Sees Guyana as "hub"
Members of the Hare Rama/Hare Krishna Movement during a procession
If “no-confidence” snap elections....
GECOM constitutionally bound to deliver
BY MICHAEL YOUNGE
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) would be constitutionally bound to deliver free and fair elections -whatever its state of readiness- if snap elections are precipitated as a result of a successful vote of no-confidence in the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government.
These were the sentiments expressed by GECOM Public Relations Officer Vishnu Persaud during an interview with <<Guyana Times>> on Saturday .
Persaud made it clear that GECOM “would not have a choice” because as a constitutional body, it would
have to uphold the tenets of the Constitution.
He explained that the Commission would have a maximum of three months to prepare for the elections to ensure that a Government is elected via the legal and Constitutional exercise of the franchise by the Guyanese electorate.
Persaud made it clear that as soon as the Parliament is dissolved by the Executive President Donald Ramotar, if a vote of no-confidence is passed by the Opposition in Parliament, then GECOM would immediately commence a claims-and- objections exercise to ensure that the voters’ list is further verified and sanitised.
He said that the Commission would also kick into full elections mode, commencing a robust voters’ education programme to ensure that Guyanese are
aware of the rules and regulations associated with the elections.
Should GECOM be unable to properly prepare for the elections during
the three-month period, Persaud said it would so indicate to the political parties and President.
He explained that the Commission has an “open door policy” and usually communicates very well with the political stakeholders.
The Public Relations Officer recalled that during a previous election, the Commission was granted a one-month extension to be able to adequately prepare for the elections which were due that year after it had indicated that it needed more time.
Persaud did not rule out such an eventuality recurring if snap elections were indeed called.
Calls made to the cellular phone of GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, went unanswered on Saturday. This newspaper was later informed that he was out of the jurisdiction.
AFC announcement
Persaud’s comments on GECOM’s preparedness come against the backdrop of announcements by the Alliance For Change (AFC) that it will pilot a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly against the Donald Ramotar Administration.
The main Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has already indicated that should the AFC follow through with the motion, it is likely that it will be supported by the APNU’s Members of Parliament (MPs).
Together, the APNU and AFC hold a one-seat majority in the National Assembly against the Government, which has the largest single bloc of seats (32).
President Ramotar on Thursday dared the AFC and APNU to move the motion, explaining that his Government will deal with the consequences of such an eventuality when the time arises.
Additionally, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has issued a call for the Sixth Cycle of Continuous Registration to be extended, as it claimed that there were more than 8 000 transfers to be processed and dealt with by GECOM.
The PPP/C had called on GECOM to also establish mobile units to ensure that persons who are residing in new housing schemes are registered and changes in their addresses taken into account.
Since the 2011 elections, there has been widespread speculation as to whether the new arrangements in the National Assembly, where the Government is in the minority would work.
The success of the Tenth Parliament has so far been undermined by continuous gridlock, stalemate and political grandstanding.
Therefore, President Ramotar is maintaining that the Opposition has utilised every opportunity to achieve consensus and compromise to spite the Government by voting down budgetary allocations and large-scale transformative projects.
President Donald Ramotar
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, June 29 from 05:30h-07:00h
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, June 29 from 05:00h-06:30h
Thundery showers can be expected in the morning with heavy showers in the afternoon. Light rain showers can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.
Wind: North easterly between 3.58 metres and 4.48 metres per second.
High Tide: 04:49h and 17:16h reaching maximum heights of 2.62 metres and 2.49 metres respectively.
Low Tide: 10:52h and 23:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.74 metre respectively.
TravelSpan's strategic expansion...
Sees Guyana as "hub"
“TravelSpan is here for the long haul,” General Manager Vanita Jagnarain told Guyana Times. The company is celebrating 19 years in business and has a proven track record, demonstrating its ability to withstand the challenges in the aviation sector.
It has accomplished this by building 3 layers within the company: Travel Agencies, Air and Hotel Packages and its own Airline seats.
During the ongoing recession and challenging times, the company relies on its established customer base and diverse revenue streams to ensure stability.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, Jagnarain said TravelSpan’s last year aircraft return to the local airline industry was deemed a step in the right direction as Guyanese at the time were paying exorbitant prices to visit the US and other destinations.
“Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica were the only two carriers operating here at the time and we thought it best to return,” Jagnarain said.
Value of experience
But since December 2013, Guyana’s aviation industry has been rapidly expanding with an influx of carriers, thereby creating greater competition much to the satisfaction of the Guyanese populace. In addition to TravelSpan, Fly Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines, there is Dynamic Airline, InselAir and Suriname Airways operating flights to the US; Panamanian Copa airline is expected to commence ser-
vice here shortly. However, only TravelSpan and Dynamic Airways offer nonstop flights to the US.
The unfortunate experience of Dynamic Airlines with its inaugural flight
of TravelSpan explained, “TravelSpan has built its operations from the ground up. Meaning that with our travel agencies, we are directly involved with the passenger from the beginning of the process to the end with getting them to their hotel destinations. We are all over the Caribbean.”
“When we branched out into the airline business, it was a synergistic arrangement whereby we combined our knowledge of handling people with the owners of aircraft that were experts in flying them to the destinations.”
But increased competition has led TravelSpan to drop its prices to US$565 from Georgetown to New York and US$499 from New York to Guyana, tax inclu-
from Georgetown to New York, which had extensive delays at departure and a ground handling snafu at the John F Kennedy Airport, USA, causing its aircraft to be grounded and forcing the cancellation of the returning flight and the stranding of passengers, evidently illustrate the importance of experience with the run.
As Nohar Singh, Chief Executive Officer
petition can also be “deadly”.
Questioned whether the current fare could substantiate the operational cost of the airline, she responded in the negative. “It is not a price that could sustain airlines,” the General Manager posited.
New prices
“When you minus the taxes paid to the US and Guyana Governments, you are basically left with a fare under US$400. But in addition to that, you have to take into consideration the cost of fuel, terminal fees, employee costs and additional expenses, US$400 just doesn’t cut it,” she explained.
sive. Additionally, between July and August, flights to Trinidad and Tobago will cost US$283.
“It’s all about being competitive,” Jagnarain said, but it was agreed that com-
According to Jagnarain, TravelSpan has introduced the new prices in its quest to stay ahead of the game. “Those prices are not feasible but we have matched those prices just to remain in the market. It’s all about competition.”
TravelSpan General Manager Vanita Jagnarain
TravelSpan Chief Executive Officer Nohar Singh
Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir
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
The open skies
For the Guyanese public travelling to overseas destinations - and that is quite a large public when our small population is considered - we have gone from famine to feast as far as the options for jetting is out of the country are concerned. It was a situation reminiscent of the old children’s poem, “Ten Little Indians”. One mishap after another decimated their numbers - until “there was none”. In our case with airlines, we went as far as “and there was one” - Caribbean Airlines.
The consequences were unpalatable for the Guyanese traveller: of which the price gouging that doubled because of the monopolistic situation, was not even the worse. The scheduling was inconvenient and the disrespectful treatment occasioned to Guyanese travellers when they were forced to disembark in transit in Port of Spain, became legion. There was perhaps one bright spot: the Trinidadian Immigration officers did not distinguish between “high or low” or between “Guyanese or US citizenship”. Once you were of Guyanese origin, you received “the treatment”. For a year, even top Guyanese government entreaties to their counterparts in Trinidad, fell on deaf ears.
But that indignity might finally be coming to an end, with the arrival of a slew of airlines into our skies. Maybe our seven years of flying famine is over. We now have Caribbean Airline, which at least stuck with us, joined by TravelSpan, Fly Jamaica and in the offing, Dynamic Airline, InselAir, Suriname Airlines and the Panamanian COPA Airline. While the government has uncharacteristically (for governments) not tooted their horns, their expansion plans for CJIA must have something to do with this influx.
As we noted, Guyana has a large travelling public. Most of this is due to the recently confirmed fact that there are now more Guyanese outside of Guyana. And unlike the past, because of advances in communication, that expatriate population is in constant communication with their relatives in the country. It is not now a matter of Guyanese only “coming home” but about as many visiting their relatives abroad. Today, there is nary even the most remote village of Guyana from which individuals have not visited “foreign”. There is now a constant two-way traffic in and out of Guyana.
But the expansion of CJIA adds another dimension to the airline industry in Guyana. The conceptualiser of that project, former President Jagdeo, saw what most persons somehow missed even though they must have looked at the same world map as he did. But while they looked through the traditional lens gazing North, he saw that Guyana was geographically on “top” of Brazil and in close proximity to a wide swathe of northern South and Central America. Guyana could be transformed into a hub, for instance, for flights into Northern Brazil, the Caribbean, Florida and further north. Thousands of miles of traveling, and a like amount of jet fuel, would be avoided.
Looking from a wider perspective, in addition to Brazil, there is a market to be serviced in the other BRICS destinations of South Africa and India - the latter via Mauritius. When we look at this scenario we realise that our skies are not as crowded as they might appear. It is our hope that this is the perspective that the new entrants would take - especially as they vie for market share in this introductory phase.
While the public might be tickled right now at the bargains they are picking up on tickets, they are only too aware of similar “boom and bust” scenarios in the past. The public will accept a reasonable, economic ticket price. While we cannot engage in price controls, the Ministry of Tourism might play a role in encouraging prudent decisions in this area.
In the meantime we cite the unfortunate denouement to the efforts of one of the new entrants as an object lesson to all of them to proceed with caution.
Guyanese want answers to why their nation stumbles through history
Dear Editor,
What’s the price for healing the Guyanese soul? Something happened to the Guyanese nation on the night of June 13, 1980. In one exploding instant, we lost our innocence. We inflicted grievous psycho-emotional harm to the Guyanese body politic. Today, our psyche suffers the stain of that dark night.
Guyanese want answers to why our nation stumbles through history, and today, nearly 50 years after political Independence from Britain, struggles to develop. The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) provides a platform for such answers to come forth, for a semblance of justice to heal Guyana.
The Commission is a kind of Freudian exercise in soul- cleansing. Just as an individual human person needs to introspect and exercise intellectual effort to build a good, solid life, a nation must also learn the art of self-healing. Making a nation is no easy task, and no one in the Commonwealth Caribbean knows that more than we Guyanese.
The metaphor of the body politic applies well to a nation, to our country Guyana. Thus, the characteristics of a human being, of the body with its mental and emotional makeup, apply to a nation.
Just like a sick person, crippled in his or her development at a young age, needs to learn self-healing, go through therapy, and know the mistakes of the past that caused the derailment of his or her life, a nation must also look back in order to pave the way forward into a workable, inspiring, developed future.
In any nation, excessive political power leads to a grotesque disability of
the national soul, to a mental handicap. Excessive abuse of political power is a Machiavellian madness, a mental condition, a psychoemotional disturbance.
Any human being in such a state would need intense psychotherapy. Any human being who suffered abuse causing such a devastating disability as a child needs intense therapeutic healing. The same with a nation like Guyana.
The Walter Rodney CoI is the platform for Guyanese to exercise that psychoemotional therapy on the Guyanese soul, to heal the mental damage that decades of repressive rule under the People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship, lasting two decades, foisted upon the fledgling Guyana nation, which impact we still feel today, in governance, local communities and the devastation of our national institutions, including the State, Police Force and Army.
This nation first blamed the British for our psychopathic socio-economic state; then we blamed the American imperialists; then we blamed the political parties. But we never sat down to rationally search our hearts, our minds, our souls, to introspect and exercise intellectual effort, to heal ourselves. Instead, we look for a punching bag to scapegoat, and proceed to beat it senseless, in the process beating up on ourselves – the very personification of mental disability.
