2014 11 26 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 104023 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2014

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

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FATF lauds Gov’t for commitment - recognises President Ramotar’s high level political commitment to make Guyana AML/CFT compliant Page 4 Page

Opposition crying foul for something they approved – Minister Benn Page

Essequibo farmers thank Gov’t for desilting drainage canals - in $81 million NDIA project

Centre President Donald Ramotar

First Lady urges…

END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

INCLUDING VAT

First Lady Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar

- says no society can move forward where human dignity is under threat

Mr. Roger Wilkins, FATF President

Sir Shridath Ramphal to launch memoir 13 - at ‘Glimpses of Georgetown Club this a Global Life’ evening Page

Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal

Drinking trio bent on duck curry thrashes owner Page 22

‘Cane Juice Man’ tells court he was the lover, not the killer Page

Anger management session for son who abused mother Page 30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

First Lady urges…

END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN - says no society can move forward where human dignity is under threat

FIRST Lady Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar is calling for an end to violence against women, standing firm to her belief that no society can move forward or can be at peace with itself where human dignity is under threat. “When women, the bearers of life, are disrespected and violated, this strikes a blow against the dignity of the individual,” she said in a statement yesterday to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Following is the full text of the First Lady’s message: I AM pleased to issue this message in observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence

Against Women. While globally considerable strides have been made in sensitising publics and calling greater attention to the scourge of violence perpetuated against

females, there is still considerable work to be done in the global campaign for the respect of the bodily and emotional integrity of women.

ternationally to combat violence against women. In Guyana, a great many groups and individuals are on the frontlines advocating for stronger ac-

Despite the many challenges that are faced in this campaign I am, however, extremely heartened by the resolve there is both nationally, regionally and in-

tion to be taken against perpetrators of violence against women. They are also in the forefront of efforts at offering counselling and succor to the victims of violence, particularly the victims of domestic violence. I urge all Guyana to support these efforts because violence against women, if left unchecked, will reproduce problems in other areas of national life. When women, the bearers of life,

FIRST Lady Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar are disrespected and violated, this strikes a blow against the dignity of the individual. No society can move forward or can be at peace with itself where human dignity is under threat. It is my hope therefore that on this International Day For The Elimination of

Violence Against Women that we will redouble our efforts in ridding our society and the world of this travesty. May this day provide encouragement to all those involved in the fight to eliminate violence against women!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Opposition crying foul for something they approved

THE Parliamentary Opposition has delivered yet another distinctive example of their well-known anti-development stance in objecting to the recently approved West Coast Demerara road project. This massive modernisation project that will encompass from Vreed-en-Hoop on the West Coast of Demerara to Hydronie on the East Bank of Essequibo will entail total resurfacing, and general works to make the road safer. Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, in responding to threats by the Opposition that the Works Minister will suffer the consequences for unapproved spending during the suspension of the National Assembly, said this move by the Opposition surmises that the APNU specifically is anti-development. “I can only look with continued disappointment and resignation when one looks at the statements that the Opposition has made in the Kaieteur News...I would remind and say that these projects are for the benefit of the people of Guyana and the statements they made for the West Coast Demerara road,

the East Coast and West Bank and East Bank Demerara four-lane expansion, indicate that they are on the path for destabilisation and bringing to a halt the development of the country for narrow political ends…” “I am prepared to suffer any consequences once it leads to the further development and progress of our country in a clearly positive way,” Minister Benn declared. On November 22, the ministry inked a US$46,789,000 contract with several contractors for varying aspects of the road improvement project, paving the way for a massive transformation of the West Coast Highway. The road network’s upgrade will cater for pavement rehabilitation, road widening, and separation lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, installation of traffic signs, traffic lights and road markings, replacement of the Groenveldt bridge, relocation of utilities and general repairs. Minister Benn reiterated that the spending of funds

– Minister Benn

for the West Demerara road and the continued spending for the four-lane expansion and other road works were approved by Guyana’s par-

get, they are crying foul for something they approved,” the minister said. “They also mentioned the airport expansion project. This project, the initial advances were approved in the Parliament by all parties concerned and we also provided the contract document, the feasibility study and the environmental assessment

in the Parliament to all the parties with respect to this project…They want to hold back the development of these communities and bring to a halt the economic development of this country,” Minister Benn said, while emphasising that this infrastructure project provides a vehicle, a mechanism and a means of making this development possible and sustainable. He further noted that

Minister Robeson Benn liament, and the Opposition which has a one-seat majority in Parliament. Specifically, he said with respect to the West Coast Demerara road, monies were approved during the 2014 National Budget. “It is rather strange now that we are executing a contract for which funding was provided, some $810 million in the 2014 bud-

A section of the West Coast Demerara road

Government has taken specific decisions with its development projects, along with international partners, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the European Union (EU), in that it (government) has moved contracting along a path where national contractors, along with regional contractors have been fostered and developed.

FATF lauds Gov’t for commitment

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

- recognises President Ramotar’s high level political commitment to make Guyana AML/CFT compliant

PRESIDENT of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) delegation at the Plenary Meeting XL, and Special MinisteMr. Roger Wilkins has written to President Donald Ra- rial V Meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force motar, in response to a letter which the President wrote (CFATF) in El Salvador. pledging on behalf of Guyana, the Government’s high The Attorney-General updated the Plenary Meeting XL on level political commitment to implement the action plan it Guyana’s submission of its Action Plan after collaboration with had developed with the International Cooperation Review the American Regional Review Group (ARRG). This Action Group. Plan was submitted and approved by FATF at the Paris meetThe letter recognises the high level political commitment ing, where the high level commitment was given by President which President Ramotar has given to bring Guyana into Ramotar, pledging Guyana’s commitment to implement this compliance with the international Anti-Money Laundering and Action Plan. Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. Guyana was granted until September 2015 to implement President Ramotar’s letter the legislative measures and was hand delivered by Attoruntil May 2015 to implement ney-General, Mr. Mohabir Anil the non-legislative measures. Nandlall, in Paris, France, in This recommendation was October, 2014. accepted at the FATF meeting On the basis of this comin Paris. mitment, and the represenThe Attorney-General furtations made on the Governther informed the meeting in ment’s behalf at the AARG ReEl Salvador that the non-legview Group meetings, instead islative measures are being of being blacklisted by FATF, implemented with dispatch and the FATF has identified Guythere is every likelihood that ana in the public document, these will be completed long ‘Improving Global AML/CFT before the May 2015 deadline. Compliance: Ongoing ProWith regard to the legiscess’, of October 24, 2014. lative measures, the AttorThe statement available on ney-General pointed out that FATF website reads: this is the area which continues “In October 2014, Guyana ‘FLASHBACK’: Minister of Legal Affairs and Attor- to pose tremendous challenges made a high-level political ney General, Anil Nandlall hands over the letter of to the Government of Guyana commitment to work with the commitment from President Donald Ramotar to since up until the Paris meetFATF and CFATF to address FATF Roger Wilkins in Paris, France ing, the majority comprising its strategic AML/CFT defithe joint Opposition in the Naciencies. Guyana will work tional Assembly refused to lend on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, their support to the enactment of the AML/CFT (Amendment) including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering Bill 2013 which captures all the requisite legislative measures. and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing He further pointed out that since the Paris meeting there adequate procedures for the confiscation of assets related to have been some developments in that Parliament has since money laundering; (3) establishing and implementing an ad- been prorogued because the joint political Opposition was equate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing proceeding to move and pass a no-confidence motion which terrorist assets; (4) establishing a fully operational and effec- would have resulted in dissolution of Parliament and general tively functioning financial intelligence unit; (5) establishing elections within three months. effective measures for customer due diligence and enhancing One of the grounds for the prorogation of the Parliafinancial transparency; (6) strengthening suspicious transaction ment was to offer an opportunity by the President for the reporting requirements; and (7) implementing an adequate su- Government and the joint Opposition to enter into conpervisory framework. The FATF encourages Guyana to address structive engagements in order to arrive at consensus on its AML/CFT deficiencies by implementing its action plan.” a number of national issues including the swift enactment The Attorney-General is currently leading Guyana’s of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.

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25/11/2014

‘Cane Juice Man’ tells court he was the lover, not the killer - as murder trial continues in High Court JUSTICE Navindra Singh and a mixed jury at the Demerara Assizes yesterday continue hearing the murder case where Michael Anthony Persaud, called ‘Mikey’, is on trial for the murder of his reputed wife Maduri Padumdeo, called ‘Sharda’, of Lot 8 Sophia in December 2011. Witnesses have stated that the accused ‘Mikey’ had, for some time, been living with Sharda in a common law union and that they have parented a two-year-old son. The accused and his paramour worked with Chandrapaul, called ‘Kaylee’, known as ‘Cane Juice Man’, selling cane juice at different locations. Chandrapaul, who testified yesterday, denied a defence counsel suggestion that he had killed the woman because she wanted to end an intimate friendship with him. Reacting to the question, the big-built businessman who was giving evidence for the prosecution, said he had no reason to kill Sharda since they had an intimate relationship and she was a good employee who treated customers correctly and gave him everything that he wanted. Chandrapaul also denied that he had sodomised the accused at a hotel where he rented a room for himself and the couple after his car had broken down on the East Coast of Demerara while attending a wake. A caution statement which the accused is alleged to have given the police was admitted in evidence by the judge. The statement by the accused reads: “A day Sharda tell me that she aint love me, that she like Chandrapaul. I told her don’t do that baby I love you. I got frustrated and ran berserk with she. Me didn’t expect she gon tell me something like that. Me tell she don’t worry. Me tell she that me gon kill myself and I cut my finger.” Later the girl was found dead at her home from strangulation and the accused attired only in a pair of shorts was lying at her side. The hearing is continuing. (Barclay)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Linden’s Bosai bauxite workers protest for better wages and salaries WORKERS at the Linden bauxite operations owned by the Chinese company BOSAI Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc took protest action on Monday and continued yesterday in what is now described as strike action, after the bauxite firm failed to meet their demands for wages and salaries increases, offering what they

claim is an unacceptable 6 per cent in this regard for 2014. Speaking in front of the North Gate of the Linden bauxite operations, where several workers from the Mines and Plant departments had gathered, the Linden Branch Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and

Mr. Aggrey Darlington, NAACIE’s Linden Branch Secretary, speaking to reporters on Monday

Industrial Employees (NAACIE), Mr Aggrey Darlington, told media operatives that the workers had taken protest action because the company had been ignoring their pleas for a better offer than the 6 per cent placed before them in negotiations that began in May this year. Darlington said, “Today we had a peaceful protest which, among other things, was because we are not comfortable with the behaviour of the General Manager of BOSAI, Robert Shang…and we are negotiating since May month and have not reached any settlement for wages and salaries along with a snack allowance. “We are at 8.25 per cent and the company is at 6, and we are not satisfied with that, as they have been giving this

Disgruntled workers gather outside the north gate of the Linden bauxite operations of the Bosai Minerals Group on Monday address the gathering, but for three years. We are look- since 6:30hrs on Monday, had some verbal altercation ing for anything above 7% and had observed Bosai’s with a few workers, and she or nothing less…we need to Public Relations Officer, Ms went back in,” Darlington break that cycle of 7 percent, Vanessa Mitchell-Davis, as claimed. as it is becoming a normal she came out and took some He said contact was procedure, so we need to pictures and went back in to made with NAACIE Gengo above that,” Darlington the company. eral Secretary Kenneth Joargued. “No other personnel seph, and he will contact the Darlington said he had from the management side management of BOSAI to been out with the workers came out to us. She did not inform of the workers’ decision to continue the strike. (Joe Chapman)

Windsor Forest businessman jailed for killing 4-yr-old BUSINESSMAN Tazim Gafoor, aged 40 years of Lot 39-40 Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara was sentenced last week to four years imprisonment after he was found guilty of causing the death of fouryear-old Vashnie Seelall, whilst he drove his motor pick up, GKK 8838, dangerously along the Cotton Tree Public Road, on September 22, 2013. Magistrate Rhondel Weaver, presiding at the

- on Cotton Tree, West Berbice roadway

Fort Wellington Court, West Coast Berbice, upheld the submissions of Police Prosecutor Corporal, Orin Joseph , who had earlier urged the Court to believe the testimonies of the witnesses, and return a verdict in keeping with the evidence. In his defence, Gafoor said a car had emerged from the nearby gas station, and had

suddenly swung into his lane. He further explained that another vehicle was parked at the entrance of the Cotton Tree Gas Station, forcing the car to enter into his path. However, Corporal Joseph said witnesses had revealed that on September 22, 2013, Gafoor was behind the wheel the motor pick-up as he motored towards Georgetown.

