2014 09 12

guyana No. 103948 friday september 12, 2014

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President, PAHO Director hold fruitful talks Page

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– ahead of ‘Wellness Week’ activities

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In response to his ultimatum...

President calls on Granger to clarify his Party’s position Page

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Sooba calls for Mayor to ‘gracefully bow out’

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ABC countries denounce ‘Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine’

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President Donald Ramotar accords PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne a warm welcome during a courtesy call yesterday at the Presidential complex. With her, at right, is her host, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, Minister of Health

'Guyanese are a warm, hospitable people' - Visiting UN Envoy

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Guyanese woman elected New York Judge Page 13

Aristide under house arrest

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

PAHO Director arrives to warm Guyanese welcome –here at invitation of Guyana Gov’t

PAN American Health Organisation Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, arrived in Guyana Wednesday evening for an official visit from September 10 to 14.

She accepted an invitation extended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran.

As he welcomed her at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Minister Ramsaran stressed on the activities planned for the event, which will use the strength of youths to move them forward.

Giving a background of the Caribbean Wellness Day, the Minister stated that the Port of Spain declaration in 2007 pushed the Heads of Government to mandate the mobilisation of citizens, young and old, to engage in activities that will promote and sustain healthy lifestyles. Noting that all Ca-

ribbean nations now observe the occasion, he added that Guyana traditionally holds its observance at the Square of the Revolution. This occasion, he noted has attracted an increasing number of participants from the health sector, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other groups.

Minister Ramsaran noted that while Guyana has incorporated physical activities in its observances, this has caught the imagination of the youthful population.

A long-distance cycle race is planned, which will be started off by Dr. Etienne, who will also kick-off a football competition on Wellness Day. He emphasised that such activities will play a part in the Wellness celebration with Guyana placing healthy sporting activities in the centre of the celebrations.

Health literacy has also been placed as a component of the celebrations, he stated, adding that this campaign is

already on the move. Pointing to the launching of the National Presidential Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases (NPC- NCDs), with which Dr. Etienne will assist President Donald Ramotar, Dr. Ramsaran stated that the Commission will serve to establish the highest political ownership of the fight against the epidemic of NCDs which will be buttressed by the creation of a unit within the Ministry of Health. The National Commission will be supported by 30 commissioners.

He added that the fresh approach of mobilising the efforts of youths to fight the NCDs through the launch of the Wellness Warriors Club will enable them taking health literacy nationwide.

The youths will be trained in basic health screening techniques which will be taken to household levels, dispelling the ignorance of health basics.

Meanwhile, Dr. Etienne,

PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne being escorted into the Cheddi Jagan international Airport by government officials

in responding to Dr. Ramsaran, pointed out that during her first visit she looks forward to observing and participating during Wellness Day activities, whilst also meeting

Government and CARICOM officials.

She expressed interest in the work which will be conducted during the event, noting that chronic diseases are

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud (left) and Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran (right) in brief discussion with PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne shortly after her arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

prevalent in the Caribbean, as well as Guyana. Observing that many persons have died due to these illnesses in Guyana, Dr. Etienne stated that this has been of concern of CARICOM Heads, and she is pleased that Guyana is placing NCDs at the top of the agenda.

Pointing out that the Port of Spain Declaration, as well as the UN General Assembly has recognised the problem of NCDs, she said it requires inter-sectoral action and Government attention.

Dr. Etienne indicated that it is through this that the challenges can be surmounted.

She also urged that the private sector, civil society and all individuals become involved in the fight against the NCDs. Dr. Etienne pointed to the five risk factors identified which are tobacco smoking, excessive usage of alcohol, physical inactivity, diet and obesity. She noted that these features must be confronted lest the population is faced with less life expectancy which will affect the country’s social development.

Dr. Etienne’s visit coincides with national activities planned in commemoration of Caribbean Wellness Day, which is observed on September 13, and Wellness Week in the Americas.

During the period of the Director’s visit, the Ministry of Health will launch the National Presidential Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases (NPC NCDs) and the Wellness Warriors Club today at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

(GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

President, PAHO Director hold fruitful talks --ahead of ‘Wellness Week’ activities

GUYANA’S health care system was the focus of discussions when Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Dr Carissa Etienne, met President Donald Ramotar yesterday at the Presidential Complex.

Issues that confront the health care system, and developments were some of the main topics discussed, according to the PAHO head.

“The president seemed well versed on the health situation in the country; he was

able to bring some attention to suicides, to non-communicable diseases particularly.

He is a good example of lifestyle behaviour changes; he was very concerned about the situation in the country about NCDS, and suicides and what it is PAHO could do to assist with technical cooperation,” Dr Etienne said.

Subjects such as the chikungunya disease, now prevalent in Guyana and the Caribbean, and the emerging threat of Ebola in Africa, and

From left: Dr Kavita Singh, Coordinator Chronic Diseases Department; PAHO’s Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, , President Donald Ramotar, PAHO’s Director, Dr Carissa Etienne, Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud and , Advisor, FCH and HIV PAHO/WHO, Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez what it could mean for countries like Guyana were also discussed, she said, adding: “We spoke about the developments that the Ministry of Health and the actions they have been taking to prevent, and be prepared in cases of Ebola erupting.”

A cnative of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne was elected Director of PAHO by the Member States of the Organisation on September 19, 2012 and began her five-year term on February 1, 2013.

From March 2008 until November 1, 2012, Dr. Etienne served as Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Services at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland. (GINA)

PAHO Director pays courtesy call on First Lady

PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne and First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar enjoy each other’s company briefly during the former’s visit to State House yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Obama, First Lady, Biden observe 9/11 anniversary (The Washington Times) A DAY after renewing America’s war on terrorism, President Obama marked the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Thursday by saying the country has prevailed over jihadis who “conspired to break us.”

“It has now been 13 years since the peace of an American morning was broken, 13 years since nearly 3,000 beautiful lives were taken from us,” Mr. Obama said at a ceremony at the Pentagon. “Thirteen years after small and hateful minds conspired to break us, America stands tall and America stands proud.”

The president noted that a new generation is growing up that was born since the terrorist attacks.

“Beginning tomorrow, there will be teenagers, young adults, who were born after 9/11. It’s remarkable,” the president said. “And while

these young Americans did not know the horrors of that day, their lives have been shaped by all the day since — time that has brought us pain but also has taught us endurance and strength, a time of rebuilding, resilience and renewal.”

He added, “What gives us hope, what gives me hope, is that it is these young Americans who will shape all the days to come.”

Earlier, Mr. Obama and first lady Michelle Obama observed the anniversary with a moment of silence on the South Lawn of the White House.

The Obamas were joined by Vice President Joseph R. Biden and White House staff, heads bowed, to mark the moment at 8:46 a.m. when the first hijacked airliner struck the World Trade Center in New York City. The coordinated attacks by al Qaeda jihadis in New York, at

the Pentagon and on a plane that crashed in Pennsylvania killed nearly 3,000.

Other memorials were taking place around the nation, including at

Ground Zero in New York.

On Wednesday night, Mr. Obama renewed the war on terrorism by announcing an escalation of military strikes against Islamic State militants

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama stand on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, as they observe a moment of silence to mark the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

in Iraq and Syria.

The Republican National Committee said Thursday that the nation faces “new and emerging threats” from terrorists.

“We must maintain a strong defense to keep our country safe from those who want to destroy us,” said RNC Chair Reince Priebus and cochair Sharon Day. “On this anniversary we’re reminded of the resilience of the American spirit and the importance of the values we hold dear: freedom, equality, and opportunity. And we recommit ourselves to the defense of liberty and the pursuit of a more peaceful world.”

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz said the anniversary should remind Americans that “what binds us together is far greater than what draws us apart.”

Russia faces new U.S., EU sanctions over Ukraine crisis

(Reuters) - EUROPEAN Union governments agreed on Thursday to begin their new sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis on Friday but could lift them next month if Moscow abides by a fragile truce, while the United States prepared its own fresh sanctions.

The steps are the latest by the United States and the EU following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March and what the West sees as an effort since then to further destabilize Ukraine by backing pro-Russian separatists with troops and arms.

President Barack Obama said he will provide details on the new U.S. sanctions on Friday. The United States plans to sanction Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, and to further limit other Russian banks’ access to U.S. capital, sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The 28 governments of EU member states last week agreed on the new sanctions against Russia but spent several days wrangling over their announcement and implementation.

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Russia’s foreign ministry said the approval of the new EU penalties showed the European Union had “made its choice against” the current peace road map aimed at ending the worst confrontation between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. After EU ambassadors gave the go-ahead to the new sanctions to go into effect on Friday, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said EU officials would conduct a review before the end of September of how the truce reached last week between Ukraine government forces and rebels was working. If Russia was complying, some or all sanctions could be lifted, he said.

“If the situation on the ground so warrants,” he said, officials may submit to EU leaders “proposals to amend, suspend or repeal the set of sanctions in force, in all or in part”.

That enticement to Moscow to cooperate, while immediately imposing new measures, reflects impatience on the part of some leaders not to pull

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punches after less than a week of the truce but also concern among others, especially those most heavily dependent on Russian trade, not to provoke Moscow’s retaliation.

The EU agreement on the timing of the sanctions followed a phone call on Thursday involving Van Rompuy, British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Cameron’s spokesman said in London.

“If Russia genuinely reverses course, then of course the European Union and others will return to the subject, but there unfortunately has been very little evidence so far and that is why you have the European Union going ahead,” the spokesman said.

Western powers have accused Russia of sending tanks and troops into eastern Ukraine to prop up a rebellion by pro-Moscow separatists. The Kremlin denies that and has responded with its own sanctions and threats of more retaliation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Amazon rainforest destruction in Brazil rises again

The rate of deforestation increased by 29% in the year to July 2013 (BBC News) The rate of destruction of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil has increased for a second year running.

Brazilian government figures show deforestation was up by 29% in the 12 months up to the end of July 2013.

Satellite data showed that almost 2,315 sq miles of forest was cleared during that period.

The largest increases in deforestation were seen in the states of Para and Mato Grosso, where most of Brazil’s agricultural expansion is taking place.

More than 390 sq miles has been cleared in each state.

Last year, the Brazilian authorities said there had been a 28% rise in deforestation.

That reversed several

years of decline.

The worst year since the Brazilian government began tracking deforestation was 2004, when almost 11,580 sq miles of forest was lost.

Besides agricultural expansion, the rebound in deforestation is due to illegal logging and the invasion of public lands adjacent to big infrastructure projects in the Amazon, such as roads and hydroelectric dams.

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Former Haiti president Aristide under house arrest PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – FORMER president Jean-Bertrand Aristide has been placed under house arrest as a judge continues to investigate allegations of corruption, money laundering and drugs smuggling involving the former leader and close allies.

As a result of the ruling issued by Judge Lamarre Belizaire the residence of the former president, in the district of Tabarre, is being guarded by agents of the prison administration, known as APENA, while the perimeter of the residence will be guarded by agents of the Central Department of the Judicial Police (DCPJ ).

“We order those responsible for the Prison Administration to take all necessary measures to secure the residence where the accused is found and to bring him before us, when required, in order to be interrogated on acts of money laundering and illicit drug trafficking blamed

Islamic links keep T&T under watch (Trinidad Guardian) AFTER the failed 1990 coup attempt in T&T and the attack on the US on September 11, 2001—the 13th anniversary of which is today—the Caribbean’s situation where the growth of Islamic fundamentalism and threat of terrorism is concerned has remained as high a subject of scrutiny as elsewhere in the world.

The arguments on the religious aspects of the Islamic issue have ranged far and wide for years, even centuries, argue some leaders

of T&T’s Middle East-descended society, and the western presence over decades has further fuelled the debate. And some say the action by some international quarters has continued the fragmentation of the Middle Eastern landscape, with all its repercussions on the West.

A recent T&T security report on the issue has said, for instance: “The profound chasm between the Sunnis and the Shi’ites, or even the clash between the moderates and fundamentalists, both

need exploration.” The report concluded that the struggle in the Islamic world has implications for the rest of the globe.

Any assessment on perception of growing threats to T&T and Caribbean would have to consider, among other factors, geopolitics and economic interests of key global players,

T&T’s energy economy and religio-directions in the region, as well as situations in Latin America and neighbouring islands. T&T, Guyana and Suriname have the largest Muslim populations. Guyana and Suriname have been members of the Organisation of Islamic Conference since the 1990s.

on him, “Justice Bélizaire said in his order.

“We order consequently, officials of the Central Department of the Judicial Police to secure the perimeter of the above-mentioned house,” the judge said, noting that the new ruling was part of conservatory measures to ensure that Aristide

the order dated September 9.

Justice Belizaire also ruled that he alone, as the judge in charge of the case, could now authorise anyone to visit the former head of state at his residence.

Last week, the head of the police service in Haiti appeared before the judge

Jean-Bertrand Aristide remain available to judicial authorities and that he can be brought to the judge’s office, as needed, to be heard.

“For these reasons, (we) say and declare that the named Jean-Bertrand Aristide is under house arrest since force must remain with the law,” according to

to answer why law enforcement officials had not arrested Aristide, despite an arrest warrant being issued.

Police Chief, Godson Orelus, later confirmed the police were in possession of several arrest warrants, but would not elaborate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Who champions the rights of victims?

‘WRONG and Strong’ aptly describes the contentious attitudes of relatives and sympathisers of deadly thieves and killers, whose murderous rampages have left many homes destitute of precious lives and possessions.

Seeking to blame the Police and/or others for the demonic actions of their relatives merely adds to the vileness of these persons who seek to justify the murder of sleeping babies and other innocents in the sanctity of their homes, or in pursuit of their respective endeavours.

Among the throngs who attended the funerals of the two-legged beasts who finally met their Waterloo were obviously many who provided them with shelter and succour in exchange for some of their booty.

And while the actual bandits paid the ultimate price for their crimes, these aides and abettors are no less culpable of the deaths and destruction of the lives of innocent persons target-

ed, for sometimes indecipherable reasons, by these monsters, who epitomise evil.

As are the instigators and planners, for these – according to Tacuma Ogunsye, ‘Freedom Fighters,’ who were and are obviously encouraged on the basis that their infamous actions were for a greater calling, although not much encouragement would be necessary for these indisputably merciless demons to pursue what they perceive as easily-acquired riches, especially when they are provided the wherewithal to do so, in the form of arms, ammunition, political protection, and a network of relatives and supporters to provide food, shelter and transportation in exchange for a share of the loot.

Most likely, while the intent would have been present in the perpetrators, it probably would not have solidified into reality without encouragement and assistance, as well as a promise of vindication – in whatever form that took. In Blackie’s case he was made a ‘hero’. Andrew

Douglas was described as a ‘martyr’.

The attempts to lionise these demonic beings are indications of degradation in the human psyche best described by Dante. Even worse was the farcical desecration of two national symbols, both sacred in their own right – Guyana’s National Flag and Cuffy Square, by no less than the then Leader of the Opposition, Desmond Hoyte – the famous architect of ‘slo’ fiah, Mo’ fiah’.

But what could we call the victims of these ‘heroes’ and ‘martyrs,’ among whom are members of every race and religious persuasion in Guyana?

In 1959, one Cuffy was killed by the police after a desperate manhunt. A policeman was killed during this encounter, while others were wounded.

In May 1997, police shot and killed four bandits who had broken into the home of former Elections Commission head, Mr. Rudy Collins.

Brave Police Corporal Faikall was killed when he confronted four armed men

in 1997.

One Saturday night, twenty-four-old policeman, Adrian Williams, was shot and killed while investigating a report.

One media house carried a story on 2nd August 1997, under the title ‘Armed bandits strike terror in Stewartville’, which tells of a Canada-based family chopped and terrorised by armed bandits who stole everything, including important documents.

On 31st January,1998 the headlines read ‘Man serious after being shot in Eccles robbery’.

The headlines of the Guyana Chronicle of 5th February, 1998 stated: ‘Eccles residents in fear of bandits’.

The rampages of the ‘jailbreak gang’, and subsequent gangs, including that of ‘Fineman’, are well-documented.

And down the years the stories of crime sprees escalated, with sometimes mass massacres reported.

Cuffy’s own family refused his body and he was buried as a pauper because

his father, who was a poor cartman, rejected a son who had shamed him by making crime his profession.

But that was when Guyanese were proud and decent, with lofty ideals and high standards, whether rich or poor.

Some sections of society today ‘follow de Leader’ and certain sections of the media do not care if they cause a conflagration in the land if they could satisfy ‘de Leader’ and profit by it.

The contention of some prominent members of society that the killers should be captured for questioning, even while the police come under their fire, would be ludicrous if it did not have such serious implications.

