

Dear Editor, In Guyana today, most, if not all vehicular homicide cases go strangely cold. I make this bold assertion based on the facts of a number of serious cases I have personally reviewed where the gross misuse of our public roads and highways were involved. These cases peter out into a cold end due to one of, or a combination of two factors.

First, as soon as one gets word of a family member involved in accident, other family members of the perpetrator of the crime need to get down to the scene as quickly as possible and locate the investigating officer. The reason behind all of this is to influence or bribe him into making out a confused charge.

Once this is done, as we say in Guyanese creole, "case closed". That case is doomed from the beginning because the charges, if any, would not reflect what actually took place. I have known of family members turning up in court in open and shut cases such as drunk driving only to find

out that the charges never contained anything that read of a "DUI".

In fact, the victim's family members are often stunned when they hear that no test as to the quality or state of the driver being sober was done. Or if that "was done”, the driver mysteriously passed the test. Cases where drivers reeked of alcohol, could hardly stand upright, yet, they were given a clean bill of health. Fantastic! Of course all of this was facilitated by the officer walking away with a hefty bribe.

Second aspect of our discussion, and one that I con-

sider most distressing, is the fact where some family members readily accept compensation on behalf of their dead relative, without a care in the world for the brutal slaying of the loved one or the horrible way that loved one suffered. I am speaking about the callous disregard for their life, only to accept blood money.

Punishment for the criminal should never be a matter for negotiation with a Policeman, far less that of the money hungry relatives. Guilt, where punishment plays a major part, is the sole jurisdiction of the court.

An obstacle to progress

Dear Editor,

During my school days, I was often lucky to be a part of quite a few trips to Enmore, specifically when our school took part in proceedings on Enmore Martyrs’ Day. This year, I followed the commemoration via radio, and I think that much more could have been done.

We must not allow Enmore Martyrs’ Day to be downplayed at all. On this note, I make reference to two important addresses made on that day – one from the President and the other from the Labour Minister Dr Nandlall K Gopaul.

There was first the focus on the need to fight to remove obstacles to development. This is so vital. I instantly thought of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill. The Opposition and other enemies of the State have nothing to object to in the Bill, and yet, the APNU/ AFC combination, because of a one-seat majority in the National Assembly, will not allow this all-important Bill to be passed.

This is the height of being vindictive and counter progressive. Already, the consequences of not passing this Bill are being felt.

I know we had a very dismal pre-1992 era, and people are still reeling from the effects of the then dictatorship, but we now have come a far way, in terms of democracy. We now have a freeness to express our views and live our lives in the way we want to.

move to block progress and development. This is how badly the members therein want to make the current Administration look bad. They will stop at nothing. I recall how these slain workers, way back in 1948, struggled and gave their lives for better working conditions. I am happy to note that today workers in Guyana are well protected, under special labour laws, allowing for minimum wages and fixed number of working hours. This kind of approach is unprecedented and it allows for motivation towards building the country.

Prior to this kind of thing, the situation in Guyana used to be very oppressive. Back then, in the colonial era, housing, education, health and just about everything were dictated by plantation owners. This got even worse under the PNC, during its tenure, leading up to 1992. Life in Guyana became most bitter and the country actually fell into abject poverty.

Wonder what came out of the drag racing case?

These matters should be exposed and dealt with swiftly and condignly. To allow such lawlessness to continue only increases the likelihood of more vehicular homicide cases because reckless drivers believe they can get away with it. It is a whole sick, sad state of affairs where vehicular homicide cases are concern.

Right now, there are DUI and drag racing cases before the courts. Many lives have been lost as a result – would these cases also peter out into nothingness based on the facts I highlighted earlier? Shouldn't there be justice for the dead?

Our judges and magistrates need to look into these vehicular homicide cases with the firm view that justice is carried out. Justice for the dead person and thwart all efforts of the greedy grasping efforts of family members and the equally guilty lawmen.

Sincerely, Neil

Adams

The Housing Sector is booming and we are making great strides in education and health care. We really need to pass this AML/ CFT (Amendment) Bill. What I see here, from the Opposition, is a calculated

I am now happy to mouth off my agreement that today much has changed and that there is a commitment to advancing developments in the interest of the Guyanese people. I repeat some areas that have come a long way and with promise to go even further – education, health, housing, and agriculture. In some instances, this country is seen as a model. That is why I call on the good-minded people of this nation, to come out and condemn the Opposition for what is happening with the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.

I have no apologies for deeming the Opposition as one that is an obstacle to progress.

Yours faithfully, Cedric Lord

Historical political...

Considering the PPP’s ideology eagerly sacrificed the racial insecurities of its Indian base for the common national good which political party bears paramount responsibility to correct its mistakes of racial exclusion? Where is the evidence that the PNC in all its history can produce that it sincerely is committed to genuine racial harmony and reconciliation?

Shared government will not work because the political gridlock in Parliament will quickly shift to the closed cabinet meetings. Who will be the Opposition necessary in a democracy? Venezuela or Suriname?

Simplistic criticism of the advocacy of decentralisation as the prelude to federalism does not give peace a chance to its changeover by our fruitful debates. Mr Persaud must be privileged to be living in the federated USA as a US citizen, yet he

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behaves like he is in complete ignorance of its effectiveness. Maybe his new citizenship of allegiance somehow still allows unchallenged rights to meddle in any other country’s business, including Guyana’s. I hope Mike and others like him get my message. When they go back to replace Dr Rupert Roopnaraine as the new Indian PNC Prime Minister, he will have proven that we Caricom jahajis are sincerely “one for all, and all for one”.

We are closer than appears on the surface in the quest to ensure Guyana moves away from big government. It is so easy to call the Dev group racist. Let’s give peace a chance by having debates on the subject of decentralisation/federal system.

Sincerely, Vassan Ramracha

Govt spent over $4B from disapproved funds

... GINA, NCN, CJIA beneficiaries

Despite the Opposition’s objection, the Government of Guyana has spent more than $1.5 billion on contentious projects and agencies such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Modernisation Project, the Amerindian Development Fund and the Government Information Agency (GINA).

In the National Assembly on Thursday, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh presented a Statement of Excess on the Current and Capital Estimates totalling $4,553,761,991 for the period ended June 16. The $1.5 billion forms part of the $4.5 billion, which was presented to the House.

From the grand sum, capital estimates totalled $3.943 billion. While the Opposition would likely throw in its support for monies spent on the University of Guyana Student Loan Fund, Information Communication Technology (ICT), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund, when the Finance Paper comes up for debate; fierce objections are anticipated when the controversial projects and agencies surface again.

Under the Public Works and Transportation Ministry, the Government has already spent $1.184 billion for the advancement of the CJIA Modernisation Project. The Opposition had disapproved the $6.7 billion allocated for the completion

of the project. Additionally, the Government has spent more than $306 million on the Amerindian Development Fund. According to the Finance Ministry, the expenditure was incurred in relation to Amerindian development projects and programmes.

In April during the consideration of the budget, the Opposition voted down the $1.1 billion that was allocated for the Amerindian Development Fund, after it was dissatisfied with the explanation given by the Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai on the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) and the Community Services Officers. According to the APNU and AFC, the Government is using monies set aside under the fund to advance their political agen-

da in the hinterland. On the contrary, Government had argued that the move by the Opposition to object to the $1.1 billion would have resulted in hundreds of young Amerindians being left jobless. The Opposition’s final decision had sparked days of protests in front of the Parliament.

Settling expenses

Meanwhile, $610.4 million was spent to offset expenses incurred under the Office of the President. The Opposition had also cut funding for the Office of the President in its quest to disapprove funding for the National Communication Network (NCN) and GINA.

The Opposition used its one-seat majority to disapprove $5.1 billion budgeted for the Office of the President. The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) had first slashed $1.335 billion for current Administrative Services budgeted under the Office of the President after questions were asked as to why NCN and GINA were subsidised in 2013, when the House had disapproved funding. They subsequently voted against the $3.846 billion allocated for capital projects, taking the total disapproved funds to $5.182 billion, out of a grand total of $6.078 billion budgeted for the Office of the President.

From the $610.4 million, which represents the cur-

rent estimates, $66.4 million in subsidy was given to GINA, while NCN has thus far received $32.6 million.

On Wednesday, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon had argued that the Finance Minister in his move to reinstate disapproved funds had relied heavily on the Constitution and the High Court Ruling made by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.

According to Dr Luncheon, Minister Singh has by no means deviated from the norm. “The Constitution specifically addresses expenditure and shortages inadequacy for agencies in discharging their work programme in any fiscal area. The Constitution does offer remedies that we have collectively termed restoration… the constitutional court ruling has been used by this administration, used

by the Minister of Finance to undo the unconstitutional acts that have been perpetrated by the parliamentary Opposition,” the Cabinet Secretary said as he sought to justify the actions of Dr Singh.

According to Dr Luncheon, by the end of the fiscal year, there is a possibility that the entire $37.5 billion, which was disapproved, could be restored.

Fire ravages Laser Room of Ophthalmology Hospital

An early morning fire believed to be electrical in origin completely destroyed the Laser Room of the Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, Berbice, on Thursday.

The fire, which reportedly occurred about 04:30h, caused extensive damage to the facility and its equipment.

The doctor in charge of the facility was tight-lipped about the incident, but a source close to the hospital told this publication that about 04:30h, the said doctor received a phone call, informing her that fire was emanating from a transformer in the compound.

The source said the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) emergency crew was immediately summoned. “When they were called, they told us they were on their way, they never showed up… we called back around 05:00h and again they said they were on their way… they never

arrived until about 06:50h and just cut off the currant and went away,” the source stated.

Asked what might have been the cause of the fire, the source said: “The fluctuation of the current caused the medical equipment in the room to ignite.”

Guyana Times also spoke to a staff of the hospital who disclosed that at about 04:00h, a GPL transformer was giving problems.

“The porter called us to inform us and GPL was immediately informed, however, they arrived until 07:00h… they switched the power off, but with the surge of the electricity, some of the equipment which had to be switched on permanently in the Laser Room were damage beyond repair,” she revealed.

The staff thanked the Guyana Fire Service for its swift response, which resulted in the fire being contained to one room.

An artist’s impression of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Modernisation Project

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

The damaged Laser Room

Ramotar overseas trips pegged at $90M

…cost includes expenses for large delegation

More than $90 million has been expended by the Government of Guyana to facilitate 26 official overseas trips by President Donald Ramotar and his delegation since he took office in 2011.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in response to a series of questions posed by A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Desmond Trotman about the President overseas assignments and expenses.

In his written responses, Prime Minister Hinds disclosed that overseas accommodation amounted to US$123,246 or G$25.8 million, while transportation amounted to $69.7 million. Suriname, Columbia, New York, Mexico, Barbados, Brazil, St Lucia, Cuba, Peru, Brazil, Chile, India, Haiti, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Canada, Uruguay, Sri Lanka and St Vincent and the Grenadines were among countries visited by the President and his delegation.

Hinds pointed out that the President had made a series of high-level visits to friendly nations such as the US, Cuba and India. “Our President has also attended the United Nations General

Assembly and participated in the meetings of the Heads of State and Governments of Caricom, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean Nations (CELAC), MERCOSUR, South American-Arab Countries (ASPA), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the Commonwealth, and the European Union-Latin American and Caribbean (EU-LAC) integration mechanism, among others,” Hinds explained. Trotman had questioned the Prime Minister about underlying benefits to be garnered from the overseas trips undertaken by the President and

his delegation in 2012. But Hinds in his response said that the Opposition MP might be heading into danger zone.

“Concerning the quantification of the gains of the President’s trips overseas, there is a danger that seeking to assign direct values in specified time frames to agreements reached, may be a too simplistic way of assessing the overall benefits to the nation,” he said.

According to him, the opportunity to advance broad national interests and specific foreign policy objectives and goodwill, resulting from presidential visits are among the big benefits to the nation and future generations of Guyanese.

House clears names of nominees to Police, Judicial Service Commissions

The National Assembly on Thursday approved two motions tabled by Appointment Committee Chairman, Dr George Norton regarding nominees to the Police and Judicial Service Commissions.

The first motion laid was for the adoption of the third report of the Appointment Committee in relation to the selection of members of the Police Service Commission.

The National Assembly adopted the report of the Standing Committee which, in relation to the appointment of members of the Commission, would then inform the President of Guyana of the persons nominated. Those identified were Lloyd Alvin Smith, Harold Martin, Keith Malcolm John and Omesh Satyanand Rising to support the motion, Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira stated that it was the hope that the Police Service Commission would be quickly established.

She noted that the Parliamentary Committee kept to the resolution established which helped to expedite the process.

In relation to the Judicial Service Commission, the second motion sought the adoption of the fourth report of the Appointments Committee in relation to the appointment of members of that Commission. In this regard, the National Assembly would inform the President that Justice Lennox Perry (retired) having been nominated in accordance with Article 198(2) (c) of the Constitution, be appointed a Member of the Judicial Service Commission.