The Walter Rodney CoI seeks to heal that gaping wound that left its mark upon the heart and soul of the Guyanese nation, on that day, June 13, 1980, when we had become so barbaric and inhumane and low that we assassinated our own great: Dr Walter Rodney was a world-famous historian,
brilliant scholar and a liberator of oppressed peoples everywhere. He got his doctorate at the age of 24. This gifted Guyanese turned his attention to his own homeland, Guyana, to free us Guyanese from a tyrannical dictatorship Government.
And we killed him. We used State resources and taxpayers’ money to conspire, execute and cover up this political, criminal act. But not only did we assassinate this gentle soul, we proceeded to carry on as a nation, marching into the future with this awful crime, this terrible psychic wound, on our conscience and soul and heart: the Guyana body politic for 34 years has limped around wounded. We need some kind of healing if we are to move forward.
President Donald Ramotar convened the Commission not for his whim and fancy. In fact, President Cheddi Jagan tried since 1992 to perform this healing surgery on the Guyana body politic. But the French Government refused to extradite the main suspect in Dr Rodney’s murder, ex-Army officer Gregory Smith, from French Guiana, to testify. President Jagan had to abandon the effort.
President Bharrat Jagdeo also made efforts, but leaders of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) asked President Jagdeo to put the Commission on hold because of the upcoming 2006 national elections.
Finally, in 2014, President Ramotar successfully convened the Presidential Commission. These are the facts, not political, emotional, paranoid or prejudicial speculation.
If the current Government displays any inefficiency or unprofessional conduct regarding the Commission, my view
is that it’s merely a metaphor of the state of the Guyanese society, the very thing the Commission’s work would aid in healing. For everything in this society gets tainted with inefficiency and unprofessionalism. Government suffers as much as the average Guyanese from our psychologically and emotionally dysfunctional state. If Nelson Mandela exercised wisdom to build a national platform for South Africa’s healing, from grave abuses of human rights and social justice, how much more should Guyana exorcise the demons that bedevil its soul?
In Mandela’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, South Africa found space to perform necessary surgery on its cancerous soul, thus finding some psycho-emotional healing as a nation. Guyana has not set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but in the Walter Rodney CoI, we see the first step to exercise that Freudian psycho-therapy that will provide some healing of the gaping wound on our national heart and soul inflicted on June 13, 1980. Witness after witness at the Commission testified how free and relieved they feel to bare their souls of their roles in the events of that day. The CoI is a dynamic process. It cannot be fixed and rigid in its work. And that dynamic flexibility lies with the authority of the Commissioners, especially Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham.
The Commission cannot be accused of unprofessionalism, as not only are the three members distinguished Caribbean legal luminaries, but they are also well respected in their work in the Commission so far.
Girls sit near mannequins displaying hijabs for sale at Tanah Abang market, ahead of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Jakarta, Indonesia. During Islam's holiest month, observant believers fast from dawn to dusk, and celebrate the end of Ramadan with the Eid al-Fitr festival (Reuters)
Granger accused of dodging Walter Rodney CoI
… Ogunseye says Burnham played role in Grenadian PM execution
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader David Granger is afraid to appear before the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), as it accused him of dodging the truth.
The party, led by then President Forbes Burnham, is being accused of killing the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Leader, Dr Walter Rodney; an allegation it had denied, but has refused to testify before the Commission.
Granger was a
Commander in the army during the period when Dr Rodney met his death.
“The question that needed to be answered is why is it that Granger is refusing to appear before the Commission, despite overwhelming evidence which points in the direction of his party’s involvement in the death of Dr Rodney.
“Is it because Granger is afraid to face up [to] the truth which is becoming increasingly manifest every time someone takes to the stand, in particular those who witnessed first-hand the atrocities of that period.
Guyanese want answers...
Persons have expressed concern that Guyanese taxpayers pay the bill for the Commission, and to keep extending its life until its work, findings and therapeutic process are completed is to waste taxpayers’ money.
First, this is an insult to the Commissioners, as it assumes they would waste financial resources in wanton fashion. As professionals, the Commissioners exercise discretion, ethics and morals, and to slight their characters with suggestions of financial waste is dishonest and improper.
Second, President Ramotar and the Ministry of Legal Affairs must be guided by the Commission as to its life and the time it takes to arrive at its results. Government dictat in no way plays a role at the Commission: Sir Cheltenham would never tolerate that; nor any of the Commissioners.
Third, what’s the cost for healing one’s soul? What’s the cost for psycho-therapy to heal that murderous June, 13, 1980 wound that afflicts the Guyanese body politic? What’s the price for ignoring the sickness in our soul that was inflicted so brutally when that bomb echoed across Georgetown at 20:15h on the night of June 13, 1980? What’s the price for cleansing our history of this grotesque deformity? What’s the price for healing the Guyanese nation?
What’s the price? Any person seeking therapy pays a hefty price. The Guyanese nation, over the past 34 years, has already paid a terrible sacrifice, in the socio-economic and politicocultural and psycho-emotional damage that defined the Guyanese nation all these decades. And indeed still does.
Just like justice, healing, a sense of closure, and comfort comes to the family of Dr Rodney through the process of the work of the Commission, the Guyanese
nation, each and every one of us, will experience the peace and healing and justice that the Commission’s work will engineer and generate in our soul.
The Guyanese nation will see a terrible burden lifted off our national psyche, and indeed we are already starting to feel this happening, to feel the lightness and the peace that comes with facing our past, with exercising the courage, wisdom and strength to perform necessary surgery on a wound that afflicted and crippled our socio-political self for decades. No individual could live without answers to wrongs against him or herself. We all want justice, healing, therapy, a cleansing of the muck and blood and sweat and tears that reduced us to a pitiable state. Thus it is as well with a nation. In 2014, it would do us all well to gather together to engage in this conversation, with full candor and openness and good conscience: to
talk out our deformities and disabilities.
A time will come when other injustices in this nation would have to be thus addressed. For now, it’s time to deal with the profoundly sad death of Dr Walter Rodney. This is the single most important healing that the Guyanese soul needs before we could move forward as one people, one nation, with one destiny.
The best outcome of the Commission of Inquiry would be an authentic, heartfelt, national apology from the People’s National Congress for the decades of socio-economic hardship that Guyanese suffered for so many years, and to the family of Dr Walter Rodney for his death and brutal assassination.
Guyanese today want answers from the PNC for its role in Government, and from the State organs that abused citizens’ rights in pursuit of dictatorial power, to cement the party’s
“If, as Granger is saying, that he and his party have clean hands, then why is he so reluctant to give his take on the events as they unfolded at that time when he was a key player in the military?
One would have thought that the best recourse to clearing his name is to take to the stand and explain his and the Army’s involvement in the matter,” the PPP/C said in a statement.
The truth
The ruling party is of the view that the Commission should use the power vested in it to summon all witnesses with relevant information to share in order to ensure that there is full disclosure of what had transpired.
paramount place in the Guyanese society.
Should we all just ignore the decades of our dysfunctional past, and move on?
I would suggest that our Guyanese nation would only continue its fractured stumbling into a default future of stunted socio-economic development if we do not perform the kind of pscho-surgery the Walter Rodney Commission of inquiry is accomplishing today.
The Commission of Inquiry into Dr Rodney’s death constitutes a necessary Freudian therapeutic healing process, to rid us of the political Machiavellian madness that crippled our socio-cultural self as we grew to be 48 years old.
Isn’t it time, before we turn 50 years old, still crippled in our Guyanese psyche, still stooped in psychopathic woundedness?
Sincerely,
Shaun Michael Samaroo
“There can be no “sacred cows” or “untouchables” insofar as the inquiry is concerned and appearance before the Commission should not be an option which any individual or party should seek to exercise”.
“The overall objective should be to arrive at the truth and any known individual or group with information considered helpful to the work of the Commission should be made mandatory to appear and share information at their disposal.
Former President Forbes Burnham
PNCR Leader David Granger
Former Grenadian Prime Minister Maurice Bishop
Page Foundation
Anu Dev
Last Thursday, I attended my little brother’s graduation. (Incidentally, he isn’t so “little” any more: even though 14, at 5’ 8” he towers over me - and doesn’t let me forget it.) And it was so strange, seeing all of these kids whom I’d known when they were first form “babies” running around, now ready to graduate from 5th form.
But it was even stranger NOT sitting in the “student-half” of the auditorium, surrounded by my friends. Stranger in a strange land! This time, I was seated with the adults, wearing a dress instead of my QC uniform.
It was all so familiar but yet so very, very strange at the same time. Eerie. Somewhere in the back of my mind I kept expecting my old buddies to turn up and we’d all sit together like we did every Monday and Friday for seven years at assembly.
Walking around Queen’s, what struck me was that though most
Ramadan Mubarak greetings
things seemed the sam, there were enough differences to give me pause. The auditorium was decorated differently than were different- seemingly small things that shouldn’t matter made an impression on me because I suspect I’d gotten used to seeing things pretty much the same way day after day for seven years.
own Graduation. At every Graduation, two persons from each of the graduating classes (5th and 6th Formers) are selected to
a class at QC. I enjoyed listening to the reflections by the students as they remembered those moments that really meant something to them.
But it was nice seeing the Class of 2014 graduate- another wave of QC students ready to tackle University, 6th form or the world of work. Ready to pursue their dreams. It took me back to my
The recurrent theme woven through the reflections was that by the end of it all they’d become a family.
And now I’ve realised that there’s no avoiding it: I’ll definitely be one of those 50-something year olds who stop random QC
children in Austin’s to chat about QC and to find about how E house is doing!!
I guess what I’m saying is that you can take the girl out of QC but you can’t take the QC out of the girl. No matter how old I get, stepping into that stuffy QC auditorium will always take me back to those days when I was a little schoolgirl with my hair neatly plaited with a ribbon.
Meeting certain teachers will always make me do a mental check to make sure I’m not breaking any rules (Am I walking on the right-hand side of the stairs?
Yes. I am. Good. Oh wait, I’m wearing nail polish. Oh no. Hang on, I’m an adult now, adults are allowed to paint their nails. Breathe, Stand straight, QC girls don’t slouch. You look fine, go say “Hi” now. “Oh Hi, Miss! How are you?”)
I was so proud to see my brother graduate on Thursday, all grown up and wearing the familiar black and gold gown. And it was nice to sing my old school song again.
And sing the old school song. And I’m getting all mushy again. Got to go! Fideles Ubique Utiles.
Iwould like to send out Ramadan Mubarak greetings to all of Guyana, especially the Muslim community. This is a time of great sacrifice, a time when Muslims all across the world celebrate one of the tenets of Islam in the form of fasting; fasting is not only a physical experience, but one that is deeply spiritual in nature and one that purifies the physical, spiritual and mental aspects of the human kind.
Fasting is also a time when patience and charity form part of the virtues and tenets of the person who is fasting, or for Muslims all across the world. Fasting is the greatest cure for arrogance; it is the greatest cure for any misconception of what life is and what our responsibility to each other as human beings are.
It is the cleansing of one’s mind and soul in bringing you closer to the commandments as prescribed in the Holy Book, so it is my sincere wish that Guyana is blessed in a very special way this month and that all the Muslims observing this auspicious occasion are given the strength, mercies, patience and all that is required to make their fasting successful.
I also hope that the message of Ramadan, which is one of peace, which is one of tolerance, which is one of patience, is also adopted in our national psyche that we may be in a better position to advance the developmental agenda of our country to understand that our existence is not premised on anything else, but our service to each other; our service to humanity, and in this case, our service this country.
So with these few words, I’d like to wish all of Guyana Ramadan Mubarak.
Granger accused...
“It is clear that Granger and the PNC are seeking to belittle and denigrate both the decision to establish the Commission and the characters of some of those who gave evidence in an attempt to shield itself from the shame and embarrassment which is emanating from the disclosures. The PNC is clearly in a denial mode as an increasing body of new information is coming up which links Granger’s PNC to the death of Dr Rodney.
“The truth is that no amount of denial will suffice to erase the agonising pain inflicted by the PNC on Guyana’s body-politic during that period in our history, which will go down as the darkest and most painful episode in our political history,” the PPP/C said.
