2014 11 9 by Guyana Chronicle

SUNDAY No. 104006 SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014

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President President/First Lady celebrate 40th Ramotar First Lady says President Ramotar wedding anniversary cares deeply for people Page 2 to address Armistice 16 Day Parade Page

President, high level team 15 visit Kaikan Page

Woman killed in accident on unlit Mocha Access Road 14 Page

President Ramotar and First Lady all smiles for their 40th wedding anniversary

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

President/First Lady celebrate 40th wedding anniversary First Lady says President Ramotar cares deeply for people By Shaun Michael Samaroo

FIRST Lady, Deolatchmie Ramotar extols her husband, President Donald Ramotar, for his humane, humble, considerate, caring attitude towards people, recalling his role as father singing their baby children to sleep while she worked as a nurse at a city hospital. In an exclusive interview at State House in Georgetown, the First Couple talked freely and openly about their relationship, their family, and their marriage. The President and First Lady celebrated 40 years of marriage last Wednesday, and sat down together to talk about their amazing life journey. President Ramotar played a hands-on role raising their three children, staying up late at nights to baby sit, singing the children to sleep when they were babies, Mrs. Ramotar

said, and taking care of the home while she worked as a nurse. He knew she disliked being in the kitchen alone, and so he joined her, working along with her to cook meals and do kitchen chores. She described the President as an outstanding family man, with a character built on the rocks of humility, compassion and thoughtfulness.

These days, when he returns home at State House from the Office of President at night, after she would have retired to bed, he washes his own dishes that he used for his lunch, and puts them away. The First lady revealed a side to President Ramotar that’s full of humanity and excellence of temperament. Looking relaxed, at peace and comfortable with each other, with Mrs. Ramotar glowing and holding the hands of President Ramotar as they sat side by side for the television interview, the First Couple said when they got married 40 years ago they could not have envisioned becoming Guyana’s First Family. They focused on building a life together, and in loving each other. Today, they both say that their love is intact and strong, with President Ramotar noting that they have become great friends and share “everything” with each other. Not only are they the First Family of the nation, but their marriage is a role model for the Guyanese people, although President Ramotar said he would not want to uphold any particular way as the formula to achieve success in marriage and life. Everyone, he said, has their unique circumstances President Ramotar and First Lady all smiles for their 40th wedding to deal with in life. anniversary But they both underlined certain core values that work together to build a successful marriage and life. Some of these include absolute trust for each other, tolerating each other’s shortcomings, always communicating, remaining humble, and most importantly, allowing each other space to grow individually and to pursue individual careers and dreams. To this end, Mrs. Ramotar understood what would constitute a life in politics, and so when her husband came home late or had to dedicate time to political work, she understood, and supported him. H o w e v e r, t h e r e w e r e times when she felt “angry” at him, but, instead of fuelling a fight, the President simply communicated with her, telling her about his day and engaging her in conversation. She said President Ramotar is an excellent communicator, and always shows deep consideration for the feelings of others. Her praise for him as See page 8

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

First post-recess sitting of Parliament set for tomorrow

President Donald Ramotar

THE National Assembly will reconvene tomorrow and one of the main items on the agenda is the N0-Confidence Motion tabled by the Alliance For Change (AFC) President Donald Ramotar has said should the Opposition try to disrupt Government business by forcing a debate on its No Confidence Motion he would use his prerogative to either prorogue or dissolve Parliament, paving the way for general elections. The first inkling the public had that the AFC planned moving a no-confidence motion against the Government was back in midJune, when party Vice-Chairman Mr. Moses Nagamootoo hinted at it. He did so by way of an

article published in the Stabroek News and headlined, “AFC considering no-confidence motion against Gov’t.” He, however, acknowledged that to do so would require the support of the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The AFC’s position was strengthened on Tuesday, August 5, when APNU Leader Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger publicly confirmed that his party was fully behind the no-confidence motion. The first page of the Motion reads: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly has no confidence in the Government.” It was seconded by AFC Executive Member and Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs. Cathy Hughes.

As stated in Section 106 (6) of the Constitution: “The Cabinet and President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of the majority of all Members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” This is made even clearer in Section 106 (7), which states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office, and shall hold an election within three months or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution supported by no less than twothirds of all elected members of the National Assembly, (approve); and shall resign after a new President takes the oath of office following the election.”

AFC Party Vice-Chairman Mr. Moses Nagamootoo

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Ex-USSR leader Gorbachev: World on brink of new Cold War

Mikhail Gorbachev

raised between the West and Russia over Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union. More than 4,000 people have died in fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists, who seized control in the eastern Regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in April. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since September, but elections in rebel-held areas last weekend have prompted fears of a return to full-scale conflict.

(BBC News) THE world is on the brink of a new Cold War, and trust should be restored by dialogue with Russia, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has said. At an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Sunday, Mr Gorbachev said the West had “succumbed to triumphalism”. He expressed alarm about recent Middle Eastern and European conflicts. Te n s i o n s h a v e b e e n

President Barack Obama

Iran says nuclear deal within reach As Obama visits Asia, old by November 24, no alternatives (Reuters) - IRAN sees no alternative to a diplomatic settlement with six world powers on its nuclear program and believes both sides are resolved to reach a deal by a self-imposed Nov. 24 deadline, its deputy foreign minister said on Saturday. Mohammad Javad Zarif will hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and senior European Union envoy Catherine Ashton in Oman on Sunday to try to narrow big gaps before full negotiations formally resume in Vienna on Nov. 18. The decade-long standoff over Western suspicions that Iran has covertly sought to develop the means to build nuclear weapons - something it denies (L-R) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine - has raised the risk of a wider Ashton, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif are photographed as they war in the turbulent Middle East. participate in a trilateral meeting in Vienna October 15, 2014

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alliances face new strains in face of China’s influence

By David Brunnstrom and Randy Fabi (Reuters) - IN November 2011, with the Arab Spring uprisings in full tilt and Europe rocked by a debt crisis, President Barack Obama flew to Asia to promote a shift of America’s military, diplomatic and business assets to the Region. His then Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, declared in the same year that the 21st century would be “America’s Pacific century”. Fast-forward to today: as Obama flies to Asia on Sunday, Washington’s “pivot” to the Region is becoming more visible. It includes deployment of American Marines in Darwin, Australia, stepped up U.S. naval visits to the Philippines and many more joint drills with that nation’s armed

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forces, as well as the lifting of a ban on lethal weapons sales to Vietnam. But just as Washington seeks to expand American interests in Asia as a counterpoint to China’s growing influence, some U.S. partners have shown less willingness to challenge Beijing. That may mean China will have a freer hand to assert its authority in the resource-rich South China Sea, where its territorial claims overlap those of Taiwan and four Southeast Asian countries. T h e d r u b b i n g Obama’s Democrats took in this week’s mid-term elections, defeats that were blamed by many on his leadership, will hardly strengthen his position in discussions with China or with allies in the Region. Obama will have less room for maneuver on foreign policy now he has a Republican-controlled Senate to deal with, and the political focus in Washington is already starting to turn to the 2016 presidential election.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Mexico gang members ‘admit killing missing students’ (BBC News) SUSPECTED gang members have confessed to killing more than 40 students missing for six weeks, Mexican Attorney General Jesus Murillo has said. He said three alleged gang members claimed the students were handed over to them by police. They said some were already asphyxiated and they shot the others dead, before setting fire to all the bodies. A total of 43 students went missing after clashing with police on 26 September in the town of Iguala. A spokesman for their families said they would n o t a c c e p t t h e y w e re dead until it had been officially confirmed by Argentine forensic scientists working on the case.

The fate of the missing 43 students has gripped Mexico

Foreign brands covet Brazil’s hot fashion market By JENNY BARCHFIELD S A O PA U L O ( A P ) — EVEN before the models in towering heels and slinky little numbers had left the catwalk, audience members were out of their seats and frantically elbowing their way toward a pop-up boutique set up at the top of the runway. Just minutes after the conclusion of an extravagant show unveiling a capsule collection by Versace for Brazilian fast-fashion retailer Riachuelo, the cash registers were hopping. Despite its sputtering economy, Brazil continues to be a prized target market for international fashion brands, as witnessed during the Sao Paulo fashion week’s fall-winter 2015 shows that wrapped up Friday. Versace’s collection for Riachuelo, which includes pencil skirts and sexedup gowns in the Italian house’s iconic leopard and nautical prints at prices ranging from $20 to around $200, wasn’t the only high-profile collaboration unveiled. Stella

McCartney also presented her second capsule collection with C&A, made up

of boxy-cut blouses and pants in fluid fabrics that riffed on the romantic, and

rogynous look that has become the trademark of the London-based brand.

