2014 10 10

GUYANA No. 103976 FRIDAY OCTOBER 10, 2014

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

CID investigating threats against Sattaur – Crime Chief Page

Glenn Lall

PRICE: $60

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

INCLUDING VAT

Fred Cozier laid foundation for what has evolved into today’s CARICOM Secretariat Page

2

3

Khurshid Sattaur Frederick Lloyd Cozier

NDIA working assiduously to rectify koker breach

A NEW GUYANA BECKONS

Hydar Ally

Page

8

Stats show marked improvement in firefighting capabilities Page 10

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Alli Baksh speaking with affected residents of Peter’s Hall

Pages

11 & 12

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

Fred Cozier laid foundation for what has evolved into today’s CARICOM Secretariat – etched his name in the history of the Caribbean Community THE late Frederick Lloyd Cozier etched his name in the history of the Caribbean Community as the first Head of a Caribbean Regional Secretariat.

The Barbadian native in 1968 became Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Caribbean Regional Secretariat (CCRS) with a mandate to create an institution that would give effect to the provisions of the Dickenson Bay Agreement establishing the Caribbean Free Trade Association

(CARIFTA) – precursor to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Committee of Trade Ministers who made the selection could not have made a better choice, according to a press statement.

Beginning with a staff of one at Colgrain House, Georgetown, Guyana, which building also provided his living quarters, the indefatigable Administrator, Cozier, almost single-handedly established the then Regional Secretariat, put-

ting systems in place to ensure effective communication flows between the Secretariat and Member States. That process was started with just an Administrative Assistant, Ms. Sheila Chan, before the staff was eventually extended to four and then six.

He was an Administrator par excellence who poured himself into establishing effective systems for dealing with the Member States.

Among his first tasks was organising the first Meeting of Heads of Government

which was held in Trinidad and Tobago and, in so doing, he set the tone for moving the Institution forward.

FOUNDATION FOR CARICOM SECRETARIAT Mr. Cozier laid the foundation for what has evolved into today’s CARICOM Secretariat. His groundings in the Barbados civil service no doubt served him and the Region well, as he used his experience as one of the first Barbadian Permanent Secretaries and the first

Barbadian to become Cabinet Secretary to good effect.

Reflecting on the contribution of this distinguished son of the Region, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said “Fred Cozier’s dedication to an unenviable task set the mark for others to follow. His selfless service to the Region made him an exemplar among his peers and a person worthy of emulation”.

Mr. Cozier has indeed made a solid contribution towards the development

Frederick Lloyd Cozier

of the Caribbean Community and we are very grateful. May his soul rest in peace, the statement concluded.

Noland Jervis appointed GECOM ACEO THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has filled the vacancy of

Assistant Chief Elections Officer/Assistant Commissioner, National Registration (ACEO/ACNR) in the person of Mr. Noland Jervis.

This was according to Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DECO), Mr. Vishnu Persaud, who added that Jervis’ appointment became effective on September 29, 2014.

“Due process was followed and the appointment was made,” he said.

Under the control and supervision of the Deputy Chief Election Officer, the Assistant Chief Elections Officer is responsible for the smooth functioning of all divisions/Sections/Units/ Offices within the ambit of the Operations Department.

The primary duties of the ACEO’s office include: Ensuring that all field activities confirm to the relevant laws, regulations, GECOM policy directives and guidelines; Co-ordinating, direct-

ing and ensuring the implementation of all operational plans; Reviewing operational plans relative to the effective availability and timely movement of all resources necessary to facilitate the registration of eligible persons and the conduct of all elections; Conducting regular monitoring/evaluation of the performance of the various Divisions/Sections/Units/ Offices within the Operations Department; Coordinating the provision/distribution of all relevant materials, equipment, supplies, transport and other requisite resources that are pertinent to the registration and electoral processes; and ensuring the precise numbering of Polling Stations and accurate allocation of electors to the respective Polling Stations, in conformity with the legal provisions and policy guidelines of the Commission; among others.

ELECTIONS TEAM Additionally, in a prior comment, GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, told the Guyana Chronicle that the new ACEO, the current Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr. Keith Lowenfield, and the Deputy CEO, Mr. Vishnu Persaud, will be the team to carry Guyana into the next elections.

“That threesome will be the ones that…

Turn to page 9

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

CID investigating threats against Sattaur – Crime Chief COMMISSIONER-GENERAL of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, has lodged a formal complaint at the Brickdam Police Station, regarding an alleged threat from the publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall.

And Crime Chief, Mr. Leslie James yesterday disclosed that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is currently investigating the matter.

“Mr. Sattaur gave a statement and based on what is established from our investigations, we will act,” he said.

Standard Operating Procedures in similar matters require the lodging of one’s firearm, if the person making the alleged threat is a licensed firearm holder.

The Crime Chief explained that the CID’s investigations will determine whether or not this will be the required action to be taken in Lall’s case.

MADE IN AUGUST The alleged threats to the GRA Head were made in late August when two vehicles used by Lall and his wife and alleged to be part of a remigrant duty-free scam were impounded by the Authority.

At the time Sattaur disclosed that he received a telephone call from a person “whose voice I recognised as Mr. Glen Lall” and was threatened.

He said, “Lall called me from an overseas number and threatened to expose me;

Glenn Lall

Khurshid Sattaur

he threatened to deal with me in a matter, as if I’m a thief and he’s going to do this thing, 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.”

According to Sattaur such actions, the making of threats, are unconscionable.

“I am not acting vindictively. I am doing my work.

Mr. Lall is not excluded from paying taxes,” the GRA Commissioner-General exclaimed.

The two vehicles in question, PRR 8398 and PRR 8399, which were handed over to GRA and impounded at the Authority’s warehouse, followed an hourslong standoff between GRA officials and Navin Sankar, a high-ranking GRA employee.

Six criminal charges altogether have since been filed against Lall, his wife Bhena, and Sankar’s parents, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, who have all been implicated in the scam.

An investigation was then launched to ensure 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.

DETAILS DISCLOSED The seizure of the vehicles, as well as the resulting investigation and charges followed the disclosure of details of the alleged duty-free scam, which were made public by the Guyana Chronicle after an examination of the Government of Guyana’s review of the Remigrant Scheme.

The vehicle, PRR 8398, for instance, is usually parked in front of the Kaieteur News head office on Saffon Street, Charlestown, while PRR

8399 is often seen on Regent Street, in the heart of the city, near Bhena’s Footwear, the shoe business operated by Lall’s wife.

The Chronicle was able to obtain copies of all the relevant documents, from the application to, and approval by, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, GRA, and shipping information.

According to our sources, this issue started with the Brijnanans, who were on July 3, 2013 granted permission by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to return to Guyana as “remigrants”, along with the concomitant incentives of the scheme.

Under the remigrant programme, Guyanese who would have resided overseas for more than five years and are returning home to reside are entitled to a number of benefits, among which are import duty-free waivers for vehicles, and tax exemption for household items, once the items at reference were owned for six months or more in the country where the remigrant was living.

As husband and wife, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan were entitled to concessions as two separate individuals, although a joint application was submitted.

A duty-free concession, we are told, is awarded on condition that “the motor vehicle cannot be leased or transferred within three years of registration, and providing that the registration licence, fitness and registration and insurance are submitted for

inspection at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) every six months.”

The Brijananans, on their application form, indicated that besides household items, they were returning with two 2013 Lexus Suburban L57 vehicles, the chassis numbers of which were listed along with other required information.

On the application form, the chassis numbers for the vehicles were listed as JTJHY7AX7D4100270 and JTJHY7AX6D4094851, with the registration dates in the State of New York being September 25, 2012 and March 3, 2013 correspondingly.

However, on the Bill of Lading for the vehicles, the chassis numbers were listed as JTJHY7AX6D4096745 and JTJHY7AX6D4094851, respectively, a clear indication that one of the numbers did not correspond with the chassis number on the application form.

Further, for the vehicle bearing chassis number JTJHY7AX6D4094851, it was noticed that the date on the New York-issued Certificate

of Title was March 3, 2013, which could only mean that the vehicle was not owned for more than six months before the application was made by the Brijnanans.

If true, this would be a clear violation of the regulation surrounding the application for remigrant status and duty-free concession. In essence, what would have occurred, according to documents perused by the Guyana Chronicle, is that the Brijnanans successfully obtained import duty concession in the sum of $4,222, 223.55 for each vehicle, totalling in excess of $8M. Meanwhile, this newspaper’s research into the source price for a Lexus L570 is about US$80,000.

Import duty for such a vehicle would be a total of US$94,500, bringing the total value of the vehicle to US$174,500, or more than G$36M for each of the vehicles imported by the Brijnanans.

It appears, therefore, that the Government was cheated out of several millions in import duty for the two vehicles.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

US urges action to keep Ebola from becoming ‘next AIDS’ WASHINGTON (AFP) A TOP US health official urged swift action Thursday to prevent the deadly Ebola virus from becoming the next AIDS epidemic, as the health of an infected Spanish nurse deteriorated.

The United Nations chief meanwhile called for a 20fold increase in the world’s response to the spread of Ebola, which has killed nearly 3,900 people in West Africa since the beginning of the year.

Ebola’s spillover into the United States and Europe has raised fears of a wider outbreak, and led the United States, Canada and Britain to start tougher airport screening of passengers arriving from West Africa.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted the number of cases could mount to 1.4 million by January unless strong measures are taken to contain the disease, which is spread though close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

“We have to work now so that it is not the world’s next AIDS,” CDC Director Tom Frieden told the heads of the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund gathered in Washington.

French Health Minister Marisol Touraine said she was working with the authorities in countries badly affected by Ebola “to see in which conditions we can reinforce departure controls.”

Health officials check passengers for signs they might be infected by the Ebola virus as they arrive at the Jommo Kenyatta International Airport on August 14, 2014 in Nairobi (AFP Photo/Simon Maina) “I would say that in the 30 years I’ve been working in public health, the only thing like this has been AIDS,” he added, warning of a “long fight” ahead.

- Spanish nurse In Madrid, the condition of a nurse who treated two elderly missionaries with Ebola worsened, leaving her at “serious risk” of dying, Madrid regional president Ignacio Gonzalez told parliament.

Teresa Romero is the first person infected with Ebola outside Africa.

Health officials said they would monitor about 50 other people -- mostly health staff -- who had been in

contact with Romero for the duration of the 21-day Ebola incubation period.

Six other people are in quarantine at the hospital as a precaution, including Romero’s husband and several health workers, according to the latest tally from the hospital.

Among Ebola’s latest victims is Thomas Eric Duncan, the first patient cared for in the United States to die of the disease.

Just after his death was announced Wednesday, US officials ordered increased screening at five major airports in Atlanta, Chicago, New Jersey, New York and Washington.

DATE: 04/10/2014 K

03 04 07 19 25 27 17

09/10/2014

05

18

20

Britain said it would start “enhanced screening” of people coming from Ebola-hit parts of West Africa at Heathrow and Gatwick airports and on Eurostar trains from Belgium and

France.

The European Commission was expected to meet on October 17 to discuss possible new ways to monitor passengers arriving from affected countries.

Islamic State seizes large areas of Syrian town despite air strikes (Reuters) - ISLAMIC State fighters seized more than a third of the Syrian border town of Kobani, a monitoring group said on Thursday, as U.S.-led air strikes failed to halt their advance and Turkish forces looked on without intervening.

With Washington ruling out a ground operation in Syria, Turkey said it was unrealistic to expect it to mount a cross-border operation alone to relieve the mainly Kurdish town.

The U.S. military said Kurdish forces appeared to be holding out in the town, which lies within sight of Turkish territory, following fresh airstrikes in the area against a militant training

25

26

09/10/2014

05

camp and fighters.

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Islamic State, still widely known by its former acronym of ISIS, had pushed forward on Thursday.

“ISIS control more than a third of Kobani - all eastern areas, a small part of the northeast and an area in the southeast,” said Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Observatory, which monitors the Syrian civil war.

The commander of Kobani’s heavily outgunned Kurdish defenders confirmed that the militants had made major gains, after a three-week battle that has also caused the worst street clashes in years between Turkish police and Kurdish protesters.

Militia chief Esmat alSheikh put the area controlled by Islamic State, which controls large amounts of territory in Syria and neighboring Iraq, at about a quarter of the town.

03

06

09/10/2014

“The clashes are ongoing - street battles,” he said by telephone from the town.

Explosions rocked Kobani throughout the day, with black smoke visible from the Turkish border a few kilometers (miles) away. Islamic State hoisted its black flag in the town overnight and a stray projectile landed 3 km (2 miles) inside Turkey.

The town’s defenders say the United States is giving only token support with its air strikes, while Turkish tanks sent to the frontier look on but do nothing to defend the town, where the United Nations says only a few hundred remain.

Over 180,000 people from the city and surrounding area have fled into Turkey.

U.S. Central Command said it had conducted five strikes near Kobani on Wednesday and Thursday, and that Kurdish forces still appeared to control most of the town.

04 05 01 13 11 14 19

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

Mexico missing students: Nationwide protests held (BBC News) THOUSANDS of people have held protests in cities across Mexico against the disappearance of students in the southern town of Iguala last month.

The students had clashed with police during a demonstration and were last seen being bundled into police cars.

Hundreds of local vigilantes have joined the search, saying they would conduct a house-by-house search.

Meanwhile forensic tests are under way on dozens of bodies found in shallow graves near the town last week.

It is feared the bodies could be those of the students.

In Mexico City, family members led a procession, carrying photographs of the disappeared.

Demonstrations also took place in many cities, including Oaxaca, Veracruz, Morelia, and Guerrero.

A silent march was

staged by the the EZLN better known as the Zapatistas indigenous rebel group - in the southern city of San Cristobal de las Casas.

The disappearance and the circumstances surrounding it have caused shock in Mexico.

The students, from a teacher college in Ayotzinapa in Guerrero State, had travelled to nearby Iguala to protest against what they perceived as discriminatory hiring practices for teachers.

After a day of protests, they wanted to make their way back to their college.

Accounts of what happened next differ.

Members of the student union say they boarded three local buses, but the police says the students seized the buses.

In the hours that followed, six people were killed when armed men opened fire on the three buses and that of a local football team which they presumably mistook for

The protesters want the Mexican government to locate the missing students and punish politicians linked to organised crime chase to the students, and the attack said he had seen one carrying students. are believed to have fired police taking away his felThree students, a footbal- at them. low students. “We blame ler, the driver of one of the Twenty-two officers have the state for the forced disbuses and a woman in a taxi been detained in connection appearance of our fellow were shot dead. Many more with the shooting. students,” Omar Garcia were injured.

A student who survived told reporters in Mexico Municipal police gave City.

$100,000 bounty on cop killers (Trinidad Express) LESS than 24-hours after a message was intercepted by the police intelligence unit that a $20,000 bounty was being offered in the Laventille community for any person who would shoot a police officer or soldier whilst on duty or otherwise, the Ministry of National Security quintupled that reward by offering $100,000 for persons with credible information which can aid in the arrest and conviction of any persons planning, aiding or involved in the shooting of any law enforcement personnel.

Persons with relevant information were asked to use the confidential Crime Stoppers number 88-TIPS (8477).

Speaking to Express Wednesday, National Security Minister Gary Griffith said while intelligence agencies were still trying to ascertain the validity of the $20,000 bounty, the $100,000 reward was issued

as a precautionary measure.

“We are still trying to confirm whether the information being received of this alleged payment to shoot at law enforcement personnel, if it is credible or not. But in the interim, we have to act proactively. Even if it is not a true bounty and just a message that was sent out, it is still a form of psychological mischief and warfare. It is persons in these communities attempting to cause undue panic in this country, and put law enforcement officials on the back-foot so to speak, to negatively affect operations. But we will not allow this to happen, whether the attack is real or not.

If you take a swing at me, I am going to swing back at you five-times harder.

And this was the motive behind the $100,000 figure. And this reward is not just for information on persons crazy enough to pull the trigger, but for persons involved in any

attempts against law enforcement officials in any way,” Griffith said.