Killing of Grenadian Prime Minister
The party said it feels justified in its call to have the inquiry set up and views the evidence and confessions made so far by those who appeared and gave evidence as a necessary condition for the restoration of political health.
“It is the view of the party that the Commission is tantamount to a Truth Commission, as was the case of South Africa during the post-apartheid period which can only bring positive benefits to our society as it seeks to come to terms with its past.”
Thus far, the testimonies before the Commission have painted the PNC regime as oppressive and murderous, in addition to having officials who sexually exploited fe-
male job -seekers.
Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive Member Tacuma Ogunseye also told the Commission that the soldiers who assassinated former Grenadian Prime Minister Maurice Bishop were trained by the Burnham Administration.
Bishop (May 29, 1944 –October,19 1983) seized power in a coup in 1979 from Eric Gairy and served as Prime Minister of the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada until 1983, when he was overthrown in another coup by Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard, a member of his own Government, and executed.
In 1983, disputes at the top level of the party leadership occurred. A group within the party attempted to get Bishop to either step down or agree to a powersharing agreement with Coard. Bishop rejected these proposals and was eventually deposed and placed under house arrest during the first week of October 1983 by Coard. Large public demonstrations demanding the restoration of Bishop subsequently took place in various parts of the island.
In the course of one of those demonstrations, Bishop was freed from house arrest by the crowd. In unclear circumstances, Bishop made his way to the Army Headquarters at Fort Rupert (known today as Fort George).
After he arrived, a military force was dispatched from another location to Fort Rupert. Fighting broke out later at Fort Rupert, with many civilians being killed. Bishop and seven others, including Cabinet Ministers, were captured. Later in the day, on October 19, they were executed by an army firing squad.
Housing Minister Irfaan Ali
SPL, CCWU ink ‘decent’ salary agreement
After a couple weeks of intense negotiations, an agreement was signed between Sterling Products Limited (SPL), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and the Labour Ministry on June 18 at the Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office.
The 10-page agreement was signed in the presence of all the parties.
The Memorandum of Agreement valid for the 2014-2015 period includes an increase in wages and salaries of 7.5 per cent for the year 2014 and 7 per cent for the year 2015. The new minimum wage is now $12,518 per week.
In terms of benefits, there were increases in the annual
bursary award, meal allowance, travelling allowance and cold-room premiums. Other benefits that were maintained were paid vacation leave, employees’ health insurance, paid sick leave, education assistance, pension plan and life insurance.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramsay Ali expressed satisfaction at the work of the union and other parties in reaching the agreement.
“The employees were well represented and for 10 years as CEO of the company ,we always look for the betterment of Sterling Products Limited and the employees,” he said.
CCWU President Sherwood Clarke in his remarks said arriving at the final agreement took a lot
TravelSpan in for...
“It is our hope that the new entrants into the market will appreciate the history of airlines into Guyana, as we have, being there since 1994. Predatory pricing disguised in the name of competition will get us nowhere and it is our expectation that this will be acknowledged by all players as not being positive for the long- term development of the aviation industry in Guyana,” said Nohar Singh.
In an effort to cushion the impact of below cost airfares, TravelSpan has been collaborating with Vision Airlines. Boeing 767/300
and 767/200 are owned by Vision Airline with a special financial agreement in place.
“They are willing to work with us on the cost… help buffer the prices that we are offering at the moment. They are working with us to ensure the prices of tickets do not affect the company tremendously.”
The General Manager made it clear, that TravelSpan this time around will not buckle under pressure, due to its support from Vision Airline.
“Even though there is competition right now, we are confident that the
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Guyanese people will support us, we know our fares are good and we know our product is good because it is not a new product, it is a product that has been tried and tested.”
She added: “Whatever influx is in the market right now, we know that it is only temporary and we know that we are her for the long haul, so we are not threatened by the competition. We welcome the competition.”
Come July through August, the airline will be offering four flights weekly. “Flights at the moment are 80-90 per cent booked.”
TravelSpan has been in the aviation industry for 19 years, operating in the US, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Under the stewardship of the President and Chief Executive Officer Nohar Singh, TravelSpan has grown over the years and continues to be the “largest producer of air transport passengers from the US to both Trinidad and Guyana”.
With a repeat rate of 70
per cent, the airline has established a strong revenue structure, which is complement with a strong core route structure.
“It is able to leverage this core structure and move in and out of seasonal markets and niche markets as opportunities arise without the risk of maintenance, flight crew managements and aircraft ownership,” a report issued on the company stated.
of work, but now everyone is satisfied at the results. He said the union did fairly well in negotiations and he thanked the management of SPL for being patient.
“At the end I’m very pleased and we are looking forward for this kind of relationship in the future,” he said.
Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle commended SPL and CCWU for being able to negotiate an agreement without the need for the Ministry’s intervention. Ogle lauded SPL for what he described as their consistent efforts to maintain good relations with employees and the union, and the company’s push to ensure working conditions are continually improved.
CEO Nohar Singh noted that the present run is only the beginning of TravelSpan’s plans for creating CJIA as hub for flights in the region, in partnership with Vision Airlines. From this perspective, the modernisation of CJIA was most welcome.
“As an overseas Guyanese, I am proud that we have proved our commitment to Guyana,” concluded Singh.
SPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramsay Ali (left) and Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle shake hands on the signing of the agreement
Eyew tness
Banality...
...of Burnham's evil
The philosopher Hannah Arendt, not coincidentally a German Jew who'd escaped the Nazi Death Camps, spoke about the "banality of evil" after seeing the innocuous- looking Nazi SS officer Eichmann, who oversaw the extermination of the Jews. Shorn of his state powers, he was just a petty, ambitious nothing. With the testimony coming out and around the Rodney CoI, this is the picture coming out of Burnham.
We suspect if he'd survived the operation on his throat at the Georgetown Hospital in 1985, he'd be something like Hamilton Green today. A buffoon and pretender to his faded, feared powers. Back in the day, Green was feared even more than Burnham. Bereft of Burnham's patina of urbanity, Green's was all about brute force and ignorance.
One old Burnham apologist, Abu Bakr, all the way from Gay Paris, informs us that when Burnham heard about Rodney's death he was "shocked and angry"!! That fits right in with the testimony up to now, no? What's that testimony? Rodney was infiltrating the army - Burnham's main bulwark of power - the protector of the rigging. Armies were overthrowing Third World governments left, right and centre. But even though Granger, the then newly appointed Burnhamite head of the army said this was threatening - Burnham was "shocked and angry" at the removal of the threat.
The banality enters from the testimony of Ogunseye who spoke of Burnham's "vindictiveness". Burnham was petty enough to remember that as a schoolboy Rodney was more of a "Queen’s boy" than he could even be. He mocked Rodney's prowess at scaling fences when pursued by baton-wielding House of Israel goons. Rodney was a champion high jumper at Queen’s.
Burnham liked to equate his superficial glibness with "intellectualism". Rodney exposed his pretensions to strut on the world stage. At 28, Rodney's "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" had already shaken up the leftist intellectual world that Burnham tried to impress with his descriptive platitudes. Rodney had a firm grasp of Marxist intellectual theory. Burn ham never forgave him for the easy international recognition Rodney, two decades his junior, received.
If Burnham chafed at the achievements of his erstwhile student at Queen’s, Martin Carter - read about Burnham's pettiness to Carter during the gathering of intellectuals in Georgetown in 1970 - imagine how Rodney's achievements must've irked him. Burnham could never perform the intellectual rigour of writing a book - Rodney produced the groundbreaking, "History of the Guyanese Working Peoples" - in his spare time while fighting the Burnhamite dictatorship.
But after warning Rodney and the WPA to "write their wills" and that his "steel was sharper" Burnham, was "shocked and angry" at Rodney's death!! Puleeeese!!!
...of Opposition's evil on FATF
They say "no news is good news". We hope that's the case with the FATF's silence at their recent conclave to review Guyana's compliance with their global financial rules. It would appear that Ms Teixeira was able to persuade that Guyana's lack of compliance was not for lack of trying on the part of the government.
We're sure the exhortations of the entire local private sector, Caricom, the entire diplomatic corps etc. to plead with the Opposition to quit using the AML/CFT as blackmail didn't go unnoticed. These supranational organisations don't normally get involved with internal politics - but this position of the Opposition is obviously so egregious and unprecedented that the FATF had to take administrative notice.
What the Opposition has done however, is that while there aren't official sanctions announced, as Republic Bank recently informed us, private banks will be tightening up their scrutiny whenever "Guyana" appears on any cross-border financial transactions.
The Opposition's banal blackmail to get their hands on power, will still damage Guyana.
...of TIP blame game
The US report on TIP blames the government because a magistrate dismissed a case due to insufficient evidence. So the government should've cooked up some evidence? Or perchance threaten the magistrate?
Consultation hears of problems affecting Brazilian miners
The Brazilian Mining and General Association says some of its members have complained of victimisation and is calling on the Government, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to look into the situation.
Secretary of the Association, Antonio Szala,
speaking at a consultation, on Thursday, said he is disappointed with the treatment often meted out to Brazilian miners in the country.
He explained that there are some Mines Officers and Police officers who are in the business of taking advantage of Brazilian miners, and in some cases, according to him, are blatantly robbing the Brazilians of their earnings.
Szala told the gathering that he has received reports from a Brazilian national who claimed that he was stripped, searched and had his gold taken away by men who claimed to be Mines officers.
The Secretary noted that the Government has continu-
ously made calls for nationals from other countries to come here and has consistently said that they welcome the Brazilians here, but the treatment which they are receiving is far from welcoming.
“The President and the Minister, Robert Persaud, always saying they have no problem with the Brazilians coming and work here, that they are welcome here at anytime but the treatment that they are getting is not showing that,” Szala said.
The man noted that he has had to- on numerous occasions- visit the Police stations and outposts to post bail for some of his Brazilian friends and members of the Association for no particular reason.
Harassed
“They come with work permits yet they are being harassed. The Police pick them up if they are walking on the roads and lock them up just to get money. If they don’t have work permits is the same thing and the process to get work permits for them is so long and drawn out. I don’t know what is happening. Some system needs to be put in place to address this. The policy needs
to be reviewed and reworked.
The Brazilians are making such a valuable contribution to this country but not everyone knows that. They are teaching us how to mine, we are always learning from them,” the man
stated.
Szala also suggested to Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) Chairman Patrick Harding, that the Association facilitate talks with the Ministries
of Home Affairs and Natural Resources to implement a system that can see Brazilian miners being granted their work permits in a shorter time than the one which currently exists.
“In Suriname, you as a foreigner can get your work permit in three days. Here, the miners have to wait forever to receive theirs and in the process, they are harassed and taken advantage of, especially due to the language barrier which exists. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Natural Resources Ministry should facilitate a system where the miners can pay maybe a small fee for it to be quickly processed and they too can get
their permits in three days or a week,” he told the Chairman. As a result of the harassment from the Police and the long process of accessing work permits, it was communicated that several of the Brazilian miners have begun leaving the country with the view that they cannot continue to work under such situations. He made it clear that the Brazilian Mining and General Association would not sit idly by and allow persons to take advantage of Brazilian miners, especially since many of those being harassed are the ones operating in Guyana legally, and are selling their gold to the Guyana Gold Board.
Menu of measures launched to tackle TIP
The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) has designed a menu of measures in order to continue its efforts to combat human trafficking with a new action plan 2014-2015, which will be implemented over a two-year period.
This action plan, while completely new to a large extent, also builds on initiatives that were already put in place in the previous 2012-2013 plan. There have been significant efforts to change and improve the latter on the basis of sound monitoring and evaluation.
In Guyana, the groups that appear to be more vulnerable to trafficking than others include young female illegal migrants from Columbia, Brazil and Venezuela; women in conflict with the law; young men
and women from the hinterland; domestic workers, and under-educated youths.
