2014 10 30

GUYANA No. 103996 THURSDAY OCTOBER 30, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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President reaffirms Gov’t commitment to providing equal opportunities for Amerindians President Donald Ramotar stresses the Government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all Guyana’s peoples

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The 19-minute leak…

President: Recording of a private conversation was ‘illegal’ Page

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Parliament will meet ‘in the near future’ – President Page

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Clerk refuses Speaker’s request for November 6 House sitting

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Glenn Lall confesses to phone tapping Page

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Glenn Lall to be questioned by police today Representatives at yesterday’s conference (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

President reaffirms Gov’t commitment to providing equal opportunities for Amerindians

By Vanessa Narine G U YA N A’ S e f f o r t s i n boosting the rights of the country’s first people surpass what is being done in other countries, according to President Donald Ramotar.

“We have gone further than any country I know to guarantee the rights of our indigenous people,” he said yesterday.

His remarks were made in his feature address at the 2014 National Toshaos’ Conference at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Turkeyen,

under the theme ‘Harnessing the power of leadership’.

“From the inception, we have been pursuing this course (of development)… if we are to make our motto, ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ more than a slogan, we have to provide equal opportunities for all our people in this country,” Mr. Ramotar said.

He acknowledged that Guyana’s first people have, historically, been disadvantaged, but highlighted that the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has worked assiduously to

correct this.

“Fundamentally, their needs were ignored…we are taking a different path, a path to use our resources to benefit all our people, equally,” the President stressed.

DIFFERENT PATHWAY Advancing efforts, charting a different pathw a y, M r. R a m o t a r e x plained, is grounded in his Government’s belief that the development of a country is largely advanced through the development of the people of the country.

On that note, he under-

“From the inception we have been pursuing this course …if we are to make our motto, ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ more than a slogan, we have to provide equal opportunities for all our peoples in this country.” – President Donald Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar greets participants at the 2014 NTC

scored the many advances made in indigenous communities across Guyana, including:

● The establishment of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to address the needs, interests and rights

of Amerindians in Guyana; ● The legislative framework that protects and advances the interests of Guyana’s first peoples; ● Access to improved social services, education and health, among others; ● Programmes for youths, such as Youth Entrepreneurial and Apprenticeship programme (YEAP), which also facilitates job creation; ● Improved infrastructure; ● Access to Information Communication and Technology (ICT) facilities; ● Grants for community development activities and special provisions via budgetary allocations for Guyana’s indigenous people; and ● Involvement of youth in climate change response activities; among many others.

“We are beginning to see our efforts paying off,” the President said.

He added that the investments being made in developments to benefit Guyana’s first people are quintessential, considering the potential for the contributions that can be made by Amerindians.

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

The 19-minute leak…

President: Recording of a private conversation was ‘illegal’ THE Government of Guyana maintains its support for Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, following the release of a controversial 19-minute recording of a telephone conversation.

This was according to President Donald Ramotar yesterday in an invited comment, at which time he also made it clear that the laws of the country must be respected.

“People have to respect the laws of the country…. clearly what was done to the Attorney General was an illegal act… to record him without telling him…he was illegally taped…you seem to be missing the point, what was done is illegal, that’s the first thing that we must deal with…it was illegal,” he said.

The 19-minuute recording is of a conversation which allegedly occurred

between a senior reporter from Kaieteur News, Mr. Leonard Gildharie, and the Attorney General last Saturday, October 25.

The recording was released by publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall after he made a report, on Monday, to Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. Balram Persaud. Lall contends that the contents of the recording indicate that his life, the lives of his family and staff members are under threat.

President Ramotar declined to comment on what action will be taken by his Administration, following calls for the AG’s resignation, saying only that the matter is now with both the police and the courts.

Hours after the recording was released, the Government of Guyana released a statement making clear their support for Nandlall and decrying the “manipulation”

“People have to respect the laws of the country….clearly what was done to the Attorney General was an illegal act… to record him without telling him…he was illegally taped.” – President Donald Ramotar of the tape.

Yesterday, the President bemoaned the misconceptions of the term “manipulation” that has been peddled widely on social media sites, among other forums.

“By manipulation I mean it was taken out of context.

What is being done is to take everything out of context.

That is what we are talking about when we say manipulation, we are not talking about doctoring the tape,” he said.

ADDRESSED BY CABINET Additionally, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, yesterday at this post-cabinet press briefing also addressed the issue.

He disclosed that the mat-

ter was addressed by Cabinet but he declined to comment in great detail, citing the fact that the matter is now with the police and the courts.

He said, “The discussion that took place at Cabinet on this issue may have indeed been of interest to the media and to the public at large.

“However, information has been provided and until we have clarified this issue, the information about the legal action being filed, where this matter is concerned, has ordinarily aroused the notion of this matter being sub judice. Until we are advised differently, I plead your understanding.”

UNCONSCIONABLE Meanwhile, Nandlall told the Guyana Chronicle yes-

terday that the fact that his private conversation was recorded is unconscionable.

He said, “My conversation was a private one with someone I have known for several years and with whom I went to secondary school.

It was never intended for the public’s ear. That conversation was manipulated and taken out of context to reflect a completely different dialogue.

“It was illegally recorded and made public without my consent, knowledge or authorisation, which is a criminal offence. The police is investigating and it is also a matter under consideration by the courts. That is all I have to say on the matter.”

The AG declined to comment further on the matter.

President reaffirms Gov’t commitment to...

The Head of State also acknowledged that, despite the successes, challenges persist; however, he committed his Government to addressing these. “Everything is not hunky dory.

We still have challenges,” he said, referring to the Opposition’s slashing of the budgetary allocations.

On that note, Mr. Ramotar highlighted the need for hydropower and other infrastructural advances that will assist in tackling some of the challenges that exist, as well as contribute to the improvement of the lives of all Guyanese.

Slated to be this nation’s most ambitious undertaking, the Amaila Falls Hydro Project (AFHP) is touted to be able to provide Guyanese with a cheaper, reliable and sustainable electricity supply. It involves the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of West-Central Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers meet. Electricity produced there would be delivered to Georgetown and Guyana’s second largest town, Linden. The AFHP is anticipated to result in substantial savings to the nation’s coffers, particularly in terms of foreign exchange and the purchase of heavy fuel oil.

Other opportunities that

can be optimized on, for the benefit of all Guyanese , the President added, include projects like a deep water harbour, road projects that link Guyana to its continental neighbours, and continued attention to improving the local human resource capacity.

To this end, he stressed the importance of the 2014 National Toshaos’ Conference.

The conference provides leaders of Amerindian communities across Guyana an opportunity to address and evaluate conditions affecting Guyana’s first people and development in their communities, among other issues. The meeting, held annually to provide the platform for dialogue and forward planning for development of Amerindian communities, includes an agenda with the focus on the report of the NTC executive “We have come a far way. We must not allow our country to go backwards. I call on you to continue to work with us so that Guyana can realise its potential and give a high quality of life to all our people,” the President said.

STRONG LEADERSHIP Also addressing the gathering was the Chair-

man of the National Toshaos Council, Mr. Derrick John. Recognising efforts made to date to advance the interests of Amerindian people in Guyana, he stressed the need for strong leadership.

According to him, strong leaders embrace the principles of honesty, accountability, transparency, humility and optimism.

John expressed his appreciation to the Government of Guyana for its continuing support and recognition of the country’s first people.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall, reiterated similar sentiments and added that strong leadership sustains progress.

Over 200 Amerindians were gathered at the conference centre for the event, where they will also have an opportunity to engage Government Ministers and other key officials on areas of concern.

Among others present were Government Ministers, Government Members of Parliament (MPs), representatives of the ruling party and from the Diplomatic Corps.

The conference continues today, through Saturday.

From page 2

Dancers from St.Cuthbert’s Mission perform at the Centre

Anil Nandlall

Up to press time, Crime Chief, Mr. Leslie James, was unavailable for comment on the progress of the investigations, following Lall’s report.

Also, the AG has since sued Kaieteur News, Lall and the paper’s editor, Mr. Adam Harris, for over $30M in damages caused by the “libelous” publication of articles on pages three, six and seven, under the headline ‘Attorney-General Reveals Plan to ‘HIT’ Glenn Lall, Kaieteur News’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Four suspects arrested GSA agro-processed foods hours after hold-up of making a hit with consumers Corentyne rice farmer - shotgun, jewellery and cash stolen

SWIFT action by the B-3 Division, Corentyne, Berbice Community Policing Group (CPG) members and ranks of the Police Force on Monday night, following the armed robbery of a rice farmer at No. 56 Village, led to the arrest of four of the five men who reportedly carted off the man’s licensed firearm, jewellery and cash.

Radica Ramanandan, the liaison officer, told this publication that she was a part of the CPG mobile patrol policing the community when they received information about the armed robbery of the rice farmer and summoned the police.

She explained that she received word that the bandits were hiding out in an abandoned house at No. 55 Village and they descended on them and arrested four men who were in the building.

Ramanandan added that the arrest took place at about 23:00hrs on Monday, hours after the family was robbed.

She reported that about 21:00hrs, five masked men armed with guns and a cutlass entered the home of Jaisha and Chunmattie Boadnaraine and terrorised them. They also dealt the woman a chop to her knee after a beating.

The couple was beaten, tied up and placed in their bathroom in the house while the men escaped with jewellery, more than $900,000 in cash which was the proceeds from a horse racing business the couple spearheaded, and a licensed shotgun.

According to reports, one of the four men in police custody told sleuths that he is from Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, while the others are from Georgetown and they are the group who had been robbing unsuspecting residents of Corentyne, Berbice for some time now. (Michel Outridge)

AGRO-PROCESSED foods from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) have been receiving a positive response from consumers on the local market.

Speaking at the Agro-Processors Fair on Sunday last, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said that more agro-processing courses will be added to the GSA curriculum.

This massive response from consumers has caused the GSA to decide recently to begin marketing more prod-

ucts to give the Guyanese public a taste of their own local produce.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Manager of the Agro-Processing Facility at the GSA, Grace Paris, noted that they have been producing agro-processed foods for a long time, but it was being distributed to the school’s cafeteria.

She added that after constant meetings with the executives of the school, they finally decided to experiment by marketing the products at GuyExpo 2014, and received

a massive response from consumers.

Paris said GSA intends to use local raw materials and to be more creative so that there can be no limit to what they produce.

PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET Some of the products which have so far been marketed include Porridge Mix, All Purpose Sauce, Mixed Fruits, Preserved Carambola, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Green Seasoning, and Cassava Crisps.

Paris said GSA, through

this venture, hopes to promote more of Guyana’s products on the local market and later to tap international markets.

She added that by promoting the Guyanese products, they will assist in developing the country’s economy.

The Agro-Processing Department at GSA teaches students to add value to local materials, and students are given projects to create new foods, generating ideas for making new value-added products.

(Navendra Seoraj)

$38M in prizes up for grabs in Lotto ‘Best of the Best’ promotion FANTASTIC prizes worth $38M are up for grabs as the Guyana Lottery Company Limited (GLC) yesterday launched their ‘Best of the Best’ promotion at their regional office on Robb Street.

At the launching, General Manager, Tracey Lewis said the promotion, which runs from October 29 until December 3, will see persons winning approximately 86 prizes.

She said some of the

GLC staffers stand beside the display of prizes that can be won in the ‘Best of the Best’ promotion, yesterday (Sonnel Nelson photos) prizes include 2 KIA RIO Sedans, Samsung Curve Televisions, Bose Surround Sound Systems, Apple MacBooks and much more.

Lewis stated that the grand drawing is still to be finalised and the public will be notified as soon as possible.

One of the two 2 KIA RIO sedans that are up for grabs in the promotion

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LOTTO SUPA 6 TICKET She added that entry into the competition is simple

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- upon spending $1,000 on a Lotto Supa 6 ticket, persons will receive a coupon.

Persons will be required to write their name, address and telephone number on the coupon, detach it and place it in the box at any GLC authorised agent sites.

Lewis added that this is the first ‘Best of the Best’ promotion and she is looking forward to full support from the Guyanese public.

(Navendra Seoraj)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Kaieteur News slammed for lack of ‘basic reasoning’ THE embattled Kaieteur News was slammed yesterday for references made to a letter penned by Attorney-General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall in 2006 – references that suggest that Nandlall has adopted a double standard position.

The letter addressed the right to privacy following the release of a recorded conversation believed to be between the then Commissioner of Police, Mr. Winston Felix, and the then Vice Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Mr. Basil Williams.

In the letter, Nandlall said, “I respectfully submit that, even if the law afforded a right to privacy in Guyana, having regard to the nature of the matters contained in the recorded conversation, and the status and standing

of the persons allegedly engaged in that conversation, that right to privacy would have had to bend and bow to the constitutional right to free expression.”

Another local daily, the Stabroek News, also made reference to the 2006 letter.

The references surfaced after the public disclosure of a 19-minuute recording of a conversation alleged to have occurred between a senior reporter from Kaieteur News, Mr. Leonard Gildharie, and the Attorney-General last Saturday, October 25.

The recording was released by publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall after he made a report on Monday to Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. Balram Persaud. Lall contends that the contents of the recording indicate that his life, the lives of his family and staff members are under threat.

LAW PASSED IN 2008 Political observers, however, have since pointed out

intentionally intercepts a communication in the course of its transmission by means

“Basic commonsense should have prevailed. If it did then both papers would have recognised that the 2006 letter was written when the Interception of Communications Act was not in place. It is obvious that is another attempt at attacking the AG and distorting what he said.” that Nandlall’s comments were made in 2006, before the passage of the Interception of Communications Act, which was done in 2008.

The Interception of Communications Act Chapter 47:03, Act No. 21 of 2008, which addressed the prohibition of interception (Section 3), states that: “3(1) Except as provided in this section a person who

of a telecommunication system commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five million dollars and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. “(2) A person does not commit and offence under

this section if “(a) the communication is intercepted in obedience to a warrant issued by a Judge under section 6; “(b) the communication is not intercepted in obedience to a warrant issued by a Judge but on the authority of a designated officer in the case of a national emergency or in responding to a case where approval for a warrant is impracticable having regard to the urgency of the case. “(3) The Court by which a person is convicted of an offence under this section may order that any device used to intercept a communication in the commission of the offence shall be forfeited and disposed of as the Court thinks fit.

“(4) For the purpose of subsection (1), a communication shall be taken to be in the course of transmission by means of a telecommunications system at any time when the system by means of which the communication is being or has been transmitted is used for storing the communication in a manner that enables the intended recipient to collect it or otherwise have access to it.”

While Lall has made his report to the police, there is no information on how the recording was made or how it ended up in his possession. If there were breaches of the law, the Kaieteur News publisher could be looking at a fine of up to $5M or a jail term of up to three years.