Psyched out by preceding instances of deaths and injuries to ranks and the evasive strategies of the criminals, as well as the criticism of society and the media, the Joint Services many times have no recourse but a spontaneous conclusion to an unrelenting manhunt that span the country, leaving

countless casualties in its wake..

The ranks are at times engaged in deadly confrontations with criminals who are famous for pulling every trick in the book to make evasive and successful escape bids.

Self-defence is an automatic reaction to brutal forces and the unknown factor of possible accomplices create a climate for a spontaneous response to the dynamics of the battle, especially in situations where bandits are shooting to kill.

Stealing and subverting the truth are both dishonest acts. Some media houses are adept at the latter, regardless the cost to society.

In this regard they align themselves to the bandits and disregard the plight of the victims and the pain and devastated lives of their loved ones. The bandits have many champions, but who champions the rights of the victims?

Abel Seetaram needs to be objective, experience Berbice through his own eyes, and don’t let others write his letters!

POLITICIAN Mr. Abel Seetaram, Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC) RMC in Region 5, has been a regular contributor to the letter columns of newspapers that accommodate his views (biased as they may be).

It is plain to see how slanted the perspectives are on matters raised by Mr. Seetaram in the past and his more recent letter captioned: ‘The PPP/C has totally failed Berbice’ [in the Friday September 5, 2014 edition of Kaieteur News].

This politician has made several jaundiced claims

with the obvious intention to misinform. Of interest is the following: 1. He said ‘...but PPP/C must understand that the days are over even for the sugar industry...’

Since he signs the letter as the Chairman of the AFC in Region 5, he is therefore speaking with authority.

I have not seen the AFC distancing itself from Mr. Seetaram’s utterances. The above statement is clear.

The AFC wants to CLOSE DOWN the sugar industry.

Sugar Workers and their families…TAKE NOTE! The AFC wants to put thou-

sands of sugar workers out of jobs. It was these same sugar workers your party members fooled while campaigning for the last elections promising them that if they voted for the AFC they will get 20% increase in salary and the AFC has Sugar at heart. Then the same AFC politicians tried explaining away the promised 20% increase by saying it would have been 20% over the 5-year term. Sugar workers were fooled by this promise in 2011; they would not be fooled again.

2. ‘...panadol tablets are

not available in our hospitals...’

The health sector in Berbice is confronting the unexpected Chikungunya virus, dengue fever and seasonal flu all at the same time. The usual quantities of paracetemol, ibuprofen and other medications were exhausted only for a short period when it was limited. However, within a day we were supplemented by stocks from the Ministry of Health and by purchases. Don’t spin the truth Mr. Seetaram, there is not an actual shortage in 2014. All is not perfect, but we have improved from

where we were when we took over.

3. The matter on who built the New Amsterdam Public Hospital would not have found itself as content to this missive if Mr. Seetaram had paid attention and done research. The Government of Guyana will always be grateful to the People of Japan for this gift which came through the growing friendship between the two countries since 1992.

The Government of Guyana continues to have cordial relationships with not only Japan but China, Brazil and

India to name a few. This HURTS the Opposition especially the AFC because it means development. And of course the AFC being Opposition feels it is their duty to oppose development. After all, if there is development, the PPP will be in office for a ‘long, long’ time! So they oppose the Indians, the Chinese, and others.

4. It is such a shame that Mr. Seetaram would publicly accuse the Cuban trained Guyanese doctors of not working. Certainly

See Page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Berbice Bridge Company holds key to better relations with residents of D’Edward Village BEFORE the Berbice Bridge was built in 2008, a few property owners in D’Edward Village on the West Bank of Berbice, operated small businesses from their homes adjacent to the main road, which has now become the access road to the Berbice Bridge toll plaza.

Since the completion of the bridge, access to that road by the homeowners parallel to the northern side of the road has been cut-off by the construction of a chainlink fence. This fence effectively caused those small businesses to close, and denied those homeowners the use of the front entrance to their properties. It has also drastically reduced the value of every property along that stretch of roadway. No compensation was ever paid to these homeowners.

During the sensitisation-consultation meetings held with the homeowners prior to the construction of the bridge, representatives of the Berbice Bridge Company (BBC), assured the community that a drain and proper sidewalk would be built in front of the those properties to compensate for the loss of the road usage. Indeed, a drain was dug but was never maintained, and the sidewalk was never built.

I have recently taken up residence in D’Edward Village, and our home is

situated directly opposite the Berbice Bridge toll plaza, literally a stone’s throw away.

Sometime ago, a gate was installed on the chainlink fence, directly in front of my next-door neighbour, an employee of the BBC. The gate is used almost daily by members of her family and others who are not employed by the BBC. My daughter goes to CXC lessons three times a week in Hopetown, some distance away, and usually gets home at about 21:00hrs.

Because of real safety concerns of her being molested by some of the boys in our poorly-lit street, I drive out to the junction of the main road to meet her when she arrives at night on the school bus. This task could be avoided and my daughter’s safety assured, if she is allowed access to the locked gate on the chain-linked fence, as the school bus would drop her off within close proximity to allow her to enter our home through our front yard via the gate.

A few weeks ago, I requested a copy of the key from Mr. Samaroo, Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Bridge Company, and he asked that I put this request in writing. This was done, and about a week later, I received a phone call inviting me to a meeting with the CEO later that afternoon. At

first, I was somewhat surprised that a simple request for a copy of a key would require a meeting with the CEO, but I welcomed the opportunity for I wanted to discuss a few projects that the BBC could use to improve their public relations image with the community of D’Edward.

The meeting was later postponed and finally we met one week later, I was then informed that giving my 15-year-old a copy of the key would pose a “security risk” to his company, where large sums of money are in circulation every day, and he was also concerned that “others” may also request copies of the key. Let me make this emphatically clear: Considering the fact that those residing on the other side of the fence can no longer use the front entrance to their properties, everyone deserve to have copies of that key.

But despite my personal assurance that the key, if given, will be used responsibly and only by my daughter on those nights she gets home from lessons, Mr. Samaroo was unmoved, but promised to review his decision within a week.

Not having heard from him by the end of the following week, I again called, only to be told that he needed yet another week to decide whether or not to give a

GRA must stand firm against Glenn Lall’s alleged excursions into tax evasion

I HAVE been following with keen interest online, as an overseas reader, the unfolding saga of the owner of the Kaieteur News alleged excursions into tax evasion. The authorities at GRA must stand up firm and be strong in their resolve and enforce the laws against this individual who would now appear to be literally caught with his hands in the cookie jar.

Like a drowning man, this once self-appointed exposer of corrupt practices now seems to be under the spotlight as presumably a highly corrupt businessman, clutching at straws and begging for political patronage. Mr Joe Harmon is well advised not to appear to take sides for when the chips fall his credibility as a fair minded politician may well be called into question too.

Mr Khursdhid Sattaur, as the Head of GRA, no doubt has a difficult job. Damned if he does and damned if he don’t. As such, he must not flinch under the barrage of insults and personal attacks that he is being subjected to on a daily basis from libelous articles to now political attacks from an Opposition MP. In this part of the woods where, I live, it is unheard of for politicians and newspaper owners to attack revenue officers in this brazen manner.

You will quickly see lawsuits being instituted to put a stop to such criminal activities as there are laws that protect such persons from being intimidated and molested in doing their duty.

NAME WITHHELD

schoolgirl a key that would allow her to use the front gate of her home for her own safety and protection.

As the CEO of a major company, this man seems incapable of making simple decisions.

At the meeting I was told that he installed the gate on the fence directly in front of the home of a member of his staff to ensure that she gets to work on time.

But even without using the gate, I assure you that this employee can be sitting in her office in less than 10 minutes, walking casually to work from her home next to mine, using the back road we have all been restricted to. It makes me wonder whether Samaroo feels the same concern for other employees of the BBC, who live much further away?

And if so, does he provide

easy access for them to get to work on time as well?

Although he was advised that I have photographic evidence of persons opening the lock on that gate, who are not employees of the BBC, Samaroo insists that he only gave copies of the key to three of his employees.

Although being so close to traffic approaching the toll plaza does pose some danger to pedestrians using the gate, this should only be a temporary solution until a sidewalk is constructed. I therefore call upon the Berbice Bridge Company to honour its promise and obligation to the residents of Unity Street, D’Edward Village, and construct a decent sidewalk that would allow them to once again use the front entrance of their own properties, a right that was taken away by the construction of the bridge

and the fence.

The Berbice Bridge Company holds the key to better relations with the residents of D’Edward Village, and Mr. Samaroo should be cognisant of this.

I intend to work closely with the community to stop littering and to develop a small park with palm trees and benches close to the river overlooking the koker, where school children can study while parents enjoy the refreshing breeze from the Atlantic, and I fully expect the support of the BBC to bring these plans to fruition.

With all the money they’re raking in from commuters on a daily basis, it is time they give back something to the community they’ve taken so much from.

HARRY GILL

Abel Seetaram needs to be...

From Page 6

he is not acquainted with hospital protocols, shifts and schedules of the medical staff. Nevertheless, rather than being vague, Mr. Seetaram would be advised to present facts and evidence of doctors not fulfilling their duties instead of making sweeping assumptions for political mileage. On a daily basis, irrespective of day or night, work day or week end, holiday or not, you can find the hard working doctors in all the hospitals within Berbice and I dare say in Guyana. I am sure Mr Seetaram would speak differently after having experienced this himself, if he is interested in speaking the truth and not have a distorted vision of events.

5. Developments in Berbice…new housing schemes.

Ye s t h e s a m e h o u s i n g schemes where you and your ilk go to campaign, spewing lies, making false promises, putting ‘spin’ on the truth to twist it. Last time some were gullible and they bought it.

This time NO WAY! 6. The Berbice River Bridge...yes the same bridge

that the AFC did not want to be constructed but its few members and leaders use regularly! The same bridge that the AFC members ungratefully cuss publicly at every given opportunity! It has saved many lives and it has saved many, many man hours. That is value beyond measure.

7. The New Schools. Refurbished schools! Yes and with new furniture! Yes, ‘Mr Blurred Vision’; the numbers of school children in schools today cannot be matched at any time of Guyana’s history!

Do you know that we have schools in the village of Orealla and Siparuta? Are you even aware that we presently have a Traumatologist (qualified – a proud PPP scholar) originating from the schools of Orealla? Do you know that presently doing rotations is a GRADUATE DOCTOR originating from the Amerindian Village of Siparuta? Isn’t this development? Progress?

8. Do I need to mention the new roads, the large numbers of new houses, the clean canals, the Tain Campus, the Teachers Training colleges in Berbice, the large amount of rice lands and cash crop lands under cultivation, etc?

9. Are you aware of the number of special projects initiated in Region 6 through the BRHA:- the extended home based project, the geriatric clinic and the geriatric Mega clinics, the Home Nutrition programme, the Diabetic School, the Health and Wellness Army, the Clean Hands Save lives project, etc? Come and let us talk!

You will learn and you will see that there are lots of development taking place.

I close by saying only someone with defective vision cannot see that Berbicians are better off in many aspects of life in 2014 as compared to the days even after 1992. So I’d say to Mr. Seetaram, the politician - be objective, experience Berbice through your own eyes. Don’t let others write your letters!

You experienced Health Care in Guyana, in Berbice! If you truly have the interest of Guyanese especially Berbicians at heart, come let us talk, discuss issues and you will see where development is coming from and what are plans for future development.

CONCERNED CITIZEN OF BERBICE

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

As investigations into Glenn Lall’s alleged tax evasion continues…

GRA Head says he will not be intimidated –dismisses Harmon’s criticisms as premature COMMISSIONER-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, has taken a firm stance in the face of criticism by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Joseph Harmon, over misuse of his office.

Sattaur contends that he will not be intimidated in diverting the GRA’s attention from a legitimate investigation. “This investigation is based on the merits of our findings and not on political directive, as Mr. Harmon suggests. I will not be intimidated,” Mr. Sattaur said.

H a r m o n ’s c o m m e n t s were included in an article published in the Kaieteur News, under the headline, ‘Khurshid Sattaur uses his office as instrument of ter-

Mr. Khurshid Sattaur

Glenn Lall

Joe Harmon

ror’.

Sattaur noted that Harmon’s comments are unfortunate, given his party’s position on tackling corruption and on protecting taxpayers’ money.

“Here it is that we are doing the exact thing they advocate for and we are being criticised,” the GRA Head said.

Sattaur said the APNU MP’s comments are also

“premature” since the investigations are continuing in the latest alleged tax infraction involving the publisher of the Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall.

Lall has allegedly evaded

taxes in that his company has, for over a decade now, been importing printing ink and passing them off as products of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), so as to enjoy duty-free concessions for those importations.

As it relates to the progress of the investigation of the alleged tax evasion, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that the necessary verification requests are still with the relevant authorities in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to Mr. Sattaur, the work of the Authority in investigating this issue is no different from what has always been done, with the exception that Mr. Lall is a public figure.

“If it is now the case that this MP will be using the court to stymie the Commissioner-General in performing his duties to audit tax payers for tax evasion then I might as well provide this crusader of alleged tax cheats with

the entire list of over 500 tax payers that the GRA’s various Audit and Enforcement Divisions are diligently pursuing for various offences suspected to be committed,” Sattaur declared.

The Commissioner-General highlighted too that the GRA’s revenues, each year, have been surpassing the target set in the National Assembly, by cracking down on tax evaders from tax schemes and from fraudsters employing various devious and pernicious devices that the GRA’s auditors and enforcement officers bring to light.

The Guyana Chronicle’s disclosure that the publisher of Kaieteur News may yet again be at the centre of an alleged duty-free infringement is the second scam Mr. Lall has been fingered in. Prior to the tax evasion allegation, Mr. Lall was fingered in an alleged remigrant duty-free concession scam.

2015: Year of seven elections in CARICOM Analysis by Rickey Singh

WITH Trinidad and Tobago’s largest-ever post-Independence budget under her belt, and lots of so-called “goodies” for sharing all around, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is increasingly demonstrating a leadership confidence that her primary political opponents would be carefully monitoring as they maintain boastful public posturings, with eyes fixed on new parliamentary elections next year, one of at least seven in 2015.

Controversies seem set to continue over provisions of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill passed last month

by Parliament, and awaiting the President’s assent. Much focus remains on the socalled “re-run” clause for candidates who fail to secure more than 50 per cent at elections. This constitutional provision, unique within CARICOM, would continue to attract attention by more than political parties and pundits across the Caribbean Community.

At this comparatively early stage, it seems that both CARICOM women Prime Ministers, who rose to power within a few months of each other (T&T’s Persad-Bissessar during 2010 and Jamaica’s Portia Simpson-Miller in 2011) would have good reason to be optimistic for a second five-year term. Of course, do not expect any such vibes from their opponents.

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar

THE SEVEN **Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Jamaica are three of the seven CARICOM countries where parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held, and, more significantly, with the likelihood of a second term for the incumbents. Other CARICOM states due for national elections next year would be Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Suriname.

With the exception of Guyana and Suriname, where, respectively, Proportional Representation and a mix of PR and the First-Past-the-Post electoral systems prevail, throughout the Caribbean Community, governments are generally established on the basis of the winner-takes-all first-past-the post system -- either by one or more Parties to ensure an overall parliamentary majority. **In sharp contrast to

PM Portia Simpson-Miller

Guyana, where the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Peoples National Congress (PNC) have traditionally dominated governments (the former under both electoral systems, and the latter with PR and rigged elections), the prevailing firsttime political scenario is that of the PPP(Civic) governing as a minority of 32 against an opposition coalition with a one-seat majority in the 65-member National Assembly.

Apart from being the sole English-speaking CARICOM State with the PR electoral system, Guyana also has the unflattering reputation of governance based on a quarter-century of documented rigged elections under the rule of the PNC of which the now late President Forbes Burnham was founder-leader.

Currently, there are intense manoeuvrings by the coalition of opposition parties, as well as by the governing PPP amid increasing indications of a snap general

election, most likely in the first half of 2015, and with or without a new national budget, a sharp contrast to the prevailing scenario in Trinidad and Tobago. **Across in Jamaica, Prime Minister Simpson-Miller has been confidently leading her administration with a comfortable majority, while representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) maintain watchful eyes as Finance Minister Peter Phillips -- reputedly a future PNP leader -- and securing

occasional plaudits from the international financial institutions and representatives of the dominant private sector. **Within the sub-region of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), new parliamentary elections are due in 2015 in Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St.Vincent and the Grenadines. The respective Prime Ministers of all three countries (Doiminica’s Roosevelt Skerritt; St.Kitts and Nevis’ Denzil Douglas; and Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves) are

currently quite optimistic of retaining state power.

While, in the case of St.Kitts and Nevis, there have been various occasions of bruising political confrontations amid speculations of the governing Labour Party losing its shaky majority, by contrast in the case of St.Vincent and he Grenadines Prime Minister Gonsalves has been adroitly managing political stability with a one-seat parliamentary majority. He remains confident of another fiveyear term in government.