This motion was supported by Agriculture

Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy.

Only recently, Attorney General Anil Nandlall had told the National Assembly that members of these Commissions needed to be appointed. He had pointed to the absence of key personnel in the Judiciary, which required the Service Commissions to make those appointments. Other problems, he pointed out also resulted from the non-functioning of the Police Service Commission in relation to members of the Guyana Police Force.

President Donald Ramotar

Dr George Norton Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Man to be sentenced for killing minibus driver

Aman on Thursday pleaded guilty to killing an East Bank Demerara (EBD) minibus driver and will be sentenced after a probation report is presented to the court.

Sherwin Anthony Hyle was indicted with the May 1, 2008 murder of Joel Savory at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. Savory pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he appeared before Justice Dawn Gregory on Thursday.

The Judge then ordered a probation report to be prepared before sentencing. The report will be presented to the court on June 30. Hyle was represented by Attorney

Maxwell McKay.

According to reports, Savory, 41, of Lot 37 Friendship, EBD, was walking through a street in the village when he was confronted by the accused. He then got into an argument with Hyle, who was said to be of “unsound mind”. The accused then took a piece of broken bottle and stabbed Savory in his neck.

The injured bus driver was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he succumbed while receiving medical attention. Hyle was then charged a week later and placed before the court. The preliminary inquiry began in December 2009 and

saw some four witnesses testifying before it concluded in July 2011.

Presiding Magistrate Sueanna Lovell had found that a prima facie case was made out against the accused and committed him to stand trial at the High Court.

However, when the matter was called up at the High Court in March last year, a psychiatric evaluation was done to determine whether the man was fit to stand trial.

The evaluation was conducted by state psychiatrist, Dr Bhiro Harry, who had found that Hyle is of an unsound mind and unfit

to pleag to the indictment against him.

In his testimony before Justice Gregory over a year ago, Dr Harry explained that the accused is suffering from a psychotic illness, along with hallucinations.

Following the psychiatrist’s testimony on his findings in the report, the jury was directed to deliberate on the matter.

After about 30 minutes in deliberation, the jury returned and informed the court that they found that the accused was fit to plead to the indictment, as such, the man was further remanded to prison while he awaited for trial.

Cummings Lodge man in court for $1M jewellery theft

A47-year-old weed cutter was granted $100,000 bail on a charge of simple larceny when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Thursday.

Ronald Sookraj pleaded not guilty to the charge,

which stated that on Monday, June 16, at Delph Street, Campbellville, the defendant stole a quantity of diamond, gold, and silver jewellery valued more than $1 million, property of Odessa St Hill.

The Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara man was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat,

who told the court that his client works as a weed cutter in the Sheriff Street area and on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant’s house was burning down and Sookraj was asked to assist in removing valuables.

The lawyer explained that is why the aforementioned items were found in his client’s possession, and

asked for bail to be granted in a reasonable amount, since all the items were recovered.

The defendant will make his second appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on July 11 for the submission of statements.

Brazilian jailed for simple larceny

Brazilian national Jonatis Santos Ferreira was on Thursday sentenced to 12 months in jail after he pleaded guilty,via an interpreter, to stealing more than $2 million in jewellery and other items.

Ferreira,23, was convicted of the charge of simple larceny by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The court was told that between April 13 and April 14, the defendant broke and entered the dwelling space of Marciel Coelho and stole one gold pendant valued $150,000 and one gold ring valued $180,000 among other jewellery; as well as an iPad valued $180,000, an HP Notebook valued $100,000 and other articles.

Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru said the defendant was an employee of the virtual complainant (VC) and they both resided in the same apartment, but in separate rooms. The Prosecutor related that Coelho discovered the items missing when he returned from work to find his room, which he had secured, ransacked, and the defendant nowhere to be found. The VC subsequently made a report to the Police Station and an investigation was carried out. The defendant was later apprehended at Timehri while trying to make his way to Brazil.

Eyew tness

President’s...

...and Queen’s

Burnham had a lot of complexes. And President’s College, which was just declared by the Education Minister as just like any other ordinary secondary school, is the result of one of those tortured hang-ups. Burnham attended Queen’s College...but by the skin of his teeth. With his father a poor, struggling primary school Headmaster, his tuition could only be managed with the internal scholarships young Burnham had to toil for.

Life for Burnham at Queen’s was hellish; sort of a local Oliver Twist tale. The snobbish, light skinned sons of the elite habituating Queens reminded him of his origins, class and colour at every turn. And as his sister Jessie reminded us (“Beware, My brother Forbes!!!), Burnham never forgot (or forgave) a slight.

It was in the halls and classrooms of Queen's that the harassment and terrorising of the light-skinned public servants at Hope Estate by a Burnham on horseback began. Isn’t that just the revenge a schoolboy would conjure up? Here were these senior desk bound bureaucrats in whose presence the peons used to tremble, jumping into trenches to avoid Burnham’s whip! “I’ll show them who’s boss!!!”

And we come to Queen’s itself. Burnham was going to change that “Lord of the Flies” horror that’d traumatised him. When he became Prime Minister, he opened up Queen’s to everyone – based on merit. Burnham remained an elitist to the end of his days – but it was going to be an elite into which poor, black boys wouldn’t have to be let in through the servants’ quarters. And treated accordingly.

But then Burnham’s megalomania kicked in. A Freudian might say it was an over compensatory device for his childhood abuse. When he made himself into the most powerful President in the world (well...if you go by his Constitutional and extra constitutional powers – over the Guyanese population, anyway). In his mind, he was replacing the Queen. Who was more all powerful than her? (To the Guyanese mind, anyway.)

And if President Burnham was replacing the Queen, then how could you have a “Queen’s” College? Burnham demanded that the name be changed to “President’s College”. But the Board, still controlled by the mulatto elite that Burnham detested, balked. Burnham was going to have his revenge. He created an even more elite school – closer to the British Grammar School model on which Queen’s had been structured.

President’s College was going to be residential. Received tremendous funding, etc. And now all of this megalomaniacal posturing has crumbled. And President’s College isn’t even a “top” school.

Aahh...how the mighty have fallen?!!

...restoration

No, City Hall isn’t being restored by the President. He’ll let Mayor-for-life Hamilton Green have the pleasure. That job needs a miracle...and Green claims he’s in direct contact with the Big Guy upstairs! The President’s having his Finance Minister restore the “cuts” (more like “chops”) the Opposition inflicted on the budget.

The Executive always had the option of spending to take care of pressing business. They can then do so and return to the Parliament with the Bill for the money spent – as a Supplementary. The Opposition’s going to jump up and down like a fowl cock, that the spending should have been unforeseen. But heck...if the Opposition had allowed the spending in the first place, the spending wouldn’t have been “pressing” and of an “emergency” nature. And we wouldn’t be here to begin with, no?

In the end, all the Opposition’s doing is to block spending on more strategic plans such as Amerindian Development, etc and this is pathetic on their part. More cutting PPP/C’s nose, but spiting Guyana’s face. ...weight loss

There’s always lots of talk about “political will”. Well, we’d like to see more political will than what it took for the President to “throw off” all that weight. You don’t think it’s political? Think of how better Prezzie will look on the hustings!!!

Implementation of Styrofoam ban being finalised

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said it is finalising the implementation of the proposed ban on Styrofoam.

Clarifying that the ban has not been postponed indefinitely, the Ministry said it has embarked on an initiative that will see a significant reduction in the usage and littering of Styrofoam products, which will lead to the further development of new enterprises since biodegradable containers will be utilised.

The Ministry said it

had submitted to Cabinet for consideration a memorandum titled “Restriction on Styrofoam Products”. This document recognised the ubiquitous nature of Styrofoam containers and its negative impacts on the environment and outlined two measures to be instituted on Styrofoam products with an eventual ban in two years. Cabinet, at a meeting held on June 25, 2013, approved the proposed actions leading to the restriction on the use of Styrofoam products being implemented.

These are: The imposi-

tion of stamp duty and environmental tax charges to Styrofoam which is a non-reusable, non-returnable com-

modity for one year and the availability of incentives to the private sector for the importation of biodegradable

alternatives.

The first national stakeholder consultation on the importation ban on Styrofoam was held on November 18, 2013 at Duke Lodge. It is the intention to schedule a second consultation with both Government and private stakeholders, including the Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Ministry and the Georgetown Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

In this regard, the impending June deadline has been extended to a date to be announced later.

The Litter Regulations have recently been tabled and enacted by Parliament, after which the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has been working assiduously on the implementation plan of these regulations and more recently the hiring of Litter Wardens.

Although the Litter Regulations do not capture any penalties for the use of Styrofoam, it focuses on the improper disposal of waste that affects the environment and Guyana as a whole.

Life of Rodney CoI to be extended

The life of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which is expected to come to an end on June 25, will be extended.

The inquiry, which is expected to go into its third session next Monday, was given four months since the swearing-in of the three Commissioners on February 25, to complete its work. At a recent press conference held at the Office of the President, Ramotar had indicated that the life of the Commission may have to be extended.

Lead Counsel for the Commission Glen Hanoman on Thursday confirmed that the time has indeed expired. However, he could not say with any certainty when the Head of State would give the extension, although he posited that it may be when the Commissioners return to Guyana for the commencement of Monday’s hearing. The President, he noted may meet with the Commissioners privately, after which an official announcement will be made.

Efforts to contact President Donald Ramotar to ascertain when the extension will be made proved futile. Guyana Times was also seeking to find out if with the extension, more funds would have to be pumped into the Commission.

Robust investigations

Some $112 million was passed by the National Assembly earlier this year to fund the work of the CoI. Asked when he thinks the investigation will be completed, Hanoman said he suspects by the end of the year, because of the number of witness statements the Commission has.

Hanoman was also asked about some of the constraints, and what may have caused the life of the

Commission to expire, without it being able to complete its work. He pointed out firstly that no time has been wasted since the commencement of the investigation on April 28.

He said however, that there have always been challenges with the scheduling of witnesses. Hanoman reasoned that it is difficult because, one can never be certain how long any one witness will testify. That, compounded with the crossexamination of witnesses by all the legal representatives, is also time consuming.

There are close to seven legal representatives at the Commission. These include, lawyers for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Rodney Family, Donald Rodney, the Working

People’s Alliance (WPA) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) At the commencement of the third session, which is expected to last just over one week, several witnesses, including WPA Executive Member Tacuma Ogunseye will testify. Hanoman said it is the hope of the Commission that all the witnesses would be able to give evidence during the specified time.

On Monday, ex Policeman, now prisoner Robert Gates will continue his evidence. He will be followed by Ogunseye and Captain Jerry Gouveia.

Father Malcolm Rodriguez is also expected to testify during the first week.

The following week, the Commission will hear from

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis. His evidence will be led by his own Lawyer.

The Walter Rodney CoI, after years of clamouring, was finally set up by President Donald Remotar on February 25 earlier this year to examine what may have led to explosion that caused the death of the former WPA leader.

At the swearing-in, President Ramotar had mentioned that Rodney’s widow Patricia had approached him, seeking his assistance in setting up the inquiry.

He had hoped too that the findings from the inquiry would finally give all Guyanese, especially family members, the much needed closure.

Dr Walter Rodney

The impending June deadline has been extended to a date to be announced later

Discrimination a stumbling block to development

– Ali tells OIC Council of Foreign Ministers conference

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said Guyana unequivocally condemns discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia and acknowledges international peace and security as pillars for sustainable development.

The Minister made the declaration at the 41st session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Council of Foreign Ministers held in Saudia Arabia on June 18-19.

Affirming Guyana’s commitment to the organisation, Minister Ali conveyed Guyana’s concern over the present situation where peace, unity and stability in the Middle Eastern region are under threat.

He urged those present to reaffirm the values upon which the OIC was formed and called for more dialogue, trust, cooperation and sharing of ideas, as this, he said, is the only approach that will ensure partnerships are built.

“I am most pleased that the agenda will address in a frontal manner, the issues of discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. The question of Syria and Palestine

cannot escape our consideration and thoughts as it is indeed a testing time of our commitment to one Ummah (community),” he stated.

On this note, Ali emphasised that, as a peaceful, democratic and culturally diverse country, Guyana equivocally opposes acts of discrimination, including xenophobia and Islamophobia

and stands solidly with the OIC in addressing these issues.

“Guyana promotes and re-affirms its commitment to the Palestinian people, including their rights to self-determination. The Palestinian people deserve a homeland of their own. All efforts must be exhausted to finding a peaceful and just

solution to this issue. We reiterate our support for the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights and firmly support a two-state solution to Palestine/Israeli conflict. Extremism under the guise of religion, cannot be tolerated. Guyana therefore fully embraces the UN Global counterterrorism strategy adopted in 2006.”

He stressed on the importance of looking at nontraditional blocs like South America, and engaging them into the wider collaboration of the OIC. “Guyana is ready to assist as a member of UNASUR and Caricom. This will be most fitting under the conference theme, “Exploring areas for new cooperation”, Ali declared.