New Massy facility launched

Bartica Expo set for November 7-8, after a decade AHEAD of the Bartica Expo billed for November 7-8, 2014 at the Bartica Community Centre, preparations are well underway with 31 companies already registered.

The Bartica Expo will be held at the Bartica Community Center Ground from 6 pm to midnight on both nights.

AJ’S Promotions Chairman Budhesh Chatterpaul said they have since commenced the sanitation aspect of the venue and cleaning of the building.

The outfield, he said, will be weeded to accommodate the exhibitors’ booths which will be constructed and they will have a generator on hand to provide electricity.

Chatterpaul said, “We’re not depending too much on GPL for electricity - maybe a few lights at strategic points, but we will have backup for those as well. We have exhibitors registering on a daily basis and at this point the count is 31.”

COMPANIES ONBOARD He noted that several companies have already registered for the expo, in-

cluding Beharry Group of companies, Digicel, GBTI, GO-INVEST, DDL, Moneygram, Comfort Sleep, Farfan & Mendes, Scotia Bank, Namilco, UMAMI Incorporated, Sueria Manufacturing Inc. and Red Earth Water of Bartica.

Chatterpaul said that apart from the exhibitors mentioned, they also have others drawn from the craft industry, restaurants, hoteliers, lumber yards, Bartica NDC (IMC), and Red Cross. In addition, there will be boat racing and grass track races in which patrons will have the chance to take pictures with the participants.

He said that on November 7 the entrance fee is $500 for adults and kids $300 while on November 8, adults will pay $1,000 and kids $300 in an effort to accommodate everyone, including schoolchildren.

With the assistance of a few companies and other small businesses they are looking to give away 4,000 tickets to children in both the primary and secondary schools so they too can be part of all the fun and excitement at the exposition, Chatterpaul said.

The Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is partnering with AJ’s Promotions to host the Expo and stage show.

The stage show will take place on November 8, 2014 at the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Stelling in Bartica, featuring several local artistes.

Chatterpaul said also that it is his belief that the Bartica community can turn a new page and start a new developmental process that can only be maintained through a collective effort and a common vision.

Meanwhile, Vice-chairman of the BCCI, Anthony Murray said it is more than 10 years since the Bartica expo was held and earlier this year through the Small Business Bureau, Mr. Dereck Cummings visited the community and had discussions with some businessmen and a steering committee was formed.

An invitation was then extended to AJ’s Promotions and others also agreed to collaborate for the event. AJ’s Promotions sees this as an opportunity for the Chamber to attract businesses to its membership. (Michel Outridge)

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh pens his signature upon his arrival at the new Massy facility at Montrose, East Coast Demerara. The occasion last evening was the launching of the new Massy company, formerly the Neil and Massy Company.

(See story in tomorrow’s issue.)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Opposition theatrics punishing grassroots people ‘COLLATERAL’ is how the joint Opposition described the ordinary citizens of this country, even their own supporters, who are adversely affected by their anti-developmental positions including budget cuts, non-support of the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, et al.

It is incalculable when one considers the grief, distress and dislocation of various financial transactional regimen that the joint Opposition is causing the grassroots people of the land; as well as the more privileged, including the private sector, which is no doubt redounding detrimentally on national growth poles.

The results of their multiplicity of anti-people, anti-developmental posturing is slowly but powerfully impacting on the national consciousness. Simple, formerly mundane financial

transactions are becoming increasingly difficult as a result of the Opposition’s intractability – especially as it relates to their non-support of the AML/CFT Bill which, among other problematic impacts, is diminishing in various ways the disposable income of the ordinary man in the street. This is despite Government’s many efforts and interventions to allow Guyanese citizens greater latitude in spending power.

As one young man desirous of opening a new savings account in an effort to save enough for a down payment on a house discovered recently, the requirements for this simple transaction are so stringent and the acquisition of the various documentation so onerous that he nearly gave up in disgust; as have many other persons aspiring to open new bank accounts.

Many persons in the Diaspora support their elderly parents, children left behind, siblings and other relatives through remittances, but conducting these once-simple transactions have now become nightmarish proce-

dures.

As an example, there is this elderly woman, who is sick and whose meals are provided by the Gafsons Group of Companies. She plants a kitchen garden, the produce of which – along with fruits she picks from her trees, funds her other simple needs, including purchasing her medication. She has been saving her Government pension (wrapped in a cloth purse she calls a ‘tiley’) for a day when she becomes too ill to fend for herself. Having been a housewife all her life she has never worked. Her husband and only son died in a crash many years ago, so she was left alone to fend for herself, which she did through the sale of the produce from her fruit trees and kitchen garden.

Alarmed at the increase of crime in her neighbourhood she wanted to open a Savings Account to keep her meagre savings from predators, including a drunken relative, but every bank she tried had the same requirements, which include but is not limited to having a job

letter, two picture IDs (national ID and either passport or driver’s licence), and a TIN certificate.

Having never been employed in her life where would she get a job letter?

How will she acquire a TIN certificate? She has never travelled and has no plans to so why is she supposed to acquire a passport? Why cannot a national ID be sufficient to conduct a financial transaction? What kind of money could a woman like her launder? And what terror could she cause anyone?

These preposterous impositions by the international community on the ordinary Guyanese citizen is akin to our nation losing its sovereignty; because it is by their diktat and their conditionalities that the lives of the Guyanese people have become difficult, despite our own Government’s attempts to cushion our survival systems.

Banks are being forced to turn away customers.

They no longer serve as institutions to comfortably

and readily facilitate the wealth-creation of the ordinary man or woman, and managers are no longer free to make unilateral decisions peculiar to the individual needs and constraints of their customers because they are forced to follow dictated and mandatory transactional procedures: Even the youngster who does odd jobs to save to fund a tertiary education is stymied by the difficulties currently being imposed on the ordinary people who want to open a simple Savings Account, all because of non-passage of the AML/ CFT Bill – to what avail?

The Government is most likely being challenged in diverse ways to keep Guyana’s macro-economic fundamentals stable; and the private sector, termed Guyana’s engine of growth – if not immediately, then certainly in incremental stages, would be impeded in diverse ways by

impediments now threatening commerce in Guyana through heavy energy costs (Amaila Falls imbroglio) and the myriad of ways the disposable income of the average Guyanese is being negatively impacted by non-passage of the AML/ CFT Bill; as well as the vengeful budget cuts. The impacts will certainly be felt by the entrepreneurial community in a multiplicity of ways.

Can Guyana sustain and weather this steady derailment of its socio-economic constructs? Only time will tell; but the erosion has started. Some presidential aspirants, more particularly in the political Opposition, are negatively impacting Guyana’s growth poles by the intractable positions they assume on national issues that have international trading connotations.

A heinous display of deceit SINCE its birth the Kaieteur News has been bent on sensational journalism without any effort to ascertain the veracity of its publications.

The Kaieteur News is hell-bent on ‘being deliberately obtuse, appealing to emotions, being controversial, intentionally omitting facts and information, being loud and self-centred and acting to obtain attention.

Trivial information and events are sometimes misrepresented and exaggerated as important and significant, and often include stories about the actions of individuals and small groups of people’ the content of which is insignificant (Wikipedia’s definition of sensational

journalism).

I guess some section of the public are happy with this since it ‘makes their day’. On the other hand, the majority of readers know for a fact that many times the source of information is so obscure that it must be concluded that they are non-existent.

To d a y t h e K a i e t e u r News’ open agenda is to destabilise the PPP/C Government simply because its owner can no longer get what he wants from the government. If I could recall, the refusal of a radio licence under former President Bharrat Jadgeo’s Government was the last straw that broke Lall’s back. His vengeance not only became

- and poor journalistic ethics, professionalism personalised but his vicious attack on the Government and ministers and the social and economic development of this country can only be regarded as unpatriotic.

Lall has become indistinguishable from people such as Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo.

The present piece of Kaieteur News sensational journalism is with regards to the Honourable Attorney General of Guyana, Mr. Anil Nandlall.

It is with much trepidation that I listened to the ‘doctored’ recording of an alleged conversation between

a Senior Kaieteur News Reporter and Mr. Anil Nandlall.

Then this morning I was shocked by the extreme level that the Kaieteur News can go to sensationalise this alleged conversation between the AG and the Senior Reporter. The Kaieteur News headline reads, “Attorney General Reveals Plans to ‘hit’ Glen Lall, KNews”.

When the transcript is read any reasonable man will conclude that there was no such ‘plan’. All one can discern is a general statement hinting at the probability of a recurrence of what took place in August 2006 when some

six workers were innocently murdered in cold blood at the Kaieteur News Printery. It was alleged then that it was a drug deal that went sour.

The purported ‘hit plan’ is an assumption that if Glenn Lall continues to use his newspaper as ‘a weapon’ then someone may repeat what had happened before.

The person alleged to be the AG did not say that he will take a weapon and start to kill Lall and his workers. It is a severe strain on one’s intelligence to match the content of the KNews article with the heading of that article.

The content simply does

not support such a heading.

This reminds me of what my grandfather used to say: ‘Goat sh*t does wait fuh breeze blow’.

Now I want any reasonable person to analyse the audio recording itself.

The transcript itself given in the KNews recorded numerous instances where the KN Reporter’s comment or reply were recorded as ‘inaudible’. This is even more pronounced when the audio recording is heard- one can hardly discern what the Reporter is saying. The pertinent question here is: Why is it that the voice purported to be that of the AG is loud and clear as opposed to the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Organic pineapple from Guyana no longer available on European market THE organic pineapples grown by Mainstay/Whyaka Farmers and processed

by AMAZON CARIBBEAN GUYANA LTD (AMCAR) since 2004 will not be available anymore on the shelves of European supermarkets as the collaboration comes to an end.

In a letter from the Village Captain, the Company was informed that the Village Council is seeking another partnership to operate the factory, as there was no production this year. The Council is simply blaming the Company for not operating the factory since July 2013, but the truth is much more complicated.

The crop of 2013 was estimated by the village council and the association at 47,000 pineapples. How-

ever, only 14,843 pineapples were sold to the factory in 2013, making it unprofitable.

Only 26,828 jars were produced. The Company has a potential market for 500,000 jars of pineapples per year for a value of Gy$125M. This would require farmers to supply over 270,000 pineapples earning close to Gy$46M. The product must be organic and meet IFS requirements. In 2014, while figures are not made available to the Company by the Farmers Association, only a few thousand pineapples were available. Following a discussion between CEO and Village Captain in April, the factory was not opened.

The decline is due to the fact that farmers did not follow the initial plan.

They focused on price, not volume and did not increase their acreage to sustainably supply the factory. Aging farmers and even the sad passing away of some farmers, young generation not taking on the challenge of organic farming and some farmers choosing to abandon their farms led to the present situation.

The Company has tried to bring new techniques to the association. Resistance to change and strong belief of farmers that they know best what is to be done for their farm has definitely contributed to the actual situation. The last audit by a Colombian consultant representing ECOCERT INTERNATIONAL pointed out the shortcoming of the project, particularly at the level of

A disaster waiting to happen

I WOULD like to highlight an incident I experienced recently. My colleague and I were on our way home from Wakenaam by speedboat. While waiting to board, passengers were advised by the operator of Mikey’s Speedboat Service to allow cargo to be packed first.

This consisted of several boxes, all well filled, and two bags of live ducks. When the passengers were allowed to board we were numbered 22, including the captain and bowman of the vessel. A few of us, passengers, expressed some concerns vocally to captain Rory when we observed that he was not preparing to take off but appeared to be awaiting more passengers.

Eventually, when we had just taken off, Captain Rory received instructions to return to the mooring to collect two additional passengers. Amidst great vocal tirades, the captain obeyed his superior and tied the boat to the mooring to await the passengers. To our dismay not two, but four passengers were coming towards the vessel. The captain began to verbally express his displeasure and left the speedboat to venture on the landing to meet with his superiors. He returned to the boat and admitted two out of the four passengers.

As the captain returned to the speedboat with his bowman, numerous passengers again voiced their concerns to both the bowman and captain who ignored us all. As the bowman was about to secure the flap at the opening of the speedboat, I personally addressed him. I said, “Bowman, is this boat overloaded?” He looked at me and nodded. Well I was wondering, did he hear me correctly; is he saying ‘yes’ to me and still securing the flap for takeoff?

So I repeated my question to him and again he nodded. So I asked him to please take off the overloaded passengers but he totally ignored me. Why did I not request to leave the vessel? I did, only to be informed by the passenger next to me that what was happening was a daily occurrence and if I left the boat to await the other scheduled crossing, chances are that the same thing would happen again.

So we left on a speedboat overloaded with 24 persons, several boxes and two bags of live ducks. So much fear was in that boat but suffice to say that many prayers were said during that trip.

Soon after, heavy downpour caught us early into our journey and we were forced to lower the other flap on the side of the boat (one side was already down, so we had no visual of the journey). Approximately 10 minutes into the journey, Captain Rory stopped the boat in the corner by some bushes, instructed his bowman to tie same to the bushes and called back to the ‘base’ on his cell phone, asking for a boat to be sent to relieve him of at least six passengers.

So there we were, bobbing in the river for (several) minutes, until another boat minus any shed came and the transfer of passengers made. We then continued uneventful to Parika.

We are asking the relevant authorities to look into these irregularities. Captain Rory had no right to take off with an overloaded boat. He knew the capacity of the vessel and had reservations, but still took the risk with our lives. If Mikey is offering a service to the public, he needs to ensure the safety of his passengers by not put them at risk. He showed absolutely no consideration for the lives of his passengers. If the Government cannot provide a regular public ferry service to Wakenaam then systems need to be put in place so that private entities operate within stipulated Transport and Harbours rules.

KAREN ELCOCK & SAMANTHA BRYAN

farmers. The factory was certified for another year, while the farmers’ certification for the coming crop is pending.

Over the year, AMCAR has always been supportive of the Mainstay project, although it never reached break even. The heart of Palm operation subsidised Mainstay for many years.

Management believed in its potential to increase acreage and even develop other products in the organic line. The Company spent Gy$5M over 5 years to cover certification audit for the farmers, as the Community said that they could not pay while promising to build capacity to handle it the following year.

In 2013, AMCAR presented to a major donor agency a multi-million US dollar project for development of organic agriculture including the village of Mainstay. It received positive reviews from that agency but could not go further as communities like Mainstay did not supply commitment letters required. The Company even went to the extent of drafting the letter for the Communities.

Today the Village Council believes that they can operate on their own. While it is a disappointing setback for AMCAR, it proves that throughout the years of collaboration the Company has done a tremendous transfer of technology and skills to

the Community. The value of that should at least be recognised.

The Company is very disappointed also that the project initiated in October 2013, under the leadership of Mainstay/Whyaka Captain has suddenly shifted and seems to have left “on the road” the villages that were brought into the project in 2013 in order to supply the Mainstay factory and provide work to the Mainstay villagers. During the project of certification some Capoey farmers expressed their views on the lack of cooperation with the village of Mainstay.