According to the new report, dissemination of information plays an integral role in educating a nation, and this is a responsibility which the Task Force takes very seriously to ensure that such information reaches citizens across the country, ultilising a variety of media.
The Task Force plans to embark on a series of awareness and sensitisation sessions in communities in all 10 administrative regions. Significant support in this regard will be provided to support the 38 individuals who were trained at
a special workshop late last year.
These persons were drawn from the various regions and will serve as conduits between the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry and communities.
O ther activities will include distribution of over 5000 TIP awareness booklets; sensitisation sessions targeting 30 secondary schools and various youth groups in the 10 regions; a national rally to be held in January next year; more training programmes for focal points
and civil society representatives; updating of the protocols to guide formal interagency cooperation; joint planning and implementation of prevention activities; establishment of area action Task Forces; and training of Lawyers, Magistrates and Police Officers,including Immigration Officers and Mines Officers.
Apart from activities to prevent TIP, more measures will also be put in place to protect victims of human trafficking. This would entail providing shelter, food, clothing, and medical, psychological and psychosocial care.
TIP is an estimated US $32 billion per year global industry; after drug-trafficking it is world’s second most profitable criminal enterprise, a status it shares with trafficking in illegal arms.
A section of the gathering at Thursday’s consultation
Brazilian Mining and General Association
Secretary Antonio Szala
Culture, sport vital for balanced education – Dr Anthony
Education is a journey that may take a number of years; however, that journey is not complete without two important components: sport and cultural activities/experiences.
This concept was emphasised by Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony at a graduation ceremony hosted by the Valmiki Vidyalaya in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.
The graduating class started with 21 students, but one migrated. The Minister recognised that for a small class, they have all achieved places at the top secondary school in the city and on the East Coast. According to reports,
40 per cent of the students attained senior secondary schools, while the other 60 per cent obtained schools with a five or sixyear Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) programme. It is important to note that even though securing a senior secondary school is good, students need to work harder, because there will be more intense competitions among the students. He added that other schools other than the senior schools produce top performers at the CSEC level. Minister Anthony was referring to the Anna Regina Secondary School in Region Two, which has produced
top students in Guyana and the Caribbean for two consecutive years.
Minister Anthony emphasised that the students are now taking a step into higher education. It is therefore important that at this stage they assess their weaknesses and improve those, so as to attain future success. In this regard, the Minister noted that he would like to see all the students completing secondary school and moving on to university.
The Minister also called on the students to use the knowledge they have gained, and will gain, to aid in improving their communities and to help humanity.
Minister Anthony commended the administrators of the school for promoting their culture; this is in recognition of the fact that in some schools this important component – cultural awareness – is neglected. While a lot of emphasis is on numeracy and literacy, more focus should be on cultural literacy in the education system, so as to ensure that Guyana’s cultural heritage is not lost.
Class teacher, Hemanchal Singh, in his remarks emphasised that he was pleased to have worked with the students in Grades Five and Six regardless of the challenges faced. While sharing his experiences with the students, he indicated that he was not surprised with the results. Singh emphasised the importance for teachers to be aware of their students’ performance in the Grades Two and Four exams, since this gives an idea of their strengths and weaknesses.
He also encouraged the teachers to complete the syllabus for each class, since this has an impact on the results for the Grade Six exams. Singh commended the teachers for their support and dedication towards their children’s education.
While congratulating the 2014 students, Pandit Haresh Tewari called on the Grade Five students to use the graduating class as an example of what is expected of them. He stressed that there are two things needed for success; and those are hard work and prayers. He emphasised that the school seeks to provide education alongside good values.
Best graduating student was Amit Dass, who shared his experiences of being in the school for eight years. He expressed appreciation to his parents, teachers and fellow students for their support.
Special awards were given to Madhav Tewari, who sat the National Grade Six Assessment one year before his time; he was ranked among the top 100 students in Guyana. Kampta Persaud and Alicia Harriram were recognised for their allround performance; Savitri Narine for her display of honesty and excellence and Roberto Thomas for his excellence in sports.
Bitchslapped
Satiricus was sad. Here it was that the Naga Man was complaining again that the former Prezzie’s (Prezzie J) ghost was still haunting State House. And that it had “tek over” the incumbent - Prezzie R. “Well,” Satiricus sighed, “He hadn’t actually said that. But he might as well have said it.” Naga Man was convinced that everything Prezzie R did, it was Pressie J’s doing.
Pressie R lost weight - well it had to be Pressie J at work....since he had also thrown off some pounds a while back!! “Sato, is why yuh does worry suh?” asked Cappo solicitously. “Yuh gon get old befo yuh time!!”
“But I worry about Naga Man. Like he can’t get his mind off Pressie J. Even when the man is off the local scene and doing all kinda things outside,” Satiricus explained to the fellows around the table.
Suresh laughed. “Budday that is what does happen when you get “bitch-slapped”. Naga Man had it in his head he was top dog in the Party... but Prezzie J hit him so hard, the chap never ketch heself!”
“Lemme hear about this ‘bitch-slap’ theory of politics!!” piped up Teacher Samad.
“Well is just that in the party Ex-Co discussion, every time Naga Man open he mouth, Prezzie Jwould show how stupid it was,” explained Suresh.
“He used to sweep he mouth, because he was the only person who heard Cheddi name him as the “successor”, not Prezzie J!!!” pointed out Hari.
“But Naga Man was one of the old heads in the party,” Satiricus protested. “The lawyers would say he had ‘reasonable expectations’?”
“Sato me fren...yuh does mek yuh heart talk... nat yuh head,” said Cappo, shaking his own head. “Tell me wha mek de Old Man never mek Naga Man nothing?”
“Well, he had a lil drinking problem,” Satiricus conceded. “But he still stick around for a longer time.”
“Lil” drinking problem??!!” said Hari, rolling his eyes. “Bai, that is like saying that the Kaieteur is a ‘lil’ waterfall!!”
“The amount Naga Man put away every day could create a ‘lil’ waterfall!!” chuckled Teacher Samad - at which the entire table cracked up. Naga Man’s drinking prowess was legendary. There is not a bar in Guyana he hadn’t patronised.
“But Sato, old fren, jus because Naga Man bin around laaaang, he should think he better than Pressie J?” asked Cappo.
“Cappo, don’t beat around the bush,” interjected Suresh. “Naga Man was always a ‘talk man’ not a ‘do man’...and the big ones in the party wanted a ‘do man’. Which is what Pressie. J was.”
Satiricus was stumped. He finally blurted out, “But who gon now get the votes from all the rum shops for the party??”
The 2014 graduating class of the Valmiki Vidyalaya School
26 officers being trained as GPF middle managers
The 2014 Guyana Police Force, Junior Officers’ Course is under way, with 26 law enforcement officers receiving training which seeks to address the critical needs of middle managers in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and its sister organisations.
The course aims to equip the middle manager with leadership skills to link the senior command and the lower rank and file of the GPF, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service and the City Constabulary.
The two-module course, which commenced one-month ago, and is well into module one, was inaugurated on Friday by Home Affairs
Minister Clement Rohee and acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, who both stressed the pivotal role of ensuring continuous training to achieve effective law enforcement in Guyana.
“The Ministry of Home
Affairs believes that training at all levels of the Force is pivotal to the long and short-term sustainability of the Guyana Police Force,” Minister Rohee said.
He pointed out that his Ministry, not being unmindful of the need for training in the Force, has over the years provided full support to successive Police Commissioners in their training programmes. A policy which he pledged to continue.
Minister Rohee noted that the policy of the Force to facilitate the participation of members of the other services in Junior Officers’ Courses is continuing, and lauded the arrangement. He said in fact, that it is necessary that this arrangement be sustained, since the Government believes that the disciplined services should engage in joint training and operations to build capacity and promote the concept of collaboration and cooperation.
Proactive crooks
The Home Affairs Minister also noted that such joint exercises would also allow members of the services to appreciate the way each agency functions. They would also provide opportunities for the sharing of experiences, he said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by the Police Commissioner, who noted that the presence of participants from the other organisations, could help to contribute not only to the success of the course, but also to its lasting impact in addressing organised crime and other law-enforcement issues. “In this world, networking is critical,” Seelall said. He advised of the old
Chinese saying, that when good gains a foot, evil gains a yard. “As we upgrade our skills and equipment, rest assured that criminals are doing the same. To win against such misguided and determined persons, the forces of law and order have to work together and we have to keep raising our gains,” he warned.
He cautioned that it is necessary but not sufficient for law-enforcement authorities to become smarter and more equipped to deal with the changing face of evil.
He said therefore that it is essential for officers to learn the latest technologies and to understand how they might be abused by felons, as well as how they could be deployed to enhance Police work.
The Junior Officers’ Course Number 25 is one of the core courses of the GPF. It is among several other core courses that are responsible for capacity-building for the members of the GPF. The course is of 12 weeks dura-
tion. Module One is for five weeks and addresses management and leadership principles.
Force Training Officer,Senior Superintendent Paul Williams, explained that this module is being conducted under the auspices of the University of Guyana, and would have dealt with topics including strategic management, leadership and motivation, communication and new media and stress and anger management.
Module Two is of seven weeks duration and focuses on Police procedures, operations and coordinating functions of the Joint Services, he said.
Topics to be covered under this module are structured under the premise of core functions and principles, challenges and issues that have emerged from reports, speeches, the media and other international best practices.
Williams said that to meet the challenges and to ensure that ranks are equipped with the requisite knowledge, a wider section of stakeholders, including the Director of Public Prosecutions; Chairman of the Police Complaints’ Authority; the Attorney General’s Chambers and political parties are being in-sourced to deliver on these topics.
This year, the Junior Officers’ Course is being conducted under the theme: “Training with the focus of maximising visions, skills and art for enhancing leadership for a modern Guyana Police Force”. The course has 26 participants; 22 are from the GPF; and one each from the other services.
Guyana “not out of the … to undergo targeted review by
While Guyana was not mentioned in the report of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) at the end of its most recent plenary in Paris, France, President Donald Ramotar said that Guyana is “not out of the woods”.
The country will not have to undergo a targeted review by FATF, the findings of which will be announced when FATF meets again in October later this year.
Last month Guyana was further blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the regional watchdog body which also referred Guyana to its parent body, FATF. That referral has since been accepted.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday at State House, President Ramotar said that the strengthening of the country’s financial system is at the core of economic development, and as such, passage of the Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill should not have been a matter of political contention. “I have said that Bill is
Security guard found
Ravi Kumar also known as “Powers”, a security guard stationed at the NEW GPC, Farm, East Bank Demerara location was found dead at his post on Saturday.
The 57-year-old man was found by a co-worker, who was reportedly at the time making a routine inspection when he stumbled on the body of Kumar.
Guyana Times understands that the man’s body was found at approximately 06:40h.
NEW GPC INC Head of Security Mark Agrippa explained that when the man’s body was found, paramedics were immediately summoned, and on arrival at the scene, they pronounced Kumar dead.
brother ably. Kumar’s law, that Friday its and that as a
Kumar chest reports, a cardiac
to the where mortem
Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee
Subsequently, the Guyana Police Force was contacted and ranks on arrival at the scene, cordoned off the area and conducted preliminary in-
vestigations.
When visited Goedverwagting, Demerara
Ravi Kumar
President Donald Ramotar
of the woods”– Ramotar
review by FATF
economas such,
Anti-money Countering Terrorism should not of politi-
that Bill is
an anti-corruption Bill, it an anti-narcotic drug Bill and if you do not want to support that, then objectively you are on the side of criminals and money launderers, all of that is what you are actually defending… we are not out of the woods, I don’t know what form the review will take,” the President said.
Nevertheless, the Government is moving ahead to put in place the other systems (non-legislative aspects) that came out of the CFATF’s recommendations.
This includes the operationalisation of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). SOCU is a non-parliamentary recommendation that is part of the second round of reviews.
