2014 10 06

GUYANA No. 103972 MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $60

Thousands disappointed

- no held-over slated for GuyExpo this year Muslim community celebrates Eid-ul-Adha – by giving to the less fortunate

Page

10

Page

INCLUDING VAT GRA charges...

Kaieteur News incriminating ‘emails’ false

8

Page

3

MP warns...

Joint Opposition’s endorsement of Kaieteur News is cause for concern

11

Page

Sammy Baksh blazes scorching trail at GuyExpo local talent night

Page

Not just the poor and needy, but persons from all walks of life converged yesterday at the CIOG headquarters on Woolford Avenue (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

15

Outgoing passenger nabbed at CJIA with cocaine Page

6

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

GRA charges....

Kaieteur News incriminating ‘emails’ are false – Acknowledges that ‘fabrication’ was prompted by leaked information

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), in advertisements in at least two of the local dailies, yesterday confirmed that there were “illegal disclosures and unlawful transmission of sensitive taxpayer information, personal information on the Head of GRA and other internal workings” of the Authority.

The Authority, however, maintains that the four emails, which have been published repeatedly by the embattled Kaieteur News over the past few days, are fabricated. .

According to the Authority, the leaked information was related to an impending audit into the operations of the local daily, and this is what prompted the ‘fabrication’ of the purported exchange emails, which, according to the Kaieteur News, occurred between the Commissioner-General of GRA, Mr. Khurshid Sattaur and senior Government functionaries, as well as former President, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Noteworthy also, is the fact that despite the newspaper ’s claims of a ploy to “destroy the Kaieteur News” the ‘fabricated’

‘To date, the GRA has audited thousands of businesses and is yet to receive reports that there was a conspiracy or plot to destroy the said business or that the business(es) was/were thereby destroyed’ -- GRA emails themselves never mentioned anything implicating the Kaieteur News.

According to the GRA in its advertisement, “These unlawful transactions (the leaked information) were clear indicators and drivers for a preliminary investigation as to whether a comprehensive audit of the company or Lall (Mr. Glen Lall) was necessary.

“Unfortunately, Lall and the Kaieteur News were able to surreptitiously obtain this information by deceit, corruption and for illegal means, and have attempted to manipulate this information to stultify efforts by the GRA to conduct the comprehensive audit of the company by creating false emails purportedly suggesting a conspiracy to destroy the newspaper.”

Commissioner-General Sattaur has since called for

an investigation into the leaked communications.

The Authority is also currently preparing to formally request the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct intensive and extensive investigations into the breach.

The GRA stated, too, that steps have been taken to “buttress” the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, internal access to, and transmission of sensitive taxpayer information.

WARRANTED AUDIT The Commissioner-General maintains that the impending comprehensive audit of Kaieteur News Holding Company was “warranted” and the initial analysis was prompted by recent discovery of incidents of tax infractions by Mr. Glenn Lall, the publisher of the Kaieteur News.

These discoveries, first

made public by the Guyana Chronicle, include: 1. The alleged involvement of Mr. Lall, in an alleged remigrant duty-free scam via which two Lexus vehicles were sourced for use by him and his wife.

Since the allegation was made, six charges, altogether, have been brought against Mr. Lall, his wife, Mrs. Bhena Lall, and the two remigrants.

2. Mr. Lall’s allegedly tax evasion, relative to the importation of printing ink for over a decade now. The allegation is that Mr. Lall has been importing printing ink and passing them off as

Khurshid Sattaur

Glenn Lall

products of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), so as to enjoy duty-free concessions for those importations.

The GRA Head has made it clear that a comprehensive audit is “not designed to destroy a company, but to ensure that the company is compliant with

the tax and revenue laws” of Guyana.

“To date, the GRA has audited thousands of businesses, and is yet to receive reports that there was a conspiracy or plot to destroy the said business or that the business (es) was/ were thereby destroyed,” the Authority stressed.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

Ebola patient in Dallas struggling to survive, says CDC head

By Lisa Maria Garza and Sharon Begley DALLAS/NEW YORK, (Reuters) - The first person diagnosed with Ebola in the United States was fighting for his life at a Dallas hospital yesterdayy and appeared to be receiving none of the experimental medicines for the virus, a top U.S. health official said.

Thomas Eric Duncan became ill after arriving in the Texas city from Liberia two weeks ago, heightening concerns that the worst Ebola epidemic on record could spread from West Africa, where it began in March. The hemorrhagic fever has killed at least 3,400 people out of the nearly 7,500 probable, suspected and confirmed cases.“The man in Dallas, who is fighting for his life, is the only patient to develop Ebola in the United States,” Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

In a media briefing with reporters on Sunday, Frieden said he was scheduled to brief President Barack Obama todayy.

Frieden said doses of the experimental medicine ZMapp were “all gone” and that the drug, produced

by San Diego-based Mapp Biopharmaceutical, is “not going to be available anytime soon.”

Asked about a second experimental drug, made by Canada’s Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp, he said it “can be quite difficult for patients to take.”

Frieden said the doctor and

the patient’s family would decide whether to use the drug, but if “they wanted to, they would have access to it.”

“As far as we understand, experimental medicine is not being used,” Frieden said. “It’s really up to his treating physicians, himself, his family what treatment to take.”

Duncan remained in critical condition, Wendell Watson, spokesman for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, said on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, health officials said they were also seeking a “low-risk” homeless man who was one of 38 people who had potentially had contact with Duncan.

Later on Sunday, a spokeswoman for Dallas County’s top political official, Judge Clay Jenkins, said the man had been found and was being monitored.

PATIENT ARRIVING IN NEBRASKA At Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, parishioners prayed for Duncan, congregation member Louise Troh - who is quarantined because of her close contact with Duncan - and both of their families.

“Although this disease has become personal to us, we realize we’re not the first to know its devastation, and we are not the ones most desperately affected,” Associate Pastor Mark Wingfeld told the church audience.

He encouraged parishioners to focus not only on the Dallas family but also on those in West Africa stricken with Ebola.

In Nebraska, another hospital

DATE: 04/10/2014 K

03 04 07 19 25 27 17

04/10/2014

was preparing for the arrival of an Ebola patient who contracted the virus in Liberia, a spokesman said on Sunday.

Nebraska Medical Center spokesman Taylor Wilson would

Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts on Saturday for a likely respiratory infection that is not believed to be a recurrence of the disease, hospital officials said.

A worker in a hazardous material suit is sprayed down by a coworker after coming out of an apartment unit where a man diagnosed with the Ebola virus was staying in Dallas, Texas, yesterday.

(Credit: REUTERS/Jim Young) only identify the patient as a male U.S. citizen expected to arrive on Monday. But the father of Ashoka Mukpo, a freelance cameraman working for NBC News who contracted Ebola in Liberia, told Reuters on Friday that his son was going to Nebraska for treatment.

The Nebraska hospital last month also treated and released, Dr. Rick Sacra, an American missionary who also contracted Ebola in Liberia.

Sacra was admitted to UMass

01

03

08

19

20

Duncan’s case has highlighted problems that American public health officials are trying furiously to address: The Dallas hospital that admitted him initially did not recognize the deadly disease and sent him home with antibiotics, only for him to return two days later in an ambulance.

“The issue of the missed diagnosis initially is concerning,” Frieden said, adding that public health officials had redoubled their efforts to raise awareness of the

04/10/2014

01

02

03

disease.

“We’re seeing more people calling us, considering the possibility of Ebola - that’s what we want to see,” he said on CNN. “We don’t want people not to be diagnosed.”

Frieden said he was confident the disease would not spread widely within the United States. U.S. officials are also scaling up their response in West Africa, where Ebola presents an enormous challenge, he added.

“But it’s going to take time,” Frieden said. “The virus is spreading so fast that it’s hard to keep up.”

When asked on Sunday if the United States should suspend flights to and from affected countries or impose a visa ban on travelers from those countries, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said “absolutely not.”

“When you start closing off countries like that, there is a real danger of making things worse,” Fauci said on “Fox News Sunday.”

“You can cause unrest in the country,” he said. “It’s conceivable that governments could fall if you just isolate them completely.”

The CDC has identified 10 people who had direct contact with Duncan as being at greatest risk of infection. Another 38 were being monitored as potential contacts, out of 114 people initially evaluated for exposure risks. None from either group has shown symptoms, health officials said.

Ebola, which can cause fever, vomiting and diarrhea, spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood or saliva.

04/10/2014

01

02 04

08 11 12 20

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

Christine Lagarde

IMF helps in sustainable growth of the Caribbean WASHINGTON, (CMC) – Seven years after the onset of the global financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it has been helping Caribbean and other countries move from stabilization to sustainable growth.

In her foreword to the Washington-based financial institution’s “Annual Report 2014—From Stabilization to Sustainable Growth,” managing director Christine Lagarde says the world still has a way to go to secure a sustainable recovery marked by strong growth that supports rapid job creation and benefits all.

“The recovery is ongoing, but it is still too slow and fragile, subject to the vagaries of financial sentiment,” she says. “Millions of people are still looking for work. The level of uncertainty might be diminishing, but it is certainly not disappearing.”

But throughout the crisis and in the recovery period, Lagarde says the IMF has been, and continues to be, an “indispensible agent of economic cooperation” for its membership.

The report covers the work of the IMF’s executive board and contains financial statements for the year May 1, 2013, to April 30, 2014.

It describes the IMF’s support for its 188 member-countries, with an emphasis on the core areas of IMF responsibility: assessing their economic and financial policies, providing financing where needed, and building capacity in key areas of economic policy.

On the financial front, the IMF said it continued to support members’ reform efforts across the globe.

This year, the Fund’s executive board approved US$21.5 billion in financing for member countries, plus US$220 million in

concessional financing for low-income countries, such as those in the Caribbean.

The IMF said the board reviewed facilities such as the Flexible Credit Line, the Precautionary and Liquidity Line, and the Rapid Financing instrument—“to make sure that they continue to help countries as effectively as possible.”

The membership also agreed to transfer gold profits to help meet the financing needs of low-income members in the years ahead.

Since the crisis broke, the IMF said it has provided training to all of its members and technical assistance to 90 percent of them, helping countries design, build, and strengthen the institutions that make up the building blocks of economic success.

The Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda, laid out at both the Annual Meetings in 2013 and the Spring Meetings in 2014, emphasized the need to strengthen the coherence of policies and cooperation among policymakers.

The priorities are clear, according to the IMF: “Advanced economies need to focus on measured and well-communicated policy choices to secure the recovery; emerging markets need to strengthen their fundamentals, reduce their vulnerabilities, and step up structural reforms; and everyone needs to embrace cooperation and engage in dialogue.”

Mexico mass grave found near Iguala after protests

The government has offered a reward of $75,000 (£47,000) for information leading to the students’ location A mass grave has been found on the outskirts of the Mexican town of Iguala, where 43 students went missing on 27 September, officials say.

It is not clear whether the bodies found in a pit are those of the missing students, who were last seen being forced into police vans.

The group had travelled to the area, in the state of Guerrero, to take part in a protest over teachers’ rights.

Police opened fire on their buses, killing six people.

Twenty-two police officers are being held in connection with the shooting.

Witnesses said that most of the survivors - all trainee teachers - were bundled into police vans before disappearing.

Some had gone into hiding and contacted their rela-

tives after several days, still fearing for their lives.

‘Anonymous tip’ It was thought initially that 44 students, not 43, had gone missing. They had been taking part in a protest over job discrimination against rural teachers. guala lies about 120 miles (200km) south of the capital Mexico City. The grave was discovered on Saturday, following an anonymous tip, local media reported.

It is not known exactly how many bodies it contains.

Guerrero state prosecutor Inaky Blanco said forensic scientists were trying to identify the victims.

“We still can’t talk about an exact number of bodies.

We are still working at the site,” Mr Blanco said at a media conference in the state capital, Chilpancingo.

At least 15 bodies have already been retrieved from the pit.

Some of the relatives of the missing students had joined the search, knocking on doors and handing out pictures of their loved ones.

State prosecutors said local officials and police officers could have links with criminal gangs operating in Guerrero state.

Arrest warrants have been issued for the mayor of Iguala, Jose Luis Albarca, and his security chief who are both considered fugitives from justice and may be involved in the violence.

Mexico correspondent Will Grant says the incident has highlighted the extent of the collusion between criminal groups and officials in much of the country.(BBC)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

The dawn of a new era Yesterday marked the 22nd anniversary of the PPP/C in Government.

The PPP is an organisation that has been integral to carving an identity and a future for Guyana and its once very suppressed people, who did not achieve independence, even after being granted the relevant instruments

by Britain, until October 5, 1992, a day that has been rightfully hailed as ‘The Dawn of a New Era’.

The story of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is the saga of the amazing journey of Dr. Cheddi and Mrs. Janet Jagan, two dynamic and visionary persons from very diverse cultures who merged their lives a n d e ff o r t s t o c a r v e through the grindstone of adversity a future of promise and hope for the long-suffering Guyanese people, and the men and women who joined with them at different stages of the eventful journey that is slowly but surely fructifying into making that future one of Peace, Progress, and Prosperity.