The vehicle was travelling at a fast rate of speed, and as the motorist approached Cotton Tree, he lost control and collided with motor car PMM 8599, which was being driven in the opposite direction. In the vehicle, four-year-old Varshnie Seelall was seated at the rear seat with her relatives. As a result of the im-

pact, the child received injuries to her head, and had to be taken to the Fort Wellington hospital, from where she was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she remained a patient in the Intensive Care Unit for eight days, before succumbing to the injuries on September 30. (Jeune Vankeric)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Reaching for the stars AMERICAN astronaut, Jose Hernandez, escaped his penurious immigrant circumstances through his own efforts to reach the pinnacle of success. During a television interview, Hernandez remarked to the effect that if world leaders could look down from outer space to be privileged a panoramic view of the world as he had done, then they would have a clearer picture of the world as one human village, and maybe this would help them to make decisions to the benefit of the entire race of man, rather than skewed to the exclusive benefit of their own nation states. Dr. Cheddi Jagan had espoused this concept long

ago and propagated the mechanism for this construct to be a global strategy for human development in his new Human Global Order, which has been adopted by the United Nations and is even now taking centre stage at various international fora. This vision is Dr. Jagan’s gift to the world. Each country is a microcosm of the wider world, with leadership portfolios in various spheres, and in a contextual way this observation by Hernancez could be applicable to leaders within nations. Thus many atrocities committed by leaders on their own peoples, causing much socio-economic dislocations and infrastructural devastation, could be avoided. But then such leaders

would need to have an inherent love for their fellow man, a commitment to the general advancement of society, and an approach to a national developmental paradigm based on integrity and honesty, instead of egomania driving self-aggrandisement. Wi t h i n t h e G u y a n a framework we have leaders and aspiring leaders, and their acolytes and satellites, who use every opportunity to denigrate and derail the developmental processes of this nation, merely to advance their own selfish causes and agendas. We are a developing country – emerging from a history of a plethora of destructive elemental forces that devastated our nation, even to the point where even

the more optimistic thought that we would never emerge from the quagmire in which we had been immersed for decades – to the point where even the more altruistic funding agencies had practically written us off as almost beyond redemption. Until Jimmy Carter decided, in the interest of justice, and in light of the contention of Guyana’s supreme leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, that the PPP had been “cheated, not defeated” for decades during general elections in Guyana, that the Carter Centre should use its phenomenal power to force the Hoyte administration, which is recorded to have been responsible for the

worst election rigging in the history of Guyana during general elections of 1985, to concede to having relatively “free and fair” general elections in our country after decades of PNC rule. Dr. Jagan was vindicated and the reconfigured PPP/C undertook the gargantuan task of trying to restore some order out of the critical and chaotic national landscape then prevailing – in every area. But the PPP/C has never been allowed to reserve its energies merely for governance of the country, which

has seen unparalleled economic growth and social development within the past two decades. It has also been dogged with some of the most retrogressive and destructive forces, so its work was like swimming against the tide – an uphill task that seemed insurmountable; yet the PPP/C administration persevered and today, despite all the negativity blanketing the nation by the dark, anti-developmental forces, Guyana’s future is poised at the top of the mountain – ready for flight into the stratosphere.

Impropriety report aborts father, son murder trial THE retrial of Krishna alias ‘John’ [one name] along with his son Romel Krishna, who are indicted jointly for the murder of rice and cattle farmer Shawn Fraser, came to an abrupt end after a report of impropriety was brought to the attention of Justice James Bovel Drakes at the Berbice Assizes. Subsequently, the Number three juror, along with the foreman, the accused men, and their Counsels Mursulene Bacchus and Kim Kyte John, along with the daughter of the elder Krishna and State Prosecutor Renita Singh was summoned into the Judges’ chamber. Exiting half an hour later, Defence Attorney Bacchus in addressing the Judge, made reference to the earlier held inquiry, and claimed to be satisfied with what transpired, and what would ‘in some way effect a fair trial’. Consequently, he submitted that the trial be aborted. His colleague

Murder accused ‘John’ Krishna (right) and his son Romel Krishna as they prepare to leave the Berbice Assizes Ms. Kyte John, along with alias ‘Audwyn Fraser’, had State Counsel Ms. Singh testified how he witnessed conceded with the appli- his brother Shawn, being cation. shot in his stomach by RoAddressing the prisoners mel Krishna. in the dock, Justice Bovel Romel, along with his Drakes said: “You have to father Krishna, called ‘John’ return to the prison where faced the joint indictment your attorneys will advise under the Common Law. you on another date.” The men , who had Meanwhile, after the pleaded not guilty at their Judge’s decision, the elder arraignment, are accused of Krishna was seemingly dis- unlawfully killing Shawn pleased with the ruling, and Fraser between July 27 and was thereafter seen clutching 28 , 2011 at Hogstyle Vilat attorney-at-law, Ms. Kim lage, Corentyne. Kyte John. The witness recalled in Earlier, the survivor dramatic fasion how he fell of the Hogstyle backdam backwards after he was shot shooting, Audwyn Binder by one ‘Bobo, who had sec-

onds earlier pointed a shot gun at him. Speaking in the creolese dialect which is practiced by the locals, Fraser said, “Me say to me brother Shawn me get shot. Me dead, and me go down.” “My brother asked them is wha me brother do you, fu you shoot he,” before turning to face the accused men. According to the witness, it was Romel, who then pointed a gun to my brother’s stomach before firing a shot, forcing my brother to drop the items he had in his hand. “He fell backwards. His hands were upraised. John then pointed his gun to my brother’s head. I heard a loud explosion of the gunshot. My brother fell on his face. He did not move afterwards.” Audwyn Fraser recalled that it was after he had witnessed the shooting incident that he got up, slipped the motor blower off his shoulder and ran. He recalled that his body was swaying and as a result of that, he took his

right hand and supported the other arm, resulting in him being able to steady himself. “I then heard one of the accused men say, “Look one of them running away. I shouted for another brother, Ray. He was cultivating his farmlands. At that time I heard two more explosions like gunshots behind me.” In her opening address, State Prosecutrix Ms. Renita Singh, said Shawn Fraser, aged 36 years of Hogstyle Village, and his brother, Audwyn Bindah, called ‘Audwyn Fraser’, of 11 Adventure Farm, Corentyne, are cattle and rice farmers. On July 27, 2011, they left Shawn’s house on tractor to go to Hogstyle backlands to spray rice. On their way, they saw three men, namely Krishna called John, his son Romel Krishna, called ‘Romel’ and one Bobo, who were plowing with a tractor on a cross dam. The Fraser brothers made a stop opposite the two accused and Bobo, to

release the water from the rice field into the trench. Then, as Audwyn and Shawn were leaving to go to spray the rice, Audwyn noticed that the three men had parked their tractor and were under a tree in front of the reef. Ray, responding to the shouts, saw that his brother’s skin was bloodied, and that the two accused, and Bobo each armed with guns, were pursuing his sibling. Gunshots were fired and Audwyn fell to the ground. There were bloodied holes in his back and chest cavity. Subsequently, the matter was reported at Whim Police Station. Shawn Fraser was pronounced dead at the Port Mourant Hospital, while Audwyn was taken to the New Amsterdam hospital. A post mortem report prepared by Dr. Nehaul Singh stated that the cause of Shawn Fraser’s death was due to perforation to the lung due to penetrating wounds to the chest, compounded by fractured skull.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

16 days of activism to focus on issues about eliminating violence against women - Human Services Minister reiterates call for more respect for women THE Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security yesterday commenced 16 days of activism in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Opening with an inter-faith service held on the lawns of the Ministry’s Lamaha and East Street building in Georgetown, the day was observed under the theme: ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s End Gender-Based Violence’. At the service, leaders of various religious organisations offered prayers and shared their views on the importance of the ‘Elimination of Violence against Women’. The inter-faith service provided the opportunity for religious leaders and other stakeholders to recognise that issues of violence against girls and women in Guyana and the world cut across religious, social and political lines. SPEAK OUT Minister of Human Services and Social Security Ms. Jennifer Webster, in her address to the gathering, said the theme was befiting what happens on a daily basis not only in Guyana but around the world. Many women suffer at the hands of their partners - it is known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and she urged those who have suffered to speak out about their experiences. She noted that many of our women are still being denied access to justice because it takes time for the investigation process to be completed. In that light, Minister Webster called on lawmakers and investigators to recognise that these are

issues which must be addressed in a timely manner because while ‘the grass is growing, the horse is starving’ and women may feel they have nowhere to turn to for support and protection. “We must all recognise that the time has come for us to pay heed to the cries of women. We cannot have a peaceful society if we do not adhere and respect the rights of women in Guyana. A society which does not uphold the rights of women will always not be a unified society,” she declared. Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Hymawattie Lagan said that when a woman is being abused, it is not often someone who is a stranger to her; it is typically someone who is very close to her and she urged women who are being abused to ‘think and think hard’ to make the right decision for what is best for themselves. She said the issue of violence against women was swept under the carpet for a long time but now women are becoming more aware and empowered and they are speaking up. She urged the audience, the women and men, who are a part of violence in their homes or work places, to not let it go silent but to report it to the numerous agencies that can issue support and help such as the Ministry, the Help and Shelter Organisation and the Guyana Police Force. Also present at the gathering were Assistant Representative of the World Population Fund (UNFPA) Ms. Patrice La Fleur, representatives from various Ministries of the Government, the Women’s Affairs Bureau, religious groups and businesses and organisations around Georgetown.

Patrice La Fleur, Guyana’s United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative delivering her remarks

A section of the gathering at the Interfaith Service 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM A number of activities will be implemented to observe the 16 days of activism, aimed at ensuring that violence against women can have no place in Guyana’s society. Such activities will include visits to schools and workplaces to interact with students and workers about gender-based violence and numerous television and radio programmes focused on transmitting the message of eliminating violence against girls and women. On 17th December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated 25th November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organisations and NGOs to organise activities designed to raise public awareness of the problem of violence against women. (Raveena Mangal)

Minister of Human Services & Social Security Ms. Jennifer Webster addressing the gathering at the Inter-faith service

Interfaith Messenger Members of the ‘Messenger’ group performing a song at the ceremony (GINA photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Lawyers in NBS case write Ombudsman, Dr. Luncheon - following unauthorised publication of Ombudsman report

ASHTON Chase, the Senior Counsel in the ongoing New Building Society (NBS) fraud case has written the Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore and Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon to register concerns over the fact that the contents of the report have been publicised even before the report has been made public. This was according to a reliable source close to the matter, who told this newspaper that two separate letters were penned recently. Knowledge of the letters comes after the Ombudsman, who compiled and reportedly released the report before it was made public, submitted the controversial 25-page document of a $69M fraud case at the NBS in 2006, to the Clerk of the National Assembly, last week. The letter to the Ombudsman, seen by the Guyana Chronicle, states that NBS has been done a “grave injustice” in having the information of the report publicised before its public release. “Our clients are concerned at being stigmatised by you and the comments made in a report by you, parts of which are published…our clients consider it most unfair that such comments should be made when they were never invited by you to give their versions of the matter. “…moreover, as you are no doubt aware, a case is currently being heard in the court, the matter is sub judice and to be so subjected is a serious disadvantage to them (the clients), and a breach of the most basic judicial principles…a careful, if not sedulous, examination is expected of an Ombudsman, more so a retired Judge.” A copy of this letter was promised to be made available to Dr. Luncheon. The second letter to the Head of the Presidential Secretariat says: “It seems that the publications arise from an initial report of the Ombudsman into our clients’ (NBS) business, a report that has not yet been made public. In the first instance, until made public, the report should not be published and appropriate steps of restraint ought to be taken by the authorities, including the Ombudsman.

“…moreover, certain statements and comments made by the Ombudsman are prejudicial to our clients, especially bearing in mind that they are part of proceedings before the High Court….the Ombudsman, having regard to his career, should know the damage inflicted.” MOVING TO COURT The source added that Chase is awaiting a response before moving to the High Court. Last week, it was indicated that the Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul would move to the High Court this week to contest the grounds on which the Ombudsman compiled and allegedly released a 25-page report on the case of a $69M fraud case at the NBS. The report addressed what has been termed Mr. Ashton Chase, S.C. by the Ombudsman as “wrongful” fraud charges against the NBS former Chief Executive Officer, Maurice Arjoon and two former senior managers, Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo. The fraud was said to have been committed in late 2006. The three men were fired in 2007 after an investigation, which concluded that there was dereliction of duty, negligence and/or serious misconduct. Following that, charges were laid against them. The managers have since challenged the Society’s decision to terminate their employment, among other things, and the matter is currently before the courts. The subsequent Ombudsman’s report on the matter was released about a week ago. Regarding the Labour Minister’s move to the High Court,

after the Ombudsman’s report was made public, the Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed by a source close to the matter that the relevant court documents have already been prepared by the lawyers. The source added that the grounds on which the matter is being contested include the fact that: the NBS is a private entity; the Directors of NBS are elected from its membership; the Ombudsman cannot investigate the actions of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), since that office is insulated by the Constitution; and that the Ombudsman failed to observe the sub-judice rule. SUB-JUDICE PRINCIPLE IGNORED Additionally, Dr. Luncheon, last Wednesday responded to queries about the issue and his main point of concern was the fact that the principle of sub-judice was ignored, which is even more worrying considering the fact that the Ombudsman is a former judge. Dr. Luncheon said: “I believe that the principle, this sub-judice principle has been ignored….this is a matter that is being heard before the High Court and I cannot understand how could another judge, the Ombudsman is a former judge, could have ignored the sub-judice principle.” The HPS also raised concerns about the contents of the report being made public, given that it was not officially released by the Ombudsman. “It seems to be that the report may not have been officially released by the Ombudsman and somehow it has been leaked…it [the leak] has distressed them [the Board and membership of the NBS],” he said. Dr. Luncheon added that he has not paid much attention to the findings of the report, since the more important question is how the report was made public. “I haven’t paid any mind to the findings, I am more concerned with the reaction of the NBS board and if the Ombudsman asserts that this report is not official then the question is, who leaked the report,” he said. In addition to Gopaul’s action, the NBS fraud case is expected to come up again before the High Court soon.