Plaque unveiled by Prince Charles in Colombia is removed A CONTROVERSIAL plaque unveiled last week by Prince Charles in the Colombian port city of Cartagena has been removed after local opposition. The plaque memorialises a British naval officer and his troops who laid siege to the city in 1741 in an attempt to take it from the Spanish. But Cartagena Mayor Dionisio Velez ordered its removal after it was criticised by residents. They were angry that it did not mention the Spanish troops who also died. Some were galled that it was placed near a statue of the Colombian hero who

repelled the attack by the British. Local journalists and writers said the plaque glorified colonial warfare and commemorated an attack by invaders whom they described as “English pirates”. The plaque, in front of the 16th Century San Felipe fortress, recalled “the valour and suffering of all those who died in combat while seeking to take the city and the fortress of San Felipe under the command of Admiral Edward Vernon”. One of the largest British fleets ever assembled arrived in Cartagena in 1741 and tried to take the rich port city from the Spaniards.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

GUYANA

EDITORIAL

DECISION DAY TOMORROW

TOMORROW could well be Decision Day (DD) for the future of parliamentary governance in Guyana as currently represented in the 65-member National Assembly by the PPP/C and the Opposition alliance of APNU and AFC which, together, have a one-seat majority against the ruling party’s 32. Both the PPP and Opposition parties appeared to be in readiness up to late yesterday for a decisive political showdown with the latter affirming commitment to go ahead with their controversial “no confidence” against the Government. On the other hand, the ruling party remained committed to stand by President Donald Ramotar’s warning to exercise his constitutional powers to prorogue parliament

should the APNU/AFC’s motion succeed. Ironically, two former political defectors—one from the PPP (Moses Nagamootoo) and the other from the PNCR (Speaker of Parliament, Raphael Trotman) are expected to play significant roles, with the latter presiding and the former slated to move the no-confidence motion. In between this two-some would be the WPA’s Rupert Roopnarine who, in functioning as an APNU parliamentarian, has been engaged in strategising on the timing and modalities of presentation of the “no-confidence” motion. This scenario itself is occurring against the backdrop of what’s now an open secret—the failure of the APNU and AFC to move ahead with plans to scrap their separateness in

favour of a united new party, something with which the AFC’s current leader, Khemraj Ramjattan—himself, like Nagamootoo, a PPP defector—continues to openly reject. Meanwhile, in the absence of any known agreement between APNU and AFC, the PNCR’s leader, retired Brigadier David Granger, has opted to go public with a threat on Friday to mobilise the forces of his party for an anti-government showdown unless President Ramotar comes forward with specific details on the holding of the overdue local government elections. In the circumstances, independent observers are seeking to follow the logic of Mr. Granger’s latest political tantrum over the non-scheduling of local government elections in the face of the threatened showdown

in parliament tomorrow. While separately and together leading political elements of APNU-e.g Granger and Roopnarine--as well as Ramjattan and Nagamootoo of the AFC are engaged in bamboozling the public with their media interventions, the harsh reality is that in practical terms the Opposition

two-some remain divided. And, sadly, both by their strategies and activities the ultimate sufferers are the GUYANESE PEOPLE. Therefore, we also anxiously await the outcome of tomorrow’s threatened political developments in the National Assembly.

Accentuate life, negate suicide IN terms of population, the number of suicides in Guyana is alarmingly high. This situation is most distressing and sad and it represents a clarion call for ACTION. Now mere words are no longer enough. There has to be concerted action at the national and local level to address and directly confront this rising scourge. Silence is not an option. But the silence of our pandits, priests, and national civic and religious leaders (including well – known pandits in the USA) is almost deafening. To what avail are our many yagnas if we cannot save our youths from this utterly dark and eternally destructible path. On Diwali night we lit so many lamps but did we pause to reflect that so many homes are now in real darkness because a very dear one has extinguished the lamp of his precious life by his own hand. We cannot brush this aside is an issue not of our making or concern. In the words of our national poet Martin Carter, ‘All are involved, all are consumed.” Educators have a crucial role to play in stopping this rising tide of suicide. While academic excellence is commendable, teachers have to inculcate in their students the equally important ‘life skills’ that will ensure that they can cope well with the pressures of growing

up and be able to face the bitterly cold, selfish, harsh and cruel winds of the real world. Gone are the days of the strict disciplinarian who was ever ready to use the cane with a certain sadistic glee and satisfaction. Teachers have to be facilitators for the growth and development of their students in all facets of their personality. They should earn the trust of their students so that when these youngsters are going through intense emotional pain they will not be afraid or feel ashamed to disclose their problems to them. Young people can become so fixated on their immediate pain and suffering that their thinking can easily become distorted, and so it can become very difficult for them to see possible solutions to their problems or to connect with those who can offer support. Teachers have a critical role here in that they can intervene at the appropriate time and provide the needed support, resources, counselling etc. that may prevent the student from taking this most dangerous course of action. It is so sad that the events or circumstances that triggered most suicides can be easily fixed with the appropriate help, guidance, therapy etc. But because suicide is so final, so permanent, it is the one definite area where human

INACTION spells complete irreversible disaster. Our lives are interconnected and interwoven in the fabric of humanity and, therefore, the suffering, pain, and despair of others are very much our own. It is the very epitome of selfishness to think that we can prosper and be wholesome while our fellow beings are in the grip of deep torment and hopelessness. Many victims of suicide cried out for help in manifold ways; we never had the time to fathom the depth of their pain and sorrow; their anguished hearts reveled their plight to our very eyes, but we turned away, and in our own hardened hearts we give meaning to their belief that humanity is selfish and cruel, the world a dark prison of endless pain and suffering and that the sure remedy is the quick embrace of death. Suicide is not just another form of human behaviour. It is an act that is devastating to all of us because it speaks of a profound rapture between an individual and the community, between an individual and us, even if we are thousands of miles from him, and we do not personally know him. In the words of the great writer GK Chesterton, “The man who kills a man, kills a man. The man who kills himself kills all men, for as far as he is concerned he wipes out the world.”

To commit suicide is to retreat from the battlefield of life before the battle drums have even sounded; to cease drinking from the cup of life while there are still many more drops to be tasted; to leave the book of life itself unfinished because the ominous decision has been made to write with an eraser. In all existence, nothing is more valuable and precious than Life itself. All the magnificent wonders of the world emanate from the interplay of the forces of life; the astounding achievements of mankind spring from life and serve life. Science, justice, education, government, morality have no meaning if they do not serve and support life. The possibilities of life are endless because life is a gift from God Himself. And the human life, in particular, is doubly precious because it is the veritable gateway to ultimate peace and freedom [moksha or nirvana]. From the Vedantic perspective, it is a great transgression to commit suicide and abruptly end this unique opportunity to approach moksha through a righteous, selfless life. Our ancient seers have warned us that suicide is not an escape from suffering but an entrance into an exponentially greater degree of pain and torment, it does not resolve karma but further complicate and intensify it, and because it represents the wanton destruction

of the human body, the individual is subjected to a countless series of lower births until he comes to that exact point in the evolutionary scale where he committed suicide and from where he still has to resolve the then existing karmic entanglements. Therefore, to commit suicide is to put one’s spiritual clock in reverse. An individual does not [with rare exceptions] suddenly commit suicide by the stress of a single or even a series of traumatic external events. The suicidal thought had long been secretly fostered and nourished in the inner recesses of the heart, and dwelled upon more than a few times, just waiting for the hour of opportunity to reveal its gathered strength and momentum. Events and circumstances can be extremely traumatic and painful, but the way we perceive them can make a substantial difference in terms of their impact upon us. The person who has committed suicide has in the armory of his own thoughts forged the weapon which he placed in his own hands and then used against himself with unerring precision. Thoughts emanate from the mind and Shri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita beautifully sang thus, Turn To Page 7

How Could these Cruel Men Defy the World?