It is intended to be Guyana’s response to its treaty obligation to investigate suspicious financial transactions that are related
to money laundering.
At present, the recruiting process in accordance with the Terms of Reference (ToRs) and the short-listing of applicants has to be concluded.
Countermeasures for Guyana’s AML deficiencies could entail, among others, the requirement of enhanced due diligence measures; introducing enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refusing the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in the country concerned, or otherwise taking into account the fact that the relevant financial institution is from a country that does not have adequate AML/ CFT systems and limiting the business relationships or financial transactions with the identified country or persons in that country.
found dead at worksite
the Guyana contacted arrival at the the area preliminary in-
vestigations.
When Guyana Times visited Kumar’s Lot 18 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara home, the man’s brother was grieving inconsolably.
Kumar’s daughter-inlaw, Usha Nadir, explained that the man left for work on Friday afternoon in good spirits and good health, noting that his sudden death comes as a surprise to the family.
Nadir said in the past, Kumar would complain of chest pains, and according to reports, he may have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Kumar’s body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home where it is awaiting a postmortem .
Police have not ruled out that foul play may have led to the man’s death and are conducting their investigations from all angles.
Truth Simply the
Attitudes again
The New Jersey Arya Samaj under Pandit Suresh Sugrim initiated a “Humanitarian Mission” about three years ago in Babu John, Port Mourant. As the then Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC), it was my pleasure to facilitate in every way possible. The various Toronto Chapters of the Arya Samaj also came on board.
The result of this collaboration is the realisation of a dream. From what I have seen of the building at Babu John, it is nothing short of impressive. What does this “Humanitarian Mission” intend to do?
Several Pandits and members of the Arya Samaj explained in detail to me from the beginning.
The complex at Babu John is meant to house a skills/training centre (sewing, information technology, basic mechanics, etc) for youths, especially but not exclusively.
It is also meant to be a refuge for victims of domestic violence as well as for pregnant teenagers who have been set adrift. The building will also have a counselling centre for victims of all sorts.
Very importantly, it will also serve as an educational resource centre, open to the general public.
This is the kind of noble thing that we should
all recognise. It is all done from North America, including the raising of funds. A great deal of time and energy is spent by groups of individuals, all of it on a voluntary basis.
The New Jersey and Toronto Chapters of the Arya Samaj held a meeting in Toronto this week. Some 20 people attended, all Guyanese of different genders and ages. I was invited by Pandit Sugrim and gladly attended.
It was refreshing to me that vile things were thrown away: there was no stink of racism, no narrowness of regionalism, no stench of gender bias, no religious latrine bigotry.
And there was no mention of petty party politics, that venomous thing that continues to poison Guyana. Instead, there was much concern about the state of the young in Guyana and what can and must be done to help.
The entire meeting was centred on ways to create a more skilled and civil Guyanese society. The professionalism of those in attendance set an example, and the behaviour of all was consistently pleasant and civil without being stuffy. There was clean laughter. Not one voice was raised in anger or selfrighteousness. I made bold to speak about things that may be useful to this mission.
First, we need to involve the Guyana Police Force by training recruits from the Felix Austin Police College, as well as active ranks in relevant disciplines. UGBC did this for years, but that has been thrown away now.
Second, there must be a concerted effort to reach out to all of Guyana (that sentiment was expressed by others several times), but especially to the Forgotten Region, as they now know themselves to be –Region 5.
Third, the Mission can involve in informal ways students who are reading for degrees in Social Work. We know that volunteerism is still almost a foreign thing in Guyana. This needs to be strengthened and encouraged in real ways.
One of the other impressive things at this meeting that seemed more like a gathering of friends was the honest recognition that Guyana has become a begging bowl (or barrel) society. One of the Pandits actually quoted Confucius’s famous, “Do not give them fish; teach them how to fish”. The underlying idea of the mission is to enable and educate!
Educate and enable every single willing member of Guyanese society, even if the Mission is located in Berbice.
This is a grand vision as
much as it is a noble one. It will not be easy, of course, since red tape strangles many good initiatives. But one must admire the spirit and the work done thus far. Guyana is not known to honour good work in official ways. Quite to the contrary. official Guyana seems dedicated to rewarding the sub-mediocre. It would be such a wonderful thing should Ministries hop on board. All too often, it is people who wish to serve who approach the Ministries begging for a chance to make a difference. People like me would be pleasantly surprised if the relevant Government Ministries make an overture to organisations such as the Arya Samaj in a “helping to help” way.
Of course, this takes humility, which is itself in short supply.
Professor Daizal Samad
Usha Nadir
Ramotar
Opposition acting strangely on restoration of illegally ‘chopped funds’ – Ramotar
President Donald Ramotar on Saturday expressed his displeasure with what he termed certain “distortions in the media”, which have gone unchallenged.
Speaking at a press conference at State House, the President contended that one of the distortions is the Opposition’s labelling of the Government’s return to the National Assembly with financial papers for monies disapproved in the 2014 budget as unconstitutional.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh recently told the National Assembly that Government spent in excess of $4.5 billion to cover expenses the Opposition had disapproved in the 2014 budget. This represented a fraction of the whopping $37.4 billion cut from the original allocation of $220 billion.
According to Dr Singh, the monies he is now seeking approval for was spent during the period January 1June 16, 2014. Monies were restored to the Amerindian Development Fund, the Transport Ministry, the Government Information Agency (GINA), the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Office of the President (OP).
Opposition Parliamentarian Joseph Harmon and Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge have opposed the restoration of the disapproved funds, labelling it unconstitutional, contentious, illegal and disrespect-
ful.
President Ramotar said he has been tempted to question why this issue is being tagged unconstitutional again as it was dealt with and even received Opposition support previously.
Precedents
“Largely because in 2012 and 2013, we did exactly the same thing and the Opposition voted for many of them in the National Assembly and it is totally within the Constitution.”
According to the President, Article 218 (3) of the Constitution of Guyana states “very clearly that the Constitution has given us that right to go to the Constitution and take these matters back to the National Assembly. So clearly, why they are playing that line that it is unconstitutional when they themselves participated in it in 2012 and 2013 and they didn’t see it being unconstitutional then, why are they branding it unconstitutional now?”
The Head of State attempted to justify the restoration of funds for certain areas, including the Amerindian Development Fund and Office of the President, noting that cutting the budget of the Office of the President in particular was totally unconstitutional and is a matter the Government could win in court.
“There are monies for the Amerindian Development
Fund and we feel very strongly that we have to put this money to try to develop our interior to catch up with the rest of the coastal areas and so forth.
It is a lot of others, LCDS; it’s the University of Guyana students loans that are being put back. I don’t know if that is unjustified that they were ready to vote that out.
“It is paying salaries to the Office of the President. If the Executive is to carry out his Executive functions effectively on behalf of the nation, we have to put that in place. In fact, I think that the cutting of the monies for the Office of the President was totally unconstitutional on their part, and in fact, if we had taken it to the court, I am sure we would have won.”
Noting that he is most times reluctant to put motives to some of the attacks and criticisms levelled against Government, President Ramotar said he could not help suspecting now that there must be some sinister purpose afoot since the Opposition restored monies initially cut from the budget in 2012 and 2013.
“So all these noises they (Opposition) are making, really for what purpose? It seems to be some sinister purpose that they have in mind,” President Ramotar opined.
The Opposition last year cut the budget by $31 billion and in 2012 by $21 billion.
Younge’s take
The President’s
dare
The dare issued to the opposition political parties by President Donald Ramotar, if acted upon, can redefine Guyana’s political landscape.
President Ramotar, understandably, is frustrated because of several developments in the 65-seat legislature that are hampering his government’s ability to achieve several promises made in its manifesto through a menu of developmental projects and initiatives.
He is also frustrated because his overtures and olive branches have not yielded fruit. The relations between his government and the opposition are sour and there are no signs that improvements are under way.
Ramotar is also scuffing because he feels strongly that the agenda of the Opposition has been exposed time and time again, but there have been no changes to policies and ideologies that are guiding the actions of the David Granger- led movement.
Therefore, his response to the threats issued by the Alliance For Change and its partner, A Partnership for National Unity, to bring down the government via a no- confidence motion in the National Assembly, is not surprising, but most revealing.
It has demonstrated that he is unwilling to allow the situation in the country to degenerate further to the point where there is no progress with a sense of hopelessness hovering over the population because of partisan politics.
President Ramotar also believes that the opposition’s banter about a no-confidence motion is a “bluff” designed to bully his government into conformity with the wishes of the opposition.
President Ramotar could be right, as the Alliance For Change is now making 10 immediate demands from the government which, if granted, could see plans to move a no-confidence vote scrapped.
But the President is not likely to negotiate or compromise. He has stated time and time again that he will not negotiate under duress nor will he succumb to political pressure.
His posture also suggests that he is very confident that if any snap elections were called, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic would be returning to the National Assembly with an outright majority.
It is no secret that the PPP/C has its campaign machinery and plan in place for the eventuality of snap elections.
Most of the supporters of the PPP/C which gained the single largest bloc of votes at the last elections also believe that snap elections are the only solution to the gridlock and crisis that is facing the country.
But the opposition has found itself in a worrisome place. If elections are called and the PPP/C performs even better, then the opposition is likely to have squandered the opportunities they had under the “new dispensation”.
Were the PPP/C to regain its parliamentary majority, then the opposition would have been the author of its own fate, while ordering the extraction of their own teeth in the Assembly.
Much is at stake and the Opposition must understand the mood of the Guyanese public at this point in history. The Opposition must ensure that there is no disconnect between their views and interests and those of the people of Guyana.
Time is on the side of no man, but President Ramotar has taken a gamble but somehow, the mood of the country and its citizenry suggests, that the cards maybe in his favour.
US exploring for Guyana in solid waste management
The US Embassy has pledged to continue exploring for support for the Government and the natural resources and environmental sector in the areas of new and emerging technology and solid- waste management.
According to a release, the commitment was given following a recent meet-
ing between US Embassy Economic and Political Officer Frisco Mc Donald and Political and Economic Counsellor James Bjorkman and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud.
Discussion centred on ongoing support for the Natural Resources and the environmental sectors, with
emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Minister Persaud stated that the US Embassy has been a valuable external partner with collaboration in the areas of oil and gas, park and green spaces development, extractive industries transparency initiative, among other areas.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud in discussion with the US officials
Anna Catherina Islamic Complex
The Muslim community in Guyana joins Muslims around the world in beginning the month-long fast and other acts of devotion of Ramadan. This is the month on the lunar Islamic calendar, which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from the break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed for no other reason than to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. As God Almighty has granted us His Divine Mercy in sparing our lives to see yet another Ramadan, let us not waste the golden opportunity and use this month to the fullest, in order to achieve maximum benefits. We must observe the fast and other religious activities in this month, with utmost sincerity so that we can achieve success in this life and the hereafter.
Islam is one of the world’s most prominent religions and a source of profound strength and guidance for
over a billion Muslims worldwide. Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection and renewal. It is also a time when people of other faiths can learn more about Islam, the great benefits that it offers to mankind and the enormous contributions made by Muslims to human civilisation. It firmly upholds the principle of respect for all human beings and all religions. Sadly, in many countries, Muslims and other believers are unable to perform their religious beliefs. We pray for the day when the people of all faiths can express their beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Ramadan, each year, brings a promise of renewal and hope for the world. This year, that promise is so important to our nation and the world, and as we greet the new moon for Ramadan, we pray that we will usher in a new era of tolerance, respect and cooperation. As we focus this year on self-restraint, prayers and
acts of charity to achieve self-reform, these acts must be taken to the wider community. We cannot totally reform ourselves without reforming the communities we live in. This is the month when we must dispense with all anger, arrogance and hatred, while at the same time cultivating love, friendship, humility, patience and tolerance. This will give us everlasting peace, but, peace must never be held ransom to justice nor justice held ransom to peace.