Education Ministry stages drug education training workshop for teachers

THE Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Schools’ Welfare Service, the Salvation Army, the Phoenix Recovery Programme and the School Health Unit, staged its first ‘Drug Prevention Education Programme’ training workshop yesterday at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). Recognising that drugs are being taken into the school system and are the prime reason for poor academic performances, the MoE held the workshop

under the theme: ‘Make the right choice: Say no to drugs’. The aim of the workshop was to highlight the many social and sensitive issues that attend drug use, as well as the challenges teachers are faced with today. T h e w o r k s h o p c o mmenced on Monday and concluded yesterday. Sixty-five teachers from some 22 secondary schools throughout Guyana attended the workshop, and were treated to special deliveries from officials within the Ministry of Education and the collaborating agencies. Mercylene Moses, Senior

Guidance and Counselling Officer in the Ministry of Education’s Welfare Division, told this publication that she was immensely pleased with this initiative, since, “I am concerned about the growth and development of students and young people generally, and I know of the abuse drugs can cause.” Moreover, she admonished parents to play a huge role in their children’s lives, since many are not aware of their children’s behaviour outside of the home. She said it is significant

Please see page 9

Mercylene Moses, Senior Guidance and Counselling Officer in the Ministry of Education’s Welfare Division, stands alongside Clarence Young, Coordinator of the Phoenix Recovery Project Drug Treatment Programme

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Working against national and people’s interests

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar’s contention that Government has never entered into talks with Opposition nor stakeholders with maximum positions is an understatement of the greatest proportions. The issues here are of national import and interests and should not be about the self-seeking interests of the few people comprising the Opposition ‘leaders’. Yet the compromises that the latter grouping want to extract from the Government always address their concern for self-aggrandisement and power through the back door to Cabinet, at the expense of the Guyanese people and national interests. As he observed last Friday during his weekly press briefing, in every instance of talks with the Opposition, the Government has come to the table with its positions and has reduced those to minimum positions, making concessions; whereas the combined Opposition parliamentary parties have held on to their maximum positions, which are almost always anti-people, anti-developmental and self-serving. Engaging A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) in talks is always greatly challenging for Government, because the two parties seemingly never come to the table with conciliation and putting the nation first as of paramount importance. Instead they are always confrontational and approach any bipartisan dialogue with extreme positions that are skewed in their own interests and not reflective of the people’s welfare. The Head of State’s most recent invitation for talks, since the prorogation of Parliament has been ignored by the combined Opposition, with much glee and chest-beating on the latter’s part, as if they have won a great victory. As usual the defeated ‘opponents’ are the people of this land, whom they have described at different times as “collateral damage”, mortgaged to invest in their various ploys for entering the executive offices through the back door. The ‘no-confidence’ motion, proudly brought to Parlia-

ment by the AFC – spearheaded by Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan and supported by the PNC/APNU was the zenith of the reckless, foolish, puerile, irresponsible and unpatriotic acts, among many such instances, that the joint Opposition has perpetrated on this nation during this 10th Parliament. According to the President, the prorogating of Parliament was intended to pave the way for greater dialogue among political parties, while keeping the 10th Parliament alive to address the critically important issues currently before the National Assembly; as well as to continue, unhindered, developmental programmes on stream in the

The ‘no-confidence’ motion, proudly brought to Parliament by the AFC – spearheaded by Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan and supported by the PNC/APNU was the zenith of the reckless, foolish, puerile, irresponsible and unpatriotic acts, among many such instances, that the joint Opposition has perpetrated on this nation during this 10th Parliament.

country. APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger’s allegation that the Government has not granted any concessions during talks with the two Opposition parties was dismissed summarily by the President, who provided examples of many instances

where the Government, even at the expense of its own and the people’s interests, made many compromises with their original positions, with these facts supported by clear evidence. According to a report in this newspaper, the President said: “It is the other way around….it was not me, but the Opposition that has taken these (maximum) positions…the agreements that we have reached, there haven’t been that many, but it’s been we (the current Administration) who have been making the concessions. “…these things are public knowledge; these things are known….I have not been hard or holding so strongly to my grounds.” As it relates to the latter, the Head of State pointed out that the only instances that he held his ground were on areas he felt strongly about, and even here, there were concessions; for example as it relates to the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill. But while the Donald Ramotar administration, and previous PPP/C Governments have approached the table for talks with genuine commitment to nation-building and putting the people’s interests first; the Opposition, conversely, have never displayed any such inclinations. Government and other stakeholders are acting and reaching out to the Opposition on the supposition and premise that the latter are interested in working for the general good of the nation when the reality is that all the Opposition leaders – individually and jointly, are concerned about are their own ambitions to access Cabinet; their self-aggrandisement, self-empowerment and self-enrichment; and in Moses Nagamootoo’s and Khemraj Ramjattan’s case, to subjugate and take revenge against the leaders of the PPP/C, whom they envy and hate to the nth degree because they covet the leadership positions the latter occupy.

Education Ministry stages drug education ... From page 8

Teachers who participated in the recent Drugs Prevention Education Programme held by the Ministry of Education and various collaborators

that “if a child is found with drugs in school, the teacher should report it to the police,” and was adamant that this is the measure schools should take in such a situation. Julian Vyphius, Chief School’s Welfare Officer, disclosed that, over the year, 10 cases were reported involving students caught with drugs on the schools’ premises. Vyphius added that 5% of children in schools use drugs, and the MoE has accordingly been actively involved in combating this. The ministry has thus far initiated ‘Operation Shake-Down’, whereby officials would visit various schools every week and carry out a random search for weapons as well as drugs. Additionally, referral systems are in place, whereby trained teachers would recognise users of illicit substances and refer them to the Narcotics Division. In January 2015, the MoE would begin monitoring the schools that would have participated in the workshop and would have them report on their performance in terms of arresting this drug use practice after this intervention. (Shivanie Sugrim)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Prorogation move ‘a search for dialogue’ - Dr. Luncheon REITERATING the President’s reason to prorogue the National Assembly, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said the decision was ‘a search for dialogue’, and that once all of the possibilities have been exhausted, a definitive announcement will be made by the Head of State within the six-month period. President Donald Ramotar on November 10, prorogued the Parliament for a maximum of six months. Dr. Luncheon was part of a panel discussion on the programme ‘The 10th Parliament, the Way Forward’ on the National Communications Network (NCN) with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony on Sunday. It was noted that Guyanese elect public officials every five years, a manifesto or plan of action is then put out, and the governing party implements it over the afore-mentioned period. It is only something of significance, or of a drastic nature, that interrupts or truncates this programme, Dr. Luncheon said. He reminded that in 1997, due to conflict, two years of the PPP/C’s governance was given to facilitate a return to parliamentary normalcy. “There is an abiding concern among the PPP/C that we will not contribute a return to a similar situation. Dialogue is what prevents that,” Dr. Luncheon said. The proclamation by President Donald Ramotar is driven by the need to execute what the electorate mandated him to do over that five-year period, Dr Luncheon said. “You’ve got to understand it from that perspective, an abiding concern, and an abiding commitment to get the priorities for Guyana just right.” The decision by the joint Opposition to move their no-confidence motion to the top of the list of matters to be debated, at November 10 sitting of the National Assembly, meant the halting of sev-

eral key pieces of legislation. This move would have inevitably led to President Ramotar having to name a date for general elections, within 90 days. These critically needed pieces of legislation included the amended Anti-Money Laundering Bill, the Telecommunications Bill aimed at liberalis-

Opposition that they will not be engaging the President in dialogue until the parliament is reconvened, particularly as the constitutional date for the National Budget approaches, Dr Luncheon opined that members of the joint Opposition are not foolish. “What it does say is notwithstanding these profound

essential to sit and talk things over despite there being divergent views. The need for constructive engagement and prorogation is the way to achieve this, he emphasised. With regards to a specific cutoff date for the ending of prorogation, Dr Luncheon explained that since the period cannot be extended be-

was electorally grounded in its appeal. The political Opposition is well aware of this, he said. “On the surface the inconsistencies are glaring; I’m saying that’s part of the course, where politics and where conflict is concerned, but the successful political system, mature political sys-

From left, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, on the programme ‘The 10th parliament, the way forward’, on NCN ing the sector, the Education Reform Bill and proposals for the Amalia Falls Hydro Power project. The Cabinet Secretary said that whilst there were some difficulties, during the parliamentary debates and the various tabling of the new bills, one cannot deny that there hasn’t been progress. There was an investment that occurred in the 10th Parliament, he stressed, one that even skeptics would have to concede had benefits “and enough to encourage us to feel that solutions were just around the corner”. He cited the example of the AML Bill which, due to input from a wide range of stakeholders has seen the blacklisting of Guyana by international financial bodies deferred. “This is where we were on the 10th of November, progress and possibility of further progress as opposed to it being arrested” he said. Asked about a timeframe for the President to make a decision, in light of statements from the joint political

differences that exist that, there has to be some resolution. Our concern is the resolution should be within the context of the 10th Parliament.” He added that there is absolutely no reason to believe that the alternative, elections and an 11th Parliament, is going to vitiate these enormous difficulties and they will disappear like in the fictions of the world. “They will be right there on the morning of the 11th Parliament, and what are we going to do? Have another round of dissolution again?” Going to the elections, at the first hurdle that presents itself, will not result in the resolution of key issues such as the AML Bill, and approval for the Amaila Hydro Power Project, the Cabinet Secretary stressed. “We have to talk our way through,” he declared. Minister Anthony said the electorate would quickly see through the move of merely “opposing for opposing sake.” Dr Anthony added that if Guyana’s development is to be prioritised, it is

yond six months and President Ramotar has indicated that he will not repeat the process, a decision will be made during this period. He said that once all of the possibilities for dialogue have been exhausted a definitive announcement will be made by the Head of State. “Indeed there is a merit of not identifying a specific end-point, at the time when prorogation was announced lest it be made the tool, the instrument liable to being shut down by those whose interest might have been, in not pursuing what the President’s objectives were.” Responding to claims that the Government is stalling for time to prepare for possible elections, such as calling for additional registration and embarking on various aid programmes, were soundly refuted by the HPS. The education grant, Dr. Luncheon reminded, was introduced during the 2014 National Budget hence it was difficult to justify a claim that the disbursement of the funds for the programme,

tems, they solve those problems.” It was also pointed out that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that it had already programmed itself to conduct a seventh round of voter registration; hence there is no excuse to factor this exercise into any machinations. There have been calls for a return to Parliament by several stakeholders, including representatives of international organisations. On this issue, Dr. Luncheon opined that, “again these are not foolish people, these are not imbeciles and therefore knowing fully well that a return to the 10th Parliament under the extant conditions means dissolution, they couldn’t be offering that as a substantial forward movement for the conflict that we are experiencing!” They are also “playing the game” and by taking this position, actually opening the door for the body politic (Government and Opposition) to discreetly, outside of the public glare, get on with

the job or dialoguing and cutting the deals that would allow a “real return to Parliament” to discuss the nation’s business. There are many issues that can see dialogue before the eventual return to Parliament, the 12- point plan which started with negotiations to increase old age pensions but came to an end after the APNU leader David Granger backtracked on the second issue of electricity reform for the Linden Township, Prime Minister Hinds pointed out. There needs to be a return to the obligations of the politicians who were elected by the people to handle their interests, it was pointed out also. The President has been meeting with stakeholders to discuss critical issues such as Ebola and even flooding, in addition to the parliamentary impasse, hence civil society has interests such as what occurs in the political dispensation. The HPS pointed out that they are playing a key role in this process, and they will play an increasingly important role in resolving the issues at hand. He noted that despite some of the objections raised by the joint Opposition to having the private sector, for example, involved in issues such as the AML Bill, one must be optimistic. “Like the President on prorogation, these opportunities must never be abandoned, not because it could indeed not realise its objective, must be a priority, throw it aside. You put it out there; let us see what can be achieved in its contributions to improving, and having a better outcome with this situation.” President Ramotar has formally invited the political Opposition to have dialogue with Government, but thus far they have declined. Despite this, the President has indicated that the “door remains open” for talks once the political Opposition is ready. (GINA)