Minister Ali also pointed to climate change as another major issue that the Ummah must adopt a more vibrant position on, and the OIC must lead, noting that it is “imperative that all countries agree to minimum acceptable standards to combat climate change”.

He reminded too that Guyana has chosen to pursue a Low Carbon Development Strategy to ensure economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability in an interrelated manner.

“We must build trade linkages that would help to deepen our cooperation. I therefore welcome member states to make use of the opportunities available in Guyana as a safe destination for investment. Kuwait has already started in this direction to build in the economic fortunes of our country,” Minister Ali said.

He congratulated Iyad Madani on his appointment as OIC Secretary General and noted that his stewardship will be marked by the strengthening of the organisation and the expansion of its reach into emerging areas of the Ummah; he also thanked the Kingdom and people of Saudi Arabia for their overwhelming hospitality.

Is not only GT deh in a billiondollar mess

Cleaning up people mess is never a easy ting. Just ask yuh mumma and yuh daady. Yet some people does wanna mess up de place and leff it fuh some body else to clean up de mess. That is whah got this world in sucha mess. So is not only GT deh in a billion-dollar mess.

In de US, de Bush Man leff he mess fuh O-bomber to clean. Now it look like O-bomber clean up that mess, but he in turn gon leff another setta mess fuh another Prezzi to clean. Is no wonder de White House only white from de outside.

De Americans accustom to leavin tings in a mess. Is not only in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt and de whole of de Middle East, plus Ukraine, Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Grenada. Right hey in Guyana, it happenin a long time now.

Bent Hard gon soon leave Guyana wid a big mess. Sorry fuh de Ambassador who gon replace de Hard Man. That gon be some Hard mess to clean up. And if yuh ask Sober, she gon tell yuh how hard it is to clean a hard mess.

Sober seh every ting fuh Green Ham is a mess. And somebody seh every ting fuh Green Ham hard except fuh one ting. So even that ting in a mess. No wonder Gee-W-High got so mucha mess to clean up in GT. Is mess on top of de road and mess below de road.

Is now people comin to grips wid how mucha mess dem used to mash when dem walkin and drivin. Is now people understand how much GT people could mess. And is now people realise how deep is Green Ham mess. He was always known to be deep in mess. So yuh never mess around wid Green Ham mess.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Was another big mess when poor Cheddi had to clean up both Burnt Ham and de Height Man mess. But that is another big mess up story!

Region Two accident victims transferred to Georgetown Hospital

Muneer Khan and her husband Dhanny Latchman of Sparta Village, Essequibo Coast, who were injured on Sunday after a car slammed into their parked vehicle, have been transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention.

They were transferred on Wednesday from the Suddie Public Hospital, where the driver of the car that hit them is still hospitalised.

The couple was about to leave a Father’s Day celebration at a relative’s home when the driver, who was allegedly speeding, lost control, ramming their vehicle on the side. The accident happened on the Colombia Public Road. Khan is nursing injuries to the shoulder and left hand while her husband suffered injuries to the stomach. Meanwhile, their relatives are not satisfied with the manner in which G Division traffic officers are handling the case, relating that the driver of the car appears to be well, but is still in hospital. They said since the accident, none of his family members came to offer any sympathy or talk about compensation.

The driver’s car is at a workshop, but family members are contending that it should be at the Police station. They are calling for justice to be served.

Dhanny Latchman and his wife Muneer Khan while at the Suddie Public Hospital

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali at the 41st session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Council of Foreign Ministers in Saudia Arabia

GUYANA

Twenty-five-year-old Divya Sieudarsan who hails from the ancient country of Berbice has been creating quite a stir in Dubai as the final leg of the Miss India Worldwide Pageant is held this evening. The Guyanese beauty is doing well and can possible bring home another international title if she gets the nod from the judges.

From all reports, she is well composes and mentally strong to take on her 39 odd rivals this evening. She has thus far impressed the judges with her stunning looks as she displayed designs by Guyanese fashion icon, Sonia Noel.

Now it’s time to put her pieces together for pageant night which is expected to bring fierce competition in various segments including the intelligence and Indian wear.

Since she landed, she stood out; her presence was felt by everyone. Her beauty and her personality glowed. On the first night, she looked very stunning and beautiful. She was complimented by many on her beauty. She was the best dressed out of the 40 contestants wearing a Sonia Noel designer piece on tour to the desert safari.

The media and other photographers were after her to take as many photos as possible. She did her job very well and took as many as she could, even though it was not easy to walk in sand with wedge sandals.

She is definitely one of the dedicated delegates and is working extremely hard every day at rehearsals and every night on her talent, in an effort to achieve perfection.

The next step was her talent piece which was unique and was considered one of the competitive ones by many people in the audience. Sieudarsan played the Tassa drum before performing an Arabic belly dance, ending it off with Priyanka Chopra “Exotic” and “In My City” in a costume designed by Apsara and Randy Madray.

She will be wearing a stunning Randy Madray design as her evening gown and Indian Wear by Arman’s Bridal in New York. Both Alana Seebarran and Katherina Roshana got their Indian pieces for the previous Miss India Worldwide Pageant from Arman’s Bridal in New York as well.

She was promised by Miss India Guyana/Apsara that once she makes the top five, one of her prizes would be an all expense paid trip to India. Support Miss India Guyana 2014 Divya Sieudarsan and follow her on Facebook.

Can’t wait for the biggest summer event of the year? You don’t have to!

Jamzone Summer Break 2014 kicks off this Saturday with the much anticipated launch happening at the Gravity Lounge, Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown.

“Summer Tun Up” – the official launch of Jamzone Summer Break 2014 – will feature all of your favourite deejays and personalities who will be present to celebrate yet an-

With the growth of the Caribbean fashion and art industry over recent years, it seemed only natural that a celebration of Caribbean art and design reveal itself again.

At least, that was the thought Sonia Noel put behind the line up of her most recent showing at Caribbean Fashion Week last Sunday, June 15.

The opening of her show included five

Crowning of Miss Guyana set for Gravity Lounge this Saturday

other year of Guyana’s most exciting string of events, ranging from Black-tie events to the biggest concerts to be hosted locally.

What’s more exciting is that patrons will get to see one lucky young lady win the opportunity of a lifetime to represent her country in the international leg of the Miss Jamzone Pageant. Contesting for this title are Faydeha King, Onesha Hutson and Soyini Fraser.

The HJ cameras will be in the building as the Miss Guyana Jamzone reality show continues and with the crowning, this event will make for an exciting finale… you too can be apart. Be sure to say hi to the HJ cameras and let Guyana know which delegate you are rooting for and why. Then, look out for the airing on your favourite channel, HJTV the following week.

Fusion Sound System and the Boom dee-

jays will be entertaining you all night. Let us welcome Guyana’s biggest festival in style. Remember, voting continues up until Tuesday! To vote, send a text message to 603-8683. For Faydeha, text number one; for Onesha, text number two; and for Soyini, text number three! Who will wear the crown? Come out this Saturday night to Gravity Lounge and find out.

men’s pieces – the White Line – that were accented by beautifully crafted scarves that represented the colours of Caribbean nations’ flags. Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, and St Lucia were paid tribute on the bodies of five gorgeous models, including Oraine Barrett, a hugely successful male model out of Jamaica – he has been in campaigns for Vogue and Ralph Lauren, and has recently nabbed a contract with Under Armour, an

American sports clothing and accessories company.

The White Line featured men’s long sleeve tunics of mulled cotton – most featuring Noel’s signature lattice work, and included one stunning piece with lattice work that made up the entire back of the garment. In addition to the men’s pieces, there was a mix of light chiffons and jersey blends from Sonia Noel’s most recent line, First Resort.

These pieces included kaftans with lattice work detail; stretch taffeta shorts that fit impeccably, and her newest addition, airy trapeze trousers, with lattice hems at the ankles. “This collection is fabulous and I can see myself in these pieces,” says Mission Catwalk host Keneea-Linton George.

The collection closed with a series of gorgeous two-piece ensembles in black and white. The designer used black and white stretch taffeta as well as black and white polka dot charmeuse. “The details on your work is amazing and the pieces are practical,” Fashion Critic Rozan Ahmed said of Sonia’s pieces.

All of the outfits were showstoppers, but nothing could surpass these beauties – with four emphatic skirts paired with four beautifully detailed tops. The showstopper, however, was a full-length skirt with the entire front made of black and white lattice work and a cropped top that had a high neckline of polka dot lattice work.

In Ocho Rios, warmly referred to as Ochi, Noel’s trip to Jamaica closed with the launch of her newest line First Resort, and her Caribbean Life and Style magazine

Style.

Nestled in the heart of St Ann is Ken’sju:m (pronounced consume), the brain child of Jaí-Gaíry Smith and his business partners. This restaurant blends worldly with Caribbean tastes to create delectable dishes. With the pairing of Jaí’s culinary brilliance and her innovative designs, the showing and magazine reveal seemed inevitable.

And the warm receipt of all parties showed just how open the public is to these innovations, with buyers instantly lining up to give praise and place their orders. With great reviews, warm welcomes, and very interested parties, it seems it’s only a matter of time before Sonia Noel graduates from regional markets, to a more international one.

This is surely coming, as the entrepreneur currently holds the titles of Designer, Philanthropist and head of Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, CEO of Guyana Fashion Week, and now Publisher of Makin’ Style magazine.

Makin’

Guyana’s newest reality television series, E-Networks Emerging Voices, has captured the interest of Guyanese who tune into local television.

The show also has a wide overseas viewership via YouTube.

E-Networks launched the reality television series “Emerging Voices” in an effort to unearth good voices, fresh talent and energetic young performers who will give a boost to Guyana’s budding music industry.

Focusing on Hindi and Bollywood music, auditions were held countrywide following which 22 persons were selected by judges Jeffrey Iqbal, Purnash Durgaprasad and Dr Vindhya Persaud to take part in the series.

The show, now down to five finalists – Aamir Khan, Artie Sookhai, Dharmendra Gobin, Gail Ann Singh and Vishale Sookram – will see them competing for the first prize of $1 million. The competition has been intense thus

far, with the artistes pulling out all the stops to present their best.

Overall best performer of the week prizes, compliments of E-Networks, Kings Jewellery World and Continental Group of Companies have been awarded to Chait Singh for the episode paying tribute to the Legends of yesteryear; Aamir Khan for Devotionals and Gail Ann Singh for her rollicking rendition of PiyaTu on the Dance Episode.

An added bonus for all the participants has been the training provided by Bollywood playback singer Jeffrey Iqbal and Guyanese-born outstanding singer Purnash Durgaparsad, who has worked long hours with the contestants to ensure that quality performances are delivered.

On tonight’s episode, the competition celebrates the genres of Ghazal, Qawali and Sufi and, along with the performances from the finalists, will see performances from

celebrity judges Jeffrey Iqbal and Purnash Durgaprasad.

The show is being hosted by the lovely Zahrah Alli who has been gaining her own fan base, with her natural presentation style and gorgeous fashion choices.

The show has been a success thus far, not only because of the outstanding performances by the contestants, but also its overall presentation and technical value.

Amazing set design, costuming, excellent lighting and sound are all hallmarks of the production. The comments by the judges have also been extremely instructive.

Music for the show is provided by the E-networks band, which has been wowing viewers with its versatility. Led by outstanding keyboard player Akshay Kawale, out of India, the band comprises musicians from India and Guyana.

It is noted that, in addition to the prizes announced, the top two contestants will have an opportunity to visit India for musical exposure and training.

Fifteen-year-old Daniel Ifill was born on June 13, 1998 at Woodlands Hospital, in Georgetown to Junior and Sharon Ifill. He attended St Gabriel’s Primary school and was awarded a place at Christ Church Secondary School where he is presently a fourth form student.

His philosophy is to work hard with the aim of achieving one’s goals in life. His goal is to become a certified accountant or an entrepreneur.

He loves to socialise, likes reading, singing, and hanging out with friends and has a special interest in volunteer work. He is kind, willing, funny, honest, outgoing and a down to earth individual.

He goes out of his way to make people happy. His greatest inspiration is his mother, who worked very hard to provide for him and his younger siblings. “She [mom] has shown us that whatever we want in life, we need to work hard and be honest and truthful while doing so. She is the most wonderful person in the world”, the young man said.

His reason for entering the Mister Guyana Talented Teen Pageant is to use it as a vehicle to make a difference in young people’s lives. He wants to show his peers and others that anything is possible once someone remains focused. He said that the key to success is work hard, adding that one needs to be confident and always have faith but more importantly, excel in your academics.

This is his first pageant and he said he was encouraged to enter the pageant by his family who saw him a as a well rounded and intelligent young man and he is confident that he will do well. His family is very loving and outgoing, stating that “they are always there when you need them”.