Because of the “bounty”, law enforcement presence in Laventille was “ramped up” yesterday, with officers from the Inter Agency Task Force, the Besson Street Police Station, the Port of Spain Task Force, and various units from the Port of Spain Division, alongside officers from the T&T Defence Force (TTDF), seen in their numbers throughout the communities, conducting both mobile and foot patrols.

However, sources revealed that while they were still conducting their duties, they were being “extra cautious” as it was noted that since the “bounty” was issued, they were receiving reports of incidents in Laventille in areas which were usually “crime free” leading some to believe they were being lured into these areas for a potential attack.

6

EDITORIAL The beam in the eyes of foreign ‘experts’ EVERY once in a while a report by a foreign superpower pigeonholes Guyana’s socio-economic and political dynamics into categories that are far-removed from the realities of the Guyanese landscape, with ‘information’ (sic!) gathered by ‘experts’ that form the analytical bases of these exceptionally skewed reports: And here one needs to recall the UN ‘expert’ Fay McDougall, who would serve as a primary example.

McDougall and, by association, the UN, had marginalised and dehumanised a great proportion of the Guyanese collective by her extremely-flawed, totally-biased, overwhelmingly-offensive report that read like a paper presented by a member of Guyana’s Opposition cabal, which include the GHRA and various media houses and NGOs. These people calling themselves experts (experts at what, and by what definition?) come to our country with preconceived and entirely prejudicial perceptions, enjoy our hospitality, formulate opinions about us after a few days stay, and then, deeming themselves to be experts at deciphering our national demographics, diminish us as denizens of indeterminate or minimal capacity to interact as a civilised people and to chart and programme our own survival, even while the demographics of their own territories lie in chaos and are spiralling out of control.

The unmitigated arrogance of Fay McDougal and her like should look for flaws and filth in their own backyards, which make our problems seem like molehills to mountains in comparison, before pronouncing on Guyana and Guyanese.

For instance, while the security services are balanced more toward Afro-Guyanese in numbers, it is counterproductive to the current reality and diminishes the morale of our joint forces to conclude that Indo-Guyanese are upset and threatened by these numbers.

This may have been so in the past, but Guyana’s

guyana CHRONICLE friday october 10, 2014

guyana

security services, except for a few mavericks, who are systematically being weeded out, have fought relentlessly to purge the society of criminal elements, and have succeeded immeasurably, even at the expense of the lives of some brave officers.

However, McDougal, in her report, denigrated Guyana’s security sector by disparaging the trust reposed in them by a large segment of the public, who could, after the dispersal by death and/or capture of the rabid members of criminal gangs, now sleep with some degree of assured safety, which was intrusive, unforgivable and crass.

No society is entirely free of crime, including the one to which McDougal belongs, and we have a far way to go to eradicate criminality, but if McDougal had investigated properly, without her prejudice blinding her, she would have discovered that our young Guyanese men are being encouraged to embark on the criminal path instead of seeking employment, or legal ways to empower themselves, by the very persons from whom she accessed all her data.

If she had investigated properly and taken all the variables into consideration, including the nemesis of the Guyanese nation, she would have discovered which administration had marginalised and alienated the people of this land, including their own supporters, and she would have discovered the sustained and all-inclusive efforts of this current administration towards empowering and educating Guyanese from all walks of life.

She would have discovered truths and realities if she had used her time in Guyana by analysing statistical data, instead of listening to rumours and complaints from persons whose agenda is to enter the corridors of power, and to access the national exchequer once more, by crawling in through the backdoor, or by sacrificing the security and peace in this nation, which comprises peoples of different cultures who can live, and who do co-exist, with love and

harmony, most of the time, except when the enemies of the Guyanese people call for “slow fiah, mo’ fiah” to consume the harmony and unity of the nation in the land in the inferno of their lust for power and self-aggrandisement.

Guyanese don’t need the likes of Fay McDougal and other foreign ‘experts’, including members of the diplomatic community, to put our nationhood under a microscope, as though we are an endangered species who consume each other because we lack the greatness of soul to embrace our nationhood.

Ours is the land of the pepperpot and the cook-up, like Mr. Chow-Pow’s ‘Alinwan’ show, but these foreign interlopers would never recognise nor acknowledge this ‘alinwan’ business if it jumped up and hit them in the face, because their prejudices and bias have created a cataract of the mind that have diminished their faculties for deciphering truth from lies and facts from well-crafted fiction.

Their myopia and agenda only allow them to see the cesspool churned up by the collective Opposition cabal, and their formulations and prognoses can only follow the snakelike and venomous meanderings of degeneracy that can encourage Guyana’s young men to embark on paths that would eventuate in the loss of innocent lives, and in the loss of their own lives.

As Guyana approaches two inevitable elections (Local and General) there are dangers inherent in reports being submitted by the interlopers to their respective governments, as has happened before; which are foreseeably slanted to skew support towards the undemocratic forces, catalysing Guyana once again on a socio-economic downgrade spiral. Guyanese are warned to beware of the dangers posed by these foreign ‘experts’, who cannot remove the beam in their own eyes, but who arrogantly claim to see the mote in this nation’s vision for its future development.

Some salient points about the New Opportunity Corps Dear Editor, I hold no brief for anyone or group connected with the New Opportunity Corps yet I feel compelled to highlight some salient points as a result of what I knew that correctional facility did for young persons who went there in the past.

The facility at Onderneeming was established in 1879 as a juvenile prison. In the 19th Century, the Superintendent of the Georgetown Prison had his deputy resident at Onderneeming at the juvenile prison. Despite its frequent name changes, the juvenile prison was administered in the hope of effecting behaviour change in deviant adolescent boys. Fast forward to the 20th Century - June 12, 1981 – the facility became a co-educational institution under its present name – the New Opportunity Corps.

None of the students at the NOC are sent there by their parents or guardians. The courts of Guyana are the authority for committing deviant adolescents to the NOC. The court’s decision is usually premised on a written report done by a probation officer who is, or is expected to be, a trained social worker. There have been several instances when parents/ guardians who, having abrogated their parental responsibility

over time, request the magistrate to send their child to the correctional facility because they “cannot cope with him/her any longer”. All evidence having been considered, the magistrate concurs with the probation report.

The NOC, boys’ school, girls’ school, juvenile prison authorities over the past 135 years have never had one hundred percent (100%) success at social rehabilitation of all deviant adolescents who passed through the system. There have been successes but there also have been regrets at failures. There is no magic wand at the correctional facility to radically change all the deviant students in the two or three years he/she would have spent in incarceration. However, many residents of the facility have succeeded in attaining respectable positions in the society and have gone on to serve in law enforcement, the legal profession, family businesses, the military – local and overseas – the shipping and construction industries and the teaching profession. The institution’s records dating back as far as 1942 reveal their history and progress. Some have even departed this earthly life.

The challenges of the 21st Century have not been kind to the present composition of staff at the NOC. At no time

between 1979 and 2014 was there more than two (2) trained professional social workers at Guyana’s juvenile correctional centre at Onderneeming. Those NOC staff who now cope with what the courts send for rehabilitative training are now the blunt of putrid ridicule from every quarter. Yet they continue to cope with offences ranging from simple wandering to robbery with arms, aggravation, and manslaughter. Those persons who each year graduate from the University of Guyana with diplomas and degrees in social work do not gravitate to working with deviant adolescents because the pay is too small.

Public concern is understandable and well-intentioned but there are many loopholes in the social fabric, broken homes, absent mothers and fathers and lack of support structures within our communities. These have contributed significantly to the deviance that we see with these young people. It is easy to blame the NOC, but this is not an NOC problem, this is a societal issue. We should all work together to get parents to fulfil their obligations of parenting and for our communities to be a safer and better place.

CONCERNED FORMER STAFF

7

guyana CHRONICLE friday october 10, 2014

Comprehension could have avoided this entire exchange Dear Editor, Mr. Christopher Ram continues his bold path of misguided criticisms against the Attorney General Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs. I refer to his latest letter published October 9, 2014, under the caption, “Mr. Nandlall has taken the administration of justice to its nadir.”

Expectedly, Mr. Ram begun by insinuating that I did not author the letter and I was a mere scribe to the Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

This is a regular affront to which professional women are subjected in our country, on a daily basis, by a society dominated by men whose philosophy is that women are not their equal and should be domesticated at home, confined to housekeeping responsibilities. It is even more nauseating when it comes from those who present themselves as social activists and public commentators.

I was elated to observe that Mr. Ram made no comment on my explanation in relation to the transformation which has and is taking place at the Deeds Registry. The public and I will therefore assume that he is satisfied with the explanation which I proffered in my last letter and that his silence on that issue in this letter is an admission that his fulminations on that issue in his first letter were much ado about nothing.

Unfortunately, it is evident that I was not so successful in my explanation, in relation to the reasons why the Judicial Review Act is not in force. I will nevertheless try again.

As I predicted, Mr. Ram capitalised on the opportunity presented, as is his wont, to publicly exhibit the research which he did in respect of the evolution of the new High Court Rules

and regaled us with the details of his learnings.

For that exposition, I hope the public is grateful. It is beneath me to respond to the personal attacks which he litters along the way. I am interested in substance. There is one serious omission of which Mr. Ram is guilty in his research regarding the new High Court Rules. It is that, apparently, he didn’t bother to read the Rules themselves. Had he done so, he would have been confronted on the very first page of the Rules under the caption, “commencement” the following passage: “These Rules shall come into operation subject to the transitional provisions in Part 73, on a date to be fixed by the Chancellor, acting on the decision of the Rules Committee.”

But then again maybe he did read it. Additionally, I made that point emphatically in my last letter that it is not the responsibility of the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs to bring the Rules into operation. Comprehension is obviously an underrated problem. In any event, I am aware that these Rules have been sent by the Chancellor to the Guyana Bar Association of which Mr. Ram is the Secretary, for their input. Yet he asserts publicly that these Rules are in force.

Mr. Ram listed Rules establishing the Commercial Court, the Constitutional and Administrative Law Division of the High Court, and the Family (Proceedings and Procedures) Rules 2012 and argues that the Attorney General must use that as precedents and extract from the new High Court Rules, the parts dealing with Judicial Review and bring them into operation. I am advised, that this argument is flawed on so many levels that it is impossible to deal adequately with it in a letter to the press. Suffice it to say, that

I was further advised that the promulgation of the Rules of Court, of whatever kind, is always an intrinsic function of the Judiciary and will never in, our constitutional matrix, be a functional responsibility of the Executive.

Indeed, I am advised that each of the Rules to which Mr. Ram has made reference were brought into force by Practice Directions issued by the Chancellor of the Judiciary. As a lay person I presume that these are matters with which lawyers must be familiar.

Mr. Ram asks why after two years since the Family Court Rules and the completion of the building to house the Family Court, “the Court has still not been established.” The Executive funded the construction of a building, furnished it, and facilitated the drafting of the Rules. The Court is established.

It is the Judiciary that must make it operational.

The conceptual dilemma of Mr. Ram is laid bare by his uninitiated assertion that, “in my view Mr. Nandlall has taken the administration of justice to its nadir.” Even I know that the administration of justice is a constitutional responsibility of the Judiciary from which the Executive is trenchantly insulated. If Mr. Ram wishes to see a constitutional change, as Secretary of the Guyana Bar Association, he is well positioned to persuade his organisation to publicly campaign for such reform.

Comprehension could have avoided this entire exchange.

INDIRA ANANDJIT Permanent Secretary Ministry of Legal Affairs

Remembering Mohamed Fazloor Yasin THE late Mohamed Fazloor Yasin was undoubtedly one of the greatest literary voices in Guyana. He passed away five years ago.

I met Mr. Yasin in 1999 when he was the secretary for the Association of Guyanese Writers and Artists and Mr. Roopnandan Singh was the President.

I was a young writer at the time, performing readings of my poetry and fiction and was able to get some of my writings published in some anthologies edited and published by Mr. Singh.

A few years later I became friends with Mr. Yasin when I was a judge for the Guyana Annual competitions. I encountered many of his short stories as a former judge for the Guyana Annual Short Story and Poetry categories. The contest was judged anonymously but the stories myself and the other judges evaluated as the winning stories that won in the first, second, and third prizes in various categories for a number of years were written by none other than Mr. Yasin.

He also wrote some inspiring poetry and though poetry was not within his range of writings, the few pieces I read were filled with profound imagery and symbolism that left an indelible impression on my mind as a poet myself. He mastered the art and craft of short story writing like the Ernest Hemingway of Guyana and the wider Caribbean and won an award for his mesmerising short story ‘Crab-man’ in 1999 by the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Short Story competition - an immense feat very few Guyanese have ever achieved. Mr. Yasin was a very private person, a man of impeccable character and dignity who never spoke of his literary achievements and asked me to read his writings publicly on several prestigious literary readings among a great many literary scholars.

His stories are mostly written for young adults on a variety of themes he explored exquisitely with a great cast of characters from all walks of life. In 2001 he participated in a Cropper Foundation Creative Writing Workshop in Trinidad where he was taught in detail about fiction writing, including a number of genres in writing.

He especially enjoyed writing for children, which I believe he was gifted and inspired to do.

Mr. Yasin encouraged me to submit my writings to the editors of POUI literary journal that was accepted for publi-

cation several times.

In 2008 he won the Cheddi Jagan essay competition from 38 entries that was submitted from across the country.

Mohamed Yasin carted off the $100,000 first prize. He was a very versatile and prolific writer and a keen editor in verse and prose. He wrote a fantastic introduction for my book of 300 poems: ‘The Revelation of Love’ published in May 2009; and was my editor for a number of years. I remember he would say to me: ‘’Don’t repeat yourself, change your metaphoric language in your poetry and let your poems be like a fresh rose’’ The presence of Yasin was a warm one, full of humour, care and courtesy - one glance at him and his elegant smile like an Indian film star will make my day from all the stress and worries. He was a very kind, loving and open-hearted person who, though he embraced the Muslim faith he came for ten years at my church Bible College Graduation and sang our songs and prayed like a Christian.

It is my sincere hope that his spirit will live on through his

legacy of work and that future generations will continue to be inspired by his immortal stories. I vividly recall a passage from one of his stories published from the book: TEK MI! NOH TEK MI!, which I quote here: ‘’He looked in surprise at the small, crystal-clear lake, which was unusual since most of the rivers and lakes in the country were filled with water the color of molasses. The primeval beauty of the lake meant nothing to him. He didn’t appreciate the brazen rays of the brilliant sun bouncing off the glassy surface of the calm lake in a dazzling display of pristine beauty.’’ (From the story Edward’s Lake copyright 2008 Carlong Publishers) The elegant poetic beauty of his language will be remembered in the generations to come, immortalised by fame.

I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends he leaves behind; and hope his collected writings will remain as a literary legacy in the ages to come.

REV. GIDEON CECIL

Kaieteur News must apologise to Guyana’s its publication hard working diplomats of-following misleading information Dear Editor, I write out of deep concern for the hard working diplomats in Guyana’s Foreign Service, regarding an article appearing on page 16 of the Kaieteur News of October 9th, 2014 captioned ‘Govt. orders probe into duty-free concessions...Reports fingers top GRA officials in fraud scheme.’

Among other things the article states: “Another case that is under the spotlight involves a number of SUV’s brought in by a Guyanese diplomat posted to the U.S. He brought the vehicles, reportedly, applying for it as an investor. However, the vehicles were sold.”

The diplomats that are posted from Guyana to the United States of America are His Excellency Bayney Karran, Ambassador to the United States of America and the OAS; His Excellency George Talbot, Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Mr. Brentnold Evans, Consul

General, Consulate in New York; Mr. Mohammed Khan, Deputy Consul General; Foreign Service Officers Troy Torrington, Forbes July, Candida Daniels, Bibi Ally and Shiraz Mohamed.

None of these diplomats, I repeat none of these diplomats, has imported to Guyana SUV vehicles. They just cannot do so while they are serving abroad.

Mr. Editor, a phone call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would have set the record straight. That omission and subsequent publication of the misleading information have caused undue discomfort to our hard working diplomats. I request an apology on their behalf.

ELISABETH HARPER Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs

8

Trotman must resign... now!

Dear Editor, When Trotman was granted that injunction against Anthony Welshman; in essence that order was to prevent him from speaking to, or publishing in the press such allegations. The order simply stated that, while this matter remains an allegation one cannot go about spreading such rumours because it remains an allegation and nothing else.