Based on the project started in October 2013, several meetings took place and official from READS, IICA, SBB, CARILED were brought into the project to secure technical support, financing and training, while AMCAR would stand as the buyer for the products.

Time and money were dedicated to this project and it is really frustrating to see this turn of event. They received training from SBB in micro management. What will happen to farmers from Wakapau and Capoey who invested land and time into the project?

As always, in this type of situation, the Company is singled out as “the bad guy” that did not “do enough to support the farmers” and

Communities will reject any shared responsibilities in this failure.

AMCAR would like to state that it supported the financial, technical and logistical aspects of this project for years. The Company lost Gy$30M over 5 years but still continued the project because it did not want to let down the Community.

It had only some leverage on farmers and their approach to organic farming, their planning for acreage.

It had always indicated the size of market available for planning of crops. It clearly stated that the product must be competitive, and that includes the price it could pay. Communication was very difficult with the community.

AMCAR will certainly revisit project requests from other communities who have expressed their interest to start a factory in their village. AMCAR invites all professional farmers, land owner, business ventures in agriculture to join them in their development project for organic agriculture to go for this potential market. You can get more details at info@ amcarguyana.com JENNIE CHARRAN Confidential Secretary Amazon Caribbean Guyana Ltd

A heinous ...

From Page 6

voice of the Reporter? This is deliberate ‘doctoring’ so that only one side of the conversation is given so that listeners will be unable to understand why certain replies were purportedly made by the AG! The entire dialogue should have been presented to the public. But this is how the KNews deceive its gullible readers.

It is also clear that the responses were carefully orchestrated and prompted by the Reporter to elicit the intended response and capitalise on it, having gained the confidence of the other party.

This is a heinous display of deceit and poor journalistic ethics and professionalism.

It was a private conversation and should not have been brought to the public’s attention and moreover it

must be recalled that in any private conversation expletives are used and in this case it was the KNews Reporter who began the use. The use of expletives are quite normal in daily interactions between people who are quite familiar with each other.

Therefore, I do not see the ‘holier than thou’ attitude of some people and the emphasis on the use of expletives in the KNews article.

It is also clear that the KNews by the very content of its article on the alleged tax scam by Mr. Kamal Mangal viciously and intentionally provoked the Attorney General by continuing to address Mangal as the ‘AG’s Uncle’ and expressly trying to connect the AG with the alleged re-migrant scam. This was deliberate and wicked and it was meant to rile the AG

and any reasonable man would have become angry at such insinuations. It is also evident that on many occasions the KNews was used as a weapon to attack people personally and there is nothing ‘patriotic’ about that. A patriot should pay his taxes!

It is now evident that the KNews has its own plan to destabilise this country and that plan began with a crusade against Dr. Bobby Ramroop, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Mr. Winston Brassington and now the venom is spewing in all directions. In this case it is simply greed for material things!

I n D r. R a m a y y a ’s words “everyone should have a piece of the pie” (DTV channel 8, Saturday 25th October). Just read between the lines!

HASEEF YUSUF AFC Councillor/Region 6

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Clerk refuses Speaker’s request for – right to call a sitting November 6 House sitting lies with the Gov’t

By Vanessa Narine THE Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, yesterday, refused the request from the House Speaker, Mr. Raphael Trotman, to call a sitting of the Assembly on November 6.

“I responded to the Speaker,” Isaacs told the Guyana Chronicle last evening, declining to comment further on the matter.

Confirmation of the contents of his response was disclosed by the Speaker, in a statement issued last evening.

“I was formally notified by the Clerk of the National Assembly that after consideration, my request for the National Assembly to be convened on Thursday, November 6, 2014, cannot be given effect to by him because he is of the view that the Speaker lacks the authority to convene sittings of [the] National Assembly under Standing Order 8 (1) and (2),” the Speaker said.

RESPONSE TO REFUSAL According to him, the Clerk’s response is an unfortunate one.

He said, “This is a most unfortunate position arrived at, and obviously arises out of a very narrow interpretation of the Standing Orders, and of the prevailing circumstances whereby the National Assembly entered into recess and has emerged from that

performs the role of “Presiding Officer” once the Assembly is convened; whilst the function of convening [the] National Assembly remains the sole preserve of the Clerk,” Trotman said.

Raphael Trotman

Sherlock Isaacs

recess, and a majority of members desire to meet “…the effect of the Clerk’s decision not to convene the sitting has the effect of crippling the ability of the Members of Parliament to meet. This in itself brings the Constitution into derision and disregard and cannot be what the framers of our Constitution intended.”

Trotman maintained his position that the National Assembly must resume sittings and cannot be bound by the “whims of the Executive branch” to have to await its consent before meeting.

He said, “Such an interpretation flies in the face of the doctrine of separation of powers, and the constitutional right of the elected representatives to meet to perform their functions. “…as a majority of Members have indicated their desire for the National Assembly to meet, the nation is confronted with we have a clear and unvarnished constitutional crisis on our hands, and all

stakeholders will have to work together to resolve it.”

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION The House Speaker also acknowledged that this is not the first time in the 48-year history of the National Assembly that there has been a difference of opinion between the Speaker and the Clerk on the issue of convening a sitting.

However, he contends that the roles of Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly are regulated by the Constitution and the Standing Orders.

“As constitutional officers, both are expected to work symbiotically for the National Assembly to be able to properly discharge its constitutional roles and functions. It is the duty of the Clerk to convene the sitting by making all arrangements including summoning and ensuring the attendance of Members, and the preparation and circulation of the Order Paper. The Speaker

OPTIONS INVITED On this note, the House Speaker has invited suggestions from the Guyanese public on the way forward.

He said, “As the sitting Speaker I invite all well-thinking Guyanese to join me in examining all viable options and avenues to break the impasse in the interest of our beloved nation.

“In this regard I stand ready to entertain all reasonable suggestions and anticipate an early closure of this unfortunate development.”

Trotman is expected to write to the Clerk of the Assembly and the political parties represented in the House on his disagreement with the position taken.

“I will be writing to the Clerk to register my disagreement with his interpretation of the Standing Orders and his consequent position adopted. I will also so advise, in writing, as well as to the leaders of the political parties in the House,” he said.

REQUEST ON MONDAY Trotman on Monday had proposed November 6, 2014 as the date for the

next sitting of the House.

This disclosure was made in a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, which was copied to the House’s Chief Whips – A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Amna Ally and Government’s Gail Teixeira. A similar letter has also been sent to the Leader of Government Business, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Leader of the Opposition, Brig. (rtd.)

David A. Granger; and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan.

The Speaker noted that he is of the firm belief that at the last sitting of the House, on July 10, the fact that the House was adjourned to meet on a “date to be fixed” was an erroneous move. He has, however, accepted responsibility for this error.

“I am firmly of the belief that when in fact, on July 10, 2014, the House adjourned to a “date to be fixed,” this was done in error, as a date should have been fixed. And for that I take full responsibility,” he said.

Trotman added that an “open-ended adjournment” is tantamount to a violation of the constitutional mandate for the National Assembly to meet day by day.

He said, “In any event, I am also of the opinion that the adjournment to “a date to be fixed” was superseded by the event of the House entering into the annual recess on August

10, 2014.

“The next day on which the House should have met should have been Monday, October 13, 2014, as October 12, 2014 was a Sunday,” Trotman declared. He also stated that no direction from the Government or the Speaker is required to reconvene the sittings in this regard.

“Indeed, to support this view, Committee meetings have resumed without an instruction or direction having to be given. Further, when His Excellency issued the proclamation for the 10th Parliament to be summoned and to commence sittings, it was your office that convened the sittings then and every time thereafter,” he said.

On these grounds, the Speaker formally requested that the Clerk make arrangements for a sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, November 6, 2014.

“This date will provide for the normal notice period for Members of Parliament to be notified,” he said.

Additionally, in terms of the Order Paper for the sitting, Trotman expressed the view that the agenda as of July 10, 2014 is the agenda that the House should resume with, together with any additional matters that had arisen during the recess, and subject, of course, to the requisite period of notice being observed.

Glenn Lall to be questioned by police today THE Guyana Chronicle was yesterday informed by a senior police source that the publisher of the Kaieteur News, Mr. Mohan Lall (aka Glenn Lall), will be questioned by police today.

The move follows a report he made against the Attorney-General (AG)

and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, on Monday.

Lall made a report, on Monday, to the Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. Balram Persaud, after releasing a 19-minuute recording of a private conversation alleged to have occurred between a senior re-

porter from Kaieteur New, Mr. Leonard Gildharie, and the Attorney-General, last Saturday, October 25.

Lall contends that the contents of the recording indicate that his life, the lives of his family and staff members are under threat.

The newspaper’s senior reporter is also expected to

be questioned by the police.

Gildharie was reportedly fired after the contents of the recording were made public. However, Lall, in several media reports, stated that the senior reporter was not fired; rather he was suspended on the grounds that he was disrespectful.

Additionally, questions

are still in the air over how Lall came into possession of the conversation, as well as under what circumstances the conversation was recorded.

The police are yet to make a pronouncement on matter, which includes the status of its investigation.

Glenn Lall

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

RODNEY’S DEATH: AN ENIGMA BEING ANSWERED Special Report on the Rodney Commission of Inquiry by Shaun Michael Samaroo Insisting the dictatorship PNC Gov’t indulged in ‘State terrorism’…

Dr Omawale rules out violence from PPP

President Donald Ramotar

Dr Omawale yesterday told Commissioner Seenath Jairam at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry that he never considered he was ever in danger from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), but only from the dictatorship People’s National Congress (PNC) Government’s State machinery.

Basil Williams, Counsel for the PNC, yesterday sought to discredit growing testimony at the historic Commission of Inquiry that the PNC Government conspired in sinister plots to execute “State terrorism” against its political opponents, especially the leaders of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

Williams, appearing at the distinguished Presidential Commission to cross examine Dr Omawale, who had given damning testimony against the PNC dictatorship, appeared calm, jovial, agreeable, pleasant, eschewing his usual aggressive stance and hostile tone.

Dr Omawale maintained his cool calmness in the Wit-

ness Box, answering Williams’ questions with ease and assurance.

When Williams asked Omawale about Jamaica banning Dr Walter Rodney and Dr Clive Thomas from its shores, Omawale calmly informed Counsel that Jamaica practiced free and fair elections, unlike the PNC dictatorship government.

Omawale told the distinguished Commission that he came to the conclusion that the death of Dr Walter Rodney on Friday, June 13, 1980 “was a terrorist act of the State” under the PNC Government.

Omawale served as the Organising Secretary of the WPA, and denied any knowledge that the WPA was accumulating arms in its civil rebellion against the PNC Government, which, Omawale testified, restricted freedom of movements of Guyanese citizens, denied the nation free and fair press, and indulged in extensive secret surveillance, harassment and threats against WPA leaders, party members and sympathisers.

Omawale denied Williams’ suggestion that the WPA was infringing on the “stronghold” of the PPP in Berbice, and rejected Williams’ conjecture that the PPP may have wanted to harm Omawale.

He also maintained that the PNC Government’s threats and intimidation affected his political work, rejecting the idea that the PPP wanted to harm him. Omawale expressed deep admiration for Dr Cheddi Jagan, then leader of the PPP, and informed the Commission that Dr Jagan cooperated with

Omawale denied Williams’ suggestion that the WPA was infringing on the “stronghold” of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in Berbice, and rejected Williams conjecture that the PPP may have wanted to harm Omawale.

Omawale maintained that the PNC Government’s threats and intimidation affected his political work, rejecting the idea that the PPP wanted to harm him. Omawale expressed deep admiration for Dr Cheddi Jagan, then leader of the PPP, and informed the Commission that Dr Jagan cooperated with him at public meetings.

Dr Omawale

Dr Cheddi Jagan

him at public meetings, to the severe displeasure of the PNC Government and its “thugs”.

The tall, distinguished 74-year-old Omawale, his hair and beard white and neatly styled, agreed with Williams that the WPA and Dr Rodney wanted a “civil rebellion” against the PNC dictatorship, as both Eusi Kwayana and Dr Rupert Roopnarine, co-leaders of the WPA, have admitted publicly.

Williams asked Omawale if Dr Rodney’s public statement that the PNC dictatorship “must go by any means” would not have “triggered” Special Branch “to put you and your colleagues under surveillance”.

Williams said Dr Rodney was under surveillance in Britain and Jamaica, but Omawale said he was not aware of this.

He also debunked Williams’ suggestion that the shooting of WPA executive member Dr Josh Ramsammy in front of a bank in Georgetown could have been “an attempted robbery”.

Williams spent considerable time dealing with the horrifying accounts the Commission has heard of the PNC Government practicing paramountcy of the party as a governing doctrine, seeking to elicit from Omawale that paramountcy was a normal “socialist” practice, even in Europe.

Omawale disagreed, telling Williams that “the PNC was a dictatorship, and it attempted to become a constitutional dictatorship”.

Another sore point with Williams was the Police shooting to death of WPA activists Edward Dublin and Ohene Koama. Williams said the Commission should ask the Guyana Police Force for records of these killings, because “a cache of arms was in the vehicle” when one was killed.

The new, easy attitude of Williams saw him extend a hand of cordiality to the Commission, saying that “if only all of us had come together and constituted this Inquiry, it would have been so well”. He made this comment after Commission Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham reminded Williams that he could introduce evidence to the court.

This newspaper will detail in tomorrow’s report a series of questions that Commissioner Jacqueline Samuels-Brown asked Omawale yesterday.

After Omawale’s testimony, Mr Nirmal Rohit Kanhai took to the witness stand, in an interesting twist to the Commission’s hearings. After a series of questions from Commission Counsel Glen Hano-

man, establishing his expertise, Kanhai saw the Commission recognise him as an expert witness.

Kanhai’s expertise is in explosive devices, particularly communications device, and much of his testimony could shed light on the technical

Basil Williams

aspects of the communications device disguised as a deadly bomb that exploded in the lap of Dr Rodney on that fateful night in Georgetown of June 13, 1980, a night that forever transformed the history of Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Commissioner Jairam and Samuels-Brown went into graphic details about the condition of Dr Rodney’s body after the bomb shattered his flesh.

The Chronicle will publish a detailed report of Kanhai’s testimony to the Commission.

Much of the day saw Counsel Hanoman grill Kanhai, and the full testimony will be detailed in this newspaper’s tomorrow edition.

Glenn Lall confesses to phone tapping PUBLISHER of the Kaieteur News Mr. Mohan Lall, also known as Glenn Lall, has found himself in hot water, once again, after admitting that the conversations on the phones he give to his employees are recorded, be it private conversations or related to the business of the local daily.

The admission, made public by local news outlets yesterday, comes a day after a senior reporter at the Kaieteur News, Mr. Leonard Gildharie, was implicated in a leaked private telephone conversation that allegedly occurred between him and the Attorney-General, Mr. Anil Nandlall.