The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex urges our Muslims to use this month to build bridges and not walls, so that with unity of purpose, we can cause growth and development of Islam and our country. We call on our political leaders of this country to let the ideals of Ramadan fill your hearts so that we can return our country to one free from fear, corruption, immorality and crime. May this Holy Month of Ramadan be rewarding to our entire nation.
The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman and Shaheed Boys & Girls Orphanages
The Executive of the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA) and the Board of the Shaheed Boys & Girls Orphanages take the opportunity to extend to our Muslim Community warm greetings for the Month of Ramadan-ul-Kareem.
This month, which is a special gift to the Muslim nation, came as a result of Allah’s great love for the Prophet of Islam and is an opportunity for Muslims to harness the great benefits that this month contains. The observance of this month will fill the Muslim’s heart with peace, love and tranquility and inculcate qualities that are associated with great character. Generations of nations are blessed
by this month and its great boons. This is a month where we are forcibly brought to be a part of the plight of our poor Muslim brothers and sisters in the compulsory act of giving charity. This is not to make us poorer (by giving a part of our wealth away) but is in fact to make us much richer in this life and the hereafter.
Indian Arrival Committee
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) of Guyana has extended Ramadhan Mubarak to all Guyanese, especially the Muslim community.
The IAC in a release urged that the true observances of the month of Ramadhan reflect the manner that the month of Ramadhan brings with it: a month that teaches self-discipline, seeks restraint and that being generous to the less fortunate while obeying God’s commandments.
“This is a month that offers great spiritual virtues and blessings and teaches respect for all of God’s creations and religions. The IAC calls on all our political leaders to use the ideals and lessons of this month to build bridges and not walls, that our country would be one free of fear and instability.
fasting month, because fasting burns the sins. According to some narrations, ‘Ramadhan’ is one of the names of Allah and, hence, the more appropriate way to refer to the month of fasting is to say “The Month of Ramadhan”, not Ramadhan.
Once again, Ramadhan Kareem to all Muslim brothers and sisters from one IAC; promoting our festivals, arts, cultures and religion,” the release said.
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month during which Muslims observe fasting from morning twilight (Fajr prayer) to the evening twilight (Maghreb prayer).
We join with Muslims throughout the world in the observance of this great month and to ask that we do not forget the great rewards in helping our orphans. The Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages have stood as the beacons of providing for the orphans in our community and as the only bone fide institution for the care of orphans in the Muslim community.
In this age of political instability, ethnic and racial violence, greed, materialism and uncertainties, this month is a welcome gift to the world. We need to extract the ingredients of nation-building, religious and spiritual codes and appropriate moral, social and economic disciplines to establish strong progressive nations populated with citizens who are cognisant of their duty first to God, the Creator and to fellow occupants of this earth.
We encourage you to support it with your charity.
The term Ramadhan is literally driven from al-Ramd which means “burning heat of the sun”. It is believed that this name is given to the fasting month due to the thirst experienced during fasting.
It is narrated from the Prophet of Islam that the name is given to the
However, the term “Ramadhan” without the prefix ‘the month’ is mentioned in many Hadiths with reference to the month of fasting. Hence, it seems the recommendation for the expression of “the month of Ramadhan” is with respect to the Qur’anic expression as mentioned in Surah 2, Ayah 185, and as an honour to this holy month, which is referred to in the words of the Prophet, month of Allah”. Ramadhan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Fasting is prescribed in this month. It is a month in which the holy Qur’an was revealed [2:185]. According to some traditions, “the Scriptures” of Ibrahim, the Torah of Moses and the Psalms of David (peace be upon his pure progeny and all the previous prophets) were all revealed in the Month of Ramadhan. It is narrated from Imam ar-Ridha’ (as): “Verily, the month of Ramadhan is a month in which the holy Qur’an was revealed. It was in this month that the Prophet of Islam was informed of being a Prophet. The Night of al-Qadr which is better than 1,000 months and therein every matter of ordainments is decreed is in this month.” (www.alislam.org)
Opposition “demonising” public servants
Amid an apparent well thought out plan by Opposition elements to attack National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Executive Director Winston Brassington, President Donald Ramotar stressed that Brassington does not manage the entity on his own.
He pointed out that the Executive Director takes directions from a Board of Directors.
NICIL’s handling of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and the Marriott Hotel being constructed in Kingston, among other negotiations, has seen Brassington being subjected to scathing criticisms from the Opposition and certain sections of the media.
Opposition Leader David Granger recently labelled NICIL as a “rogue” company.
“Brassington is a member of the Board of NICIL; he takes direction from the Board… NICIL Board is chaired by the Minister of Finance [and] the Cabinet passes all these things, so I think it is very unfair to public servants.”
The Directors for NICIL, at the end of 2012 were Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon; Finance Ministry Budget Office Director Sonya Roopnauth; Amerindian Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall; and Brassington. President Ramotar said it is not only Brassington who is often targeted for un-
fair criticism, but any public servant who seems to be acting professionally.
Brassington, he said, just happens to be a victim of what appears to be a well thought out policy to attack certain people working with Government.
Audit
“I myself have spoken about it on more than one occasion, that this demonisation of public servants is a dangerous thing and I think it is just an attempt to try to frighten people to (not) work with the Government, because they are going to want to attack them in all sorts of ways,” President Ramotar stated.
On the question of the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) recent call for a forensic
audit of NICIL, President Romotar pointed out that the audits were laid in the National Assembly up to 2012, and he is yet to hear any criticism of it from the Opposition.
The AFC on Friday issued a release with 10 demands, which it said must be met by Government to avoid a no-confidence motion being tabled against them in Parliament. One of the demands was that the Government performs a forensic audit of NICIL.
“I haven’t heard a single comment on the audits that have been laid in the House of Assembly since 2012. I haven’t heard them questioning anything on it. Suddenly, they are making a hue and cry. Dr [Roger] Luncheon at the last press conference pointed out that all the positions that NICIL took have been cleared by the Government,” Ramotar stated.
The AFC’s call for a fo-
rensic audit of NICIL follows a similar call made in 2012 by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
According to President Ramotar, it is clear that the Opposition has been inventing all kinds of issues, which the media seem to turn a blind eye to.
In an interview with <<Guyana Times>> earlier this year, Brassington had said all of NICIL’s finances remain up to date, since the entity merged with the Privatisation Unit in 2002. He had also said he was pleased that the public was now able to have the audited financial statements for NICIL, as a company, up to date in Parliament.
NICIL he said too has published all of its financial statements on its website, with 2013 being an exceptional year as it included revenue from the sale of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).
Dynamic Airways flight on today
Dynamic Airways said its flight is on for Sunday, contrary to media reports, pointing out that it is doing everything possible to transport passengers from the John F Kennedy International Airport to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
The company in a release said its current top priority is to transport all its passengers to their final destination today, a task that began on Friday, as there were not enough seats on other carriers to accommodate the passengers due to cancellations by other airlines as well.
“We would appreciate the public’s patience, as we hope to have more information about our flight tomorrow within next few hours.
“Please understand –that our flight programme is not cancelled. We will resolve these bureaucratic issues and operate our flights. Our aircraft is at JFK currently; crews are ready to go; tanks are filled with fuel; and all of us at Dynamic Airways are working overnight to address these ad-
ministrative obstacles.
“We ask the public to please do not allow rumours pushed by malicious sources to cause panic for something that is as simple as a schedule change. We all dealt with that previously in our careers many times, we are all professionals and I expect us all to act like it. We have explored all the alternatives that were in some sense more convenient for our passengers, but unfortunately they could not materialise on such short notice.
So we prepared and organised the best possible alternative we had available. [The] only other option was to cancel the flight, which was the option that none of us at Dynamic Airways wanted to allow. Our team worked past 72 hours nonstop to make sure that our passengers are protected to their final destination. As we previously informed you, all refund requests will be accepted and processed without administrative fee,” the release said.
NICIL’s Executive Director Winston Brassington
Jaguars roar!
- Guyanese storm back to beat USA South Panthers and win NACRA 15s championship
Skipper Ryan Gonsalves broke the deadlock to give Guyana Jaguars a spectacular come-from-behind victory over USA South Panthers in the final North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Men’s 15s championships in Atlanta, USA, on Saturday afternoon.
All hopes of an upset win over the higher ranked USA side seemed to have van-
ished at half-time when the hosts surged to a 24-8 lead after dominating the opening exchanges.
What followed in the second half however, was a complete change in fortunes for the Guyanese, who first levelled the scores at 27, to force the game into sudden death overtime.
USA South Panthers then missed out on scoring a penalty, which would have
guaranteed them the win, before Gonsalves converted in the dying stages of overtime to land the Jaguars a memorable 30-27 success.
The two sides were contesting the final after topping their respective zones. Guyana Jaguars won the Southern Zone, while USA South Panthers emerged as the Northern Zone champions.
Rigorous fitness, net sessions planned for Guyana Amazon Warriors
− preparatory camp begins July 1
By Rajiv Bisnauth
As the second Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draws closer, local franchise, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, will put the finishing touches on their preparations with a one-week preparatory camp starting on Tuesday here.
With the franchise having a make-up of regional and international T20 stars, having all the players available for early encampment is not a luxury the territory can enjoy, and as such, the Guyana Amazon Warriors will be without six of their star players. International Franchise Player, New Zealander Corey Anderson, regional players’ captain Denesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons, Krishmar Santokie and Sunil Narine along with and local star Christopher Barnwell will miss the camp, due to international T20 duties.
New Zealand and West Indies will play two T20 internationals on July 5 and 6 and those players are expected to feature in that series.
However, the camp will be boosted with the presence of international stars, New Zealander Martin Guptill, who will join the rest of the squad on July 1, and Pakistan Mohammad Hafeez, who arrive on July 5.
Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors,
West Indies v New Zealand, 3rd Test, Barbados, 3rd day…
Wagner, Williamson put New Zealand ahead
New Zealand clawed back into the series decider on a dry, slow Kensington Oval pitch through their two left-arm quicks as West Indies surrendered another promising position - they had begun the day 169-2 and succumbed to 317 all out by tea. The visitors managed a lead of 99 runs, but not before Kemar Roach and Jason Holder ripped out three wickets to keep West Indies in the hunt.
Much of New Zealand’s position was down to Neil Wagner. He toiled with the old ball and epitomised an
improved approach. They had been fickle with their tactics on the second day, but on Saturday they had well-devised plans and were patient enough to see them through to completion. Trent Boult had a quiet morning session, but regained his mojo with new ball. He snared two wickets in two overs, including the last recognised batsman Denesh Ramdin for a plucky 45.
West Indies’ tail did wag, but not quite enough. Holder, playing his first innings in Tests, marshalled a 36-run partnership for the eighth wicket and hint-
ed at abilities beyond his first-class average of 15.40 through some delectable drives. He was excellent with the ball too, snapping up Ross Taylor as his maiden Test wicket. His height enabled him to extract a touch more bounce which helped spice up proceedings towards the end of the day’s play. He gave Brendon McCullum some grief, narrowly missing out a leg before decision. Hawk-eye pegged the impact outside off, but there was doubt over whether the New Zealand captain was playing a shot.
Roach had been the oth-
er source of threat after he settled into a probing length quite readily. He drew Tom Latham into an ill-advised pull and elicited Hamish Rutherford’s outside edge. Barring a few overs from Shane Shillingford, the rest of the attack was ordinary again. McCullum took 18 balls to get off the mark, but he and half-centurion Kane Williamsonwho had an outside edge bisect keeper and slip and escaped a tough stumping opportunity - managed to take New Zealand to stumps without further damage. (Cricinfo)
Omar Khan, on Friday disclosed that all arrangements are in place for the preparatory camp.
“We have already planned our schedule of activities which includes not only physical training and practice games at the stadium, but [also] includes some mental work and team building session,” Khan revealed.