Homage must also be paid to the people who

laid down their lives in the struggle for dignity and freedom for the working-class people of Guyana, especially the Enmore Martyrs, whose death so moved a young and idealistic Cheddi Jagan that he vowed to dedicate his entire life to “the cause of the struggle of the Guyanese people against bondage and exploitation.”

The legacy of care and love for Guyana and the Guyanese people was entrusted by the Jagans to an equally dynamic and visionary young man, whose potential for leadership they had the vision and foresight to recognise.

And while there was vehement opposition to their choice on many fronts then, today, the world has taken cognisance of their perspicacity at placing into the hands of a then very untested and untried young man, all that they aspired for this country.

Thus, while they gracefully bowed to their own mortality, they did not abandon their cause to the fates or destiny, but continued to guide and nurture the welfare of the nation to which they had dedicated their entire adult lives, through the strong and visionary leadership

of Guyana’s former Executive President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who has achieved international recognition for Guyana , thereby eradicating the dark images of Jonestown from the silhouette of this nation’s identity within the international consciousness, as a passionate advocate of humanity and the earth, for which he was presented with the Champion of the Earth Award in 2010 by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

His sincere commitment to all the people of this land can be gauged by his gifting the not insignificant sum of his US$40,000 prize money to the most vulnerable Guyanese community, the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana.

President Jagdeo has said, time and again, that we have to forget the past that has caused this nation much pain, grief, and developmental retrogression, and endeavour to carve a better country for future generations, because the past should only be used for analytic purposes.

But when Guyana’s past, and present, is being re-written to make villians into heroes and vice versa by those with vested

interests, then, for the edification for posterity, it is incumbent upon the propagators of truth to put the dynamics into perspective, and let the readers judge for themselves, instead of having persons with agendas restructure the landscape of this nation’s history, to the detriment of future generations.

The PPP’s battle song “O fighting men” is as relevant now as it was then, because the struggle continues, and the PPP and its affiliate arms -the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) -- have no dearth of the fighting spirit that has kept the PPP unwaveringly, unerringly on the path carved in the footsteps of the Father of the Guyanese Nation, and spiritual head of the PPP, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, for the 60-odd years of its existence as a Party, fighting for equality and justice for the Guyanese nation.

An extrapolation from a blurb on Dr. Jagan in Nadira Jagan’s Jagan website reads: “Dr. Cheddi Jagan was born

on March 22, 1918 in a rural village in Guyana; and in the course of the remarkable life of an ordinary sugar worker’s son, he would change the course of his country’s history by first struggling to liberate it from British colonial domination, then by waging a 28-year-long struggle for the restoration of freedom and democracy, and finally by ascending to the Presidency as Guyana’s first democratically-elected Head of State.

Alongside Dr. Jagan, in all these struggles, was his American-born wife, lifelong friend and political partner, Janet, who left the USA for life in Guyana, where she remained until her death, on March 28, 2009. She was a woman of a number of firsts in her long history of involvement in her adopted country’s politics. She was to reach the pinnacle as first woman Head of State in December 1997, following the death, in

office, of her husband on March 6, after first serving as Prime Minister.

They were the founders of the country’s first mass political movement, and unquestionably the leading political figures in the history of Guyana for over the last 66 years.

Through their tireless efforts, the small country of Guyana experienced a wealth of benefits, social advancement, and economic prosperity.

As international figures, they are well known for their fight for peace and freedom around the globe. Dr. Jagan’s ideas on debt relief, as well as his proposals for a New Global Human Order, were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 14, 2002. As such, he deserves credit as a major figure in modern history.”

Indeed, he does!

Tain man stabbed to death following argument BERBICE police have begun investigations into the fatal stabbing, in the wee hours

of the morning yesterday, of Rajeshwar Ramdhani, 20, of Tain Settlement, Coren-

tyne, Berbice.

The incident reportedly occurred around 00:30hrs. According to

the police, Ramdhani was stabbed in the region of the chest, by a man with whom he had earlier

had an argument while walking along Well Tank Dam, in Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, also on the

Corentyne.

Thus far, the Police said, the suspect has not been arrested.

Outgoing passenger nabbed at CJIA with cocaine A N o u t g o i n g p a s - Cheddi Jagan Internasenger was yesterday tional Airport (CJIA) morning nabbed at the by ranks of the Police

Narcotics Branch with 5 kilograms 829 grams of cocaine in his pos-

session.

The bust reportedly occurred around 03:25hrs

during a search of the man’s baggage. He has since been arrested, and

is in police custody, assisting with their investigations.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

NCN condems ‘constant harassment’ of staff ‘by known APNU activists’ – GPA also voices its concerns

THE following is press statement issued Saturday by State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) Incorporated regarding the harassment, at almost every turn, of its newsroom staff by affiliates of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), while covering that Party’s public meetings.

“The National Communications Network (NCN) Incorporated condemns in the strongest possible terms, the constant harassment of its operatives by known activists and senior members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), during its ongoing Public Meetings, particularly in Region Four.

“The NCN wishes to bring to the attention of

the public, the clear agenda of the APNU to intimidate our journalists and other operatives.

“Below are a few recent cases of intimidation of our employees by APNU > On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, during an APNU Public Meeting at Kool Circle, Laing Avenue, Georgetown, executive member of the Party, Ms. Volda Lawrence, while addressing a public meeting, claimed that an NCN reporter and cameraman were following her and Mr. Winston Felix “all night” so that they can record them and “take it to Rohee so he can talk about it on TV.” > Also on the same day at La Retraite Primary School, West Bank Demerara, where Op-

position Leader David Granger was the main speaker, another NCN team arrived to provide coverage for the said meeting but was accosted by three women who enquired which media house they represented.

Upon learning the team was from NCN, they were rudely told that they could not enter, because they were representing NCN. > On Thursday, October 02, 2014 at the Bagotville Community Centre, the NCN team was identified and called out by APNU supporters.

Subsequently,Chief Whip of the Opposition and APNU executive member, Amna Ally prevented the team from entering the venue, and threatened that if they do, she will embarrass and expose them.

Winners in Fogarty’s back-to-school promotion receive prizes

Fogarty’s manager Archie Philips talks about the promotion

FORGARTY’s Store on Saturday held a presentation ceremony to hand over prizes won by participants in the company’s annual back-to-school promotion at the Forgarty’s Store, Water Street, Georgetown.

The promotion was held

during the period of July through September, and the names of the winners were drawn at another formal ceremony at the store.

Manager Archie Philips said the promotion has been running for over 15 years and has been attracting great responses. He stated that all the prizes are educational and are intended to help successful participants learn; prizes that may be essential and improve the child’s life in some way, to portray the importance of education to development.

The promotion highlights the current Education Month, which is being observed under the theme: ‘Literate by Grade 4 through Consistent, Home, School and Community Involvement’. The winners expressed their gratitude to Forgarty’s Limited and the Laparkan Company for staging these promotions and allowing them a chance

A happy lad with his prize-a haversack

to win wonderful prizes.

The prize-winners obtained either gadgets, haversacks and stationery.

A lucky lad who won a bag pack, was overjoyed and his mom expressed warm thanks to Fogarty’s for holding the promotion.

Additionally, an NCN cameraman was identified by supporters of APNU who hailed out at Felix, informing him he was being filmed. The NCN reporter was forced to beg that APNU officials not to harm her colleague. > On Friday, October 3, 2014, at Middle Dam, Pouderoyen, as the NCN team arrived to cover another APNU Public Meeting, its supporters yelled, “Watch them coming! NCN!”. The team was subsequently told it couldn’t cover the meeting.

“The NCN condemns this kind of harassment and threat from members of the APNU, including its executives, which will only put at risk the lives of honest and hardworking employees of NCN. “Further, we wish to advise Ms. Volda Lawrence that NCN is not aligned to, nor is it an organ of, any political Party.

“It is important to note that, on the one hand, this Political Party continues to accuse NCN of not providing them with coverage, and on the other hand seeks to evict the network’s news team from its public events.

“NCN believes that these recent acts of intimidation and attacks on our journalists are a direct threat to press freedom in Guyana and a violation of Article 23(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment…”

“Additionally, NCN wishes to call on the Minister of Information, His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar;

the National Assembly of Guyana; the Guyana Press Association; the Independent Media Workers Association of Guyana; the Diplomatic Community; political parties; the Guyana Human Rights Association; and all other stakeholders to condemn this dastardly act by the APNU, which seems to be on a campaign to drive fear in our staff.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Press Association, in a statement of its own, has roundly condemned the act as well. Following is the full text of their satement: “The Guyana Press Association has taken note of complaints of harassment of reporters of the State-owned National Communications Network during their coverage of political meetings being hosted by the APNU. “The GPA wishes to once again call on all political parties, the governing and opposition parties, to be reminded that journalists, regardless of whether they are in the employ of the State media or the independent media, ought to be allowed to carry out their jobs in an environment that is free from fear and intimidation. “ T h e G PA w o u l d also like to remind media houses of the responsibilities that rest on the shoulders of their workers in the execution of their duties, and would like to encourage our journalists to continue to be fearless in their reporting on the issues of the day. Journalists also need to act professionally as they conduct their duties, and should not allow themselves to be used for political purposes. “ T h e G PA w i l l b e seeking to engage the

Minister of Information, Media Owners and Editors and the Leaders of the Political Parties on issues of concern regarding the local media from all sides.

“The Press Association is also very worried about recent revelations that attempts may be afoot to use resources of the State to suppress and intimidate members of the private media, and private media houses, in the execution of their duties.

“The GPA is alarmed that, as the “silly season” in politics may once again be upon us, we are already seeing attempts to intimidate journalists and media houses from carrying out their duties in a fair and transparent manner.

“Further, the Press Association would like to place on record its unwavering support for all journalists in the execution of their job.

“The recent abuse of a Capitol News reporter by the acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba is condemned, and Ms. Sooba ought to do the proper thing and offer a full apology to the reporter.

“The Guyana Press Association also takes this time to remind Editors and Media owners of the important role they need to play in the on the job training and education of their employees, especially the younger reporters who are now soaking their feet in the profession.

“The Guyana Press Association also looks forward to the full participation of the State and independent media in the upcoming traini n g p ro g r a m m e s f o r journalists, which will be focusing on elections coverage.”

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Rohee weighs in on positive, negative – at PYO 62nd Anniversary aspects of technology function GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, last Wednesday, noted that technological development has its advantages and disadvantages.

He made this observation while addressing a function at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO)-youth arm of the PPP.

Mr. Rohee stated that years ago, people did not enjoy the luxury of having cell phones and other electronic devices. He noted that nowadays people do not have only one phone, but several, also, some years ago persons had to walk great distances to make phone calls, but now times have changed; people could now transmit information in a split second.

Mr. Rohee, however, added that this vast development in technology can be a bad

thing and a good thing.

He used an internet source to give the audience an example of a bad aspect of information and communication technology. He referred to the pro-democracy protest going on in Hong Kong, during which youthful protestors used “tech tactics” to protest by posting scenes of the protest on Facebook and other social media. A young girl who was studying, saw the post and rushed outside to get a first-hand look and was

CLEMENT ROHEE

affected by tear gas thrown by police to disperse the protestors.

He noted that the cell phone is a powerful tool and can be used to do many things and this is a typical example of what could possibly take place in Guyana, and stories such as that in the example can spread panic and encourage others to get involved in activities that are not conducive to progress.

Mr. Rohee urged persons to be careful how they use

technology to transmit information, and also to know what they are posting on social media, because once it’s there, it can send out either a positive or negative message.

He then mentioned the positive aspect of people benefiting from technology through saving them money.

Business people for example, do not necessarily have to expend large sums of money travelling abroad to sell their products; they could do so through the internet.

Thousands disappointed Brazil’s Rousseff to face no held-over slated for pro-business Neves – in election runoff GuyExpo this year – as the curtain comes down on a truly magnificent event DESPITE the inclement weather yesterday, patrons in their numbers dutifully made their way, well into the night, to the Sophia Exhibition Centre, home for many years to the annual trade fair, GuyExpo.

And, as with previous nights, they were not to be disappointed in terms of what was on offer, except that many expressed concern that by the look of things, there wasn’t going to be any held-over this time around, as in previous years.

Many milled around,

holding their breath and hoping for some sort of an announcement saying that the authorities had decided, at the last minute, to extend the event by another day or two.

But alas, hope as they might, the magic words never came, leaving them no alternative but to trudge wearily home, taking with them bitter-sweet memories of the night, and event, that was.

GuyExpo, arguably the largest and longest-running exposition and trade fair in all of the Caribbean, opened Thursday night with Acting

At GT&T’s collection of booths on Saturday

Tourism Minister, Mr. Irfaan Ali declaring that this year’s event has attracted some 115 foreign delegates,the largest contingent ever to date.

What this means, he said, is that “we now have 115 potential foreign investors” who have every confidence in Guyana’s economy.

The four-day exposition also attracted some 56 international exhibitors from such places as Brazil,Argentina, Bangladesh,Suriname, Australia, French Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago.

By Brian Winter and Anthony Boadle

SAO PAULO/BRASILIA(Reuters) - Brazil’s leftist President, Dilma Rousseff placed first in Sunday’s election but did not get enough votes to avoid a runoff and will face pro-business rival Aecio Neves, who made a dramatic late surge to finish a strong second.