Gildharie was subsequently “suspended” according to

his boss, on the grounds that he was disrespectful.

Questions are being asked as to how Lall came into possession of the recording, if indeed it was recorded by the reporter – a possibility that constitutes a legal infraction.

Questions are also being asked under what circumstances the telephone conversation was recorded, if it was a recording or a result of wiretapping activities – another legal infraction.

The Kaieteur News publisher has since attempted to defend the recording of the private conversation, saying that the AG was informed that the conversation was being recorded.

Lall said, “If you listen to the tape it speaks for itself… the man (Gildharie) told him (Nandlall) this is being taped and he said Glenn Lall can’t do that…the reporter told him that it was being recorded, the reporter also told him that it was a smart phone.”

However, the fact that this is false is proven by a transcript of the 19-minute recording, which was published on a two-page spread by Kaieteur News itself.

As it relates to the comment about the “smart-phone” that Lall made, the transcript of the recording indicated that Nandlall was inquiring about an interview done by Kaieteur News with a relative of his, Mr.

Kamal Mangal.

In the recording, Nandlall said, “No no me nah quarrel with you, but all I am saying half wha he never tell you, de man say he never tell you that he didn’t know that he got to live in Guyana, the man said he live here but he got fuh travel.”

Gildharie responded, “The man said duh, we got it on record.”

The Attorney-General then questioned, “Wha record? The man say you nah tape nothing yuh nah write nothing.”

At this comment, Gildharie mentioned the use of a smart phone. He said, “The man nah know bout smart phone, of course we does be taping these people.”

FEAR OF TAPPING Additionally, at no point in the 19-minute conversation, did Gildharie indicate to Nandlall that the recording was being taped.

The senior reporter, however, indicated that he could not disclose certain information for fear of his phone being tapped by his boss, Lall.

“Me gun tell you. Ah can’t tell you on the phone, man.

Oh (expletive), you wan (expletive) me up,” Gildharie was heard saying at one point.

At another point in the conversation, Gildharie is heard saying that he stepped out of his office to take the call, when asked where he was.

Glenn Lall

“Me just deh at the back, I deh at the back of Kaieteur News…Ah just come fuh tek dis call heh,” he said.

This debacle follows concerns being raised only last week over Lall’s illegal surveillance of the phone calls and other communications of his staff, Government officials, as well as private Guyanese citizens.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Tributes continue to flow in for Navin Chandarpal

Stirring tributes for fallen PPP stalwart, Navin Chandarpal

Ganga Persaud takes some time to pay tribute to an old friend, the late Navin Chandarpal by signing in the book of condolence

By Navendra Seoraj COMRADES, acquaintances, friends and family of the late Navin Chandarpal yesterday gathered at Freedom House to pay their respects by signing the book of condolence.

The veteran politician and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart who passed away on Tuesday last contributed quite a lot to the development of Guyana.

His demise comes as a great loss to the PPP, but his sterling contributions, his dedication and loyalty to the party will no doubt serve to inspire others in the struggle for a better Guyana.

At the signing yesterday, comrades of some close friends of Chandarpal took some time to speak about

their late comrade.

Former Minister of Local Government Ganga Persaud, stated that Chandarpal was a great man who has left his name in everyone’s heart as a great politician and a freedom fighter.

He also noted that during Chandarpal’s time with the PPP, young people benefited immensely because he was always willing to share whatever knowledge he had with them.

Persaud in a saddened voice stated that Chandarpal will remain in the hearts of many and for them his will of fire will live on forever.

Also sharing her condolences for Chandarpal was General-Secretary for the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) Sheila

Veerasammy,who noted that Chandarpal will be missed by many because of his humble nature.

She noted that he was the first General-Secretary for the Progressive Youth organisation (PYO) in the year 1978, Veerasammy stated that although he had left the PYO years ago, he still continued to share his knowledge with the members and youths of the Organisation.

She noted that Chandarpal was also known for his patience and tolerance, which also helped persons to mould their personalities to be better persons from just looking at the way he carried himself.

Persons who care to extend their condolences in person to the family of the late Navin Chandarpal can attend the wake which is held at his residence at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, every night.

The funeral of the late Navin Chandarpal will take place on Sunday November 2, 2014.

The viewing and official funeral service will be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater-Georgetown, from 11:00 hrs and the cremation will take place the Good Hope Crematorium at 2 pm.

Chandarpal’s death is a significant blow to Guyana – President Ramotar

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has described the passing of former Agric u l t u re M i n i s t e r a n d long-serving executive of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Navin Chandarpal as a significant blow to Guyana.

President Ramotar, on behalf of the Government and his family, has extended sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of the late Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development.

The Head of State said Chandarpal’s death is a sig-

nificant loss to Guyana, noting that he served the country with distinction, first as a parliamentarian and then as a Government Minister.

The President stated that Chandarpal’s death is also a significant loss to the PPP, for which he served as an executive member for many years, noting that he showed the fortitude of a true fighter for battling his illness to the end.

He noted that Chandarpal, who died early Tuesday morning at his home after a one year battle with cancer, has been a very close friend

President Donald Ramotar

and will be deeply missed.

Chandarpal served in the seventh and eighth Parliaments for over five years.

Education Ministry expresses condolences on Navin - says he embraced Chandarpal’s passing the Sciences THE Ministry of Education said it mourns with the family and colleagues of Mr. Navin Chandarpal who died early Tuesday morning at his home.

According to the ministry, Mr. Chandrapal was very instrumental in the development of the Science programme at the Ministry of Education.

He served as Convenor to the Science Policy Working Group (2010-2011) which was tasked with updating the existing Science and Technology Policy and the preparation of a framework.

The ministry said he also played a pivotal role in the re-establishment of the National Science and Technology Council for Guyana.

Navin Chandarpal

“Mr. Chandarpal embraced the Science Unit and his vision for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is now captured in the New Ministry of Education’s Strategic Plan (2014-2018) which focuses on the use of

STEM Education for National Sustainable Development,” the Education Ministry said in a condolence message yesterday.

It pointed out that Mr. Chandrapal also served Guyana well in various other capacities. He was once Minister of Agriculture and was serving as Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development up to the time of his death.

“The ministry wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues, and close friends of Mr. Navin Chandapal at this time of bereavement. He will surely be missed,” the ministry stated.

GAWU mourns Chandarpal’s passing – says he was a grass-root politician who exuded an anti-imperialist stance

Sheila Veerasammy signs the book of condolence for the late Navin Chandarpal

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) wishes to extend condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of the late Cde Navin Chandarpal.

“Cde Navin’s association with GAWU can be traced back to the 1980’s when he participated in our educational programme as a lecturer.

Between 2010 and 2011, he became the Principal of the GAWU Labour College and played an important role in the promotion of the Union’s educational work,” GAWU said in a condolence message.

The union said Chandar-

pal’s work had an impact in the bettering of the representation that its members enjoy.

“He also made a substantial contribution to the environmental issues which have emerged at top of humanity’s agenda in recent times,” GAWU stated, adding that “through his championing of the proper and sustainable use of our natural resources and the protection of our environment many important and noteworthy advances have been made locally and regionally”.

GAWU said Cde Navin was a grass root politician who exuded an anti-imperialist stance. Through the People’s

Progressive Party (PPP), he participated dedicatedly in struggles against imperialism.

His contribution in the struggle for the return to democracy is also recalled too. At the governmental level, he served in several capacities including that of Minister of Agriculture and as Presidential Advisor.

“His total contributions were worthy for our country’s progress and development. His legacy, we feel, is one which has many lessons and which can be used as a source of guidance and emulation by our people. May his soul rest in peace,” GAWU stated.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Tributes continue to flow in for Navin Chandarpal

PPP mourns death of one of its leading – Navin was a true Caribbean man stalwarts

Global Water Partnership-Caribbean loses a founding father

– says Chandarpal played a key role in struggle against imperialism, dictatorial rule

THE Central Committee and the entire membership of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) are saddened by the death of one of its leading stalwarts, Cde. Navin Chandarpal, who passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

Cde. Chandarpal was, at the time of his passing, a member of the Central and Executive Committee of the Party. He started out as a member of the Progressive Youth Organisation, rising to the post of General Secretary.

The PPP, in a message, said Chandarpal played an active role in student politics and at one time was elected President of the University of Guyana Student's Society (UGSS). Those were the days when the PNC regime sought to control all facets of national and student life but Cde. Navin Chandarpal succeeded in defeating the PNC-sponsored candidates to take control of the student body at a time when all national and regional elections

were massively and blatantly rigged by the PNC regime.

Cde. Chandarpal represented the PPP and the PYO at several meetings and seminars both locally and internationally. He played a key role in the struggle against imperialism and dictatorial rule in the country.

Following the restoration of democratic rule and the assumption of the PPP/C to office in October 1992, Cde. Chandarpal served in several capacities including that of Minister of Agriculture and as Presidential Adviser, a position which he held until the time of his passing.

He served in several other Committees such as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, and the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee both of which he was Chairman.

He was the husband of Indra Chandarpal who, like him, also served at the leadership of the Party and as a former Government Minister and currently holds the post as Chairman of the Women's

Progressive Organisation (WPO).

The PPP wishes to express its deepest condolences to his wife Cde. Indra, his two children, Geeta and Robin, relatives, friends and the entire Party membership on his passing.

This is indeed a great loss to the Party but his sterling contributions, his dedication, commitment and loyalty to the Party will no doubt serve to inspire others in the struggle for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.

May his soul rest in peace!

Chandarpal’s funeral service set for Sunday – family issues statement IT is with great sadness that the family of Navindranauth Chandarpal announces his passing on 28 October, 2014. We are nonetheless grateful that he passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by family and relatives.

He was, up to the time of his death, serving as Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development and Science and Technology.

Navin was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in 2012, and at that time he was given a few months to live. His indomitable spirit did not allow

this, and Navin waged a fierce resistance against his cancer for almost two years.

His body was continuously weakened but his mind never faded. He was blessed with wonderful doctors and nurses but just as importantly was showered with love, prayers and comfort from his family, relatives, friends, comrades and colleagues throughout his treatments.

The family would like to express our love and gratitude to all those who made his life one without regrets.

WAKE

Wake for Navin Chan-

darpal will be held every evening up to and including Saturday, 1 November 2014 at his home at 118 Block I, Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

FUNERAL SERVICE AND CREMATION

The Funeral Service for Navin Chandarpal will be held on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on Sunday, 2 November 2014. The service will commence at 11:00 hrs. His body will then be taken to the Good Hope Cremation Site for last rites and cremation at 14:00 hrs.

Mr. Navin Chandarpal (left) is seen here with Professor Jacob Opadeyi, a Former GWP-C Chair (2nd from right), Ms. Judy Daniel, Chair of the GWP-C (3rd from left) and Mr. Christopher Corbin (right) of the Caribbean Environment Programme at a panel discussion hosted by the GWP-C on October 7th, 2013 in Barbados. Mr. Chandarpal had been invited by GWP-C as a panelist along with other key collaborating partners to get feedback on how the GWP-C can continue to strengthen its relationship with other agencies

T H E G l o b a l Wa t e r Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) has lost one of its Founding Fathers, Navin Chandarpal who passed away on Tuesday, ending a long battle with stomach cancer.

Chandarpal was a distinguished Guyanese politician who at one time served his country as the Minister of Agriculture and up to his passing he was Advisor to the President of Guyana on Sustainable Development.

He served his country well and made stellar contributions to the Caribbean Region. To the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) Network he is regarded as one of the organisation’s pioneers being the first Chair of the organisation from its establishment in 2004 until 2006.

Under his steward-

ship during that period the GWP-C grew extensively forming many partnerships in the Region with other organisations that had an interest in water sustainability. Through his efforts and guidance GWP-C moved steadily into executing its mission to support Caribbean countries in the development and management of their water resources through the promotion of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Caribbean. His desire and optimistic legacy was for Guyana to enact new water legislation embodying IWRM. Following his term as the Chair of the GWP-C from 2004 to 2006, Navin Chandarpal remained committed to pushing the mission of the organisation; never failing to provide guidance and

technical knowledge whenever needed in support of the vision for a water secure Caribbean.

According to Ms. Judy Daniel, Chair of the GWP-C, “Navin was a true Caribbean man, ready to guide and support the advancement of all the Region. To the end he was self-sacrificing and eager to serve with humility and the greatest commitment.

We have lost a noble and visionary leader. I have lost a true friend and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him.”

The GWP-C salutes a true leader and stalwart of the Region but moreover, one of its Founding Fathers. We extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude to his family for sharing this remarkable person with us.

Tributes to Navin tonight at Red House IN honour of the life and work of veteran People’s Progressive Party (PPP) politician Mr. Navin Chandarpal, who died earlier this week, the party will be

holding a ‘night of reflection’ this evening at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre [Red House].

Tributes will be delivered by the PPP General Secretary

Mr. Clement Rohee and other party leaders. The public is invited to attend this activity as PPP leaders say farewell to a stalwart and true hero of Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Digicel completes extensive refurbishing of Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre

Children of PRRC in a song with officials of Digicel Guyana and PRRC

By Michel Outridge DIGICEL Guyana yesterday officially handed over the newly refurbished Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) during a ceremony, which was graced by the presence of Digicel executive PJ Mara, accompanied by senior managers of the cell phone giant.

In response to the gift, the children of PRRC sang songs of “Thanks” to express their heart-felt gratitude yesterday.

In remarks, Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James,

giving a background to the project undertaken by Digicel, said for the past three years they have developed a healthy relationship with PRRC in which they refurbished the entire dining area and equipped it with furniture as well.

She added that as part of Digicel’s Christmas cheer, PRRC children were feted and will no doubt have a similar experience this year as the festive season approaches.

James explained that Head Rehabilitation Officer PRRC, Cynthia Massay, had

approached Digicel Guyana for further assistance in which the entire building was refurbished, since the company supports the welfare and education of children including the differently-abled, ensuring that they have a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn.

She told the gathering that they re-floored the physiotherapy room; repainted the entire building; refurbished the ramp; repaired the roof; fixed the windows and refurbished the washroom facilities.

James said Digicel Guy-

Dr. Ernesto Campo of the Physiotherapy Department of PRRC with a child during a session yesterday

ana is delighted to have been involved in the project and they will continue to build on the fruitful relationship.

Retired Colonel, Randolph Storm, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PRRC said they were concerned about the safety of the children prior to the refurbishing, but now they are very pleased.

He stated that PRRC got more than they actually asked for and seeing the children so comfortable they are very pleased and grateful that Digicel Guyana has led the way, and urged other compa-

nies to follow their example in enhancing the lives of children in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Digicel executive, PJ Mara said they will continue to work with PRRC in anyway possible, since they are always willing to contribute in the development of education and children.