The camp runs until July 8 before the squad moves on to Grenada for their first game against Antigua Hawksbills on July 11.
The Guyana franchise, bought by the NEW GPC INC. under its Limacol brand, will then play three of their nine preliminary games at home, on July 17 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel (19:30h), July 19 against St Lucia Zouks (16:00h) and July 20 against Jamaica Tallawahs (16:00h).
The local franchise will
play Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on July 24; Barbados Tridents on July 27; Jamaica Tallawahs on August 2; Antigua Hawksbills on August 7; and St Lucia Zouks on August 10 in their final preliminary game.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors have retained 10 players from last year’s edition and have already become a force to be reckoned with.
The players retained are: Hafeez, Guptill, Narine, Simmons, Ramdin, Santokie, Barnwell, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul and Trevon Griffith.
The newcomers are Leon Johnson, Ronsford Beaton, Robin Bacchus, Navin Stewart and Anderson.
The Under-19 players are Shimron Hetmeyer, Akshaya Persaud, Kevin Paul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Daniel Basdeo and Kemo Paul.
Dubbed the “Biggest Part in Sport”, this year’s tournament commences on July 11 and ends on August 16. Jamaica Tallawahs won the inaugural tournament when they defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors by seven wickets in the final in Trinidad and Tobago on August 24.
They will defend their title against the St Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents.
New Zealand 1st innings 293
CH Gayle c Rutherford b Craig 42
KC Brathwaite c Southee
b Wagner 68
KA Edwards c Rutherford
b Southee 58
DM Bravo c Williamson
b Wagner 24
S Chanderpaul c †Watling
b Wagner 15
D Ramdin*† lbw b Boult 45
JO Holder c †Watling
b Neesham 38
KAJ Roach c †Watling b Boult 0
S Shillingford not out 10
SJ Benn b Wagner 1
JE Taylor b Neesham 1
Extras: (b-2, lb-4, w-7, nb-2) 15
Total: (all out; 97.1 overs) 317
Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Gayle, 21.5 ov), 2-153 (Brathwaite, 34.2 ov), 3-197 (Bravo, 52.6 ov), 4-205 (Edwards, 58.2 ov), 5-240 (Chanderpaul, 70.4 ov), 6-277 (Ramdin, 80.3 ov), 7-277
(Roach, 82.1 ov), 8-313 (Holder, 95.2 ov), 9-316 (Benn, 96.3 ov), 10-317 (Taylor, 97.1 ov) Bowling: TA Boult 23-5-71-2 (1nb, 1-w), TG Southee 21-8-63-1 (1-w), MD Craig 18-2-90-1 (1nb), N Wagner 27-7-64-4 (2-w), KS Williamson 2-0-11-0 (1-w), JDS Neesham 6.1-1-12-2 New Zealand 2nd innings TWM Latham c Shillingford b Roach 0 HD Rutherford c †Ramdin b Roach 19 KS Williamson not out 58
LRPL Taylor c Bravo b Holder 6 BB McCullum* not out 23
Extras: (b-12, w-5) 17
Total: (3 wickets; 34 overs) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Latham, 1.6 ov), 2-56 (Rutherford, 14.3 ov), 3-68 (Taylor, 18.1 ov) Bowling: JE Taylor 6-3-17-0, KAJ Roach 7-0-30-2 (1-w), SJ Benn 13-0-44-0, JO Holder 5-2-9-1, S Shillingford 3-2-11-0
Part of the action between Guyana Jaguars (green) and USA South Panthers
Omar Khan
Today’s Games: Netherlands vs Mexico (12:00H); Costa Rica vs Greece (16:00H)
STILL ALIVE!
- hosts Brazil squeeze through on penalties against Chile
Hosts Brazil have squeezed through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup on penalties after a tense, thrilling 1-1 draw with Chile at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte. Gonzalo Jara hit the post with the decisive kick, while Julio Cesar saved two, to give Brazil a 3-2 win in the shootout and send the valiant Chileans home.
Chile had only made it this far at the World Cup on three previous occasions and, having been beaten by Brazil on each of those, knew that the odds and omens were heavily stacked against them. The early stages of the match suggested that this one, too, would closely follow that historical pattern, with Marcelo snatching on an early halfcleared corner to curl in a powerful left-foot shot that flashed just wide of the lefthand post.
It was a signal of intent from the hosts and, after seeing penalty appeals turned down at both ends, the Mineirao crowd were able to cheer a Seleção opener after 18 minutes. Neymar was its architect, curling in an inswinging corner from the left that was
fans buoyant, Neymar almost doubled their lead on 26 minutes, outpacing Gary Medel on a surge into the box only to drag his left-foot shot wide of the far post. All that positive work was soon to be undone, though, with Chile levelling six minutes later due to a moment of defensive slackness. Hulk and Marcelo were the guilty parties, with their poorly executed throw-in routine near the byline allowing Eduardo Vargas to steal in and square for Alexis Sanchez. Unmarked and scarcely able to believe his luck, the Barcelona winger had time and space to pick his spot and duly measured
game’s most positive attacking force and came close to re-establishing their lead on three more occasions prior to the break. First, after good play down the right by Dani Alves and Oscar, Neymar saw his goal-bound header deflected wide, then Fred shot over from close range and a 30-yard Alves effort forced a fine tip-over from Claudio Bravo.
The Seleção fans continued to roar their heroes forward, but while they were cheering again nine minutes into the second half, Hulk’s effort was ruled out for use of the arm in the build-up to him scuffing the ball home. At the other end, Brazil
bundled home from close range by David Luiz - with a little help from Jara - after Thiago Silva had won the initial near-post header.
Brazil were in the ascendancy and, with the
a low-right foot shot into the far corner of the net from 12 yards.
Moments of hesitancy at the back continued to plague Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side, but they remained the
were indebted to goalkeeper Cesar for a wonderful reflex save, somehow diverting behind a Charles Aranguiz effort that seemed destined for the back of the net.
Chile continued to make
life difficult for their hosts and opportunities began to dry up, with Bravo saving well from Neymar and Hulk on the occasions when they did break through. Extra time was therefore called upon to settle the outcome, but after Bravo again denied Hulk and substitute Mauricio Pinilla struck the bar, the stalemate remained.
That left penalties to decide this enthralling contest, and even that was impossible to predict, with Jara ultimately the fall guy after Luiz, Marcelo and Neymar had all found the net for Brazil. (FIFA)
Rodriguez sends Colombia to quarters
James Rodriguez confirmed his status as the World Cup’s newest star with a virtuoso display as Colombia took advantage of Luis Suarez’s absence to beat Uruguay in Rio.
As the controversial Liverpool striker watched back in Uruguay after being banned for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini, 22-yearold Rodriguez elevated his name alongside Brazil hero Neymar and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.
Suarez had been crucial to Uruguay’s progress to the last 16, but Oscar Tabarez’s side were struggling against the odds once FIFA imposed a nine-match international ban and four-month suspension from all football-related
activity on their star striker. If one superstar had left the stage, another has emerged as Monaco’s Rodriguez volleyed arguably the goal of the tournament in the first half then crowned a superb team move for the second. In the absence of the injured Radamel Falcao, the boyish Rodriguez has become Colombia’s new pin-up and is making his mark on the global stage as the tournament’s current top-scorer with five goals. His side will now meet hosts Brazil in the quarterfinal in Fortaleza on Friday - and have shown they have the capacity to wreck the hopes of this football-mad nation. (BBC Sport)
Suarez: ‘I lost my balance and fell on Chiellini’
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez says he lost his balance and did not bite Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
Football’s world governing body FIFA banned Suarez, 27, for four months and nine international matches for biting Chiellini in a group match on Tuesday.
Uruguay have told FIFA they intend to appeal against the decision.
“I lost my balance, making my body unstable and falling on top of my opponent,” wrote Suarez in his defence to FIFA.
“At that moment I hit my face against the player leaving a small bruise on my cheek and a strong
pain in my teeth.”
In a FIFA disciplinary committee document, the Liverpool striker added: “In no way it happened how you have described, as a bite or intent to bite.”
However, a seven-man FIFA panel concluded that the bite was “deliberate, intentional and without provocation”.
In its reasoning for the severity of the ban, FIFA added: “At no time did the player show any kind of remorse or admit to any violation of FIFA rules and therefore showed no awareness of having committed any infraction.”
Uruguay lodged their intention to appeal on Friday and have until next
Sunday to submit a full written appeal.
Suarez has now returned to his homeland and is unavailable for campaign in the World Cup.
Fans gathered outside Suarez’s home to show their support and the player has thanked them for their backing.
The forward tweeted: “Hello everyone. I’m writing this message to say thank you to everybody for the support and affection I’ve been receiving.
“My family and I are very grateful for it. Many thanks for being by my side and I want everyone to support my teammates in the game against Colombia.” (BBC Sport)
Still alive! The Brazilian players are ecstatic after the final penalty by Chile is saved (Photo: FIFA)
Saved! Julio Cesar was the hero for Brazil between the uprights
The Colombia players acknowledge the fans after moving deeper into the World Cup
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President to sign Cricket Administration Bill into law
President Donald Ramotar said he is ready to sign the contentious Cricket Administration Bill into law.
Speaking at State House on Saturday, President Ramotar also said the Bill is open to amendments, which could be done after he assents to it.
“I am going to sign the Bill as soon as it comes on my desk….If there is any kind of joint agreement by anyone in the place they can do an amendment if they want but we are going to sign the bill into law….we are going to move ahead with our legislation,” he said.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has expressed serious reservations that the Cricket Administration Bill, which was passed in the National Assembly in May, would thrust the administration of cricket in Guyana from an independent body to the Government of Guyana.
This the WICB had viewed as undesirable and inconsistent with International Cricket Council tenets.
Further, the WICB sought an undertaking from His Excellency President Donald Ramotar that the Bill be not signed into law until these matters were resolved. However, the parties were unable to find a mutually agreeable resolution and as a consequence the WICB relocated the Third Test between the West Indies and New Zealand from Guyana.
Threats to exclude the national Under-19 team from the next regional tournament soon followed.
Top officials of the WICB visited Guyana a few days ago and engaged Government on the Bill after which a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was reached.
Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony had expressed on Wednesday that the closeddoor talks were fruitful and
was optimistic that a bright future awaits Guyana’s cricket following the decision to establish a MoA among the various cricket stakeholders during the WICB’s two-day visit, which concluded on Tuesday.
The MoA, which was expected to be prepared Wednesday afternoon, serves to iron out the contentious issues regarding the Cricket Administration Bill.
“We had very fruitful discussions with the WICB and I think some of the things, maybe the misconceptions that people might have had, we were able to discuss and clarify those issues.
“At the end of it we are working on developing an agreement and right now the legal people will put that agreement in place and once we have the text of that agreement and agree on that text, I think we will be able to move forward,” Minister Anthony had told Guyana Times Sport.
Serena loses to Cornet at Wimbledon
Five-time champion Serena Williams suffered her earliest Wimbledon defeat since 2005 as she lost to France’s Alize Cornet in the third round.
Cornet, ranked 24th, won 1-6 6-3 6-4 on Court
One to claim her second victory of the year over the world number one.
It is the first time in nine years that Williams has been knocked out so early, and only the third time in 15 visits to Wimbledon.
Cornet, 24, had never be-
fore beaten a top-20 player at a Grand Slam.
“I just cannot believe it,” she told BBC Sport. “Three years ago I couldn’t play on grass, I was so bad, but now I have beaten Serena, the world number one on her own court.
“I have to get used to it and focus on the next match because the tournament is not over for me. I am not sure how I did it but just with the heart and the help from the crowd.”
Cornet did have a confidence-boosting win over Williams in Dubai earlier this year to call upon, but it still came as a major shock to see her grab the initiative and dominate the closing stages. (BBC Sport)
nadal, Federer through to last 16
Rafael Nadal recovered from losing the first set for the third match in a row to beat Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin and reach the last 16 at Wimbledon.