Guyana reviewing options with other SECL contracts

– according to AG Nandlall

By Vanessa Narine HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon, on Wednesday, indicated that Surendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL), which has another contract in Guyana, will be blacklisted.

And Attorney-General (AG), Anil Nandlall, disclosed that the company’s other local engagements is not something to which the current Administration is oblivious, more so given SECL’s failures with the US$18.1M contract for the design and construction of the Specialty Hospital.

“I am aware that there is another contract. That issue

is a live one, currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Office of the President,” he said.

In 2012, the contract was signed for the 14 pumps to be supplied by Surendra Engineering Company; six mobile and eight fixed site pumps, but initially the programme consisted of 39 pumps which will be placed across the coastland of Guyana. However, only 14 are to be supplied

by Surendra. The US$4M award was given to Surendra Engineering Company after competitive bidding and approval by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, in 2012. The company was not contracted to build the machines, but

Attorney-General (AG), Anil Nandlall

rather to supply them, fabricate or procure from another firm, for drainage purposes.

The AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, also made it clear that to pronounce on what actions would be taken regarding the company’s continued engagement locally would be premature.

“It would be premature to Turn to page 9

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Attorney-General: Guyana’s procurement process among the best in CARICOM

By Vanessa Narine THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) S e c re t a r i a t h a s c o n vened three regional consultations over the last two weeks to discuss the findings of a major consultancy on government procurement in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The first consultation kicked off on Septemb er 3 in J amaica, f or that Member State and Belize, while Barbados hosted two days of follow-up consultations on September 8 and 9. The final set of consultations will be held in Saint Lucia.

Commenting on local moves to improve the procurement process, Attorney-General

‘Guyana stands out in the CARICOM region as having the most advanced and most transparent procurement procedures’ - Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs

(AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Anil Nandlall, in an invited comment, explained that while Guyana stands out among its Caribbean counterparts, there is always room for improvement.

“Our procurement process is one that stands

out... Guyana stands out in the CARICOM region as having perhaps the most advanced and most transparent procurement procedures...

Our procurement process is one that is always under scrutiny, and there is always room for improvement,” he said.

The AG added that he discovered at a recent meeting in Trinidad and Tobago that that country was using Guyana’s procurement process as a model.

“They are now laying a White Paper in their Parliament in which they are discussing the promulgation of a Procurement Act that is similar to ours,” he said.

According to the AG, the local procurement process is not perfect, and as such remains under the scrutiny of the public, the media corps, financiers, and other stakeholders.

Additionally, as it rel a t e s t o C A R I C O M ’s

efforts, country missions to 13 CARICOM Member States, excluding Haiti and the Bahamas, were undertaken from April to June 2014 by the consultants, Analysis Mason Ltd. This consultancy was to provide the CARICOM Secretariat and its member states with the recommendations on required IT infrastructure for the establishment of a fully functioning Regional Integration Electronic Public Procurement System.

The broader objective of this project is the liberalization and integration of the regional market for trade in goods and services.

This is to establish and maintain a regime for the free movement of goods and services within the CSME. The consultations are being facilitated by the European Union under the Tenth European Development Fund (10th EDF), and will involve two-day meetings with both the public and private sectors in the host countries.

These consultations will be preceded by a meeting of the CSME Ta s k F o rc e o n G o v ernment Procurement f ro m 1 - 2 S e p t e m b e r 2014 at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

Four BK employees among seven arrested for stealing stone area), removed the fifteen tons of stone without permission from the BK vessel ‘MT Gail’, and placed same on an old wrecked barge, the

‘Alana 3’.

The stolen stones, some of which were already bagged, were taken to the Parika Police Station follow-

ing the interception.

Investigations are continuing, but they are expected to be charged and placed before the court.

Guyana reviewing options with other...

From page 8

say what steps will be taken, but we are aware that this contractor has other contracts with the Government of Guyana. We will be reviewing our options with regard to those contracts,” he said.

Bags of stone stolen from the vessel, ‘MT Gail’

FOUR (4) employees of the BK Group of Companies, along with seven (7) other persons, arrested on Sunday for allegedly stealing 250 bags of stone valued at $180,000, were released on station bail on Wednesday night.

The interception was made on Sunday at approximately 9:30h at the Parika Beach, where the crew was waiting on the tide to rise in order to return to BK Quarries in the Mazaruni.

The four BK Group employees: Colin Peters (Captain),

Freddie Spaires (engineer), Odenn Bowlin and Herbert Sauers (sailors), in association with Lilita Samsudeen, Silvia Sukhu, Samantha Sookram, Compton Flecker, Brian Singh, Rashie Ramkellewan and Asoda Sukhu (all of the Parika Outfall

LEGAL TROUBLES Nandlall acknowledged the other challenges facing the embattled company, in terms of current troubles with one of SECL’s sub-contractor, BK International Incorporated.

BK International Incorporated, last week, announced its move to the courts in India in an effort to recoup outstanding money owed

by SECL. The move to the courts in India came after the local commercial Court lifted an interim injunction restrain-

ing Brijen Parikh, Managing Director of Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited, from leaving Guyana without settling the debt to BK International. Prior to the decision to take legal action in India, BK International had sought the intervention of the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, but did not see any progress.

BK International, a sub-contractor, is owed $180,100,242 for work done in the months of May, June and July, 2014.

BK International and Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited had entered into a written agreement for BK International to supply and drive 2000 pieces of 65foot long greenheart piles at Turkeyen, Greater George-

town. The agreed sum for the execution of the contract

by BK International is $673, 978,328. Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited agreed to pay BK International for quantities of work done and certified by the engineer on site. Payment was to have been made within two weeks after submission of the invoices by BK International.

This was not done.

Additionally, the Guyana Chronicle understands that SECL is also embroiled in another court case in India, regarding irregularities in its operations.

The AG contends that the current Administration has lost confidence in the capabilities of Surendra Engineering Company Limited.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

In response to his ultimatum...

President calls on Granger to clarify his Party’s position

By Vanessa Narine PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, in a letter to the leader of the Main Opposition, Mr. David Granger, yesterday acknowledged receipt of his September 9 letter, which threatened the “mobilization of national and international support” if a date for the holding of Local Government Elections is not set on or before Monday, September 15, 2014.

For starters, His Excellency reassured Granger that there was no need to remind him about his duties as President, nor the importance of democracy.

“Please be assured,” he said, “that there is no need to remind me about upholding the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana, and about the importance of democracy, as the track record of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration is one that has always defended, advocated and promoted constitutionality, the rule of law, and democracy at every

‘Unfortunately, the position represented in your letter and the positions expressed by your Party after my receipt of your letter are both ambiguous and contradictory. In the circumstances, before I can properly respond to your letter, I wish for you to clarify what precisely is your Party’s position’ –President Donald Ramotar

David Granger

President Donald Ramotar

and contradictory. In the circumstances, before I can properly respond to your letter, I wish for you to clarify what precisely is your Party’s position.”

As the President had occasion to remind Granger in his missive, while his views, as leader of the Main Opposition, are important to Guyana’s democratic equation, all matters relating to the fixing of the date for elections, both local as well as national, remain within the preserve and prerogative of the Exec-

level in our country.”

What he, however, had difficulty with, the President said, was fathoming whether both Granger and A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) are on the same page in terms of articulating exactly what it was they wanted.

In his own words, the President said, “Unfortunately, the position represented in your letter, and the positions expressed by your Party after my receipt of your letter are both ambiguous

utive, a fact that Mr. Granger himself acknowledged in his own letter.

In his letter to the President, Granger called for the President to issue, the said day, the ‘Commencement Order’ to operationalise the Local Government Commission, and to initiate a process by which the Local Government (Amendment) Bill could be returned for his assent.

Said Granger in the letter, “We remind you also, that, in accordance with the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Local government is a vital aspect of democracy.

“Local government elections, last held in 1994, are a constitutional obligation and a democratic entitlement of the Guyanese people. It is not an option of the executive branch of government.”

He also sought to remind the President that the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill, at its second reading on February 10, 2014, was debated and passed “as amended,” directing that elections be held on or before August 1, 2014.

As such, the Opposition Leader made it known in his letter that failure to make the pronouncements on Monday, will result in the “Lawful action to mobilise national and international support in defence of local democracy, the Constitution and the rights of the Guyanese people.”

He also called on President Donald Ramotar to: “Respect the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; to respect the decision of the National Assembly with regard to the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2014; and

to respect your manifesto: Working Together for a Better Tomorrow.”

Local government elections have not been held in Guyana since 1994. Prior to that, local government elections were last held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because of the coincidence with the general and regional elections of 1997. Additionally, the House passed the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2013, which states that elections must be held on or before August 1, 2014. The August date was made via an amendment to the Bill, proposed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), while the House was in Committee. However, this bill has not been assented to by the Head of State.

PPP congratulates Lloyd on Matter engaging police OPR WICB appointment Missing money during police operation...

THE Police have reported that the matter involving the alleged disappearance of from a canter truck while the occupants were being engaged by the police on Monday has been forwarded to the Police Officer for Professional Responsibility.

In a press release on Wednesday, the police further stated that the description given by the porters on the truck of the men who claimed to be police officers does not match the description of any police rank stationed at the Sparendaam Police Station who were on duty there at the time the matter was reported.

This newspaper first broke the story of the missing money from the vehicle which came up to a police operation in front of the Sparendaam Police Station, where the occupants claimed that they were robbed of money from the vehicle by two men who said they were police ranks.

On Monday the porters told the police that the two persons who showed up at the vehicle were wearing shirt jacks and indicated to the two persons who were left in the vehicle after the driver was called away by the police that they were wanted by the police.

The owner of the money told reporters that the two men who have been working with him for years have never stolen from him and that he would usually entrust them with large amounts of cash to transact his business.

The press release by the police also took a swipe at the headline carried in this publication claiming thet it gave the impression that the police took the money.

The police press release identified the driver of the truck who was initially called away from the vehicle by a traffic rank was identified as a Corentyne businessman.

The man is in the business of retailing and whole-

saling cooking oil on behalf of his brother to businesses in Georgetown, and when the incident occurred, he had completed his business in the city and was heading back to Berbice.

At the time the money was taken from the vehicle, the police said four porters were present on the canter and one reportedly reported in his statement that he saw one of the men who identified themselves as police ranks heading to a parked car with the bag of money.

The police are very suspicious about the report since the man did not raise an alarm. Additionally while the men drove almost 40 miles to report the missing money, passing two police stations and one police outpost, the man who saw the money bag being taken away still did not mention this to his co-workers, but chose to put it in his statement at Cove and John Police Station.

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) sent its congratulations Tuesday to Mr. Clive Hubert Lloyd on his appointment as the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Convener of Selectors.

In a statement the ruling party said: “Mr. Lloyd, a son of this soil has brought with him, a wealth of experience and talent, the fact that his being the West Indies most successful captain and having represented the West Indies at the test level for almost two decades.”

During his test career, Lloyd played 110 test matches and scored 7515 runs at an average of just

below 50, including 19 centuries and 39 fifties.

“Mr. Lloyd was no doubt a crucial ingredient in the rise of West Indian cricket in the 1960s and 70s and was a critical link in the regional side that dominated world cricket during that era. We believe he has what it takes to help in the process of returning West Indies cricket to its hey day,” the PPP added.

The ruling party also made clear its endorsement of statements made by the former West Indies batsman, Gordon Greenidge, who highlighted that Lloyd must be given the liberty to establish his methods, to

Clive Lloyd

help improve the performance of the West Indies team.

“Once again we would like to extend congratulations to Clive Lloyd as we remain confident he will continue to work in the best interest of cricket in the Caribbean,” the PPP concluded.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Police Force finds...

Finance Minister committed no breach of criminal law –will seek further legal advice

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), in a statement yesterday, noted that Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, committed no breach of criminal law in the matter involving the alleged illegal spending of monies.

“The Police Force is obligated to investigate criminal breaches only and does not conduct investigations into civil breaches nor administrative breaches of the law,

save and except those related to the Police (Discipline) Act Chapter 17:01 regarding the conduct of its ranks,” the GPF statement said.

According to the statement, the Force will be seeking further legal advice on the matter.

In a second statement, the GPF clarified that any “purported breach” of any section of the law that may amount to an “administrative

breach” and not a criminal breach requires further legal direction.

The Guyana Chronicle contacted Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, for a comment on the GPF’s position, and he said that he feels “vindicated” by the preliminary findings of the police.

“I feel vindicated by the preliminary findings of

the police, that there is no violation of the criminal law.

I have so stated from the inception,” he said.

However, the AG cited the GPF’s reference to a possible “administrative breach” of law, describing the reference as puzzling.

“I am a little bewildered, however, by the view expressed that the Minister’s conduct may amount to an ‘administrative breach’ of

some law. Quite frankly, I don’t know to what that refers. I know that the police is statutorily empowered and obliged to investigate breaches of the criminal law.

I am unaware of any power resident in the Police Force to investigate an ‘administrative breach’ of the law,” Nandlall said.

To this end, he expressed satisfaction that the GPF is seeking further legal advice

before proceeding on the matter.

This issue was raised as a result of a complaint from Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan. He filed a complaint with the police last month, charging that the $4.6B that was cut from the 2014 Budget, but restored by the Finance Minister, constituted an illegality. (Vanessa Narine)

Trouble in the East…

ABC countries denounce ‘Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine’ –call on Guyana to join in condemnation

By Derwayne Wills THE Heads of Mission of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada to Guyana yesterday held a joint media conference at the Chapel of the Canadian High Commission, Kingston, to address the actions of Russia in the Crimean peninsula.

At the midday press conference, Canadian High Commissioner, Dr. Nicole Giles, on behalf of the trio, expressed a joint appreciation of the current ceasefire on the Ukrainian-Russian borders.

ABC POSITION: Seated from left at yesterday’s joint press conference are, Canadian High Commissioner, Dr. Nicole Giles; British High Commissioner, Mr. Andrew Ayre; and US Charge d’ Affaires, Mr. Bryan Hunt

ABC POSITION According to the Canadian diplomat, while the ABC nations welcome the ceasefire, they “still remain cautious given Russia’s recent track record of disregarding diplomatic and international order, and its blatant violation of its neighbour’s sovereignty.”

The High Commissioner gave a firm position that Russia’s annexation of Crimea is, what she called “a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.”

She underscored her country’s position, stating that the militarised actions of Russia in the region constituted a violation of its obligations to a number of international agreements including: “Russia’s commitments under the Helsinki Final Act, its obligations to Ukraine under its 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership; the Russian-Ukraine 1997 basing agreement; and its commitments in the Budapest Memorandum of 1994.”

The Canadian High Commissioner further linked the

Russian Government to separatist fighters in Eastern Ukraine. “Russia has been providing separatist fighters with heavy equipment in the form of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and air defense systems.”

UK High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, supporting the position of the Canadian diplomat, registered the concerns of his government and their western super-power allies with “mounting evidence” against the “large-scale incursions” made by Russian troops.

He bemoaned the unwarranted death of 2500 Ukrainian citizens, as a result of “Russia’s support of pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine with arms and troops.” The UK diplomat called on the Putin administration to “pursue a different path and to find a political solution to this crisis.”

US Embassy Charge d’ Affaires, Bryan Hunt called out the actions of Russia as “a deliberate effort to support, and now fight alongside,

illegal separatists in another sovereign country.” He stressed that if the situation does not stabilise then there would be a complete disregard for “rules and principles that have taken generations to build, with unparalleled investment.”

THREAT TO INTERNATIONAL ORDER H e u rg e d t h a t “ a n y threat… to the international order is a threat to all of our peace and security.”

On the annexation of the Crimean region to Russia, Hunt made clear the position of the US and their ally-representatives at the event that “we will not accept Russia’s occupation and illegal ‘annexation’ of Crimea or any part of Ukraine”, adding that “Borders cannot be redrawn at the barrel of a gun.”

stability and international law. She added that both Guyana and Canada depend on “international order and international law to advance our interest whether they be commercial, political, or the protection of citizens.”

She cited the principles of the “inviolability of international borders as well as peaceful means to resolve disputes” for reasons supporting Guyana’s proposed involvement. In relation to the direct role of Guyana, she said that “every country in the international community [ought] to stand up and indicate their support for the international order [and] their support for international law.” “ We w o u l d b e v e r y pleased for Guyana to issue a statement indicating its support for the principles that we have spoken about.”

CALL TO GUYANA When questioned on the role of Guyana in the considerations by the ABC countries, Dr. Giles referenced the shared interest in global

A PARALLEL HERE The UK High Commissioner related that there is a parallel between Guyana and the Ukraine in relation to territorial claims by other

countries. “Clearly there are two countries that have illegitimate claims to Guyana’s territory and therefore there is a parallel over here… we wouldn’t want conflict in Guyana relating to those illegitimate claims.”