With this in mind, Ifill said he was happy to meet his rivals, he said who bring something unique to the pageant. He said that despite the competition, he is hoping that it brings them closer as a unit even if they are no victorious. At the end of the day, he added, they are all winners.

He recalled his childhood as being full of joy and laughter since he was always surrounded by his family. His favourite food is curry and roti and his favourite colour is red.

Wynetta Jones was born on February 3, 1979 to Stafford and Ulis Jones; she is the younger of two siblings and has one older brother.

Wynetta attended North Ruimveldt Secondary School, where she gain passes at the CXC level, then she went on to study at the Critchlow Labour Collage, where she pursued her studies in Industrial Relations, then to the Government Technical Institute where she gain a Certificate in Accountancy. Jones then went on to the ER Burrowes School of Arts and gained a Certificate in Textile Design and Leather Work. Later she attended the University of Guyana where she studied for Diplomas in Computer Science and Accountancy.

In 2010, Jones took part in Guyana Fashion Weekend for the first time and said the experience and exposure was amazing. Wanting to gain more knowledge, she took part in Fashion Weekend 2011; charity shows for Lions International; church shows; the Inter Guiana Festival, hosted by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Reflection by Neilson Nurse and again, participated at Guyana Fashion Week 2013.

Wynetta Jones is not new to the fashion industry and took part in the recently held Reflection “Dawn Of A New Day” – a fashion showing organised by Neilson Nurse. Designing under the label ‘Wynetta Jones Creations’, this local fash-

ionista launched her new collection Seduction which is an extension of “Jours Sombers de`le`te`” meaning “Dark Days of Summer”. A preview of “Dark Days of Summer” was showcased at Guyana Fashion Week 2013. The concept of Seduction, Jones says, emerged from today’s women and men being comfortable in their own body types. She added that whatever they wear is an expression of one’s fashion and is unpredictable and cannot be defined.

Using the knowledge gained at ER Burrowes School of Arts, she plans to bring this collection to life by using materials such as stretch lace, taffeta, beads and fabric paint. The colours used in this collection are lime green, orange, white and black and caters for both ladies and gents.

Anew unique blend of Western and Eastern inspirations will bring a creative touch to everyday fashion when “Yours & Hers” by Nachle Designs is launched to the public. The aim of this line is to provide a fash ionable blend for that everyday girl and guy who wants to make a profound statement.

The duo design

ers of this new, well conceptualised line are no strangers to the entertainment industry. They are none other than Hashim Alli and Melicia Partab.

The name Mahadeo Shivraj is synonymous with Guyanese flavoured movies such as “Till Ah Find A Place”, “A Jasmine For A Gardener”, “Brown Sugar Too Bitter For Me” and “83 Million Gees”.

With that in mind, he is currently editing yet another movie, his fifth, in pursuit of his dreams to make Guyana a possible Caribbean movie Mecca.

The movie titled “Forgotten Promises” is his fifth one but it’s the first one filmed in Guyana and New York. Due for premier on July 26 and 27 at the National Cultural Centre, it is a tale woven by pathos, comedy and humanity.

The movie “Forgotten Promises” tells the sto-

ry of redemption. The Americanised Tony Dass, (Mahadeo Shivraj), finds himself in the doldrums. His wife has put him out of their matrimonial home and he is becoming estranged from his son. While trying to come to grips with this new reality, he receives an intriguing call from an antique dealer in Guyana that prompts his return.

After an absence of over 20 years, Tony undertakes this journey home to see if something in his past is responsible for the misery he faces in America. What Tony discovers about himself, not only shocks him, but reveals the human spirit at its finest.

Shivraj also just acted in an episode of The Americans which aires on FX Channel.

Partab entered the dance arena with much anticipation at a tender age and sustained in achieving a certificate in Kathak Dancing from the Indian Cultural Centre of Guyana.

Over the years, Melicia has been dancing and modelling but in 2013, she discovered her hidden specialty in the art of designing and make-up creation. She successfully earned her make-up line called Eye Candy by Mel and now is about to launch her very own designer line.

This accounting professional believes that with a little bit of colour, your entire prospective becomes a profound statement. With the diverse knowledge and experience in the per-

form -

ing arts arena, Hashim Alli and Melicia Partab pooled their creativity together to establish Nachle Designs – “Yours & Hers”.

Upholding the standards of simplicity and elegance, Melicia decided that her twist on sophistication is that of comfort, which is the hidden secret to “Hers” within the line.

On the other hand, being sleek, trendy and confident, Hashim decided that a blend of colours and styles would be his key element to produce “Yours” line.

Nachle Designs “Yours & Hers” line would officially be launched on Saturday at Style Mission, in aid of awareness for “Sickle Cell Anemia” at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston Georgetown.

Tickets for this grant extravaganza cost $3000 and are available at Sonia Noel Designs at Barr Street, Kitty.

AUS-based Record label, Artesian Music Records has teamed up with a Guyanese Music Label (Artesian Music Studios Guyana) to Produce an album entitled “Do not Disturb” featuring two amazing Guyanese artistes, Sergeant Swagg and Mr Legacy.

Artesian Music Records believe that the album which is scheduled to be released on July 31 will go gold in the Caribbean, and Platinum worldwide. If this occurs, this would be the first time in history that Guyanese artistes would have achieved such a feat.

All the songs (12 in total) were written and composed by Paul Lokenauth (Sergeant Swagg) and Herbert David Jr (Mr Legacy). Sergeant Swagg who still attends the West Demerara Secondary School is also a phenomenal song writer. He writes and performs his own lyrics. Lokenauth is the world’s next wonder. Whether he is rapping to the beat of his own lyrical composition or singing in the groove of a flowing

rhythm, Sergeant Swagg oozes charisma and swagger.

At the age of 15, Lokenauth is a rapping and singing sensation, who fashions himself after Canadian artiste, Drake and one of his inspirations, US rapper Lil Wayne. Like the rare diamonds found in Guyana, Lokenauth is a newly discovered treasure. He said his main aim in music is to be successful and provide a better way of life for himself, his mother, his family and more importantly, his fans.

Mr Legacy is the key person in the success of this album, since not only did he produce every track on the album, but he also engineered and mixed the recordings at Artesian Music Studios Guyana, located in Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

He started his music career in his early teenage years and developed rapidly after completing high school in 2002. As a Producer/Musician, he appreciates all good music and respects the producer whose intention it is to use music as a positive means of development.

He is very open-minded and hopes to collaborate with anyone who can bring new ideas to the music industry with the aim of satisfying music lovers. David’s area of work includes gospel, R&B, hip hop, rap and reggae music. When he is not in the studio, he can be found at live events mixing for concerts, church services and other events.

Mr Legacy also co-authored and sang the hooks for all the songs on the album. Serita David, an upcoming singer also contributed powerful vocals and is featured on one of the tracks entitled “Summer Time”.

Other contributors to this project are Executive Producer Osmond Patterson and Devon David, who also did some post production mixing.

A scene from “Forgotten Promises”

House sends Wildlife Bill to select committee

The Wildlife Import and Export Bill which was tabled by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, was on Thursday sent to a select committee for fine-tuning on the insistence of the parliamentary Opposition.

The objective of the Bill is to create a national framework and mechanisms to govern the international trade of all wildlife species in Guyana; create a supportive mechanism for wildlife conservation and management; avoid measures which can be taken against Guyana; and to provide a framework of licensing and decisions which support core principles of transparency, natural justice and fairness.

The Bill also provides for the establishment of a Wildlife Import and Export Authority, which will be tasked with the management of the international trade of wildlife in Guyana. This body will be critical in the implementation of this legislation as well as in addressing the challenges faced by the sector.

Minister Persaud said that the absence of this type of legislation places Guyana in a vulnerable position on two fronts. The first relates to proper management and support of those in the trade of local wildlife and the second has to do with the requirements under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Guyana ratified the CITES Convention on March 3, 1973; it came into force on August 25, 1977. “We see this Bill as a very important step in ensuring that we develop the necessary capabilities… there are limitations with the current legislation such as the Wild Bird Act of 1919, which is archaic and does not take into account our international obligations,” Minister Persaud said.

He noted that all existing legislation that deals with wildlife are outdated as they do not formally recognise the relevant stakeholders of the industry, nor do they prescribe the necessary penalties for those who are found in breach of their provisions.

Extensive consultations

The Minister informed the House that the Bill was drafted subsequent to extensive consultations with stakeholders and other technical experts, both locally and from CITES.

“This particular piece of legislation is about the international trade… this Bill is about protecting the trade and preventing international threats… it will see the development of a modern wildlife trading sector, but one

which will emphasise conservation and sustainable management,” the Minister said.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who spoke on the Bill, expressed concerns with regards to enforcement of the legislation and submitted that the protection of wildlife cannot be adequately achieved by the Government alone. He noted that the Bill is a great improvement from its predecessor and said that it is an important pillar in the country’s wildlife architecture. These comments notwithstanding, Dr Roopnaraine moved a motion for the Bill to be sent to a select committee. His motion was seconded by Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, who spoke in support of the Bill, said that the Government would prefer that the Bill be passed instead of going to a committee; however, since the Opposition persisted, he urged them to ensure that the committee’s work is “mercifully short”.

NICIL defends land transfer to CRFG

The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is defending the transferring one acre of land to the China Railway First Group (Guyana) Inc (CRFG), the company contracted to build a section of the road leading to the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. The Government’s holding company, issued a release responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News on May 4, questioning the transfer of the land located at Lilendaal, Greater Georgetown. According to NICIL, two pieces of land were committed to CRFG after negotiations were held with the company on key matters regarding the commencement of the project. These negotiations were held in early 2013.

Negotiation

One of the matters that was negotiated was the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contract Price Validity. NICIL explained that the price on the contract with CRFG was executed in September 2012 and expired in June 2013; however, given the anticipated delay of the financial closure until the latter part of 2013, it was necessary to have the EPC price extended.

Another matter discussed during the negotiation was the completion of the access road to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, which was a pre-requisite to start the construction of the main project. The Government’s holding company pointed out that it was unlikely the local contractors would have been able to complete the most difficult section of the road (Section Seven) in 2013; therefore, it was considered prudent to engage CRFG to complete the road, but at a reduced price to their tender.

NICIL said that this decision was taken given the fact that CRFG was already identified as the contractor for Hydro Project and was a more experienced contractor. It added too that at the time, the completion of the road was a critical component in meeting the deadlines specified for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. NICIL further stated in the release that in the first quarter of 2013, CRFG had agreed to several terms, which were approved by the Cabinet, to construct Section Seven of the road and the extension of their price validity on the EPC contract. Those terms included: a reduction of the amount of its original bid of US$11.2 million to a cash contract price of US$8.5 million; and the transfer of two lots of lands –1 acre at Lilendaal (completed) and 7.5 acres at Friendship (in the process of being transferred), from the Government by way of Deed of Gift. CRFG would use the land at Lilendaal for building their head office and the land at Friendship for a materials marshalling yard.

Other terms

Other terms included: a fixed price contract in preference to a measured works contract; and the CRFG would extend the price validity of its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Agreement for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project from June 2013 to December 2013. (Ongoing negotiations for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project have resulted in the extension of the EPC price validity being extended to October 2014.)

NICIL highlighted that the award of the contract to CRFG for Section Seven was a public record with its funding approved by Parliament in 2013.

“In fact, as part of the engagement with the Opposition on the Amaila Falls Project, Opposition members were afforded the opportunity to inspect the progress of the road,” the holding company said. The Government holding company went on to point out that Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, while responding to questions in the National Assembly on the cost of the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project Access Road, had disclosed that upon terminating the original contract with Synergy Holdings Inc, the scope and specifications of the road were revised and amended with respect to negotiations ongoing with the CRFG.

Separate tender

Dr Singh, NICIL recalled, had also said that new and separate contracts were awarded for sections of this road to be constructed under separate tenders. The contract for Section Seven of the road was awarded to HN Pasha Construction as the lowest bidder. This contract was, however, terminated in April 2013 because of its slow rate of progress by the contractor and on April 19, 2013, the Public Works Ministry awarded the contract for the construction of Section Seven to the CRFG (Guyana) Inc, the second lowest bidder.

“The Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, in the course of the recent budget debate, noted that the Government and all of the parties concerned in the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, including the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the China Development Bank (CDB), China Railway First Group (Guyana) Inc, Blackstone and Sithe Global groups, continue to remain engaged in the project,” NICIL added.

APNU MP, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn

Renewed call for modern airport as Insel Air lands

As Insel Air made its inaugural trip to Guyana on Wednesday evening, airport officials renewed calls for the upgrade of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), a project that has been starved of resources, owing to the Opposition cutting budgetary funds.

Insel Air, handled by Roraima Airways, touched down at the CJIA just before midnight on Wednesday amid heavy down pour. It is against that backdrop and the entrance of other airlines to the Guyanese market, Roraima Managing Director, Captain Gerry Gouveia repeated the importance of the airport expansion project.

“One thing is resonating in my mind is how much our air stairs would have been useful tonight… we realised when it rains, how much we need a new airport and this is a good example,” he posited.