Kowsilla

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

– an ordinary woman who made an extraordinary sacrifice for her fellow humans

By Parvati Persaud-Edwards

VENTS would prove that the pandit chose an appropriate name for her – Kowsilla, whose namesake was Lord Rama’s mother, revered for upholding what Hindus call Dharm – a principled way of life and supporting her husband’s quest for discharging his duty and honouring his given word; even though it meant the banishment to the jungle of her beloved son and his gently-bred wife, Sita for fourteen years. Kowsilla, also known as Alice, was involved in the sugar workers’ struggle for better working and living conditions and she paid the ultimate price for upholding her convictions and her principles. On March 6th, 1964 during an industrial strike at Plantation Leonora she and several other women stood resolutely shoulder to shoulder, on a bridge and faced-off a PNC scab driving a tractor inexorably toward them under the direction of the colonial managers. She, along with fourteen other sugar workers were mown down by the scab, Felix Ross. Kowsilla’s body was cut in two, while several other women were severely injured, with some being crippled for life. As Rakesh Rampersaud describes it, this

was an extraordinary act by ordinary women; who nevertheless were agents of change in the labour movement, because their supreme sacrifice catalysed the recognition of the bargaining agent for sugar workers – The Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA) which, although it subsequently proved a disappointment for the sugar workers, because it later degenerated into a supporter of the oppressive PNC regime, paved the way for the emergence of the GAWU; but not without long years of unrelenting struggle, spearheaded by Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP, with the WPO giving optimum support to the cause. It was this struggle that precipitated the strike of 1964 and culminated in the murder of Kowsilla. However the sacrifice of these indomitable women did not go in vain, because GAWU gained recognition by the Booker Tate sugar plantations in 1973. Kowsilla lost her life, succumbing on her way to the Georgetown Hospital, and two other women – Jagdai and Daisy Sookram suffered broken spines, remaining crippled for the rest of their lives; while several other workers received severe injuries to various parts of their bodies. Some never recovered from those injuries, suffering one kind of disability or another, which precipitated their demise. Although they did not die directly from their injuries, their quality of live and lifesspans were severely diminished, which was indi-

Alice Street in Seafield, Leonora, West Coast Demerara that was named in honour of Kowsilla a.k.a. Alice

KOWSILLA

Above: Three women who were injured in the protest that day rectly attributable to Felix Ross’s murderous act, for which he was acquitted. Kowsilla was born in 1920 in Seafield, Leonora, West Coast Demerara. Her parents were very poor and, although little is known of her married life, reports indicated that she became a single mother of four children whom she worked as a huckster to provide for. She was enamoured by charismatic leader fighting for social and political change, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and became an activist for improving the lives of

women in then British Guyana. She joined the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), formed in 1953 by Mrs. Janet Jagan the wife of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and became leader of the Leonora branch and executive member of the organisation. Kowsilla was forty-four years old when she paid the supreme price for her convictions on that fateful Friday morning on March 6th, 1964. Along with her fellow workers she See page 12

Kowsilla

From page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Gravesite of Kowsilla at CI, West Coast Demerara. (Rakesh Rampertab photos)

Left, high bridge where the protest was held, from south (or back dam) end. Right, elevation to high bridge from the village end, or north

Left, Alice Street (note sign), dedicated to Kowsilla. Right, not the original house but place where Kowsilla lived in Leonora stood immovable, unheeding of the scab’s shouts as he continued to drive the tractor directly at them: “You-all ain’t hear what the Boss-man say? Get off the blasted bridge.” Before he ruthlessly ran them down. An eyewitness recalled Kowsilla telling the other women “Don’t budge. We can’t let the rich man thief we children-them future ” before she fell, along with the others, scythed down in the prime of their lives like so much chaff by a murderous tool of evil men. Of the fourteen who were mown down by the tractor, receiving serious injuries, two of them, Jagdai and Daisee Sookram suffered broken backs and were crippled for life. Another, Kisson Dai, lost one kidney and had broken hips. The unyielding stance of these ordinary workers heralded a of sea change and a new dynamic in the labour movement, and the results of their sacrifices are today being enjoyed by all workers in the nation. Yesterday, as the world observes International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women 2014, the sacrifices of our female forebears need to be commemorated; especially the ultimate sacrifice by Kowsilla fifty years ago. Last Sunday the WPO held a remembrance day activity at the Leonora Secondary School to reflect on the 50th death anniversary of Kowsilla.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Sir Shridath Ramphal to launch memoir ‘Glimpses of a Global Life’ - at Georgetown Club this evening

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs will, this evening, facilitate the much anticipated launch of Sir Shridath Ramphal’s memoir ‘Glimpses of a Global Life’, at the famous Georgetown Club in Guyana. In this memoir, Ramphal – the renowned Guyanese-born international diplomat - tells the story of the Commonwealth’s role in ending the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Southern Rhodesia by a minority white regime and bringing Zimbabwe to independence; of aiding the struggle against apartheid and securing its end, and the release of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s freedom; of the obduracy of Britain’s Margaret Thatcher against sanctions and the heroic stand

against her by other Commonwealth leaders – from Africa, India, the Caribbean, Canada and Australia. Ramphal replaces conjecture over these dark episodes in human history with fact. According to recent release from The University of the West Indies, Ramphal’s book is also a remarkable account of the Caribbean’s ambivalence about integration. As an insider from the formation of the West Indies Federation; its collapse; the creation of CARIFTA and CARICOM in the effort to pool the individual sovereignty of each country into a beneficial whole; and the seminal work of the West Indian Commission in charting the course for the Region’s holistic

development, Ramphal recounts the opportunities, the failures to act on them, and the triumphs when regional governments acted together. He also recalls the roles of leading Caribbean personalities who advanced and retarded the Region’s cohesion over a period of 50 years. The UWI said ‘Glimpses of a Global Life’ is an analysis of major problems and challenges that dominated the Caribbean, the Commonwealth and the World in the 20th century, and that continue to shape the contours of the 21st. Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal has lived a long and global life. He is a lawyer and international diplomat who led the Commonwealth of Nations as the associa-

tion's longest serving Secretary-General during its crucial years as an international player. Leaders from every continent engaged with him as he worked alongside them

WHAT WORLD STATESMEN SAY ABOUT THE MEMOIR:

** “Sonny Ramphal ... was, by far, the ablest and most effective of all the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth. He understood the principles which were important to the strength and unity of the Commonwealth.” - RT HON MALCOLM FRASER, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA (1975-1983)

** “... a brilliant recollection ... of an intellectual Titan whose breadth of talents and depth of experience resulted in the summons to serve on six international Commissions.”

Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal on issues such as ending apartheid in South Africa; laying the foundations for global concerns about the environment; the reform of global governance; and the resolution of conflicts. The memoir is published by Hansib Publications Ltd, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and is available in paperback and e-book versions at http:// www.amazon.co.uk/.

- THE MOST HONOURABLE P.J. PATTERSON, PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA (1992-2006)

** “This is a book about tomorrow. Sonny Ramphal’s ‘glimpses’ of a recent past are powerful guides to our troubling future.” - RT HON JOE CLARK, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA (19791980), SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (1984-1991)

** “... a beautifully written a n d re v e l a t o r y s t o r y stemming not just from his adroit use of 20th century papers released under the 30-

year rule, but his description of his ancestral past and the links between slavery and indenture.”

- LORD DAVID STEEL OF AIKWOOD, LEADER OF THE LIBERAL PARTY, UK (1976-1988)

** “Sonny Ramphal describes his vision and crafts a rich account of his service to the international c o m m u n i t y. T h e b o o k provides a timely reminder of the importance of multilateral cooperation.” - KOFI ANNAN, SECRETARYGENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS (1997-2006)

** “Sonny Ramphal has written an extremely valuable book. I know first-hand of the patience and strong leadership he displayed in bringing the Commonwealth nations together for the greatest achievements in its history ... [He] recaptures the drama and colour of some historic moments accurately and well.”

- THE RIGHT HONOURABLE BRIAN MULRONEY, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA (1984-1993)

** “This is a beautifully written memoir composed with sharp insight and clear vision by one of the foremost statesmen of the 20th century...” - IAN MCDONALD, AUTHOR AND POET

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Perseverance 1,000 homes turnkey project on schedule for mid-2015 - Minister Ali

- Gov’t invested $12B in last four years to have housing development along East Bank

THE 1,000 homes turnkey housing project in Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara is slated to be fully completed by mid-2015, Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali said as he also disclosed that some 12,000 have been allocated for 2014. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Ali said his ministry has been working tirelessly to provide “affordable housing for all” which is also the ministry’s theme. He noted that for 2014, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has already distributed some 12,000 house lots and this includes all the new areas for the year. HOUSING SOLUTIONS Ali explained that the ministry is always looking for new ways to diversify and enhance

Minister Irfaan Ali housing solutions in Guyana. “We hope that we can further enhance our housing solutions by having our Perseverance Scheme, our 1,000 homes project completed fully by mid next year with approximately 100 homes already under construction and being allocated,” the Housing Minister said. BUTTERCUP COTTAGES In June of 2013, the ministry launched the Perseverance 1,000 turnkey homes and on May 19 the first batch of 50 houses started to be constructed. The cost for a completed house is $4.9M (the house costs $4.4M and the land costs $500,000). Known as the Buttercup Cottages, they are two-bedroom flat houses equipped with toilet and bath, kitchen and living See page 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Social Work students of UG undertake life-skill interventions at Youth Ministry

THE Paradise Assembly of God Church Youth Ministry benefited from several life-skill interventions carried out by final year social work students of the University of Guyana (UG) as part of their ‘Community Practice’ project. The intervention saw youths gaining tremendous exposure on topics such as appropriate behaviour, effective communication, courtesy to persons, negative and positive peer pressure, puberty, and leadership

among youths. It lasted for eight consecutive weeks from September 27th and concluded on November 22nd. This initiative was conducted by Tashia James, Selleen Sukho a n d S h e n n e l M o o re (Social Work students) alongside Stokley Roberts and Indera Horrilall, 3rd year Environmental Studies students, all of whom worked tirelessly to benefit the youths of the community and to make them successful individuals who will even-

University of Guyana (UG) Final year social work students alongside 3rd year Environmental Studies students pose with youths of the Paradise Assembly of God Church Youth Ministry that took part in their ‘Community Practice’ project. tually aid in serving their community in the future. To help facilitate the students’ project, persons were invited to enlighten the youths on the stated topics. Much consideration and appreciation were shown by the youths as they displayed a positive change in behaviour after the various interventions were conducted. (Shivanie Sugrim)

An aerial view of the 1,000 Homes turnkey Project in Perseverance

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Perseverance 1,000 homes turnkey project on schedule ... From page 14 area. The ministry will be providing water and electricity for the homes and has also modernised the houses with sealed rooms and sash-windows. Meanwhile, the Young Professionals Home project in Eccles has almost 80% occupancy where $600M was invested by the private sector for this specific project. The young professionals home project started in 2012 and was completed in August 2013. All the houses for the project have been allocated and homeowners are doing their own finishing touches to their houses. The Housing Minister explained that the young professionals project is one that is in very high demand since it enables our working population to have a ‘walk in

ready home’. He noted also that because of the high demand “we have to find new solutions in terms of land availability and development of a new urban stretch” to embark on other projects. NEW URBAN AREA He noted that the Government has invested $12B in the last four years to have housing development along the East Bank and this includes the roads, water supply and electricity. Ali explained too that “along the East Bank we are in our final stages of land acquisition and development and this will require us to look at a new urban area that would bring a holistic solution.” (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

Young Professional Homes in Eccles

1,000 Homes turnkey Project houses under construction

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Iwokrama, Culture Ministry launch ‘Travelling Exhibition’