After Brazil’s most volatile campaign in decades, which saw one candidate die in a plane crash, and another soar into first place, only to collapse at the end, the result ended up being what was expected a year ago: A showdown between two archrival parties that have governed the country for the last 20 years.

Rousseff will spend the next three weeks fending off an energised challenger who blames her interventionist policies for a long economic slump, and is proposing free trade and tighter government spending to recover the good will of investors.

Nevertheless, Rousseff remains a slight favourite to win, due to her party’s strong record of reducing poverty and creating jobs throughout its 12 years in

Dilma Rousseff

power, and a widespread perception that Neves’ centrist Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) is beholden to the rich.

One Rousseff aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, said as results poured in that her re-election campaign team would try to cast the runoff as “the elite versus the people.”

With 98 per cent of votes counted, Rousseff led with 41.4 per cent support compared to 33.8 per cent for Neves.

Marina Silva, a prominent environmentalist, who had recently led opinion polls but wilted in the final days under a barrage of negative TV ads and doubts about her shifting positions on issues, came in third place with just 21.3 per cent of

votes.

That provided Neves, a popular two-term governor and the grandson of a beloved politician from the 1980s, a window to present himself as a more steady alternative for voters who want a change of government.

A nationwide poll by Datafolha released on Saturday showed that, in a runoff, Rousseff would lead Neves by a margin of 48 percent to 42 percent.

But Neves seems to have a decent chance of winning. Nearly 60 percent of Silva voters had said in polls they would throw their support behind Neves, and the afterglow of his strong performance on Sunday might rally more voters behind him.

PSDB leaders have said they will try to secure Silva’s formal support in coming days. When Silva finished third in the 2010 election, she remained neutral - and has given no firm indication of whether she would back anyone this time.

At Rousseff ’s campaign headquarters in Brasilia on Sunday night after results were released, the mood was glum.

“The second round is going to be much harder for us. The result is narrower than we expected,” said one aide.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Glenn Lall and political leaders who support corrupt practices THE self-styled crusader against corruption, Glenn Lall, was himself exposed by Wikileaks as being one of the most corrupt individuals living in Guyana; and this was from a report emanating from the great USA diplomatic envoys’ observations and investigations.

As Lall’s business enterprises come under scrutiny following damaging exposés of alleged fraudulent practices, he is seemingly attempting to extricate himself from the threat of real jail time for his alleged forays in the world of criminality through threats and blackmail of key players in the administrative system; and he is using his newspaper to solicit support from the public at large.

The adage “Hand wash hand make hand come clean” has seen opposition leaders -- with special focus on Joseph Harmon of the PNC/APNU, and Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC, both obviously representing their respective political parties as spokespersons -- resoundingly condemning the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for daring to audit the financial affairs of Glenn Lall’s business holdings after several alleged criminal activities came to light recently. This is subsequent to his exposure for electricity theft and a GPL transformer being found in a place to which he was linked, among other damaging exposes by US envoys through Wikileaks, none of which resulted in prosecution.

There are several tax fraud cases currently in court, as well as those still under investigation that, if successfully prosecuted, could send Glenn Lall to prison. It has also been reported that he is demanding that the GRA abandon an audit of the Kaieteur News holding company. Questions are being asked as to how Lall was able to pay in cash US dollars in the USA for extensive properties bought in Guyana. Lall may also be asked about alleged US currency bank accounts in known tax havens.

Commissioner-General Khurshid Sattaur has confirmed that Lall threatened him when the remigrant scam involving Lall first surfaced. “Lall called me from an overseas number and threatened to expose me; he threatened to deal with me in a matter, as if I’m a thief. He said he’s going to do this because I am using my office to deal with the matters I normally deal with. He threatened to use his newspaper to expose me; I don’t know what wrong I am doing. If I am trying to do the Government’s work, I don’t know why people should be upset. If they are doing wrong things, they should be subject to the laws as well,” Sattaur reportedly said.

Lall and his wife were recently sued by acting Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council, Carol Sooba, for $5.7M for unpaid rates and taxes in relation to their property on Saffon Street. Lall has also been implicated in evading taxes on the importation of printing ink allegedly packaged as a Caribbean Community (CariCom) product, which enjoys duty-free concessions under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Upon closer inspection, however, it was reportedly found that the origin of the inks were from overseas, thereby in breach of the Treaty.

Glenn Lall has used his alleged dishonestly-acquired publication -- an accusation by the first publisher of the ‘Kaieteur News’, Shaun Samaroo, who nearly lost his father’s home which he had mortgaged to accrue funds to produce the “Kaieteur Weekend World”, forerunner to the “Kaieteur News” -- as a weapon to destroy his perceived enemies, or the enemies of his advertisers or his political affiliates; or anyone who would offend in any way those who substantially contribute to his several wealth-creational endeavours.

Despite the fact that he has been caught stealing millions of dollars worth of electricity over an extended period; and been alleged,

through revelations by the USA, to have been involved in human trafficking -- a very serious crime with dire legal implications and consequences -- Glenn Lall has never been prosecuted.

This newspaper also reported that Lall has been fingered in a remigrant duty-free concession scam that the GRA is currently investigating, which, according to Commissioner-General, Mr. Kurshid Sattaur, represents over $100M in tax evasions.

Were the Brijnanans among the rare successes of Lall’s human trafficking enterprise, as reported by the USA envoys and revealed

by Wikileaks? And were Lall’s alleged tax evasions aided and abetted by the Brijnanan’s son, Sankar, an employee of GRA who has been implicated in the vehicle scam, as part of the payback incentive?

If this is the case, then it is apparent that these recent discoveries may be merely the tip of the iceberg; and it is incumbent upon the GRA to dig deep and investigate other probable instances of tax evasion by Lall, and prosecute him, as they would any criminal.

Most Guyanese businessmen had to circumnavigate some precarious paths and circuitous routes to reach the heights they did. Some did it ethically; but many did various clandestine things to achieve their millionaire status. Today, some borderline and even real criminals are pointing fingers at others. From selling shoes out of suitcases, Glenn Lall has become one of the richest men in Guyana; and the Wikileaks exposé has linked him to back-tracking, using devious ploys against other businessmen; for instance, linking “Buddy” Shivraj and other businessmen to the drug trade in an attempt to either divert international attention and scrutiny away from himself, and establish his credentials as an ethical person with the diplomatic and other influential bodies, so

that he does not come under their radar as a person of interest.

He is still using his newspaper to destroy Government officials and initiatives in efforts to support opposition parties, as well as demolishing business rivals -– either his or those of his advertisers -- for gain, although one US official described his publication as a “muckraking newspaper.”

In view of the foregoing, it is highly believable that Lall, the self-styled fighter against corruption, would stop at nothing to halt investigations and prosecution that would expose and punish him, if he is found guilty of the accusations being currently leveled against him and his business enterprises.

However much Glenn Lall tries to re-invent himself, regardless of whether the Guyanese who know the real Glenn Lall choose to expose him, Canavan has done so by stating unequivocally that he has a sketchy past; has a rumoured involvement in alien smuggling; has links to the underworld; and that he runs a muckraking newspaper.

The opposition leaders who are attempting to subvert the course of justice by supporting Lall are fighting tooth and nail to form the next government in Guyana. These lawyers who have consistently shown no respect for the law -- casting aside the decisions of the court like so much flotsam, are aspiring to lead this nation; but down what path? What pathways could leaders who have no respect for the law, and support corrupt practices, carve for any nation? Political leaders who support corrupt practices are indicating the governance they will practise if they are ever elected to run this country. But Guyanese need not conjecture; their past leadership and our history is proof of their intended agendas and intentions. Glenn Lall should have heeded the Guyanese adage, “Wha sweeten goat mouth...”

Symposium told...

Procuring entities must notify unsuccessful bidders THE persistent failure of procuring entities to inform unsuccessful bidders of the outcome, as well as who the successful bidder is, was underscored at Thursday’s procurement symposium, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal.

And, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, addressing the gathering, said, “We want to see it happen and I am making it very clear that procuring entities are called upon to obey the Procurement Act as it relates to notification.

It will bring an end to a lot

of the grumblings and the dissatisfactions that exist in the society.”

He acknowledged the lapses in following the correct procedures, but maintained that this ought to be rectified.

The prevailing misconception is that such communication ought to be made by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), however, several presenters at the symposium debunked this.

The presenters included Mr. John Seeram, Mr. Michael De Jonge, Mr. Fedrick Flatts and Mr. Donald De Clou, who is the Chairman of

NPTAB. Currently, the process that stands is that once a bidder has won a contract for the supply of goods or contracts, NBTAB notifies the procuring entity and it is the responsibility of that entity to notify the other bidders that they were unsuccessful.

If the contract is above $15M, at which level it requires Cabinet’s no-objection, then the no-objection or objection is communicated to NBTAB, which then follows through on the established procedures to notify the procuring entity.

Section 40 (3) of the Pro-

curement Act states that: “Notice of the rejection of all tenders shall be given promptly to all suppliers or contractors that submitted tenders.”

DUE PROCESS A majority of the presenters stressed the importance of this process to allow the unsuccessful bidders the opportunity to due process.

Once the unsuccessful bidder is notified, that bidder, according to law, has a window of five days to submit a written protest of his rejection.

Section 52 of the Procurement Act states that:

“(1) A bidder whose tender or proposal has been rejected may submit a written protest to the procuring entity. “(2) The protest may pertain to the pre-qualification or tendering proceedings or to the method of procurement selected by the procuring entity. “(3) The protest must be submitted within five business days following publication of the contract award decision.”

If the protest is not reviewed by the procuring entity within five business days from the date of the protest’s submission, the

Bishop Juan Edghill

bidder may submit a request for review by NPTAB. (Vanessa Narine)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Muslim community celebrates Eid-ul-Adha – by giving to the less fortunate

By Leroy Smith HUNDREDS of persons who are classified as poor, unfortunate and needy were yesterday the recipients of meals along with cow, lamb and goat meat as Muslims across Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating Eid-ul-Adha.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, one elder at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) related that the activity remains one of the most important observances of the Muslim Community, since it is about giving back to the Almighty.

The observance speaks to Muslims about parting with

some amount of their wealth, and sharing it with the less fortunate, which is symbolic of the call to Abraham by the Almighty to sacrifice his one and only son which was at the time a test of Abraham’s faith by God; which command Abraham was willing to obey.

Yesterday, the CIOG sacrificed approximately 70 cows and a number of sheep and goats which represented sacrifices by the CIOG and individual members.

Over at the Masjid on Louisa Row, the members continued their usual weekly practice of feeding the homeless and those who live at the shelter in Albouystown. The Peter’s Hall Masjid also continued

its yearly ritual of slaying cows, and sharing the meat to persons in the area and other communities.

In Albouystown, that Masjid also followed suit, and observed the occasion by preparing meat for persons from that community, as well as Sophia. The Masjid catered for close to 1,000 persons, as did the Peter’s Hall Masjid.

Muslims around the world are often described as some of the most generous persons who usually give their best and their last to the less fortunate and those in need. The Muslim membership in Guyana continues to grow rapidly, with many persons converting to Islam.

At the Alexander Village Masjid yesterday (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

Labour Minister: ‘More vacancies than persons available to fill them’

By Shirley Thomas MINISTER of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul has stated confidently that there are more vacancies around Guyana, than persons available to fill them.

Dr. Gopaul gave this assurance as he addressed a Workers Rally on the lawns of the Guyana Agricultur-

al and General Workers Union (GAWU) headquarters, High Street, Kingston, last week, in observance of World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) Action Day, 2014. The theme of the observances was “Fighting Against Unemployment for Dignified Work”.

The Labour Minister

was at the time reacting to a World Bank report which claims that Guyana has a 22 per cent unemployment rate. Said Dr. Gopaul, “What I can tell you, as Minister of Labour, is that there are thousands of vacancies around this country and we can’t find workers to fill those vacancies... That’s the situation.

Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul (right) and FITUG President, Mr Carvil Duncan on the WFTU Action Day march

What is important is when we search for workers and can’t find workers, you can say you are getting somewhere.”

Dr. Gopaul noted that Guyana has developed over the last ten years, in an unprecedented manner.

And alluding to ‘dignified work’ as contained in the theme of the ‘Action Day’ observances, he assured: “Working conditions have improved tremendously, to the point that today, whether they be part-time workers; domestic workers, or working in someone’s home or shop, there is dignity in labour. It is because of the Government of the PPP/Civic, we have been able to accomplish a national minimum wage for everyone.”

Further, he said, Guyana has ratified the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention 189 touching on domestic workers, and giving legal coverage for domestics, making them entitled to work no more than 30 hours per week or 8 hours per day with no exploitation. Any period of work beyond that has been attracting overtime consistently since 1992 in this country. The Minister said too that Guyana has made strides in industrial relations by the enactment of several legislations to protect the rights of workers.

MASSIVE TRAINING As for those job seekers who have not yet found employment, the Minister said such persons seeking employment will have to state clearly that no job is

available for which he or she could be employed.