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

group and its supposed motives behind the kidnapping consider the following: “The Islamist militants’ name translates to “Western education is a sin” in the local language. The group especially opposes the education of women. Under its version of Sharia law, women should be at home raising children and looking after their husbands, not at school learning to read and write. It has repeatedly targeted places of learning in deadly attacks that have highlighted its fundamental philosophy against education.” Boko Haram has made it clear that the girls will be sold as ‘wives’ for as little as what works out to about $2,000 in Guyana currency. The story did not end there however. When the seemingly hapless President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan finally decided – in the face of both local and international – to send in army troops to look for them, the town which the army was briefly based in before moving on was attacked and over 300 people were killed, many of them while

By Keith Burrowes BEFORE going into my article I wish to deal with three issues 1. Sincere thanks is extended to the government for the assistance ($10,000 Cash Voucher) given to school children’ I however wish to suggest that if possible the government should provide transportation for those children who live in areas where minibus fares are high. (I know of two cases where parents are paying this cost for 6 of their kids). This initiative could also help to enhance the moral standards of our young people since they don’t have to travel in minibuses where in a number of cases lawlessness prevails. 2. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, as the commissioner investigating City Council I had raised the point over and over as well as in my report. The horrible state of the cemetery, it now would be good if businessmen inclusive of parlors construct proper fence around both sides of the cemetery road. 3. Imagine the following: Conversation between a married man and his girlfriend on the side, our divorce rate will increase. Think about the security implications if all the private conversations between security officials are exposed. Staff members of an entity discussing their boss believing that is a private conversation many persons will be dismissed if these private conversation are revealed. I wish to now begin the article One of the most powerful scenes I’ve ever seen in a movie was the final courtroom scene in “A Time to Kill.” For those who didn’t see the movie, basically a defending lawyer is summing up his arguments in case where his client is on trial for killing some men who brutally raped his daughter. I’ve been following the case of the more than 200 girls abducted by militant group Boko Haram in Nigeria and I have found myself horrified – imagine if one of the girls kidnapped was my daughter. For those who haven’t heard about the

Accentuate life, ... “For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for him who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.”[6:6]. We may be very far from conquering the mind, but we must never, never allow events and circumstance to sink us into the dark pit of despair and helplessness that we see no clear way out but through the infinitely darker pit of suicide. My friends please ponder on the fact that they are thousands upon thousands of individuals in this world who were born deaf, dumb, or blind or who are severely handicapped, and yet they see the joy and beauty in living. Few lives have been richer, more joyful, peaceful and serene, or endowed with greater wisdom

they slept. And soon after that, in what was clearly a blatant display of the impunity with which it operated, Boko Haram then again kidnapped another set of girls, less than the original victims, but of considerably younger age. If there is anything positive about this is that the world seems to have responded to this atrocity. Not only have the United State and Great Britain mobilised forces to go into Nigeria to find and release the abducted girls, but the United Nations Security Council has also released a statement calling for their unconditional release, often a first step before decisive action is taken. Additionally, much of the news coverage has highlighted the story in the context of the similar plight of young girls all over the world, from their being trafficked for sexual exploitation in places like Cambodia, to the fight to prohibit them from having an education in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan. I can imagine the pain of the mothers who are without the warmth of their daughters next to them. One of the mothers who have stood out in adding their voices to the campaign is US First Lady, Michelle Obama who took over her husband’s scheduled address to the nation to call for the return of the girl, even as she praised the Nigerian mothers who continued to send their girl children to school: “Many of them may have been hesitant to send their daughters off to school, fearing that harm might come their way. But they took that risk because they believed in their daughters’ promise and wanted to give them every opportunity to succeed.” Even as I highlight the tragedy of the Boko Haram abductions, I want to take the opportunity to encourage all mothers to cherish their own children, take care of them, and be grateful for the fact that they do not have to face the sort of dangers that children across the world face.

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and insight than that of Helen Killer, yet she was both blind and deaf. Life is beautiful like a full blown lotus, but it is also full of thorns, disappointments, dashed hopes and shattered dreams, injustice and cruelty. It seems that the longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us; let your mind quickly pass through them like a galloping horse. No one is exempted from suffering and pain; it is courageous to bear them with manly dignity rather than choose the cowardly route of suicide. Never underestimate the power of the human will to rise above and conquer circumstances, pain and suffering because our own will is the offspring of the deathless Atma [Soul] and, therefore, it can

carve a path out of any dreadful situation though walls of granite may stand in the way. But if dark and dangerous thoughts still cross you mind, be mindful of the words of the Sufi poet Jelaluddin Rumi, who wrote, “When you feel you cannot ever bear one more minute/ NEVER GIVE UP! /Because it is the time and place that the course will divert.” And when all seem hopeless and lost and there is overwhelming darkness all around, there is still the infallible and unfailing power of prayer, the miracle of miracles. But we must pray in such a manner as is so beautifully expressed by the great spiritual master and poet, Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote, “Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but

to be fearless in facing them/Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it.” Life has meaning and purpose. Every life is sacred and infinite in beauty and majesty. Each one of us has a role to enact in this cosmic drama of life and death. Play your part well; no one has been better gifted to do it than yourself. Never quit the act before the allocated time. We are not helpless, limited beings floating around the universe. We are greater than all the powers of the universe because we are life itself. Therefore, accentuate life, negate suicide. CECIL RAMKIRATH Bayonne, NJ, USA

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

CHOOSING A CARICOM NATIONAL AS NEW ACP SECRETARY GENERAL ––Guyana’s envoy a lead candidate Analysis by Rickey Singh

the ACP’s Secretary General is widely expected to go to Guyana’s Brussels-based Ambassador to the European Union (EU) for the past nine years, Dr. Patrick Gomes for the period 2015-2020. According to the evaluation of an ‘openended’ CARIFORUM Ministerial Committee that considered the suitability of three shortlisted candidates from an original group of six potential candidates for the post of new ACP Secretary General, Dr. Gomes was judged to have “the best understanding of the functions of the Secretary General…”. The two other CARICOM nationals evaluated from the shortlist are nationals of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The September 22 evaluation process by a ministerial group also included the Secretary General of CARIFORUM and Director General of the ARIFORUM Directorate, served as ‘facilitators. The evaluation in New York had coincided with a special session of CARICOM of Foreign Ministers who were present for the opening session of the current United Nations General Assembly. The evaluation committee comprised cabinet ministers of Grenada, St. Lucia and The Dominica Republic (the latter by virtue of the DR’s membership of CARIFORUM). This is the prevailing mechanism by which the Region normally conducts business with the European Union under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed in Barbados in October 2008. Widely involved for some 35 years of service with Caribbean institutions and organisations in various capacities, including the University of the West Indies; Executive Director of the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) and a Consultant Project Manager for CARICOM’s Food Security Facility, Dr. Gomes is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the European Centre for Development Policy Management.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TOP POST There are six Regions within the ACP group of states that collectively represent some 800 million ethnically/culturally diverse peoples. The “Georgetown Accord” which in 1975 laid the foundation for the ACP, provides for the affairs of the

ACP to be supervised by an empowered Council of Ministers whose responsibilities include the five-year appointment of the Secretary General on the basis of “merit, qualifications, professional competence and integrity. These requirements will guide the Council of Ministers who are in possession of the report of the ministerial committee that evaluated the trio of candidates for the post of new Secretary General and

based on the report from the trio of nominees evaluated by the ministerial committee that identified Dr. Gomes as “having the best understanding of the functions of the ACP Secretary General.” In this quite transparent process, the final decision will then be made the following day—Dec, 10-by the governing Council of Ministers on the chosen ACP Secretary General for the five-year period 2015-2020. (Rickey Singh is a noted Caribbean journalist).

President/First Lady celebrate 40th ...

kids falling in love on the ferry traversing the Demerara River in 1973 to State House and the Presidential Office got underway. Today, the nation’s destiny lies in the hands of their character of personal humility and humble service, their inner values and principles, and the First Lady, in a sombre voice, with an authentic tone of belief, said she knows that her husband would succeed as President of their country, just as he succeeded as father, husband and family man. She said President Ramotar’s care and consideration for people, his humility and humanity, his constant reaching out to understand and lend a helping hand, would serve Guyana well. President Ramotar said he is contented and thankful for achieving the milestone of their 40th wedding anniversary, and noted with his usual humble attitude that this achievement is not “unique” in Guyana, as

many couples in the country celebrate long marriages. He agreed with Mrs. Ramotar that they achieved everything they ever wanted to, all their dreams, and now look forward to grandchildren and “another 40 years together.” The President said his focus now is on his contributions to the nation. The one who knows him best, who has been his constant companion and knows his heartbeat, Mrs. Ramotar, said she has full confidence that he will use the same qualities that made him such an outstanding family man to govern Guyana with success and amazing, inspiring results. (Ed. Note: This newspaper will publish a full feature on the life of President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar in next Sunday’s edition)