THE Iwokrama International Centre (IIC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, will this morning launch a ‘Travelling Exhibition’ at the National Museum in Guyana. The exhibition, which opens at 10:00 hrs today, will run through to December 13th. IIC, in a statement yesterday, noted that in collaboration with the Newcastle University, UK and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), it has been implementing, since 2010, a project titled ‘En-compass - an international diamond of cultural dissemination, capacity building with countries from the North, East, South and West’. This project is focused on heritage management and preservation in Guyana (North Rupununi), Kenya, China (Hainan Province) and Newcastle, UK. The key purposes of the project are to strengthen local indigenous culture through increasing access to intangible and tangible cultural heritage expressions, products and services in China, Kenya (and Anglophone Africa) and Guyana and to encourage improved management and safeguarding of these resources. These issues have taken on an added urgency in the increasingly fast globalising world in which we live, especially because dominant cultural expressions, products and services have tended to become internationalised to the detriment of local cultural diversity. The overall objectives of the project are to: • Strengthen local cultural expressions, production and services; • Improve access to culture, dissemination of culture; and, • Support protection of cultural heritage in imminent danger. Some of the key activities supported by this project were: 1. Exchange visits of heritage and culture experts (2010 to 2011): Guyana was represented by Glendon Allicock (Music and Culture specialist), Benita Roberts (Makushi Researcher and culture specialist) and, Ozzie Hussein (renowned Sculptor). The three visited Newcastle, China and Kenya. And in return the teams from Kenya, China and Newcastle came to Guyana (North Rupununi) as well. They also had to do research which contributed to a travelling exhibition. This exhibition has already been shown in Kenya. Guyana is the second stop; it then goes to Newcastle and China. 2. Internal country workshops on heritage: The Guyana Workshop was held in the North Rupununi in December 2011 with experts in the area. Dr Aron Mazel from Newcastle University facilitated this session. The Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Amerindian Affairs were also represented. 3. Three indigenous Guyanese attended Newcastle University in 2012 to 2013 to read for their Masters in Heritage Education and Management. They were Anil Roberts, Sabanto Tokoroho (Grace Roberts) and Guy Marco. They all were successful. Anil is now with the Ministry of

- at National Museum Amerindian Affairs, Sabanto with Ministry of Culture, while Guy has returned from the USA to the Rupununi to share his knowledge. Additionally, the partners in collaboration with the Amerindian Research Unit, University of Guyana (UG), will be hosting a workshop on Heritage Management on November

27, 2014 at the Biodiversity Centre, University of Guyana. The workshop will focus on language, communicating cultural hertiage, documentation and preservation. Techniques of participatory videos and photo stories as methods to preserve culture will be discussed. Also, Iwokrama along with the NRDDB, UG and the Cobra Project will host an Indigenous Film Festival at UG from 9 am to 2 pm at the Learning Resource Centre, UG, on Friday, November 28, 2014.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

CCJ upholds Court of Appeal decision in land matter THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday dismissed an application for special leave to appeal in the matter Systems Sales Ltd vs. Brown-Oxley (2014) CCJ 16 (AJ), highlighting the importance of identifying the subject matter of

land agreed to be sold. The parties to this Barbadian matter entered into a contract to buy and sell a parcel of land identified on “a proposed sub-division plan” but did not attach any plan. The resulting issue was that the purchaser, an experi-

enced land-developer, sought the CCJ’s appellate jurisdiction to order the vendor, an elderly couple, to honour their obligations under the contract relying on one plan while the vendors insisted they agreed to another. The Barbados High Court

trial judge held the vendors’ plan to be the contractual plan and refused to order specific performance of the purchaser’s plan on the basis that it contained a material modification to the contractual plan. The Barbados Court of Appeal agreed with the trial judge’s conclusion. The Court of Appeal also found that the purchaser was not entitled to damages because it had failed to plead and prove any specific losses. In its decision delivered earlier yesterday, the CCJ held the view that the purchaser, having been in the land development business for 35 years, had only itself to blame for not clearly identifying the land by a plan. The Court indicated that

the purchaser could also be regarded as causing its own losses by rejecting the vendor’s plan and insisting on its own plan. The CCJ therefore dismissed the purchaser ’s application for special leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal because it found no reason to interfere with that decision. It also ordered the purchaser to pay costs of the application to the vendor-respondents. The Court was presided over by Justice Wit along with Justices Hayton and

Anderson. Mr Steve Gollop and Mr Hal Gollop appeared for the Applicant. Mr Alair P Shepherd, QC, and Ms Wendy Maraj appeared for the Respondents The final judgment of the Court and an Executive Summary is available on the CCJ’s website at www. caribbeancourtofjustice.org

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Tourism Awareness activities…

Christmas Tree Light-Up, Duck Curry competition, Rupununi Safari among premier events still ahead AS Tourism Month Awareness activities come to a close, the Tourism Minister still has a few exciting activities on the cards such as the Annual Christmas Tree Light-Up, the King’s Duck Curry competition, Rupununi Business Forum, the second South Rupununi Safari and the Rupununi Expo. On October 31, Tourism Awareness Month 2014 was launched under the theme: ‘Tourism Entrepreneurs and Ambassadors Mobilised’, with the aim of raising awareness of the

The Director explained that this safari is slated to move off on November 26 and will conclude at the Rupununi Expo on November 29 so as to give participants the opportunity to participate in the expo. He said also that the annual Christmas Tree light-up at Rahaman’s Park on the East Bank is slated for Friday, November 28 and he urged persons to come out with their families. HOMECOMING MAGAZINE Haralsingh also disclosed that the Tourism Ministry and

Minister Irfaan Ali

Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, GTA Director

country’s tourism potential as the Government continues to promote tourism as a sector that has potential for significant economic growth. This year’s theme was selected to highlight tourism entrepreneurs and ambassadors who are regarded as the key vehicles for the creation of new enterprises, employment and the stimulation of competition in the sector. It is hoped that they will also educate and inspire their families, friends and colleagues to embrace tourism, Tourism Minister (ag), Irfaan Ali explained at the launch of Tourism Month. SOUTH RUPUNUNI SAFARI Speaking at the launch of Restaurant Week, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh,

said this year’s South Rupununi Safari is expected to be bigger than last year’s. He noted that at present there are seven vehicles from Suriname which will account for some 28 persons, six from Trinidad and Tobago, one Canadian biker, one from Jamaica, four from Dominica, 13 from Guyana, one truck from the Essequibo Coast and another which was promised by the Tourism Ministry last year.

the GTA will be opening a visitor’s information centre at Lethem, Region 9. This office will temporarily be located at the Conservation International Office. “This centre is intended to provide foreigners with information on Guyana’s tourism products and services and also soon we will be launching our official “Homecoming Guyana 2015” magazine,” he said. The first ever Restaurant Week has started and continues daily, with restaurants offering two-course lunch specials at a standard price of $2,000 and $3,000 and dinner specials at $4,000 and $5,000. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Essequibo farmers th for desilting drainag

- in $81 million NDIA project

RICE and other crops farmers on the Essequibo Coast are very thankful to the PPP/C government for disilting drainage canals in an $81M project executed by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). The farmers said the project

sector, so production and farmers can get m in their pockets. Region Two Chair manand Persaud, wh desilting works in pro poey, said the projec desilting drainage can

Minister Alli Baksh and Region Two Vice Chairman Vishn under the NDIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $81M drainage project on the Essequi will greatly improve drainage for rice and other crops, and this will lead to their undertaking more cultivation and greater production. They said Government must be commended for making more investments in the agriculture

Johanna Cecilia in the coast and Dartmouth The Chairman sa works are currently in the Walton Hall/P and he is pleased a with the quality of w

Spring crop s -some 36,967 acres to be sown

RICE farmers on the Essequibo Coast are making full use of the current rainy season to prepare and sow their fields for the spring crop. Reports from the Guyana Rice Development Board [GRDB] at Anna Regina indicate that some farmers in the south and north of the coast have already completed their sowing, and some even have three-week-old rice plants in their fields. Other farmers are re-

portedly busy preparing and levelling their fields preparatory to sowing in the lowland areas, while farmers in the highlands are awaiting a supply of irrigation water to begin preparing for sowing. The Drainage and Irrigation Department of the Region 2 Administration is reportedly currently releasing water from its conservancies/ main canal to irrigate fields in the different sections. Altogether, some 36,967 acres

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

hank Govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ge canals

can increase more money

rman Mr Parho inspected ogress at Cact is aimed at nals between

the contractor in the Queenstown/ La Union area. He also inspected desilting works done near the La Union sluice. The Chairman said desilting of the main canal leading to the sluice mouth will cause water to flow more quickly into the

nu Samaroo inspecting a canal that was desilted ibo Coast

e south of the in the north. aid desilting in progress Paradise area, and satisfied work done by

Atlantic Ocean, thus improving drainage for the benefit of farmers and residents in the Queenstown/ La Union and Annandale villages. Mr. Persaud also visited the sluice at Taymouth Manor, and said the canals leading to the

sluice were also desilted under the NDIA drainage project, thus improving the flow of water from rice growing and residential areas to the ocean. The pontoon with the two excavators on board also desilted the channel of the sluice leading to the foreshore of the ocean, which had been silted up with tons of sling mud. Having inspected the Three Friends Sluice, the chairman said lots of desilting work was done to clear the channel and mouth of the sluice. He said a mobile pump that was acquired from India has been set up next to the sluice to pump water from the drainage canal into the ocean. During the dark days of the PNC regime, Region Two had always been flooded during heavy and extreme rainfall. Some farmers said the drainage canals had been taken over by weed because of careless management, and there had been no money to clean or desilt them. One farmer said he could easily have walked over the drainage canals because of the thick vegetation it had during the days of the PNC. He said the seawall was another failure under the PNC, and there were serious episodes of flooding because of the collapsing sea defences. He said the amazing transformation of the sea defence structures and the drainage and irrigation network is today evidence that the Government is working in the interest of the people. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

A mobile pump that was acquired from India is seen in operation draining a high build-up of rainfall water from off the land at Three Friends Village on the Essequibo Coast.

The excavators are mounted on a pontoon as they clear a silted up channel on the Essequibo Coast

Excavators disilting a drainage canal at Capoey on the Essequibo Coast

sowing in progress on Essequibo Coast A field being irrigated with water at Anna Regina are expected to be cultivated with rice for the 2015 spring crop. The GRDB has reported that a shipment of 20,000 bags of urea fertilizer is expected in the

Region shortly to boost the growth of the crop. Reports are that the fertiliser, provided by the Government and GRDB, will be sold to farmers at the most affordable cost

of $5,000 per bag. A senior officer of the GRDB office at Anna Regina said each farmer will be entitled to two bags per acre. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

A field with young rice plants on the Essequibo Coast

22 ‘WARDED’: Bhopal Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Drinking trio bent on duck curry thrashes owner

BHOPAL Singh, 39 years, of Cromarty, Corentyne Coast recently had the misfortune of being brutally beaten by three men who broke into his duck and fowl pen around midnight on October 26 and stole all twelve of his birds. The men had been ‘drinking’ and ‘smoking’ during the night and felt that they wanted something to eat, so they stole his birds and decided to make a cook. Bhopal recalled he was in the bottom flat of his home watching television and the door was open. A telephone call from his sister who lives nearby, alerted him to the fact that four men were raiding his fowl pen. He promptly got up and rushed out but when he arrived all he found was the empty pen with its door broken down. He said that knowing the trend in the village, he decided to ‘check out’ a particular house. When he arrived at the house he saw four men he recognised. Three were imbibing alcohol and the fourth was busy ‘plucking’ one of his (Bhopal’s) ducks in preparation for cooking. He confronted them and the men, incensed that he had interrupted a planned ‘duck curry’, snatched him and gave him a sound thrashing. Bhopal suffered a broken left arm and injuries to his head. A neighbour took him to Port Mourant Hospital and he was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. But when he thought that his woes had ended with the thrashing, he had another surprise. He was treated on arriving at the New Amsterdam Hospital, and a piece of Plaster of Paris placed on his hand. However, he claimed the health care provider did not ‘set’ the hand before strapping it, but gave him a date, three weeks from the time of examination, to report to the Georgetown Public Hospital to have the hand attended to. “I do not see the merit in this. I got my hand broken since October 26 and had to wait until November 21st to get it set and placed in cast. That is unbelievable,” Bhopal said. He is currently warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital. (Shirley Thomas)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Spike recorded in road fatalities to date - police cite speeding, drunk driving, inattentiveness

THE police yesterday reported that there have been 129 deaths, including 15 children, from 120 road accidents to date, while for the corresponding period in 2013 there were 92 road accidents in which 100 persons were killed, including nine children. According to a release from Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, speeding, drunk driving and inattentiveness are the leading contributors of road accidents and fatalities. Traffic Headquarters disclosed that for this year 56 pedestrians, 18 pedal cyclists,