He added that it was indeed a special occasion to witness Insel Air landing in Guyana. Gouveia said the airline has been operating in Suriname for the past seven years with daily flights, but in the case of Guyana, there will be only two flights which will connect to Miami and other destinations.

The Captain also stated that there will be additional flights leaving Guyana in the near future. He further add-

ed that with the new airline plying the route, it will open up Guyana to more tourism development.

Sharing similar sentiments as Gouveia, CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir said the airport is in discussions with other airlines to market Destination Guyana, but one of the main challenges is the airport’s capacity.

“We have already foreseen challenges in the next few months with an influx of passengers passing through the airport, hence, the need for the airport expansion project to be implemented.” He said that one such airline they are in discussions with

is a European carrier, but unfortunately, he noted that the company’s fleet of aircraft cannot land in Guyana.

He said that capacity at any international airport is crucial for airlines to arrive and depart in a timely manner without incurring additional cost. Ghir posited that Insel Air coming to Guyana was a part of the plan for Guyana to become a hub in

velopment with the amount of flights that are coming to Guyana is not a “hit and miss”, but rather a deliberate strategy supported by the airport’s board and the staff.

Guyana, he disclosed, is a member of the Routes Company, which has an objective of finding new routes for countries such as Guyana.

“We have been seeing over the past couple of weeks is

“We all need to take the negativity out of what is going on here with our airport expansion and again I wanna appeal to all our patriots in Guyana, including our friend in Parliament, to support the airport expansion project,” he said.

Meanwhile, Insel Air Chief Executive Officer Frederick Nubeor said he forecasts that the planes

the Caribbean, while noting the this was the fourth airline that has landed in Guyana in recent times with another two expected to make their entry into the Guyanese market shortly.

“We are now having passengers coming from Venezuela, Aruba and Curacao… and soon we will have passengers coming from Panama.” CJIA Chairman Ramesh Dookoo said the de-

as a direct involvement with Routes. We are going to have some more surprises for you as we go along,” Dookoo added.

The airport authority, he added, supports fair competition with the franchise holders and supports the concepts of equal opportunity for everyone who operates at the airport, but more so, encouraged franchise holders to be fair to each other.

will be filled quickly here in Guyana, and thanked the people for the opportunity to serve the airline. The plane, he disclosed landed in Guyana with 60 passengers and will depart with 80. The aircraft will fly the Georgetown-Aruba route, with in-transit stops at Curacao and Venezuela. There will two flights per week: one on Wednesdays and the other on Sundays.

Millers, RPA say rice markets available … but prices are low

BY JOMO PAUL

Amid growing con-

cerns for markets for rice here, the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) and several large millers said that the current issue facing the industry is not the lack of markets, but the prices being offered.

Guyana Times was told that not only Guyana has a rice surplus this year, but several other countries, all competing for competitive markets.

RPA President Leekha Rambrich said the Government is attempting to get as much paddy and rice exported to Venezuela, since the neighbouring country pays the premium price for rice. Abdool Hakh, a miller from Mahaicony, said that contrary to reports that had surfaced in the media, rice markets are available. However, he noted that the prices being offered are somewhat unfair.

“The millers are worried, the paddy was purchased at a high price from the farmers, prices have been declining for the past two crops on the global scale… they are going to be running at a loss if they sell at certain prices,” explained Rambrich.

“The market is there, but the prices are low, the international price, the European prices for that matter, those are low… we can sell rice but we have to sell it at a low price,” Hakh said, adding that this was due to the copious amounts of rice that had flood-

RPA President Leekha Rambrich

ed the international market from other countries that have also had bumper crops.

According to Hakh, if the millers were to accede to the pressures of the supply and demand principles of business, then they would be operating at a loss since they were asked to pay farmers a certain amount of money for the paddy when the spring season had begun earlier this year.

Mohindra Persaud, the General Manager of Nand Persaud Rice Mill, the manufacturer of Karibee Rice, expressed similar sentiments, but noted that the millers must come to terms with the state of affairs and sell at the lower prices.

“There are a lot of markets, but you got to sell at market price…. Guyana sells rice at a special price, there is market, you just gotta accept the price or don’t accept the price,” said Persaud.

Another rice miller

Rayaadul Persaud said: “The markets are available, the markets are there but all of this negative news is going to have an effect on us as millers.”

Persaud said too that other countries are experiencing the same issues as Guyana.

In May, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh had said the entity exported some 93,000 tonnes of rice valued at US$43 million towards the end of April, to countries across the globe inclusive of Venezuela.

The General Manager said the European Union (EU) would have imported in excess of 10,000 tonnes of rice and paddy; Jamaica 4000 tonnes; Trinidad 3000 tonnes; Portugal 6400 tonnes; and Venezuela, which is one of Guyana’s most important rice markets, received 18,000 tonnes of paddy and approximately 6000 tonnes of premium rice.

Singh pointed out that the export of rice to Venezuela will be strategically timed up to October to not only allow for better flow, but also reduced shipment costs.

Further, Singh highlighted that the Board and the Agriculture Ministry is continuing their market drive, since research at the GRDB rice research stations across the country has aided in the rice production process, increasing yields significantly.

“Every small market counts,” he said as he explained the need for the continuation of the market drive.

From left: Roraima Airways Managing Director, Captain Gerry Gouveia; CJIA Chief Executive Officer

Ramesh Ghir; and other officials moments after the arrival of Insel Air flight on Wednesday at the CJIA

Insel Air staff with Guyanese officials at the CJIA

Symposium to discuss establishment of local law school

The viability of Guyana establishing its own law school here with accreditation from the Council of Legal Education is soon to be discussed at a symposium at the University of Guyana Education Lecture Theatre on June 24.

According to Carmilita Jamieson, the co-chair of the Moot Guyana Court (MGC), the main objective of the symposium is to engage stakeholders and interested groups in an open discussion under the theme, “The future of legal education in the Caribbean Community” with emphasis being placed on whether the establishment of a local law school can become a reality.

She noted that the idea grew out of the cloud of uncertainty hovering over the future of the University of Guyana’s law programme, since the Legal Education Council’s decision to not guarantee automatic entry to 25 Guyanese law students into the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS).

“While a decision has been taken recently to allow the 2014 top 25 students automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law

School, it is only a temporary fix and the future of other law students is still a concern. This year’s batch has gotten accepted after much deliberation, but what will become of the next year and the year after that? Students are still wondering of their future.

While we applaud the recent move, we firmly believe that the discussions among stakeholders are necessary and timely to find short, medium and long-term solutions that can give future graduates some form of surety regarding the completion of their legal education,” Jamieson said.

In addition, she noted that each year, the university increases its intake of students, but provisions are not being made to have the number increased from 25 for entry into the Trinidadbased Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS).

Not enough

“The final-year students amount to just about 30. Fair enough, 25 students will be going to Trinidad in September, but the second year has about 58 students while the other year has about 80 students. When they can only take 25 stu-

dents out of that number, where are the others going? They are just left with a degree that they cannot do much with.

“Then we have the situation that currently exists where Guyanese students are being rejected from the HWLS so the need is seen for a law school to be established here, so that Guyanese can have better opportunities in the field of law,” Jamieson said.

It is expected that the forum will allow persons to share their thoughts, views and recommendations on the issue so that a way forward can be paved.

The panel is expect -

Sooba accuses City Hall of mischief – says she was informed of City cleanup

While the Georgetown Mayor and City Council has made claims that the Local Government Ministry has not informed them on the upcoming works in the city, acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba said she was informed and that is sufficient.

According to an unsigned press release from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council on Wednesday, claims were made that they were never briefed on the works, even though they were duly-elected to serve the people of Georgetown.

“The Mayor and Councillors wish to notify the public that it was neither informed nor consulted by the Minister of Local Government, Mr Norman Whittaker, on the use of the

$500 million allocated by the National Assembly for works in the city of Georgetown,” the release said.

The release further stated that the Council is of the view that the move was a breach of the democratic norms and a show of disrespect to the citizens of Georgetown, noting that the Minister does not have any power in the expenditure of monies for works in the city and it was the Council alone which has that right.

“The role of the Minister of Local Government is that of a facilitator for local demarcated organs. He should not get involved in the actual expending of monies allocated for the works in the city of Georgetown; this is the statutory responsibility of the duly-elected Mayor and Councillors of the city of Georgetown, who are the people’s representatives,” the statement read.

Seeking attention

However, acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba in a telephone interview with Guyana Times related that the Council was up to no good and simply seeking attention.

Sooba related the fact that the letter was not signed by any person or persons is a testament to this.

She noted that as acting Town Clerk of the city, she was informed, consulted and

made aware of what will be done, the processes involved and the mechanisms which will be put in place, but given the postponement of the last seven statutory meetings, the matter did not reach the point of discussion.

“They are to be ignored. They are looking to make mischief. They are not upset about the fact that the work is being carried out by the Ministry. They are upset that they cannot handle the money,” the acting Town Clerk said.

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker on Monday disclosed that work has commenced around the City and its surrounding areas.

The Minister had said that major projects such as the rehabilitation of the Le Repentir Cemetery to the tune of $100 million, reactivation of kokers and the desilting of drains will be done by professional contractors, while a national committee set up to oversee the project will be looking to engage the private sector, communities, non-profit organisations, youth ministries and even the prison inmates, to assist in carrying out the other activities, such as the clearing of alleyways, parapets, cleaning of small drains, planting of trees to reduce erosion and flooding, among others.

The works are expected to cost some $500 million.

ed to comprise Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall; Guyana Bar Association President Ronald BurschSmith; acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh; University of Guyana, Department of Law, Professor Duke Pollard; and Council of Legal Education Chairman Jacqueline Samuels-Brown.

Members of the panel will make their respective presentations on the issue after which the floor will be open for questions and comments. The symposium is not expected to exceed two and a half hours.

Among the special invited guests would be University of Guyana Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Jacob Opadeyi; UG Registrar Vincent Alexander; Deputy Vice Chancellor Phillip DaSilva; Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Speaker of the National Assembly Rafael Trotman; Opposition Leader David Granger; Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan; and Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira.

The event is a collaborative effort between the University of Guyana Law Society (UGLS) and the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), with the blessings of the Department of Law and the Government.

Members of the public are urged to participate in the symposium.

Man gets 57 years for killing friend

Aman was sentenced to 57 years imprisonment on Wednesday after he was found guilty by a jury panel of stabbing his friend to death in 2007.

Quaison Jones called “Blondie” was indicted with the murder of 23-year-old of Marlon Greene of Meadow Bank Squatting Area, on January 17, 2007, at the Meadow Bank Wharf.

Jones had pleaded not guilty to the indictment when it was read to him before the trial judge, Justice Navindra Singh, at the High Court earlier this month.

Senior State Counsel Judith Gildharie-Mursalin presented the case on behalf of the State while Jones was represented by Attorney George Thomas.

The prosecution closed its case on Tuesday, after which Jones was called upon to lead his defence and denied killing Greene. The man told the court that Greene’s relatives had attacked him and it was during the scuffle that the deceased was stabbed by one of his own relatives.

On Wednesday’s date, both the Prosecutor and defence made their closing addresses to the jury after which the panel was send to deliberate on a verdict.

After spending almost four hours in deliberation, the 12-member mixed jury panel returned with a unanimous guilty verdict of murder.

Justice Singh started his sentence with 60 years and took off three years for the time Jones spend on remand. During the trial, the State

called several witnesses, including two relatives of the deceased who witnessed the incident.

Rondell Singh, the brother of Greene testified that on the day in question, he was at the koker at the wharf when he heard another fish cleaner screaming. The man rushed to the scene, where he saw his brother on the ground and the accused who was over him, appeared to be punching him.

Singh continued that when he got closer, he realised that Jones, who is known to him as “Blondie”, had a knife and was actually stabbing his brother. He noted that the knife had blood on it and blood was gushing from his brother’s body.

Heated argument Meanwhile, another relative, a cousin of the deceased, Michelle Vieira, also testified seeing the accused and Greene in a scuffle before Jones began stabbing the man. According to reports, Jones and Greene knew each other and on the day in question, the men got into a heated argument which ensued in a scuffle. One of Greene’s relative went to part the men; however, the accused pushed him away and during this, Greene fell to the ground. Jones then pulled out a knife from his waist and stood over Greene and began stabbing him. It was further reported that Jones used to harass the deceased and had even threatened to kill him a few days prior to the incident.

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

Reparations Committee to host national stakeholders’ forum

The Guyana Reparations Committee spearheaded by Dr Eric Phillips, will be hosting a national stakeholders’ forum during the first week of July at the African Heritage Museum, Bel Air, Georgetown.

According to the Chairman of the Committee, Dr Phillips, the forum will be held with the aim of educating the public on the nature, functions and work of the committee since despite the fact that the committee has been established for quite some time, very few persons are aware of its mandate.