Further questioned on engagements with the Guyana Government, the ABC diplomats took a standard position in maintaining the “confidentiality” of those discussions.

The Canadian diplomat, however, spoke on the fundamental principles of international law- inviolability of borders, and peaceful means to resolve dispute- stating that “Guyana has taken positions that are strongly in support of those principles”, similarly expressing her hope that Guyana would adopt similar positions of strength on the Ukraine issue.

CRIMEAN REFERENDUM In March 2014, there was a referendum process in the then Eastern Ukraine region to determine the status of the Crimea as independent from Ukraine. The results of the referendum, coming from a people who are predominantly Russian in ethnicity, reflected a clear will to sever all connections with Ukraine in favour of a Russian annexation.

The United States had however made its posture clear that it would reject the results of the referendum even before it was held.

When questioned on the legitimate process of a referendum and a comparison between the 2014 referendum of Crimea and the current referendum of Scotland- call-

ing for independence from the United Kingdom- the UK High Commissioner responded that he is unable to comment on the Scottish referendum.

“I cannot comment on Scotland and I won’t,” he said.

Both the Canadian and American Heads of Missions denounced the legitimacy of the Crimean referendum, calling out that the legitimacy of the referendum was challenged based on Russia’s military “occupation” of the region at the time.

“The Crimean people are under Russian occupation, they don’t have the ability to express their will or to pursue their self-determination,” according to the US diplomat.

FURTHER RUSSIAN SANCTIONS In recent times, a number of sanctions have been levied against the Russian government for the sake of isolating the regime. This posture was echoed in Russia’s exclusion from the G-8 now G-7 countries which include the US, UK and Canada among the seven.

The UK High Commissioner, commenting on the sanctions placed on Russia, confirmed that there will no doubt “be further consequences,” if the consequences of Russia’s actions continue to persist.

The three superpowers collectively urged Russia to make clear its commitment to peaceful and meaningful engagements by “withdrawing all military forces and equipment from Ukraine and away from its border, an ending support for the separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Finance Minister: Investor confidence in Guyana ‘alive and well’ -at opening of multibillion-dollar Popeye’s location The Guyanese economy has experienced eight consecutive years of growth up to 2013, and is projected to expand by a 5.6 per cent in 2014 and the successes to date were credited

by Dr. Singh to both the work by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the work of “bold” investors and the private sector.

On this note, he extended his congratulations to the Chairman of Guyana Restaurants Inc., Mr. R. L. Singh, for the vision that resulted in his venture.

Mr. Singh, in brief remarks, reiterated sentiments expressed by the Finance Minister and confirmed that an encouraging investment climate and confidence in a bright future for Guyana informed his decision to move to have a second location commissioned.

GUYANA Restaurants Inc. Commissioning yesterday of a new ‘Popeyes’ restaurant location on Camp Street, an investment of approximately US$3.5M, has caused Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh to declare that investor confidence is alive and well in Guyana.

“It signals progress that is being made in Guyana,” he said at a simple commissioning ceremony which saw in attendance representatives from the diplomatic corps and the private sector.

According to Dr. Singh, not only does the multi-million dollar investment underscore investor confidence in the local economy, but it also signals the continued transformation under the current Administration and evidences optimism for the future.

He stated that such an investment also inspires efforts to work to protect the gains made over the last two decades, as well as consolidate and build on them.

The Finance Minister added that Guyana’s landscape continues to change and the opening of the new restaurant is another indication of that; pointing out that the new Popeyes location is situated where another entertainment square used to be, the old Plaza cinema.

A NEW GEORGETOWN “We are building a new Georgetown,” he said, adding that change in Guyana has taken on several different and new dimensions.

Dr. Singh also cited the amount of work being done by the current Administration to improve the conditions that would encourage investment and bolster investor confidence, an undertaking that has been met by success as seen through the “conscious and rational” decisions taken by both large and small investors to put

The new Popeyes’ restaurant location on Camp Street

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Chairman of Guyana Restaurants Inc., R. L. Singh (second right) with other stakeholders during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting yesterday to declare open the facility (Photos by Sonell Nelson) their money into the local economy.

“The story of change is evident,” he stressed.

To this end, the Minister reiterated the need to “protect, preserve and consolidate” the gains that Guyana,

as a developing nation, has made over the last few years and stressed the importance of such focus in ensuring

that Guyana does not return to the days of the 1970s and 1980s when investors shied away from the country.

SOME 44 JOBS He highlighted that some 44 jobs will be created, in addition to indirect opportunities for local service providers, since all raw materials, with the exception of the restaurant’s unique bounty of spices, will be sourced locally.

The Chairman of Guyana Restaurants Inc. noted also that the opening of another location is planned for Water and America Streets, downtown Georgetown, which would see the creation of another 50 jobs, among other indirect benefits.

Additionally, the Latin America Consultant to Popeyes, Mr. Luis Villasana, made brief remarks and credited the success of the Popeyes brand in Guyana to strong partnerships and contended that there are many opportunities for growth and development in Guyana.

Guyana Restaurants Inc. acquired the first Popeyes restaurant in August 2011 and the new location will be open for business from today. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Guyanese woman elected newest Civil Court Judge in New York

Clarke’s supporters reassuring her in New York just before the elections

Clarke enjoying her time with the children just before she was appointed Judge

By Asif Hakim

teered at the United States Supreme Court as a Lecturer in Supreme Court History.

She is an attorney with over twenty years of legal experience. She has been a zealous advocate for equal access to justice her entire career. Clarke is the founder and CEO of Central Brooklyn Legal Services Corp.

(CBLS). She has also volunteered as a Mediator for the Brooklyn Mediation Center and currently serves as an Arbitrator in Civil Court – Small Claims Part in Brooklyn.

Clarke’s legal career

GUYANESE woman by birth, Hon. Sharon Clarke who was an attorney in Brooklyn, New York was elected on Tuesday as Brooklyn’s newest Civil Court Judge in the 6th Municipal District.

After Brooklyn residents threw their support behind her, she was successful in an election, coming out on top with 53.76% of the votes.

Clarke had been campaigning and working hard in New York while receiving support from her fellow Guy-

anese in Brooklyn and also in Guyana. She was one of three contestants working to earn the spot.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Clarke said that she is very proud of the fact that she was born in Guyana and most of her team members are also Guyanese.

She said that she is happy with the results, being elected Brooklyn’s newest judge.

Clarke is the mother of two beautiful sons, whom she adores. She was born in Guyana to a Barbadian father and a Guyanese mother.

She was raised in Guyana

and Barbados, and her family moved to Brooklyn, NY when she was thirteen. Her parents instilled in her and her siblings the value of education and a great work ethic from a young age.

Her aunt inspired her to give back to the community through volunteering and helped her to understand that she had an obligation to play an active role in her community. She fondly recalls receiving her first award for volunteer work from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office while in junior high school. She recently volun-

began by representing the indigent at the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Division in Queens, NY. Her work also includes representing the City of New York as Counsel in the Office of Corporation Counsel and she has also served as Deputy General Counsel at the NYS Division of Human Rights.

She was selected to participate on the Matrimonial Access to Justice Task Force in 2004 with then Chief Justice Judith Kaye. She served on Governor Paterson’s New York Hate Crimes Task Force in 2009, the New York State

Government Cyber Security Task Force and on a New York State Executive Committee to review hiring practices of police departments statewide.

Clarke holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Harvard University – Kennedy School of Government. She earned her Juris Doctor degree at City University of New York Law School, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College.

She remains committed to serving the residents of Brooklyn.

Health Minister...

No one should be discharged from GPHC without seeing a doctor

By Leroy Smith DESPITE efforts by the Ministry of Health to have a ‘patient satisfaction mechanism’ in place at the Georgetown Public Hospital there has been a stubbornness on the part of that health institution not to have the mechanism implemented. This is according to Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Health Minister said that there needs to be a patient satisfaction mechanism. He said that the whole practice of patients visiting the Georgetown Hospital and being unable to see a doctor

is unacceptable.

According to Minister Ramsaran, in cases where patients are treated by doctors and relatives are unable to speak with the doctors for days is another issue that needs to be addressed by the health facility. He said that at no time should a patient be sent away from the hospital without seeing a doctor.

He also spoke to the cases where patients’ relatives would be trying for days to meet with doctors who are seeing a particular patient and they are never successful and the patient is eventually discharged without the relatives getting a briefing from the doctors.

Dr Ramsaran pointed to one case where the relatives of a

spoke about patients being diverted from the Accident and Emergency Unit to the Outpatients Unit without any proper explanation; this is one of the things that must cease immediately, he sternly warned.

Dr Bheri Ramsarran

patient were only allowed to speak with a doctor after he had intervened.

BRIEFING ROOM FOR RELATIVES It is against that backdrop that he told reporters that the hospital’s manage-

ment has been instructed that there be a special room set up where doctors can meet and brief relatives of the patient’s condition and where information can be shared on the condition of the patient.

Minister Ramsaran also

COMPLAINT CALLS According to the Minister, he receives as many as ten calls each night by persons who complain about the service at the facility.

Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital, Michael Khan is on record as stating that ever so often persons with minor injuries and issues who may not be fully aware of the real functions of the Accident

and Emergency Unit tend to show up there for medical treatment.

The CEO also spoke of the overcrowding of the department most times by persons who leave their villages and health centres to go to the Georgetown Public Hospital and when they are triaged or in some cases seen by doctors they are then referred to the Outpatients’ Department.

The CEO, like the Health Minister, also receives numerous calls about certain practices at the facility and those reports are usually addressed immediately with Khan sending persons to meet with the aggrieved callers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Karrau schoolchildren get backpacks, other supplies from Digicel –Karrau is the 2014 Amerindian Heritage Village

By Michel Outridge

DIGICEL Guyana on Tuesday visited Karrau Village, Region 7 (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) and distributed backpacks with water bottles, umbrellas and lunch packs to the students of Karrau Creek Primary and Nursery School.

Karrau Village has been designated the Amerindian Village for Amerindian Heritage month, which is celebrated in September, so cell phone giant, Digicel Guyana saw it fitting to visit the community.

During the visit, Digicel Guyana officials, including Events and Sponsorship Manager, Gavin Hope, interacted with the community Toshao, teachers, students and residents to get a better understanding of their needs so they can provide further assistance.

The remote Amerindian community is home to about 310 residents and is located about five minutes by boat from Bartica.

At Karrau Creek Primary School, which also houses the nursery school in the same wooden building, there is a total of 40 pupils.

Assistant Head Teacher, Joyce Martinez told this publication that she is very pleased with Digicel’s visit and their contribution to the school and looks forward for continued support and partnership.

Students after receiving tokens from Digicel Guyana expressed their gratitude during the presentation ceremony yesterday.

Meanwhile, in response Public Relations Manager, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara said that their visit to Karrau Vil-

Students of Karrau Creek Primary and Nursery Schools with their tokens with teachers and Digicel Guyana officials Tuesday (Photo my Michel Outridge)

lage is part of their community project in which they give back to communities across Guyana.

She explained that the gift to students was just the start of many other projects for that community since they have an understanding of the needs of that village, like many other Amerindian villages. They

also plan to visit Mabaruma and St. Cuthbert’s Mission for similar community projects.

Karrau Creek Primary and Nursery School has five teachers and is headed by Toshao James Cornelius, who was present at yesterday’s event.

The residents are preparing for Saturday’s event

in which their village will be featured and were in the process of constructing two benabs among other arrangements.

It was also noted that a team from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is in the village to lend support to residents in preparation for Saturday’s festivities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

GDF, US Special Forces share ‘top-notch training’ here A GRADUATION ceremony was hosted last weekend at the end of a monthlong training exercise that involved Guyanese and American Special Forces at two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) bases.

The ceremony was the finale to the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) for the GDF’s 3-1 Special Forces Squadron and members of the United States Special Forces, according to a GDF press release.

The training which was conducted at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, was executed in three phases: the first being a venture spearheaded by the US representatives that dictated sessions in short and long range marksmanship, swimming, and classroom training.

The classroom aspect entailed tactical combat casualty care, radio operability, patrolling techniques, and leadership skills. Some thirty-four Guyanese soldiers advanced successfully through phase one of the exercise which concluded with a Combat Water Survival Test.

Phase two which was built on skills mastered in phase one was executed at a faster pace, while phase three, according to the press statement, ended with an advanced exercise routine that featured individual and team events that tested skills learnt by the local contingent.

Among the features exhibited at the event were marksmanship, radio procedures, combat lifesaving medical skills, and swimming. A physical training venture was also executed to test the participants skills in the areas of swimming, physical fitness, and obstacle course training.

During this initiative, the US Special Forces participated in a special training course at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRMJATS), Makouria, and under the supervision of GDF ranks they were taught a wide range of survival skills among other related training practices.

G D F C h i e f o f S t a ff Brigadier, Mark Phillips presided over the graduation ceremony.

Lieutenant Commander, Bob Novotny, the United States Senior Defense official in Guyana in addressing the gathering noted that the exercise was an outstanding initiative that benefited both parties. He added that each team was able to share ‘top-notch training’ in their fields of expertise, thus bonding stronger and creating better unions.

He added that the Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office looks forward to bringing more JCETs to Guyana for similar initiatives in the future.

(Alex Wayne)

Construction worker on fraudulent conversion charge A CONSTRUCTION worker of 536 Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was Wednesday placed on $150,000 bail on a fraudulent conversion charge.

Robert Frost made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that on May 19, being solely entrusted

by Anson Weekes with the sum of $1.5 M to purchase a house lot, he fraudulently converted the money to his own use.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not object to bail and the case was put off to October 3.

US and GDF Special Forces during the month-long training exercise (US Embassy photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Death of mother, child at GPHC...

Health Minister concerned that second theatre was inoperable

By Leroy Smith

HEALTH Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran on Wednesday told reporters that the maternal death which occurred at the Georgetown Public Hospital is being investigated internally, even as moves are afoot to have an expert committee activated

that will independently look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The minister said that based on reports he has seen which are thus far not challenged by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, a second theatre not being ready to accommodate the mother

and the unborn child is very upsetting, and if the investigations prove that to be true, then certain actions will be taken.

Ramsaran said that the ministry has taken note of the many comments in the past about penalties levelled against persons who may have erred in similar cases, and those will be

considered in the ongoing investigation.

He said that the hospital is not going to investigate itself, hence the decision by the ministry to have an expert team activated so that the independent investigation can commence.

The minister said that the reporting of the death was done in the stipulated

Dead, Evita Singh

time and to the persons who are to be informed when such developments take place. Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital, Michael Khan, met with the relatives of the deceased according to the minister.

The Minister admitted that already there are conflicting reports with respect to the death of the mother and child.

Meanwhile, contacted yesterday afternoon, the father of the dead woman said that he was present at the meeting that they had with personnel from the hospital and that the Chief Executive Officer Michael

Kahn was not part of the meeting.

The man said that the doctors asked them certain questions about his daughter and they answered and when it was time for the doctors to answer questions pertaining to death of the woman, they could not give any proper response.

For example, he said that they asked what caused the woman and her child to die and they did not give a proper answer.

According to the woman’s father, the doctors informed relatives that all the media reports on the death were false and sensationalised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Sooba calls for Mayor to ‘gracefully bow out’ –says he’s seemingly past his prime

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

By Ravin Singh ACTING Town Clerk Carol Sooba on Monday made a call for Mayor Hamilton Green to “gracefully bowout” as Mayor of Georgetown since, in her estimation, he seems “too tired to function as Mayor.”

Sooba’s remarks came after City Hall’s Statutory Meeting was brought to an abrupt end by the Mayor on Monday, seeing no real progress in addressing the concerns of the citizens of Georgetown.

The meeting which did not last for more than thirty

Mayor Hamilton Green

minutes, was to see eight scheduled agendas being presented before the Council to address several pressing issues. However, after the correction of minutes and the approval of one agenda, the meeting was adjourned.

As such, Sooba is contending that this is a slap in the face of the citizens since their “business is once again left undone.”

“There were eight agendas and they have not been dealing with the businesses of the citizens... it is the citizens of Georgetown who are left to suffer” she said, stressing that: “He [the Mayor] has been receiving his

duties and allowances which have been paid to his bank account.”

Sooba also bemoaned the fact that the Mayor has been “telling the media that he has not been receiving travelling allowances , and she has ensured that they have been paid through his bank account. “ “In the Municipal and District Council’s Act, there is no provision to provide him with a chauffeur, fuel and overtime. The provisions laid out in the third schedule and in another section of the law provide what his office should have per annum and he has been receiving that.

He wants more though” the Town Clerk said.

As it relates to his premature departure at the meeting, Sooba noted that: “He wanted to leave early and just found an excuse.”