However, that gag order did not exclude Trotman from prosecution, nor did it, in any way, gave him immunity from prosecution; far from it. Karen D’Souza of Red Thread, in a political capacity, erroneously penned that notion.

That gag order placed the accuser in the spotlight to do either of two things - apply to the High Court for redress or shut up. Welshman Jr. has decided to go to court and all eyes would be there when this matter begins.

Before I go any further, I would like to delve into a few areas of pertinent interest. Trotman is operating under the age-old PNC tactic of bullyism, where you throw your weight around and expect the accuser to go away. In fact, you go to the High Court and get a restraining order and literally gag the victim from telling his story.

You are telling the world, also, that the alleged victim is a lunatic and an unstable person who is led by diabolic forces; and you do all within your might and power to humiliate and degrade your accuser. This is typical behaviour of a bully (I really wanted to use the other “B” word).

If I may pose the question - could you ever imagine a government functionary of the PNC Government ever taken to court on any matter? I said any matter, because certainly the one brought

by Welshman could never have seen the light of day in the political atmosphere that existed then.

Both accuser and his story would have “evaporated” into thin air. This is the arrogant point of reference from which Trotman operates: But he is mistaken, because under the new dispensation one must give an account of their actions - something Glenn Lall has to face up to.

Well, the truth is you would look a fool in the eyes of the world, seeing the matter would be dealt with in a court of law. The charges against you will read “rape and buggery of a minor.”

Very serious and very embarrassing would be the result; that is, the Speaker of the House hauled before the court on such horrible charges.

Judging from the fact that it is already in the public domain he may want to explore the possibility of a settlement. May I remind my readers that a settlement is a guilty verdict and an admission of guilt. In either case he has no choice in this matter with such a mountain of evidence stacked against him. At this stage Trotman would have to resign from the position of speaker of the house.

With such a high level matter before the courts Trotman is left no other alternative but to resign. I call on him to do the noble thing.

NEIL ADAMS

guyana CHRONICLE friday october 10, 2014

A NEW GUYANA BECKONS

By Hydar Ally

refuge in the country.

It was a pathetic OCTOBER 5 marked twenty two years since sight to see Guyanese the PPP/C administration came to power. An with bulging suitcasentire new cohort of Guyanese voters has since es full of food items emerged who never experienced the pangs of which were either authoritarian rule. The days of PNC rule (or banned or unavailrather misrule) for all practical purposes have able on the shelves Hydar Ally for them only historical value. of Guyana or if availYet it is important that we learn from history. able were sold at exAs someone once wrote, those who ignore the orbitant prices way above the reach of the average past are condemned Guyanese. Many of the things now taken for to repeat it. granted on the shelves were banned from entering To s a y t h a t w e the country. These included wheaten flour, peas, have come a long way cheese, sardines, potatoes, apples, grapes to name since, during those but a few. That in turn led to a thriving undertwenty two years, is ground economy which at one time was believed an understatement. to be bigger than the formal economy.

The reality is that we Guyana has today shed that image of a broken now live in a new and failed state. We are now a respected member Guyana. A Guyana of the international community. We are no longer that is democratic and looked down by our sister CARICOM states and free; one in which Guyanese can now travel hassle free to and from there is respect for the any member state. rule of law and where At a more fundamental level, our freedoms every Guyanese re- which were taken away from us have now been gardless of the colour restored. We can now freely elect our national of their skin, religious leaders in free, fair and transparent elections. This or political affiliation for me is one of the most basic of rights. There is has an opportunity to today complete freedom of speech and freedom pursue their dreams of expression. There is no longer the fear of “big brother” watching Dr. Cheddi Jagan over one’s shoulders as happened when the and develop to the full limit We live in a new Guyana, thanks to PNC was in power. of their potential.

Those were the times October 5 which ushered in a new Why are these values so when institutionalised important? Because they beginning some twenty two years ago. fear permeated the speak to the very heart and But even as we celebrate this ground society forcing many soul of our nation. Where professionals to leave breaking event, we must not forget freedoms are curtailed, the jurisdiction and and even worse denied as the indefatigable role played by the seek employment happened under the PNC PPP and more particularly the late Dr. elsewhere. A few regime, life becomes poor were even killed unand miserable and the true Cheddi Jagan who dedicated his entire der mysterious ciressence of the human spirit life to the cause of a free, independent cumstances as the is stultified and broken.

Rodney Commission and democratic Guyana.

This is exactly what of Inquiry is now exhappened for nearly three posing. decades of unbroken PNC We live in a new rule. The Guyanese society was in a state of in- Guyana, thanks to October 5 which ushered in duced coma, a paralysis of mind and spirit and a new beginning some twenty two years ago. despair and hopelessness stalked the land. The But even as we celebrate this ground breaking country was reduced to a pariah state and its event, we must not forget the indefatigable role citizens reduced to second class citizens even by played by the PPP and more particularly the late regional standards.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan who dedicated his entire life to The instinct to survive forced a countless the cause of a free, independent and democratic number of Guyanese to go underground in order Guyana. to survive and the underground economy took Indeed, it was poetic justice for Dr. Jagan to precedence over the formal economy. Guyanese be sworn in on October 9, 1992 as the country’s travelling to neighbouring countries such as Trin- first democratically elected President which coidad and Tobago, Barbados and Suriname were incidentally was the same day in which the PPP placed under heightened surveillance at Caribbe- was thrown out from office some sixty one years an airports just to ensure that they do not abscond ago when the Constitution was suspended by the or depart from scheduled destinations.

British Government. The first task undertaken I write from experience when I recalled the hu- by the new PPP/C administration was to rebuild miliation I was exposed to during a return flight to the country from past ruin. It was a daunting task Guyana which required an in-transit stop at Piarco but the new government led by Dr. Jagan proved Airport in Trinidad and Tobago during the early equal to the task and within a relatively short pe1980’s. All passengers were allowed free access riod the country was back on track. to the airport lounge except for Guyanese passenThe PPP and the PPP/C administration gers who were literally quarantined in a section must be commended for the role it has played of the airport. The fear was that Guyanese would in the struggle for democracy and for rebuildescape from immigration authorities and seek ing the country from the ashes of the past.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

Crime down in ‘C’ Division by 14% - Commander Griffith …unique crime-fighting mechanism bringing results - DSP Das

By Leroy Smith A VERY robust and aggressive approach to tackling serious crimes in the Police ‘C’ Division, (Conversation Tree to Abary), has resulted in that division recording a significant decrease in crime by 14%, according to its commander Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Griffith on Thursday.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle in the company of his senior police officers, ACP Griffith said

that with the new approach the force has adopted, that is, interaction with communities, the police have in recent times been able to have better intelligence gathering as persons are coming forward with information pertaining to unlawful activities within their areas.

He said that for the period January to last week, the division had recorded 17 murders as compared to 12 in 2013, while robberies with the use of firearms were recorded at 106 for the same period this year as compared to 92

for 2013. He was, however, quick to point out that while the numbers do seem larger than that of last year for murders and gun crimes, the overall calculation is what is responsible for the 14% decrease.

Gun crimes and murders are the serious crimes in the division, while breaking and entering and drunk driving are other crimes which continue to occur on a regular basis. The police in the division have, however, been working to bring those under control, according to Griffith.

Some of the ammunition and other items seized by the police during an operation on Wednesday

Noland Jervis appointed ...

From Page 2 …will carry us into elections and I have the greatest of confidence in the two of them and let’s see who will be the ACEO,” he had said.

With the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) no-confidence motion before the National Assembly, Guyana could be facing an early general election if the motion is passed in the House with a two-thirds majority.

The first page of the Motion reads: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly has no confidence in the Government.”

As stated in Section 106 (6) of the Constitution: “The Cabinet and President shall resign, if the Government is

Noland Jervis defeated by the vote of the majority of all Members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” This is made even clearer in Section 106 (7), which states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office, and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution, supported by

no less than two-thirds of all elected members of the National Assembly, and shall resign after a new President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Noteworthy is the fact that before the no-confidence motion is debated, the Head of State could call snap elections.

However, President Donald Ramotar during a prior news conference, rather than commit himself to a definitive answer, simply stated that any decision related to the no-confidence motion, including the possibility of calling snap elections, will be made “at the appropriate time.”

The last time general elections were held in Guyana was in November 2011.

(Vanessa Narine)

L-R ASP Ramlakhan; Cadet Officer Mahadeo Singh; Crime Officer Reshi Das; Commander Griffith and Traffic Officer Gavin Mingo He spoke of roadblocks, The senior police officer alerted to the presence of the stop-and-search exercises explained that based on the police they diverted and go and other activities which all assessment on the prevalence undetected. form part of the crime -fightof crimes and their nature, a Deputy Superintendent ing strategies in the division. decision was taken to have Das told the Chronicle that The division is also focusing divisional raids in selected with respect to the unsolved on targeted operations, which areas; and since that approach murders in the division, the has been complementing the was adopted there has been police have not put up their other forms of policing in the tremendous successes and in gloves but are silently workdivision. some cases charges were laid ing to have those solved and Commander Griffith is and persons placed before persons have been coming calling on members of the the courts. forward with information. He, public, especially in his diThose raids have also however, was quick to point vision, to support the police netted drugs, weapons and out that because of the nain their new approach to other items which were either ture of the investigations, the crime-fighting. He reiterated fraudulently or otherwise police cannot go public with that persons should avoid the obtained by the persons in each breakthrough they make, confrontational type of interwhose possession they were since those have the potential action with police officers recovered. Within the past to affect the investigations. and deal with ranks at the few weeks, several persons Another issue being adsenior level; he encouraged have been hauled before the dressed is the fact that some them to make contact with courts with some being repeople are still wary of some him directly on telephone manded and others placed junior police ranks who pass numbers 229 2289 or 678 on bail, depending on the information back to individ3707 where information can offences for which they were uals whom the police might be shared. In addition, they charged, Das related. be investigating. The seare encouraged to make conAnother method adopted nior officers of the division tact with the various police by the division is the dispatchsaid that they are working to stations in their areas and / ing of foot patrols in certain stamp that practice out and it or the sub-divisional officers areas, especially during a speis not just something being and the traffic officer in the cific time which, according to addressed in ‘C’ Division, case of traffic offences they the senior crime sleuth, is the but the entire Guyana Police may observe. time the police have been able Force.

The administration of ‘C’ to confirm when most crimes In addition to the many Division has also furnished such as breaking and entering crime-fighting mechanisms members of their community and opportunistic crimes are the division is adopting, policing groups with pedal committed. there is the cream of the cycles to patrol areas which The police in the division crop of ideas. ‘C’ Division they in the past would usually are calling on motorists and has commissioned a division police on foot, the commandother citizens to refrain from album where anyone who is er told this publication. signalling other road users of arrested for crimes are proMeanwhile, divisional the presence of the police and filed and their photographs detective Deputy Superintheir roadblock operations and other critical informatendent Reshi Das for his part in an effort to prevent them tion recorded. Those will be explained that while there are from encountering the police. kept at the various police various crimes being commitThe police are cautioning stations and when persons ted along the lower and upper persons that such action does report matters, they are East Coast of Demerara, the have the potential to back given an opportunity to high-risk areas as identified fire since the police might be browse the album to see if by the division are between on the verge of encountering any of the profiled persons Beterverwagting and Sophia, a robber or someone who would have been the ones which represent the No.2 Sub commits some other crime who perpetrated the crimes Division of ‘C’ Division. but because that person was against them.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

Stats show marked improvement in firefighting capabilities – Fire Service looking to boost staff complement by 84

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) yesterday engaged members of the public on the importance of fire safety with an exhibition outside of its headquarters at the Stabroek Market square.

The exhibition will continue today at the National Park when the target group will be school children. This is part of the 40th Fire Prevention Week observances.

Fire Prevention Week is being observed under the theme, “Fire Safety, a national priority, get involved”.

Thus far for 2014, the GFS has received close to 1,200 calls, a 14 percent increase over the same period last year. Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said that the present dry weather, along with the indiscriminate setting of fires, either for the burning of garbage or clearing of land, has resulted in the service receiving about six to eight calls per day in the city alone, and about 40-50 calls per day in the outlying areas.

“We need to break away from some of the traditional things that we continue to do, such as setting fire to clear land. These things damage infrastructure, obscure traffic and create environmental issues for persons living around,” Gentle explained.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle

These challenges notwithstanding, the GFS has noted a decrease in building fires thus far this year. Based on the statistics, there has been a two percent decrease in fires on private buildings, 12 percent decrease in government , and 30 percent in commercial type buildings.

More than 50 percent of the private dwelling fires involve

shacks.

However, there is a 30 percent increase in motor vehicle fires. The Fire Chief said that it is still unclear if this increase is as a result of arson/malicious damage or intentional, for insurance fraud.

The Fire Chief said that the service continues to work closely with the Guyana Pow-

er and Light (GPL) Inc. to alleviate some of the problems that result in fires on private buildings. He explained that electricity theft and unsafe electrical installation and wiring resulted in many fires.

At present, the Fire Service is focused on the construction of two new stations, one at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, and the other at Corriverton, Region 6. The contracts for these stations have already been awarded and works are about to commence at both locations.

In terms of vehicles and other firefighting equipment, the GFS currently has a fleet of over 45 vehicles countrywide. Only recently, two aircraft fire fighting vehicles were acquired, one of which will be deployed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the other at Ogle Airport.

By year-end, a rapid intervention vehicle, which is a smaller type of aircraft firefighting vehicle (also for Ogle airport) and two ambulances will be added to the Fire Service’s fleet. This year, the service received an allocation of $260M for land transport alone.

The GFS is in the process of recruiting an additional 84 persons. These individuals

will undergo the12-week Basic Recruit training programme at the Leonora Training Complex.

As it stands, there is some outstanding work on this facility; however, it could accommodate persons for training.

Additionally, construction on a firefighting simulator will commence shortly within the precincts of the same facility to facilitate practical training of ranks of the Service.

The Chief Fire Officer said, “We also hope to send some of the ranks for specialised training overseas. We have earmarked persons who will be proceeding to the UK shortly. They will form the nucleus of the new training unit and become instructors.”

Plans are also underway to establish a marine unit or fire boat unit. The GFS is at present collaborating with other agencies to have this type of equipment built.

The GFS, like many other public agencies, has not been spared from criticisms; however, Gentle said that statistics have indicated clearly that the service has improved significantly both in terms of response time, as well as the number of vehicles and equipment

being deployed to the scene of a fire.

Of the total number of destructive fires that the country has witnessed thus far this year, approximately 60 percent of buildings have been saved.

The Fire Chief explained that the service is not only responding faster, but is also able to better perform containment operations, particularly with the investment in water tankers.

He noted that with the absence of fire hydrants, the GFS has had to improvise; and while the situation is not ideal, it is an immediate solution.

The fire protection programme that was rolled out for hinterland communities is also running smoothly.

Gentle said that training for the personnel at Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Kwakwani, Mahdia and Lethem remains constant. At present, there are about 69 persons involved in the hinterland auxiliary firefighting unit.

Going forward, the GFS is looking to expand its reach to Wakenaam and Leguan. The Fire Chief said that there is need to put in place some type of volunteer auxiliary in the short- term. (GINA)

Man pleads not Distribution of old age pension guilty to charge books to commence next month of fraudulent conversion

THIRTY-four-year-old Suresh Singh (no address given) was yesterday granted $120,000 bail after pleading not guilty to the charge of fraudulent conversion before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It is alleged that on October 7 at Third Avenue, Bartica, he being solely entrusted by Pamela Hussain with a sum of $1M for the purchase of fuel and groceries, fraudulently converted the sum to his own use and benefit.

The unrepresented defendant requested bail on his own behalf after telling the court that apart from traffic offences, this was his first charge for such an offence.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant said that the facts are as charged and did not object to bail.

Surety was granted to him under condition that he reports to the Bartica Police Station every Friday at 18:00 hrs. However, the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates Court for October 16.

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has announced that the distribution of pension books will commence next month.

As such, pensioners are asked to pay close attention to the various distribution centres throughout the country.

The Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, said that they are currently reviewing the process whereby pensioners are forced to wait for lengthy periods before they are able to uplift their pension books.

INCREASE IN PENSIONERS The year 2014 has seen an increase in the number of persons who have attained the age of 65, so the pen-

sioners’ database and listing have exceeded 3000.

However in the 2014 budget, 42,000 people were added and are currently accessing the old age pension scheme.

The services provided across the country, such as improved health care, have enabled people to live longer in Guyana. The life- expectancy rate in Guyana has therefore increased, hence the presence of additional pensioners on the list this year.

OTHER SUPPORT Additionally, with the electricity subsidy which requires the criteria of ownership of a meter which entails at the pensioners must own the property they live in, and the meter must be in his or her name. However, this year

has seen an increased subsidy of $30,000 per annum, while a latter of 8128 pensioners who have received that subsidy of $30,000, which was administered in July.

Additionally the ministry supports pensioners with a water subsidy which entails the same criteria as electricity; Georgetown users receive a subsidy of $11,980 while rural areas would receive a latter of $ 8,864.

FUTURE PLANS The ministry at present is planning to host an interactive session with senior citizens during October. The aim of this session is to get the involvement of senior citizens and a panel discussions for the setting of laws that will aid in the drafting of laws for the protection of the elderly.

The Minister noted that it is “something that is really necessary in our society, because almost every day on a daily basis now there are complaints of the elderly persons in our environment being victims of abuse of some form or the other, either at the hands of their family members or persons that they do not know.”

Miss Webster also said that there is segregation as it relates to public transportation, and pensioners suffer discrimination on a daily basis. They are often denied entry on buses by operators.

The minister expressed satisfaction at having the press on board in its advocacy for the protection of the elderly, especially those who would have contributed to Guyana’s development.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

NDIA working assiduously to rectify koker breach

Putting retrieved items in the sun to dry after the flood

MINISTER within the Ministry of Agriculture Hon. Alli Baksh yesterday morning visited the community of Peter’s Hall in wake of the recent koker breach which saw the community being inundated by water from the sea.

At approximately 16:00hrs Thursday afternoon,

water from the Demerara River caused major flooding in the community.

During the visit, Minister Baksh met with residents of the community while inspecting urgent remedial works being undertaken by a team of engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

This flooded yard resembles a three-foot pool

Minister Baksh added that while all measures are being put in place to remedy the situation to ensure that the water recedes effectively, he cautioned persons not to create a mode of panic by misrepresenting the situation.

“All measures are being put in place to ensure that the water recedes effectively…

Thus far, the boards on the Koker were replaced and personnel are working around the clock to ensure that the water effectively drains offland and in a timely manner,

The Stadium View Bar in the aftermath of the flood

” Minister Baksh said.

Chief Executive Officer, NDIA, Mr. Lionel Wordsworth and a team of engineers are on site to ensure that the situation returns to normalcy. The team is working

A section of Providence after the flood

on installing stop logs to stop the flow of water from the Demerara river during the high tide, a mobile pump was also installed yesterday(October 9, 2014) to ensure the continual drainage of the affected areas.

Also we are assiduously working to construct a new sluice door and affect some remedial structural repair to the sluice within the week.

The Ministry of Agriculture would also like to assure the public that the situation is under control and for persons to take all precautionary measures.

Hundreds of residents residing in west Peter’s Hall and west Providence lost millions of dollars in damaged property after the main koker that separates the two villages collapsed on Wednesday afternoon causing the entire western part of the villages to be flooded, with water reaching 3.5 feet in most homes.

Among the damaged items were fridges, television sets, couches, poultry, glass wares, carpets, etc. Many students and workers had to stay at home to help clean up after the flood; and most elderly

persons in the villages were seen in tears.

One resident who was at the koker yesterday morning told the Chronicle that the incident occurred around 16:30hrs on Wednesday ; he said that when he heard that the koker door was broken, he waited till the water cleared up and went to assist in helping to repair the koker door since he knows a little about it.

“I won’t lie, everybody blaming the engineer for the delay in fixing the koker, but what they don’t understand is that when the door collapse it fell into the groove security of the koker which made it take about five hours to come out, it’s not as if things like this don’t happen, this is God work we need to be prepared for any disaster,” the resident said.

Another resident said that this is the fourth time the koker has collapsed since 1998; he added that when the koker had collapsed in 2008, it wasn’t bad as Wednesday’s .

“This is the fourth time this happen since 1998; it Turn to page 12

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

NDIA working assiduously...

could have been prevented but the engineers who were working to fix the koker on Wednesday night were apparently under the influence of alcohol, it was three of them, they didn’t even have lights and also they cut the woods

extra short which delayed the work more, if they did do the work properly nothing like this would have happened,” the resident concluded.

Another resident , Ms. Bibi Haniff , who was frustrated said that she was at

work when the koker collapsed; she said that when she came home all her belongings were damaged and she could not have done anything since she was left in a state of shock.

“My fridge, my bed, my

Some of the items in this house that were saved could be seen on the bed

clothes, my wares everything is damaged. I live in a flat house, who will help me now? I’m a single parent and it’s going to be hard for me,” Haniff said.

An elderly resident, who lives very close to

From page 11

the koker, recalled her experience at the time of the breach. She said, “All of a sudden I heard something making noise; when I do realise I started to see water started to rush in my house with its power,

right away I remember the movie Titanic and I was wondering if Jack would have been here to save me, because everything started to fall to the ground and broke, I could not have helped myself.”

The interior of a resident’s house after the flood (Asif Hakim and Sonell Nelson Photos)

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

OAS Commemorates the ‘Meeting of Two Worlds’ … with a call for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples THE Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) yesterday held a special meeting to commemorate the “Meeting of Two Worlds,” as a new anniversary approaches of the arrival of the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus to the Americas.

During the meeting, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, the Chair of the Permanent Council and Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the OAS, La Celia A. Prince, recalled that the meeting of two worlds forever

changed the way of life of the inhabitants of both. “It was here that Europe and America began a joint history, bringing about a fusion and eventual transformation of our entire planet,” said Ambassador Prince. The Caribbean diplomat added that “today we, the people of the Americas remember the fearless and determined spirit of our native indigenous peoples, coupled with the enterprising spirit of the adventurous European explorers who dared to adventure beyond their horizons and beyond acceptable schools of thought to find

knowledge and wealth. And this is courageous spirit and determination that continues to define our Hemisphere as it’s now and forever a partner with the rest of the globe.”

For his part, the Permanent Observer of Spain to the OAS, Jorge Hevia, said the Hispanic identity, as well as the Spanish language, is larger today in the Americas than in Europe and reviewed the cultural and political links that bind the two. He said America and Europe “are inspired by the same values of freedom, democracy and human rights systems; they are

universal values that we share with particular intensity, so the political alliance between Europe and the Americas is key to the future global order we are building together.”

The Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda, Deborah-Mae Lovell, on behalf of the CARICOM countries recommended completion of the draft American

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with a recognition of the significance of the demographic shift that came with the arrival of the conquerors, which implied the disappearance of the majority of the original population and the arrival of millions of people brought from Africa as slaves.

During the meeting, the

representatives of Canada, Chile, Mexico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Peru, Canada, Colombia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Dominica, Honduras, Uruguay, The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and the Permanent Observer of Italy all took the floor.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

ACDA calls for an African Land Commission – to right historical injustice done to African Guyanese from slavery to the present time

By Derwayne Wills AS the African Day of Holocaust approaches, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) is calling for the commissioning of an African Land Commission “to right the historical injustice done to African Guyanese from slavery to the present time.”

At a joint press conference between ACDA and

the 1823 Coalition of the Parade Ground Movement held at ACDA’s headquarters, Thomas Lands, representatives of the cultural rights body also called for Guyanese of African descent to be given priority in land allocations ahead of foreign investors.

“We also call for an end to the allocation of lands to foreign groups until African Guyanese land allocations have been completed.”

Highlighting the historical context of the struggle for people of African descent in establishing their economic independence, the Association made comparisons of the treatments meted out to Africans in British Guiana as compared to the Amerindians, East Indians and Portuguese.

“Today, by law, 80,000 Amerindians have been given 15% of Guyana for being the First People.” The associa-

tion further stated that there were approximately 83,455 Africans during the 217 years of slavery who were “given nothing” although they and their families helped and sometimes died while building Guyana’s economy.

They said too that while East Indians and Portuguese were hired as indentured labourers, both receiving wages, the former were “given lands for housing, agriculture and for the creation of villag-

Member of the African Cultural and Development Association, Elton McRae; ACDA member and President of the 1823 Coalition of the Parade Ground Movement, Sister Penda Guyan; and ACDA members Charmaine Graham and Dr. Rudy Guyan

es” while the latter were “assisted by their Government in Madeira and by the British Government to succeed in business.”

All of this, they said, occurred against a backdrop of steady condemnations of the progress of African people by their colonisers.

“Africans were ... forced to sell their produce to the Portuguese as middlemen because the British refused to buy from freed Africans as a way of forcing them back on the plantations.”

During the press conference, the groups said that the 2014 observance of Holocaust will be done under the theme “Reparation for African Holocaust” with the

subtheme: “Resurrecting the Feminine Energies.”

The groups have joined forces in an effort to “bring the concept of the African Holocaust to a wider audience in Guyana, especially African Guyanese.” To this end, the groups have sought the presence of Anthropologist and Historian, Dr. Runoko Rashidi.

The keynote speaker whose focus rests with the global African presence before and after enslavement will be speaking at the Den Amstel Primary School, West Coast Demerara; New Amsterdam Multilateral School, Berbice; and at Parade Ground (Independence Park) and in the mining town of Linden.

Mason refused bail for breaking and entering and larceny

By Geeta Rampersaud A 19-year-old mason of Lot 259 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was yesterday refused bail on two counts of breaking and entering and larceny.

Before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Anferny Catzlaar pleaded not guilty to both offences, one of which said, that on Wednesday, October 1, at Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Rhonda Simmons and stole one 42” flat screen television valued at $180,000.

Additionally, he denied that on the same day at Pineapple Street, he stole two laptops; one HTC cellular phone; one Blackberry cellular phone; one

haversack and $500 US among other items, together valued at over $1.1M. Representing the defendant was attorney-at-law M r. M a r k C o n w a y. H e requested bail in a reasonable sum for his client, stating that he is the father of a five- month old baby.

Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offences, and the fact that Catzlaar has pending matters in another court.

Grant added that the defendant has pending matters at the Providence Court and is wanted at the Diamond Police station for another matter.

The prosecution’s objection was upheld and t h e m a t t e r s t a n d s a djourned to October 14.

15

guyana CHRONICLE friday october 10, 2014

Guyana Relief Council celebrates 20th Anniversary with a special luncheon - GRC Chairperson Yvonne Hinds says ‘The last twenty years marked our first two decades!’

THE Guyana Relief Council (GRC) on Sunday, September 28, celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a special luncheon in the Victoria Lounge and the Oasis of the Pegasus Hotel.

Under the theme ‘Celebrating the Past, Protecting the Future members’, volunteers, sponsors and specially invited guests came together to reflect on the project, to learn about or better understand what the GRC is about -- and from whence it came.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds led the list of special guests which included Minister of Human Services,

Noting that many Guyanese “are still of the mistaken impression that charity work, the gift of giving and the will to care resides only with senior citizens or women”, the GRC Chairperson issued “a direct appeal for new members and volunteers – especially men and young adults – to enable us to be more effective and efficient in carrying out our mandate in the years ahead.”

If Mrs Hinds was the lady of the day, the man of the moment was former Government Minister Dr Henry Jeffrey. He was the subject Minister for Social Services when it was the National Relief Council, a government department, and was instrumental in establishing the GRC as an independent entity to fend for itself.

Dr Jeffrey recalled Mrs Hinds’ initial outright rejection of his initial request that she lead the new organisation and noted just how good a job she has done leading it in the last two decades.

Delivering the feature address, Dr Jeffrey gave an interesting view of the historical background and the political and sociological context in which the GRC was born and he praised its ability to have remained above the cut and fray of the usual ethno-political divisions that have plagued the society.

According to Dr Jeffrey, “Over two decades after its registration as a non-governmental organisation, the GRC is still here fulfilling its vision of providing nondiscriminatory help to Guyanese when they are most in need.”

“Twenty-two years on,” he added, “Mrs Hinds and the GRC are still here, less dependent upon the govern-

Door prize winner Mrs Jennifer Lewis receiving her prize from Chairperson of GRC Mrs Yvonne Hinds Jennifer Webster; the Ambassadors of Mexico and Russia, the Charge d’ Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, the wife of the Chinese Ambassador and famous leader of the Trade Winds, Dave Martins, among others. But the evening belonged to a long list of persons awarded for their contributions to the GRC’s survival during the past two decades.

GRC Chairperson Yvonne Hinds noted that while 20 years is worth celebrating, in this case it was with a sense of sharing with fellow founding members, “that sense of achievement, that sense of happiness in having helped to build a national institution (almost) from scratch, into the formidable force that we have become in the last two decades.”

Noting that, “nowhere has been too far or too difficult” and that, “neither time, or distance or location” have ever hampered the GRC’s ability and will to deliver assistance to victims of emergencies, Mrs Hinds – wife of Prime Minister Hinds, also traced the development of the GRC: from its humble beginnings on Camp Street in 1994 to its securing of its own shelter and recipient of a national award for ‘Caring and Sharing’ for thousands of Guyanese across all of the nation’s ten regions.

Mrs Hinds said, “We have achieved so much in the past twenty years, not only because of our strict accountability and transparency…but because of the exemplary nature of our staff, members, volunteers, individuals and corporate sponsors who have encouraged and empowered us along the way.”

Looking ahead, Mrs Hinds said, “Our next twenty years will see us doing more and better, in keeping with the pace and standard we’ve set in the first twenty.”

But, she said, that would depend greatly on how much more corporate Guyana is prepared to give, whether the Government of Guyana will increase the GRC’s subvention – and whether the GRC can replenish its ranks and refresh its general body with new blood.

Ms. Sybil Fraser receiving appreciation plaque from Vice Chairman of GRC Mr Maurice Amres

Following the speeches, the tables were blessed by member of GRC and local lay preacher Mrs Doris Lewis ahead of a sumptuous lunch prepared by the Pegasus Hotel.

To the drum rolls of a special group of musicians, a Special Presentation period saw special honour awards presented to 14 persons who contributed to where the GRC is today.

The list ranged from the Chairperson and her husband (Mr and Mrs Hinds for their personal contributions and sacrifices to the GRC’s cause), as well as to Dr Henry Jeffrey and 94-year-old Sybil Fraser (the GRC’s first

Supporters at the GRC’s annual luncheon 2014 Secretary and who was also present for the occasion).

Founding and veteran members Rohini Bonar, Barbara Walrond, Doris Lewis and Bernice Mansell were also honoured.

The CEO of Macorp, Mr Jorge Medina was also honoured for his company’s reliable support over the years under review, as well as the GRC’s first Vice Chairman, Saint Lucian journalist Earl Bousquet (who came for the occasion and also chaired the luncheon ceremony), as well as Ms Diane Munro who flew in from the USA. The special presentations were followed by a Dutch auction at which auctioneer Ron Robinson in his usual style tickled the funny bones of the audience while extracting $43,000 for a tall Chinese floor vase and $84,000 for a Kindle Fire, all of which will go to enhance GRC’s ability to better CARE and SHARE in the year ahead.

The general mood at the Pegasus two Sundays ago was one of achievement and optimism that was summed-up by GRC Chairperson Yvonne Hinds, when she noted in her address that “The last twenty years in fact marked our first two decades!” (GINA)

ment than ever.”

Dr Jeffrey noted that, “The fact that in 2011 the Council was awarded our national Medal of Service for the contributions it has made to our society, and particularly the poor and powerless, speaks for itself.”

He also noted that because of the way it was structured and the orientation of Mrs. Hinds and the Council, the GRC has largely been able to stay clear of the normal ethno/ political charges and counter charges.

The former minister maintains contact with the Special awardees at GRC’s annual luncheon including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and 94-year-old Sybil Fraser (sitting) GRC to this day.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

New UG Law Church’s outlet at UG nearing completion Society president, vice -president elected HAVING exceeded several deadlines, Church’s Chicken Food Court at the Turkeyen campus of the University of Guyana is nearing completion.