25 motorists, 12 occupants of motorcars, three motor lorries, one minibus, one person being towed on a bicycle and 13 drivers all lost their lives on our roadways. Meanwhile, following four separate fatal accidents on Sunday and Monday which claimed the lives of four men, Traffic Chief Hugh Denhert again called on everyone to use the roads in a better manner while exercising the five C’s - Care, Caution, Courtesy, Consideration and Commonsense. He stated that the four more road fatalities on our roadways are far too many

and it goes to show the poor use of the roads because “if you choose to ride a motorcycle without a helmet the consequences can be deadly.” BAD CHOICES The Traffic Chief added that persons continue to make bad choices when using the roads and the Traffic Department can only continue to appeal to all road users to let their good sense prevail. Denhert said drinking and driving do not mix and drivers and others need to come to that realisation as he implored all road users to be

considerate and look out for each other and promote road safety. Meanwhile, Coordinator of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) Ramona Doorgen told this

publication that they are continuing to push for persons to be more responsible and to change their attitude. She noted that road accidents can result in death and it is not easy for

any family to lose a loved one as it has devastating consequences. In that light, she called on persons to ‘pull their socks up” and utilise the roads in a proper Please turn to page 25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Spike recorded in road fatalities ... From page 23

manner to reduce road accidents and fatalities. On Monday at about 14:45 hrs on Betsy Ground Public Road, Canje, Berbice, passenger Mahendra Jugisteer, 30, also of Betsy Ground was killed when the car he was travelling in collided with a parked tractor-trailer. Police reported that the driver of a motorcar in which Jugisteer was a passenger lost control of the vehicle which turned turtle after colliding with a parked tractor-trailer. Jugisteer received injuries and was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the vehicle is in police custody assisting with the investigations. Meanwhile, at about 16:30 hrs on Sunday, November 23, at No. 68 Village Public Road, Corentyne, pedal cyclist Dhanraj Doodnauth, 76, also of No. 68 Village, lost his life when he was struck down by a speeding car. A probe revealed that a motorcar was proceeding along the roadway allegedly at a fast rate and collided with the pedal cyclist. He was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the car is in police custody assisting with the investigations. The police are investigating also a fatal accident that occurred at about 17:40 hrs on Sunday, November 23, on No. 10 Public Road, West Coast Berbice, which resulted in the death of motorcyclist, Dilchand Angad, 28, of Plantation Hope, WCB. Police said Angad was driving a motorcycle along the roadway when he overtook a minibus and collided with a motor lorry that was travelling in the opposite direction. He received injuries and was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. In a separate accident, police said they are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Alden Straker, 21, of Bartica. At about 18:45 hrs on Sunday, November 23, Alden Straker and Julian Rodrigues, 21, also of Bartica, were found lying on the roadway at 4 Miles, Bartica, with injuries to their bodies. They were taken to the Bartica Hospital where Straker was pronounced dead on arrival, while Rodrigues was admitted in a serious condition. It is suspected that the men were involved in an accident. Two damaged motorcycles were found along the roadway. (Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Anger management session for son who abused mother

Wednesday November 26, 2014 05:00 Thursday November 27, 2014 08:30 Friday November 28, 2014 09:00

ANDREW Cunningham, who confessed to abusing his mother after she refused to give him food, was fined $20,000 with an alternative of 40 days imprisonment by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus at the New Amsterdam Court. Further, the Court stipulated that Cunningham be subjected to anger management sessions for two months, as suggested by an officer from the Probation and Social Services. Police Sergeant Godfrey Playter, prosecuting, said the defendant is the son of the virtual complainant, Netty Seenanan, and is in a habit of abusing her. On November 15, the defendant returned home and after his mother refused to give him food, he became annoyed and used a series of expletives at the woman. Thereafter, she left home, and reported the matter at Reliance Police Station, where cops instituted charges. Meanwhile, in response to questions from the Magistrate, the defendant said: “My mother cuss me, and I cuss she out.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Aries

You probably think of yourself as a curious intellectual, but a recent expansion in career and finance has brought out talents for business and money that you didn’t know you had. This has been a time not only of success and good fortune but also of learning more about yourself. Don’t fall back on old fears or underestimate yourself. You’re capable of accomplishing more than you know.

Taurus

Your natural warmth is enhanced by a new sense of self-confidence. Group activities and social events might bring you into touch with people who prove to be valuable business contacts. Whatever goals you’ve attempted to reach may finally show signs of materialising, possibly through the efforts of others who believe in you. This should be a very fortunate and enjoyable day for you. Make the most of it!

Gemini

Today you might pinch yourself to see if what you’re experiencing is real. Success and good fortune are coming thick and fast, with only minor setbacks and irritations to complicate matters. Business, money, and career success are likely to be at an all-time high, although you might find yourself feeling a little fearful of what comes next. Don’t worry about that. Go with the flow.

Cancer

Career and financial success might have paved the way for you to fulfill some of your fondest dreams. Perhaps you’ve wanted to return to college and get an advanced degree, take a trip around the world, or try writing and publishing. Whatever it is, your schedule should be freer and more flexible than ever, so this is the time to go for it. Start planning today!

Leo

Now that you feel more secure regarding your business and financial situations, you might be looking for ways to feed your spiritual and metaphysical interests. Your intuitive and psychic abilities should be operating at a very high level, causing you to experience some vivid dreams and visions and receive the insights that come from them. Books and lectures might prove especially enlightening.

Virgo

Just about every department of life should be going very well for you now. Business, finances, and partnerships are likely on their way to success, while personal relationships of all kinds, particularly romantic ones, should also be more rewarding. You might be thinking of expanding your horizons through new enterprises or study. Don’t be shy - go for it.

Libra

Whatever you’re working on at the moment, whether business related, personal projects, or volunteer work, it’s likely to bring you increased satisfaction on many levels. You’re enjoying what you do, making a difference, and meeting new friends. Your health continues to glow. You may feel as if nothing can stop you. Watch out for minor upsets, but nothing that will burst your bubble.

Scorpio

It’s likely that your personal and creative horizons are expanding. Your or another’s artistic enterprises might pay off big today. You could be introduced to people who prove to be valuable contacts as well as new friends. Your love relationships are going well. Your new feeling of enthusiasm and self-confidence certainly doesn’t hurt!

Sagittarius

A huge get-together of some kind could take place today either at your home or the home of someone close to you. It’s possible this may turn into more than just a fun party. You might become involved in conversations with people who become valuable business or social contacts. Expect to have a wonderful time no matter what you do today.

Capricorn

Expect many advantageous changes to take place in your community. New businesses could open their doors, interesting neighbours could move in, or some necessary repairs could finally get done. You might spend a lot of time in the car or on the phone and spreading the news. An exciting proposition may come to you or someone close to you through a letter, email, or phone call.

Aquarius

You’ve probably had few periods when business and finance have gone well for you. Now this trend seems to be coming to a head. Today you might start or close some type of agreement that will make a big difference to your finances. Your money situation should not only improve but also stabilise at a level higher than it’s ever been. As long as you’re diligent, this growth should continue.

Pisces

You tend to be practical and businesslike by nature, but the tremendous growth you’ve experienced may increase your desire to be as sensible and efficient as possible in order to continue this trend. You’re feeling upbeat and positive. You’re likely to continue to feel this way. The only downside is that you’re probably going to be working very hard. You will like the results, though, so go for it.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 26, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Australia board to probe Clarke selection row …CA boss Sutherland puzzled over “mixed messages” (REUTERS) - Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland will grill Michael Clarke and national team selectors after a bizarre breakdown in communication over the injured captain’s availability for the first Test against India next week. Selectors on Monday named the injured skipper in a 12-man squad for the Brisbane Test with the proviso that he play a twoday tour match against the tourists starting on Friday to prove his fitness. Hours later, Clarke, battling to recover from a hamstring injury, said he had already been ruled out of that match by the team’s medical staff and said he intended to prove his fitness by playing for his Sydney club on Saturday. The confusion grew late on Monday when Cricket Australia (CA) issued a statement siding with the selectors, and reiterating that Clarke needed to turn up for the Adelaide tour match. CA chief executive Sutherland told Fairfax Media yesterday he would investigate the breakdown. “I will speak to Michael and others who have been

Michael Clarke involved in the process to make sure I understand where these things have gone awry,” Sutherland said. “It’s not really appropriate for me to go into any more detail. “All I can say is I am concerned that there are some mixed messages coming out of Cricket Australia in the last 24 hours or so. “I want to understand why things have fallen off the rails a bit there.” The controversy follows a public spat between the captain and his coach Darren Lehmann, a member of the four-man selectors panel, over the omission of Steven Smith for a one-day match against Zimbabwe which

Australia lost in August. Clarke was publicly upbraided by Lehmann for criticising the selectors’ decision to overlook the middle order batsman. The Australian skipper was unrepentant. News Ltd media reported that Clarke would be ruled out of the test match on Tuesday, but Cricket Australia declined to confirm his status. Although Clarke has missed only one Test through injury in his career of 107 matches, his determination to rush back from the hamstring problem has already cost him time on the sidelines while robbing the team of its top tactician. Straining the hamstring directly before the Zimbabwe tour, Clarke promptly re-injured it when he resumed playing and was sidelined for the rest of the tournament along with the one-day series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October. Clarke aggravated the injury again in the opening ODI against South Africa earlier this month, forcing him to miss the rest of the series. Although repeatedly

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Lawrence, who played five Tests for England before his career was ended by a horrific knee injury, was deeply affected by the aftermath of his delivery to Simmons. “I had known ‘Sid’ from a long time before,” said Simmons. “We were friends before that through [West Indies paceman] Courtney Walsh. “My wife told me when I was in the hospital bed he came to visit. He was holding my hand with tears running down his cheek. “A bowler is never to blame. It’s just one of those unfortunate things that happens once in every long while.” Simmons said his wife hid the full details of his injury from him for two years after he regained consciousness, helping

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also present. News of the injury sparked a wave of sympathy from the global cricketing community and fans on social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with phil and his family! He is a great fighter and a great young man!” Australia coach Darren Lehmann tweeted. A popular team player born in a small town in northern New South Wales state, the pint-sized Hughes played 26 tests and 25 one-day internationals for Australia, but never quite cemented his place in the national set-up. Hughes has long struggled to shake off perceptions of vulnerability against short-pitched bowling, but with Clarke injured, he was backed to regain a spot in the Test team for the first match in Brisbane against India starting Dec. 4.

Phil Simmons hopes ...

Lyon La Soie

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16:30 hrs Hes Our Music

From back page Balls occasionally strike batsmen on the helmet, sometimes drawing blood on impact, but the seriousness of Hughes’s injury shocked seasoned cricket writers and players alike. “Thoughts are with Phil Hughes. Terrible to see and just shows how dangerous our game can be,” Australia legspinner James Muirhead tweeted. Hughes was placed on a motorised stretcher and taken to the edge of the field where medical staff performed mouthto-mouth resuscitation before he was rushed to hospital by ambulance. After scans at the hospital, he was taken straight into surgery. Australia captain Clarke arrived to check on Hughes at the hospital, where the stricken batsman’s mother and sister were

From back page

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“My goal is to continue to play for Australia for a lot longer. I love both forms of the game,” he told local broadcaster Channel Nine.

Australia’s Hughes ...

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urged to quit one-day cricket to prolong his career in tests -- even with the World Cup on home soil looming in February -- Clarke said he had no such plans.

him focus on returning to the cricket field. “All I thought about when I came through was that I wanted to play again,” he added. “I wasn’t studying all the tubes all over my body. “That was my catalyst. I looked forward to playing cricket again and playing for the West Indies.” Hughes, who received mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at the side of the pitch, is in an induced coma at St Vincent’s Hospital after surgery. Doctors will provide an update on his condition today. “My wife called me as soon as it happened,” added Simmons. “He is the same age as I was with the same name. I think there’s an omen somewhere that he will pull through and I hope so.”(BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Relationship with Rosberg ‘tougher’ than Alonso-Hamilton FORMULA 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg helped push him to new levels but admits it was tough to make their relationship work. He also had a turbulent time at McLaren in 2007 with team-mate Fernando Alonso. But Hamilton says his 2014 experience with Rosberg was “maybe tougher” after the pair clashed on and off the track. He added: “But you always want to have a fierce competitor, a tough team-mate, because they help you raise your game.” Hamilton, 29, beat Rosberg to the title after months of tension between the Mercedes team-mates following several controversial incident Rosberg and Hamilton have had a fractious relationship after Hamilton’s brake failure in Canada, Rosberg taking a controversial pole in Monaco,

the German clipping Hamilton in Belgium, and Hamilton’s “slap in the face” overtake of Rosberg in the USA. But Hamilton says the year ended on a “really respectful note” in Abu Dhabi. In a series of interviews with the BBC, Hamilton said: • He is no rush to commence talks on a new contract with Mercedes despite his current deal expiring at the end of next season • B e r n i e Ecclestone has done an “incredible job” running Formula 1 and he is still “the man for the job”

Lewis Hamilton says the season ended with the rival Mercedes drivers sharing respect for each other. • His “heart goes • Jenson Button is out” to those who have still “one of the greats” lost their jobs because of and deserves a place with the problems in Formula a top team next season 1’s smaller teams

Sporting world united in support for injured Hughes

(REUTERS) - Australian sport was reeling in shock after Phillip Hughes suffered a serious head injury while batting in a domestic cricket match yesterday. The 25-year-old remained in a critical condition in a Sydney hospital after undergoing emergency surgery as the sports world rallied around him. “Our thoughts and prayers are with phil and his family! He is a great fighter and a great young man!” tweeted Australia’s national cricket coach Darren Lehmann. Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland released a statement, saying all the players in the match had been shocked by the incident. “His welfare is our highest priority,” Sutherland said. “We’re also naturally concerned about all of those involved in today’s game and will be giving them our utmost support.” That support was welcomed by the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which represents the interests of players with the national body. “We were obviously shocked to learn of the seriousness of the incident involving Phil,” ACA chief executive Alastair Nicholson said. “While we have faith that he’s receiving the best available treatment, the situation will impact his family, friends, and those directly involved on the field. “The ACA is therefore working closely with CA to arrange the appropriate counselling for those affected.” England captain Alastair Cook, preparing for a one-day series in Sri Lanka, sent a strong message of

Marussia and Caterham

England captain Alastair Cook support. “Fingers crossed he can show the same fight as he has throughout his career and he can pull through,” Cook told reporters. “Player safety is irrelevant. It is all about him, his family and friends, and we are sending our best from here.” Social media was flooded with well-wishers, with former Australia batsman Dean Jones expressing his best wishes for Hughes, but also Sean Abbott, the fast bowler who struck the batsman. “Stay strong @seanabbott77 .. Not your fault young man,” Jones added. “Awful news about Phil Hughes. Sickening to hear. Praying for him and his family,” England fast bowler James Anderson said. Hughes also drew support from the Australian rugby team, who are preparing for their final test of the year against England in London, while New Zealand Cricket, Australia’s trans-Tasman rivals, also said they were thinking about him.