She continued that “the Mayor feels he is in authority, higher than the law of this land, so he continues to do as he pleases.”

She further explained that as the acting Town Clerk and the person solely

‘I don’t know why he [the Mayor] doesn’t bow out gracefully, because it seems to me like he’s too tired to function as Mayor…’ –Acting Town Clerk

responsible for the administrative body of City Hall, she is never made aware when the Mayor is leaving the country. She said: “… most of the time, the Mayor is not in this Jurisdiction, he’s out of the country and

when he’s out, he does not indicate to the Town Clerk that he’s out, he just disappears.”

“And whenever he’s here, he spends a little time, disappears, comes back, makes some me-

dia appearances, disappears again, ridicules the Town Clerk, ridicules the bodyguards, ridicules the Government and misleads most of the councillors” the Acting Town Clerk concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Police launch programme to combat crime in the Hinterland

ASSISTANT Commissioner Alvin Ramnarine of the Guyana Police Force is to be the lead officer for a new programme designed to combat crime in the Hinterland.

The Force is currently preparing this programme and will soon be presenting it to key stakeholders such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), and other

Assistant Commissioner Alvin Ramnarine

agencies with interests in the hinterland, Commissioner of Police (acting)

Mr. Seelall Persaud disclosed.

He did so during a

meeting with members of the association earlier this week.

The GGDMA said that the meeting held at its office was the first between the new Commissioner and its members and had proven to be very fruitful.

Among those who attended and participated in discussions were Mr. Clinton Williams –Chairman of GGMC, Commander Hicken of A Division, Commander Brutus of E Division, Commander Ramsay of F Division and Mr. Ramnarine of Police

Operations.

Leading members of the GGDMA and their security personnel were in attendance.

The number of murders and robberies reported in the hinterland was a major matter of security concern which was discussed.

The problem of illegal shops in these areas was also highlighted, since members of the GGDMA knew that these shops provided a cover for illegal activities such as the selling of drugs, firearms and the promotion of prostitution.

The meeting also discussed how the Police Force could provide training for private security personnel attached to mining firms, so that they can make the environment much safer from the depredations of criminal elements.

The miners were assured by the Commissioner that these issues will be fully addressed in the anti-crime programme for the hinterland to be spearheaded

by Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

CARIBBEAN PERSPECTIVES An in-depth focus on Caribbean issues

Sandra Ann Baptiste TOURISM: Encouraging performance as Region gears up for state of the industry forum THE 2014 State of The Industry Conference (SOTIC) hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will take place against the backdrop of an encouraging half year industry performance with visitor arrivals

up from major source market, while public and private sector tourism officials across the Region prepare to discuss ways to become more competitive.

The theme of the September 16 -17 Conference in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is “Realizing the Vision - Positioning Caribbean Tourism for Major Change”. Tourism policy makers, National Tourism Organization (NTO) of-

Hugh Riley

Brian Challenger ficials, travel agents, tour operators, aviation industry executives and media representatives will attend the annual Conference.

The CTO Secretary General and CEO Hugh Riley believes more attention has to be paid to implementing strategies to realise the CTO’s vision of making the Caribbean the most desirable year-round warm weather destination, especially taking steps to improve the Region’s competitive position.

The keynote speaker, Alejandro Zozaya, the CEO of Apple Leisure Group, will provide insight into how to effectively conceive and realise a vision.

Pennsylvania- based Apple Leisure Group is the worldwide leader in travel to the Caribbean, sending more visitors to the Region than any other company.

One of the most anticipated presentations at SOTIC will be from Chris Perkins, the former Chief Marketing Officer of , the first ever marketing organization charged with promoting foreign leisure, business and scholarly travel to the United States.

With the CTO and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) continuing to push for “Brand Caribbean”, the debate will continue at SO-

TIC 2014 on the on-going efforts to market Caribbean tourism destinations as a single regional brand.

The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC), owned by the two regional organizations, needs the resources to launch marketing campaigns to supplement the caribbeantravel.com website.

CTO member countries enjoyed a 4.3 per cent increase in visitor arrivals during the first six months of 2014, compared to the same period last year.

The CTO’s Director of Research and Information Technology, Winfield Griffith, reported that just under 14 million long-stay tourists visited the Caribbean between January and June, with nearly half this number (6.87 million) coming from

Richard Doumeng the U. S. compared to 6.61 million during the same period in 2013. This represents a 3.9 per cent rise in arrivals from the US market.

The CTO Secretary General and CEO attributed the increase in arrivals, especially from the U.S., to improving

See Page 24

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

15 ERC members to be sworn in soon

By Telesha Ramnarine

HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday announced that the 15 members of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) who have been appointed

by Parliament would be

sworn-in before the end of this week.

Dr Luncheon, who is also Secretary to the Cabinet, made the disclosure during his post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President in Georgetown.

President Donald Ramotar has been notified about

the successful appointments and it is now up to the Office of the President to schedule the swearing-in. Referring to what had caused the hold up, Luncheon said they had to wait for notification from Parliament on the 15 members.

Meanwhile, last July the

National Assembly approved the names of those nominated from ten broad categories to be considered by the President for positions in the ERC. Those names were drawn from a pool of Christian, Islamic and Hindu groups; representatives from the labour movement, private sector and youth groups; women’s groups, and cultural and ethnic groups from Amerindian/Indigenous peoples, and African and Indian bodies.

The following names were considered for appointment by the President: Dr. John O. Smith (Christian Religion); Rajkumarie Singh (Hindu Religion); Shaykh Moeen-ul Hack (Islamic Religion); Gomattie Kalicharran (Youth Organisations); Ruth Howard (Women’s Organisations); and Peter Persaud, Barrington

Braithwaite and Neaz Subhan of the Amerindian, African and Indian ethnic groups respectively.

Former Chairman of the ERC, Bishop Juan Edghill lauded the move by the Committee on Appointments, since it was recorded that during the Ninth Parliament, “there was an inability to agree to the list of entities to be consulted.”

NO QUESTIONABLE CHARACTERS Consensus, according to Edghill, was carried on the premise that there existed in the committee “some amount of institutional memory” in resolving contentions.

However, he cautioned that persons nominated for appointment should be of genuine and respectable character.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael

Trotman noted that persons of questionable character ought not be considered for any appointment on the ERC. The ERC was derived from recommendations of the Herdmanston Accord, signed on January 17, 1998. Brokered by a CARICOM mission, the Accord sought to provide a peaceful solution to the political impasse that gripped the country after the contentious December 1997 Regional and General Elections.

As provided for under Article 212 of the Guyana Constitution, the ERC advocates for equality of opportunity among persons of different ethnic groups; promotes the elimination of all forms of ethnic-based discrimination; and discourages persons, institutions, political parties and associations from indulging in discriminatory practices.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

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New diabetic posting at Georgetown Public Hospital THE Georgetown Public Hospital has announced the installation of Dr. Peter Akai, Infectious Disease Specialist a s H e a d D o c t o r, D i a betic Foot Centre in the absence of Dr. Kumar Sukhraj, Diabetic Foot Care Specialist.

In November 2013, Dr. Akai performed a ten-day stint at the Centre and again from 4th to 15th August 2014, helping in assessing patients on a daily basis, treating various types of wounds and counselling diabetic patients on their lifestyle and eating habits.

Dr. Akai also gave a lecture to nurses on Infectious Disease Control which was very beneficial to the medical staff present.

Dr. Akai is a Canada-based Guyanese who is currently the Wound Care Consultant Physician at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is also the lead physician for the Wound Care Clinic which provides outpatient management for patients with wounds from peripheral vascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, including diabetic foot infection, venous stasis and pressure due to decreased mobility, including paraplegia.

He is a member of the Canadian Infectious Disease Society and the Founder/Medical Director of the ‘DOT for HAART’ (Directly Observed Therapy for Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment) Society which is an HIV treatment adherence programme for marginalized HIV positive individuals with a history of homelessness.

Coming out of his most recent visit, Dr. Akai has made recommendations for new wound clinics to be started at GPHC to treat patients with non-diabetic wounds such as stasis leg wounds. These clinics would help to provide care to patients who are seen at the Emergency Rooms and other locations where wound expertise would be less thorough.

A release from the GPHC noted that as always the GPHC is grateful for the visits made by Dr. Akai and looks forward to his continued

partnership with the institution in improving the quality of service provided to its patients.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

‘Affordable housing for all’ within grasp as…

First batch of units under Perseverance ‘1000 Turn-Key Homes’ allocated

One of the Perseverance turn-key homes

Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali with staff and members of the private sector. Turn-key home in the background (Photos by Adrian Narine)

AS THE Ministry of Housing and Water is proving that their theme “Affordable housing for all” is within their grasp, the first

batch of homes under the Perseverance 1000 TurnKey Homes has been allocated.

Denise King-Tudor, Director of Operation, Central Housing, and Planning Authority (CH&PA), speaking with the media during the East Bank of Demarara Housing Project tour on Monday, related that the first 50 houses have been allocated and the ministry has started construction on another fifty.

“We are not waiting until the first batch is completed before we start on the next, since the first batch has already been allocated” Tudor said.

In June of 2013, the Ministry launched the Perseverance 1000 Turn-Key home, and on May 19, construction began on the first batch of fifty houses. King-Tudor also noted that this project is employing some 400 persons.

She explained that the

process to acquire one such home is not lengthy. “The ministry will have to pre-qualify the persons requesting a turn-key home, after which they are sent to NBS (New Building Society Bank) for them to confirm that the persons meet their requirements and that sums up the process.

The cost for the completed house is $4.9 M; the house costs $4.4M and the land costs $500,000.”

The Ministry will be providing water and electricity for the homes and have also modernised the houses with sealed rooms and sash-windows.

Known as the Buttercup Cottages, they are two bedroom flat houses, equipped with toilet and bath, kitchen and living area.

King-Tudor urged persons who need homes and have not yet applied to visit the ministry and take advantage of the initiative.

Caribbean Chemicals employee on embezzlement charge A 25-year-old employee of Caribbean Chemicals was Wednesday placed on $200,000 bail at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

Diane Mosley, of Alb e r t t o w n , G e o rg e t o w n , was slapped with an embezzlement charge before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

She pleaded not guilty to the offence that said between August 14 and September 6, being an employee of Caribbean Chemicals, she embezzled the sum of $7,842,902, property of Caribbean Chemicals.

Appearing for the defendant was attorney-at-law Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan.

In a bail application, he told the Court that his client has a good character and was employed with the company for three years.

Counsel said that Mosley has no pending matter or prior convictions and denied the allegation against her.

Representing the prosecution was Police Inspector Michael Grant.

He did not object to bail and the matter stands adjourned to October 3 for statements.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

CARIBBEAN PERSPECTIVES ...

From Page 19 consumer confidence in the major source market.

In addition to adjustments in the U.K. Air Passenger Duty, increased airlift from Europe to the Caribbean undoubtedly contributed to the 6 percent increase in European visitors to the Region for the first half of this year compared to a similar period in 2013. Canadian arrivals for the same period were up by 4.3 percent, according to data from 21 of

CTO’s member countries.

Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic recorded double digit increases in U.S. arrivals for the first half of 2014.

St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Montserrat and Curacao all recorded increases of over 20 percent in the number of Canadian visitors, while Barbados, Grenada, Dominica and the Cayman Islands saw a sizeable increase in arrivals from Europe.

The Caribbean Hotel

and Tourism Association (CHTA) is reporting that for many hotels in the Region, it was the best summer since the global economic downturn that began in 2007. Some properties, including in the USVI, have been reporting an increase in occupancy as well as some double digit increases in Revenue Per Available Room (Rev PAR).

CHTA Chairman Richard Doumeng is encouraged by increasing governmentprivate sector cooperation

which he deems critical to achieving a much-needed facelift for the Region’s tourism products and infrastructure.

Doumeng contends that because visitors to the Region are more demanding and sophisticated, there is an urgent need in many destinations to improve hotel rooms, roads and restroom facilities, including at airports.

Outgoing CTO Chairman, the USVI Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty, has observed

that the loss of seats from the pull-out of American Eagle to the Region was offset to some extent by the addition of new carriers to the Caribbean and expanded service by traditional airlines. The CTO is awaiting analysis on net seats into the Region for the first half of this year.

The CTO has projected that the Region will see an overall increase in arrivals of 3 percent for 2014.

The organisation is moving towards database management “to garner summary data and granular research info for niche marketing.” Riley believes the “goldmine of data” which the CTO has tells a story about visitors to the Region and can help equip destinations to more efficiently market themselves.

The travel and tourism data can also be used to show the impact of tourism on the Region’s economies.

Another high profile tourism leader, Gloria Guevara Manzo, who is Mexico’s former Secretary of Tourism, will share her perspectives at the USVI Conference on “Steering a Mature Brand Toward major Chance”. Participants will also get expert advice from Qing Wu, a senior economist at Google.

One of the diversification strategies some destinations have been pursuing is introducing or expanding medical, health or wellness tourism, which is also on the agenda at SOTIC. The conference will be preceded by Aviation Day, hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transportation Association (ALTA), the International Air Transportation Authority (IATA), CTO and a few other agencies.

At the USVI conference, industry officials will get an update on the status of the study on the impact of taxes on the tourism and hospitality industry.

Chairman of the CTO’s Aviation Task Force (ATF), Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador Brian Challenger, anticipates high level discussions on current constraints affecting the development and operation of the aviation sector and the identification of opportunities to overcome some of the obstacles.

The aviation meeting’s agenda includes sustainable market growth, improving passenger experience in the Caribbean, the latest technological trends, operational best practices, cost implications and strategies for 2014 and beyond.

In the area of passenger experience, Challenger has pointed to new airports in Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and to the establishment of new and more direct routes by regional airlines. The CTO Task Force has identified and promoted a number of key initiatives, which include improving ease of inter-island travel through the removal or reduction of multiple security and screening checks and immigration requirements.

“Much still remains to be done with the ATF’s work stymied by lack of financing for this important initiative, and it is hoped that further progress will be achieved over the next year as the work of the ATF gains wider acceptance, support and recognition,” Challenger told me.

(Sandra Ann Baptiste is a Business Consultant, Writer and Specialist in Caribbean Affairs)

For Friday September 12, 2014 -05:00hrs For Saturday September 13, 2014 -08:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Aries - March 21 - April 19 Your world is changing, both internally and externally. You feel a need to broaden your horizons. You may be contemplating a move to a new neighbourhood or trip to a faraway land. The people in your life will change as a result of this. You're about to embark on a new phase of life, and these new friends will act as able guides.

Taurus - April 20 - May 20 Romance is in the air today. It's likely that your relationship with your loved ones will see a dramatic improvement. Perhaps some flowers will arrive unexpectedly or you'll be paid a sincere compliment. Harmony reigns in the work environment as well. Both people and machines run smoothly and efficiently.

Gemini - May 21 - June 21 You're focused and attentive to detail. Some longstanding projects benefit from this sudden spurt of energy and get completed in record time. Children figure prominently in your life right now. Is there one child in particular who needs some extra attention from you? Your love and support mean a lot more than you realise.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22 Don't let others' bad moods get you down. And don't feel it's your responsibility to cheer them up. Their moodiness is their business, not yours. You could be a little bit anxious today, and allowing yourself to be negatively influenced by others will do you no good at all. The general atmosphere will improve in a few days.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 It's time to let go of the past and focus only on the future. A new person may come into your life who can help you do just that. Communication with close friends and relatives is highlighted, and you may find yourself spending more time on the phone than usual. Enjoy this day as you anticipate your brilliant future!

Virgo - August 23 - September 22 There's definitely a downside to home ownership! Much as you love projects, the joy is tempered when the chores never end. While your home is structurally sound, it may be in need of some cosmetic enhancement. Try adding plants and flowers indoors.

Outside, a few strategically placed pots can act as attractive focal points. You can make a difference with little effort or expense.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 The glass may look half empty, but only at first glance. Keep looking at it, or perhaps change the way you look at it, and you'll see that it indeed is half full. You may be experiencing some frustration. Computers could be down or communication hindered in some way. Don't get stressed. See this as an ideal time to relax since you can't get any work done anyway.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 There are lots of personal and financial issues to resolve today. You may hear from your bank or see some alarming numbers on an ATM receipt. Don't get upset. Ultimately, these matters will be resolved to your benefit. As for personal matters, you may learn some new information about someone you thought you knew well. A relationship you once considered close may not be.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 20 A rising tide lifts all boats. When someone close experiences a windfall or especially good luck, the ripple effect reaches you. Change is in the air. While everything happening is positive, sometimes it feels like it's going too quickly. You feel a bit off balance, with little or no time to adjust. Even windfalls take some getting used to. Give yourself time to settle in to the new circumstances.