He pointed out that it is in their interest to give back to the community and they are obligated to assist such organisations; and on that note they will stay involved, since he is pleased to be associated with the project.

Chief Executive Officer

of Digicel Guyana, Gregory Dean thanked James for spearheading the refurbishing project and admitted they did more than was asked, but nevertheless they are happy the children are comfortable.

He stated that Digicel Guyana remains committed to working with PRRC even as they embark on the construction of a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Centre in Linden for children by the end of this year.

Also present was non-executive member of Digicel Guyana Board of Directors, Clifford Reis.

The newly re-floored Physiotherapy Department of PRRC (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Members of the Rehad Centre

New building to house Kitty Health Centre, Kitty Post Office THE Kitty Health Centre will be relocated to a spanking new building at Pike and Alexander Streets in 2015.

The $60M construction will commence before the end of 2014 and the building will also house the Kitty Post Office.

Due to the abandonment of the Kitty Market building which had housed the Health Centre on the top floor, the Health Ministry was forced to make alternative arrangements to house the services. The centre is presently being housed at rented premises on Sandy Babb Street.

Kitty Market

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly press conference held at Office of the President, explained that the Ministry of Health brought to cabinet’s attention for its consideration, the relocation of the Kitty Health Centre to the Kitty Post Office building.

He explained that the move has been supported by both entities and has gained Cabinet’s approval during their weekly meeting on Tuesday last.

The HPS explained that both services will be offered under one roof, making this venture “very accommodating”

to all. He disclosed that during construction, postal services in Kitty will be carried out at the Campbellville Post Office.

Dr. Luncheon noted that “The cost of the construction of the new building will be met by the Post Office Corporation [and] rental will be met by the Health Ministry to offset the cost.” The building, he said, has been estimated on completion to cost $60M and construction work will begin in fiscal year 2014 and extend into 2015. He however, noted that the contract awardee, he could not disclose. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Nothing has diminished ‘We need to focus PPP confidence in beyond Amaila’ GECOM Head – Rohee – President Ramotar In response to climate change…

THE ruling People’s Progressive Party’s consistent engagement with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on issues of concern has raised questions about the party’s confidence in the body’s head, Dr. Steve Surujbally.

However, the PPP General-Secretary, Mr. Clement Rohee, on Monday, was emphatic in stressing that to date there has been nothing to diminish the party’s confidence in Dr. Surujbally.

“We have not seen anything as yet to make us shift our position on this matter….I would not say that at this point we have lost confidence in Dr. Surujbally,” he said, at a news conference at Freedom House.

Rohee explained that as Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Surujbally was appointed out of a process set up by the “Carter formula” in which the names submitted for consideration had to be names “not unacceptable” to the Head of State.

By Ravin Singh

Dr. Steve Surujbally

Clement Rohee

He said, “Thus far, neither the President, the Government, nor the PPP has expressed any lack of confidence. We have no interest in moving a no-confidence motion in Dr. Surujbally… we continue to have confidence in him. “…the process out of which Dr. Surujbally was appointed, the Government and the ruling party, had to have confidence in him for him to be appointed. Thus far there has not been anything

to make us shift from that position.”

The General-Secretary added, however, that with the passage of time the ruling party will continue to raise its concerns with GECOM with the expectation that they be addressed in a “satisfactory” manner.

“We are expecting that they will take up these concerns and address them in a satisfactory manner,” Rohee concluded. (Vanessa Narine)

Concerns raised over impact of new market tarmacs on illegal roadside vending

By Derwayne Wills WHILE the Local Government Ministry has signed contracts to the tune of millions for building new market tarmacs, concerns exist as to whether this is enough to deter or make reasonable accommodation for the many cases of ‘illegal’ roadside vending.

This concern was put to Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Norman Whittaker, who responded that while this continues to be a concern for the Ministry, “the law allows you to remove people forcibly, but that’s the last thing you want to do.”

He did say, however, that the idea is not to give illegal vendors an excuse since they “impede the flow of traffic and ...contribute significantly to the pileup of garbage.”

In an effort to bring this practice to an end, the Local Government Minister said there had been some combined efforts between the subject ministry, Office of the Town Clerk, and the City Constabulary but those efforts were short-lived by the intervention of Georgetown Mayor, Hamil-

ton Green.

Green, in late 2013, threw his support behind vendors who were at risk of being removed by the then campaign to clean the streets of illegal vendors.

MAYOR’S CONTRARY POSITION This was contrary to his position taken in early 2013 where the Mayor held a meeting with several Central Georgetown vendors, giving them a final warning of removal if they failed to put measures in place to do less damage in the areas they occupied.

Then President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Clinton Urling had similarly thrown full support behind the Government’s move to remove illegal vendors.

As a voice of the business community, Ulring in his capacity as GCCI President called for the measures to be implemented at a faster rate since the vendors were guilty of “violating the rights of store owners and their businesses.”

A concern was similarly raised by Urling and others that the measures adopted by the Ministry, and those the

Ministry claimed to be collaborating with, were either ineffective or nonexistent.

In his recent statement to this newspaper, Minister Whittaker said that La Penitence Market is being closely monitored by the Ministry since there was one vendor occupying government reserves.

That area will soon be serviced by a tarmac constructed as part of the Ministry’s drive to put an end to illegal roadside vending.

The Minister stressed that while it is the right of persons to earn a living, that right should not result in “vending on another person’s property” while at the same time posing health and safety hazards to pedestrians and other occupants.

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding from the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Fund, will see market tarmacs and extension works being done to markets in Anna Regina, Annandale, Linden, Lethem, Rosignol, La Penitence and Diamond.

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, last Friday in his address to the nation, underscored the need for focus to extend beyond Amaila, in seeking to develop infrastructure to respond to the impacts of the climate change phenomenon.

According to the Head of State, to date, a total of US$150M, US$70M invested in LCDS projects and US$80M for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), has been paid over to Guyana

by Norway. These payments, he noted, represent payments for climate services and continued low deforestation, as part of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) up to 2012.

Additionally, he stated that the Cunha Canal, which is one of Government’s initiatives, will be transformative in their efforts to deal with climate change.

However, Mr. Ramotar noted that there is still a lot to be done to improve the Conservancy and sea defence.

“We need to find better ways to deal with floods on the coast, and floods and drought in the hinterland,” he said.

With the help of cheaper energy, he explained, forestry and agricultural sectors can expand greatly, but this needs to be managed to en-

sure that Guyana continues its high standards of environmental sustainability and stand strong on their role as a vanguard for the global community.

“Every Guyanese can soon have access to cheaper energy, but we need to keep it affordable and expand our clean-energy supply options in the years ahead. Even as we create 2,200 new lowcarbon jobs, we need to look beyond that and create many more,” the Head of State said.

Presently, payments from Norway are also enabling the rehabilitation of the Cunha Canal. This 600 million Guyana dollar project according to President Ramotar, is about to start, and will be a major achievement in dealing with the impact that severe weather has on the Conservancy.

It was noted that in the past, the Government had been forced to protect Georgetown from floods by letting water flow from the Conservancy into the Mahaica River and sometimes causing it to burst its banks and damage local farms and communities.

However, in the near future, the Cunha Canal will be used to discharge water into the much larger Demerara River, which will be able to cope with far greater volumes of water than the river system to the east.

The Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project is a part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) adaptation initiatives. This project is an important intervention addressing the focus area of adapting to climate change. The works will improve the ability of the Government of Guyana to manage water resources in the East Demerara Water Conservancy.

The Project intends to improve relief drainage in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) that is envisaged to reduce Guyana’s vulnerability to the catastrophic flooding of its low-lying coastal areas.

The proposed physical works for the canal will include the widening of the canal; the rehabilitation of the former outlet structure; re-routing the canal to re-establish its original alignment and construction of a bridge on the East Bank of Demerara public road, where the canal intersects the road. Rehabilitation of the canal will increase its discharge capacity and contribute to reducing the risk of the embankment overtopping and flooding of areas along the East Bank of Demerara.

The World Bank estimates the total project cost at US$2.51 million.

Gov’t hosts Ebola stakeholders’ forum today AS Guyana moves into top gear of preparedness to fight the deadly Ebola virus disease, should it reach the country’s shores, the Government is poised to host a stakeholders’ forum today on involvement and awareness of preparedness to deal with the virus.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his weekly press conference at Office of the President, explained that only recently President Ramotar addressed the nation on Guyana’s preparedness at that particular point in time.

Since then, he said, state and government actors have made formal presentation to the President on measures to conquer Ebola.

The HPS noted that it is the Government’s aim to keep the disease off the shores of Guyana and measures have been put in place

to prevent persons from the affected countries entering Guyana. He said that if the deadly virus is to somehow make its way to Guyana, we should have measures in place to keep our people safe. “Should the virus arrive here,[there will be] the implementation of a menu of measures, comprehensive enough to assure the health of Guyanese in confronting this disease” he said.

Dr. Luncheon noted that to make ready Guyana for this deadly virus, “we will collaborate with neighbouring states particularly Brazil and Suriname, CARICOM countries and with international bodies to coordinate responses to Ebola.”

He alluded to the fact that at the weekly Cabinet meeting a decision was taken to extend involvement to “non-state actors” to have their presentation on mea-

sures to deal with Ebola. “It is now planned to extend the involvement and awareness of preparedness to non-state actors to a stakeholders’ forum, which will be held on October 30 at the Cabinet Room, Office of the President at 16:30hrs” he said.

Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), members of civil society and the body politic will be invited to participate and present their views on this deadly virus.

Only recently, President Donald Ramotar praised the efforts being made to address any possible local Ebola cases. The Head of State had a first-hand look at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s (CJIA) preparations to address the medical requirements of any air traveller suspected of being infected with Ebola. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Parliament will meet ‘in the near future’ – President

By Vanessa Narine

THE Government of Guyana has “absolutely no interest” in delaying a sitting of the National Assembly, which came out of recess on October 10.

This was the assurance given

by President Donald Ramotar, who made it clear that the House will meet “in the near future.”

At the time his remarks were made, Mr. Ramotar was delivering the feature address at the 2014 National Toshaos

Conference, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

He said, “They (the combined Opposition parties) are talking now about the Parliament as if we don’t want to call the Parliament. Well that will go fundamentally against everything that we stand for.”

According to the Head of State, not having an immediate sitting after the recess is not a strange occurrence.

“They behave as if this is

something strange that the recess is finished in October and the Parliament has not met as yet. For years the Parliament was called in November. There are previous years that you can go to and see historically that the Parliament was called later than they are talking about,” he said.

This fact was confirmed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs.

“This is not new, not as far as I am aware,” he told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.

President Donald Ramotar

FUNDAMENTALLY INCONSISTENT Additionally, The Head

Dr. Roger Luncheon

Sherlock Isaacs

of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, addressed the issue of a sitting of the House, yesterday, at his weekly post-cabinet news conference.

“A decision will be made soon, before the end of this week,” he promised.

Dr. Luncheon also addressed the fact that the House Speaker, Mr. Raphael Trotman, has requested that the Clerk of the National Assembly make arrangements for a November 6 sitting.

The Speaker’s intentions were expressed in a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, which was copied to the House’s Chief Whips – A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Amna Ally and Government’s Gail Teixeira.

A similar letter has also been sent to the Leader of Government Business, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Leader of the Opposition, Brig. (rtd.) David A. Granger; and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan. Additionally, in terms of the Order Paper for the sitting, Trotman expressed the view that the agenda as of July 10, 2014 is the agenda that the House should resume with, together with any additional matters that have arisen during the recess, and subject, of course, to the requisite period of notice being observed However, the HPS contends that this move is “profoundly inconsistent” with parliamentary fundamentals.

“Cabinet noted the inconsistencies of the Speaker’s positions of the matter of convening Parliament,” Dr. Luncheon said.

The HPS stated too that the pronouncements made by the Speaker have effectively opened him up for criticisms.

He said, “The Speaker is on record to have adopted different positions when asked to pronounce on the topic of convening Parliament.

“The Speaker is on record recognising the Government’s unique power to convene.

The Speaker, in abandoning those fundamentals indeed had opened himself to significant criticisms about his application about the parliamentary rules and regulations.”

Additionally, Dr. Luncheon made it clear that setting a date

for a meeting of the House is the “preserve” of Central Government.

‘HOT-BUTTON’ ISSUE The “hot-button” issue up for consideration in the National Assembly, when it is re-convened, is the AFC-sponsored no-confidence motion against the current Administration.

The first inkling the public had that the AFC planned moving a no-confidence motion against the Government was back in mid-June, when party Vice-Chairman Mr. Moses Nagamootoo hinted at it.

He did so by way of an article published in the Stabroek News and headlined, “AFC considering no-confidence motion against Gov’t.” He, however, acknowledged that to do so would require the support of the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The AFC’s position was strengthened on Tuesday, August 5, when APNU Leader Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger publicly confirmed that his party was fully behind the no-confidence motion.

The first page of the Motion reads: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly has no confidence in the Government.” It was seconded by AFC executive member and Member of Parliament (MP), Mrs. Cathy Hughes.

As stated in Section 106 (6) of the Constitution: “The Cabinet and President shall resign if the Government is 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, (approve); and shall resign after a new President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Prior to the House going into recess on August 10, there had been no sitting of the house since the first week in July.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Toronto Chapter of St. Joseph High refurbishes playfield

By Navendra Seoraj

Director of the Canadian Chapter, Regina Chung cuts the ribbon to declare the ground open

Students assembling on the ground to witness the cutting of the ribbon ceremony

THANKS to the Toronto Chapter of the St. Joseph High School, the students now have a newly-refurbished playground to engage in a variety of physical disciplines.

St. Joseph High School, Monday officially cut the ribbon to declare the reopening of their ground after a rehabilitation project that lasted four years.

Present at the ceremony were President of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph High, Wazim Khan, officials from the Ministry of Education, members of the Canadian Chapter and teachers and students of the school.

In his address, Khan stated that the Canadian Chapter has been supporting the school for many years.

He noted that in the 2005 ‘great flood’, the ground was destroyed and after being informed of this, the Chapter raised funds and assisted the Board in getting the ground back in shape.

Khan also stated that the rehabilitation of the ground which began four years ago was funded by the Canadian Chapter which worked diligently to raise $6.2M to carry out the works.

NEW PROJECTS Khan said that now the rehabilitation of the ground is com-

pleted, there are new projects in sight to better develop the school, some of which include fencing, building a multi-purpose court and modernising the school library.

According to Director of the Canadian Chapter, Regina Chung, they will continue to support St. Joseph High.

She noted that they contributed to the rehabilitation of the ground because they want to promote physical activities among students in the school.

Chung in closing encouraged the students to make full use of the ground and to take care of what they have because not every school is fortunate to have such an opportunity.

Some of the students doing a presentation during the ceremony to reopen their newly-refurbished playground

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

‘We are not afraid of local government elections’ – President that a change in position was made only after the 2011 elections, when the combined Opposition won the parliamentary majority.