According to the UG news release (Splash.gy) the workers have been diverted to other construction sites which led to the extreme delay in the completion of the outlet. The major work has been completed so far and

By Ravin Singh

FOLLOWING what was described as smooth and transparent elections this year in the University of Guyana Law Society (UGLS), newly appointed President Patrice Wishart and Vice-President Devin Singh will assume their posts with the intention of raising standards in the Law Department, with the intended involvement of corporate Guyana.

The elections which concluded on Wednesday last saw Wishart, a first -year student competing against Ron Motilall and Samuel Glasgow, both of whom are in their second year. Second-year student Devin Singh, who was also victorious, competed against Kadeem Gordon and Chevy Devonish, both first- year students.

Polls were opened from 12pm to 6pm on voting day which was Wednesday last to facilitate 216 students from first, second and final years.

However, only 150 votes out of this total were cast.

Returning Officer, Glenfield Dennison in an interview with this publication was pleased to disclose that the electoral process had been a “transparent and free” one, noting that while there were minor setbacks, the initial results were not affected. Commenting on the voters’ turnout this year, President-elect, Wishart expressed how pleased he was at the number of voters who had presented themselves this year to participate. “Most persons that I would have come in contact with would have indicated that they’ve voted already, so I am very pleased with the turnout this year,” he said, adding that the work of the elections commission, headed by Chairman Akeem Greene has been admirable. While admitting that there were a few hiccups along the way, Wishart noted that the department is still in the growing process and a perfect execution of the process was never expected.

“My platform is to get the involvement of the students and corporate Guyana to assist us in developing the Law Department. In the past, we have been relying too much on the

From left, Newly appointed UGLS President Patrice Wishart, returning officer Glenfield Dennison and Vice President Devin Singh

Government of Guyana and the University of Guyana’s administration to do things for us and as a result not many things have been done. So now I’m trying to do things differently and try to get people who would have gone through UG and who would have understood the struggles. So we are trying to get their involvement not only in the education but in the infrastructural development of the Law Department,” he related.

Sharing the same sentiments on the electoral process was newly appointed Vice- President, Devin Singh, who highlighted the fact that the presidential debate which would have been the day before elections, had been perfectly executed and tested the abilities of those vying for the various posts.

Singh noted that his main goal is to also get the involvement of corporate Guyana to seek to enhance the quality of the law department. Two such projects he identified as necessary were getting more furniture for the department, since the increase in the number of law students has resulted in a shortage. Second, the installation of an air- conditioning unit, so as to combat the ventilation issue which

the department currently experiences.

“Getting into law school is difficult as it is, but when we get in and experience some of the difficulties such as the lack of ventilation, shortages of furniture and so forth” Singh related, while noting that only last year, Buddy’s had donated some fans to the law department and as such, they remain hopeful that other companies can follow this model and also render assistance.

What is key; he noted, is student involvement and having students in the department approach the elected officials with issues that might face them. This way, the concerns of the students can be addressed and the quality of the students’ lives can be significantly improved, paving a way also for a better learning institution.

Meanwhile, other officials who were elected includes: Secretary, Arianna Beharry; Treasurer, Kaycia Ellis; Assistant/Secretary Treasurer, Shivani Lallram; Organising Secretary, Tevera Franklin; First year representative, Matthew Humphrey; Second year representative, Rashulata St. Louisl; and Third year representative, Vaughn Paul.

currently minor issues are being addressed.

With the rehabilitation of the old Sports Club, this initiative was undertaken to accommodate the fast food outlet that will offer students the option of a variety of delicacies. The intention has been to recruit the current staff of the UG Sports Club to work at the new outlet from the new semester.

Church’s Chicken fran-

chise holder, Camex Restaurant Inc. started constructing the outlet last December and construction is still ongoing.

Mario’s Pizza, Quiznos and the recent Juici Patties are all participants in this initiative.

Meanwhile, students as well as staff have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Church’s outlet on the campus since there are limited food outlets.

(Shivanie Sugrim)

Church’s Chicken outlet at the Turkeyen campus of the University of Guyana nearing completion

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

APNU Youth arm supports GECOM’s newly-appointed PRO, Richard Francois – says PPP is taking ‘bread out of his mouth’

By Ravin Singh YOUTHS for David Granger, a group of the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has come out in full support of newly-appointed Public Relations Officer (PRO) of GECOM, Richard Francois, expressing their contention that the PPP is “seeking to take bread out of the mouth of a young, enterprising and industrious young man.”

POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS Francios, according to General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party, Mr. Clement Rohee, is said to have “political affiliations”

which would “compromise” his position as an official of GECOM. As such, Rohee made a call on GECOM to explain and re-examine Francois’s appointment, since his party believes that there are incidents involving the GECOM official which display a lack of professionalism due to his alleged affiliations.

The General Secretary further noted that Francois is openly sympathetic and supports the political Opposition. He, however failed to provide an answer as to which political Opposition, Francios has affiliations with.

Yo u t h s f o r D a v i d G r a n g e r i s , h o w e v e r, condemning the recent concerns raised by the PPP, labelling them as

“seeking to take bread out of the mouth of a young, enterprising and industrious young man.”

As such, the group in a statement related that “It is trite law that every Guyanese has a right to work and engage in productive employment irrespective of their sex, race religion and political persuasion. Further the right to work is a basic human right and is also embosomed in our Constitution.”

“We the Youths for David Granger condemn this, the latest desecration of our Constitution by the People’s Progressive Party / Civic Regime to deny Mr. Richard Francois on the ill-conceived basis that he may be aligned to an Opposition Party. This

is a blatant and ill- spirited attack on the youths of this nation that have studied and worked hard and yet remain unemployed and underemployed,” the statement said.

The PPP in light of expressing concerns about the appointment of Francios was described, as seeking to “take bread out of the mouth of a young, enterprising and industrious young man,” by the APNU youth arm.

GECOM was also admonished that if they cower to this “unprincipled and unconstitutional” request by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, they, the Youths for David Granger will use every means at their disposal to ensure that Richard Francois gets

GECOM’s newly-appointed PRO Richard Francois

justice.

RESUME Francois has served as a Strategic Communications Consultant at the Ministry of Education, a Freelance Broadcaster at the National Communication Network, a Change Communication Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, as the

Director-Corporate Communications and Public Relations for Total Communications in the United Arab Emirates, the Public Relations Consultant for Promoseven Weber Shandwick in the United Arab Emirates, the Public Relations Manager for Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc., and an Assistant Human Resource Manager at GuySuco.

He is also the holder of a Masters in Marketing Communications from Middlesex University, London and has a Degree in Communications. Armed with such distinction of service both locally and internationally, he applied for and was appointed as the Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission.

Hundreds on East Coast affected by vandalised GT&T cable

The cut pipe in which the cable was encased

AN act of vandalism in which 70 feet of fibre-optic cable, property of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) was destroyed, sometime between October 6 and 7, has resulted in disruption to telephone services along the East Coast of Demerara.

In a press statement, GT&T said it was reported that on “Tuesday[October 7] GT&T became aware of the damaged 900-pair cable on the East Coast Public Road, alongside the bridge separat-

ing La Bonne Intention and Chateau Margot village.”

Ironically, the cable which the vandals took away would be of no use to them, since there was no copper in the cable, but rather another kind of material, which is useless.

GT&T explained that approximately 70 feet of the cable was cut and removed, resulting in disruption to voice and data connection of close to 900 customers in Atlantic Gardens, Montrose, Le Ressouvenir and Happy Acres areas.

Only recently, 480 feet of fibre-optic cable was destroyed on September 25, temporarily disrupting telephone and data services of several important entities, several households businesses, and even the country’s main international airport.

GT&T regrets the inconvenience caused and is working to restore service in the shortest possible time and emphasised that vandalising of cables is illegal and punishable by law. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

On SECL fraud allegations…

CID wrapping up investigations – Crime Chief

THE investigations into the allegation of fraud by embattled contractor, Surendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL), are almost complete, according to Crime Chief, Mr. Leslie James.

“We are in receipt of statements from the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary and representatives from

VIKAB and the AG’s (Attorney-General) Chamber,” he told this newspaper yesterday.

CONTRACT TERMINATION In the latter part of last month, confirmation of the termination of the contract for design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital was forwarded to the princi-

pals of SECL. Alleged breaches forced the termination of the SECL engagement on the Specialty Hospital. SECL had its contract terminated by the Government of Guyana in early September.

The Crime Chief noted that the company’s managing director, Mr. Brijen Parikh, has left Guyana and no other representative from SECL

was available for interviews by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

“When our investigations are complete a report will be done and submitted to the relevant authorities for further legal advice,” Mr. James said.

SECL’s contract for the design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital began in September 2012, after a bid of US$18.1M. VIKAB Engineering Consultants Limited held a 12-month contract as a consultant on the project.

VIKAB Engineering, according to Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, was working with a local evaluation team when irregularities and contract violations were uncovered.

The administration announced its intention to move against SECL after citing what it termed “deep concerns” over the execution of the contract, both as it relates to technical shortcomings and suspicion of fraud.

The Government of Guy-

ana, since June this year, had been engaging SECL on a number of issues regarding allegations of fraud and financial irregularities. Initially, the Government’s concerns were related to delayed milestones, and inadequate accountability

by SECL for public funds the company had received on signing the contract with the Ministry of Health.

Subsequently, the Government of Guyana discovered that SECL’s representative in Guyana had submitted a fraudulent document, purporting to emanate from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.

The fraudulent act by SECL has since been confirmed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.

The start of the investigations came after a dossier of documents was submitted to the police by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, with a letter requesting such a procedure.

When the contract was terminated, Nandlall noted

that the course of action to be taken will include: termination of the contract and engaging the police; and requesting an investigation into the alleged fraud, and both actions have already been taken.

He had stated too that there was the likelihood of pursuing civil litigation against the company for compensation, damages and breach of contract.

LOSS OF CONFIDENCE Reports indicate that to date, the structural designs for the project have been completed, while the architectural designs are currently being reviewed. Physical progress has been seen on the essential site preparation which is some 75 per cent completed. On the building foundations 361 piles have been supplied and 235 piles have been driven.

The current administration has made clear that it has lost confidence in the capability of Surendra Engineering Company Limited.

(Vanessa Narine)

19

guyana CHRONICLE friday october 10, 2014

Climate change has serious implications - Caribbean Week of for fishers, livestock farmers Agriculture forum hears

THE need for robust information and evidence-based policies to combat climate change was underscored this week as participants at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), in Paramaribo, Suriname, focused their attention on the effects climate change was having on livestock and marine resources.

While the damage climate change is having on crops is widely observed and reported, stakeholders are moving to bring the effects of climate change on livestock and fisheries to the fore, pointing to the need for climate smart policies for the two sub-sectors, a press release stated.

CLIMATE SMART Climate smart agriculture refers to practices which help to achieve productivity in the sector, adapt to changing climate and help, as far as possible, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Livestock and fish, important sources of protein, are just as susceptible to the vagaries of climate change, the experts said.

LIVESTOCK With respect to the effects of climate change on livestock, recognition has been given to the need for the development of livestock climate models. Increases in temperatures Region-wide have resulted in heat stress for small ruminants such as goats and sheep, the CWA heard, and modifications on the accommodations for them had to be made in consideration of their health and comfort.

It was very important, participants pointed out, to understand the stresses climate change placed on livestock.

High mortality among poultry could be blamed on elevated temperatures.

According to the release, there was consensus that climate resistant technologies also needed to be developed and implemented immediately. Participants also recognised the utility of knowledge-sharing and cross-learning opportunities that exist between farmer and fisher.

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE The fisheries and aquaculture sector was a very important source of food and nutrition security, foreign exchange earnings, employment and livelihood opportunities, particularly for the poor and vulnerable members of society, said Mr. Milton Haughton, Director, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).

About 338,000 people are directly employed in the fisheries sub-sector in the Region. The sub-sector accounted for some $250M of exports in 2012, according to Dr. Leslie Simpson, Natural Resource Management Specialist, Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

But numerous problems threaten that source of food and livelihood. Among them are marine pollution and habitat degradation; over-exploitation and irresponsible fishing practices and those associated with climate change, sea level rise, and warming oceans.

Experts pointed to other “stressors” such as changes in ocean currents and ocean acidification. The latter occurs because of the increasing amounts of CO2 which is being absorbed in the water from the atmosphere. Ocean acidification may have many negative effects on a variety of marine species and ecosystems, such as coral reefs, which would have rippling consequences throughout the entire food webs in the seas and oceans dynamics.

INFORMATION AND UNDERSTANDING According to Mr. Haughton, it was critical to improve the understanding of how marine ecosystems and fish populations might change in response to ocean acidification and the other stressors, so that preparation could be made for the changes.

This is the same line of reasoning proffered by Dr. Olu Ajayi, Senior Programme Coordinator, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA).

“Every time we talk about climate smart agriculture, a lot of people tend to focus more on the crops, but it’s also important that we also include and start to talk about climate

smart livestock and … climate smart fisheries as well…

“For us to take action and address these issues; there is need for robust evidence… We need not make climate change a buzz word; that everything that happens is due to climate change. Let us be sure that we are able to take positions based on studies and robust evidence. For example, what is it we know about climate change and its impact on agriculture in the Caribbean, and what is it we do not know about climate change and what is the extent of the gap between, and what is the partnership required to fill in this gap? Every time we hear about climate change, it is always something that is apocalyptic… but are there opportunities? …What the CTA

is trying to do is to scout for and find solutions and policies that have worked…” he said.

Inclusiveness and strong collaboration among stakeholders, especially farmers’ organisations, was critical, he pointed out.

The time to act is now, he told representatives of the media. Further delays in taking action will be more costly, he warned.

As highly dependent as Caribbean countries are on their coastal marine resources and livestock for social and economic development, they cannot afford to be complacent with climate change, the release concluded.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

21

22

guyana CHRONICLE friday october 10, 2014

Chance to review Revised List of Electors ends on October 26

THE revised Preliminary List of Electors (PLE), has been posted at locations countrywide for scrutiny by the electorate and other stakeholders.

The publication of the revised list follows the end of the Claims and Objections period in August, according to Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DECO), Mr. Vishnu Persaud, in an invited comment yesterday.

The Claims exercise ended on August 31st and the Objections period ended on September 3rd. The entire exercise ended on September 7th; the additional days allowing the Commission to address the issues raised during the claims and objections process.

162 OBJECTIONS UPHELD According to Persaud, during the entire process there were a total of 2,632 new transactions, 2,733 transfers owing to issues related to change of address, etc., and 1,208 changes/corrections to existing registration information. Also, there were 3,644 objections. Of these, some 3,074 were dismissed, since they were not substantiated, and 162 of the objections were upheld. The remaining 408 objections were withdrawn.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that publication of the revised list, in line with legal requirements, allows stakeholders to bring any concerns to the attention of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr. Keith Lowenfield.

“The CEO could revise the list based on any problem, which could include an inadvertent omission of a name of an eligible elector,” he said.

The list was made public on October 6 and is legally required to remain open for scrutiny for 21 days, up to October 26, 2014.

Once the 21-day period has ended, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will compile a Certified List of Electors, which can be used for general elections.

GEC OM’s h otlin e numbers are 225-0278-9, 226-6557 or 223-9650.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

Barama presents bursary awards to five children of employees BARAMA Company Limited on Tuesday presented bursary awards to five successful children whose parents are employees of the company.

The ceremony which featured addresses by top officials of the company and guest speaker Mr. Olato Sam, Chief Education Officer, took place at the company’s head office at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

In his remarks, the new CEO of Barama, Mr. Thomas Apun urged the students to always persevere irrespective of their backgrounds. He also shared with them the story of the humble beginnings of his own educational journey, in his bid to motivate them towards continued excellence.

The students were also fortunate to receive inspirational words from the Chief Education Officer, who highlighted the significance of this year’s Education Month theme: ‘Literate by Grade Four through consistent home, school and

Recipients of the bursary awards with Barama company officials and Chief Education Officer, Mr. Olato Sam

community involvement’. He emphasised the need to continuously raise the standards of education in Guyana, adding that “we all have a part to play in this regard.”