A third world championship win in 2015 would take Hamilton level on titles with Ayrton Senna, who won in 1988, 1990 and 1991. Hamilton has maintained the Brazilian driver has been his inspiration in the sport from a young age. “Naturally I always wanted to emulate Ayrton,” Hamilton said. “Right now, I’m really humbled by the whole experience, I was grateful just to get the first win, to get the second is just an unreal feeling. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But I’ll be back at the factory next week, we’re going to be working on the next car, and a new seat fit - a big engineering meet to understand what’s entailed for next year.” On Jenson Button, who is still without a team for the 2015 season, Hamilton added McLaren

would be “smart” to keep hi “Developing, building a team, stabilising a team, you need strong drivers to lead the team, and he’s the full package,” Hamilton said. Hamilton was also questioned on the financial problems faced by Formula 1’s smaller teams towards the end of the 2014 season, with British manufacturers Caterham and Marussia entering administration within a week. “We need those two teams, because they really make the sport, we need more teams and we need more competitive teams. “Seeing people lose their jobs is not a good thing at all. Of course these guys they want to be racing, they want to get to races and see their car competing even if it’s not winning. “My heart goes and my best wishes go out to those guys.”(BBC Sport).

Chelsea qualify in style with five-goal romp GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany- (Reuters) - Chelsea produced a footballing masterclass to romp to a 5-0 win at Schalke 04 on Tuesday to power into the last 16 of the Champions League and make it a miserable night for former coach Roberto Di Matteo. Captain John Terry headed in a corner after 78 seconds and Brazil midfielder Willian doubled the lead with a fierce low shot on the half hour. A Jan Kirchhoff own goal in the 44th minute made it 3-0 and second-half goals from substitutes Didier Drogba and Ramires allowed Chelsea to extend their unbeaten start to the season to 19 games in all competitions. “It was a fantastic performance from the first to the last minute...5-0 in Germany is not normal,” coach Jose Mourinho told reporters. “Any team would have struggled against us tonight with the quality we showed.” Schalke, who hit the woodwork in the first half, had little to offer against a rampant Chelsea as coach Di Matteo lost his first meeting against the team he led to Champions League glory in 2012. Chelsea clinched top spot in Group G with 11 points from five games, four ahead of Sporting who beat Maribor (three) 3-1 on Tuesday. Schalke, who lost for the first time at home under Di Matteo, are in third position on five points with one match remaining. “I’m at a loss for words,” said Schalke captain Benedikt Hoewedes. “I can only apologise to everyone. We gave Chelsea too much space to play.” DREAM START Diego Costa, who has scored 11 goals in 10 games in this season’s Premier League but none in Europe, raced clear in the first minute but had his shot blocked. The resulting corner, however, saw Terry beat

John Terry Hoewedes in the air to give his side a dream start. Mourinho, bidding to become the first coach to win the Champions League with three different teams, wanted a trouble-free victory to ease the pressure going into a busy period of fixtures and that is precisely what his side gave him. Chelsea were lucky when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s deflected shot bounced off the crossbar but Willian put the hosts firmly in their place with a second goal. The unfortunate Kirchhoff then headed a leftwing corner, from the outstanding Cesc Fabregas, into his own net on the stroke of halftime. Drogba tapped the ball into an empty net after being set up by Willian before the Ivorian lofted the ball to the far post for Ramires to nod the fifth goal for the runaway Premier League leaders. Chelsea’s victory equalled their best Champions League away result, 5-0 at Galatasaray in 1999.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Mc Kinnon, Ramlakhan win .22 Pistol Shoot RYAN McKinnon and Joshua Ramlakhan won the senior and junior categories at last weekend’s .22 Pistol competition as the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) hosted the first leg of its Year-end Handgun championships at the TSU Ranges at Eve Leary. McKinnon who scored 453 points had 10 points clear of second place finisher Smallbore captain Dale Hing who recorded 443 points while third place went to Ray Beharry who recorded 441 points in the event which comprised three stage shots at 5 and 10- metre distances. The first was a precision stage shot from 5 metres with no time limit where shooters were required to

third place finisher Ray Amjad recorded 372 points. The championships will conclude this Sunday with the Practical Pistol shoot at the Timehri ranges from 09:00 hrs. Results Seniors: 1st- Ryan Mckinnon-453 points 2nd Dale Hing – 443 points 3rd Ray Beharry – 441 points

The top three shooters in both senior and junior categories (in front row) with other competitors at the TSU Range at Eve Leary. engage targets with both strong and weak hands. The second was a 20-second timed stage shot from 5

metres where shooters had to engage targets with mandatory reload with two 8-round clips. The third was a 30-sec-

ond timed stage shot from 10 metres which also required a mandatory reload with two 10-round clips. Ramlakhan was also in

top form among the juniors winning with 424 points beating into second position Surujballi Persaud who recorded 400 points while

Juniors: 1st - Joshua Ramlakhan – 424 points 2nd - Surujballi Persaud – 400 points 3rd - Ray Amjad -372 points

Ramchand Auto Spares / Rohan Auto Spares Finals at DCC Saturday

GUYANA Softball Cup 4 champions Wolf Warriors (Open), and Floodlight (Masters), proved that they are true champions, when both teams stormed to the finals of the Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares Softball Tournament. Wolf Warriors defeated Farm by six wickets in the semi-finals played at the Police Ground last Sunday after sending Farm to the crease, who made 154 for 9 off their allotted 20 overs.

Avinash Sookdeo 25, Lalta Karim 22 were the top run scorers for Farm, while Narine Bailey took 5 for 20, bowling for Wolf Warriors. Wolf Warriors in reply eased to the target in just 14.5 overs, scoring 155 for the loss of four wickets. Safraz Karim and Lincoln Leander both finished the innings unbeaten on 46 and 36 runs respectively and K. Ramkumar had the best bowling figures for Farm with 2 for 15. In the other Open semi-

final, Regal got a scare from newcomers Uprisers only winning by one wicket to set up a repeat of the “Guyana Softball Cup 4” finals with Wolf Warriors. Uprisers batting first were all out for 149 in 19.5 overs. W. Osborne who made 26 and Ejaz Mohamed 18 were their top scorers, while Balram Roopnarine (3 for 26) and Delroy Pereira (2 for 17) did the damage with the ball for Regal. Regal in reply made 150

Aguero hat-trick rescues City’s Champions League campaign MANCHESTER, (Reuters) - Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero struck a hat-trick, including two late goals, in a 3-2 victory against 10-man Bayern Munich yesterday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the Champions League kncokout phase. Aguero raced through to slot past Manuel Neuer in the 85th and 91st minutes to snatch a stunning win, the Argentine having given City a 21st minute lead with a penalty after Bayern’s Mehdi Benatia was shown a red card for bringing him down. Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski had struck within five minutes of each other shortly before halftime to put the visitors in

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (C) celebrates after he scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich during their Champions League Group E soccer match in Manchester, yesterday. front at the break. City are level on five points with CSKA Moscow and AS Roma, who earlier drew 1-1, and know if they

win in Rome and the Russians fail to beat Bayern in the final round of Group E matches they will qualify for the last 16.

Wolf Warriors vs Regal & Floodlight vs Wellman

for 9 in 19.1 overs and had Rohit Dutchin (36), S. Budhu (24), along with Ricky Sargeant (18 not out) to thank for their victory. Chris Pattadin (2 for 24) and V. Mohamed (1 for 8) did everything possible with the ball to help Uprisers, but in the end Regal came in strong to deny them the victory. In the Masters category (40 yrs and over) Floodlight defeated Parika Defenders by seven wickets. Defenders made 141 for 9 in 20 overs. Oswald Black 39, R. Ramborase 30. Clive

Canterberry took 3 for 20 and Ramchand Ragbeer 2 for 31 bowling for Floodlights. Floodlights replied with 146 for 3 in 16 overs with Intiaz Mohamed stroking 59 not out and Ramesh Narine 46 not out. M. Saffie took 2 for 37 bowling for Defenders. Wellman defeated Slingers by 6 wickets. Slingers 119 for 9 in 20 overs. Tony Singh took 4 for 21 and Greig De Franca 2 for 18 bowling for Wellman. Wellman replied with 120 for 5 with Latchman Kalicharan 45 not out and Motilall Chumandat 25 not out. M.

Hafiz took 2 for 22. The two Male finals and Female semi-finals and finals, together with two Male third place play-off (Open & Masters) will be played on Saturday, November 29 at the DCC ground starting at 10:30hrs The four Female teams to play are Trophy Stall Angels vs Blue Divas, and Karibee Girls vs Mikes Wellwoman. The teams to play the third place play-off are Uprisers vs Farm (Open) and Parika Defenders vs Slingers (Masters).

Four young Bermudians picked for Barbados camp H A M I LT O N , B e r m u d a , (CMC) – Four young Bermuda players have been selected by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to attend a high-performance training camp in Barbados next month when they will take part in a series of limited overs matches, officials said here. Delray Rawlins, Onias Bascome, Tre Manders and Christian Burgess have all been requested to attend the week-long camp from December 14-21. Kamau Leverock was also invited but he was unable to attend because of overseas school commitments. The four Bermuda players will join five Canadians and three players from the United States

Tre Manders and will play three Twenty20 matches and two 50-over games. There will also be fitness testing and skills training components, as well as opportunities to work with West Indies coaches and past players. Bermuda Cricket Board president Lloyd Fray said: “I am very proud to see that the

Bermuda youth programme is continuing to produce international-quality players that are being offered performance opportunities by the ICC. “The BCB is providing funding so that no player will have to pay the US$800 player participation fee levied by the ICC for this camp.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Jamaica to play South American giant killers in dreaded Copa America group KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC)- Caribbean champions Jamaica will face off with the giants of South American football in the prestigious Copa America scheduled for June next year in Chile. The Reggae Boyz have been drawn to play back – to- back matches against Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay in a group B that presents a major challenge for the Caribbean powerhouse. Uruguay have won the Copa America 15 times while Argentina have been title holders on 14 occasions

Reggae Boyz will be tested against South American giant killers.

and Paraguay twice. Jamaica are the first Caribbean team to be invited to the competition, the oldest continental tournament in football celebrating 98 years of rivalry. “I know it’s going to be an extremely great challenge, but as Jamaicans we usually perform at our best when the odds are stacked against us, or when our backs are against the wall,” said Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell, who attended the draw at Quinta Vergara in Vina

del Mar, Chile, Monday evening. “Argentina defeated us 5-0 in the World Cup, and though they were a great team then and perhaps a greater team now with the likes of (Lionel) Messi within their rank, we intend to as the first Caribbean team to play in the prestigious Copa America to give it the best shot at a payback”. I n G ro u p A , h o s t s Chile, guest team Mexico, Ecuador and Bolivia will do battle, while six-time world champions Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ven-

ezuela will cross swords in Group C. The Copa America 2015, which will be hosted by eight Chilean cities, runs from June 11 to July 4. Jamaica are just coming off winning the CFU Caribbean Cup in Montego Bay where they defeated arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors 4-3 on penalties. Home | Sports | Full Sports | FOOTBALL-COPA AMERICA-Jamaica to play South American giant killers in dreaded group