In order to beef up employment opportunities for young people, Dr. Gopaul said that government has embarked on massive training programmes. Over the last five years, government has targeted school children and trained them with marketable skills.

“We continue to train thousands per year, under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and all those persons are beneficially employed. Instead of training them to work for employers, we train them to work for themselves,” he said.

He cited the training of thousands of persons by government over the last several years, in the art of making concrete blocks.

And there’s an added incentive for the persons trained, Dr. Gopaul said.

“At the end of training, we give them the block moulds and supplies of cement and sand to start their own business.” Block making is a very lucrative undertaking, and a skill for which there will always be demand locally, given the current housing and construction boom.

Women too have benefitted from training programmes that are geared to equip them for employment. Both single parents and young mothers benefit from training in areas such as cake-making and cosmetology that could make them gainfully employed.

And for school leavers who did not write the CXC examinations, such persons are being trained as

equipment operators, and have all been employed on completion of the training, according to the Minister.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gopaul said that the Ministry of Labor has revamped its Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency – an agency where unemployed persons could go and get registered. To this end, he is urging unemployed persons to apply there. He said that by the end of the year, almost all of the persons having registered are offered employment.

The Minister recalled that in 2013, the agency registered more than 100,000 persons and placed 1,500 in employment, adding , “That’s a positive sign that employment is here.”

And for those who are yet without jobs, the Labour Minister threw out a challenge. “I am appealing to those who believe that they can’t get jobs, to come to the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency in any region in this country and we will be able to place you for job opportunities.”

APPEAL The Labour Minister ended with a call to Guyana’s youth: “So young people, I want to appeal to you, do not waste your lives on drugs or at the street corner. There are opportunities. Enough money is being voted or set aside to train all the young people in this country. We want to make every single youth employable. I want to let you, the young people know that you can have a job in this country if you seriously want to work.”

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

MP warns...

Joint Opposition’s endorsement of Kaieteur News is cause for concern

THE Kaieteur News, in a Page One comment titled, Will you stand by us’, yesterday appealed to the public for solidarity, in the face of what it alleges is a ploy by people in high places to destroy its operations.

“We call on all political parties, trade unions, the Guyana Bar Association, the religious community, the Guyana Press Association, other civil society groupings and you the citizens to rally by the side of Kaieteur News,” the local daily said.

Simultaneously, the joint opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), has also indicated its willingness to support the paper.

General-Secretary of APNU, Mr. Joseph Harmon, was quoted in yesterday’s edition of the paper as saying, “We want to put the Government and Sattaur on notice that we will not sit idly by and watch them violate the rights of citizens,” adding that the newspaper has the Coalition’s “unwavering” support in the fight for democracy against the powers-that-be.

The AFC, in a separate statement, has also expressed similar sentiments. “The [AFC executive meeting on Saturday] also expressed solidarity with Kaieteur News, which is being subjected to attempts to muzzle the free press.”

--it’s ‘sending a troubling message’

AFC Executive Members, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, Mr. Nigel Hughes and its leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, have been the most vocal on this issue.

SOLIDARITY FOR WHAT? Since the Kaieteur News’ appeal, and subsequent statements by local politicians, pundits in the political arena have begun to question the grounds on which ‘solidarity’ is being lent.

“What is the imbroglio that Mr. Lall is in? That should be the question being asked,” one seasoned Member of Parliament (MP) told the Guyana Chronicle, on condition of anonymity.

Recently, the publisher of the Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall, has been fingered in tax evasion schemes.

In early September, Lall was alleged to have evaded taxes for over a decade now.

Reports are that Mr. Lall, the owner of the Guyana National Media Publishing Company, is being investigated by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the importation of printing ink packaged as a CARICOM (Caribbean Community) product, which enjoys duty free concessions

under the Revised Treaty of Chaguramas. Upon closer inspection, however, it was allegedly found that the origin of the inks was from overseas, and therefore in breach of the Treaty. As it relates to the progress of the investigation of the alleged tax evasion, the Guyana Chronicle has been given to understand that the necessary verification requests are still with the relevant authorities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prior to the tax evasion allegation, Mr. Lall was fingered in an alleged remigrant duty-free concession scam.

Six criminal charges have altogether been since filed against Lall; his wife, Bhena;, and Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, who have all been implicated in the scam. The charges follow the seizure of two vehicles allegedly at the centre of a duty-free scam.

The two vehicles in question, PRR 8398 and PRR 8399, were handed over to GRA and impounded at the Authority’s warehouse at the end of August, after an hours-long standoff between GRA officials and the Brijnanans’ son, Navin Sankar, a high-ranking GRA employee. An investigation was then launched to ensure

CAIC President...

Commissioner- General’s office, execution of duties not be interfered with COMMISSIONER-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, is maintaining that there is no plot afoot to destroy the Kaieteur News, as is being peddled by the local daily; that rather the impending audit of the company’s operations is based on legitimate discoveries of tax infractions.

According to Mr Sattaur, the paper is attempting to deflect from the real issue, which is an investigation into its operations, by claiming that there is a plot to silence it. .

Weighing in on the mat-

Ramesh Dookhoo ter over the weekend was President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo, and his contention is that the execution of the mandate of a body, such as the GRA, ought not

to be interfered with.

“In any country, the functions of bodies like the GRA are sacred, and no one should interfere with the Commissioner-General’s execution of his duties,” Dookhoo told the Guyana Chronicle.

The CAIC President’s comment comes in the wake of the brouhaha related to the impeding audit of the Kaieteur News, the allegations of tax evasion by its publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, and allegations of Lall’s involvement in a remigrant duty-free scam, for which six criminal charges have altogether been filed.

that procedures and policy, as well as the provisions of the law were adhered to.

The criminal charges, this newspaper understands, stem from that investigation.

Also, in mid-September, both Lall and his wife were sued by Acting Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council, Ms Carol Sooba, for the sum of $ 5,660,142.00 and $60,142 as unpaid rates and taxes for the years 2004 to 2013 in relation to their property at 24 Saffon Street.

The case is currently being heard at the Georgetown Magistrates Court. In a defence seen by this newspaper and filed by attorney-at-law, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, the Lalls claim that they had a set off arrangement with the City Council, and they are not indebted for the taxes and that they repaid these taxes by publication of advertisements in the Kaieteur News.

However, a source in the accounting department at City Hall denies any such

arrangement. “There is certainly no document in writing to this effect,” the source disclosed.

Additionally, relative to the AFC’s claims that attempts are afoot to “muzzle the free press,” the MP pointed out that the Kaieteur News has been slapped with countless lawsuits and injunctions for libel.

“Every day the newspaper is used to slaughter the reputation and character of people in Guyana,” the MP said, adding that “the real issue has nothing to do with freedom of expression, as the Opposition is claiming.”

TROUBLING MESSAGE All considered, the MP contends that the joint Opposition is sending a troubling message with its expression of solidarity with Mr. Lall and his newspaper.

“If, in the Opposition benches, this is what they say they stand for, what happens when they get to Gov-

ernment?” the MP queried, expressing dismay that the Opposition would “jump on Kaieteur News” bandwagon, considering the full scope of the circumstances.

“In effect, what the Opposition Parties have done is that they have failed to take a strong stance on the real issues here, which are tax evasion; the use of the free press to target public officials; and other practices by the newspaper that are definitely not above board,” the MP stressed.

“Instead, what they have done,” he said, “is jump on the Kaieteur News bandwagon blindly. And this is troubling, to say the least.”

Kaieteur News’ claim of a sinister plot to destroy it, as well as its call for solidarity from the Guyanese public, is linked largely to the GRA’s move to investigate the Daily’s operations, via an impending audit.

However, Guyana’s tax laws regulating the powers of the Authority are clear, and the GRA has repeatedly said its investigations are grounded on firm bases and not aimed at “destroying” the paper.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Prime Minister joins Hindu community in marking end of Navratri

By Savitri Laikram

PRIME Minister Mr Samuel Hinds on Saturday evening attended ‘Ramlila’, a stage play portrayed by the Jewan Ka Nritya cultural group, depicting a story from the Ramayana to mark the end of Navratri (a nine-day fasting period for Hindus) as Guyana showcased one feature of its rich cultural heritage.

Jewan Ka Nritya is an Indian cultural artistic group led by former Miss India Guyana, Ms Roshini Boodhoo.

The cast comprises of approximately thirty-five members. Some of the main characters are Sita played

by Roshini Boodhoo; Ram; played by Jeewanram Persaud; Laxman; Satrohan Singh, Bharat; Adrian Ramlochan, Shatrughna; Vishal Ramchand, King Dasrath; Suraj Dhanpaul, Sage Vashishtha; Krishna, Sage Vishwamitra, Avinash, Demoness Surpnakha; Tahirih Boodhoo

and Ravan; Munesh Ramsaywack.

Chairman of the Monument Gardens, Yesu Persaud, at the end of the show, expressed his delight at the excellent play and commended the performers for an outstanding performance.

The Ramayana is the immortal tale of Shri Rama that teaches us the values of ideology, devotion, duty, relationships, dharma and karma.

Rama, the prince of Ayodhya and his wife Sita are the ideal royal couple. Rama is brave, wise and dutiful, and Sita is beautiful, generous and saintly. Sita gets introduced to Rama at a ceremony called ‘Swayamvara’, organized by her father Janaka, the king of Mithila to identify a suitable bridegroom for her lovely daughter. Princes from various kingdoms are invited and challenge to string a giant bow. Only the mighty Rama could lift the bow, string it and even break it into two halves. This leads Sita to garland Rama as her

--spends evening watching ‘Ramlila’ unfold on stage husband.

SCHEMING IN THE ROYAL FAMILY Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, had three wives and four sons. Rama was the eldest and his mother was Kaushalya.

Bharata was the son of his second and favourite wife, Kaikeyi. The other two were twins, Lakshmana and Shatrughna from his third wife Sumitra.

While Rama is all set for coronation, his step-mother, Dasharatha’s second wife, Kaikeyi, wants her son, Bharata, to become king.

Before the aged king could hand over his crown to his eldest son Rama, Dasaratha is destined to die. And instead of being crowned king of Ayodhya, Rama is sent into exile in the forest for fourteen years by an intrigue in the palace and

Prime Minister, Mr Samuel Hinds (left) among other patrons enjoying the various performances in ‘Ramlila’ simple yet happy life in a quirk of fate. the forest, tragedy strikes!

RAMA IN EXILE Rama goes to the forest, Henceforth, the plot revolves accompanied by wife Sita around the abduction of Sita and brother Lakshmana, by the demon King Ravaand they live as recluses na, the ten-headed ruler of among the hermits that lead Lanka, and Rama’s pura life of meditative retreat suit to rescue her, aided by in the deep woods. Bharata, Lakshmana and the mighty whose mother’s evil plot monkey-general Hanuman.

Sita is held captive in won him the throne, goes to meet Rama in the forest and pleads him to return to the capital.

As Rama declines to break his vow given to his deceased father, Bharata is compelled to go back to Ayodhya with his sandals, which he places on the throne as the symbol of Rama’s continuing monarchy.

RAMA FIGHTS RAVANA, RESCUES SITA While Rama, his wife and brother are living a

the island as Ravana tries to persuade her to marry him. Rama assembles an army of allies comprising mainly of monkeys under the brave Hanuman. They attack Ravana’s army and after a fierce battle, succeed in killing the demon king and freeing Sita, reuniting her with Rama.

Jewan Ka Nritya was lauded for their excellent choreography and acting skills as attendees pointed out that the show keeps getting better and better every year and commended the team for a job well done.

Other items on the programme included singing and dances by a number of cultural groups.

The event saw hundreds in attendance as Jewan Ka Nritya bravely reenacted the story.

Scene from Ramlila (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Edghill reports...

Budget preparations on target – but political dialogue another matter

WHILE responsibility for budget preparations, which are ongoing, is eposed in the Government of the day, political dialogue on the budget is a process that occurs at a different level.

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, who said that while budget preparations and dialogue with government agencies continue, political dialogue is another matter.

“Political dialogue surrounding the budget is a different matter…

Preparations for the budget are not a political process,” he said Thursday in response to queries about the status of Budget 2015 preparation.

The Minister added that the preparations are a highly “iterative” process.

A Budget Call circular was issued in early July to

the various Government ministries and agencies requesting the commencement of compilation of their budget submissions.

Edghill explained that when submissions are received, they will be reviewed through several rounds of meetings, after which analysis will be done and then they will be consolidated into the national budget.

Submissions from ministries and agencies routinely include information on policy recommendations, detailed articulations of various programmes and projects the ministries would like to implement in 2009, and some articulation of the expected impacts and outcomes that would arise from the implementation of these programmes and projects.

Additionally, there was a meeting between

the Director of Budget and all Permanent Secretaries to facilitate discussion of requirements articulated in the budget circular.

The Ministry’s Budget Office facilitates the preparation of the country’s annual revenues and expenditure estimates, effective and efficient management and monitoring of resource allocation and utilization combined with the formulation of constructive and effective economic policy.