BOOKS AS GIFTS He also lauded Barama for its consistent support of education and the children of Guyana. He further charged parents to introduce their chil-

dren to books at an early age - “give books as presents” he advised.

The simple but inspirational ceremony also featured a donation of plywood to Soesdyke Secondary for the production of chalkboards and a quantity of books to augment the existing library at the St. Mary’s Primary School. (Savitri Laikram)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

Budget cuts take toll on funding for disability, other programmes

Call for more T&T-Jamaica collaboration

(Trinidad Express) JAMAICA’S Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams has called for increased co-operation and trade facilitation between this country and Jamaica in order to boost innovation and competitiveness.

“A good example of this sort of meaningful collaboration happened in Trinidad in 2011 to assist Jamaica exporters at the trade facilitation desk and this has been good for both of us,” she said.

Ffolkes-Abrahams was speaking yesterday at a business networking luncheon at the International Waterfront Centre, following the opening ceremony of the eighth Americas Competitiveness Forum.

She identified several areas where these partnerships can occur.

did prior to their disability.

The provision of hearing aids for persons with hearing disabilities is another service which the budget cuts have affected.

Funeral assistance to the tune of $30,000 was provided by the ministry, when families could not afford funeral expenses; with the budget cuts, however, this too has ceased. The ministry would also provide financial assistance to senior citizens’ homes to help with their utility bills and maintainance.

The budget cuts have rendered the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security incapable of providing funding for services offered to persons with disabilities.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 You’re likely to gravitate toward those who can put on a show and carry your imagination to a far-off land today. Look for this quality in others instead of turning to the TV to satisfy this need. If you aren’t careful, you may end up a couch potato all day, without talking to anyone. Take note that real life is much more enriching than anything that could come over the airwaves.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 Connect with those who carry you upward and encourage your fantasies today instead of those who try to bring you down to reality. There’s a need for you to shine more brightly than usual, and there’s no reason why this wish shouldn’t be granted. Everything will work out splendidly for you as long as you align yourself with admirable people and noble causes, so go for it.

Cancer June 22 - July 22 You’re likely now on the brink of completing a major move of some sort. Your first reaction may be to sit in solitary deliberation as you wrestle with the pros and cons of each piece of the situation. Try not to overload your head with too many details. Look at the overall picture. Perhaps you will find the answer you seek on a walk. During that time you can clear your head of unnecessary clutter.

Leo July 23 - August 22 It’s one thing to be a friend and it’s another to feed someone’s ego just to make him or her happy. Make sure that you aren’t telling someone lies just because you know that that is what he or she wants to hear. A true friend is someone who is honest at all times, even if it means that you may temporarily hurt that person’s feelings.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Don’t take things that don’t belong to you. Your penetrating eyes are apt to spot things that are easily pocketed, even though you know deep down that those things aren’t meant for you to keep. Your imagination might try to convince you that it’s OK to pull such sneaky manoeuvres, and you may be tempted. Don’t deceive yourself.

Below rates for October 9, 2014

BUDGET cuts have affected the support offered persons with disabilities by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Minister Jennifer Webster said under the Ministry of Finance, where the Anti-Poverty Programme is administered, the Ministry of Human services and Social Security receives annual financial allocations for poverty alleviation interventions. Because of the budget cuts this year, however, the ministry has been unable to execute various aspects of the programme that are being offered for people living with disabilities.

Miss Webster noted that as it relates to persons with disabilities, the ministry was unable to meet transportation costs of community based rehabilitation (CBR) groups, which is among the supporting initiatives that they usually offer.

Currently, there are several CBR groups in Guyana

which include Regions 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6 and 7. However, some of those groups are given annual transportation allowances to assist group members to attend meetings and travel around Guyana.

The minister noted: “It is not a service we provide here in Guyana like same countries overseas where you have a wheeltrack that is Government’s contribution to support people with disabilities in one way.”

Another area of support affected includes the ministry’s ability to respond to requests for prosthetic limbs.

Prosthetic limbs help the physically challenged to perform daily activities such as walking, eating, or dressing, thereby giving them another chance to function as they

By Celestine Juan

Aries March 21 - April 19 Feel free to go shopping for yourself. While you’re at it, you might as well pick up some things for others, too. You’re apt to be in tune with the pleasant spirit of the people around you. On the other hand, if they’re being especially negative or cranky, don’t hesitate to just go elsewhere. Unfortunately, that may be easier said than done.

Currency G$/US$ G$/GBP G$/CAD$ G$/euro BDOS$ G$/EC$

Buying 205.98625 333.89966 185.68663 262.85586 101.86969 75.45903 32.23010

Selling 208.43594 338.08309 187.82945 266.19354 102.89094 76.21551 32.55321

Libra September 23 - October 22 Try not to think too much about what is “supposed” to happen next. The truth of the matter is that things don’t necessarily work out the way they’re planned, so don’t count on something that has no guarantee of coming to fruition. Stick to your own way of doing things and try not to get too hung up on the results. The key now is to enjoy the process.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Water your plants today and make sure they’re getting enough light. If you don’t have any plants, take this opportunity to go to the nursery and pick up a couple for your home or office. Nourish the organic things in your life to help remind you of your own roots, which are extremely important for you right now. Sink deep into the Earth in order to understand the environment around you.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 You’re on a roll today. Don’t let other people’s insecurities or shallow understanding about an issue get in the way of your progress. There’s a distinct advantage to the way you approach things. Feel free to exert your will on those who need strong direction. If you’re confident about the answer, don’t be shy about saying so. If people don’t like the way you’re leading, they don’t need to follow.

For Friday October 10, 2014 -05:00hrs For Saturday October 11, 2014 -05:30hrs

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 You may be wondering whose shoulder you should cry on. Usually yours is the shoulder that everyone else likes to use. The collar of your shirt is probably soaking wet by now, thanks to all the tears that have spilled on you. Your compassion for others is definitely one of your biggest strengths, but be aware of the fact that it can also be one of your biggest weaknesses.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Your coals have been smoldering for a while, and there is a great deal of smoke pouring from your blackened embers. The good news is that there’s apt to be a great gust of wind today, acting as the catalyst that ignites the flames.

You’ve provided the heat and the fuel. The missing element of air is finally coming your way, so be prepared. The fire is apt to heat up quickly.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Be wary of big promises today. This could be one of those days when people are more likely to take a gamble because they’re unrealistic about how things are going to work out. Don’t be surprised if the stock market jumps as a result of the dollar signs that people imagine. It will be hard for others to resist when people receive promises of a big payoff.

26

guyana CHRONICLE friday October 10, 2014

Telephone Contact # 616 0301 or 227 5216

12th

Here we are again folks as riveting and as scorching as can be. With great pride we serve up a tropical platter heaped with hilarious tidbits, glossy fashion showcases, lashes for those that erred and molten morsels for those that are ‘single and looking’.

That aside, we bring you the perfect ‘entertainment delicacies’ to appease your reading fethishes. Enjoy this and the other tree pages like you always do, and join us next Friday for a roller coaster ride that will take your very breath away....

You Shouldn’t Do That!!!

Child labour continues to be an issue

E

ven as authorities are diligently trying to stem the spread of child labour in our society, some persons are bent on cheating the system just build on their riches, or just to avoid paying stipulated wages.

You see folks, when adults can get children to do the duties normally associated with grown individuals, they pounce on these opportunities made easier for them since poor single mothers have no choice than to allow their children to work to help out in the home. This happens when irresponsible fathers fail to take up the mantle and maintain their kids as they are supposed to.

These photos dictate instances of child labour in three locations in Guyana, where children were made to perform roles of ‘bus conductors’, and even removing paint from cars (also sanding cars) without protective gear.

From making light conversations with theses children, one leans that they are either victims of broken homes, single parent families or poverty.

It has been observed the mini-bus drivers are also making ample advantage of this situation, since they don’t want to pay adult conductors the correct amount they are expected to pay as wages. I have also observed instances where there are traffic police officers working the bus parks without raising an eyebrow to the fact that so many young boys are working as conductors on the mini-buses. What a downright shame.

“I am so sorry for these poor kids”

Berbice Annual Car & Bike Show

for Better Hope Ground

F

olks from the Edinburgh Youth and Promotion Club are poised to host one of the biggest events on their entertainment calendar.

Come Sunday, October 12, 2014, the Better Hope Community Centre Ground (East Coast Demerara) will come alive with great festivity when the 12th Annual Berbice Car and Bike Show is hosted at the venue. With the preliminaries of this event hosted in June 2014 at the Bath Community Centre Ground, promoters are now bringing the finals to this new location since most of the finalists are from the East Coast Demerara district.

Under the theme, ‘Togetherness’, this event will showcase fiery clashes between the East/ West Coast Berbice entrants and participants from along the East Coast of Demerara.

Participants will face off in the categories for Best Bike, Best Rims, Best Sound, Best

Graphics, Oldest Model Vehicles and Bikes, and more. Groups expected to participate are the

Hommer Crew, Raj’s Auto Music, Ramchand Auto Body Works, Miracle Optical, Trans Pacific, Unity Cabs, Team Destroyer, Home Wreckers, Trini Auto Works, all from the East Coast of Demerara.

East and West Berbice will be represented by Doctor Love Posse, Mohan, Alli’s Bakery, Feroze Service Station, Pishu, and others. All the competitors will be battling for trophies, gold jewellery, and cash prizes in US and Canadian currency. Music for the event will be provided by Stereo Sonics, Thunderbolt, High Tech and Hard Core Sound Systems.

Promoters are urging parents to bring out the kids to this event since there will be merry-go-round, trampoline, ring games and more for the kids.

The event is sponsored by Sukpaul’s Gas Station, Trophy Stall, People’s Pawn Shop, White Castle Fish Shop and Carib.

Admission to this venture has been set at $500 for children and $1000 for adults.

27

guyana CHRONICLE friday October 10, 2014

Flashback…

Guyana’s Heatwave Band

s e l z Siz in Suriname

J

ust recently, Park Albina came alive as Jera Entertainment hosted its 3rd Annual Reggae Show in Paramaribo, Suriname. This year, the show, as usual, featured a few local bands from the country and was headlined by reggae sensation Glen Washington, backed by the popular Heatwave Band of Guyana. This marked the return of the popular home band as they were featured at the same event last year as the backing band for another Jamaican reggae artist, Warrior King.

The event seeks to bring live entertainment to the small village known for its love of reggae music, especially the sounds of the late South African Reggae icon, Lucky Dube, who was very popular in the neighbouring country. Glen Washington expressed his gratitude to the band for their hard work. This is the second time that Heat Wave band performed with the artist as just over two years ago they worked with him here in Guyana.

The band has been in existence for six years and rapidly

became a household name. They have since been making waves, being dubbed the most popular string band in Guyana, performing at just about every major event that has been held. They have also been the house band for the annual Carib Soca Monarch Competition. They have played for many international artists, such as Machel Montano, Rupee, Turbulance, Lady G, Admiral Bailey and Flourgan, just to name a few as well, as many Guyanese artistes, and has recently been the backing band for young dancehall superstar, Alkaline, who performed at the 2014 Jamzone Regional Night concert, the second band outside of Jamaica to ever perform with him.

The band consists of musicians Anthony Johnson (bass guitarist), drummer Devon Roberts, keyboardists Earl Bishop and Joshua Dennis, lead singers Carlvin Burnett (former first runner up in the GT&T Jingle & Song Competition) and Tennicia De Freitas (two time Junior Calypso Monarch and artist of Kross Kolor Records) who also act as back-

ground vocalists. They, all along with band manager Chenille Bowen, and engineer Jermaine Rollins, travelled to Suriname on Thursday 4th, to prepare for the much-anticipated show which was very well attended. They performed a half hour repertoire of old and new reggae music which put the crowd in a bouncing frenzy, getting them prepared for the main act of the night. Jera Entertainment was also very pleased with the performance and looks forward to continue working with the band for future shows.

The CEO of the band, Anthony Johnson, promises to do much more for the ending of the year and the years to com, as they have already added a number of dancers, sound engineer and DJ. The band is scheduled to perform at upcoming events in and out of Guyana for the remainder of 2014. Photos of the trip and video clips of their performance in Suriname and many others can be found on facebook.com/ theheatwaveband.

Let’s meet the Mr. Guyana contestant

Kevin William Bhagrat CONTESTANT #5

B

orn to parents Patricia Bhagrat and Edward Bruce, Mr. Kevin Bhagrat is the youngest of four siblings. He sees himself as a sincere, genuine, compassionate, self-empowered and innovative individual with a passion for the fashion industry. He is also a student and model who enjoys extracurricular activities such as indoor and outdoor sports, a good game of dominoes, playing video games as well as watching television shows and movies.

Mr. Bhagrat is great at building harmonious and long lasting friendships with new individuals, and is always willing to try new things and being adventurous. He is and has always been an advocate for self-empowerment and always tries to exemplify and radiate self-empowerment himself. He stated that the greatest discovery one can make is to find out that we, as human beings, can change and shape our future by merely changing our attitudes, and also that the biggest adventure one can have is to live the life one dreams of.

Mr. Bhagrat has been modelling for several years w, his experiences include Guyana Fashion Week. He's also done several fashion shows in various parts of Guyana. He stated that his most memorable experience would have to be when he was selected as Mr. Guyana United Nations 2013 to represent Guyana at the United Nations Pageant in Miami Florida at the Sukee Resort and Casino in November of 2013.

Kevin says that his role model would definitely have to be his mother since she has been both the mother and father figure to him throughout his life. “My mother has taught me many valuable life lessons, life lessons that have made me the young man that I am today, which is a very strong, ambitious, positive, loving and compassionate individual. She (my mother) is my "Woman of Substance" and I sincerely love her from the bottom of my heart.”

His expectation upon completion of the Mr. Guyana International Competition is not only to have won the grand title,

but also to have become a better young man in every area of his life. Also, he hopes to have made an impact on brining awareness about his platform, “Suicide In Guyana", and letting his fellow young men know that there is an alternative and suicide is not the way out!!! He hopes to do this by hosting seminars/workshops where he will be able to educate them about suicide and let them know of ways in which they can prevent it or get out of such situations, if they're ever tempted to do so.

Kevin’s message to his fellow young men is to always remember that they are in charge of their future, and they can have a bright/successful future by always thinking and being positive, and also to remember that we must be the change we want to see.

28

guyana CHRONICLE friday October 10, 2014

Bombshell’s Hottest Babes….

is Bombshell’s ’ r e l a e t S e n e c S ‘

Parika Annual Car and Bike Show

set for October 18

AN ‘entertainment thunderstorm’ like never before is tearing its way to Guyana, demolishing anything ‘showbizz’ in its path.

This blistering phenomenon will touch down at the Parika Centre Ground on 0ctober 18, 2014, in the form of the Annual Parika Car and Bike Show and Expo. This time around the show will be staged with a difference, in that there will be participants from all walks of life in Guyana and even competitors from Surimane.

This year the event will be further hyped with an ‘expo’ that will showcase the goods and services of entities, art and craft and other related features. That aside, promoters have raved that there will be sizzling clashes among competitors

Joke of the Day! A woman gets on a bus with h e r b a b y. T h e bus driver says: ''Ugh, that's the ugliest baby I've ever seen!'' The woman walks to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: ''The driver just insulted me!'' The man says: ''You go up there and tell him off. Go on, I'll hold your monkey for you.''

T

his week we are more than elated to be featuring a dynamic young woman of great substance and vitality.

This red hot, provocative siren has much to her belt of elite achievements, amongst them the superb title of Miss Guyana India 2014.

Divya Sieudarsan is a dazzling 25 year-old beauty with the stunning good looks that can create havoc at a busy traffic intersection. She enjoys modelling, dancing, indulging in different cultures, sampling ethnic cuisines and travelling.

This bubbly lass has a wild streak of adventure hidden within, and aspires to become a humanitarian and owning her business one day. She believes in living life to the fullest, and maintains her vows that all concerned should ‘make hay while the sun shines’ in order to attain maximum gains.