The Chairman told Guyana Times too that copies of the committee’s draft report will be made available to the participants at the national forum where they can read, examine, analyse and critique, if necessary. The forum will be open to persons of all ages, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Dr Phillips said that the draft report, which has to be sent to Caricom, has been completed and is with the experts, relating that once it has been checked and approved, it will be handed over to President Donald Ramotar on June 21.

After perusal by President Ramotar and the Minister, the report will then be sent to the Foreign Affairs Ministry and then subsequently off to Caricom, after which legal letters will be issued to countries compensation is being sought from.

According to the Chairman of the Committee, after receiving

and perusing the document, Caricom will be sending legal letters to the monarchies of Great Britain, France and Spain by the first week in July; around a time when the Caribbean will be celebrating Freedom or Emancipation Day as it is commonly known, to begin the process of seeking reparations.

The Guyana Reparations Committee was established in September 2013 following the mandate of the 34th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, which was held in July 2013 in Trinidad and Tobago.

During the meeting, it was agreed by Caricom governments that national committees on reparations should be established in member states.

The aim was to establish a committee which would seek reconciliation between victims and beneficiaries, without having an actual confrontation. It seeks to restore equity in social relations, equality before the law and justice

within the fabric of human diversity, which typifies humanity.

It was set up with the aim of acquiring compensation for the wrongs which were inflicted upon the indigenous people and Afro-Guyanese during enslavement by the Spanish, English and French.

The committee had been tasked with the preparation of a report via research on four key areas. These are to create a detailed historical narrative of indigenous genocide and African slavery; to create linkages from past discrimination to present day inequality; to define and prove the nature of modern day equality; and to denote policies adopted by the European countries to continue this process.

If reparations are given, Africans can expect a better economic reality, health and educational services. It will also enable the nation in general to implement policies and developmental projects which will be maintained from money received in compensation.

He noted that this money will not be going to the country’s Consolidated Fund, but will solely be used for the benefits of all Guyanese, more particularly Africans.

An African Development Bank and an African and Amerindian Development Fund are said to be two of the many projects which will be undertaken if reparations are made. In addition, the committee is seeking to have repatriations where descendants of enslaved persons can return.

Cabinet clears millions for GWI

The Government of Guyana has approved US$129,900 and £334,700 for Guyana Water Inc Shelter Belt. The funds, which were approved under the Housing and Water Ministry, will be utilised for procurement goods for the frequency grades at the Shelter Belt.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon made this disclosure on Wednesday during his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President. Also under the Water Ministry, $19.6 million was approved for the installation of a 200mm transmission main from Sixth to Seventh Street, Diamond Housing Scheme while upgrades to the New Eccles Industrial Road will be executed at a cost $65.9 million. Approximately $226.9 million has been approved for infrastructural development at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara and $20.3 million for the installation of distribution network at Angoy’s Avenue, Berbice, Region Six. Under the Agriculture Ministry, $225.2 million was approved for the procurement of civil works. The money will also be used to upgrade the all weather access road and bridges from Kuru Kururu to Laluni farmlands while $111.1 million will be used for the construction of river defences at Glasgow and Heathburn, East Coast Demerara.

The Government of Guyana has approved

Widening and improvement of the road from Better Hope to Belfield, East Coast Demerara will be executed at the cost of US$42.7 million. Meanwhile, under the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, $125.3 million has been approved by Government for the provision of security services for facilities belonging to the Ministry in Regions Two, Four and Six.

Money transfers now taking 5 days … used to be two days before CFATF blacklisting

The consequences of Guyana being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) are gradually creeping in, with money transfer agencies and the banking sector feeling the impact.

Information reaching Guyana Times has indicated that since the country was blacklisted by CFATF in November 2013, wire transfers are now taking five or more days before the process is completed. Before Guyana landed itself on the regional list, the financial process took a maximum of two days. Financial institutions with international partners fear that the situation could deteriorate if the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill is not passed.

It is possible that licensed money transfer companies or parent companies in the US, Canada or the UK may rescind their decisions to conduct business with agents or companies in Guyana following a risk assessment.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday said it is unlikely that Guyana will be able to pass the AML/CFT (Amendment)

Bill before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meets later this month in Paris, France. According to Dr Luncheon, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have shown little interest in bringing an end to the current impasse.

“Efforts by the Government to get the Parliamentary Special Select Committee as an instrument of the parliamentary political parties to timely consider newer perspective appears unavailing,” he told media operatives during his weekly post-Cabinet media

briefing at the Office of the President.

It is critical, he said for Guyana to pass an AML/ CFT Bill that is in compliant with standards outlined by CFATF and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). But the likelihood of this happening seems dim. He made it clear that the June 19 sitting of the National Assembly would not be graced by a report from the select committee that is considering the amended Bill.

“Any expectation therefore of a Bill that could be enacted, a Bill that could be assented to, at this time or subsequent to the June 19th sitting has essentially been loss.”

Last Wednesday, the work of the select committee hit rock bottom, with the Government and the coalition failing to agree on fundamental sections of the proposed amendments to the Principal Act. The Government is objecting to moves by the Opposition to establish an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority and the removal of the powers of the Finance Minister and President to appoint and dismiss the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

CMO reviewing final report on Jaden Mars’ death

The final report in the ‘Jaden Mars Case’ is currently with Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud.

According to Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, the report submitted by the Expert Committee, contains strict instructions on disciplinary actions to be taken against the three doctors and one nurse who have been found responsible for the death of the four-year-old boy.

It is currently unclear when the CMO will complete his review of the document. Dr Persaud has reportedly proceeded on leave, with Dr Maurice Edwards acting in his capacity.

Mars died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on December 10, 2013, approximately six days after he was admitted for an injury he sustained to the tongue.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the child succumbed as a result of a blocked main artery to the lung or one of its branches.

It has been alleged that the blockage may have been caused due to poor judgment on the part of the

doctors and nurses who might have overdosed him. Mars was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital on December 4, 2013 after injuring his tongue.

His mother, Natalie Caseley recently told Guyana Times that the Health Ministry has remained tight-lipped on what form of disciplinary action would be taken against those deemed responsible.

She was reportedly informed that disciplinary actions would be taken against three doctors and a nurse who attended to Mars.

According to Caseley, since that last meeting, the Health Ministry has been withholding information on whether disciplinary actions have been or would be taken.

Education Ministry urges CSEC students to return textbooks

The Education Ministry is calling on all students who sat the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and their parents/guardians to return all textbooks issued by the Ministry.

The Ministry in a release, said students who fail to return the textbooks, which were loaned to them by their school, will not be able to access their CSEC results. This request is in keeping the Ministry’s Textbook Policy, which states, “Learners must return books before progress reports, examination results, recommendations, or references are uplifted”.

The Ministry is forced to adopt this unfortunate position in an effort to provide adequate textbooks and similar opportunities to the next batch of students.

Dr Eric Phillips

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

Guyana Amazon Warriors determined to be Limacol CPL champs

‒

Coach Roger Harper says team is ‘on

a mission’

Having reached the finals of the inaugural Limacol CPL last year, the Guyana Amazon Warriors are heading into the 2014 tournament with renewed vigour and determination to walk away with the title. Head Coach, Roger Harper, spoke exclusively to cplt20.com about this year’s squad, key players and the party that is CPL.

Looking ahead to this season, Harper is thrilled to be back for another CPL experience; “I am truly delighted to be back again. Last season I would say was a success for us, we topped the group stages and then finished second, so now we see the areas we need to work on in order to improve.”

Harper, who coached the West Indies during the

2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, also said he is more than happy with his 15-man squad for the 2014 tournament. “We have seven Guyanese players in our team, in addition to a few new players like New Zealander Corey Anderson who is making his name on the international cricket stage and Navin Stewart from Trinidad and Tobago who is a solid allrounder.”

While he is disappointed not to have one of the Warriors’ most influential players from last season, James Franklin, Harper feels his team is one to be reckoned with. “James Franklin delivered the x-factor last season and I am very disappointed not to have him back. I do, however, believe that we have a squad capable of giv-

ing any team a hard time.”

When the 6’4” Harper spoke about the CPL as a whole, he was positive; “The Limacol CPL is a massive hit in the Caribbean, it truly has elements for everyone to enjoy. The fans, the players, the

Chess coach's alleged involvement in assault and robbery…

Chess Federation not making any ‘rash’ moves

President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Irshad Mohamed, says the local governing body for the sport will not make any rash decision with regard to national coach Wendell Meusa being implicated in an assault and robbery case.

The 28-year-old Meusa, a former two-time national senior chess champion, was appointed to the post last February and was working with dozens of school- aged children, as well as a few other players who have been selected for national duties

later this year.

On Wednesday, Meusa appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman charged with assault and attempted robbery, allegedly committed against Shaleeza Mohammed.

“I’m not in a position to give a definitive answer, but all I can say is that we will await the ruling of the court before we make a pronouncement,” Irshad Mohamed responded when questioned by this publication about action the GCF is likely to take against Meusa.

The GCF head said Meusa has played an integral part in the development of chess in Guyana, especially among the youth population since he became national coach four months ago.

The charges against Meusa alleged that on June 15 at High Street, Georgetown, while in a bus with another passenger Shaleeza Mohammed, he told the bus driver to stop. He then tried to pull away Mohammed’s handbag.

However, the woman resisted and held on to her bag, which resulted in Meusa allegedly pulling out a rusty cutlass and firing chops at the woman, inflicting several gashes across her body. The victim managed to kick the accused, who then fell out of the door of the open bus and was subsequently apprehended by publicspirited citizens and handed over to the police.

Meusa pleaded not guilty to the charges and was placed on $150,000 bail. He is to make his second court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on July 2.

media, the entertainment – it is just a great atmosphere for

public enjoyment.”

In each CPL squad, a team can have up to four overseas players – something Harper believes is positive.

“I think four is a good number as it allows local and regional players to shine on the big stage and because it provides a good, solid structure, competition for places will be stiff.”

One player that Harper and the Warriors’ fans will be looking to see is Jamaican, Krishmar Santokie, a player who Harper thinks has only got better in the past 11 months. “Krishmar Santokie is a hugely valuable asset to

my team. He is an intelligent and determined player and I am very happy to have retained him. He deserves all the success he is reaping and it’s great that he is now in the Windies T20 Team.”

Finally, Roger had a message for the fans of Guyana to; “please come out and support your Warriors. We are on a mission and we need you to help us! We promise to do our best and make you all proud». The Guyana Amazon Warriors will open play in the Limacol CPL 2014 against Antigua Hawksbills on July 11 at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada.

Guyanese boxer heads to Australia on two-year contract

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Abright and promising boxing career could be on the cusp of something huge for 20-year-old Guyanese Laured Stewart who has landed a two-year contract to train and box in Australia.

Fighting under the alias “Nightmare”, the Welterweight pugilist will depart Guyana on Saturday to begin a new sojourn in his relatively young boxing career.

“I’m really looking forward to this experience. It’s like a dream come true for me, because this was something I was hoping for ever since I got into boxing,” Stewart told this publication from his home in Albouystown.

Stewart gained the contract after much discussion with another Guyanese, the former world champion Gairy St Clair, who now resides in Australia. St Clair’s corner man during his fighting days, Peter Mitrevifki, also reportedly played a part in securing the contract for Stewart.

While in Australia, Stewart will be under the expertise supervision of trainer Johnny Lewis who has produced six world champions, including Kostya Tszyu and Jeff Fenech.

“I want to thank them very much for helping me to achieve my dreams and I promised to make them and Guyana proud. I would also like to thank my aunt

Gloria, mom Yonette and uncle Mark for helping me through the process of acquiring my visas,” the young boxer said.

Fighting out of the Forgotton Youth Foundation gym in Albouystown, Stewart, who had an impressive amateur career, winning 29 fights and losing eight, recently graduated to the professional ranks with wins in both his contests to date. He defeated Anson Green via a Unanimous Decision on debut, before stopping Eversely Browne in the first round. Both bouts were staged under the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s Friday Night Fights.

“I want to express gratitude to Mr. Keith Bazilio for not only helping and supporting me throughout my career, but for also for providing the Forgotton Youth Foundation gym for young people to build a career, like it did for boxers like Lennox “Too Sharp” Allen, Simeon “Candyman” Hardy and now me,” Stewart remarked.

Meanwhile, coach Sebert Blake, who has been training Stewart over the years, said he is elated to witness the young boxer make such a move.

“I think it is a good opportunity for him to build his career and move on to bigger things because there is a low in boxing in Guyana at the moment and if someone from that far [Australia] can spot some talent in him and give him that support to take his career to the next level I am in support of it and I fully support him going there,” Blake reasoned. He added, “As you can remember over the years I am in support of my boxers moving on to bigger things. As coach, you can do so much for your boxers here, and soon we will see these same boxers getting into the top ten in the world and some day winning the world championship in their respective divisions. As you can see, the “Candyman” is on a roll: three straight wins in the US and on HBO also.”