Fit-again Cottrell ready for South Africa tour KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC)-West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell says he is ready to continue his international cricket career after a hamstring injury forced him out of action for nearly six weeks. Cottrell, who has been chosen in the regional side’s test squad for next month’s tour of South Africa, was injured while playing for West Indies A in Sri Lanka last month. “I’m 100 per cent fit right now. No pain, nothing at all. It’s just for me to continue to play a lot of cricket,” said Cottrell. “I was in Sri Lanka when I got a slight groin strain and had to leave the tour

Sheldon Cottrell early to get treatment. But in that five weeks I have been working out with Jamaica fitness trainer David Bernard Snr, where we did

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday November 26, 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 Lawrence Rowe (WI, 1972) and YasirHameed (PAK, 2003) 10, 348 ODI runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first Guyanese to score a Test hundred at Bourda? (2) Curtly Ambrose took 225 ODI wickets. How many were captured ‘bowled’? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

a lot of strength work and sprinting”. West Indies selectors have asked the 25 year old pacer to play for Jamaica Franchise against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the four-day fixture starting Friday, to prove hit

fitness. Cottrell played in the Jamaica Premier League Twenty20 on Sunday claiming two for 21 from four overs to help Ocho Rios Charges secure an eight-wicket win over Kingston Hurricanes. “Coming back, I did not go all out in the game,” Cottrell said. “I just did enough to get an assessment as to where I am and I think I did well. I feel like whenever I decide to go all out I will be ready.” Cottrell is one of five fast bowlers in the West Indies 15-member Test squad for South Africa. The other fast bowlers are Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, and Jason Holder. “I feel that little period here in my career is my time. After being dropped from the Test team, I did not get

Notable Dates TWENTY Three-year-old middleweight Reggie Ford chose November 26, 1976 to unleash a barrage of punches on Fighting Walcott of Aruba. The fight was held in Georgetown and Ford’s modus operandi caused referee Cecil Henry to call off the bout with one minute and one second gone in the sixth round. A dedicated southpaw, Ford never ducked an opponent and in an eventful career matched gloves with the likes of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Mike McCallum and Ayube Kalule to name a few. On November 26, 1976 Ford’s younger brother Patrick scored a second round knockout of Compton Canzius on the same card held at the National Sports Hall. On September 13, 1980 the younger Ford became the first Guyanese to challenge for a world title. He lost on points a close 15-round fight to champion Salvadore Sanchez of Mexico.

disappointed or look at it as a turn down or failure,”said Cottrell, yet to represent the West Indies in one-day internationals. “Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to work

harder, and I believe I have been doing that. The South Africa tour coming up and possibly World Cup early next year, and I am looking forward to playing in all three facets”.

DDL Under-16 boxing set for December 14 THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) would have its second edition of the Demerara Distillers Limited Under-16 boxing competition on December 14 at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown. GBA Tournament and Technical Director Terrence Poole disclosed that over 30 fighters from around the country are expected to participate. Boxers representing Harpy Eagles, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Essequibo Boxing Gym, Rose Hall Jammers, Carryl’s Boxing Gym and Young Achievers will compete for honours. “We have planned to finish the year with a bang and the organising of this tournament bares testimony to what we promised,” Poole said. The DDL Under-16 tournament began three years ago after the company joined

Terrence Poole forces with GBA to assist in youth exposure. DDL has since found reason to stay associated with the bcompetition which serves as the nursery for elite fighters. Several boxers have graduated from the tournament to represent Guyana overseas. This year’s first edition of the tournament was staged in September at the same venue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 26, 2014

Guyana ready for Umada Cup, says GCF head THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is working overtime to ensure a successful hosting of the prestigious Umada Cup Chess tournament, billed to start tomorrow in Georgetown. The competition, hosted by Guyana for the first time, will run until December 1, with all games being played at the Sleepin Hotel on Brickdam, Georgetown. During an interview yesterday, GCF President Irshad Mohamed pointed out that all systems are in place for the five-day tournament, with some of the overseas

players already here; while others are due to arrive today. “Everything is in place as we speak. All the arrangements have been finalised; accommodation and so on, so we’re on track to having a successful tournament,” Mohamed highlighted. Initially, 17 countries were invited to compete at the fifth annual tournament, but only six would take to the tables come tomorrow. Guyana apart, players would come from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname and the Dominican Republic. As the host nation, Guy-

ana has the privilege of entering an unlimited number of players, and according to Mohamed, at least 40 locals are set to do battle against the foreigners. Suriname is expected to field a team of 14, while Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed eight entries, Barbados and Jamaica three each and two from the Dominican Republic. Mohamed also used the opportunity to underscore the importance of Guyana hosting such a prestigious tournament for the first time. “It is important for us to host this tournament. Hope-

GCF president Irshad Mohamed.

fully, it can help to lift the level of the game in Guyana, as well as encourage more persons to come and join the chess fraternity,” the GCF commented. The tournament, according to Mohamed, is being organised under the auspices of current president of FIDE, the world governing body for chess, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. The tournament will be held in two categories: one for players in the Open Section and another for those in the Challenger Section. Both sections will be played under

the Swiss System for nine rounds and will be FIDE rated. A grand payout package of US$16,000 would be at stake. In the Open Section, the winner will cart off US$2,500, while the second and third place finishers will pocket US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively. The winner of the Challenger Section is entitled to US$1,500, with the runnerup copping US$1,000 and third US$750. In the case of a tie, the sum of the prizes involved will be shared equally.

George secures CAC 400m finals spot …Khalil & DeGroot seek Squash finals berth petitors. In Squash, Guyana’s Ashley Khalil and Ashley DeGroot have booked a semifinal spot in the Women’s Doubles. They dispatched the Barbadian pair of Nadia McCarthy and Kaitlin Jordon in straight sets – 11-3, 11-4. They come up against the Colombians –Laura Tovar and Karol Gonzalez who beat Jamaica to advance. That match is set for

By Leeron Brumell GUYANA’S top male 400m athlete Winston George booked a spot in the final of his pet event at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico. On the squash courts, women’s pair of Ashley Khalil and Ashley DeGroot are in search of a spot in the Women’s Doubles Final. Running in the third semifinal yesterday at the Heriberto Jara Athletic Stadium, the Olympian George crossed the line in 46.88 seconds, to finish second and secure automatic qualification to today’s final. Carlos Lemos of Colombia won in 46.70 secs. George’s time puts him in Lane 7 in search of a podium finish at 16:20hrs (Guy time). Mexico is two hours behind us. Before leaving for Mexico, George said he was looking for a finals berth. Now that he’s there, he remains Guyana’s best hope of landing a medal in athletics. Guyana’s other quartermiler, Stephan James finished 5th in Semifinal One. He crossed the line in 46.92 secs. Venezuela’s Alberth Bravo won the one-lap event in 45.21 secs. George is also down to face the starter’s gun in the Heats of the 200m today. He’s been drawn in Lane 5 of Heat 1. He has the 2nd fastest Season Best (SB)

noon – local time. The male campaign is over, Jason-Ray Khalil and Sunil Seth losing to the Cayman Islands – Alexander Frazer and Julian Jervis in two sets 11-7, 11-3 in the Round of 16 at the Racquet Center on Monday night. Guyana’s Badminton players get into action in the men’s singles round of 32 today. Jonathan Mangra is down to face Venezuela’s Jhonatan Wu while Narayan

Ramdhani faces Cuba’s Leodannis Martinez in the other. The pair combine later in the day to face Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon and Anibal Marroquin. Results and streaming of the events can be obtained at www.verzcruz2014.mx. Covert to English (ENG) at the top right of the page, then select calendar and follow Guyana’s progress by sport.

Guyana’s Gokarn Ramdhani elected as CONCECABA General Secretary Olympian Winston George time in this heat of 20.77 seconds. The only person faster is Mexico’s Jose Herrera 20.35 secs. James is in Heat 3 –running out of Lane 8 with an SB of 20.94. Should George and James be successful in the quarterfinal round – they will again face the starter’s gun in the semis, scheduled for 3:35pm. The 200m final will be run tomorrow. Today will be George’s hardest day on track. On Monday, 100m sprinters Jeremy Bascom and Adam Harris did not make it through to the finals. Bascom in 10.92 sec-

onds, finished at the bottom of the field. The starters clocked him as having the joint 3rd fastest reaction time out of the blocks but it was only one portion of the race. Harris in Semifinal two finished in 6th – 10.75 seconds. Both will combine with George and James to run in the 4 x 100m relays later this week. The Athletics Association had also named Harris to compete in the Men’s Long Jump event scheduled for today, but a perusal of the jumpers did not have him listed among the com-

HE’S known as the face of Badminton in Guyana but Gokarn Ramdhani is now seeing his hard work and dedication to the sport paying off. Ramdhani, who is the President of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) and Secretary General of the Caribbean Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO), was on Monday last, elected as the General Secretary for the Central America & Caribbean Badminton Association (CONCECABA). At the general meeting held at the Omega Sports Complex in Mexico and attended by 13 countries, his nomination was supported

Gokarn Ramdhani unopposed, which will see him serving in the idiosyncratic position for four years (2014 – 2018) and is the first Guyanese to hold

such position in the gentleman’s game. “I am very happy that the badminton arena internationally is seeing my work and interest in the development of Badminton and I will continue to do as much as I can to continue this progress,” Ramdhani said. Currently in Xalapa Veracruz Mexico for the Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Games, as Manager/Coach for Badminton, Ramdhani will be hoping to see the youngest player at the tournament, his son Narayan Ramdhani, and Jonathan Mangra cop Gold when they compete today in the Singles Events.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Guyana ready for Umada Cup, says GCF head See story on page 39

Australia’s Hughes in intensive care after surgery …batsman critically ill after being hit on helmet By Swati Pandey SYDNEY, (Reuters) - Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes is in critical condition in a Sydney hospital after undergoing emergency surgery for a severe head injury suffered when he was struck on the helmet by a ball during a domestic match yesterday. The 25-year-old batsman was transferred to St Vincent’s intensive care unit after surgery and his condition is not expected to become clear for 24-48 hours. “We’re all in shock,” Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland told reporters in Melbourne, his voice trembling. “All we know is that it’s

serious and he’s fortunate to be in the best possible place right now with experts all around him.” Fitted with a ventilator to aid his breathing, Hughes was rushed from the Sydney Cricket Ground in an induced coma, having collapsed to the ground when hit by the delivery from New South Wales fast bowler Sean Abbott. Hughes, who had been touted to replace injured Australia captain Michael Clarke for next week’s test match against India, had scored 63 runs for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match before being hit. Apparently dazed by the blow, the left-hander stooped and put his hands

Calls for help go out after Phillip Hughes collapses on the pitch in the New South Wales v South Australia, Sheffield Shield match in Sydney yesterday. on his knees before falling face first onto the pitch, prompting players and medical staff to rush to his aid. The match was later called off.

NO GENTEEL GAME Though often viewed as a genteel game, cricket’s fastest bowlers regularly deliver the ball at speeds of over 140kph (87mph) and batsmen defend themselves with a wooden bat less than

a metre long and about four inches wide. A cricket ball is roughly the same shape and size as a baseball but heavier and harder. While batsmen are heavily padded, they

often sustain painful and perfectly legal blows from fast bowlers, who have full license to launch deliveries that bounce up at head height. TURN TO PAGE 35

Phil Simmons hopes Australian recovers as he did

Phil Simmons played 26 Tests and 143 one-day internationals for West Indies.

FORMER West Indies batsman Phil Simmons says he hopes Australia’s Phil Hughes is as lucky as he was with his recovery from a serious head injury. Hughes is in a critical condition after being struck on the head by a bouncer in a state match in Sydney yesterday. Simmons was hit by a David Lawrence ball in 1988 but made a full recovery following life-saving brain surgery. “I was out of hospital in eight days, which none of the doctors expected. I hope he pulls through,” said Simmons.

Simmons was the same age as Hughes - 25 - when he took a blow on the head from a Lawrence short ball in fading light in Bristol during a tour match against Gloucestershire. His heart stopped and he required emergency surgery at Frenchay Hospital. But Simmons, who unlike Hughes was not wearing a helmet, made a full recovery, playing in a charity match in the Caribbean four months later before resuming his international career the following year “My injury was as serious as you

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can get,” Simmons, now Ireland coach, told BBC World Service. “I had to have emergency surgery to have a clot removed from my brain. “I was written off as never to play again and put in a long-term unit for head injuries, but I was out in eight days.” Simmons also said he felt sympathy for New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott, whose delivery struck Hughes on the back of the head beneath his helmet after the batsman had missed a pull shot. TURN TO PAGE 35

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014