Now my dear men folk, Divya is not looking to hook up with any of you. She is actually just spreading her natural radiance via our Bombshell pages. Hence I suggest you look elsewhere….

in the categories of Loudest, Cleanest, Most Creative, and Most Decorative Car, Bike and Suv. Also, promoters have declared that patrons will laugh ‘till dem belly bus’ after witnessing the theatrics of Character Dancer, Ivelaw ‘Granny’ Campbel, and popular Standup Comedian, Leeza Singh (Parika Backdam Gyal) Music will be provided by Slingerz Family, Matrix and High Fire Sound Systems, and admission is said to be cool.

This event is sponsored by Stag Beer, Ruben’s Sawmill, Sunny Sawmill, Chico, Legacy, and Big Shawn Cargo Boast Services. Also on board are Big Kiss Taxi Service, Classic Culture Gas Station, To-To Gas Stations and Sand Depot. Also Playboy Tint Shop, Rockers Taxi Service, Sharmila’s Variety Store, and Steve’s Variety Store.

Big names behind this initiative also are Ramchand Body Works, Trans Pacific, Big Signers, Red Jet, and Auto Stop (Junior Sheriff)

29

guyana CHRONICLE friday October 10, 2014

Celebrity Birthdays

Amitabh Bachchan to celebrate his birthday on Twitter with his fans

Rekha to celebrate her 60th birthday today -misses her mother dearly

She describes herself as a "student of life" and believes in acting upon things. Bollywood's ageless beauty Rekha, who turns 60 today, says she is still put through the practice of warding away the evil eye -- a ritual that her mother exercised for her well-being.

"On my birthday, I remember my amma (Pushpavalli) a lot.

Every word of hers, I remember. Yes, she would always 'nazar utaro' on me and that ritual continues to date," Rekha said in an exclusive radio interview to 92.7 BIG FM. Now, she has an 'amma", who has been with the family since many years.

"She used to work for my grandmother and she is the one who performs all these rituals.

So, if I yawn or sneeze or laugh, and even when I'm just thinking something, she is the first one to 'nazar utaro'.

Courtesy: Facebook "I also remember my mother's blessings and this is the day I feel grateful to her for the genes that I have inherited from her and my father (Gemini Ganesan)," said the actress, who metamorphosed into a diva from the overweight young actress she was in her first Hindi film, "Saawan Bhadon".

Rekha doesn't believe in celebrating her birthday by doing anything special, because she feels "every day, I'm born anew".

"I genuinely don't understand the importance that people give to their birthdays or any special day, be it a festival or a birthday. I believe that every day is a celebration and every day I'm born anew and genuinely try to live every day differently. Everyday I like to learn something new, something different; I'd like to teach others something new too.

"I can't give advice per se to someone because I'm a student of life myself, but whatever experiences I have had in my life, I like to share that with people and when someone talks to me, I give them my two-bits," she said.

There sure is a lot to learn from Rekha, who has continued her tryst with movies, and will soon be seen in Bollywood entertainer "Super Naani".

Her “Sawan Bhadon” (1970) made her an overnight star and over a decade later she touched new heights in Muzaffar Ali's period drama "Umrao Jaan" (1981) that even won her a National Award.

Rekha has acted in over 150 films. Movie after movie, she proved her versatility with films like "Do Anjaane” (1976), "Ghar" (1978), "Muqaddar Ka Sikander" (1978), “Khubsoorat" (1980), "Silsila” (1981), "Basera” (1981), "Utsav” (1984), "Khoon Bhari Maang” (1988), "Ijaazat" (1988), “Kama Sutra" (1996) and "Zubeidaa" (2001).

She has seen ups and downs in her life, but Rekha doesn't contemplate on them.

Amitabh Bachchan may well be one of B-town’s senior-most actors; but surprisingly he is also amongst the most tech-savvy stars. He loves keeping in touch with his fans via Twitter and is always ready to try out something new online. The latest buzz is that Big B has discovered a unique way of celebrating his upcoming birthday online.

The Shamitabh superstar will turn 72 on the 11th of October and he has decided to make the day special for his fans by responding to all tweets with the hashtag #AB72Wishes.

Not only that, but a few lucky ones will also stand a chance to receive a personal message video by the star while others will get digitally autographed posters.

He spoke about his birthday plans and revealed, “Every year on my birthday I am overwhelmed by love and affection that I receive from my fans, from across the world. This year,

with the help of Twitter and Fluence, I have found this unique way to reciprocate the love, even though the message is communicated through a digital medium; for me it is as personal as wishing each individual myself.”

Rishi Jaitly, the Market Director of Twitter - South and South East Asia, has said, ''Mr. Bachchan is the most followed person on Twitter in India, and he has been setting standards in using Twitter to connect with fans in real-time and sharing his voice on the platform. We are delighted to host his birthday celebration on Twitter and bring a new experience to his millions of fans and followers."

So if you are a true Bachchan fan, make sure to wish your favourite superstar on the 11th of October on Twitter with the hashtag #AB72Wishes.

The roll is called for Miss Guyana Universe 2014 …sashing ceremony for Pegasus tonight The line-up of delegates for this year’s Miss Guyana Universe Pageant is certainly astounding and this was magnificently demonstrated when the nine beauties were presented recently to the public at the Palm Court venue.

Tonight, at 20:00 hrs, the dynamic ladies will be officially sashed by their sponsors at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, and promoters have declared the event would be staged with much glitz, pomp and fanfare.

Meanwhile, come October 14, 2014, all Guyana is urged to stay glued to their television as the dynamic ladies battle for top honours in the Intelligence Segment which will be aired live via Television Guyana – 28 (TVG); National Communication Network (NCN); and Hits and Jams Television (HJTV).

Those vying for the prestigious title of Miss Guyana Universe 2014 are reigning Miss Jamzone International, Soyini

Fraser; former Miss Guyana Universe contestant, Nikita Barker; US-based Guyanese, Jyoti Hardat; Alicia Kirton; Sonia Cummings; Cardella Hamilton; Rochelle Cheddie; Lakota Mc Phoy and Shonette Cain.

October 18, 2014, is the date set for their grand rehearsals at the Pegasus Pool Side where they will have an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the big night.

The grand coronation event has been set for Sunday, October 19, 2014, at the Pegasus Hotel from 20:00hrs. On pageant night, the delegates will be competing in swimwear, and evening wear and also battling for high scores in the intelligence segments.

The winner will not only win US$10,000, but will also add to her belt of achievements the opportunity to represent Guyana in the international pageant slated for later in the year.

‘Nine exquisite, radiant faces…. Who will take home the coveted Miss Guyana Universe 2014 crown?

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

31

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

33

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 10, 2014

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday OCTOBER 10, 2014

Racing Tips South Africa Racing Tips

Get rid of Gary Neville and get me in instead, says ex-England star GARY NEVILLE should be sacked as England coach and replaced by one of his former international teammates, says the man himself.

Sol Campbell believes England should replace Neville ... with Sol Campbell.

The former England defender played 73 times for England between 1996 and 2007 and was asked by a fan at the Cheltenham Literature Festival what he would do to stop Roy Hodgson’s side conceding so many goals.

Campbell’s reply was emphatic: “Get rid of Gary Neville and get me in instead.

I’ve done all the badges,” he went on to explain. “I’m doing my coaching badges with the Welsh FA. I am on the last year of the pro licence. Whether I’m going to use it straightaway I’m not

too sure. Whether I can use it here I don’t know.”

Neville, who earned 85 caps for England between 1995 and 2007, also works as a pundit for Sky Sports alongside helping Hodgson - something which has irked many due to his divided commitments.

But it was the issue of the badges which seemed to frustrate Campbell, who says he will look abroad for a coaching post if he is not given one by England.

“The career I have had should warrant me getting a job,” he said.

Neville, in fact, does have UEFA A and B coaching licences to his name.

Campbell was at the festival to talk about a new authorised biography of his life and career.

The former Arsenal and Tottenham defender previously said, very famously, that he should have been England captain because he believed he was the best defender in the world at the peak of his career.

“I had my colour to count against me - I should have captained my country more than three times. I was going toe-to-toe with Beckham and he got the captaincy,” he said.

“But I was getting better and better. I became one of the best defenders in the world and then the best defender in the world and captain of my domestic side. But the better you get the further away you get (from the England captaincy). To me it’s not right,” he added.

“David was picked as captain and of course he ticked all the boxes.

But what if every country adopted that kind of format? They don’t.”

2014 BCB/Carib Beer First Division T20

Action continues this weekend in Berbice The full fixtures for matches on both days are as follows: Saturday

Gudakesh Motie Kanhai CRICKET action in this year’s Berbice Cricket Board/Ansa McAl’s Carib Beer-sponsored first division T20 cricket competition continues this weekend in Berbice with Zone A and B second round matches on Sunday and rescheduled Zone C matches on Saturday and Sunday.

Two double-headers (morning and afternoon matches at the same ground) are scheduled, the first on Saturday when Albion Community Centre will host Port Mourant at 09:00hrs and Skeldon Community Centre at 13:30hrs at Albion.

On Sunday, Guytrac Upper Corentyne will entertain Albion Community Centre at 09:00hrs and Port Mourant at 13:30hrs.

08:15 hrs Variety Star 08:55 hrs Drill Sargeant 09:35 hrs Winter Fantasy 10:10 hrs Tetelstai 10:45 hrs Principled 11:20 hrs Berrymiller English Racing Tips

09.00hrs: Albion Community Centre vs Port Mourant at Albion; Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets vs Guytrac Upper Corentyne at Rose Hall Town.

York

13:30hrs: Albion Community Centre vs Skeldon Community Centre at Albion.

11:05 hrs Emerhldz

Sunday Zone A: 13:30hrs: Blairmont Community Centre vs Bush Lot Rising Star at Blairmont; D’Edward vs West Berbice at D’Edward.

Zone B: 13:30hrs: Young Warriors vs Edinburgh at Cumberland; Universal Solutions Bermine vs Police at Albion.

Zone C: 09:00hrs: Guytrac Upper Corentyne vs Albion Community Centre at No.69; Skeldon Community Centre vs Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets at Skeldon.

13:30hrs Guytrac Upper Corentyne vs Port Mourant at No.69.

Changes to bodybuilding ...

From back page The body fitness class looks for a more toned physique that is complemented with expensive shiny bathing suits, heels, well manicured fingers and toes as well as hair and make-up – quite an expensive package.

Fortune said she was forced to run around at the last minute in order to secure enough money to make the trip, telling Chronicle Sport that she was forced to run the COURTS 10km road race less than a week before the event, in a bid to raise money.

From her review, she said her legs needed work or ‘a bit of flair’ as she described it to achieve better symmetry, saying it was the deciding factor as she received kudos on the development of her

Fairview

09:00 hrs Acolyte 09:30 hrs Eccleston 10:00 hrs GM Hopkins 10:30 hrs Brando 11:40 hrs Cabelo 12:10 hrs Rousayan Carlisle 09:10 hrs District Attorney 09:40 hrs Knight’s Parade 10:10 hrs Drop Out Joe 10:45 hrs Mazuri Cowboy 11:20 hrs Tom’s Article 11:50 hrs Final Assault 12:20 hrs Divine Port Newton Abbot 09:20 hrs Arenica Et Pictons 10:20 hrs Henryville 10:55 hrs Taquin Du Seuil 11:30 hrs Petrovic 12:00 hrs Abbeygrey 12:30 hrs More Bucks Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 12:40 hrs Blackbriar 13:10 hrs Camakasi 13:40 hrs Lady Mandeville 14:10 hrs Bertie Le Belge 14:40 hrs Maontri 15:10 hrs Havelock Ellis 15:40 hrs Master Melody 16:10 hrs Mr Rock

upper body.

That aside, Fortune said the experience was a good one and she’s looking forward to 2015, but she also wants the federation to impress upon the judges, the need to upgrade their skills in judging for the body fitness class. They need to stop choosing the soft-physiques because those women at CAC look almost like bodybuilders.’

The ‘golden boy’ Davis, also had his fair share of ups and downs in securing sponsorship, adding that the time between the senior national championships and the CAC is too short to secure adequate sponsorship. He is however grateful for those who pitched in.

On his performance,

he said he’s overwhelmed to have won a third gold and to have had the Golden Arrowhead flown in another land.

Davis, who is a member of the Guyana Defence Force, is taking it easy for the remainder of the year adding he’s now focused on his wedding, while for 2015 those in the flyweight class will have a relief as he is moving up to the lightweight division, posing a formidable threat to his competitors there.

At the next CAC, he wants to compete in the bantamweight class, the division former Mr Guyana and former three-time CAC gold medallist Sylvan Gardner dominated, almost a decade ago.

French Racing Tips Chantilly 08:20 hrs Across The Floor 08:50 hrs Royal Spring 09:20 hrs Mauny 09:55 hrs Entrée 10:25 hrs Kaulbach 10:55 hrs Turfmaid 11:25 hrs Royal Aspiration American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Box Office Race 2 Discreet Force Race 3 Goodnewsisnonews Race 4 Hail Cornell Race 5 E Z Passer Race 6 Mcllroy Race 7 Given Fire Race 8 Strong Impact Race 9 Congress Park

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday OCTOBER 10, 2014

Ramdin’s prolific run and Samuels’ record KOCHI, India - A stats analysis of the first ODI between India and West Indies.

27: Number of times India have been bowled out for less than 200 against West Indies, the most against any country.

Pakistan have also done this 27 times, while Australia’s tally is 25.

3: Number of times Dwayne Bravo has opened

the innings for West Indies in ODIs. His innings against India was the first since 2008, when he scored 2 against Sri Lanka in Port-of-Spain.

60: West Indies’ win percentage in ODIs over the last year, in which they have won nine out of 15 ODIs. The only teams with a better win percentage during this period are Sri Lanka (64%) and South Africa (73%). India, on

the other hand, have only won 12 of the 29 ODIs in the last year, with a win percentage of 41.

246: Number of overs bowled by Ravindra Jadeja over the last year, the most by a bowler in ODIs. The next three on this list are Indians too - R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This is partly down to India having played 29

ODIs in this period, more than any other team. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa are the other teams that have played more than 20 games.

9: Number of 50-plus scores by Marlon Samuels against India in ODIs. His next best is five against Bangladesh. He also has two hundreds against India and Pakistan, and eight 50-plus scores in India, the most outside the West Indies.

Samuels has nine 50-plus scores in the West Indies.

10: Number of West Indian batsmen who have scored 4 000-plus runs in one-

day cricket. Samuels joined the list during his innings of 126 not out. Overall, 91 batsmen have reached this landmark.

63.3: Denesh Ramdin’s batting average over the last 12 months while also keeping wicket for West Indies.

Among wicketkeepers who have played at least 10 ODIs in this period, only MS Dhoni has a better batting average (70.6).

32: Number of ODI wickets taken by Shami in 2014 - the most by any bowler. He started the game on 28 wickets, one behind

Lasith Malinga, but his haul of 4 for 66 took him to the top.

14: Number of 50-plus partnerships by the Indian openers over the last two years; no other team has more. The openers posted 49 runs against West Indies and, over the last two years, have averaged 45.2, the best for a top-ten side.

9: Number of single figure scores for Virat Kohli in his last 16 international innings, starting with the Test series in England earlier this year. He has only two 40-plus scores in this period.

Marlon Samuels (right) and Denesh Ramdin of West Indies during a break during the 1st One Day International between India and the West Indies held at the Nehru Stadium, Kochi, India last Wednesday. (Photo courtesy West Indies media)

Pietersen right about England bullying culture FORMER South Africa captain Graeme Smith has become the latest person to back Kevin Pietersen’s claims in his autobiography that a ‘bullying’ culture existed in the England set-up.

Pietersen has written in his book KP: The Autobiography that a clique, led by bowlers James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann as well as wicketkeeperbatsman Matt Prior were guilty of making life tough for younger players in the field.

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting agreed with some of Pietersen’s sentiments, while Smith added further weight to the accusations yesterday Smith led his South

Africa side to a Test series victory in 2012 over England, who went through a summer of turmoil after Pietersen admitted sending ‘provocative’ texts about his own captain Andrew Strauss to Proteas players.

And Smith, who retired from international duty earlier this year, admitted their success two years ago was helped by cracks appearing in the England ranks.