Roger Harper (left) in conversation with sports commentator, Simon Crosskill

− will await outcome of court proceedings

Irshad Mohamed Wendell Meusa

Laured Stewart Sebert Blake

Today’s Games: Australia vs Netherlands (12:00h); Spain vs Chile (15:00h) and Cameroon and Croatia (18:00h)

Colombia edge Ivory Coast

Colombia are on the verge of clinching a last 16 place at the World Cup after beating Ivory Coast to secure their second win from as many Group C games.

James Rodriguez headed in a near post corner and Juan Quintero slotted home after Serey Die was caught in possession to put Los Cafeteros 2-0 up. But Gervinho skipped past three Colombia defenders and powered in a shot to give Ivory Coast hope.

The Ivorians exerted some late pressure but Colombia fended them off to win. That means the South Americans’ route to the knockout stages will be assured if Japan do not beat Greece in the later game.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, are still well-placed to reach the last 16 after their opening game win as they next face Greece. Both sides could still face England in the next stage - should Roy Hodgson’s men manage to get through their group - and produced

Greece, Japan play to stalemate England suffer Uruguay defeat

Japan and 10-man

Greece played out a stalemate that keeps alive both teams’ chances of progressing from Group C. Greece captain Konstantinos Katsouranis was sent off for two bookable offences before the break in Natal.

The Greeks went close with a second-half header from Theofanis Gekas, which was saved by Eiji Kawashima. Yoshito Okubo missed from just a couple of yards and Atsuto Uchida also prodded wide from a good position as Japan were left frustrated.

The draw leaves both teams on one point heading into the final round of group matches.

Japan face Colombia, who have already qualified with six points, and a win could still take them above Ivory Coast, whose current tally is three points.

Fernando Santos’s Greeks must defeat the Ivorians and hope that Japan’s result

an enthralling game which sparked to life after the break.

Colombia had the greater attacking intent and Teofilo Gutierrez should have put them ahead. Replays showed the striker was marginally offside but he was not flagged and failed to capitalise when he horribly mistimed a sidefooted effort from eight yards. Still, he was faring better than Ivory Coast’s Wilfried Bony. The Swansea City striker failed to touch the ball in the opposition half, most glaringly when he failed to connect with two crosses when well-placed either side of half time. It was little surprise when he was replaced by Didier Drogba.

Colombia, though, proved more potent. An acute angled Juan Cuadrado strike was tipped on to the face of the crossbar by keeper Boubacar Barry before the South Americans scored. Rodriguez powerfully headed in a Cuadrado corner for his second goal of the tournament.

Ivory Coast responded when Serge Aurier’s cross almost sneaked in at the near post before being punched away by keeper David Ospina but the Elephants were the architects of their own downfall a few moments later. Die was caught in possession and Gutierrez released substitute Quintero to slot in.

The Africans, who will be without makeshift centreback Didier Zokora for their final group match against Greece after he picked up a second booking of the competition, raised themselves and reduced the deficit. Gervinho cut into the Colombia box from the left flank and, after dancing past three tackles, drove in a shot.

The Ivorians pressed for an equaliser and Drogba was almost through on goal late on after a Mario Yepes mistake, only for keeper Ospina to rush out of his goal, clear the danger and ensure Colombia secured consecutive World Cup wins for the first time. (BBC)

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez did something which he did not manage to do in the Premier League this season – score past Joe Hart – as he netted twice in the South Americans’ 2-1 win over England in their Group D clash in Sao Paulo.

While Roy Hodgson named the same 11 as the one which started against Italy in Manaus, he gave Wayne Rooney the role behind Daniel Sturridge up front.

Following their 3-1 defeat by Costa Rica, Oscar Tabarez named no fewer than five changes to his startingline-up, with the talismanic Suarez fit again after a knee injury.

Indeed, it was Suarez who created the game’s first real chance. His whipped, low corner to the near post looked to be swinging-in, catching Hart off-guard, but the ‘keeper recovered and parried the ball behind for another corner. England’s best early chance also came from a set piece. A goal-bound effort from Sturridge hit the arm of Diego Godin and referee Carlos Velasco awarded a free-kick in a central position. Rooney stepped up to take it and curled it just off-target.

Both sides traded periods to enjoy spells of possession and territorial advantage, without creating much in the way of clear opportunities. However, Rooney was just inches away from scoring his first World Cup goal in the 31st minute. Steven Gerrard’s free-kick was swept into the box, the Manchester United man rose with Godin and saw his header rebound against the angle of the post

and crossbar.

Then, just as the Three Lions began to find their roar, Uruguay hit them on the counter attack. The tenacious Nicolas Lodeiro won possession in the middle of the park and found Edinson Cavani.

The PSG forward produced an inch-perfect chip to evade the head of Phil Jagielka and find Suarez, who headed the ball past Hart to put La Celeste ahead in the 39th minute.

Just as they did against Italy, England’s response was almost immediate. Rooney fed Sturridge, who beat his markers for power and pace and fired a shot which Fernando Muslera did well to save at his near post.

The start to the second half mirrored the first, with another in-swinging corner almost catching Hart and the England defence out. Cavani had a great chance to score but flashed an effort just wide as Hodgson’s side struggled to cope with the South Americans’ emphatic start.

Yet England refused to give up. Leighton Baines

gives them a chance to finish in second place. Whatever the permutations, a second goalless draw of the tournament offered little to suggest that either of these sides can qualify for the last 16.

Although Panagiotis

Kone threatened when he surged forward from halfway and forced a low save from Kawashima, Japan were in control of possession from the start. Yuya Osako curled wide from 25 yards and Keisuke Honda’s

free-kick was thwarted by Orestis Kanezis’ scrambling save before Yoshito Okubo headed over from Yuto Nagatomo’s cross. Shortly after recalled Fulham striker Konstantinos Mitroglu had

limped off with an injury, Katsouranis was sent off for a lunge at Makoto Hasebe. That seemed to spark Greece and defender Vaileios Torosidis’ powerful effort was pushed away by Kawashima before the same

found Rooney in the box and he forced Muslera into a fine low save, although the forward will feel that he should have scored.

Just as it looked as though his World Cup curse would continue, with 15 minutes on the clock, the England No10 prodded home Glen Johnson’s cross to equalise. Rather than settle for the draw, both sides went for the winner and given the football which had been played previously, it came from a direct route. Muslera’s goal-kick was flicked on into the path of Suarez and the Liverpool forward ran through a static England defence before firing past Hart to settle this topsy-turvy encounter with five minutes to go.

The fit-again Suarez was hoisted aloft by his teammates at the final whistle, as Uruguay’s hopes of reaching the Round of 16 were boosted. The Three Lions still have a chance in the final round of fixtures, should they defeat Costa Rica, but must now rely on other results going their way too.

player missed with a header from a Georgios Karagounis free-kick.

Georgios Samaras missed narrowly with an effort straight from the kick-off for the secondhalf. Despite being a man down, the Greeks continued to have the better chances and Kawashima showed real quality to push a Gekas header around a post from a Georgios Karagounis corner.

Midway through the second half, Japan should have moved in front when Atsuto Uchida’s fine cross was driven well wide by Okubo from just a couple of yards. Uchida then stabbed wide after the Greeks failed to clear and Maya Yoshida almost diverted a driven cross on target.

Yashito Endo had a freekick saved in the final minute and Santos’ side were able to hold out for a draw but neither side looks likely to make it beyond the group stage. (BBC)

Colombia gave themselves breathing space at the top of 2014 Group C after goals from James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero helped them to a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Photo: BBC Sport

Luis Suarez of Uruguay scores his team’s second goal against Gary Cahill of England during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match. Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

A second goalless draw of the tournament offered little to suggest that either of these sides can qualify for the last 16

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West indies close...

It was a Herculean effort from Benn, who bowled unchanged between the 26th and the 86th over, to tie up one end and allow the quicks time to recover. His efforts were even more crucial to the victory push as one of the three quicks, Shannon Gabriel who had a poor first innings, was given only five overs in the first 68 of the innings.

West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin turned to Gabriel after lunch, and the faith was rewarded. Ross Taylor and BJ Watling had been resisting gamely, but Gabriel tempted Taylor into driving one away from his body, resulting in a nick to the keeper.

That brought in Hamish Rutherford, who recovered from a stomach bug that prevented him from batting on Wednesday evening. Rutherford could be seen yawning a handful of overs before his turn to bat, but he had to be far more attentive in the middle as the seamers were getting the ball to

dart around and Benn was also probing. Watling again proved how reliable he is in the lower-middle order, but Rutherford showed that he has some way to go before becoming a consistent source of runs for New Zealand. He was squared up on his first delivery, fortunate not to edge it, but there were plenty of edges in his short innings after that. One dropped short of Chris Gayle at first slip, another flew through the vacant third slip area, another deflected the ball onto his

pads. He finally perished offering no stroke to an incoming delivery during an outstanding spell from Jerome Taylor with the old ball.

When Ish Sodhi and Tim Southee perished soon after tea, a four-day finish seemed a dead certainty, but Craig and Watling survived 27.3 overs to take the game to the final day. An innings defeat was averted, but the lead is a mere 18, and Trinidad can expect their delayed victory party on Friday. (Cricinfo.com)

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Washout after India collapse

The Mirpur track continued to play havoc in the mind of the batsmen, but it was rain that had the final say in the series, forcing play to be abandoned in the third ODI with India stuttering at 119 for 9 after a startstop innings. The match was officially called off at 8.10pm, India keeping their 2-0 lead.

India had travelled with a group of in-form, if not quite experienced, batsmen but they failed for a second time in two games. Their 119 for 9 had come in 34.2 overs after the spells of rain shortened the game to 40 overs a side, with the Bangladesh pace attack dictating terms once again.

wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim after he planted his front foot to the short of a length delivery, backed away slightly to work it through third man and was beaten by the bounce.

A short rain break followed. Play resumed twenty-five minutes later, but the situation worsened for India. Manoj Tiwary, playing his first ODI in almost two years, lasted just six balls. He was beaten by AlAmin’s length, as he followed the ball, edging it to Anamul Haque at second slip.

Mashrafe Mortaza and Al-Amin Hossain started where they left off in the second ODI, regularly beating the bat and restricting the free-flowing and predominantly front-foot batsmen. Taskin Ahmed too was accurate, picking up a wicket off his first ball and generally ensuring proper support to more experienced bowlers.

The trio shared five wickets with Mashrafe picking up 1 for 25 in eight overs, Al-Amin taking 2 for 23 in six and Taskin claiming 2 for 15 in eight - one of the most miserly spells by a Bangladesh pace bowler. Shakib Al Hasan was his usual dependable self, picking up three wickets. Al-Amin however was the best of the lot, ensuring very little space for the batsmen to open up their arms, and bowling some unplayable deliveries.

India hardly got off the blocks even though Suresh Raina decided to bat first after winning his first toss in the series. Openers Robin Uthappa and Ajinkya Rahane left more

than they played. Uthappa, ever eager to drive anything remotely close to a drivable length, was given few opportunities in his 21-minute stay. He took one boundary but the extra bounce kept him in check until Mashrafe Mortaza drew him wide and found him edging to first slip where Nasir Hossain took an easy catch.

Three balls later, AlAmin Hossain was rewarded for his persistence against Rahane. He had bowled him two full overs without giving away much, and then had him edging a beautiful delivery, short of length and rearing on the batsman. For a moment Rahane had looked to work that ball towards midwicket but before he could turn, the ball had taken a high edge on his bat and looped to Nasir at first slip.

Taskin Ahmed, fresh off a five-wicket haul in his debut ODI on Tuesday, had Ambati Rayudu edging to

A very large band of cloud gathered over the stadium by this time and at 2.30pm, the players went off as it rained heavier than in the first break. The match was stopped for two and a half hours, after which overs were reduced. Shakib took over the wicket-taking once play restarted, with his controlled left-arm spin. As if holding the ball on a string, he made the batsmen play almost every delivery and was rewarded with the wickets of Suresh Raina, Wriddhiman Saha and Pujara.

Pujara batted better than the rest of the India batsmen, holding up one end when the top order and the likes of Raina and Saha attacked but didn’t last long.

Interestingly, captain Mushfiqur Rahim didn’t use Sohag Gazi until the 32nd over although he was the only change in the team for this game, replacing Ziaur Rahman. He took one wicket, but rain returned soon after, for the third time, this time more damagingly, denying the Bangladesh batsmen the chance to show they had learned their lessons from the second match. (Cricinfo.com)

Shakib Al Hasan was his usual dependable self as long as play lasted Photo: AFP

Overseas players gelling well for CBC

‒ more funds still needed

By TreisTon Joseph

The Guyana

Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) on Thursday introduced to the public the overseas players who will be representing Guyana at the Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC). The introduction was done at a press conference at the Wind Jammer Hotel in Kitty.

While the overseas based players expressed that they were happy to be in Guyana to represent and showcase their talents for the Land of Many Waters at the championships set for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in July, the GABF is still in need of additional funding; US$35,000 to be exact.