“Now they are talking about unconstitutionality and asking me to name a date,” he said.

PROTESTS CONTINUE Additionally, on Tuesday, APNU continued its weekly President Donald Ramotar

David Granger

SETTING a date for local government elections would be foolhardy, considering that the current Administration is staring at the Alliance For Change (AFC) sponsored no-confidence motion, according to President Donald Ramotar.

“I will be rightly ridiculed if faced with such a situation,”

the President said, yesterday.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has been pressing the Government to call a date for local government elections.

He also made it clear that his Government is “not afraid” of local government elections.

“We are not afraid of local government elections. We will win the local government elections whenever it is held,” Mr. Ramotar said.

The Head of State added that the full context of the non-holding of local government elections is misunderstood.

“The problem is that local government elections from 1994 were impeded in every way (by the Opposition. Up to 2010 they asked for a postponement,” he said.

Mr. Ramotar highlighted

Khemraj Ramjattan

Mexican Ambassador pays courtesy call on Go-Invest CEO ON 27th October, 2014 the Ambassador of Mexico to Guyana, Mr. Francisco Olguin paid a courtesy call on CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment, Mr. Keith Burrowes, when they discussed Investment in Guyana. Ambassador Olguin agreed to facilitate major investors who have

an interest in Guyana. He also indicated that he will facilitate the development of relationships between the Guyana Office for Investment and the Mexican Investment agency in an effort to provide technical support to enhance the modernisation of the Guyana Office for Investment.

CEO of Goinvest, Mr. Keith Burrows and Mexican Ambassador, Mr. Francisco Olguin

protests outside the Office of the President, as the party continues to demand local government elections.

However, Mr. Ramotar is holding fast to his position, in that he needs the party’s leader, Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger, “to clarify what precisely” is his party’s position before he can “properly respond” to his letter, since he, Granger, was saying one thing, and his party another.

The APNU had made clear its support for the AFC’s no-confidence motion, which, if passed with majority support, could see Guyana heading to early general elections.

In his reply, by letter, to Mr. Granger last Thursday, President Ramotar requested that the APNU Leader be specific as to what his party wanted.

Local government elections have not been held in Guyana since 1994. Prior to that, local government elections were last held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Home Affairs launches Strategic Plan programme Minister Clement Rohee flanked by members of the change team following the opening of the SMD Strategic Plan Seminar

By Michel Outridge THE Ministry of Home Affairs has launched its Strategic Plan Seminar Programme with a one-day session at the ministry’s boardroom, Brickdam, Georgetown, in an effort to implement the strategic plan 2014-2019.

Programme Manager, Donna Todd in opening remarks said employees were selected to be a part of the Strategic Management Department (SMD) to assist the ministry in realising the seven goals identified in the Strategic Plan.

She added that the ministry’s commitment in chang-

No sitting does not mean Gov’t MPs not working – Rohee THERE has been no sitting of the National Assembly since July 10, 2014, but General-Secretary of the ruling party, Mr. Clement Rohee, contends that Government Members of Parliament (MPs) continue to work.

“Government parliamentarians, in or out of Parliament, do work. We have parliamentary work and we have extra-parliamentary work. Most of the ministers are Members of Parliament, they are always in the fields,” he said, on Monday during a press conference, held at Freedom House.

Rohee highlighted that Parliamentary Committees continue to meet, despite the fact that there has not been a sitting since the two-month recess ended on October 10.

“The fact of the matter is that activities are going on in respect to the Parliament… the Government MPs do their parliamentary duties as well.

Sitting in the Parliament whenever it is convened to fulfil those responsibilities is only one part of the other responsibilities which our MPs have,” he said.

The PPP General-Secretary pointed out that these other responsibilities, extra-parliamentary efforts, are seen in the

ongoing roll-out of the Government of Guyana’s “Because We Care” cash grant initiative.

According to him, this initiative was a result of onthe- ground conversations by Government MPs with the average Guyanese man and woman. “(At these meetings) people air their views, they want things to be represented, the MP must represent the issue to the minister, or if it is the ministers themselves, then the people want the issue to be taken to Cabinet or take it to the Ministry of Finance or to the President…we do not operate like public servants,” Rohee stressed.

He termed the assertion that Government MPs are not working a “concoction.”

Additionally, the House Speaker, Mr. Raphael Trotman, earlier this week called a sitting on November 6. In terms of the Order Paper for the sitting, he expressed the view that the agenda as of July 10, 2014 is the agenda that the House should resume with, together with any additional matters that have arisen during the recess, and subject, of course, to the requisite period of notice being observed.(Vanessa Narine)

ing its culture and the way we expect to do business with our stakeholders will be seen in the forthcoming years as they take steps to ensure that the strategic plan is implemented swiftly and applied effectively.

Todd stated that the group was selected within the ministry to implement

the strategic plan.

However, in remarks also Samantha Wickham, Head of the Strategic Management Department (SMD), said the purpose of the change team is to implement the strategic plan to lend support for the ministry’s communication aspect of that plan.

She pointed out that

the strategic plan is new and there was the need for employees to be informed, such as staffers drawn from various departments from MoHA. Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee in opening remarks, said the strategic plan was launched one year later due to some hiccups that were beyond their control and the plan has come a very far way since its conceptualisation.

He told the gathering that the advancement of the strategic plan is welcome, even recognised new faces on the team and noted that the plan is not a one-day affair, but would take the ministry to a new dispensation.

Rohee said given the nature of the public service, movement will take place and the strategic plan will continue moving forward

nevertheless, despite the challenges of upward mobility in the public service.

The minister urged the team to anticipate changes in personnel and have a plan in place; change, he said, is envisioned in the ministry which has implications for the better or worse, but the plan seeks an improved change.

Rohee pointed out that changes are on the horizon for the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Police Force, and Guyana Fire Service, as they also seek to roll out their strategic plans as well.

He dubbed the activity yesterday morning as “important,” since the agent of change is at hand to sustain the ministry with the strategic plan and urged the change team to stick together to make the plan work.

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16 ‘disorderly’ murders recorded in mining areas

By Michel Outridge COMMANDER of ‘F’ Division Courtney Ramsay has reported that this year so far the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded 16 ‘disorderly’ murders from 31 murders in the mining areas.

The Senior Superintendent explained that

for the corresponding period last year they had 42 murders with 18 being ‘disorderly’ murders in that divison.

He said that although they cannot control these occurrences, at the same time the statistics are being monitored since they have roving patrols in far-fetched areas in the hinterland.

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For Thursday October 30, 2014 -09:30hrs For Friday October 31, 2014 -10:30hrs For Saturday November 1, 2014 -12:00hrs

DRINKING SPREE KILLINGS Meanwhile, Crime Chief Leslie James told this publication that ‘disorderly’ murders seem to be a culture in the mining areas which is accompanied by loose behaviour during ‘drinking sprees’.

He disclosed that behaving loosely while under the influence is very common with miners and others who work in the hinterland and they feel such behaviour is the ‘order of the day’.

According to James, it is typical after imbibing for days at a time, an argument may start then before you know it there is a fight and then someone dies.

He explained that their style of drinking alcohol is not tempered since they can go on for days and nights at a time.

James added that even though the men work together they still act out when they drink and may bring up an old grievance or quarrel over a female.

The latest ‘disorderly’ murder happened on Tuesday last when 17-year-old Azad Potter of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, was killed at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro.

Police reported that the miner was beaten by a group of colleagues who had accused him of stealing articles from their mining camp. He succumbed to his injuries.

Reports said Potter was working at a mining camp and it is alleged that while his colleagues were away he took a quantity of raw gold, among electronics and other items.

When the miners returned to camp and discovered their belongings gone they confronted Potter who was left alone to guard the camp.

He denied taking the items and during the heated argument he was severely beaten by the group of angry men after which he died from multiple injuries at the camp area.

Four persons were arrested and later charged with murder and remanded to prison.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Aries March 21 - April 19 Emotions stemming from past experiences might cause you to assume undue responsibilities, particularly concerning family members. This is fine as long as you realise what you’re doing is as much for you as for the other person. Whatever tasks you assume may allow you to release old traumas and give form to your plans and ambitions. And don’t be surprised if those you help today go to bat for you later.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Relatives or neighbours may come to you today asking for favours. Some may know exactly what buttons to push in order to get you to do what they want.

Don’t be sucked into guilt or other negative emotions. Help others if you wish, but recognise that you’re doing it because you want to and not because you feel you have to. You might even learn something about yourself in the process.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 A temporary lack of belief in your abilities might have you hesitating to start a project or take on a task that you’d normally snap up. This could involve something you’ve wanted to try or helping someone else. Your faith in yourself should never flag, but if it does, it’s important to remember that hard work can be as important as talent - and you aren’t afraid of that!

Cancer June 22 - July 22 A phone conversation with someone who lives far away might have you feeling a bit sad, reflecting on how much you miss that person. This can lead to pondering about your life. You might question the direction you seem to be moving in, and consider other possible options. You’re likely to be cautious when it comes to making final decisions. You will consider every detail.

Leo July 23 - August 22 Today you might be in a reflective and meditative mood. You may think about mundane matters, such as how to increase your income, or more complex issues, such as the purpose of life. You aren’t likely to want to do much socialising today. It’s probably the perfect day to stay in, relax, and enjoy your own company.

Reading could prove especially informative now.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Obligations to friends and groups could interfere with time that you want to spend with your partner. A number of visitors in your home might demand more of your time, energy, and attention, and you might find this disconcerting. You’re no one’s servant. You’re entitled to enjoy yourself. Save some time for your mate at the end of the day.

Libra September 23 - October 22 You might wake up this morning and decide your home is a total wreck. The desire to spend the day cleaning and sprucing up your house might prove almost obsessive. Do what you have to do, but don’t get so caught up that you forget about the big picture. Whatever you do today, view it in its proper perspective.

The world won’t end if your house isn’t flawlessly clean.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Extra time and attention that you have been devoting to your career should pay off about now. You’ve worked hard to be where you are, and you aren’t through climbing the ladder of success just yet. You aren’t likely to rest on your laurels.

Today you might spend a lot of time planning your next goal. A little ingenuity will definitely pay off here. Use whatever advantages you have.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 An older male visitor could come to your home, possibly to help you with some work that needs to be done. Family members may have abandoned you for the day to go out and do their own thing. You will welcome the company as well as the help. Practical matters, such as the household budget, might need attention, so set aside some time to work out the details.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Today you might perform some service to people who live in your neighbourhood. Perhaps you will chauffeur people around to do their shopping. Perhaps you will help people with household tasks. Pets may also need some attention.

Whatever it is, you will enjoy it, and be appreciated as well. Expect to have a very busy day. You will certainly sleep soundly tonight.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Meticulous and sincere effort on your part may have led to a recent increase in income. Today you might be thinking of reworking your budget. While others might throw caution to the wind at a time like this, today you might go too far in the opposite direction. Be careful and realistic, but don’t be overly frugal. You’ve worked hard to get where you are and you deserve a reward.

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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

GFA Futsal Gonsalves proposes CARICOM panel ... action for Sports Hall From Back Page

EXPLOSIVE Futsal action will return to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall this Saturday when the Georgetown Football Association kicks off a sixteen-team competition.

The Garden City’s most powerful clubs would clash in a battle to decide who takes home the $400 000 first prize.

Alpha United, Beacons, Black Pearl, Camptown, Conquerors, Flamingo, GDF, GFC, Houston Stars, Northern Rangers, Pele, Police,

Renaissance, Riddim Squad, Santos and Western Tigers are being placed into groups of four to contest the first stage of the competition to be run on a round-robin basis.

The knockout stage would follow. The competition would be played on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays commencing at 19:00hrs. Eight games are scheduled each night, with the final being played on November 22.

The team placing second will collect $200 000 while third and fourth places are worth $125 000 and $75 000 respectively.

Ansa McAl, Elaineville and Hits and Jams are the official sponsors.

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between the WICB and Chris Gayle two years ago, said while his proposal was not a new one “the urgency of now demands its embrace”.

According to Gonsalves’ proposal, the CARICOM panel would focus not only on solving the current impasse, but on several other key issues in West Indies cricket.

These include the sustainable funding of West Indies cricket, the reform of the management of the WICB and the tensions between the WICB and the Indian Cricket Board.

“The CARICOM group is well placed to assist not only with the cricketing authority in India but possibly with the Indian government,” Gonsalves wrote.

The long-serving Vincentian leader said the im-

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passe called for “exceptional leadership, a well-articulated strategic path and … wise feasible tactical approaches.”

“The ultimate goal is wrapped up in a process for the survival, consolidation and renaissance of West Indies cricket,” Gonsalves wrote in the letter.

The crisis erupted two weeks ago when the West Indies one-day team abruptly walked off the tour of India in protest over the terms and conditions of the newly signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that WIPA struck with the WICB. One-day captain Dwayne Bravo, the spokesman for the players, contended the new CBA would result in a drastic reduction in their earnings. The players also called for the resignation of WIPA president and chief executive, Wavell Hinds, and for a return to the terms of the old CBA. When their requests were ignored by both WIPA and the WICB, the players took the decision to quit the tour following the fourth match in Dharamsala. They had been scheduled to play another one-dayer in Kolkata, a oneoff Twenty20 in Cuttack and a three-match Test series carded to start October 30.

Gonsalves, also an ardent cricket enthusiast, said the situation was of major concern to him.

“The fact that I took time out to write a letter is an indication of my own concern about the seriousness of this matter. West Indies cricket

as we all know goes beyond the boundary, and in this particular case for the tour to be directorially terminated is a serious matter,” he told the radio show.

“India is the powerhouse of cricket but other than that, other than the lucrative contributions they make to the coffers of West Indies cricket, the fact of the matter is you don’t break a tour halfway through. I am not assigning blame to one side or the other – I’ve read all the public exchanges – but what I would like to see is for this matter to be settled amicably.

“That’s why I made a proposal for a particular structure to facilitate the West Indies Cricket Board and the other stakeholders, in arriving at some resolution, and to address some other matters attendant to the cancellation of the tour, the abrupt breaking of the tour midway.”

He continued: “We have to take this matter very seriously. It is not a life and death matter in the sense there’s the threat of Ebola hanging about … but clearly the meaning of cricket to our people. It is an embarrassment; it’s a humiliation frankly for our people in the region in the eyes of the world that we can’t handle our affairs.”

The WICB announced last week it would set up a task force to investigate the matter.

GDF stop UG Wolves to retain Yamaha ...

From Back Page

Kit Nascimento congratulated the teams for their skills and excellence displayed on the field and also reminded the players of the importance of Guyana recapturing the NACRA 7s title in Mexico this year, since this would lead to the Olympic Games next year.

The NACRA 7s is set for

Mexico City, Mexico from December 3 to 4.