Capricorn - December 21 - January 19 It looks as though change is on the horizon at work. You've just recently completed some long-term projects and are being recognised for your efforts. Perhaps a bonus or promotion is in store. Your affinity for technology and ability to quickly absorb new information makes you a prime candidate for a new position that's just opened up.

Grab the chance!

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 Crazy as it seems, why not take that impromptu trip you've been eager to go on?

Adventure calls, and there's nothing to stop you from answering. You'll meet some fascinating new people, and one may wind up having a strong influence on your life.

There is a great big world out there, so make the time to go and see some of it!

Pisces - February 19 - March 20 Prosperity is just around the corner. With it comes change. Change in your job, career, or environment figures prominently today. However this change manifests, it's bound to be positive. You're lucky, and you're about to hit the road to even greater success.

Savour this moment, for you'll be busy soon!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Telephone Contact # 616 0301 or 227 5216

‘A Bitter Lime’ is heading Guyana’s way A section of the cast for ‘A Bitter Lime’

EVEN as the cast and crew are in process of concluding the first leg of filming the movie ‘A Bitter Lime’ in Los Angeles, California, USA, excitement is building for the final leg to be shot in Guyana, which commences on Sunday, September 14th, and runs for three weeks.

In Los Angles as part of the crew is Guyanese Melissa” Vanilla” Roberts, who is the

production manager. She flew to Los Angles to lend her expertise to the production, and to garner invaluable knowledge about the film industry. Roberts, a top graduating student of the University of the West Indies (Barbados) in film production, is elated to be part of the team which is spearheaded by Australian director Max De Bowen.

Just over two months ago, Max was in Guyana scouting for locations and casting of supporting roles for the film, which is a relationship-based drama with a main focus on escapism; a couple who share a fantasy of escaping life’s problems by leaving their life in America to live in an exotic faraway place (Guyana), only to realize that the problems lie within them.

Apart from the production team that will be coming from Canada, L.A. and Singapore, the Guyanese cast and crew will feature actors Kirwyn Mars, Mark Kazim, Michael Ignatius, Chris Gopaul, Leon Cummings, Shameeza Wong, Vanya Persaud, Gerrard Gilkes, Zoya Moore, Abeena Gomes, Kijana Lewis, Mdala Richmond; dancers Meleesa Payne and Fiano Spencer; Miss Guyana World 2013 Ruqayyah Boyer; popular Guyanese artistes Tennicia De Freitas and Ossie Nedd; Make-up artist Renee Chester-Thompson (Bromeliad. rnc), wardrobe designer Keisha Edwards (ShaSha Designs); set designer Neilson Nurse; and hair stylist Carmalita Flue.

The inspiration of the film was garnered from classic mid-century Noir Films (eg: Too Late For Tears, Kiss Me Deadly, etc.), 80s Thrillers (eg: Body Heat, Blow Out, etc.) and Psychological Thrillers (eg: Birdy, Straw Dogs) and twisting the concept in a contemporary world, starting with cold, formal American scenery and moving into an exotic jungle city (Georgetown, Guyana) virtually never seen in film before.

‘A Bitter Lime’ also shows a diverse world, simultaneously beautiful and insane. This will be one of many films to be shot in Guyana over the past three years.

The production team would like to extend sincere gratitude to Tourism Minister the Hon. Irfaan Ali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Ministry of Culture, Banks DIH Ltd, and the Guyana Police Force.

The team is very excited to head to Guyana to taste our cuisine and meet our people.

West Dem Reunion ‘Ole Skool Party’ tabled for Aracari Resort OVER the years, the West Demerara Reun ion Committee has been raising the level of healthy entertainm ent on the Westside, and has garnered quite a number of fans through its entertainment exploits.

Come Saturday, September 20, 2014, the fraternity is doing it again, as members are poised to host their much -anticipated ‘West Dem Reunion 2014’. Dubbed as ‘Ole Skoo l Party 2’, this event would have several exciting features that woul d definitely benefit those who attend.

Set for the Aracari Resort at 160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara, the venue will be transform ed to reflect an ambience of festivity and ‘tropical abandon’, according to promoters.

The aim of the event is to reunite old students and from the West Demerara district, and over five hund teachers red persons attended the initiative last year. At this leg, there will be special awards for both teachers and students.

Music for the event will be provided by Big Life Soun ds, with ‘party vibes’ mixed nicely by DJ Smallzz and DJ Golden Chyld.

Tickets are being sold for $1000, while patrons can acquire their car passes for only $1000.

Persons are urged to purchase their tickets early , since they would be required to pay $1500 at the gate.

Tickets are available at the Westsiderz Entertainm ent Centre at the Vreed-en-Hoop Junction; at Sunil’s DVD Shop in Wales; at Avon DVD Club at Uitvlugt; and at the Aracari Resort Poolside Bar. The first one hundred ladies arriving at the event will receive free tequila shots.

The event is sponsored by Banks DIH, West Site Taxi Service, First Class Auto Sales, Westsiderz Entertainm ent Centre, and others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

WILLIAM TROY RAMLALL -amazing talent awaiting publication

GUYANA is indeed rich in its many natural resources, and has been tabled as a high point for pristine beauty among states in the Caribbean.

We are quite popular for our rich culture, and we have some amazing standouts in the area of theatrical arts as well. But what many may not know is that Guyana is one of the countries around the world that are also rich with talent in the field of poetry. This may be a secret because this art form is still in its infancy stage, and many of Guyana’s talented sons do not have many forums by which they may be recognised.

Bombshell has just recently had the opportunity of interacting with a talented poet, who is not just a poet as we would often say, but has amazing writing skills that are really astounding. Never before have we encountered a poet who can write startling pieces in just a few minutes, and I mean poems that are stirring, intense and totally captivating.

William Troy Ramlall is indeed so talented. I watched him close his eyes briefly, and he opened them to reveal

a strange light that spoke of broiling ‘poetic mystery’. In the wink of an eye, he was pounding away on his computer, his inner soul pouring out pages upon pages of brilliant work that played havoc with the senses.

Ramlall is presently poised to launch his first book of poems, called ‘Reflections’, which actually is a very impressive book of poems and short pieces reflecting his thoughts and experiences.

While he is inspired by several local poets and international names like Mia Angelo and Shakespeare, Ramlall was actually motivated into this arena by his experiences as a young child growing up in a very abusive home. He noted that his experiences had prompted him to detail his life and thoughts through poetry.

“I am motivated by other poets, but what really drove me into this field is the fact that I had a very hard life living as a child in a very abusive home. My dad walked out on my mom while she was pregnant with me, thus I was born into a world of hardships and suffering. My

book, ‘Reflections’, is actually a mirror of myself, detailing my experiences and thoughts through quotes and poetry,” he disclosed.

Like any other poet, Ramlall very much wants to publish his book, which is completed; but, sadly, he is unable to do so because of financial constraints. Printing costs alone is skyrocketing at some $500,000., and this naturally frustrates the poet.

Hence he is soliciting assistance from corporate entities and individuals to make his book a reality.

Person interested in rendering heartfelt assistance can contact Ramlall on phone number 648-2356.

Ramlall is motivated in his work through support from his wife and close relatives. His performances at the Upscale Restaurant in Georgetown have left many astonished at his dramatic skills, articulation, and tremendous talent in the arts.

Hailing from Kuru-Kururu on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, this talented son of the soil has his sights set on international recognition in the ‘poetic arena’.

Westside Auto Expo 3 will be a sizzler to dwarf Auto Expo 2 THOSE who have experienced Westside Auto Expo 2 can attest to it being one of the biggest car & bike shows on the West Side, or on any side for that matter. With this in mind, the third exposition has been planned to dwarf that of the second staging.

Preparations are presently underway for the hosting of this third annual West Side Auto Expo and Vehicle Sound-off on November 1 at the Parika Community Centre Ground, East Bank Essequibo.

Seven teams have so far indicated their interest in the competition. These include The Avengers, Team Wrecker, Team 18 Sound, Team Raj Audio, Team RX8, Team Alteeza Guy, Team Sonic Riderz; and many others who think they have what it takes are expected to register.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are destined to change hands in the form of

prizes and trophies for the winners. Each vehicle owner who is desirous of participating in the event can register now at a fee of just $5000.

It is a night in which vehicles will be judged for the hardest and cleanest sounds; best graphic designs; and, more interesting, judges will be looking for the best car, SUV, motorcycles and minibus.

During the evening, there will be “maddd” entertainment from Big Life and Royalti Vybez, and the proceedings will be emceed by Golden Chyld.

A ticket for the third Westside Auto Expo and Vehicle Sound Off costs $1,000 in advance and $1,500 at the gate. Vehicles will pay $2000 for entry into the community centre. Tickets are available at Westside Entertainment Centre at Vreed-en-Hoop; AVON DVD Club at Uitvlugt and Sunil DVD Store at Wales and Parika.

On the night of the event, one lucky patron will win a Samsung Galaxy Phone. Gates open at 16:00h, but the competition kicks off at 22:00h.

William Troy Ramlall and his stirring book of poems, ‘Reflections’

Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!!

WR Reaz Birthday Fete ready to explode All roads lead to the Buddy’s Nightclub on September 27, 2014 as Party Boss (WR Reaz) presents his ‘Reaz Birthday Fete’.

This year around ‘Reaz’ is taking things a notch higher as his fete will feature performances by the King of Chutney, ‘Prince JP’ and ‘Nishard M’ of the JMC 3 Veni Band. This event is sponsored by Survival Supermarket, Regency Suites Hotel, Norman’s Buddy’s Taxi Service, and others.

Make this a ‘must attend’ event on your entertainment calendar folks…

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Ruqayyah Boyer for Miss International Pageant in Japan

Miss Guyana World 2013, R u q a y y a h Boyer.

Hot bars you would want to visit

Gravity Restaurant & Bar (Located on the 6th Floor of the United Center Mall at Camp & Regent Sts, Georgetown)

GRAVITY Lounge is Guyana’s first modern contemporary restaurant and bar. Located on the top floor of the Footsteps Mega Store on Regent Street, GRAVITY offers a spectacular view of the city. Its indoor-and-outdoor dining areas, along with its elevated VIP area, make Gravity the perfect place to relax while enjoying delicious international cuisines.

ON November 12, Miss Guyana World, 2013, the lovely Ruqayyah Boyer, will be competing against 90 other beauties from around the world for the prestigious title of Miss International 2014, in Toyko, Japan.

The Miss International Pageant is the fourth largest pageant in the world. The others are Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Earth.

The Guyanese delegate is presently in the Philippines undergoing intense training leading up to the pageant. She is expected to arrive in Toyko, Japan on October 26, where she will participate in another training session and preliminary competitions. She is being trained by the Gouldian Team, which is known for its successes in pageantry over the past year.

Boyer and Miss Guyana World, Rafieya Hussein, are in training in various areas, including makeup, hair style, wardrobe, pageant walk and other things. Training sessions last from 9:00h to 18:00h every day.

Hussein is slated to represent Guyana at the Miss World Pageant in December. However, during an online interview with Boyer, she stated, “I am being trained on pageant walk for Miss International, since our trainer indicated that, for each pageant, it is different…. Requirements change in Miss Universe, where I might have needed a fiercer catwalk…. Such does not apply for Miss World or Miss International”.

She noted that certain elements of the training are a bit

unorthodox, but admitted it is to help with her walk, posture and leg muscles.

In the next few days, the two delegates have a fitness session and photo shoots along with speech training “on what to say and what not to say”, she grinned.

Boyer also noted that the training is of high quality, and she noted that she was more than honoured to have met the reigning Miss International, who is also from the Philippines.

“It so happens that the reigning Miss International is from the Philippines, so I am learning the secrets to get her crown…,” Ms Boyer said.

With less than three weeks before she wings off to Japan for the finals, she remains optimistic that she would do representing Guyana on the international stage.

She recalled competing with more than 130 delegates in the Miss World Pageant, and she promises to use her experience in the upcoming pageant.

Boyer was contacted by the Miss International Committee to participate in the pageant, and after realizing that Guyana has never been represented on that stage, she agreed almost immediately.

“I wasn’t going to do another beauty pageant contest after Miss World, but I was asked to consider, and I did; but I figured (that) if I were going to do this again I will need a different approach, hence the training for the first time,” she disclosed.

Meet Mr. Guyana Contestant Stowell Betham AS the contenders get ready for an ultimate showdown at the 20142015 Mr. Guyana International Competition slated for later in the year, let’s meet our new addition, the handsome and confident Stowell Betham.

This 25-year-old describes himself as a very down-to-earth, determined and ambitious individual, who has made a number of appearances in the fashion world, strutting the catwalk of Guyana Fashion Week.

Betham has also had experience working with a number of local modelling agencies.

Apart from being a resilient activist for HIV awareness in Guyana, Betham also enjoys doing philanthropic work in his spare time. He is also currently attending the University of Guyana, faculty of Social Science, pursuing a degree in Social Work.

Betham is currently employed in the hospitality industry as a supervisor.

With his personal motto, “It’s hard to beat someone who never gives up”, Betham had this to say about his reasons for entering the inaugural competition: “Being someone who is very patriotic about my country, I felt that entering into this competition would provide me with the opportunity to not only represent Guyana on the international stage, but to be an ambassador

Stowell Betham

and raise awareness for my platform.”

With his platform of “Raising awareness about Herpes in Society among men”, Betham explained that the sexually transmitted disease (STD) is often overshadowed by the awareness and emphasis placed on HIV awareness.

“Being an HIV activist, I felt that the amount of awareness and emphasis placed on

HIV overshadows other more prevalent STDs in our society, such as Herpes. It is my goal, through this competition and my platform, to bring about awareness about the dangers and effects of Herpes,” Betham said.

Betham will join 10 other contenders in November to compete for the Inaugural Mr. Guyana International Title.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Pulse Entertainment poised to thrill with ‘Arabian Night Halloween Costume Party 2014’ I KNOW you folks must be getting all perked up and excited now that the Halloween Vibes are like static electricity in the air.

While some are fussing with costume ideas, others are musing on what would be the suitable nightspots at which to unleash their ‘Halloween fantasies’.

Well, stop the fretting and the wondering, my good people, because this year around, the Pulse Entertainment people have put their brilliant minds together and will be coming up with a spectacular Halloween Party Concept to ‘blow you to pieces’.

Party enthusiasts, get ready for the smashing ‘Arabian Night Halloween Costume Party 2014’, an exotic teaser designed to set your blood on fire. With spectacular décor, the Gravity Lounge will be transformed into an ‘Arabian Galaxy’ where patrons can get intoxicated with pulsating desire.

In 2012, the Pulse Team created shockwaves when they built a glitzy ship which seemed to float atop the revelling masses below at the Princess Hotel. This year around, we are assured that their ideas would be even better.

Don’t waste time folks; grab your costumes and stand by for further details on this fantastic venture.

Flashback!!!

You Shouldn’t Do That!!!

Miss Earth Guyana in So much for several awareness pristine beauty… initiatives MISS Earth Guyana pageant, 23-year-old Stacy Ramcharan, stands proud as not just a queen but a queen from “The Land of Many Waters”, home of

the amazing Amazonian adventure, the majestic Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, and a nation of six diverse peoples. She is a

Miss Earth Guyana 2014, Stacy Ramcharran, during her recent ‘Earth Angel Clean-up Project’

queen from beautiful Guyana, a Miss Earth Guyana release said.

“Citizens of Guyana, at the time, were not fully aware; however, on April 22, also known as Earth Day, she was crowned as Miss Earth Guyana 2014. With this title, she agreed to undertake a huge responsibility, which is a host of many smaller duties…” the release said.

The first of the queen’s two main duties is to represent Guyana at the international pageant scheduled for November 26 in Macau, China.

The second main duty of Miss Earth Guyana is to be an ambassador for change and awareness in respect to saving the Earth.

In her efforts to place emphasis on saving the Earth, Ramcharan has launched several projects and activities. The first is The Earth Angel Cleanup Project, which seeks to have persons participate in environmental cleanups, and also to educate young children and bring about awareness of good, healthy, earth-friendly practices and the dangers of doing the opposite.

As such, a ‘Get Creative’ workshop was hosted by Bravo Arts, which showed children how to use recycled materials for art projects. And the third project was a tree planting exercise.

GUYANA is certainly rated high amongst the most alluring countries in the Caribbean, and it’s a fact that our pristine beauty makes us incomparable to most places.

But it’s such a sad and sickening sight to see how certain citizens continue to mar our ‘Guyanese Glow’ with their wanton and careless disposal of garbage. It’s garbage here and garbage there, and more garbage almost everywhere; and everyone dumping with nary a care.

And this fact can be borne out in the manner in which a well known technician in television repair from the Westside continue to dispose of unwanted items and equipment just by the roadside, near to a bridge on the Wet Demerara Public Road.

It is said that at nights, this individual, with assistance from some of his associates, would dispose of his waste material; and from the look of the heap, it is getting quite high.