IF all goes well, and consistent with established norms and practices, then a Caribbean Community national is expected to be chosen next month as the new Secretary General of the 79-member African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states at a Council meeting in Brussels a month from today. The last time a CARICOM national had

Dr. Patrick Gomes the honour to serve in that capacity for this important bloc of states which systematically monitor developments and respond to challenging regional and international economic, social and political issues, was almost a quarter century ago. Then, Trinidad and Tobago’s national, Edwin Carrington, was elected for a rotating five-year term (1985-1990). He subsequently became the longest serving Secretary General of the 15-member CARICOM. This time around, the honour of being

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an adoring father and outstanding husband flowed from her heart of gratitude and contentment for a life well-lived. As the First Couple celebrated their 40th marriage anniversary, President Ramotar said “in reflection” he has a lot to be grateful for, and praised Mrs. Ramotar for her understanding nature, and for standing by him through long years of poor pay and long nights out on the political field. The couple got married on November

5, 1974, and remembers riding their bikes through the streets of Georgetown looking for an apartment. They eventually found one in Alberttown, ordered furniture, and embarked on their journey of life together. However, the first night they lived in the apartment, they had to sleep on the floor, on cloth bags that their friends provided, because the furniture was not yet delivered. The bed arrived a few days later, and their amazing voyage from humble Essequibo

recommended him as having “the best understanding of the functions of the position of the Secretary General…” The Ministerial Bureau of the six ACP Regions is scheduled to meet next month, on December 9, to offer their recommendation on the preferred candidate,

ACP Secretariat in Brussels

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

To prorogue or not to prorogue parliament Column first published in The Misir Post at the URL: themisirpost.wordpress.com

LET us cut the nonsense out of what is happening in politics in Guyana at this hour and say what the politicians want. And politicians in Guyana include not only those from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), but also very much so those from the Combined Opposition benches of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Indeed, there are politicians who live for politics and those who live off politics. Access to political power and to sustain that power is what politics is all about and it is political power that politicians want. Therefore, ordinary people should not complicate their understanding of the political morass facing Guyana at this

day and General and Regional Elections to be held within three months. A further possibility is the President’s prerogative to prorogue parliament in which case parliament will not have any sitting until six months elapse. Nevertheless, given that the Guyana parliamentary system still has residual roots with the Westminster system, the principle of responsible government becomes relevant,

“To prorogue or not to prorogue parliament, or to dissolve or not to dissolve parliament, constitutes the question requiring the most appropriate answer and decision: whether the Government’s public capital projects should continue to experience the Combined Opposition’s onslaught: Cheddi Jagan Airport Modernisation Project, Ogle Aerodrome assistance, Civil Aviation equipment and Hinterland/Coastal Airstrips, among others; and, indeed, the flagrant Combined Opposition against the Amaila Hydropower Project culminating in its termination. And consolidation of foreign investments also persistently experiences the Combined Opposition’s hostility.” juncture of its history; for they should not believe that some no-confidence motion is what will change the configuration of politics because that will not produce the real change. How so? The story has already been told that politicians want political power which is their primary motivation for politicking; it is what politicians do with their power that matters. Ordinary people should know that the real test for politicians comes when they have to deliver on their promises to the poor and vulnerable. This line of thinking should be incontestable, as a government, while it has to open itself to all citizens, is set up principally to facilitate quality standards of living for the disadvantaged and the politically voiceless. But the disadvantaged and politically voiceless could lose out when politicians who live off politics predominate over those who live for politics. Ordinary people will know more about this come Monday, November 10, 2014. And so the nation is affixed to Monday November 10, 2014 which is the date for the first parliamentary sitting after the recess. Reasons for this ‘Monday affixation’ have become the talk of the town. On this momentous day 11/10/2014, the minority Opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) expects to introduce its no-confidence motion to its parliamentary colleagues. Two other possibilities may add glamour to an otherwise dreary political season. There is the possibility that the President of Guyana could dissolve parliament; and the other likelihood is that the President of Guyana could prorogue parliament. The Guyana Constitution entertains the three prospects. The first possibility is that once the no-confidence motion against the Government is introduced, then a debate on the PPP/C Government’s record becomes fair game, and if the Combined Opposition wins the motion, then the country is headed for General and Regional Elections in about three months’ time. Dissolving parliament, thereby circumventing a debate on the Government’s record, is an option available to the President who will then be constitutionally required to announce the dates for nomination

where a government has to have the support of the majority in parliament. However, when the Conservative Party Stephen Harper Government was faced with a no-confidence vote which it was sure to lose, Prime Minister Harper asked the Governor General Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean to prorogue parliament, and she granted the prorogation on December 4, 2008; and given that Canadians perceive elections to be won or lost by specific political parties, one of the arguments used in support of prorogation was: since the Conservatives claimed victory at the election in 2008, then any move to alter that electoral result would be unconstitutional and undemocratic (Desserud, 2009, p.41). This argument implies that parties not parliament win or lose elections; for this reason, elections not parliament determine the composition of parliament. As 11/10/2014 approaches, the Guyana Opposition

politicians are beginning to up the ante as the nation awaits the parliamentary sitting on that day. In this context, APNU’s leader, in preempting the possibility of the President proclaiming a prorogation where the no-confidence motion will become a pending historical artifact with no debate at least at this time, has now alluded to a conversation on the making of an angry population and intensified protests. In this context, APNU leader recently pointed to the smothering of elected voices should a prorogation become the order of the day. But the APNU leader should know, too, that while the elected representatives have a constitutional right to have their conversations in parliament, the President also constitutionally has the prerogative to proclaim a prorogation. To prorogue or not to prorogue parliament, or to dissolve or not to dissolve parliament, constitutes the question requiring the most appropriate answer and decision: whether the Government’s public capital projects should continue to experience the Combined Opposition’s

onslaught: Cheddi Jagan Airport Modernisation Project, Ogle Aerodrome assistance, Civil Aviation equipment and Hinterland/Coastal Airstrips, among others; and, indeed, the flagrant Combined Opposition against the Amaila Hydropower Project culminating in its termination. And consolidation of foreign investments also persistently experiences the Combined Opposition’s hostility. The PPP/C Government has had a few poor headlines in its development work, but the growing positive trends for a better Guyana are there for all to see. And so for these public capital projects and the ongoing consolidation of foreign investments to currently remain a viable developmental force, the PPP/C Government may have to study the possibility of remaining in office at this time.

References: DESSERUD, D. A. 2009. The Governor General, the Prime Minister and the Request to Prorogue. Canadian Political Science Review, 3, 40-54.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

Tribute to a dear friend and comrade By Neil Kumar CDE Navin – Navindranauth Omanand Chandarpal a dear and loving father, a genuine and loyal husband, a brother, friend and Comrade is no longer with us physically. On Sunday, thousands turned-up at the International Conference Centre to say farewell to an icon; a true revolutionary. For us our Comrade, Navin Chandarpal was indeed a proud member, militant activist and genuine leader of our Party, the People’s Progressive Party. Navin Chandarpal was born in Berbice. He was a Berbician in his heart and to his bones. Navin’s father was a headmaster, as a consequence, Navin attended several schools around the country. However, it is at Berbice High School that Navin really establish himself as a young militant activist of the Progressive Youth Organisation. At Berbice High School Navin excelled as a student. In 1967 he wrote GCE O’ Levels and was the top student. He went on to write “A” Levels and again he was the top student. Navin came to Georgetown for his University Education. While studying, he was a teacher at several Secondary Schools in Georgetown including St. Roses High School and Queens College. Navin served as a Lecturer in Mathematics at the Cyril Potter College of Education and a Lecturer in Physics at the University of Guyana. As an educationist, a teacher in particular, Navin influenced thousands of students. He was a militant activist on Campus. Navin was popularly elected as the President of the University Student Society in 1974, after the PNC slaughtered, murdered and beat Guyanese people during the massive rigging of the National Elections in 1973. During the heavily rigged Elections in 1973 Navin’s wife to be Comrade Indra Dhanraj was badly beaten by the PNC Thugs. Two of Navin’s Colleagues, Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar, were murdered on the eve of the Election in their struggle for free and fair Elections in Guyana. Cde. Navin Chandarpal took a conscious decision that we the Members of the Progressive Youth Organisation must struggle to put an end to PNC beating and killing of our sisters and brothers. Cde. Navin, in memory of those two young Comrades who the PNC slaughtered, was instrumental in organising the Annual Ballot Box Martyr Cycle Race. While on Campus, Navin founded the Campus “Flame – which was indeed an informative bulletin that educated and organised the University student population. He championed the call for brilliant intellectuals such as Mohamed Insanally and Dr. Walter Rodney to be employed at the University of Guyana.