This year, the cuts totaled a whopping $37.4B, reducing the $220B national Budget to $182.6B. Last year, the combined Opposition cut the Budget by $31B; and in 2012 by $21B. ‘ The 2015 national Budget will be tabled in the first quarter of the new year. (Vanessa Narine)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Guyana aiming for accountable management of revenues from – by becoming natural resources EITI compliant

By Clifford Stanley GUYANA is aiming to become a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the global coalition of governments, companies and civil society working together to improve openness and accountable management of revenues from natural resources such as forestry and mining.

In EITI-compliant countries, companies in the extractive sectors such as mining and forestry are required to publish what they pay to Governments and Governments are required to publish what they receive from companies.

These figures are then reconciled by an independent administrator Disclosing the Guyana movement towards EITI membership last week, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNR&E), Robert Persaud, said that an international consultancy team will soon commence a Scoping Study for the Potential Adoption of EITI. The consultants’ assignment will consist of a detailed

study of Guyana’s extractive industries to highlight opportunities and challenges of EITI implementation, and also dissemination of results and capacity- building.

The EITI compliance, a reliable source has disclosed, empowers the public to more effectively hold government accountable for resource revenues.

EITI sits in the centre of the value chain in the extractive sector, focusing on revenue transparency to translate natural resource wealth into better development for the local population.

This is necessary because in resource- rich economies, oil, gas and mining companies make payments directly to Governments and sometimes normal channels of public accountability are often missing because the Government has an autonomous source of revenue not dependent on taxing its citizens.

Government’s undue reliance on these revenues can result in lower public service delivery, increased opportunities for corruption and higher dependency on the extractive sector.

Some benefits of in-

creased revenue transparency include: improving revenue collection and management processes and creating a more attractive investment climate.

EITI compliance also builds trust between governments, companies and citizens and provides a forum for discussion of broader extractive industry governance issues such as physical and process audits, contracts transparency and sub-national revenues.

As at early 2014 there were 29 EITI -compliant countries; 17 candidate countries and 35 countries had produced EITI reports.

EITI-compliant country members include Azerbaijan, Liberia, Albania, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Mauritania, Madagascar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Sao Tome & Principe, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Yemen, and Zambia to name a few.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

GUYEXPO Day Two: Spectacular as usual

By Navendra Seoraj GUYEXPO Day Two was just as spectacular as Day One, with some of the new exhibits on the list attracting the attention of many a visitor to the exhibition.

There were many new exhibits that were promised to be featured. Some of the new attractions included the Shangri La Gardens; Corum Distributions; and Global Connections, exporter of hand-crafted furniture,marble,onyx,textiles and gift items.

Shangri La Gardens is noted as one of the top luxury gated communities, which is conveniently located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara;

they offer both commercial and residential areas.

Mr J.L Sadhu, while speaking with the Chronicle, stated that they have been analysing GUYEXPO for a while now, and decided that it would be the best forum to market their development.

Another interesting exhibit is Corum Distributors.

Navin Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company related that this is his first year and he anticipates that showcasing his products at the expo would give him an advantage,because he would be able to have a “one on one”with his customers.With Gravity

Lounge also under his watch, he explained that they will be providing the “Lounge” experience with live shows; live DJs and a well-stocked cocktail bar,which has so far caught the eyes of many.

And last but not least Global Connections Exporter of Handcrafted Furniture, Marble, onyx, textile and gift items, According to the Director of the Global Connections, Karam Shaikh, the items they provide to customers are hand-crafted items, which are made in Pakistan.

Mr. Shaikh noted that he is using GUYEXPO as a conduit for marketing his products, and so far the re-

Staff members of Shangri La Gardens relaxing, awaiting customers who may require assistance to learn more about their works sults of doing this have been very pleasing to him.He added that he has not yet set up a store/shop, but from the attention his products have been getting from customers,

Patrons check out some of the items offered by Global Connections

A Chronicle reporter tests the comfort of an item exhibited by Global Connections (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Sammy Baksh blazes scorching trail at GuyExpo local talent night

By Alex Wayne FESTIVITIES on the second day of Guyexpo 2014 were further heightened in the evening when several local artistes took to

the stage to perform at the local talent concert hosted as part of the entertainment aspect of the proceedings.

While the MC, Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine

took pains to create an electrifying atmosphere, the show got underway sometime after 21:00hrs and with a stirring dance

See Page 17

he will surely decide whether to so do or not on the final day of the event.

Guyexpo continues to be enthralling as always, attracting many Guyanese

and tourists from all walks of life, and from all appearances , Guyexpo will continue to be a main event for many more years to come.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Sammy Baksh blazes scorching trail at GuyExpo local ...

From Page 15 showcased by male dancers representing the Gizmos and Gadgets entity, and they of course were well received for their theatrics.

They made way for dazzling models from Cheetah’s Model Agency, who provided suave and glitzy entertainment as they modelled several provocative and saucy pieces which they were tasked to design and create.

Winston Caesar simmered things a bit after that display and took patrons way back down memory lane as he belted out yesteryear hits such as “A flower named June” and “I think I’m in Love,” ; both songs were written by late Guyanese recording artiste, Aubrey Cummings. His smooth melody wooed its way into the hearts of fans and many were swaying to the “slow songs” or even waltzing with their partners.

Then a “musical thunderbolt” struck the venue, scorching spectators with its riveting intensity.

None was prepared for the explosion talented Guyanese icon, Sammy Baksh brought to the venue. With energised prancing, sizzling theatrics and a voice that

oozed “liquid honey,” he brought patrons to their feet, echoing their approval with merry screams of delight.

He belted out lustily his first hit song, “To Be Lonely” with the finesse of a superstar and everyone marvelled at his talent. Full of fire and energy, he had the crowd following his every move as he stole their hearts with “Hello” before turning up the heat with “You’re All That I Need” and a few others.

When he left the stage it was to thunderous applause from the large audience.

Next up was 2006 GT&T Jingle and Song Competition winner, Shawn English, who performed several of his original pieces, stirring up the crowd in every manner with his exciting showcase. Not long after, models took to the stage in scorching female swimwear by Designer Neilson Nurse and the ladies certainly played havoc with the male senses, judging from their catcalls and verbal suggestions.

Then it was a riot of dashing colour and explosive choreography, as the popular Nitrageet Dance Troupe performed an Indian Classical piece that was well applauded by the

Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts unleashes a soca invasion for her fans

audience. Accentuating the night’s proceedings also were poets and the reigning Chutney Monarch, Pooran Seeraj, who surely demonstrated why he won the coveted chutney crown.

Kross Kolor’s Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts as usual, “tun up de place” with the soca invasion she brought to the venue.

17

Sammy Baksh ‘tear up de place’ at Guyexpo Local Talent Night

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

At GUYEXPO 2014 Investment Forum...

Agriculture Minister plugs investment in agriculture

By Savitri Laikram HIGHLIGHTING the rich diversity of Guyana and its resources, agriculture is one of the key sectors for investments.

This is according to Minister of Agriculture,

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, speaking at GUYEXPO 2014-linked Investment Forum at the Guyana International Conference Centre last Friday.

He underscored that areas within the sector where investments can be

made such as fisheries; livestock feed production; corn and soya bean production; poultry; coconut cultivation; bio-gas and rice.

Dr. Ramsammy asserted that the development of nutritious foods is one of the goals people should aim for in the Region. Additionally, he pointed out that carrots and coconuts

Attendees at the Forum (Photos by Adrian Narine)

could be utilised in the agro-processing sector and urged that focus be placed on the conversion of raw materials into processed products, for which there is great demand.

Zeroing in on the contribution of agriculture to the local economy, Dr. Ramsammy asserted that the sector could contribute

Guyana.

Dr. Ramsammy noted also that the Caribbean’s food import bill for 2013 was over US$5.4B, adding that this opportunity for investment would negate that expenditure by producing food for the Region.

Finally, he urged the investors to explore the var-

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, delivering his presentation at the Investment Forum

25% to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product by the year 2020.

Dr. Ramsammy further stated that the continued engagement between Guyanese and regional and international investors has provided a number of jobs, which has enabled positive economic growth. He emphasised that there are medium to long-term opportunities for investors in agriculture.

Noting that 42 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean do not have enough food to eat, he asserted that this provides opportunities for

ious opportunities existing here, especially those in the agricultural sector.

The Investment Forum targeted investors who are here to participate in the Guyana Trade Fair and Exposition (GuyExpo) 2014.

The forum was a joint effort between the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the GuyExpo Committee, and saw presentations from Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh among others in the various sectors.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

19

20

Police hit snag with respect to murder cases FOLLOWING the murders of Sirmattie Ramnaress and the Mootoos, who were all killed in their homes, the police told this publication that they have reached a snag, since there are no new developments in these cases.

The police have confirmed that both cases are still open and appealed to members of the public to volunteer information, since they are quite certain someone somewhere knows something that could aid in the probes.

In these homicides, several “persons of interest” were questioned and released, but no one was held for the murders.

In an earlier interview, the police said they were reviewing the Ramnaress case to ascertain what else could be done to solidify the investigation, but despite that no new leads have popped up.

However, one of the persons questioned by sleuths includes the woman’s reputed husband, Sergeant Collin Bailey, who is not considered a suspect.

A post-mortem had revealed that Ramnaress died from a ruptured spleen and brain haemorrhaging.

The businesswoman, Sirmattie Ramnaress, was found in her home at Lot 2430, 21st Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. The 36-year-old was found in the lower flat of her posh home by an employee who turned up for work, as usual, the day the body was found.

The corpse bore stab wounds, her throat was slit and it appeared that the victim was also beaten on the head, while her house had been ransacked and the lower flat was drenched with dieselene but not set afire.

A storage bond aback the premises was gutted by a blaze that was doused by firefighters who were summoned to the scene.

Ramnaress, who lived in the house alone, had been seen sweeping her yard on the morning of August 30, 2013, within the property that was well protected by alarm systems and a huge fence.

However, although there were surveillance cameras, footage from them is missing, as well as cash and jewels.

Neighbours did not recall hearing any distress calls from the businesswoman’s home, nor did they see anyone entering or leaving the place.

THE MOOTOOS Police reported that around 00:35 hrs on May 10, 2013, the charred remains of businessman Totaram Mootoo, called “Beer,” 54, and his wife, Bhagmattie, called “Dolly,” 48, were found in the bedroom of the upper flat of their home at Area Q, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. The house had been destroyed by a fire of yet unknown origin.

Although several persons were arrested following the horrific murders of Mr. and

Mrs. Mootoo, no one so far has been charged for the crime.

Post-mortems were performed on the bodies of the couple, whose charred remains were found in their bed following an explosion and fire at their home.

The post-mortems had revealed that Totaram Mootoo died as a result of smoke inhalation compounded by burnt trauma; his wife Bhagmattie succumbed to blunt trauma to the back, compounded by burnt trauma.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

Aries March 21 - April 19 Group activities that you attend today are likely to be spiritually oriented, such as group meditations. You could meet new friends from faraway places who share your interests. Though you’re usually more intellectually inclined, today you should be feeling especially intuitive. Write down your thoughts and ideas lest you forget them. You may want to use them later.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Some vivid and wonderful dreams might provide inspiration for future creative projects. You’re feeling cheerful and optimistic now, and your enthusiasm is likely to continue. Success in career and relationships is indicated. Your increased intuition heightens your understanding of others. Don’t be surprised if friends and colleagues line up for your support and guidance.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 You might find yourself thinking about a possible vacation. You’ve worked hard during the last few months and feel you deserve a break. This year you’re likely to want to do something different from the norm, perhaps travel to a foreign land associated with a great spiritual tradition. You should feel closer to your loved ones and optimistic about the future. Enjoy!

Cancer June 22 - July 22 Your health should be in top shape today. You’re likely to feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong and ready to tap into your inner power. Dreams may make it possible to release old traumas and move ahead. An increased understanding of the needs and desires of others enriches your relationships. Take heart from past success, continue as you are, and enjoy your day.

Leo July 23 - August 22 You’re good at dealing with others, but today you should be especially so. Your intuition is strong and you’re likely to instinctively understand others’ thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires. You give freely of your experience, knowledge, and understanding. This brings others closer to you, which can work for you on many levels. Social events may bring new friends.

For Monday October 6, 2014 -14:30hrs For Tuesday October 7, 2014 -14:30hrs For Wednesday October 8, 2014 -14:30hrs

Virgo August 23 - September 22 You generally are good at sizing up other people and sensing their thoughts and feelings, but today that talent is greatly enhanced by increased intuition. You should be feeling especially enthusiastic and optimistic today. Both work and home life are likely to be looking good. Physically, you should be healthy and vigorous, and spiritually you should be strong. Enjoy your day.

Libra September 23 - October 22 Communication with close friends and a romantic partner should be especially beneficial today, since you’re feeling more in touch with those close to you.

Children could also be a source of joy today. Your creativity and inspiration are strong, so this is a great day to start new projects. Your enthusiasm and optimism should propel you to new achievements. Enjoy!

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Recent successes could lead to new aspirations to increase your socioeconomic standing. You should be feeling especially determined and confident about your future. Your plans have worked out well. You’re feeling close to family, as your intuition level is high and you can sense what they’re thinking and feeling.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Normally you tend to view things on a logical, intellectual level, but today the strength of your intuition could surprise you. Your communications could be subtler than words. Today you’re probably feeling especially optimistic, enthusiastic, and very inspired by your circumstances. Continue on your path!