Shouldn’t he be responsible enough to bury or burn the items in an open space, well away from houses and commercial buildings?

Guess he just doesn’t care, since he has never been admonished or penalized for such horrific actions.

But let the photo speak for itself, and let the authorities take note. My dear friends, they know their responsibilities, what with Guyana entering the era of international film making….

Shouldn’t this technician know better than to just dump his garbage?

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37 Racing Tips

Chester

South Africa Racing Tips

09:00 hrs Manshaa

Fairview

10:05 hrs Beau nash

08:15 hrs Toss The Dice 08:55 hrs Ciao Caro 09:30 hrs So You Think 10:05 hrs Born For Ballet 10:40 hrs Spellcaster 11:15 hrs Wooden Star English Racing Tips Doncaster 09:40 hrs Ainippe 09:10 hrs Pearl Castle 09:40 hrs Estimate 10:15 hrs Alonsoa 10:45 hrs Danzeno 11:25 hrs Nafaqa 12:00 hrs Enobled Sandown 08:50 hrs Lady Gemini 09:20 hrs Master Apprentice 09:50 hrs Between Wickets 10:25 hrs Khatiba 11:00 hrs Go Sakhee 11:30 hrs Ajig

10:40 hrs Almashooqa 11:15 hrs Charlotte’s Day 11:50 hrs Potentate 12:20 hrs Ralphy Boy Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 11:05 hrs Kasbah 11:35 hrs Wee Monster 12:05 hrs Intenser 12:35 hrs Chief Suspect 13:05 hrs Al Fahidi 13:35 hrs Annagh Haven 14:05 hrs Notable Graduate American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Money Changer Race 2 Bartiromo Race 3 Treasure Race 4 Sheriffa Race 5 Caribean Act Race 6 Costenia Race 7 eetpollypurebrd Race 8 Dancing House Race 9 Quit Smokin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Second round in EDFA/Stag Beer West Indies squad for 2nd Dhaka Bank Test vs Bangladesh Senior League kicks off this Sunday COME this Sunday from 16:00hrs, the Victoria Community Centre ground will be buzzing with activity, as it hosts a double-header fixture to kick off the second round of action in this year’s East Coast Demerara Football Association (EDFA)-organised, Stag Beer-sponsored senior league.

In the first game, Golden Stars will match strides with Sparta, while the feature game will have Beterverwagting Triumph United opposing Victoria Kings from 18:00hrs. The action will switch to the Buxton Community Centre ground on Saturday, September 20, when Sparta and Buxton Stars will do battle from 16:00hrs.

… Windies to play 500th Test Match at Beausejour

GROS ISLET, St Lucia – The Selection Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board announced today the 13-member West Indies squad for the second and final Dhaka Bank Test against Bangladesh, at Beausejour Cricket Ground, St

Lucia.

The match will be played from tomorrow to next Wednesday and will be the West Indies’ 500th match since entering Test cricket in 1928.

The West Indies lead the two-match Dhaka Bank Test Series 1-0 following their victory by 10 wickets at Arnos Vale, St Vincent last Tuesday.

FULL SQUAD: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sulieman

Benn, Jermaine B l a c k w o o d , Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shiv Chanderpaul, Kirk Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar, Roach, Shane Shillingford and Jerome Taylor.

Talismanic opener Chris Gayle is unavailable for selection. He has been given permission to deal with a personal matter.

Leon Johnson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

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Tridents can shine despite absence of trio, says legend Haynes BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados Tridents head coach Desmond Haynes believes his side can overcome the loss of their three key players and excel in the Champions League Twenty20.

The Bridgetown-based franchise will participate in the global T20 tournament which bowls off next week in India but will have to do so without the services of captain Kieron Pollard, opener Dwayne Smith and top-order batsman Shoaib Malik who will all contest the CLT20 for other franchises.

Haynes, the West Indies batting legend of the 1980s and 1990s, said the side had been preparing for some while for this eventuality.

“We’re disappointed but at the beginning of the CPL tournament, we knew that we were going to lose these players anyway because when you consider and compare the contracts -- a Barbados Tridents contract to a Mumbai Indians contract -- there is no way you would get a Pollard playing for the Tridents if the Mumbai Indians qualify,” Haynes said.

“We knew that we were going to miss these guys but as I said the guys that we have got in our side realise that this is a very big stage. This is a stage where there are a lot of opportunities and we feel that with the guys’ enthusiasm and the purpose of this all - it’s US$2.5M if you win the tournament - I don’t think you need any more motivation than that.”

Tridents beat Guyana Amazon Warriors in

Hurricanes out of Australia, with the group being completed by a yet-to-determined side coming out of the qualifiers starting next week.

Haynes said the Tridents understood the nature of the challenge but were very motivated, and had been also reflecting on the success of Trinidad teams that had done very well in the CLT20 in the past.

“The guys understand that this is a very serious competition where they have an opportunity to perform on a very big stage.

And you never know, some of the guys if they do well in this tournament can go on to get a contract in IPL so the guys understand the benefits they can get from it. Judging from what I’ve seen so far, the guys I have been working with look very keen,” said Haynes.

“I know a lot of people in Barbados are going to be supporting us. They know that the

Desmond Haynes a rain-hit final last month, to win the Limacol Caribbean Premier League and qualify for the CLT20.

For the competition, they have been installed in Group B alongside Kings XI Punjab of India, Cape Cobras of South Africa and Hobart

Trinidad team that went there before and had the opportunity to play in the Champions League gave a very good account of themselves down there and it is something we are looking at too.

“The last team that played in the Champions League from the Caribbean was Trinidad and they did very well so we’ll see if we can match that or go one step further.”

All-rounder Rayad Emrit has replaced Pollard as captain, a move Haynes said was an excellent one.

“Rayad has a lot of experience captaining Trinidad for the last couple of years and even though yes, Polly (Pollard) has done a fantastic job for us in the CPL competition, we’re sure that Rayad will be able to handle the side very well.”

Barbados Tridents depart on Sunday for India via London.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Police beat Agricola 2-1 in first of three contests … sponsored by GPF ‘A’ Division Commander

THE POLICE Football Club (PFC) last Wednesday afternoon thrashed Agricola Football Club (AFC) 2-1 to go one up in the three-match series being sponsored by Senior Superintendent and Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken, with the help of the Police football coordinator Senior Superintendent Lyndon Alves, and played at the Police Sports Club ground.

The match started off with hype and saw Agricola’s Linden Picket score the first goal in the 8th minute. He attempted to double that lead but was denied by the lawmen’s custodian who affected the save.

In the 36th minute, Police striker Janson Jack scored an easy goal by running some 80 metres past all the Agricola defenders and firing home

said he was happy with the way his team played, adding that they will find their shape and win by a landslide in the next encounter.

Loo said that even though Agricola hardly trained because of lack of facility, they will be able to perform much better in the next two matches, since he has earmarked the newly renovated community centre ground in Agricola as the venue to be used for their preparation for the upcoming matches.

The said ground was renovated by Commander Hicken with the help of the Ministry of Public Works and is 90% complete, but the team can still use same to prepare for the second match which is set for Monday afternoon at Eve Leary.

Commander of ‘A’ Division within the Guyana Police Force Clifton Hicken (centre) poses for a photo with both teams after the game. his shot without hesitation, to Unfortunately, Police’s sounded. in a similar triple-header by level the score.

James Bowman had other After the match, Police Tiger Bay, adding that his After the halftime things ideas and brought them to coach Earl O’Neil said he guys had a slight advantage were looking tight and, as fore in the 63rd minute, was happy that his team because they were the host the match progressed, many scoring with a well-directed came out victorious, adding team. felt that extra time and later free kick to give his side a 2-1 that they will not be taking Former national junior penalty kicks would be lead - one that they held on to, the Agricola side lightly, player and coach of the needed to arrive at a winner. until the full-time whistle was since they were last defeated Agricola team, Gregory Loo,

Security concerns over Windies/India ODI clash DHARMASALA, India (CMC) - Security cover has been requested for the fifth One Day International (ODI) between the West Indies and India scheduled for the hillside town of Dharmasala on October 20.

The match is due to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket (HPCA) Association Stadium but officials are taking no chances because of a conflict between HPCA and the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.

HPCA has written to the district police and civil authorities requesting security cover and administrative support during the match, the second international fixture at the venue.

“We have written to the district police and the district administration requesting for security cover and support during upcoming ODI match between India and West Indies,” said HPCA spokesperson Sanjay Sharma.

“We hope for cooperation and support from both the district police and the civil administration to make the event successful.”

The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh and HPCA are locked in a fierce battle over alleged irregularities in the functioning of HPCA. The tussle between the Congress-led state government and the HPCA had forced officials to cancel Indian Premier League (IPL) matches this season at the HPCA stadium which hosted nine IPL matches in the last four seasons.

Dharamsala last hosted an international event when the India-England ODI was played here in January 2013.

West Indies upcoming tour of India includes five ODIs, a lone T20 and three Test matches.

GHRA hands over Horse Racing Legislation draft to Minister Anthony THE GUYANA Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) yesterday afternoon handed over a draft of its legislation to Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony at his Main Street, Georgetown office.

A team, headed by GHRA Legal Adviser Rajendra Poonai, presented Minister Anthony with the draft which will now be presented to the stakeholders of the sport in Guyana before it is taken to Parliament to be

GHRA Legal Adviser Rajendra Poonai hands over the draft legislation to Minister Anthony in the presence of other stakeholders of the sport.

(Sonell Nelson photo)

tabled.

Poonai explained that there

were two previous drafts and as such, the one presented

to Minister Anthony represents cohesion of the three which he believes represents what is exactly needed to regularise the sport locally.

The long-serving Sport Minister said that he’s happy that the GHRA is working assiduously in bringing the sport to normalcy which in the end will result in the development of horse racing.

Ticket special for fans as Windies play historic 500th Test Match GROS ISLET, St Lucia – Cricket-lovers are in for a special treat as the West Indies cricket team prepare for the 500th Test match in West Indies cricket history.

The West Indies Cricket Board announced a “buy one, get one free” on tickets for the historic second Dhaka Bank Test against Bangladesh at the picturesque Beausejour Cricket Ground in St Lucia.

“This is a golden opportunity to be part of a historic moment in West Indies cricket history. Our favourite team will be playing the 500th Test match and we know our supporters will want to come out and celebrate this grand occasion,” said Nelecia Yeates, WICB Commercial Manager.

“We want our fans to see their team on show and also for visitors to get a feel of the

rich culture of cricket in the Caribbean. We have come up with great ticket prices and the added incentive of an extra ticket for free for a family member or a friend. This will allow everyone to be part of the Dhaka Bank Series and see some enthralling Test cricket.”

The second Dhaka Bank Test will be played from tomorrow to next Wednesday and the West Indies lead the

two-match Dhaka Bank Test Series 1-0 following their 10-wicket victory earlier this week at Arnos Vale, St Vincent.

West Indies played their first Test match against England at Lord’s in 1928.

The record is: 162 wins, 168 defeats, 168 draws and one tie. To date 299 players have represented the West Indies in 499 Test matches.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

41

2013 BCB TENELEC U-17

Albion beat RHT Bakewell to take title ALBION Community Centre Cricket Club were crowned the 2013 Berbice Cricket Board/Tenelec Inc. Under-17 cricket champions, after defeating defending champs Rose Hall Town Bakewell by nine wickets in the two-day final played last weekend at the Port Mourant ground.

In the match, RHT Bakewell, winning the toss and batting first, found themselves in trouble at 2 for 9 by the 3rd over but Jason Anderson helped their revival by putting on 22 for the third wicket with Brandon Prasad (16) and then another valuable 26 for the fourth with Veramoottoo Sanwasane (12).

However, after that, left-arm spinner Joshua Harrichand took four consecutive wickets rapidly, including Anderson for 23, to reduce the defending champions from 57 for 3

to 72 for 7, before Kevlon Anderson (35*) and Calvin Jeffrey (25) averted further disaster by putting on 63 for the eighth wicket.

That was largely responsible for RHT Bakewell reaching 138 all out, as Harrichand ended with 5 for 22 from 23.3 overs and off-spinner Asif Ally 2 for 31 from 15 overs.

In Albion first innings, they lost Adrian Sukhwa (5) at 7 for 1 but Ritesh Umroa and Matthew Hardyal did well to put on 60 for the second wicket before Umroa fell for 35, after which his side lost two quick wickets to be 69 for 4.

Hardyal stood firm however, and did well to put on 30 with Kevindra Persaud (14) before both of them fell with the score on 99 for 6, with Hardyal contributing 41.

Asif Ally (24) and Josiah Dhanai (34) eased

Well done, skipper! The successful Albion Community Centre Cricket Club Under-17 skipper Joshua Harrichand proudly accepts the 2013 BCB/Tenelec Inc. Under-17 championship trophy from first vice-president of the BCB Anil Beharry.

Albion past the first-innings target by putting on 49 for the seventh wicket that helped them reach 163 all out against the bowling of Denzel Sinclair who took 4 for 23 and off-spinner Joshua Gobin 2 for 18.

Facing a first-innings deficit of 25, RHT Bakewell began their second innings with a promising opening stand of 19 from Jason Anderson (6) and Kevlon Anderson (11) but then medium pacer Stephen Kamaludin and Asif Ally picked up two wickets each to reduce them to 25 for 4.

They never really recovered from that setback and were eventually bowled out for 66 in their second innings, as Ally ended with 4 for 25, Harrichand 2 for 11 and Stephen Kamaludin 2 for 13 from 6 overs.

Albion Community Centre, needing a mere 42 for victory in their

second innings, reached the target with ease, losing Umroa for 8 with the score on 20, before Adrian Sukhwa (34*) and Matthew Hardyal with 3* saw them to victory, with Harrichand being named Man-of-theMatch.

First vice-president of the BCB, Anil Beharry, thanked the sponsor Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruntzel of Tenelec Inc. out of Washington, USA for their investment in Berbice cricket, adding that their intervention has helped produce more cricketers for Berbice, Guyana and West Indies.

Narsingh Deonarine, Devindra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Gudakesh Motie and Shimron Hetmyer amongst many others are products of the sponsorship.

BCB office renamed in memory of Leslie Amsterdam THE BERBICE Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday last renamed its Dr. Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam office “The Leslie Amsterdam Cricket Office” as the Board’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration continues.

The Leslie Amsterdam Cricket Office is a permanent tribute to the former Berbice and Guyana opening batsman who later served Berbice cricket for over three decades as an outstanding administrator.

Chairman of the BCB Special Events and Diamond Jubilee Committees, Hilbert Foster stated that the late Amsterdam, who was born in 1934, was perhaps the greatest administrator to have been involved in Berbice cricket and had served same beyond the call of duty.

Amsterdam was credited for keeping the BCB on course during the mid 1980’s when the majority of experienced administrators migrated overseas.

He served the BCB as vice-president in 1968/1969, president in 1969, first vice-president from 1970 to 1986 and again as president from 1987 until his death in 1999.

He was also a vicepresident of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) from 1987 to 1999, national selector 1969 to 1998 and was the West Indies cricket team manager when the regional side faced India in 1983.

The burly Foster has led Amsterdam as a role model administrator and called on the current administrators in Berbice cricket to fol-

low his example of honesty, dedication and passion of the game.

BCB President Keith Foster and first vice-president Anil Beharry both hailed the role of Amsterdam in their careers as Berbice Cricket Administrators, saying it was him who asked them to serve.

The elder Foster described Amsterdam as a visionary individual who was full of ideas and a leader who was open to the criticism and constructive ideas, while Beharry stated that the late president was his mentor rock during his early tenure when he served as treasurer of the BCB. Former BCB president and vice-president of the GCB Malcolm Peters stated that the county of Berbice and its cricketers would always be indebted to the

outstanding contribution of Amsterdam, adding that the establishment of a permanent BCB office was one of his achievements along with main emphasis on the all round development of both cricketers and administrators.

Former BCB Secretary Mortimer George, who has written four books on Berbice cricket, stated that Amsterdam was a staunch advocate for Berbice and used his contacts on the Guyana Cricket Board to obtain resources for the development of the game.

Another former BCB Secretary in Oscar Ramjeet and eldest son of Amsterdam Micheal Amsterdam officially launched the Leslie Amsterdam Cricket Office, to the memory of the late Leslie Amsterdam.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 299 players; Cyril Rutherford Browne (‘Snuffy’ Browne) (2) Jeff Dujon& Malcolm Marshall (81 Tests apiece) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first Berbician to represent the WI in Tests? How many matches he played?

(2) Who are the Bangladeshis with 100 Test wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

42

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

Intense action anticipated at tomorrow night’s GBBC Battle of the Contenders card

By Michael DaSilva INTENSE ACTION is anticipated tomorrow night when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) Battle of the Contenders takes place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the 32-round, five-bout card featuring local and Jamaican fighters, beginning at 20:00hrs.