In 1975 the brilliant UG Graduate and Member of the Central Committee of the PYO was the leader of the best ever batch of PPP students that left Guyana to study in the Soviet Union. Navin was the leader of twelve members and to date none of them have jumped ship; only the lord separated a few from our Party – PPP. The others like Navin remain committed activist of the PPP. Navin in 1975, while he was a student in Moscow, received an offer to do his Masters in London. Navin was asked to stay at home and take over as

and both of then went on to graduate with their Masters. Navin Chandarpaul was indeed one of Dr. Cheddie Jagan’s greatest cadre. He was an intellectual that was also deeply rooted with the working class and farmers. With the dawn of a new Era in 1992, Navin pioneered numerous national initiatives on sustainable development, many of which form the core of current sustainable development practices, policies and legislation in Guyana. He served as Adviser to the President on

NAVINDRANAUTH CHANDARPAL First Secretary of the PYO. The true revolutionary gave up his studies for the trenches and streets to struggle for a better Guyana. Navin Chandarpal was brilliant and influential. He was able to build a strong PYO. He was instrumental in setting up a powerful structure. A strong Pioneer section was developed along with a militant student section. He was a cultural person who wrote several poems and songs. The PYO battle song was written by Navin. The PYO Organisational Structures Groups, Districts and Regional Committees connected the PYO with the Youths and People throughout Guyana. The dirty and vicious Paramountcy, PNC, refused to give the PYO Youth Arm of the PPP access to any school to hold their Congress. The PYO held its 25th Congress at Enterprise under a Tent and yet another Congress at Bath under a Tent. Cde. Navin was elected to the Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party and quickly he was elected to our Party’s Executive Committee. In 1975 Navin married Cde. Indranie Dhanraj and they became proud parents of two brilliant children. Rabindranauth and Gitanjali both Queen’s College students

Energy, Natural Resources, Science, Technology and Environment from 19922001. From 2001 to 2003 Navin served as the Minister of Agriculture and a Member of Parliament. Over the last 10 years, Navin reassumed the role of Adviser to the President of Guyana, this time in the area of Sustainable Development, Science and Technology. Navin’s contribution to Environment and Sustainable Development in Guyana remains incredibly significant. He piloted the first Environmental Protection Legislation in Guyana, which established the Environmental Protection Agency, and was instrumental in the creation of the Iwokrama International Centre. He was also responsible for laying the groundwork for a land use agenda in Guyana, a science and technology policy, and more recently efforts in the area of sustainable development. Navin chaired the Natural Resources and Environmental Advisory Committee (NREAC), through the 90’s, and led a number of initiatives to establish a comprehensive national framework for sustainable development in Guyana. He chaired several other Committees

and Boards, such as the Guyana Gold Board, Board of the Guyana Forestry Commission, Board of the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science and Technology Council, the National Water Council; and served as the Director of the Board of Trustees, Iwokrama International Rainforest Programme, the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Committee, and the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee. Navin was also well known in the Caribbean since he served in several capacities related to the goal of pursuing a path of Sustainable Development in the Region. He served as Chairman of the Caricom Task Force on the Environment (1992-1997), Chairman of the Caribbean Council for Science and technology, CCST (1995-2000) and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Caribbean Water Partnership 2004-2006. Navin also had an international presence, heading Guyana’s delegations at dozens of high level international conferences. Over the years, Navin published numerous articles on national, regional and global issues, delivered hundreds of speeches in various parts of Guyana and presented numerous papers at Caribbean and international meetings. Navin later utilised his vast experience to serve as Editor in Chief of “The Caribbean Environment” a quarterly journal about Sustainable Development in the Caribbean. More recently he served as the Principal of GAWU Labour College from 2010-2011. Navindranauth Omanand Chandarpal battled cancer for two years before he departed this life on October 28, 2014. His legacy lives on through his invaluable academic, political and social contributions to Guyana and the World. Navin served in the leadership of our Party and he was totally committed to our Party. He was a man of substance, integrity and he had a passion as a Party Activist to get things done. Navin has left us with a legacy that will steel us and keep our Party United. As a Party Comrade he led by example. He was on the streets with his Placards. He marched and protested for Democracy all over Guyana. He was a Teacher, Educator, Organiser and Leader of our Party. He certainly left us with a legacy that we belong to the PPP and we must never leave the PPP. He recognised the struggle and had a vision for our Party and People. In Navin Chandarpal’s passing, we must resolve to stay united in the PPP and continue as a PPP/C Government to build on this massive transformation of our Society. Today, because of the struggle of the People like Comrade Navin, we are living in a better Society and we must work to continue building Guyana with the PPP leading the way. Long Live Cde. Navin Chandarpal !

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

It’s our duty to give our children better opportunities ––says Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

THE Ministry of Education commenced the distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 cash grant to parents of students of secondary schools in Georgetown, and some $67M were distributed at ten centres. At some of the schools on the West Bank of Demerara -- Versailles Primary, Goed Fortuin Nursery and the Shirley Field Ridley Nursery schools, parents gathered to uplift their grant from the Government were treated to steelband music, two renditions from the West Demerara Secondary School Choir and a song from the pupils of the Goed Fortuin Nursery School, called “Carry your Candle.” During brief remarks, Education Minister,

Priya Manickchand informed the large gathering of the tremendous success the MoE has had in distribution of the grant thus far. She noted that the MoE has almost completed the distribution, and that the parents being served at the West Demerara Secondary School represent the final recipients in Region Three. Minister Manickchand noted that while some persons have said that the Ministry should be giving parents more than $10,000, “it is really meant to supplement your families’ income.” “We know that it would not meet all your needs, but it will certainly meet some of your

Minister Manickchand is having light banter with an elderly citizen

needs, and it will certainly be more than you could have met last year,” she added. Members of the public have expressed concerns that some parents would inappropriately utilise the Government’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, and have opined that the grant should have been given only to selected families, or perhaps similar processes as those that obtained in the Uniform Voucher programme should have been used.

Minister Manickchand has, however, said that while the concerns are legitimate, the Government had to consider the many other parents who would welcome the additional finances to help their children. The Education Minister reiterated her admonition to parents to continue to invest in their children, and to make the necessary sacrifices so that their children See page 13

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand ensuring the distribution process is going smoothly

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

It’s our duty to give our children ... From page 12

can become adults who can meaningfully contribute to Guyana and the world. “Our duty as adults, as a Government, is to ensure that our children have the opportunities we never had, what we couldn’t do…,” she said. The ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 cash grant programme was launched on October 11, 2014 in Bartica. More than 55 public consultations were held, at which it was examined whether parents would prefer to be able to receive cash or exchange a voucher for goods in the manner that the uniform voucher programme is currently operated; and if encashing were the preferred option, which service would parents prefer to use to be able to encash their vouchers. Choices ranged from the commercial

banks to Mobile Money to Western Union/ Bill Express to the Post Office to Moneygram. Almost unanimously, parents chose to receive cash as opposed to goods, and an overwhelming majority chose to be able to en-cash at Western Union/ Bill Express money services. Where geographically there is a limitation o f f i n a n c i a l s e r v i c e s , d i ff e r e n t arrangements shall be made. Distribution continued at 11 locations in Georgetown on Saturday, November 8, which completed the distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 cash grant vouchers in Georgetown. Parents are reminded that vouchers should be encashed at any Western Union Office before November 30. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

West Demerara Secondary School students pose with Minister Priya Manickchand

The Despised Gift (For a specific reason, I dedicate this poem to the memory of a gift to life, the late Mr. Navin Chandarpal) I thought it common, to all richly given, A purified gift from the gods of heaven; I considered mine an unwanted thing To be viewed as a bird’s wounded wing Unworthy to give its body upward flight Resting in agony where there be little light I forgot then. Those I created by the heart I daily set free Yet, even now, I know not, of what maturity; But consider I my silence unfair to my call In mighty power I lose and live and stand to fall While time appeals take to you, of your gift rare Do not walk in silence, speak, defying your fear. For we must not forget now! Krishna Nand Prasad

NAVINDRANAUTH CHANDERPAL

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

‘EXPRESSIONS 2’ on at The Theatre Guild this evening ‘EXPRESSIONS 2’ is the second in the new series of a production staged by GEMS Theatre Productions at the playhouse in Kingston. It brings together seasoned performers and poetry readers along with singers and dancers providing an evening for patrons to enjoy - excerpts from Shakespeare, story-telling from Paul Keens-Douglas, experimental theatre from the students of the National School of Theatre Arts, poems by Martin Carter, Elly Niland, David Dabydeen, Ian McDonald, Janet Naidu, C.E.J. Ramcharitar-Lalla, Mahadai Das, Ruel Johnson, Lloyd

Gem Madhoo-Nascimento Marshall, Kai Davis, William Blake, Chris Tse and Rudy Williams. Local actors Sean Thompson, Mariatha Causway and Randolph Critchlow will be performing their own poems along with poets Petamber Persaud and Lloyd Marshall. Seasoned readers Vanda Radzik, Kit Nascimento and Scheherazade Khan will be taking the stage along with Damian Fernandes doing one of Robert Fernandes poems from his first book of poetry. Other performanc-

es on stage will be Ron Robinson, Derek Gomes, Rajan Tiwari, Mark Luke-Edwards, Nuriyyih Gerrard, Nicola Moonsammy, Sonia Yarde, Paul Budnah and Rajan Tiwari. Artworks from students of the Burrows School of Art will enhance the foyer and will be on sale. Tickets, $1,000 for this evening’s performance, November 9 are available at Oasis Café and The Theatre Guild. The event will start promptly at 18:00hrs.