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Artistic talents are greatly increased by fresh, deeply felt inspiration. Today you may spend much of your time giving material form to your ideas. You’re intuitive by nature, but today your psychic gifts are operating at a high level. Don’t write off any insights you receive. Instead, write them down. Don’t forget to keep paper and pen next to your bed. You’ll want to remember your ideas and dreams later.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 This is a time when you’re likely to feel especially idealistic and hopeful. Spiritual experiences may have you on cloud nine. Your intuition is also strong. You might consider taking a trip to a distant state or foreign country, perhaps one associated with a great spiritual tradition. Wait a day or two and talk it over with friends before making any arrangements.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 During this time, you’ll feel especially intuitive, optimistic, and spiritually on a roll. You could feel artistically inspired, and channel some of your newfound awareness into recently started projects. Your relationships are probably going well. Your increased understanding of others’ needs makes you generous with sympathy or assistance where needed. Enjoy your day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 6, 2014

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

Jaguar whip ...

From back page Khemraj Harrynarine (13) and skipper Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth (11) were the only other players to reach double figures in the face of fine bowling by Andy Narayan (three for 17), Dave Sirkissoon (two for 16) and Reyaz Prahalad (two for 19) all bowling their quota of four overs.

Earlier. Jaguar were off to a disastrous start after being inserted to take first strike, slipping to four for two in the second over, losing the wickets of skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon (0) and Imran Ali (one). Chattergoon leg stump was rocked back by the first delivery of the innings by Parasnauth while Jeetendra Beharry sent back Ali. Permanand Vernon and Harrinarine Chattergoon revived the innings with a fine thirdwicket stand of 40 before the former went for 19 at 42 for three in the eighth over.

Vernon, who came in at number four, also featured in another facesaving partnership with the aggressive Zaheer Allard who blasted four massive sixes, including three successive off Abid Ali as he raced to a cameo 30.

The left-handed Vernon, who started cautiously, but blossomed later, anchored the remainder of the innings with some attacking strokes as he ended on 48 not out when the 20 overs

expired. His knock, which also earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the winning team, was laced with two sixes and a similar number of fours.

Anil Mahadeo claimed two for 17 while there was one wicket each for Krishna Gopi, Beharry, Anil Etwaroo and Parasnauth.

Both captains, Sunshine’s Hemnarine Chattergoon and Parasnauth had kind words for their players while acknowledging that fittingly the best two sides had reached the final.

According to Parasnauth, Jaguar thoroughly deserved to win since his side had blown their chances after seemingly well set at the half-way stage of their innings.

Chattergoon, the former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 player described the 2014 season as a dream one for him, Apart from leading Jaguar to a clean sweep of the CSCA first division competitions, he also skippered Hawaiian Arctic to their fifth consecutive Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier League title. He is also president of the CSCA. CSCA vice-president Leon Veeren and treasurer Dave Ramsammy were also at the presentation ceremony.

Both commended the teams for their excellent showing in the final and throughout the tournament.

AIBA rules ...

From back page “We respect the decision made by AIBA and would comply. We also wish to thank AIBA for such a swift response.

Our hope is that Suriname would sort out its internal issues soon so that healthy competition between our two nations can return,” Ninvalle added.

AIBA has been strict in relation to adherence to

its mandates by affiliates and several countries have been suspended during 2014 for infractions.

Guyana was being asked to send a team comprising referees, judges, boxers, and some members of its executive to the competition which would be staged at the same time of the InterGuiana Games.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

Hamilton wins crashmarred Japan race Lewis Hamilton’s victory is his eighth of the season, twice as many as Nico Rosberg.

By Abhishek Takle SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) - Britain’s Lewis Hamilton won a wet and sombre Japanese Grand Prix yesterday to extend his Formula One lead over Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg to 10 points with four races remaining.

The race started behind the safety car due to heavy rain and ended without celebration after Marussia’s Jules Bianchi was taken to hospital following a crash that left the young Frenchman seriously injured.

Rosberg, who had started on pole position, finished second following a third deployment of the safety car and then red flags being displayed.

Germany’s quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is leaving Red Bull for Ferrari at the end

of the season, took third place with the result based on positions after 44 of the scheduled 53 laps.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who would otherwise have been on the podium, was fourth for Red Bull.

The drivers’ tense faces as they waited to step on the podium told the true story of the afternoon, with Bianchi foremost in their thoughts.

No champagne was sprayed, with the top three merely clinking the bottles and taking a quiet swig before placing them back on the floor.

“The driver is not conscious and has been sent to the hospital in the ambulance because the helicopter cannot go in these conditions,” said a spokesman for the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

“It’s obviously a real

anti-climax to hear that one of our fellow colleagues is seriously injured so that’s really the main worry,” said Hamilton, who would otherwise have been delighted with his third win in a row and one of his most impressive performances.

The victory was Hamilton’s eighth of the season but first at Suzuka.

The 2008 champion’s only other win in Japan was at the Fuji circuit with McLaren in 2007.

SAFETY CAR The race started as scheduled but behind the safety car due to rain from an approaching typhoon that threatened to intensify through the evening.

The cars completed one lap and were then led back into the pit lane to await a re-start.

“Lewis is saying the conditions are so poor he cannot see you,” Rosberg’s race engineer told the German as the two Mercedes threaded their way carefully around the circuit.

When the race resumed, again behind the safety car, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was an immediate casualty with his car gliding to a halt.

“It was a shame. I had power down in the car, an

electricity problem and the car switched off. Maybe some water in some connectors,” said the Spaniard, whose future remains unclear after Vettel’s announcement.

“Probably we lost an opportunity today.”

When the safety car came in after eight laps, the battle was on with Hamilton chasing Rosberg in the spray and passing him in a breathtaking moment of bravery on lap 29 after their first pitstops.

The Briton was 16 seconds clear of the German when the race was stopped, the margin later reduced to 9.160 in the final results.

Compatriot Jenson Button also shone in the wet, making the right call to run in third place for McLaren before then dropping back to fifth at the finish.

Finland’s Valtteri Bottas was sixth for Williams, ahead of Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa, as the team consolidated third place overall and pulled further away from Ferrari.

Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg was eighth for Force India, with Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne ninth for Toro Rosso and Mexican Sergio Perez 10th for Force India.

Chelsea blank Arsenal to go five points clear … Man United beat Everton 2-1

Manchester United’s Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoring a goal against Everton during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, yesterday. (Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble)

By Steve Tongue LONDON, England (Reuters) - Chelsea stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points yesterday

when they beat London rivals Arsenal 2-0 as surprise package Southampton went down 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur.

Unfancied Southampton’s first defeat since the opening

day of the season allowed champions Manchester City to stay second, while neighbours Manchester United returned to the top four for the first time in more than a year by beating Everton 2-1.

Diego Costa scored his ninth goal in seven league games to tie up the points for Chelsea after Eden Hazard had converted a first-half penalty.

Costa’s strike was set up by a perfect pass from Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal midfielder who joined from Barcelona in

the close-season.

The victory extended Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten record against Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger to 12 meetings, the two managers being briefly involved in a spat on the touchline when Wenger pushed his opposite number in the chest.

“He was coming to my space,” Mourinho said. “If it was to give an instruction to a player I say OK, but to press the referee to give a red card to an opponent is not fair.

“I don’t think that is the

Warner and new bowlers inspire Aussie T20 win DUBAI, (Reuters) Three debutant bowlers and a typically rampaging innings from David Warner helped Australia coast to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their sole Twenty20 international in Dubai yesterday.

The win meant Aaron Finch began his stint as T20 captain in style to boost the tourists ahead of the three-match one-day series starting tomorrow.

Debutants Cameron

Boyce, Kane Richardson and Sean Abbott all took wickets in their first overs to restrict Pakistan to 96-9 under the lights. Boyce ended up with two for 10 while stalwart Glenn Maxwell picked up three for 13.

Warner then led the assault on the easily gettable total, reaching his fifty by smashing a switch-hit six. He finished on 53 not out off 39 balls as Australia made their target in 14 overs.

Glenn Maxwell collected 3 for 13 to restrict Pakistan to 96 and set Australia up for a six-wicket victory in Dubai. image of Arsene Wenger as an advocate of fair play.

“It was an important match for both teams and these conditions make for a game of emotions.”

Wenger said he was responding to a bad tackle, adding: “I went out of my technical area because I wasn’t happy with the challenge and I wanted to see what happened.

“Someone stood in front of me and that was it. I say absolutely nothing else on that.”

Christian Eriksen scored the only goal after 40 minutes as Tottenham won in the league for the first time since August 24, giving manager Mauricio Pochettino a triumph over his former club and successor Ronald Koeman.

Eriksen’s goal enabled Spurs to move up to sixth place.

They are level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United, who

shot up six positions with an eventful success against Everton.

Goalkeeper David De Gea saved a penalty from Leighton Baines and earned the gratitude of manager Louis van Gaal with three more fine saves as Everton pressed hard at the end of a feisty affair.

Steven Naismith had equalised for Everton between goals by Argentina’s Angel Di Maria and Colombia’s Radamel Falcao -- his first for United.

Everton remained in the bottom four but stayed out of the relegation places when bottom club Queens Park Rangers were beaten 2-0 in the other London derby at West Ham United.

An early own goal

by Nedum Onuoha was followed by a second half header from prolific Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho, sending the home side up nine places to seventh.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

Over 100 players in inaugural PCL Draft today ST. JOHN’s, Antigua – Will the Professional Cricket League (PCL) First Round Draft Pick be accomplished Test batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan? Could it be pace merchant Fidel Edwards? Or perhaps the fiery Tino Best? Will Samuel Badree, the T20 specialist, be preferred?

These questions will be answered by the Guyana Franchise as they will have the First Round Draft Pick when the newly launched West Indies Cricket Board PCL Draft Ceremony kicks off in Barbados at 11.00hrs today. The WICB on Saturday announced the list of 102 players who will be in the PCL Draft.

Sarwan heads the list which also includes ten other players with West Indies experience.

The eleven players with international credentials are:

• Ramnaresh Sarwan

• Fidel Edwards

• Tino Best

• Ravi Rampaul (pending his agreement)

• Krishmar Santokie (pending his agreement)

• Samuel Badree (pending his agreement)

• Ryan Hinds

• Nelon Pascal

• Gavin Tonge

• Miles Bascombe

• Garey Mathurin Each of the six franchises will select five players to add to the 10 players which they have already retained. Each squad will comprise of 15 players.

The Draft will commence with the Guyana Franchise making the opening selection followed by the Leeward Islands Franchise, the Jamaica Franchise, the Windward Islands Volcanoes, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and finally the Barbados Franchise.

This formula will be repeated for each of the five rounds of draft picks.

A total of 30 players will be drafted. The remaining players will be available for Pay-For-Play contracts at the discretion of the various franchises.

Each of the franchises nominated 15 players and the WICB nominated an additional 12 players.

The WICB is awaiting the agreement of Rampaul, Santokie, Badree and also Kevon Cooper to be included in the Draft.

The PCL comprises the WICB Regional 4 Day Tournament and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament.