The feature bout will be a light middleweight contest between Guyana’s Derrick Richmond and Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings over eight

rounds, while the main supporting fight will see Mark Austin take on his Guyanese compatriot Dexter Gonsalves in another eight-round light welterweight affair.

Tomorrow night’s feature bout promises to be a very exciting and bruising one as it pits together a boxer/ fighter in Mullings against a brawler (Richmond) - a fighter who takes the fight to his opponents.

Mullings who hails from Stony Hill in Jamaica has knocked out 11 of the 16 fighters he has faced in his

Guyana Media XI, Jasper Renegades clash on Sunday THE GUYANA Media XI will look to rebound from their 29-run loss at the hands of Gas Masters last Friday, when they take on Jasper Renegades this Sunday at the YMCA Thomas Lands-based ground.

The 20/20 hardball match will bowl off at 13:00hrs and is expected to be a keenly contested affair as Jasper Renegades had long expressed an interest in facing the Media boys, who will definitely be looking to exact revenge for their recent loss.

Both captains - Calvin Roberts of Guyana Media XI and Fabian Ramdatt of Jasper Renegades - have boasted of their confidence in coming out victorious on Sunday, noting that their respective sides have a good blend of batsmen, bowlers and fielders.

The Guyana Media XI have been training on a weekly basis, and started preparations for this game yesterday afternoon, with a session at the Everest Cricket Club ground, while another such training session is billed for this afternoon at 15:00hrs at the same venue.

Sunday’s game will provide an opportunity for the Media boys to improve on their record, which currently stands at one win, one defeat and one no-result, with

their matchup against the Georgetown Cricket Scorers and Umpires Association being halted by rain.

Trophies for Sunday’s game have been sponsored by Trophy Stall, Beauty and Home System Inc., Guyana Avon Breast Cancer Association, Hour Parking Lot, North American Resources Limited, Lionel DaSilva of DaSilva House of Optics, PPR Auto Spares, Jagdesh Mohanlall, Mahendra Moottoo and Jai Signs and Auto Design.

The Media team will come from: Calvin Roberts (captain), John Ramsingh, Rajiv Bisnauth, Ravi Persaud, Daniel Singh, Avenash Ramzan, Keon Blades, Ishaka Jackman, Esaun Griffith, Jermaine Neblett, Duncan Saul, Sean Devers, Clifton Ross, Kizan Brumell, Sharukh Imran, Chad Ramsaroop, Orlando Charles, Zaheer Mohamed and Treiston Joseph.

Jasper Renegades squad reads: Fabian Ramdatt (captain), Seon Bovell, Subram Singh, Dale La Rose, Akshay Rampersaud, Kelvin Bovell, Sunil Ramlall, Marlon Thomas, Bobby Singh, Eric Sukrah, Lennox Andrews, Karran Bissessar, Vick Williams and Anthony Ifill.

Admission to the venue is free.

Sakima Mullings career to date and would be seeking to add the scalp of Richmond to his knock-out list.

Mullings recently won the Wray and Nephew Contender Series which was held in Jamaica and which attracted a number of fighters from around the Caribbean and Guyana, including for-

mer European champion and former world-rater Guyana’s Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman.

Richmond, who hails from Berbice, has knocked out three of his opponents so far, the last being CABOFE middleweight champion Edmond DeClou whose jaw was fractured with the knock-out punch.

Like Mullings, Richmond will be looking to add the Jamaican’s scalp to his list of knock-out victims and, with both boxers going after each other’s scalp, tomorrow night’s contest is highly anticipated and is surely a must-see.

The main supporting bout is also eagerly anticipated as it brings together two young and ambitious prospects who are both seeking to improve on their records and move to another level.

Austin, who is a last-minute replacement for Trinidad-based Guyanese Iwan Azore, is no pushover and

2014 BCB/Berbice Bridge Company first Division 50-Over Knock-out

Action bowls off on Sunday with five matches FOLLOWING a lengthy delay through rain as well as preparations for their ongoing Diamond Jubilee Anniversary celebrations, action is back for cricketers in the Ancient County of Berbice, as the Berbice Cricket Board, through the kind sponsorship of the Berbice Bridge Company, bowls off its first division knockout tournament this Sunday with five first round matches.

In this the second year of the Berbice Bridge Company’s sponsorship, 13 first division teams, including D’Edward who will be making their debut, will be participating in the competition which will be played under limited overs conditions - white ball, coloured clothes, black sight screens etc.

Sunday’s fixtures will see Young Warriors oppose Universal Solutions Bermine at Cumberland; Blairmont Community Centre host Port Mourant at Blairmont; Edinburgh look to resist arrest from Police at Edinburgh; Skeldon and RHT Gizmos and Gadgets face each other at Skeldon and D’Edward meet West Berbice at D’Edward.

The sixth match between Guytrac Upper Corentyne and Bush Lot Rising Star has been rescheduled for next week Saturday at the Number 69 ground, with all matches set to commence at 09.30hrs.

Flashback! Dexter Gonsalves raises his hands in victory with assistance from referee Eion Jardine, after he defeated Barbados-based Guyanese Revlon Lake last year July, to take the national junior lightweight title. will go into the square-jungle tomorrow night boasting a record of seven victories from nine with one via knock-out, while Gonsalves, on the other hand, has three knock-out victories to his name.

Azore pulled out of the fight at the last minute due to a hand injury he suffered while sparring and Austin’s camp is optimistic of a victory despite the short notice, since he possesses exceptional boxing skills and has been hard at training since being offered the fight.

According to Austin, he would not go into the ring tomorrow night looking to knock out his opponent, but if the opportunity presents itself, he would take full advantage of it.

The undercard will feature former super bantamweight

world contender in the United States of America, Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore, and Mark Murray in a six-round rematch catch-weight fight.

The first time the two fighters squared off against each other was five years ago when Moore registered a thirdround knock-out victory.

Winston Pompey will face Jamaica’s Kemahl Russell who has two fights under his belt, winning both via knock-out and this middleweight bout is scheduled for four rounds. The final bout will see CABOFE flyweight champion Dexter Marques and Richard Williamson in a bantamweight rematch over six rounds.

Admission tomorrow night is $2 000 for ringside and $1 000 for the stands.

GCA action continues this weekend

CRICKET clubs affiliated to the Roger Harper-steward Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), will swing into action this weekend in both the first and second division competitions.

In the GCA/Hadi’s Mall Inc. first division two-day tournament, four matches will be played from 09:30hrs each day, with Guyana National Industrial Corporation taking on Georgetown Cricket Club at Bourda, Demerara Cricket Club hosting

Transport at Queenstown, Gandhi Youth Organisation and Everest meeting at Camp Road and Malteenoes squaring off with Guyana Defence Force at Malteenoes.

In the Noble House Seafoods second division tournament, one match will be played and it features GNIC taking on Transport at Gandhi Youth Organisation ground.

First ball is bowled at 10:30hrs each day

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 12, 2014

43

Carmichael hits back-to-back half-centuries in England … Sabina claim South London title

By Calvin Roberts MALTEENOES Sports Club all-rounder Kellon Carmichael two weekends ago, struck back-toback half-centuries for Hadleigh and Thundersley and Sabina Cricket Club respectively in England, powering the latter closer to the South London Sunday League Division One title.

Last Sunday, Sabina played Blackheath Cricket Club of Kent in their final round match knowing very well that a win will certainly hand them the title and with Carmichael churning out another impressive performance with both bat and ball, they came away with a seven-wicket win and the title in the process.

Playing for HTCC on August 30 against Southend EMT Cricket Club at Southchurch Park, HTCC were asked to take first strike by their opponents, in which they scored 303 for 7 off their 50 overs.

This was due mainly to Adam Soilleux’s 119 scored off 110 balls with 10 fours and five sixes, 66 from Carmichael (57

balls, 6x4, 2x6), 35 from Paul Tibbenham and 25 from Richard Revell, with Carmichael and Soilleux adding 129 for the fourth wicket.

This was after HTCC had lost Oliver Smith (21), Tibbenham and Michael Lewis 915), to be 129 for 3, while Revell added 42 for the sixth wicket with Darius Vapiwala (16), following the demise of both Soilleux and Carmichael.

Joe Robbins took 4 for 86 for Southend EMT Cricket Club, who in reply were limited to 271 for 7 off their allotted overs, despite 93 from Sam Rowe (5x4, 2x6) and 81 from Oliver Wagstaff that was decorated with 11 fours and two sixes, with the duo adding 110 for the third wicket.

Carmichael took 2 for 52 from his 12 overs, while there was a wicket each for Adam Dobson, Lewis and Revell, as HTCC, with the win, finished the Essex County League 1st XI Division One tournament in third position.

The following day, Carmichael, as he has been doing during his sojourn in England, turned out for

Sabina in their penultimate round match against EKTA Cricket Club at the Sydenham High School ground, where they (Sabina) won the toss and opted to bat first.

With Carmichael’s topscore of 62 (6x6, 2x4) before he was the last man out, and backed by 44 from Everton Blackwood, 36 from Richard Deer and 29 from wicketkeeper Sean Grant, Sabina posted 254 all out off 38 overs.

Mudit Dayal claimed 5 for 79 and Mushafiq Punjbe 2 for 49 for EKTA Cricket Club, who in reply were dismissed for 103 in 29 overs, with only Kaushal Ghutwalewala (25) and Romesh Solanki 17 offering resistance to Sabina bowlers who were led by Blackwood, Alex Lorimer and Sherman Goodman who took two wickets each for 16, 23 and 28 runs respectively.

With one hand on the title, Sabina faced Blackheath this past Sunday and saw their opponents win the toss and opt to bat first, which turned out to be a huge mistake as they were bowled out for 113 off 31 overs, thanks to Carmichael’s 6 for 20 and

PMCC makes donation to two players WITH THE aim of promoting literacy among its young members, the Vicram Seubarran-steward Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) recently presented two of its young members with educational materials and school supplies.

The grandmother of Joshua Beharry, an Under-15 member of the club, approached same for assistance and got a favourable response, while Daniel Samaroo, the club’s Under-17 captain, is a fifth form student of Lower Corentyne High School and was the recipient of text books.

Beharry, who is also an orphan and resides with his grandmother from birth, received from PMCC, a backpack which contained uniforms so he can attend school as well as shoes, socks, underwear, books, calculators, pens, etc, for

PMCC Under-17 skipper Daniel Samaroo (forefront right) is all smiles as he accepts his textbooks from Yogendra Harrinarine, in the presence of other club members.

his daily classes at the Lower Corentyne Secondary School.

With the belief that Samaroo has the potential to balance his academics while still performing commendably on the cricket field, the diminutive batsman was furnished with textbooks, while the club is presently identifying part-time lessons for him at their own expense.

According to Seubarran, other young members of the club stand to benefit from the same gesture, with Cheddi Budhoo an Under-15 player being the next target for assistance in this regard,. The players were all mandated to join the library at PMCC, in an effort to promote and foster literacy among their peers.

Southend EMT’s wicketkeeper Dale Hackney looks on as Hadleigh and Thundersley’s Kellon Carmichael goes over the top during his half-century two Saturdays ago.

Sherman Goodman’s 3 for 31.

Goodman started the slide for Blackheath, by removing Dalip Bharadwaj (12), Sandeep Manku (11) and the number three batsman without scoring, before skipper Dipayan Paul who topscored with 40 and Mahi Mahfuzul (36) added 76 for the fourth wicket.

The introduction of Carmichael saw the demise of Paul who was lbw to the right-hand medium fast bowler, while Carlos Lopez (1 for 11) accounted for Mahfuzul, following which Carmichael removed the last five batsmen, four of whom failed to trouble the scorers.

In their reply, Sabina raced to 119 for 3 from 18.1

overs, even though they lost Grant without scoring in the first over. Lorimer top-scored with 34, backed by an unbeaten 33 from Omesh Wijesiriwardena, 23 from Lawrence Farnum and an unbeaten 19 from Carmichael, to earn for themselves the South London Sunday League Division One title.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

President Ramotar assents to Cricket Administration Bill a Cricket Ombudsman, who will be tasked with the responsibility of verifying and registering clubs; he or she will have ample time to verify legitimacy of clubs; and • Providing for better financial accountability and requiring the GCB to present timely audited financial reports to the National Assembly, as well as the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Additionally, the Alliance For Change (AFC) did not support the bill, while the other parliamentary party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) voted in favour.

Sport Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, who presented the Bill to Dr. Frank Anthony

President Donald Ramotar

Also, the role of the Minister under this legislation will be only to appoint the ombudsman. Dr. Anthony said, “The Minister’s role has been minimised in this Bill, the only role is that which is provided for. He can only appoint the ombudsman, after that first election the role of the minister ceases.”

THE Head of State, Mr. Donald Ramotar, on Wednesday last assented to the Cricket Administration Bill, according to Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

The National Assembly, in the latter part of May, passed the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill, which seeks to provide legal administrative guidelines for cricket, which over the years has become a national sport.

This Bill addresses a number of critical issues affecting the sport, including: • Making into a legal entity, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) which is to be established as a corporate Body comprising the Demerara, Essequibo and the Berbice Cricket Boards respectively, all of which will also be made corporate entities; • Eliminating the issue of phantom voting for the election of persons for administrative positions and at the same time will give limited power to the Minister of Sport; •

Creating the position of

Anil Nandlall the National Assembly, said it was drafted after extensive consultations with all stakeholders and more so, following recommendations in a ruling made by the High Court.

“We created a unique innovation and we created the position of a cricket ombudsman. This person will be tasked with the responsibility of verifying and registering clubs; he or she will have ample time to verify legitimacy of clubs,” the Minister said.

The bill also will bring to an end the life of an Interim Management Committee which was established following a court battle and the Chief Justice’s ruling in 2011 and the Subject Minister stated that the recommendations from the Chief Justice in his rulings were taken into consideration and were clearly crafted in the Bill.

Issues raised during public consultations over a period of time were also taken into consideration and Dr. Anthony added that he is confident that all the past issues which once hampered cricket in Guyana have been addressed in the Bill.

Guyana now joins two other Caribbean nations, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados which made the governing bodies for cricket legal entities. (Vanessa Narine)

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Aguilleira, Windies Women all set for ICC Women’s Championship opener BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – West Indies Women’s captain Merissa Aguilleira said her side were eager to start their participation in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Championship strongly against New Zealand Women.

The two sides will play the first of four One-day Internationals today at Warner Park here.

The results of the first three matches will count towards the tally of the two teams in the newly-created ICC Women’s Championship which will see the top eight women’s sides in the game lock horns in a multi-year, bilateral qualifying competition that will lead into the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup to be hosted by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

“The ICC Women’s Championship is a very good idea mainly because it allows all the women’s teams to play each other,” said Aguilleira.

“Outside of World Cups, we have not had a chance to play a side like Australia regularly and now we will have that chance. It is a great initiative and hopefully our side can go forward and take advantage of it.”

On the series against the White Ferns, Aguilleira said: “We had a tough time against the New Zealand Women in their home conditions. It was a great opportunity to play there, but we are determined to get together and defend our home turf.

“We are looking to use our home advantage and do some damage. Our preparation has been pretty good, and after all of this, we need to bring it altogether and do what we have to do.”

A squad of 18 had been invited to a training camp for the Windies Women over the last two weeks in the Kittitian capital of Basseterre before the final squad was trimmed earlier this week.

Aguilleira said the camp was beneficial as the players keyed in on a number of areas that needed special attention.

“Other than the usual skills, we had a lot of drills to help us with managing game situations,” she said. “There were some good sessions.

We have lacked in this area in the past and we needed to be sharper, so hopefully now we can go out there and concentrate a little harder, and put what we have learnt into practice.”

Injury sidelined Aguilleira for last month’s Regional Women’s Super50 Tournament in Dominica,

Merissa Aguilleira

but she has now worked her way back to full fitness, and eyes driving her side to a morale-boosting victory over opponents that have improved over the last year.

“It was tough for me staying away from playing,” she said.

“Things happen, but you have to get up and move on.

“I had a lot of therapy sessions with my physio and the rest of the medical staff available at home in Trinidad. It was a lot of hard work, and I want to thank them for giving of their time and efforts to get me fit again, so that I can go out there and continue doing my best.”

Developed in order to create a more extensive and meaningful bilateral playing programme for women’s cricket, the IWC will see the eight sides play one another in three OneDay Internationals, either at home or away, between 2014 and 2016.

Points will be awarded for each game, with the top four sides at the conclusion of the ICC Women’s Championship gaining automatic qualification to the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup. The bottom four sides will have a second chance to qualify for the marquee event through the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, details of which will be announced in due course, as they will join six regional qualifiers and face off for the final four positions at the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014