Woman killed in accident on unlit Mocha Access Road FORTY–FIVE–YEAR-OLD, Carol Overton of Mocha, East Bank Demerara was on Friday evening struck and killed by a male-driven Toyota Runx on the Mocha Access Road, EBD. A senior officer attached to the Police ‘A’ Division told the Chronicle that investigations revealed that Overton was crossing the access road when a vehicle was passing, and after that vehicle had passed, Overton attempted to cross the road and was struck down by another vehicle. The officer said that after Overton had been struck, the driver of the vehicle, realising he had hit something which he had not seen because his lights had been dim and street lights are absent in that area, turned around and revisited the path he had travelled to determine what it was he had struck when he saw the woman lying on the road. The driver then took the woman to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver is in police custody assisting with investigations. (Asif Hakim)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

President, high level team visit Kaikan PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar on Thursday met with residents of Kaikan, a border community in, Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) and familarised himself with community matters. The Head of State also discussed with residents of the Amerindian community, ways and means of improving their district. The President was accompanied by Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force, (GDF) Brigadier, Mark Phillips and Police Commissioner, (ag) Seelall Persaud. The President and team addressed the issue of how to improve the relationship among the residents and members of the disciplined services stationed in the community. Kaikan has benefitted from numerous Government interventions such as a tractor, plough, chipper, solar panels, school feeding and

uniform programmes and better education and health facilities. Residents will shortly be benefiting from the distribution of the Government’s $10,000 education grant. In the 2014 National Budget, money was allocated for the upgrading of the water supply system in Kaikan. Meanwhile, President Ramotar also stopped briefly at the GDF base at Eteringbang which is close to the border with Venezuela. (GINA)

Commander of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar at Eteringbang, where he made a brief stop-over

President Donald Ramotar, Police Commissioner (ag), Seelall Persaud and Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier, Mark Phillips at the meeting with Kaikan residents

This little lass from Kaikan, gets a presidential hug

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

President Ramotar to address Armistice Day Parade THE traditional Armistice Day Parade will be observed today at the cenotaph, outside the Bank of Guyana Building, Company Path and Avenue of the Republic, beginning at 07:00 hrs. The ceremony, held worldwide, and referred to locally as the “Poppy Day Parade” is held in Guyana on the second Sunday of November every year, to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the two World Wars (1914-1918 and 1933-1945) so that others left behind, might live in peace. Head of State, Presi-

FLASHBACK: President Donald Ramotar placing a wreath at the foot of the cenotaph last Armistice Day dent Donald Ramotar will attend the ceremony and

make a statement, acknowledging their gallantry and

the supreme sacrifice they made in the cause of peace

and freedom, as well as express gratitude to those who, through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and prosperity for all peoples. That being done, the Head of State will lay the first wreath at the foot of the cenotaph, followed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Heads of the Disciplined Services; Leader of the Opposition; Mayor of Georgetown; President of the Guyana Legion; Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of other international and regional

organisations, doing likewise. This ceremony is usually characterised by a spectacular display by ranks of the military and paramilitary, smartly and immaculately attired in ceremonial dress, marching with pomp and ceremony to the sounds of the drums, then taking up their positions with precision on the tarmac. Following the ceremony, ranks of the disciplined services will march north along Avenue of the Republic, where President Donald Ramotar will take the salute in front of State House.

Insel Air to add two more flights out of Curacao in December

Managing Director of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald Gouveia CURACAO carrier Insel Air has alluded that in December it would be adding two more flights out of Curacao. Insel Air officially began its service to the Guyana market from June 18, 2014. Roraima Airways serves as the Ground Handling Services Agent and General Sales Agent for Insel Air, and destinations included into the

scope of travel are Jamaica, St. Maarten, The Dominican Republic, and several South American destinations. Insel Air operates MD-80 aircraft, which could accommodate up to 150 passengers, and the airline has been servicing the Guyana route twice weekly. During a press conference at Duke Lodge in Kinston, Georgetown, Managing Director of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald Gouveia, informed media operatives that Insel Air is currently flying twice weekly out of Guyana, and now connects Guyanese passengers to other Regions in South, North and Latin America. Gouveia emphasised that nearly all flights are completely booked, and he said the airline has thus decided to add two flights to its already existing ones. “Insel Air will add two more flights in December, which will

connect out of Curacao; so we will have two flights from Aruba to Guyana and two from Curacao to Guyana,” he explained. Gouveia also explained that the introduction of this airline to the Guyana market “opened up a new dispensation for Guyanese travellers.” He said that Insel Air would be able to substantially shorten travel time for persons going to European countries. “Investors in China can now travel a shorter time to get to Guyana, and I know of a lot of investors that would love to come here. Now it is possible” he said. Insel Air, Gouveia explained, is the only airline that is taking Guyanese to Miami hassle free. “When Insel Air in-transits in Aruba, you clear US Customs and Immigration in Aruba. When you arrive in Miami, you collect your bags and keep moving; no need to re-clear,”

he said. “With other airlines, a person would have to clear customs and immigration in Miami. With this airline,” he said, “you are treated like a domestic passenger.” Another major achievement for the Roraima Group was collaboration through Insel Air out of Miami, making a link with a major tour company, Gouveia related. He noted

that “through Insel Air out of Miami, Roraima was able to link up with a major tour operator whom we just signed a contract with.” He further explained that this will now be feeding the Guyana tourism product with 15-20 tourists coming every week. “They will come here for four days and five nights, where they will be treated to all facilities by Roraima.”

He also explained that this package would cost $US399 all inclusive. “We can do this because we own all the facilities, and we provide from the tours to accommodation and food, among other (things).” Gouveia concluded his remarks by adding that the airline prides itself on its on-time arrival and departure, and a high quality of inflight service.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

AG implores graduating Hope Secondary students to ‘aim for the stars’

THE Hope Secondary School, under its motto “Determination and hard work brings success,” recently held its 2014 graduation ceremony. Giving the feature address was the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall who congratulated the students for their achievements. Commendations were also extended by the AG to the parents for making the necessary sacrifices to educate their children. He charged that their sacrifices are now being celebrated and that the parents should continue to give the necessary support and guidance, as the children venture

of the vicious cycle of poverty.” The AG highlighted that Government redesigned how resources to schools were distributed throughout the geographical landscape of the country by ensuring that it was more equitable. Prior to now, he said that urban schools were given the greater bulk of the resources and naturally they performed better. However, in this new dispensation the resources were spread out more evenly amongst urban and rural schools so that each child, wherever they were located, had access to the same resources. This the AG said, was the reason why we are seeing explosive results from the students of Anna Regina

be disciplined and dedicated…these attributes will allow you to achieve your objective. Whatever goals you set for yourself in the future, they must redound in service to your country, humanity and of course yourselves.” The AG told the gathering, that the graduating students will play a significant part in the important industries of the country that are constantly evolving. He spoke to the addition of agro processing to refine and add more value to Guyana’s agriculture sector, and the need for the students to prepare themselves for those developments. He also, addressed the booming manufacturing sectors that will materialise once hydroelectricity comes on