WICB PROFESSIONAL CRICKET LEAGUE DRAFT BARBADOS FRANCHISE DRAFT NOMINEES

• Anthony Alleyne

• Tino Best

• Rashidi Boucher

• Sharmarh Brooks

• Royston Chase

• Fidel Edwards

• Justin Greaves

• Antonio Greenidge

• Ryan Hinds

• Kyle Hope

• Shai Hope

• Kyle Mayers

• Raymon Reifer

• Javon Searles

• Kenroy Williams GUYANA FRANCHISE DRAFT NOMINEES

• Anthony Adams

• Ricardo Adams

• Robin Bacchus

• Kevon Boodie

• Rajendra Chandrika

• Royston Crandon

• Chanderpaul Hemraj

• Steven Jacobs

• Raun Johnson

• Keon Joseph

• Amir Khan

• Zaheer Khan

• Ramnaresh Sarwan

• Vishaul Singh

• Paul Wintz

JAMAICA FRANCHISE DRAFT NOMINEES

• Gavon Brown

• Odean Brown

• Brian Buchanan

• Cassius Burton Jr

• Akeem Dewar

• Nicholas Gordon

• Brandon King

• Kenar Lewis

• Andre McCarthy

• Jamie Merchant

• Horace Miller

• Paul Palmer

• John Ross-Campbell

• Aldaine Thomas

• Shacoya Thomas LEEWARD ISLANDS FRANCHISEDRAFT NOMINEES

• Nelson Boland

• Shane Burton

• Javal Hodge

• Shane Jeffers

• Javia Liburd

• Anthony Martin

• Jaison Peters

• Orlando Peters

• Sherwin Peters

• Adelvin Phillip

• Lyndel Richardson

• Akeem Saunders

• Jacques Taylor

• Gavin Tonge

• Tonito Willett TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO RED FORCE DRAFT NOMINEES

• Jahron Alfred

• Yannick Cariah

• Brian Charles

• Derone Davis

• Mark Deyal

• Justin Guillen

• Akeal Hosein

• Ricky Jaipaul

• Ranga Latchana

• Vikash Mohan

• Kjorn Ottley

• Yannick Ottley

• Kerwyn Sirju

• Jeremy Solozano

• Daniel St Clair WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES DRAFT NOMINEES

• Miles Bascombe

• Jian Benjamin

• Alston Bobb

• Romel Currency

• Kenneth Denbar

• Tayrick Gabriel

• Lyndon James

• Ray Jordan

• Kevin Hodge

• Garey Mathurin

• Mervin Mathew

• Preston McSween

• Nelon Pascal

• Dalton Polius

• Jelari Robinson WEST INDIES CRICKET BOARD DRAFT NOMINEES

• Samuel Badree (Trinidad and Tobago,

pending his agreement)

• Kevon Cooper (Trinidad and Tobago,

pending his agreement)

• Rakheem Cornwall

• Keiron Cottoy (St Lucia)

• Larry Edward (St Vincent and the

Grenadines)

• Danza Hyatt (Jamaica)

• Jerome Jones (Barbados)

• Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai (Guyana)

• Ravi Rampaul (Trinidad and Tobago,

pending his agreement)

• Krishmar Santokie (Jamaica, pending

• •

his agreement) Dawayne Sealey (Barbados) Kesrick Williams (St Vincent and the Grenadines)

WICB PROFESSIONAL CRICKET LEAGUE (PCL) LIST OF RETAINED PLAYERS BARBADOS FRANCHISE RETAINED PLAYERS

• Carlos Brathwaite

• Jonathan Carter

• Kyle Corbin

• Miguel Cummins

• Shane Dowrich

• Ashley Nurse

• Dwayne Smith

• Kevin Stoute

• Omar Phillips

• Jomel Warrican GUYANA FRANCHISE RETAINED PLAYERS

• Christopher Barnwell

• Ronsford Beaton

• Devendra Bishoo

• Anthony Bramble

• Tagenarine Chanderpaul

• Narsingh Deonarine

• Assad Fudadin

• Trevon Griffith

• Leon Johnson

• Veerasammy Permaul JAMAICA FRANCHISE RETAINED PLAYERS

• Carlton Baugh Jr

• Dave Bernard Jr

• Jermaine Blackwood

• Nkrumah Bonner

• John Campbell

• Sheldon Cottrell

• Jason Dawes

• Damion Jacobs

• Tamar Lambert

• Nikita Miller LEEWARD ISLANDS FRANCHISE RETAINED PLAYERS

• Quinton Boatswain

• Jahmar Hamilton

• Montcin Hodge

• Yannick Leonard

• Steve Liburd

• Jeremiah Louis

• Kieran Powell

• Devon Thomas

• Hayden Walsh

• Kelbert Walters TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO RED FORCE RETAINED PLAYERS

• Adrian Barath

• Rayad Emrit

• Shannon Gabriel

• Steven Katwaroo

• Imran Khan

• Evin Lewis

• Jason Mohammed

• Nicholas Pooran

• Marlon Richards

• Lendl Simmons WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES RETAINED PLAYERS

• Sunil Ambris

• Johnson Charles

• Andre Fletcher

• Delorn Johnson

• Keddy Lesporis

• Kenroy Peters

• Liam Sebastien

• Shane Shillingford

• Devon Smith

• Tyrone Theophile (WICB Media Release).

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

Guyana to host Djokovic seals fifth China Open title, Sharapova wins Bermuda next year BEIJING, China (Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic destroyed Tomas Berdych in a lopsided contest to win his fifth China Open crown yesterday while Maria Sharapova overcame Petra Kvitova in the women’s final to move up to number two in the world rankings.

Top seed Djokovic took 67 minutes to seal a 6-0, 6-2 win against Berdych, who raised his arms in celebration when he won a game to avoid the ignominy of a double bagel with the Serb serving for the match at 5-0 in the second set.

Berdych managed to win back-to-back games, but it was just a matter of time before Djokovic sealed an easy win to continue his love affair with the Beijing tournament where he now has a 24-0 record.

“This was probably the best performance in a final I ever had,” a beaming Djokovic said after the masterclass.

“Everything I tried worked, it was incredible.”

Racing Tips South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 09:20 hrs Niebelung 09:55 hrs Play -Play 09:30 hrs Jet For Joy 10:00 hrs Jewel Of The Stage 10:30 hrs Pontedera English Racing Tips Stratford 09:00 hrs Honey Pound 09:30 hrs Go Odee Go 10:00 hrs Fitandproperjob 10:30 hrs Mystery Drama 11:00 hrs Speed Check 11:30 hrs Croco Mister 12:00 hrs Canicallyouback Pontefract 09:10 hrs Ventura Castle 09:40 hrs Fingal’s Cave 10:10 hrs Dream Spirit 10:40 hrs Big Thunder 11:10 hrs Rough Courte 11:40 hrs Thunder Pass 12:10 hrs Fallen In Line Windsor 08:50 hrs Pharoh Jake 09:20 hrs Rocky Thunder 09:50 hrs Wonder Laish 10:20 hrs Desert Society 10:50 hrs Norway Cross 11:20 hrs Anna’s Vision 11:50 hrs La Cuesta 12:20 hrs Wordismybond

“Beijing is definitely my lucky place, I enjoy being here,” he said, before throwing his wristbands and towel to an ecstatic crowd.

“Since my first China win in 2009 I have not lost a match on this court. It keeps on going,” said Djokovic who belted 19 winners, compared to his opponent’s nine.

Berdych conceded he had not experienced such a mauling before.

“I met somebody in the

have never, ever experienced anything like that.”

GREATER INTENSITY Earlier in the women’s final, Wimbledon champion Kvitova broke her opponent in the very first game but Sharapova showed greater intensity towards the end to prevail 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 in two hours 28 minutes.

French Open champion Sharapova broke her Czech opponent twice to claim

Novak Djokovic final whom I’ve never seen before,” said Berdych. “The way that he performed today was really outstanding. There is really not much I can add to that because, really, I was just swept off the court.

“I just said to my coach now that I probably played over 700 matches in my career, and I met guys like Andre (Agassi), Roger (Federer), all those probably in their best times. But I

the first set, but Kvitova unleashed 15 winners in the second to force a decider.

Sharapova, having dropped her first set in the tournament, raised her game in the third, racing to a 3-0 lead but could not capitalise on her first match point at 5-2 with an inside out forehand into the net.

She eventually served out the match and raised her hands in celebration after

Kvitova buried a return into the net.

“It was a bit of an upand-down match I’d say -maybe not the best out of the tournament,” Sharapova told reporters.

“But it’s never easy playing against Petra. You don’t always quite get a good rhythm. She goes for a lot of shots, very deep, and she’s a very good, confident player.

“She became the more aggressive player in the second set. I think I took a few too many steps back and let her play that way. But I was able to lift my game again in the third and come out with a win,” she added.

Sharapova hit 18 winners compared to Kvitova’s 25 but committed 15 less unforced errors than her opponent’s 44 to prevail in the three-setter.

Kvitova, who won in Wuhan last week, conceded she had succumbed to fatigue towards the end of the contest.

“I was tired, but it was a final, and every time I’m playing a final, I’m giving everything I have inside,” the Czech said.

“What I did today was a great battle. It was small things and small points that make the difference in the end. I had some chances but Maria just didn’t let them go.

“She just played really well. And we played two and a half (hours), so I hope the fans enjoyed it too,” she added.

… GABF to send team to 2015 CBC Championship in Tortola

GABF president Nigel Hinds WITH the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship set for June 13-27, 2015, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will have the perfect opportunity to see how well their best outfit will stack up against another regional counterpart.

Bermuda’s Senior Men’s Basketball team will be heading to Guyana in March, 2015 to play a three-game series against Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the GABF said in a release yesterday.

“On behalf of the BBA, we respectfully accept the GABF invitation for our Senior Men’s National Basketball team to play against the Guyana Senior Men’s National Basketball team in Guyana,” BBA president, Gregory Todd said

in his acceptance letter to the GABF The last time Guyana played Bermuda was at the 2011 CBC Championships in Bahamas where Guyana lost 68-58. Bermuda placed 5th at the championships while Guyana placed 7th.

However, under president Nigel Hinds, Guyana were able to send one of their best Men’s team to the Championship earlier this year and were able to place a creditable 5th when the games were held in the British Virgin Island of Tortola.

“Guyana will be seeking to use the games to showcase local basketball talent and to prepare for the 2015 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships scheduled to be held in July in the British Virgin Islands,” president Hinds said in a release.

He added “With the Annual National Club Championships (Road to Mecca) scheduled to start in January 2015; local players will have an opportunity to impress the selectors with a view to representing the Golden Arrowhead.

According to Hinds, “Efforts will be made to have a foreign National women’s team as part of the programme. Discussions are also under way with DC Jammers to play as part of the international event”.

Pietersen attacks Flower and Prior

ANDY Flower, the former England coach, and wicketkeeper Matt Prior have come in for the fiercest criticism in an early taste of what Kevin Pietersen has to say in his autobiography.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the paper to which he is signed as a columnist, Pietersen said Flower built up a culture of “fear” within the dressing room and that Prior was a “bad influence”.

He claims that he was the only player who would challenge Flower’s authority and also said that he warned the coach about the problems Jonathan Trott was having at the start of last year’s Ashes tour which led to him returning home and not playing international cricket since.

However, the early signs are that Pietersen will not be too harsh on Alastair Cook after saying he was put “in an incredibly difficult situation” by

the ECB and claims Cook was “fed” information about him in Australia ahead of the decision to sack him which was taken by Paul Downton in February.

It was widely expected that Flower would figure highly among Pietersen’s targets and in his first interview of the week he said. “I’ve been one of the only ones who’ve constantly through his reign as coach not said ‘how high?’ when he said ‘jump’. He built a regime, he didn’t build a team. I’ve told him this before.

“I told him during his coaching reign. I told him on numerous occasions: ‘You’re playing by fear here, you want guys to be scared of you. And Andy I’m not scared of you.’

And he hated it. He had it in for me since I tried to get rid of him as second in command. He collected stamps. It was stamp after stamp after stamp, until he thought: ‘I can get rid of him now, let’s get rid of him.’

“I can look Andy Flower in the eye and say: ‘Andy, everything that’s in my book I told you to your face.

Everything. So if you want to do anything about it, you could have done it ages ago.’

On Prior, who was recalled to the Test team at the start of the home summer before withdrawing due to his worsening Achillies injury, Pietersen did not hold back about the influence he believes he had over Cook.

“I think he [Cook] is put in an incredibly difficult position by the ECB. And I think he was fed stuff by Andy Flower, when I had that discussion in his room before the Sydney Test match. And I also think that because Alastair Cook isn’t the greatest speaker, Matt Prior was his sidekick who could talk the hind leg off a donkey.

“So he wanted him close to him. He wanted his vice-captain to do all his talking for him. So

when I went after Prior and said Prior shouldn’t be in that side because he’s a bad influence, a negative influence - he picks on players - and I’ve questioned Flower and the way he ran the team, Flower and Cook would have said you’ve got to get rid of this guy. He’s back-stabbing, he’s horrendous, he’s bad for the environment.

“I saw Jimmy [Anderson] on finals day and I was absolutely fine with Jimmy.

I’d be fine with Broad. It’s only Prior that I’d seriously have real issues with, because of how he was portrayed as a team man, the heart and soul of the dressing room, when he was getting up to the stuff he was getting up to. And the two sides of the coin where I was the bad guy and doing everything wrong.”

Pietersen goes on to suggest that Flower’s coaching credentials have been artificially enhanced by the fact that he was in charge of a team that

“matured” at the right time. It will be interesting to see how Pietersen reflects on the early days of Flower’s main role in 2009 after picking up the pieces in West Indies shortly after Pietersen was sacked as captain.

The captaincy, which was taken away from him in early 2009 after a brief period, is another area covered by Pietersen in the interview as is the textgate affair from 2012 when he sent messages about Andrew Strauss to members of the South Africa team. He also says that the parody Twitter account that was running in 2012 was a major source of his problems at the time which led to the “it’s difficult being me” press conference at Headingley.

The book is not fully available until Thursday but is launched today. Pietersen will be holding a ticketonly event in Manchester tomorrow as well as doing further media appearances.

(ESPN Cricinfo).

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

AAG launches South American 10K Road Race … Juniors will receive prizes but not cash

By Tamica Garnett THE BEST of Guyana’s distance athletes are expected to turn out in their numbers come Sunday, October 26, to compete in the 12th South American 10K Road Race. The race was officially launched by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) last Friday afternoon at Olympic House, High Street.

The open international male and female categories will feature cash prizes from first to fifth, with a top prize of US$1000, while second to fifth places will receive US$600, US$400, US$300, US$200 respectively.

The event will also feature competitions in a Junior category, open to individuals between 16 and 20 years of age, a Women’s 35-and-over, a Masters’ category, along with a Masters Men’s 40-55 and 56-and-over categories.

For the Masters prizes will be awarded from first- to third-place, with prizes $20 000, $12 000, and

$8 000, respectively. For the Masters 56-and-over category the prizes are $15 000, $10 000, and $5 000 respectively.