President of the GABF Nigel Hinds noted, however, that if the requisite amount is not reached the females could be the causality. He also highlighted that while the females may be a bit “unready”, the exposure was critical to their development in order for women’s basketball to grow.

Guyana is touted as having a string chance of winning the men’s title with the inclusion of several overseas players, including the first Guyanese to ever play in the NBA, Rawle Marshall. Marshall, however, has expressed some concerns about the current size of the team and hopes that the 12 man squad could be selected as soon as possible in order for the team to fully gel as a unit.

Eastman defeated in Contender Boxing Series

The squad is expected to be broken to 15 players by the weekend.

The men’s team will

leave for the BVI on June 29 while the ladies are expected to depart these shores on July 6.

Guyanese Howard Eastman’s campaign for the title in the lucrative Wray & Nephew Contender Boxing Series in Jamaica came to an end Wednesday night after coming up short in the semi-finals.

Eastman, who hails from New Amsterdam, Berbice, lost by unanimous decision in his eight-round contest against Jamaican Tsetsi ‘Lights Out’ Davis in Downtown Kingston, Jamaica.

Judge Keith Brown scored the fight 78-74; Lindel Allen scored it 79-73 and Clifford Brown 79-72 all in favour of Davis.

The 43-year-old Eastman was carrying Guyana’s hopes for the Wray & Nephew Welterweight Contender Boxing title after the early exit of three other Guyanese in the series. Revlon Lake, Anton Greene and Gladwin Dorway all lost their opening fights.

“It was a dominant performance by Davis, from start to finish… Leaving the previously confident Eastman frustrated and bitterly disappointed,” reported a section of the Jamaican media.

Eastman’s Coach Mark Thom, speaking with the Guyana Times Sport after the contest, said Eastman was very disappointed after the bout. “Eastman knocked him down but the referee did not count it as a knock down. He stayed on the ground for over ten…”

According to Thom, when Davis was back on his feet the referee then called for the ring to be wiped. “This gave him more time to recover, but he did put up a good fight. Eastman could not take him out.”

The veteran Eastman now slips to 49 wins, 13 losses (38KOs).

Meanwhile, Davis who lost in the final last year will have to wait until Wednesday before he knows who he will meet on July 9 in the championship bout. The Jamaicans Donovan ‘Police’ Campbell

and Sakima Mullings will have their semi-final contest on Wednesday at the same venue. The loser of that semifinal will meet Eastman to contest for the third place, however, if there is a knockout in Wednesday’s semi-final, Eastman would automatically get the third place.

The winner of the competition will take home $2 million, second place $500 thousand dollars, third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000 (Jamaican Dollars).

Popularly known as the ‘Battersea Bomber’ in the United Kingdom where he spent most of his boxing years, Eastman had progressed to the semi-finals with a knockout victory over Jamaican, Derrick ‘Guts’ Spencer on April 30 on and a unanimous decision win over Kevin Hylton on May 21.

The winner of the Wray & Nephew Welterweight Contender Boxing Series will take home 2 million Jamaican dollars.

Eastman is best known for his controversial loss to former world champion William Joppy who handed him his first defeat after 33 fights in 2001. The welterweight unsuccessfully fought Bernard Hopkins in 2005 for the undisputed middleweight title and has also faced the likes of Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda in his 62-fight career.

Howard Eastman

From left: Team manager Herbert Adams, players: Ray Victor, Andre DeClairmont, Richard Hall, Tyler Persaud, Dwayne Roberts, Rawle Marshall, President of the GABF Nigel Hinds, Travis Burnett, Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine and head coach Mark Agard at the press conference. Saved as bball presser

BCB may take legal action against GCB Leonora Synthetic track gets good review

...if disciplinary action is taken

By RAjiv BisnAuth

Following the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) intention to initiate some form of disciplinary action against the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for the staging of the unapproved Independence T20 Cup, President of the BCB Keith Foster reveled on Thursday that the board is awaiting an official correspondence from the GCB.

To this end, Foster said that providing the board receives an official correspondence, the email sent previously on the issue will be ignored.

Further, Foster indicated that once the board is in receipt of an official correspondence, legal advice will definitely be an option the board may peruse.

The Independence T20 Cup was played on May 25 with neither the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) nor the GCB giving permission for the tournament to be staged.

The local governing body deemed the tournament “unauthorised and unapproved”, and is also claiming that the

tournament does not fall on the list of “approved cricket for Guyana” as endorsed by the WICB.

The GCB, in a release last month, contended that authority for approving cricket not on the pre-approved list is the West Indies Cricket Board who may delegate such authority to the Guyana Cricket Board.

The release had further stated that the Berbice Cricket Board is not author-

ised to approve cricket not on the WICB list of approved cricket.

However, the BCB went ahead to stage the one-day tournament at the Albion Community Centre ground, with proceeds from the event going towards charitable organisations, such as cricket clubs, orphanages, schools and also towards health-related activities, among other things.

It is unclear what disciplinary action may be taken, but this newspaper was reliably informed from a source close to the GCB that the BCB, players, clubs, associations and officials who took part in the unofficial competition will all face sanctions.

Meanwhile, Foster considers the GCB’s action as bullyism, adding that it’s “another vindictive and callous” move by the local governing body.

“We consider this another vindictive and callous act from the GCB. This is nothing but sheer bullyism, especially since the tournament was hosted two years before and they had no issue with the GCB or the WICB,” Foster

Fourth annual Digicel Schools Football…

said.

The BCB and the GCB have been at loggerheads ever since the Annual General Meeting and elections on July 10, 2011.

The BCB had pulled out of those elections, citing financial mismanagement among other irregularities by the GCB. However, the then Vice President David Black went against the BCB’s decision and voted alongside the nine other delegates from the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB).

As a result of the way the elections were conducted, many observers had labelled that election unconstitutional and illegal especially since only one county board voted.

This resulted in Angela Haniff, Secretary of the BCB, filing an injunction against the GCB, claiming that the executives were elected unconstitutionally.

Moreso, the BCB has not been receiving its due subventions for over four years, while other boards, the Demerara Cricket Board and Essequibo are receiving.

Huge wins for St John’s, South Ruimveldt, NOC, Aurora Secondary also convincing winners

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Boosted by helmet-tricks from Tyrese Forde and Keith Caines, St John’s and South Ruimveldt made resounding starts to this year’s fourth annual Digicel Schools Football championship in the city on Thursday afternoon.

Competing in the Georgetown leg, St John’s demoralised Sophia Special School by storming to a 7-0 victory at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, while on the Education Ministry ground on Carifesta Avenue, South Ruimveldt annihilated Christ Church 9-1.

If ever there was a list of one-sided affairs in the history of the tournament, the St John’s/Sophia Special School game would rank very high. For starters, Sophia Special School turned up at the venue without a teacher or coach in their corner and their on-field play was

a clear indication of how terrible a blunder that was.

The St John’s lads, urged on by a vocal coach Andre Downer, took full advantage, blazing to a 5-0 lead by half-time. Forde started the rout by converting a penalty in the ninth minute to push St John’s in the lead.

Six minutes later, Forde was again in the action, making a perfect pass to a wait-

ing Tafari Persaud on the left flank. The diminutive player made no mistake, blasting a right-footer to double the advantage.

Tyrone Arthur made it 3-0 in the 19th minute, piercing through a build-up in the goal area, before Forde continued to be a nuisance to the Sophia lads, converting his second penalty in the 29 minute. Six

minutes later, Forde blasted in a searing right-footer from just outside the box to send his team resting comfortably 5-0 at the half.

Seven minutes upon resumption, Arthur completed his double to increase the lead to 6-0, before Forde showed his versatility, this time planting a powerful left-footer at the back of the nets to seal his helmettrick and a comprehensive win.

Over at the Education Ministry ground, Caines netted in the 10th, 20th, 62nd and 68th minutes to lead South Ruimveldt’s demolition of Christ Church.

Xavier Scott assisted with a double, scoring in the 8th and 24th minutes, while Abdul Edwards (38th), Jermaine Beckles (47th) and Kevin McPherson (54th) added a single strike each. Shamar Corrington scored the consolation for Christ Church in the 58th minute.

‒ Grace Jackson hails it a positive move for Guyana

By tReiston joseph

Jamaican sprinter and multi Olympic medalist Grace Jackson visited the Leonora Synthetic track on Thursday, making recommendations while giving a good review of the facility.

Jackson, who is in Guyana conducting a three day sports management workshop alongside Olympian Ato Boldon, noted that the facility will enhance track and field in the nation.

“I think that this is a very positive move on the government side to be able to build a facility like this, obviously coming from Jamaica a big track country I have been talking about the shift and the fact that Guyana needs to get with it and I think this is really a clear testament that if you are putting down a facility that means you have a particular intention… so this is great,” Jackson stated.

Further, Jackson highlighted that Guyana has the potential to do “great” with track field because of the vast landscape and diversity.

“What Guyana has done is what we have done in Jamaica in covering the whole island where we have two meets

The Georgetown zone will continue today with another two games in the city. The Guyana Industrial Training College will take on St Winifred Secondary at the Education Ministry ground, while the Business School will challenge Morgan Learning Institute at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Both games will kick off at 15:30h.

Meanwhile, the Region Two

per week from January until June.

“You might not have that but what I see here is excellent grass and you can develop that and it doesn’t have to be 400 metres but it can be 300 metres so you can have the competition and be competitive,” Jackson highlighted.

Further, the Olympic 200 metres silver medalist made some recommendations on the schools’ athletics programme, which she believes could be improved. “Well in Jamaica we start them early so we have basic school champs, prep champs, primary champs and high school champs but there is no pressure.

“Guyana does not stand on its own, and one has to think about, if you have your school national championships in November for track, then how do you get athletes coming out and competing at the Carifta games and other summer games, you must look at how Guyana delivers track and field in relation to their neigbours,” Jackson mentioned.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport Alfred King said the track is expected to be useable before yearend.

zone also started on Thursday with New Opportunity Corp (NOC) thumping Johanna Cecilia 10-0 and Aurora Secondary beating Abram Zuil 4-1. Both games were played at the Walton ground.

NOC scorers were David Belgrave (5th, 35th, 76th, 84th), Stephen Apple (25th, 37th), Ossie Dey (10th), Keyoma Pilgrim (30th), Keston Brown (52nd) and Shemar Davis (69th).

Keith Foster

Alfred King (extreme left) talks about the track with Grace Jackson (centre) in the presence of Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle

A St John’s player (#4) makes an attack on goal as three Sophia Special School players look to intervene (Photo: Marceano Narine)

West Indies close in elusive Test victory

Innings and 51 runs, innings and 126 runs, innings and 73 runs, eight wickets, 186 runs - margins of defeat for West Indies in Tests over the past year. The wretched run prompted big changes: out went the perpetually under-pressure captain Darren Sammy, the bowling attack was revamped before this series, and the batting was rejigged before this Test. Barring an all-day torrential downpour on Friday, or something utterly sensational from the New Zealand tail, the sweeping changes are set to bear their first fruit in Portof-Spain.

It’s been a long time since West Indies dominated a Test against a top-eight side as they did this week.

BJ Watling and Mark Craig may have frustrated the home side and the smattering of fans who showed up at Queen’s Park Oval, but their ninth-wicket defiance never threatened to alter the balance of the match. Dwayne Bravo, the allrounder looking to make a Test return, was among those watching

from the stands, dressed in bright pink that was appropriate for a post-victory party, but that celebration will have to wait a bit.

New Zealand began the day 166 behind, and though there was no sensational collapse, there weren’t many substantial partnerships either as West Indies chipped

Guyana Amazon Warriors determined to be Limacol CPL

away through the day.

Curtly Ambrose, the West Indies’ bowling coach, had given an animated speech during the team huddle at the start of the day, and he will be pleased that each of his specialist bowlers did their bit in the victory push.

In the 20th over of the day, Chris Gayle was look-

ing at the sky and pumping his fists in delight, while the bowler Kemar Roach was unleashing a string of joyous whoops. West Indies had just got the rock of New Zealand’s batting, Kane Williamson, ending his three-and-a-half-hour vigil. Either side of the Williamson wicket, there were moments of magic from Sulieman Benn to prise out two more wickets. First, he bowled a ripper that reared off a length to take Tom Latham’s glove on its way to silly point. Then, late in the morning session, he pulled off a bit of athleticism unexpected from the 6’ 7” spinner, sticking out his right arm to pluck a low, hard return drive from Jimmy Neesham. The ball stuck in his palm, but Benn barely celebrated the astonishing catch - just the usual high-fives with his teammates as though it was an everyday occurrence. Only a wide grin that remained for minutes after the dismissal betrayed how much he enjoyed that catch....

Sulieman Benn celebrates a wicket on Day 4. Photo: AP

From left to right – Curtly Ambrose, Omar Khan and Roger Harper at the Limacol CPL draft Howard Eastman