“Some of the stuff that he touches on in his book I certainly can believe,” Smith said in an interview with Johannesburg-based radio station Highveld FM. “Having played against them we always used to say if we could get a win or get ahead, that they would turn on each other.

“A lot of the stuff that he’s touched on in his book, the bullying stuff, you certainly did experience some of it when you played against them and you knew you could use it as an asset to get on the other side of them.”

Smith, who also has a notoriously chequered history with Pietersen, also appeared to criticise England’s management team for their role in the whole saga.

“KP is a draw card and world cricket loves to watch him play the game,” he added.

“I think it’s sad he is not playing international cricket anymore and I think English cricket is worse off without him.

Man-management is probably a big factor in why he is not there.”

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday OCTOBER 10, 2014

Victory made hundred sweeter, says Samuels KOCHI, India (CMC) – Marlon Samuels says his sixth One-Day International hundred was made all the more satisfying because of West Indies’ impressive 124-run win here last Wednesday.

The right-handed Samuels carved out a brilliant unbeaten 126 as the Windies, sent in at the Nehru Stadium in the first ODI of the five-match series, piled up 321 for six, then bundled out India for 197 off 41 overs, with Samuels again in the forefront with 2 for 10 from three overs.

“I don’t put them (hundreds) in categories so I just give thanks for another international hundred. It’s a great milestone,” Samuels said afterwards.

“Coming in and getting two quick wickets was just putting the icing on the cake. I always say scoring a hundred and getting two

wickets and your team still losing that goes down as nothing to me. But tonight we won so I’m definitely enjoying this milestone.”

Samuels strode to the wicket with West Indies 98 for two in the 18th over and proceeded to dominate, emerging from a slow start to count 11 fours and four sixes in his 116-ball stay at the crease.

He added a venue-record 165 for the fourth wicket with wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin whose 61 came from 59 balls and included five fours and two sixes - a partnership which laid the foundation for West Indies’ impressive total.

“The communication out there was good. Ramdin is in good form as well, so I was striving off his energy and he was striving off my energy,” Samuels explained.

“We were just talking and working out the

situation. Every over we came together and worked out what we were going to do … we just took it from there and it worked in our favour and the partnership set up the game from there.”

The game was Samuels’ first ODI in eight months after being overlooked for the recent Bangladesh series.

However, he said he took that approach to his innings as he had felt in good touch during the preceding 50over tour matches against India A. “I was trying not to soak up too many balls and just rotate the strike, get off the strike, get fours in-between and gain that confidence, because I have been in good nick from the practice games,” Samuels said.

With the innings, Samuels became the 10th West Indian to reach 4 000 ODI runs.

West Indies middle order batsman Marlon Samuels drives through the off-side during his unbeaten ton against India in the first ODI last Wednesday.

Players want Hinds’ resignation as discontent continues MUMBAI, India (CMC) – West Indies players are calling for the head of WIPA president Wavell Hinds, accusing the Jamaican of a conflict of interest and failing to place their interests as top priority in the recently negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (CBA/ MOU) with the West Indies Cricket Board.

In the most recent letter sent by players’ representative and one-day captain Dwayne Bravo, the players said they no longer had any confidence in Hinds and the top brass of the players union, and urged them to resign.

“We the players have now lost all confidence in your ability to properly represent the players in any meaningful way and as such, we are calling on the Officers of WIPA and any of those who may have a conflict of interest to tender their resignation unconditionally with immediate effect,” the letter to WIPA said.

“This would allow us the right to seek the necessary

advice of professional advisers who we have confidence in and take the necessary course of action as we see fit.”

The players, in a second letter sent to WIPA on Tuesday, wrote that it appeared as if Hinds’ many roles, in addition to the fact that he belonged to the same cricket club in Jamaica as WICB president Dave Cameron, had now “clouded his judgement”.

Hinds, also WIPA’s Chief Executive, serves as Jamaica’s chairman of selectors and is a Board member of the Jamaica Cricket Association.

The threat of strike action loomed over the first One-Day International last Wednesday, as players protested the new terms of WIPA’s CBA/MOU deal with the WICB. They have contended that the new agreement leads to drastically reduced income. According to the players, their Test, ODI and Twenty20 fees had been decreased by 75 per cent, with their International Cricket Council fees also

decreased by “close to 100 per cent”.

Further, the players said they would not be compensated for the use of their rights under the new deal.

They argued they had no input in the latest deal and called for a return to the old arrangement until a new agreement could be struck.

“The players will not accept any agreement it has had no input in, did not give its consent to and which would infringe on its rights. We reserve all of our rights and intend to seek independent advice so as to establish the players’ best course of action,” Bravo said in the letter.

“For the record, we wish to reiterate our position put forward to the WICB earlier, that we continue under the old structure until a new agreement is reached between the players and WICB. Neither the WICB nor the players would be in a disadvantageous position since this would have been mutually agreed by the parties.

“This we believe is a

sensible and reasonable approach for all concerned.”

Such a move would all but rubbish the new CBA/ MOU which Cameron only last month described as “historic”. The old agreement had proved a source of contention in the past, leading to the souring of relations between WIPA and the WICB. Despite going ahead with Wednesday’s first ODI, players have refused to take the strike option off the table, especially with four matches remaining in the current series, with the second one-dayer scheduled for tomorrow in Delhi.

“After much consideration, the West Indies players have decided to participate in the first one-day international against India …,” Bravo explained in the letter.

“This decision should not in any way be construed as an acceptance by the players of the unreasonable terms and conditions put forward to us by WICB, nor is it an acceptance of the purported new Memorandum of Understanding.”

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday OCTOBER 10, 2014

Ansa McAl throws support behind 4th International Softball tournament BEVERAGE distribution giant Ansa McAl Trading yesterday formed an alliance with the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), for the hosting of that entity’s fourth annual Guyana Softball Cup tournament which is set for October 31 to November 2.

Ansa McAl sponsorship comes through their Stag Beer brand and Representative Sean Abel, speaking at a simple ceremony to mark the occasion at the Company’s Beterverwagting (BV) head office, said the tournament is one which brings communities and families together - something Ansa McAl is proud of.

Darshnie Yussuf, Ansa McAl Public Relations Officer, said the tournament encompasses all the values the company strives on and as such, sponsoring the event came very easily, even as she confirmed the

Sri Lanka switches England ODI ENGLAND will play the fourth one-day international of their forthcoming Sri Lanka tour a day later than initially scheduled.

The fourth match of seven, at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium, has been put back from Saturday December 6 to Sunday December 7, with Sri Lanka Cricket informing the England and Wales Cricket Board of the switch, necessary because of religious observance of Poya Day on December 6.

The preceding ODI, in Hambantota, will take place as scheduled on December 3 but has had a reserve day added on December 4, while there will no longer be a reserve day possible for the fourth match.

All hands on deck! Ansa McAl representatives and members of the GFSCA at yesterday’s presentation entity’s commitment to the tournament with the aim of one day having its final played at the Guyana

National Stadium.

Meanwhile, GFSCA secretary Lalta Gainda, sees yesterday’s event as a

marriage between the two entities and said in time and with Ansa McAl’s support, the Guyana Softball Cup

will be the country’s biggest sporting event.

The Guyana Softball Cup will see seven teams come

from the New York area, three from the State of Florida and two from Canada, all heading to Guyana in an attempt to cart off the $1M Open and $800 000 Masters prizes respectively.

Matches are scheduled to be played at the Police Sports Club ground at Eve Leary, Everest Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Georgetown Cricket Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation, Enmore and Enterprise Community Centres.

Defending champions Trophy Stall (Open) and New York Better Hope Softball Club (Masters), will be aiming to replicate their 2013 performance since it was also pointed out that one of the tournament’s sponsors, Steve Jewellery, will be giving away two gold and diamond encrusted cricket bands to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) from each category.

Sanjay Persaud: Watch out for my RX7 on Sunday jokingly said.

A number of drivers are expected from Suriname and according to Persaud; he’s least worried about his Dutch rivals, having only recently competed against them.

“I’m not worried about any one from Suriname,

because we have people right in Guyana that I have to worry about,” Persaud said, listing Anand Ramchand, Rondell and Peter Daby along with Ryan Dhanram as among the locals he will have to contend with. (Rawle Toney)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

Sanjay Persaud’s fire-breathing Red RX7 about to challenge a Mitsubishi Evo at a recent GMR&SC Drag Race at the South Dakota Circuit (photo: compliments of GMR&SC) WITH just two days to go for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) International Drag Race at the South Dakota Circuit, Sanjay Persaud is already warning the competition about his fire-breathing Mazda RX7.

“The car is great, man;

working perfect,” Persaud boasted as he reclined in a chair at the GMR&SC Thomas Lands office, speaking to Chronicle Sport.

Titled ‘Burn Out 2’, the Drag Race meet gives drivers like Sanjay Persaud a chance to put their cars against their regional and

international counterparts over the quarter-mile distance.

“Well, we had a meet in Suriname recently and I did good times and won a few races so I know my car will deliver and the others will admire it from the back,” the popular businessman

(1)

192 wickets

(2)

England, Pakistan, Australia, India

Today’s Quiz: (1)

Which two made their debut in the same Test?

Colin Croft, Michael Holding, Wayne Daniel, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner (2) Which two never made an ODI hundred?

Larry Gomes, Devon Smith, Jimmy Adams, Alvin Kallicharran, Phil Simmons Answers in tomorrow’s issue

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday OCTOBER 10, 2014

GOA makes Guyana’s participation at NACRA 7s championship a reality … GRFU receives $3M for airfare THANKS to the generosity of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Guyana will be represented at the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7s Championship, to be held in Mexico City, Mexico, from December 3 to 4.

The GOA, yesterday, at its High Street, Kingston head office, handed over a cheque valued $3M to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) to aid in the purchase of the team’s airfare; something president K. A. JumanYassin said was compulsory, based on the track record

the sport holds locally and internationally.

Guyana won five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2011, losing to Mexico in 2012 and lack of funding kept the Caribbean’s best 7s Rugby team out of the competition last year.

“We look forward wth great anticipation and we wish this team all the best,” Yassin said before making the significant presentation to GRFU president Peter Greene.

“This is a joyous occasion,” Greene pointed out, adding “last year was sad for us because we lost an opportunity to defend

GOA president K. A. Juman-Yassin hands over a cheque valued $3M to GRFU president Peter Greene for airfare in aid of Guyana’s participation in the NACRA 7s championship in Mexico. (Sonell Nelson photo) our CAC Games title and a chance to play again at the Commonwealth Games.”

In 2010, Guyana’s Sevens Rugby team carved their way into history when they claimed the first Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Sevens Rugby title by defeating Jamaica 31-7 at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

It was the first time

that the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO) had added Rugby (Sevens) to the list of sports since 1926.

“We have proved to the world that we can compete with the best nations who are far more superior. We had beaten core teams like China, drawn with France and lost a close battle to Australia. I must say thank

Lord’s head curator makes presentation to GCC LAST Wednesday afternoon, Deopaul Raghubir and his son Prem Raghubir, the grandfather and father respectively of Guyaneseborn Omesh Mohammed made a presentation on behalf of Mohammed to the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC).

The brief presentation which took place in the Club’s pavilion saw the Raghubirs present president of GCC Dr Lionel Jaikarran with a piece of hallowed turf from the square of the Lords Cricket ground in London, where, according to both Raghubirs, Mohammed is the head curator for the past three years.

According to the younger Raghubir, the 31-year-old Mohammed, who departed these shores 28 years ago, wanted to give back to the club with which his grandfather is associated as a life member, hence his gesture.

In accepting the token of appreciation, Dr Jaikarran said he was pleased with same, calling it a bridging of the gap between the two entities that are similar and share one common

Deopaul Raghubir (left) the grandfather of Omesh Mohammed, presents the turf from the ‘square’ at Lord’s, along with a wicket, ball and bat ornament to GCC president Lionel Jaikarran, while Prem Raghubir looks on appreciatively at right. goal when it comes to the gentleman’s game.

“Lord’s is seen as the Mecca of cricket in the world, while GCC is the oldest cricket club in the Caribbean and while we do not have much to offer Lord’s

in return, we do share the common goal of developing the game of cricket.”

He thanked Mohammed who was unavoidably absent for his generous offer to the club, whose venue hosted

the first-ever Test win by a West Indies team, same being in 1930 against England, even as the club went on to host 31 other Test matches between 1930 and 2005. (Calvin Roberts)

you to the GOA for this and this means a lot us,” Greene said.

Greene, one of Guyana’s hard-working administrators, believes that other sponsors should not look at supporting the 7s team as just another sponsorship, but also as an investment in one of the most successful sport teams the country has ever produced.

Considered as the

region’s number one rugby nation, Greene said that Guyana stand a 99.5% chance of winning the tournament which serves as a qualifier for the Pan Am Games in Canada next year, with further qualification to the Olympic Games in Rio. (Rawle Toney)

Bancroft to lead from the front for GDF in National Open WHEN the three-day National Open boxing competition punches off on October 24, the Guyana Defence Force would be depending heavily on seasoned welterweight Eon Bancroft to assist in turning back the charge of the opposition.

Bancroft, who hails from the GDF Gym, was on hand at the National Intermediate and witnessed what the Wincell `Knocker’ Thomastrained Republicans did to his colleagues from the Army and has vowed to play his part in turning the tables around later this month.

At the Intermediate competition, a series of knockout victories over the GDF resulted in the Camp and D’Urban headquarters being crowned Champion Gym, shocking the Army boys who were forced to take second place and may be still recovering from the sudden drop.

However, if Bancroft and platoon have their way the army getting back to the top is just a few punches away.

“That was Intermediate and this is Open. I am ready to lead from the front. The GDF would be champions again. We train for and are prepared for war,” Bancroft declared. The stocky fighter is the current national welterweight champion and has the record to back up his declaration.

In February he grabbed a

Eon Bancroft gold medal in the four-nation Goodwill Games held here and five months later made it into the quarter-finals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The 25-year-old is being trained by Terrence Poole, at present Guyana’s lone Three Star coach.

“We expect it to be a very tough competition but we have trained for tough fights and my hope is that whoever is coming up against GDF have also trained for tough encounters because the boat would be rocking,” Bancroft said.

The National Open is scheduled for October 24, 25 and 26 at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground.

Guyanese-born super heavyweight Quincy `Biggy’ Small, the younger brother of former WBC cruiserweight champion Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite, is one of four USA-based fighters expected to return for the competition.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GOA makes Guyana’s participation at NACRA 7s championship a reality See story on page 39

Changes to bodybuilding calendar on the cards … following CAC outing

Here it is for the third time, guys!

Three-time CAC gold medallist Devon Davis proudly displays his spoils won at this year’s CAC Bodybuilding Championships, after deplaning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport yesterday morning.

By Leeron Brumell THERE could be a shake-up in the dates for some events on the calendar of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF), according to its president Keavon Bess, as the national team returned from the 42nd Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Amateur Bodybuilding Championships, early yesterday morning.

The ‘golden boy’ Devon Davis (centre) is flanked by Alisha Fortune and GABBFF president Keavon Bess, following their arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport yesterday morning.

Of a five-member team, two athletes made it through the pre-judging stage, with only one, Devon Davis, landing a medal - gold in the flyweight class which was his third gold and second successful defence of the title he first won in 2012.

Bess, who also represented Guyana at the Congress was elected to the legal council of the CAC body, while reigning Mr Guyana, Kerwin Clarke who finished fourth in the welterweight class went on to the USA to compete at another event

in the coming days.

Overseas-based Bruce Whatley and Rawle Greene did not make it past the pre-judging round, as did the lone female athlete Alisha Fortune Bess said definite changes are to be made to next year’s calendar to give athletes a better chance at landing more podium finishes.

He said the Novices and Senior National events could be held earlier in 2015, to give not only the athletes, but

the GABBFF the opportunity to put systems in place to ensure athletes are not distracted ahead of major competitions.

He pointed out the age-old issue of sponsorship as the major factor, a point echoed by Fortune, who competed in the Body Fitness class for the first time on the international stage, while the CAC has taken the decision to drop that category from events.

Turn to page 35