All of the cash prizes are expected to be accompanied by trophies. As it pertains to the Junior category, prizes are set from first to fifth as well, with values set at US$100, US$75, US$50 and US$25.

It was emphatically noted

by AAG president Aubrey Hutson that in keeping with International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), rules, the juniors will not be receiving cash.

“Any junior athlete, competing in this race be it in the junior category or in the open category, will not receive prize money. If a junior athlete competes in the open category he/she will not a receive cash prize; the money they gain can be issued to them in the form of grants for them to buy stuff as it relates to athletics and academics, but we will not be issuing prize money to those athletes. For the

Junior category, though we have figures attached to their prizes this will not come in the form of cash. The IAAF basically told us ‘you cannot have a prize race for juniors with cash, juniors are not allowed to compete for cash’.” Hutson stressed.

is the Association’s job to ensure the athletes “tow the line”. However, Hope noted, if junior athletes and their clubs insist on having the cash prize instead, then they will do so at their own risk.

Medical services for the

balls remaining.

Even when McCullum, who made 39, became Chennai’s second wicket to fall, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni promoted himself above Bravo in the order, to finish off the game with 23 not out in an unbroken 58-run, third wicket stand with Raina.

“The game was set up for the captain to finish off in the end,” Bravo said of Dhoni’s promotion in the order.

“He has been a great leader for us and it is good to see in the final he was there to bring it home along with Raina. So very well done to both of them and well done to the whole CSK team as well.”

Smith, meanwhile, had a weak tournament managing just 60 runs from five innings at the top of the order. In Saturday’s final, he scored just eight with two fours before being yorked by a slower ball from pacer Pat Cummins in the first over of the innings.

“I was quite disappointed in my performances but having said that, the guys really got stuck into it.

Every time someone failed, someone else picked up the slack. I remember telling

those athletes who may have suffered along the way.

“This is to avoid what

we’ve learnt of athletes collapsing with 8k and 9k to go and have to wait for the ambulance to bring the last person before recognising that there had been an incident . “ Hutson said.

Registration for the event has already begun and has a closing date set at October 17.

Registration fee stands at $1 000 for open category entries, while it will be $500 for the juniors and masters categories.

Late registration will be facilitated but this will be done at a late registration cost of $2 000. The route for the event will be the same as last year.

Apart from the invitations sent out to the other South American countries, invitations have also been extended to a number of countries including Panama, Mexico, Trinidad, and Grenada.

Wrapping up, Hutson stated that all in all the organising committee is looking forward to a great race, come October 26

and look on and learn as much as possible,” Badree explained.

“I understand and appreciate that that’s part of the Champions League – only four international players can play and we have three international captains and Dwayne Smith so to get into the final XI I know is tough.

“But having said that

I’ve been practicing in the nets and I’ve been learning from these guys and learning from the international players and plying my trade as best as possible.”

Bravo and Smith will now turn their attention to the five-match OneDay International series against India starting Wednesday in Kochi.

Members of the South American 10K Road Race Organising Committee pose with some of the Guyanese athletes expected to participate at the international event.

Reiterating the point was AAG vice-president Gavin Hope, who noted that it

race will be provided by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and will include two

Windies trio celebrate CSK title win BANGALORE, India, (CMC) – West Indies players Dwayne Bravo, Samuel Badree and Dwayne Smith say they are proud to be a part of the Chennai Super Kings squad which were crowned Champions League Twenty20 winners on Saturday.

Chennai beat Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets in the final at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here, to lift the tournament for the first time.

Bravo, the West Indies one-day captain who is a seasoned member of the squad, said the title was the one that had eluded him.

“I am very happy and I must say well done to Suresh Raina and fantastic knock also from (Brendon) McCullum. Words can’t explain how I feel. It is a trophy I’ve never won before so I’m very happy,” Bravo said moments afterward.

Bravo had little role in the final, sending down two expensive overs for 24 runs as KKR piled up 180 for six. He then never got the chance to bat as Suresh Raina blasted a breathtaking 109 not out to steer Chennai to victory with nine

doctors, and a medical tent with at least five medical personnel stationed at the end of the race. The contingent will also include two ambulances, one following the last athlete, and another from the Ministry of Health, patrolling the race looking for

Badree if we qualify we’re going to win this tournament and so said, so done,” Smith said.

“For me it is great. This is my second Champions League title and it’s good to get to another championship and win trophies. I can’t

played no role in CSK’s campaign as he failed to gain selection for any of his side’s matches. However, the Trinidadian said the experience had been a learning one “It has been an amazing experience even though I’ve

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday October 06, 2014) 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 Monday’s quiz: (1)

WI vs AUST, Brisbane, 1960-61

(2)

Courtney Walsh-227 ODI wickets

Today’s Quiz: Dwayne Bravo (left) and CSK team manager Russell Radhakrishnan celebrate the title capture on Saturday.

(Photo courtesy CLT20 Media) help but say it, this team is a great team and I’m sure this team is going to go from strength to strength.”

Leg-spinner Badree

not had many opportunities but just being around these group of guys has been amazing experience – just to sit on the sidelines,

(1) When and where did the late George Headley once captain the WI in a Test?

(2) How many WI have played ODIs against India to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday OCTOBER 6, 2014

Ramdin hundred not enough to save Windies from defeat MUMBAI, India (CMC) – An up tempo, run-aball hundred by Denesh Ramdin was not enough to save West Indies from their second straight tour defeat as they went down by 16 runs to India A here yesterday.

Chasing a challenging 282 at the Wankhede Stadium, the Windies could muster only 266 for nine off their 50 overs with Ramdin leading the way with a sparkling 102.

Jason Holder further enhanced his growing reputation as an all-rounder with 54 from 42 deliveries while former Test and oneday skipper Darren Sammy stroked 50 from 67 balls, but the rest of the batting faltered to leave the Windies short of their target.

Seamer Dhawal Kulkarni was outstanding with three for 39 from his ten overs while medium pacer Jasprit Bumrah (243) and leg-spinner Karn Sharma (2-70) supported with two wickets apiece.

Opting to bat first earlier, India A chalked up 282 all out off 48.1 overs, with opener Unmukt Chand hitting 101 and Karun Nair striking 64.

Fast bowler Jerome Taylor finished with three for 51 while medium pacer Kieron Pollard (2-29), pacers Ravi Rampaul (253) and Kemar Roach (255), were the other wickettakers.

West Indies struck early when Holder removed Murali Vijay for 21 to a catch at the wicket, with the score on 26 for one in the eighth over.

Chand then anchored a 149-run second-wicket stand with Nair, a partnership that took the advantage away from West Indies.

The right-handed Chand faced 111 balls and struck eight fours and three sixes while Nair slammed four fours and four sixes off 63 balls.

Once Nair fell in the 28th over, India A lost wickets steadily as Chand remained steady to keep the innings

Benn repalaces Narine in Windies ODI squad Sulieman Benn MUMBAI, India (CMC) – Combative left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn has been called up to replace Sunil Narine in the West Indies 14man squad for the five-match one-day series against India.

Scoreboard INDIA A innings

together.

In reply, West Indies crashed to 65 for four in the 16th over as Sharma and the seamers ripped through the visitors top order.

Ramdin, however, came to his side’s rescue with a daring knock, slamming ten fours and three sixes.

He added 101 for the fifth wicket with Sammy who counted six fours and a six.

When Sammy departed, Ramdin added further 62 for the sixth wicket with Holder who hit three fours and two sixes in an entertaining innings.

Ramdin’s dismissal at 228 for six in the 45thover triggered a slide that saw four wickets fall for 38 runs.

The loss was the second for the tourists after going down by nine wickets in the first 50-over contest to India A on Friday.

M. Vijay c wkp. Ramdin b Holder 21 U. Chand b Taylor 101 K. Nair c Blackwood b Roach 64 M. Tiwary c wkp. Ramdin b Taylor 7 S. Samson c wkp. Ramdin b Rampaul 5 Gurkeerat Singh c Pollard b Roach 20 S. Binny c wkp. Ramdin b Pollard 15 Parvez Rasool not out 13 K. Sharma c Holder b Pollard 5 D. Kulkarni c Sammy b Rampaul 13 J. Bumrah c wkp. Ramdin b Taylor 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-1, w-12, nb-1) 18 Total: (all out, 48.1 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-175, 3-184, 4-202, 5-224, 6-241, 7-250, 8-261, 9-282.

Bowling: Rampaul 9-0-53-2 (w-3), Holder 10-1-44-1 (w-3, nb-1), Taylor 9.1-0-51-3 (w-3), Roach 10-1-55-2 (w-1), Blackwood 1-0-7-0, Samuels 5-0-38-0 (w-1), Pollard 4-0-29-2 (w-1).

WEST INDIES innings L. Johnson c Vijay b Bumrah 7 J. Blackwood c Gurkeerat Singh b Kulkarni 7 M. Samuels b Sharma 24 D. Ramdin c Bumrah b Nair 102 K. Pollard b Sharma 9 D. Sammy c wkp. Samson b Kulkarni 50 J. Holder c & b Bumrah 54 J. Taylor b Kulkarni 5 R. Rampaul run-out 0 K. Roach not out 0 S. Williams not out 0 Extras: (lb-3, w-4, nb-1) 8 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 266 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-26, 3-47, 4-65, 5-166, 6-228, 7-260, 8-266, 9-266.

Bowling: Kulkarni 10-3-39-3, Bumrah 10-2-43-2 (w-1, nb-1), Binny 10-0-51-0 (w-1), Sharma 8-0-70-2, Parvez Rasool 10-1-52-0 (w-2), Nair 2-0-8-1.

The move was widely expected and the 33-year-old Benn will now join the squad in Kochi where West Indies play the first One-Day International on Wednesday at the Nehru Stadium.

Benn has so far played 25 One-Dayers and taken 29 wickets at an average of 31.86 runs per wicket, including three four-wicket hauls.

The six-foot, seven-inch Barbadian last played for West Indies in the recent series against Bangladesh in the

Caribbean.

Narine was withdrawn from the tour after he was twice reported by umpires for having a suspected illegal action, while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders during the Champions League Twenty20.

He was subsequently banned from bowling in the tournament and the West Indies Cricket Board said it had withdrawn the player from the ODI series so his action could be assessed further.

Sport CHRONICLE

Ramdin hundred not enough to save Windies from defeat

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

See story on page 47

Jaguar whip Sunshine to claim CSCA knockout title

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – On a typical Fall day, when the sun shone intermittently and Winterlike weather prevailed for most of the match, Jaguar clawed their way to a resounding 16-run victory over archrivals Sunshine Cricket Club when the first division final of the Canadian Softball Cricket Association (CSCA) took place at the Firgrove ground here last Saturday.

Already crowned knockout champions by getting past Beehive, Jaguars ended the season on a triumphant note as Sunshine once again failed to wrest the crown after losing to Dant in the 2012 final. The latter two were als0 scheduled to contest the 2013 final which never took place.

Set a challenging 137 for victory, after Jaguars had compiled 136 for six in their allotted 20 overs, Sunshine were left high and dry at 121 for nine when their overs expired.

The experienced opening

Jaguar skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon receives the winning trophy from CSCA treasurer Dave Ramsammy.

(Pictures courtesy of Krisho Singh Ramnarayan) pair of Deonarine Sukhoo (34) and Bernard Kartick (eight) started positively with an opening stand of 34 and despite the demise of the latter in the sixth over, Sunshine seemed well set at the halfway stage when they were 64 for one.

The left-handed Sukhoo, favouring the leg-side, plundered three

sixes over the midwicket region and in tandem with Jeetendra Beharry (15) added a further 30 runs for the second wicket but once Sukhoo departed at 78 in the 13th over, Sunshine struggled thereafter to maintain the required run rate, while losing wickets at regular intervals.

Turn to page 26

The jubilant Jaguar side shortly after carting off the CSCA first division knockout title.

AIBA rules against Guyana participating in Suriname … GBA to comply

GABA president Steve Ninvalle

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has been instructed not to accept an invitation from the Suriname Boxing Association (SBA) to participate in a competition in the Dutch speaking nation later this month.

The instruction was issued yesterday by AIBA, the world governing body for amateur boxing. “AIBA has made it abundantly clear that at this point in time Guyana should not

accept such an invitation,” GBA president Steve Ninvalle said yesterday.

The GBA had on Saturday written to AIBA seeking clarification on whether to accept the invitation from the SBA to participate after receiving conflicting signals from Suriname.

Ninvalle explained that last week his association received an email from the secretary of SBA, Horbert Dompig, asking for Guyana’s participation in the competition from October 23 to 27. However, president of the SBA, Remie Burke, later disclosed that his association had not given permission for

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

the competition.

In a letter to GBA, Dompig claimed that six of the seven-man executive of the SBA voted in favour of staging the competition and it was only the president who was attempting to derail the upcoming event.

While admitting that there are two factions jostling for power in SBA, Burke claimed that two executives including treasurer Sonny Dest remain loyal to him.

“Do not accept any invitation if not approved or sent by the president of the Association,” AIBA instructed by way of email.

Turn to page 26 MONDAY, October 6, 2014