This year marks the 22nd Anniversary for the Yamaha Caribs and in recognition the team would normally host a tournament to commemorate their existence.

The participating teams this year were Yamaha Caribs, GDF, Hornets, and the Guyana Police Force.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

Pakistan warned to brace for Australia backlash

By Ian Ransom

(REUTERS) - Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has warned his team to beware a backlash from a wounded Australia in the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi starting today..

Pakistan thrashed the Australians by 221 runs in Dubai on Sunday, with their spinners rattling through the visitors’ batsmen on a slow pitch.

The defeat cost the tourists their chance of regaining the top Test ranking from South Africa, while giving a raw Pakistan outfit a timely dose of belief after recent struggles.

Waqar, however, said he expected the Abu Dhabi clash to be a true test of the hosts’

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis mettle.

“We have won the first Test but it’s a long way to go, the second Test will be tough,” the former Test paceman told reporters on Tuesday.

“We all know that Aus-

tralia are very positive about their cricket and they feel hurt; they will bounce back, I am sure, and we have to be prepared for that.”

Pakistan can seal their first series win over Australia in 20 years, and also lift their ranking from sixth to a respectable third.

“To come into (the) top three is a big thing,” said Waqar, a member of the 1994 side that beat Australia at home.

“But besides coming into the top three, consistency is more important for me because we have always been unpredictable, sometimes up and then down, so we need to give consistent performances.

“It’s necessary that if we give a good performance then we must have a follow through so that people have confidence in us as a side.

“We have proved in the first Test that we have got the talent and the potential.

“So if we apply ourselves then results will come.”

MORE INTENT The 42-year-old coach can only have been buoyed by the performances of his rookie, slow-bowling duo of debutant leg-spinner Yasir Shah and left-armer Zulfiqar Babar.

The pair took 14 out of 20 wickets on offer, including nine in the fourth innings as Australia were skittled for 216

The West Indies crisis

‘India could have taken West Indies to the cleaners’

By Renaldo Matadeen FORMER West Indies seamer Ian Bishop has labelled the current crisis surrounding the WICB, WIPA and the players as “disappointing” and one which occurred at “the wrong place and the wrong time”.

B is h o p s aid h e was shocked when West Indies’ ODI captain Dwayne Bravo broke the news that the players would be pulling out of their tour of India, and expects their actions to lead to “potentially a great setback.”

“There’s a lot of disappointment in terms of the Indian nationals,” Bishop told Line and Length TV. “There’s a lot of goodwill

Ian Bishop

for the West Indies in India and that is based historically on the tours that have taken place here going way back and the great players who started their careers here.

And of course, in more recent times, the way that the

Pollards, the Russells and the Narines have performed in the IPL.” Bishop also admitted that he fully understood the BCCI’s fury as well as that of the Indian public regarding the “drastic” action taken by West Indies.

“A lot of fans were angry. It’s unprecedented what happened. There’s a sense of disbelief. It is not a move I would have advocated. It (India) is the biggest cricketing market.”

Bishop felt the players did not grasp how dire the financial consequences of their actions would be, and said the players, WIPA and WICB all bore a share of the blame for allowing matters to escalate so much after the tour had

started. Regarding the MoU disagreement and subsequent disputes over payment structures, Bishop chalked it down to mis-communication between the parties and believed that the situation was well within resolve.

“It’s been well-ventilated.

I like WIPA. I like Wavell Hinds. He is a principled and intelligent guy who really formulates his own views but to me there’s been a mis-step with him and one or two of his executive colleagues in not communicating back to the players the mandate that they were given before they signed off on it.

“The players were not in opposition to the proposed financial structure but they wanted a final say and to be

BCB/CARIB BEER 2014 T20 COMPETITION

Hetmyer, Austin power Young Warriors into semis THANKS to Linden Austin’s impressive bowling, backed by Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten innings, Young Warriors carved out an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets to storm into the semifinal of the 2014 Berbice Cricket Board/Carib Beer first division T20 tournament last Saturday.

In the match which was played at the Cumberland ground, RHTGG chose to take first strike and were bowled out for 89 in 19.3 overs, with only Clinton

… face Universal Solutions Bermine

Shimron Hetmyer’s

Pestano 26 and 20 from Eon Hooper showing resistance to the home team’s bowling.

Austin took 4 for 15 and was backed by Kassim Khan 2 for 12 and Karamchand Ramnarine 2 for 17 with the ball for Young Warriors, who watched as Hetmyer struck eight fours and fours sixes off 33 balls in his unbeaten 73 to steer them to 94 without loss off 11 overs, with Waheid

Edwards contributing an unbeaten 9.

In another playoff encounter on the same day, Universal Solutions Bermine did not find the going so easy in their encounter against West Berbice, even though they came out victorious by five wickets in the end.

In the contest that was hosted at Bush Lot in West Berbice, West Berbice took first strike and found the

when chasing 438.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann bemoaned his team’s inability to pick the deliveries that didn’t turn.

Australian media suggested number three batsman Alex Doolan’s spot might be vulnerable to Phillip Hughes after his struggles in Dubai, but captain Michael Clarke said the only change they would consider would be to bring a third paceman, depending on the pitch.

That would give a chance to either left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc or workhorse Ben Hilfenhaus to join Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson in the pace attack, and means no repeat for the two special-

ist spinners in Nathan Lyon and Steven O’Keefe.

Where Pakistan’s spinners plundered Australia, both Lyon and O’Keefe who made his Test debut in Dubai, were feasted upon by the hosts’ batsmen, and neither would feel very secure about holding his place.

Clarke said Australia would be go for broke for a win, even if it meant risking another demoralising loss.

“Drawing the second Test against Pakistan is not an option for us,” Clarke wrote in a column published in News Ltd media yesterday. “ We ’ l l l o o k t o b a t with more intent this time around.”

more included in the process. Now, the conversation is going away from what happened and unbelievably to how the other countries can help the West Indies.”

Bemoaning the players’ lack of foresight in recognising the domino effect that was prompted by their strike, Bishop said West Indies should have known how this could also affect the regional game, given the financial framework in place regarding the India trip and television rights.

“Knowing what you know now, given that you don’t understand television rights, the millions of dollars lost by the innocent party, the BCCI; given the income that would have come in; the revenue that would have come in to the West Indies to fund youth cricket, women’s cricket, grassroots cricket, the professional league,” he said.

“If India weren’t as kind, and they are being

kind because they can take the West Indies to the cleaners, you could kill the goose that laid the golden egg for you. You could wipe the whole thing out.

“The West Indies board as well, they understand television rights, they have negotiated way back their own television rights as well so they should have understood the impact and maybe have moved in sooner to cull this whole antagonism that was going on.”

With the possibility that West Indies’ upcoming tour of South Africa could also be cancelled, Bishop called for swift and decisive action from all parties, conceding that West Indies now risked the tag of being unreliable, which he believes could be one of their most detrimental steps to date.

“It’s not a good reputation to have. Communication has to be improved.

Administration has to be improved.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

going tough against an accurate Bermine attack and were restricted to 113 for 6 in 20 overs, with Rafael Estriado 28 and Steffon Adams 22 being their principal scorers.

Jeremy Gordon, Romario Shepherd, Stephen Latcha and Eugene LaFleur took a wicket each for Bermine, who began their reply disastrously when they lost Shemroy Barrington (0) off the second ball of the first over that was bowled by Raun Johnson.

The other opener, Leon Williams, stood firm to post 24 for the second wicket with Anthony D’Andrade (6), 28 for the third wicket with Eugene LaFleur (13) and an additional 21 for the fourth with Joemal La-

Fleur (9), to push the score to 74 for 4.

Devon Clements joined Williams and the duo added 36 valuable runs for the fifth wicket, before Williams was dismissed for 44 (4x4) at 110 for 5, enabling Clements (12 not out) and Shepherd who was unbeaten on 4 to steer Bermine to 114 for 5 off 19.1 overs.

Johnson and Krishendat Ramoo took two wickets each, while Universal Solutions Bermine will now host Young Warriors in the semifinal from 13:30hrs at the Port Mourant ground on Sunday, with the final and third playoff to follow soon, with the final expected to be played under lights at the Albion Sports Complex.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

FSS continue stranglehold on UG’s Track and Field Championships IT WAS another year, another win for the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), as they trumped the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) and continued their stronghold on the University of Guyana annual Inter-Faculty Track and Field Championships held last Saturday at the University of Guyana campus grounds on the East Coast Demerara.

Backed by the winning points scored by this year’s champion boy Cleveland Forde, who accrued 30 points to take the title, FSS amassed 166 points to once again reign supreme.

The FNS stood with 120 points by the close of the

Cleveland Forde, day’s event late Saturday evening, even as several events had to be called off because of the growing darkness, finishing just two points ahead of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Following behind in fourth place were the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, with 98 points, the UG Berbic e C a m p u s w e re n e x t with 89 points, Faculty of Technology had 63 points. With 60 points School of Education and Humanities finished in the penultimate position, followed by the School of Earth and Environment Sciences with 33 points.

Forde won the 800m and 5000m, both times ahead of Health Sciences. Carlwyn Collins, as well as the 1 500m where he mastered Dexter Vanveen.

FNS’ fight was lead

by Kezia Bess who took

Hamilton aims to make it 10 in Texas

By Alan Baldwin

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton will be aiming for a big win in Texas this weekend, even if the Formula One starting grid is the smallest he has ever known it with the absence of back marker teams Marussia and Caterham.

The 29-year-old Mercedes driver can become the first British driver to win 10 races in a single season and join Nigel Mansell and the late Jim Clark as the only Britons to win five races in succession.

Another triumph at the Circuit of the Americas, where he won the inaugural race in 2012, would also set him apart from his compatriots with 32 victories -- one more than the record he currently shares with 1992 champion Mansell.

But most important of all, Hamilton can land another big psychological blow on German team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg who is 17 points adrift with 100 still to be won from the last three races.

Hamilton loves the Texas circuit, whereas Rosberg has mixed feelings about it, and arrives with Mercedes on a high after wrapping up the constructors’ title in Sochi.

The intention is to turn the focus back to the track after a gloomy week for the sport dominated by talk of financial crisis and teams going into administration, while seriously injured French driver Jules Bianchi

is ever-present in everyone’s thoughts.

“We still have three races left to decide the Drivers’ Championship -- starting in Austin, which is one of the best weekends of the year,” said the Briton this week.

“A lot of the American side of my family come to the race, plus I won the first ever Formula One Grand Prix at the circuit back in 2012, so it’s a special one for me.

“I really enjoy going there and I’m looking forward to another great race - hopefully ending up with another Stetson hat on the top step of the podium.”

Rosberg’s record is less happy, with the German’s best finish in Austin a ninth place last year when Hamilton was fourth.

“It’s still all to play for... and I won’t be giving up the fight until the flag drops in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep the entertainment going right to the end for the fans out there enjoying the contest.”

DRIVER DUEL With the constructors’ title out of the way, the driver duel will move up a gear even if mathematically it is still a three-way battle.

Red Bull’s Australian Daniel Ricciardo, the only driver other than the Mercedes duo to win races this year, is 92 points adrift of Hamilton but as good as ruled out.

So too is quadruple world champion team mate Sebastian Vettel, last year’s race winner, who is in danger of collecting

an engine penalty that will see him starting from the pitlane in Austin.

“I think the reality is that Sebastian will take a sixth engine in Austin because it’s inevitable he’s going to have to use it,” team principal Christian Horner said after Russia.

“I don’t think this engine can really go too much further.”

It could be that the German does very little mileage before the race to save the new engine, something that makes him just as unhappy as the fans will be.

“The rule is completely stupid,” he said. “So the people turn on the television and see a driver who just stands around and has nothing to do.”

Mercedes-powered Williams should be in the mix, however, with Valtteri Bottas on a fine run of form.

At the back, there will be the empty spaces where Marussia and Caterham usually line up after both teams went into administration within the space of a week. That leaves just 18 cars, the smallest number since 2005.

It also gives Sauber, who have yet to score this season, marginally more of a chance of regaining ninth place from Marussia in what is almost a home race for Mexican Esteban Gutierrez.

“I am looking forward to having great support from our fans there, which gives me extra motivation,” he said. “The track in Austin is one of my favourites, I love driving there.”

first place in the women’s 200m and 400m (1:10.3s).

Running heat one in both races, Bess won her heats, overcoming fellow team mate Teshawn Bowman in the 200m and triumphing over Anirika February in the 400m.

Bowman had headed heats 2 of the girls’ 200m with a time of 31.7 seconds but found herself overcome

by Bess’ time of 30.4seconds, in the event which was run as a final by time. In the 400m Bess had clocked 1:10.3s to eclipse the 1:10.8s clocked by February. Natural Sciences’ Christy Caleb managed to finish in 1:28.5s to cop third.

The day’s excitement

reached a peak with the men’s 400m where UGSS president Joshua Griffith, got a run for his money against Social Sciences’ Eon Campbell, and Travis Poole.

Campbell, who was earlier defeated in the men’s 100m by teammate Owen Adonis in the 100m and 200m races finally managed to snag a first-place win after he clocked 53.4 seconds, and Poole ended with 54.7 seconds, leaving Griffith to finish third after he clocked 55.7 seconds.

Campbell had finished second in the 200m where Adonis had clocked 11.1 seconds, while he ended in third in the 100m, Adonis won in

a time of 23.4 and Emauel Archibald finished second.

Nikita Wilson and Kenesha Lashley battled it out in the women’s 3000m and 1500m, with Wilson winning the 3 000m but losing to Lashley in the4 1500.

Both Wilson and Lashley were overcome by Natural Sciences’ Tamica Garnett in the women’s 800m, with Wilson finishing second and Lashley third.

Garnett had earlier won the women’s long jump after scaling a distance of 4.08m in the event.

Despite taking a fall at the finishing line Technology’s Kim Chan still landed a win over Bess in the women’s 100m.

Hazlewood gets call up, as Australia go for pace in Perth SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood received his reward for some fine domestic form yesterday when he was included in a pace-heavy 13man squad for the first two one-day internationals against South Africa next month.

The 23-year-old right-armer, who has played two previous one-dayers for his country, was given the chance to audition for a place in the squad for next year’s World Cup in matches against the Proteas in Perth on November 14 and 16.

His fellow quick Nathan Coulter-Nile, who had surgery on a hamstring problem in June, is also rewarded for a strong campaign in the domestic one-day Matador Cup with a spot in the squad for the matches at his state home ground, the WACA. Left-armers Mitch Starc and James Faulkner, who both featured in the recent one-day series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, have been dropped to make way for the duo.

“We are continuing to keep a close eye on players we feel could have a significant role to play in the 2015 World Cup,” chief selector Rod Marsh said in a news release.

“At this stage, the squad is only for the first two matches of the series and balances out player preparation for long and short form cricket as we

build into a big summer.