The world number one came through 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 6-1 6-1 under the Centre Court roof as rain stopped play elsewhere at the All England Club.
Fourth seed Roger Federer, who also played under the roof, was too good for Santiago Giraldo of Colombia.
The seven-time champion eased through 6-3 6-1 6-3.
He will face either 15th seed Jerzy Janowicz of Poland or Spain’s Tommy Robredo in the fourth round on Monday.
Rafael Nadal
Nadal, seeded second , will next face Australian teenage wildcard Nick Kyrgios who followed up his win over 13th seed Richard Gasquet by defeating Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic 3-6 6-3 7-5 6-2.
Canadian eighth seed Milos Raonic also went through after beating
Poland’s Lukasz Kubot 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) 6-2. Kukushkin had only three wins on grass and one win over a top-10 opponent going into Saturday’s match, but 17 rasping winners kept Nadal at a safe distance in the opening set. (BBC Sport)
It was Serena Williams’ earliest defeat at Wimbledon
GABF names final squad for upcoming CBC
By TreisTon Joseph
The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has named its final 12 to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC), scheduled for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in July.
The 12 players will comprise six overseas-based players in Captain and the first Guyanese to play in the NBA, Rawle Marshall, Andre De Florimonte, Ray Victor, Keron McKenzie, Kevan Creppy and Gordon Klaiber.
The local players are Akeem Kanhai, Andrew
Ifill, Dwayne Roberts, Ryan Gullen, Ryan Stephney and Shane Webster.
In addition, the players held their final practice session on Friday evening at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where the final kinks of the rotation were worked on.
It is noted that the team seems very potent on the of-
GOA Discover Open badminton tournament…
Ramdhani siblings star as action concludes
Siblings Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani continued their dominance of local badminton by completing the triple, winning the Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Discover Open badminton tournament at the Queen’s College courts.
In the Men’s competition, Narayan defeated Nicholas Ali in a heated three-setter in the Singles category. Narayan won the first game 21-17, before Ali rebounded to level things with a 21-16 win. Narayan would close out the match in game three, winning 21-17.
Narayan and Ali had earlier teamed up to cop the Men’s Doubles title by beating Noel Shewjattan and Jonathon Mangra. Narayan and Priyanna then made light work of Ali and Ambika Ramraj in the Mixed Doubles final, coasting to a 21-9, 23-21 win.
In the Ladies Singles, Priyanna got the better of Ramraj in the final, while in the final of the Ladies Doubles, Priyanna and Ramraj joined forces to defeat Abosaide Cadogan and Kara Abrams.
At the presentation ceremony which followed at the conclusion of the tournament, the top performers of the various
categories were presented with trophies and medals, while Abrams, Hemraj Beharry and Ronald Chang Yuen were adjudged most improved players.
President of the Guyana Badminton Association, Gokarn Ramdhani, speaking at the closing ceremony, thanked the GOA for making the tournament possible and congratulated the various category winners on their achievements.
The games were witnessed by GOA Secretary Hector Edwards and Vice-president Charles Corbin.
GABF names female squad for CBC
The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) on Saturday named its female squad to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Basketball Championships set to begin on July 8 in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The team will be led by Natasha Alder, while Shakelia Sampson, Sonia Rodney, Tamara Hunter, Shauna Chester, Kristy Roberts, Ginelle Ifill, Latoya Rodney, Philomena George, Kean Andrews, Necosia Mitchell and Natasha Andrews make up the final
12 players.
Head Coach of the team is Ann Gordon, while Brian Carter was named as Assistant Coach. Manager of the team is Herbert Adams. Meanwhile, Laquantor Gibson, who would have been a likely starter for Guyana, had to be excluded from the squad because of her unavailability for training sessions due to a training course with the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The team is expected to leave Guyana on July 6 and return on July 14.
fensive side of the basketball. The players are quick up the court especially on the fast break and run decent plays in their half court sets. They also utilise pick and rolls: freeing up their shooters for wide open shots.
Meanwhile, on defence, more is desired as the team still hasn’t grooved in quite
well as yet; especially with their rotations in the post seemingly looking a tad too slow.
On the perimeter, the defence looks better as the guards seem quick with their lateral movements to cover their assignments.
Further, three players will also travel with the
team for defensive purposes in Tyler Persaud, Richard Hall and Shelroy Thomas. In addition, coach of the team Mark Agard has named his starting five after the session. They are Marshall, De Florimonte, Victor, Klaiber and Roberts.
GCF National Cycling Championships…
Jeffrey, Anthony repeat as Time Trial winners
Raynauth Jeffrey, Michael Anthony, Raymond Newton and Claire FraserGreen all defended their Time Trial titles when the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) national championships commenced on Saturday.
The Time Trial started at Long Creek on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, proceeded to Loo Creek and return to the start point for the finish.
The Senior and Junior categories were contested for 16 miles with Jeffrey clocking a leading 38 minutes, 32 seconds in the Senior division, while Anthony was the leading Junior rider with a time of 40 minutes, 48 seconds.
Marlon Williams (38m:36s) and Lear Nunes (43m:05s), making a comeback to the sport after a lengthy layoff due to injury, were the second and third place finishers respectively in the Senior category.
Alonzo Ambrose (43m: 02s) followed Anthony to the line in the Junior race, while Shaquille Agard and Silvio Inniss were disqualified for what was deemed “unfair riding.” Paul DeNobrega and Andre Abdool also suffered a similar in the Senior division.
The Veterans, Ladies and Juveniles races had a distance of 10 miles with Newton, Fraser-Green and Romello Crawford being the respective champions.
Newton clocked 24 minutes, 53.73 seconds, and was followed by Thuran Harris (26m: 31.68s) and Mark Soonaram (28m:
09.86s) in that order, while Fraser-Green won in 24m: 34.31s ahead Toshawna Doris (31m: 55.11s) and Chrystal Lambert (32m: 42.12s).
In the Juveniles division, Crawford (25m: 02.32s) had the fastest time, winning ahead of Andrew Hicks (25m: 29.66s) and Raphael Leung (26m: 39.57s).
Meanwhile the cyclists will switch focus to the Road Race, which will be contested at four different distances today. However, all the riders of the various categories will start in a bunch on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown at 07:00 hours.
The Seniors will proceed to Kairuni Creek and return to Homstretch Avenue, competing for exactly 100 miles, while the Juniors will turn at the Police Outpost on the Highway and return to start point- a distance of 60 miles.
The Veteran and
Female riders will turn at Kuru Kuru and head back to Georgetown, covering a distance of 45 miles, while the Juveniles will turn Coverden- a distance of 40 miles.
This year’s championships should produce some improved times, especially with all the Commonwealth Games selectees set to use the twoday activity to test their readiness for the July 23August 3 event in Glasgow, Scotland. In intense preparation for the Games at the moment are Raynauth Jeffrey, Marlon Williams, Geron Williams, Alanzo Greaves, Scott Savoury and Claire Fraser-Green. Jeffrey is also the defending senior champion of the Road Race, after securing a clean sweep last year. Riding for Team Coco’s (Guyana), the 20-year-old clocked an overall time of three hours, 48 minutes, 40.71 seconds (03h: 48m: 40.71s).
GOA Secretary Hector Edwards (left) and Vice-president Charles Corbin (right) with the top performers at the conclusion of the event
Natasha Alder
Raynauth Jeffrey
Raymond Newton
Michael Anthony
Claire Fraser- Green
Lear Nunes
GCB refutes BCB’s non-receipt of letter claims
– official email sent, hard copy received
By Rajiv Bisnauth
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Friday provided evidence that the correspondence regarding its intention to initiate some form of disciplinary action against the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for the staging of the unapproved Independence T20 Cup in May was indeed delivered to the BCB.
A a copy of the receipt of delivery slip from the New Amsterdam Post Office, seen by this publication, indicated that the correspondence was indeed delivered to the BCB head office located at 70/71 Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam.
Guyana Times Sport has also received a copy of an email sent to the BCB with an attached letter that has the GCB letterhead and signed by GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie, laying bare the BCB’s claims that the communication was not official.
Despite these pieces of evidence, the BCB continues to deny receiving an official correspondence.
President of the BCB Keith Foster on Thursday had told Guyana Times Sport that the Board had not received any official correspondence from the GCB, except an email.
However, when contacted again on Friday, Foster insisted that the BCB Vice-President Anil Beharry had only received an emailed copy of the correspondence. “We haven’t received a hard copy,” he said, despite Guyana Times Sport telling him about the two pieces of evidence which this newspaper has.
Beharry acknowledged that he had indeed received an email from the GCB, which he forwarded to this publication via
GDA/La Belle Hotel and Bar domino starts July 5
email, but insisted that neither he nor the Board is in receipt of a hard copy.
When calls were made to the BCB head office late Friday afternoon, this publication was told by a Ms Henry (only name given) that she had no knowledge of the correspondence, adding that once a correspondence is delivered to the Board, she would normally forward it to the President and or Vice President.
She claimed she could not recall signing for any such correspondence.
“They send no correspondence, to my knowledge, because I does be whole day in the office,” she insisted, although Guyana Times Sport told her as well about the delivery slip.
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 stated 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 rests with the WICB who may delegate such authority to the GCB. The release further stated that the BCB was not authorised to approve cricket not on the WICB’s list of approved cricket.
However, the BCB went ahead to stage the oneday tournament at the Albion Community Centre Ground.
The BCB and the GCB have been at loggerheads ever since the Annual General Meeting and elections on July 10, 2011.
The La Belle Hotel and Bar pre-Caricom Day domino tournament will commence on July 5 at the business location on Norton Street.
The tournament was launched on Friday with a simple ceremony where Secretary of the business entity, Seizana Elliot presented a cheque of an undisclosed amount to Secretary of the Georgetown Domino Association (GDA), Mark Wiltshire.
Elliot, prior to the presentation, noted that La Belle Hotel and Bar is pleased to be associated with the tournament, and wished the organisers every success.
Wiltshire thanked the company for its input and informed that the tournament is expected to be an exciting one, since some of the top teams in Georgetown are expected to participate.
Action will get underway at 15:00h and teams registered before ‘double six’ time will be given free entry.
Thereafter, teams will be required to pay an entrance fee of $6,000. One re-entry will be accepted and the winning team will pocket a trophy and $90,000.
The second and third place prizes are yet to be decided. The final will be played on July 7.
Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) and East Ruimveldt
Secondary emerged as champions of the Guyana Sports Development Foundation’s (GSDF) Pepsi/Scotiabank football, which concluded on Saturday at the Education Ministry ground, Carifesta Avenue.
Both games were decided on penalties with BEI defeating Wismar/Christianburg 5-4 on sudden death kicks after a goalless draw in the Boys Under-15 category, while East Ruimveldt Secondary won 3-0 on penalties against Wisburg Secondary after they also played to a nil-all stalemate in the Girls Under-17 final.
The Boys game was not without controversy during the penalty shootout.
It all started when the Linden side defeated the Berbice outfit 5-4 on sudden death kicks after the initial
penalty shootout finished 4-4.
The genesis of the issue occurred when the officials correctly deemed that both sides had used an earlier penalty taker to kick in the sudden death round and mandated that both sides retake their spot-kicks, much to the protests of the celebrating Linden following. This unfortunate occurrence worked in the favour of the Berbice side as they went on to reverse the outcome and clinch the title. With the win, BEI walked away with the championship trophy and the respective medals.
Wismar/Christianburg had to settle for the second place accolade and matching medals. In the individual awards section, BEI custodian Jerold Foort was adjudged to the Most Valuable Player of the final.
Anand Sanasie Keith Foster
Secretary of La Belle Hotel and Bar, Seizana Elloit (left), presents the cheque to Mark Wiltshire of the GDA
President to sign Cricket Administration Bill into law
Guyanese surround the trophy after beating