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall being presented with a plaque of appreciation by one of the graduating students of Hope Secondary School further in their studies. The AG also laid praises at the feet of the teachers who he said are often underappreciated and not given the recognition they so rightly deserve. Nandlall, said that he was impressed with the quality of results emanating from the school, with two of its students placing in the top one percent of the entire country. He also praised the substantial improvements being made in important subject areas like Mathematics and English. He noted too, that the school was doing very well, even though it was not even in existence five years ago. “Five years ago the site where this school is located was a pasture. It has now been converted into a centre of learning capable of producing students with the potential and caliber of being leaders of our country for tomorrow.” The reason, according to the AG, for the school achieving so much even though it was not in existence five years ago, is because of the dedication of Government to specifically target the education sector. The reason for targeting the education sector according to the Minister is because, “our young people are our greatest asset, and the best way to nurture and prepare that asset is by education. Education is the safest vehicle to transport a people out

in Essequibo, Mackenzie in Linden, and other schools. The AG called on those graduating to “aim for the stars” in whatever field of discipline they decide to pursue. He advised the students gathered that they have completed only the foundation and must dedicate their energies in the further pursuit of their careers. “The shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. You must be one of those points and your goals the other point. You must be able to move to that point by that straight line…It is not going to be easy, distractions and obstacles are going to be many, you have to ensure that you never lose your focus. Every challenge will test you. It will test your mettle and your character, none must distract you from the path that you have set for yourself. Each of the challenges that you overcome must be used as a learning experience as you go forward and each one will make you stronger. In the end, you must arrive at that destination.” He further advised the students that, “your family and moral values must remain a compass by which you are guided. Your religion must be a cornerstone reminder, an institution that you must go to when you feel overwhelmed by obstacle and challenges. You must

stream and significantly reduces the cost of paying for electricity. Additionally, thousands of skilled jobs will be available in the petroleum sector once oil is found, said the AG. New vistas will be opened when Guyana becomes interconnected, with its South American neighbours via a highway to Brazil and bridge across the Corentyne River. These transformational projects will require the skill and expertise of those who are graduating, the AG noted. He spoke to the inputs needed of the coming generation to address the issues of climate change, and said they should become technically equipped for the technological revolution, which the Government is laying the foundation for with the instillation of fiber optic cables. Nandlall concluded that, “I say all of that to you to emphasise that you have great opportunities ahead of you in your own country and there is no need to look elsewhere. You have demonstrated great potential; I challenge you to unleash that potential in service to your country and your people. I wish you all the best.” (GINA)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

TSU Riot/Public Disorder Squad continues training for any eventuality

CONTINUOUS training for members of the G u y a n a P o l i c e F o rc e to deal with almost any eventuality remains high on the priority agenda of Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud and his

corps of senior officers. The Guyana Chronicle was yesterday invited by the Force to view one of its twice-weekly training exercises comprising Tactical Services Unit ranks who have been receiving

training to respond to riots and other acts of public disorder and unlawful gathering. There are presently 34 ranks participating in the ongoing training at various levels under the Riot Unit

Public Order Squad of the TSU on the Drill Square of the Guyana Police Force at its Headquarters at Eve Leary. Yesterday’s training was conducted under the watchful eyes of Officer

in Charge of the Tactical Services Unit, Supt Errol Watts, and several other officers who were present in the compound at the time. The training this newspaper witnessed

showed that the ranks were going through routines on how, with little or no force at all, to confront members of the public on the picket line and who comprise riotous and demonstrative mobs. Of importance during the training was the manner in which ranks who were expected to be on the frontline to confront any eventuality involving disruption of public order were being trained to confront openly hostile crowds. The approach the police rehearsed in their stimulus exercise was a non-violent one. Only two months ago, this publication had stumbled on a similar exercise being conducted in the compound of the Police “A” Division Headquarters. When contacted then, “A” Division Commander Hicken had said that the men were not being trained because of elections talks which are in the air. Over the years, the Guyana Police Force has been receiving unfavourable reviews with respect to their handling or disbursing of unlawful gatherings of people. For its part, the police, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, procured a Water Cannon which, ironically, has been criticised by persons in some sections. Of recent, the hierarchy has been working to revolutionise the entire Guyana Police Force and its approach in dealing with members of the public on every single front. The initiative has been commended by members of the business community and by several other persons, who have been offering public support to the police both in writing and in the form of monetary contributions.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

Sunday, November 9,2014 – 05:30hrs Monday, November 10,2014 – 05:00hrs Tuesday, November 11,2014 – 08:30hrs

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 9, 2014

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

PMCC enjoys double success in second div and Under-19 fixtures recently -Hand RHT Pepsi U-19 shocking defeat

ROSE HALL Town Pepsi Under-19 were handed a shocking three wicket defeat at the hands of their neighbours Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC), when the two sides met in a Berbice Cricket Board/ Elizabeth Styles Under-19 limited overs contest last Saturday. In the match that was played at the PMCC ground and reduced to 43 overs aside, RHT Pepsi won the toss and chose to bat first to which they scored 215 for 9 off their allotted overs, led by Ashkay Homraj 75 (3x4, 1x6), Bhaskar Yadram 52 that included nine fours, and 46 from Brandon Prashad which included three fours. Samuel Kishnasammy took 3 for 35 and Arif Chan 2 for 43 for PMCC, who in reply scored 216 for 7 off

Nicholas Cameron 42.5 overs, led by 78 from Nicholas Cameron which included 4 fours, 61 from his brother Dimitri Cameron that included five fours and 27 from Kishnasammy, as Yadram took 2 for 43. In their BCB/New Building Society second division zone fixture, PMCC met Springlands and defeated them by 60 runs in a one

sided affair, with PMCC batting first and scoring 168 all out, led by 66 (4x4) from Lloydel Lewis, 40 from Chan that included five fours and extras with 29. T. Ramdass took 4 for 58 for Springlands, who in their turn at the wicket were bowled out for 108, with only C. Beresford 23 and M. Kendall 21 reaching double figures with both batsmen hitting two fours, while Kishnasammy took 3 for 8 and A. Wajib 2 for 25. With the win, PMCC has advanced to the quarterfinals of both competitions and will face Number 72 in the BCB/ Elizabeth Styles Under-19 competition this Saturday, with a win guaranteeing them a place in the semifinals of the competition which they can come out on top of.

GDF booted by Alpha -Stag Beer Futsal

ALPHA `The Hammer’ United, Beacon Football Club, Pele, Riddim Squad, Black Water, Fruta Conquerors, Western Tigers and Santos have all made it into the quarter final stage of the Georgetown Football Association Stag Beer Futsal competition. This was decided after the last stage of the roundrobin segment was played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall last Thursday. Alpha United proved that the GDF was not a force to reckon with in the defence as they whipped the army boys 5-1. GDF needed a win to help them limp into the knockout stage but Alpha United showed no mercy.

Kirk Duckworth, Dwight Peters, Daniel Wilson, Ronson Williams and Travis Grant scored a goal each to supply misery for the soldiers.Eusi Phillips netted the lone goal for the losers. Alpha has nine points from three games after defeating Beacon 4-1 in their opening game and humiliating Renaissance 12-1 in the next. Peters is the club’s leading scorer with four goals to his name so far in the competition. Beacon finished second to Alpha in their Group and would move into the knockout stage. The Guyana Police Force was also booted out of the tournament following an agonising 1-0 defeat at the hands of Santos.

Anthony Abrams netted the only goal in the 10th minute. In another game, Riddim Squad brushed aside Northern Rangers 6-2. Sceyon Hopes fired in a double while Dorville Stewart, Amos Ramsay, Terrence Gittens and Kevin Agard provided the other goals for Riddim Squad. Jermaine Willis and Joel Jammott scored for Northern Rangers. Meanwhile, defending champions Fruta Conquerors and Western Tigers played to a goalless draw while Black Water defeated Houston Starts 3-1, and Pele beat GFC 2-0. The competition, which attracts a $400,000 first prize, continues on Tuesday with four games at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

BCB/Carib Beer T20 Competition

Albion meets Universal Solutions Bermine in finals today

ALBION COMMUNITY Centre and Universal Solutions Bermine have emerged as the top two teams in this year’s Berbice Cricket Board organised Carib Beer sponsored first division T20 cricket competition and will clash in the final set for tonight at the Albion Sports Complex. The host team are the defending champions and will certainly start as favourites for this contest, especially since they will be at full strength with an all spin bowling attack which will be spearheaded by West Indian ‘A’ leg spinner Devendra Bishoo. Left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai as well as a battery of off spinners in Narsingh Deonarine, Sharaz Ramcharran and Balchand Baldeo, Veerapen Permaul and David Latchaya, will lend support. In the unlikely scenario that his services will be needed, former Guyana T20 batting star Jonathan Foo can be pressed into action with his leg spinners. Their batting line up is also very impressive and will