“This squad caters for the WACA’s renowned fast and bouncy surface with six pace bowling options.”

Veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is rested to freshen up for the Test season and replaced by Matthew Wade, who earns his spot despite some disappointing recent form with the bat.

Michael Clarke returns to skipper the side after missing the Pakistan series through in-

jury, while all-rounder Shane Watson is fit to play an ODI for the first time since he faced England in Adelaide in January.

“We are pleased with the batting line-up that we have at our disposal,” Marsh added.

“It has great balance with the likes of David Warner, Aaron Finch and Shane Watson at the top of the order complemented by players such as Michael Clarke, George Bailey and Steve Smith.

GCA second division cricket set for this weekend

THE Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) New Building Society-sponsored second Division competition (40 overs) will resume this weekend with a number of matches across the city.

At the GNIC ground, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Third Class C.C will collide from 10:30hrs, while the University of Guyana will play host the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) on Saturday.

On Sunday November 2, GNIC will host the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and GDF are down to face Everest at home.

Meanwhile the Banks Malta Supreme U-13 competition will also be on this weekend in Georgetown, starting from Saturday at 09:00hrs with a double-header at the YMCA ground on Thomas Lands where the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will face Bel Air RUBiS followed by GCC against Malteenoes.

The YMCA will again host another double-header the following day from 09:00hrs - Everest versus Transport Sports Club and GYO against the Diplomats Cricket Club.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

T&TCB condemns BK International supports Windies players pull out Guyana’s Brazil-bound PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (T&TCB) has condemned the recent decision by West Indies cricketers to abort their tour of India.

The condemnation came in the form of a motion moved during the 58th annual general meeting of the T&TCB in Couva over the weekend.

The motion came after a three-hour long meeting, punctuated with heated moments but was met with strong support.

“While our board recognises the rights of the players, we feel that the decision to abruptly end the tour has brought collective shame to the people of the Caribbean while also bringing the game into disrepute,” the motion read.

“We acknowledge that

T&TCB chief A zim Bassarath the stain of this action will be difficult to erase and our board pledges its full support to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in its efforts to mitigate the myriad negative repercussions that will emanate from same.”

There was one notable dissenting voice to the motion in former president of the West Indies Players’ As-

sociation (WIPA) Dinanath Ramnarine.

Ramnarine, a controversial figure, attended the meeting with ex-national captain Daren Ganga whose bid to unseat incumbent T&TCB president Azim Bassarath in national executive elections one year ago, was unsuccessful.

The West Indies cricketers pulled out of the India tour after the fourth ODI in Dharamsala, shocking the international cricket world.

They are protesting the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), signed recently between the WICB and WIPA. Players have argued it results in a drastic reduction in their earnings and have called for a return to the old CBA.

Beach Volleyball team

BK International has outfitted Guyana’s team who are off to neighbouring Brazil, to compete in the Continental Cup Beach Volleyball Tournament which also serves as an Olympic qualifier.

The males Ryan Monroe, Ian Baggot and Adriel Moore and females Tiffany Whittington, Alecia Davis and Danielle Samaroo, Ronette Creston are accompanied by officials Marlon Pearson and Andrea Flores.

This is the first time that the Guyana Volleyball Federation has sent a team to the prestigious event that sees the participation of a total of 44 National Federations, with 40 represented in both genders, accounting for an impressive 80% of the sport’s governing body’s affiliated member countries.

The eventual winners of the Continental Cup will get the right to participate in the Beach Volleyball tournament of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro while another two countries will have a second opportunity to qualify to the Olympics via the Intercontinental Final Round that will also take place in 2016.

Interesting final day on the cards … Half-century for Chanderpaul

DEPENDBLE West Indies middle-order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul struck his second half-century in the Cricket Guyana Inc. four-day practice match yesterday for Leon Johnson’s XI, to set up an interesting final day’s play against Vishaul Singh’s XI at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

Resuming the day on 73 for 2, with Rajendra Chandrika on 52 and Narsingh Deonarine 8, Johnson’s XI declared their second innings closed at 287

for 8 off 84.2 overs, when the 40-year-old Chanderpaul was trapped lbw by Anthony Adams, for a lead of 333.

S e t 3 3 4 f o r v i c t o r y, Singh’s XI closed the penultimate day’s play on 29 without loss, with Kandasammy Surujnarine on 14 (1x4) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul 13, which included a sweetly timed drive square of the wicket off Keon Joseph, one of his two fours.

Earlier in the day, Chandrika and Deonarine were not allowed to build on their over-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday October 30, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 3 (2) AUST vs ENG, Melbourne, January 05, 1971 Today’s Quiz: (1)Five ODIs have been played at Albion.

Which two teams contested the last? When?

(2) How many times Dwayne Bravo has captained the WI in ODIs? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

night partnership which had accrued 40 runs at the close of play on the second day, as they only added 12 before Chandrika 55 (90 balls, 10x4) was caught by Shimron Hetmyer off Steven Jacobs who finished with 3 for 56.

Deonarine and Chandrapaul Hemraj pushed the score to 125, before Deonarine, who faced 97 balls and struck three fours in is 36, was dismissed and he was followed 12 runs later by Hemraj for 25, at 137 for 5.

Christopher Barnwell 19 (2x4) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul posted 43 for the sixth wicket before Barnwell succumbed via run-out at 180 for 6, allowing first-innings top-scorer Jonathan Foo (20) to join the elder Chanderpaul and add 60 for the seventh wicket.

The 40-year-old Chanderpaul’s innings spanned 121 balls and was decorated with five fours, including three sixes - two of them in one over off Adams - before he lost Foo and later added 47 for the eighth wicket with Anthony Bramble who made an unbeaten 38 (46 balls, 3x4, 1x6).

Johnson’s XI declared their second innings closed when Shivnarine Chanderpaul was lbw to Adams, but not before he struck Amir Khan for his third six. Jacobs ended with 3 for 56 and Khan 2 for 62 for Singh’s XI, who will need 305 more to record a come-from-behind win when the action continues today.

Brian Tiwari hands over cheque to GVF president John Flores

Guyana’s representatives at this year’s Continental Cup Beach Volleyball Tournament in Brazil

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday October 30, 2014

GT&T Indoor Hockey

Under-19s hold Old Fort to a draw Tigers’ Tiffany Solomon scores a penalty corner against Spice.

Aliyah Gordon of the Tigers is on the attack.

THE men’s first division battle between Old Fort and the National Under-19 squad capped off another highly entertaining Tuesday evening in the GT&T National Indoor Championships.

For Old Fort, National defender Aderemi ‘Dove’ Simon produced an unstoppable performance which was complemented by flashes of brilliance from the Under-19s Aroydy Branford and Andrew Stewart.

Just three minutes into the match, Simon roared down the pitch in a blistering counterattack move completing it in fine fashion with a well-

placed shot to give Old Fort the lead.

Although the Under-19s executed their game-plan with great discipline, the experienced Old Fort side managed to neutralise every attack, leaving them vulnerable to the counterattack.

Old Fort found the net again three minutes before the half when Chris Low was able to convert his shot giving Old Fort a 2-0 lead.

The Under-19s finally managed the breakthrough seven minutes into the second half, when a well-executed attack was finished off by Leon Bacchus, to finally beat goal-

keeper Tony Cole who was having a fine performance in the Old Fort net. With the match heading into the dying moments, the Under-19 drew even with a bullet of a shot from Aroydy Branford through a penalty corner opportunity leaving the final score at 2-2.

The ladies competition saw the young Old Fort Rising Stars continue to build on their performances each tournament by holding the seasoned Hikers to within one.

While the Hikers had the upper hand for most of the match, goalkeeper Sarafina

T&T to start fresh World Cup bid in Quito PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago will launch a fresh bid to reach next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup when they travel to Quito next week to face Ecuador in the first leg of the qualification playoff.

The Caribbean side missed out on automatic World Cup

qualification after finishing fourth in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship which ended in the United States on Sunday.

They will now face the Ecuadorians on November 8 at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, before returning home to play hosts to the second leg on December

NOTABLE DATES

ON October 30, 1959 Guyanese lightweight Caesar Barrow stopped Kid Chocolate II (Elmer Yearwood) in round two at the Wrightson Road Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

The fight produced 11 straight victories for Barrow. It was the second meeting between the skilful Barrow and Kid Chocolate in two months of that year. The Guyanese had defeated him via a unanimous 10-round decision in August of the same year.

On October 30, 1982, 29-year-old Guyanese middleweight Reginald Ford was knocked out in one minute 48 seconds of the first round by Argentine Juan Domingo Roldan in Liguria, Italy.

Ford, the elder brother of former Commonwealth featherweight champion Patrick Ford, was coming off a fourth round TKO loss to Mike McCallum in April of the same year. A game competitor, the Guyanese lost six fights after the Roldan affair and ended his career in 1984.

2. The venue is yet to be named.

Once they beat the South American over the two legs, they will bag one of the three remaining World Cup spots.

Ecuador reached the playoffs after finishing third in South American Football Confederation.

Cash-strapped T&T defied the odds to reach the final four of the recent CONCACAF Women’s Championship and twice came within touching distance of automatic qualification.

They lost their semi-final Costa Rica on penalties after regular and extra time finished 1-1. They then led 2-1 in their third place playoff against Mexico before drawing 2-2, and conceding two goals in extra time.

Eventual champions United States, Costa Rica and Mexico qualified automatically. A fourth CONCACAF side, Canada, booked their place without kicking a ball by virtue of their status as hosts.

Twenty-one teams are already confirmed for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Phillips had a fine performance in the Old Fort net and was beaten just once throughout the match by a Maria Munroe strike in the fifth minute.

The other ladies’ match of the evening saw tournament favourites GCC Tigers, featuring a bevy of national players, crush defending champions Spice by 5-2. The outcome was all but over by the half as the

Tigers scored 4 goals before Spice could muster a reply.

With the score line reading 4-1 at the half in favour of the Tigers, Spice would recuperate to produce a far more settled second half which was split by one goal for either side leaving the final score at 5-2.

GCC enjoyed further success on the night when their men’s second division side, unbeaten thus far in the

competition, squeezed out an exuberant Saints by 4-2.

GCC returned in the Veterans category to face Old Old Fort and dominated the first half in scoring two goals while Old Old Fort matched this feat in the second half to tie the game 2-2 at full time.

Matches run from Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday with the four finals set for Sunday from 17:00hrs.

The ‘Bajans’ are coming! ... promise to take over Guyana

TEAM Barbados have their sights set firmly on winning the coveted Country Championship title as they confirm an 11-member team for the final round of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), to be staged at the South Dakota Circuit in Guyana on Sunday, November 16.

Only 12 points cover the leading three territories, Trinidad & Tobago having leapfrogged into the lead with 308 points after returning as a host country in August for the first time since 2006; Guyana are second with 297, with Barbados third on 296.

Jamaica trail on 151 points.

Stuart Maloney, CMRC Champion in 2008, is returning to the series for the first time in five years. He will drive the Group 4 Audi A4 Quattro in which his father Doug has three times finished third in the CMRC. Looking forward to his trip, he said: “I have always been very passionate over track racing and really enjoyed racing in the CMRC. The hospitality from the Guyanese is fantastic, too.

It is important that we, as drivers, reciprocate to keep the momentum going.”

Maloney won five of the six races he contested in 2008 in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, beating Jamaica’s David Summerbell Jr (Evo VIII) to the title, by

Stuart Maloney’s Audi A4 Quattro five points, with Doug Gore a further five points behind in third place. Maloney’s rivalry with Summerbell will be renewed on November 16, as it was confirmed a few days ago that he will return to Guyana, after missing last year’s event.

The Group 4 team is completed by Mark Maloney (Mazda RX-3) and Steve King (Nissan Skyline GT-R).

It was noted that the Mayers brothers will not be coming to Guyana, with Roger suffering significant accident damage from CMRC round 1, and Barry (Ford Focus) with persistent engine problems; Stuart Williams was set to travel until his Lotus Elise developed a gearbox problem at the Beacon Insurance BMF Club Meet at Bushy Park a week ago.

Since last year, the CMRC Country Championship has been calculated by combining points scored in Group 4 and Group 2, in which Barbados will enter a strong team, led by cur-

rent points leader and 2012 Champion Mark Thompson (Honda Civic).

The Group 2 list also includes the reigning Champion, Thompson’s brother Kurt (Honda CRX), and 2011 Champion Kenrick Husbands (Toyota Starlet), both of whom have race-winning pedigrees at South Dakota.

Also in action will be Quincy Jones (Starlet), Steve King (Starlet) and Thompson’s brother Neil (Honda Civic).

Te e n a g e r Tr e m a i n e Forde-Catwell will make his debut for Team Barbados in his Daihatsu Charmant, which is currently undergoing a major refreshing with a new yellow paint job and the further tweaking of his Leeson Moe-prepared engine.

Finally, although there has been no official CMRC Superbike Championship this year, Devan McCartney (Suzuki GSX-R600) and Terrance Ollivierre (Suzuki GSX-R600) will be making the journey south.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GFA Futsal action for Sports Hall

See Story on Page 27

Gonsalves proposes CARICOM panel to help solve cricket crisis BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is advocating the assembling of a three-member CARICOM panel to help resolve the ongoing contract dispute between West Indies players, their union WIPA and the West Indies Cricket Board.

In a letter to WICB president Dave Cameron last week, Gonsalves said the current crisis was too serious a matter to be solved by the Board alone, and suggested

the wider engagement of CARICOM. Gonsalves proposed the panel be comprised of current CARICOM chairman, Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne; Grenada Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell and former Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson.

“I consider that a mature engagement with regional governments through CARICOM may assist in finding satisfactory ways to the impasse,” Gonsalves wrote

St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves

in the letter, which he read on the popular Mason and Guests cricket show on 92.9 FM Radio here Tuesday.

He added: “I do not think that this huge complicated issue can be handled in an ad hoc manner or by the WICB alone.

This is an extraordinary enterprise which takes us beyond the boundary.”

The experienced leader, who played a key role in resolving the impasse

See Page 27

GDF stop UG Wolves to retain Yamaha Caribs anniversary title

CHAMPS AGAIN! The GDF team after winning the Yamaha Caribs Anniversary title last Sunday.

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FOR THE second time running, defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) out-muscled the University of Guyana (UG) wolves 19-12 to recapture the Yamaha Caribs Anniversary title last Sunday at the National Park Rugby field.

Patrick King was deemed the player-of-theday, scoring two tries during the win, while R. Huston chipped in with a single along with Dwayne Schroder’s two conversions to secure the team’s victory.

For UG Wolves, Ryan Dey and Lance Adonis scored one try each while Godfrey Broomes converted one.

The GDF defeated Pepsi Hornets 10-7 while UG had beaten the tournament’s hosts 7-5 in the semi-finals.

Presenting the winning prizes to players, patron of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU),

See Page 27 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014