Devendra Bishoo be led by Anthony Bramble, who has tallied 282 runs so far in the competition at an average of 70.2, Deonarine, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Foo, Veerapen Permaul, Latchaya, Ramcharran, Baldeo and also Motie. The seemingly outnumbered Universal Solutions Bermine is a determined team and on their day can spring a surprise on any team in the Ancient County, hence it should not be a mystery if they refuse to roll over easily and hand Albion the victory without a fight. Their batting line up will include Essequibo batsman Kevon Boodie, Leon Williams, Devon Clements, Romario Shepherd, Joemal La Fleur, Keion De Jesus and

former Demerara all-rounder Damien Vantull. The opening pace attack of Canada and former Guyana cricketer Jeremy Gordon and Shepherd, and the first change in Niall Smith can give Albion some food for thought. They will be backed up by their own battery of spinners in Clements, LaFleur, Stephen Latcha and Kevin Pellew who have all done well in the competition so far, despite the absence of Anthony D’Andrade and Eugene La Fleur who are both ineligible for this final. All in all a good match is anticipated and should be enthralling especially because it will be the first official BCB T20 club match being played under lights, with the first ball set to be bowled at 17:30hrs, under the guidance of Imran Moakan and Omadat Samaroo, with Moses Ramphal as the third official. Prior to the final, the third place playoff will be contested between Young Warriors and West Berbice and is expected to get started at 13:30hrs at the same venue, with Moses Ramphal and Orvin Archer calling play.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Gayle hundred powers Lions to victory …cameos for Russell, Sammy JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, (CMC) – An astonishing hundred from Chris Gayle fired Lions to an easy ten-wicket win over Warriors in the South African Ram Slam Twenty20 League here Friday. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 108 off just 55 balls as Lions, set 145 for victory, motored to their target with 34 balls remaining at Buffalo Park in East London. Gayle smashed ten fours and seven sixes, dominating the unbroken opening stand with Alviro Petersen who was a spectator with 29 not out from 35 balls. England’s Craig Kieswetter had earlier gathered an unbeaten 82 off 64 balls to guide Warriors to 144 for six off their 20 overs. The opener stroked eight fours and three sixes, holding the innings together as wickets fell around him. Gayle then started in high gear, smashing two sixes and a four off the first over of the innings by off-spinner Simon Harmer which cost 19 runs.

He also took a turn in seamer Rusty Theron plundering two fours and a six in the bowler’s second over

Chris Gayle celebrates his hundred on Friday for Lions in the South African Ram Slam

Austin fires ... Tucville equipped with the ‘Marques duo’ Kevon and Rayheem (no relation), who collectively have scored more goals in the tournament than any other player, was no match for the tenacious defending of St Pius who kept the goal hungry strikers at bay. St Pius easily broke down the flimsy defence of Tucville Primary and were able to race to a 4 – 0 lead early in the second half with Selwyn Jones netting the goal. Keion Marques tried to pull Tucville back in the game, scoring in the 21st minute, but Austin then fired home two more goals – first time in the 24th minute and then putting the icing on the cake four minutes later. “I’m happy with the team’s performance and now we’re just waiting to play the finals” said Ritchie, while adding “we started slow and there were some concerns but I think the

which leaked 17 runs, as he brought up his half-century off just 21 deliveries. Gayle slowed his tempo

From back page

players have been responding well in training and I can see them trying their best to put what we were practising so I’m happy”. Meanwhile, it took penalty kicks to decide the winners of the semi-finals clash between Stella Maris and South Ruimveldt. The two schools were considered sleeping giants and had slowly crawled their way into the spotlight, but as they say “many are called, but few are chosen” and as such, there could’ve only been one winner. The score was nil at the end of extra time and regulation, and heading into penalty kicks, it was a wide open game. South Ruimveldt only have themselves to blame for the lost, since they took their kicks poorly and Stella Maris comfortably made good of their chances from the charity spot. The finals will be played on Sunday November 16 at the same venue.

en route to three figures with the second fifty requiring 30 balls. He raised victory for the Lions by clearing the ropes with Harmer, with the second delivery of the 15th over. At SuperSport Park, Darren Sammy and Andre Russell produced cameo all-round performances as Knights beat Titans by 35 runs. Russell pummelled 48 from 21 balls with eight fours and two sixes to power Knights up to 179 for seven off their 20 overs. Openers Rudi Second (44) and Gerhardt Abrahams (41) weighed in strongly while Sammy finished with three for 21 from his three overs, including the wicket of Russell. In reply, Titans were held to 144 for five, with Sammy smashing a four and a six in a 17-ball 23 while opener Dean Elgar plodded through the innings for an unbeaten 65 off 64 balls. Russell proved economical, taking one wicket and conceding just 20 runs from four overs.

Unified Caribbean needed -Ninvalle

On the eve of leaving for the AIBA Congress in Jeju Island, South Korea, Guyana Amateur Boxing Association president Steve Ninvalle believes that the Caribbean region stands to make major strides if a united stance is taken later this week. The AIBA Congress will commence on Tuesday with the important election scheduled for Thursday. Ninvalle is among eight persons vying to become an AMBC Executive Committee member at the Congress. He acknowledged that the race for Americas vice presidency is a keenly contested event with delegates from the more developed countries being labeled pre-race favourites. “My belief is that only a unified Caribbean would be able to make an impact. There is no place for weak links. If we do not approach

the Congress with a unified stance, then we fail,” Ninvalle declared. It is the first time that someone from the English speaking Caribbean has been nominated to run for such a high position in international amateur boxing. The GABA head is among delegates from several countries vying for positions in AIBA. Among the members lobbying for positions are : Osvaldo Bisbal (Argentina), Pat Fiacco (Canada), Rafael Vega Rodriguez (Costa Rica), Alberto Puig De La Barca (Cuba), Alex Gonzalez Gutierrez (Ecuador), Ray Silvas (USA) and Fran Lopez Almeida (Venezuela). If successful, Ninvalle is assured a vice president status in the Americas area led by AIBA vice president and area President Dr. Domingo Salano.

Notable Dates On November 9, 2002 Bantamweight Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore trampled Otis `Wonder Boy’ Zimmerman in two rounds to keep his knock out streak clean as a whistle. Moore had turned professional in August of the previous year and travelled to Curacao to fight in Zimmerman’s back yard. Moore floored his opponent five times before the referee called a halt to the carnage. With the second round stoppage, Moore improved his record to 3-0 with three knockouts. He would develop into a potent force in the bantamweight and super bantamweight division and remained undefeated in 17 fights before receiving his first blemish. The fight would be the last for Zimmerman. However, Moore would go on to win the WBC CABOFE super bantamweight and the NABA titles.

Barbados missing three key players for T&T clash BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Barbados will be missing three key players for their opening round clash of the inaugural Professional Cricket League against Trinidad and Tobago starting in Port of Spain this week. The trio of Test batsman Kirk Edwards, left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn and first choice gloveman Shane Dowrich are all carrying injuries and were consequently left out of the 13-man squad announced earlier this week. Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite will nevertheless captain a strong side that includes six players with international experience. All-round Ryan Hinds has been recalled and joins West Indies fast bowler Ja-

son Holder, Kemar Roach, Dwayne Smith and Omar Phillips as those who have played Test cricket. All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who led West Indies A on the recent tour of Sri Lanka, is one of four A-team players included in the side with Jonathan Carter Ashley Nurse and Miguel Cummins included. Barbados clash with T&T at Queen’s Park Oval starting next Friday. SQUAD – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Ryan Hinds, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Omar Phillips, Kemar Roach, Dwayne Smith, Jomel Warrican.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 09, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Tests: 30; ODIs: 11 (2) 34 Today’s Quiz: (1)Who is the first WI to win the Man of the Match Award in an ODI game? (2) How many ODIs did the WI play in the 1980s? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

GHB picks ‘best’ Nat. Squad for CAC Games

The National Hockey ladies from left – Manager Devin Hooper, Trisha Woodroffe, Aliyah Gordon, Princessa Wilkie, Vice-Capt. Ulrica Sutherland, Ashley DeGroot, Maria Munroe, Tiffany Solomon, Shebiki Baptiste and Coach Philip Fernandes. By LeeronBrumell THE Guyana Hockey Board says it has put together one of the best national female squads in recent times. The 16 ladies – ten local and six overseas-based jet off to Veracruz, Mexico on Wednesday for the Central American and Caribbean Games. ‘I think we have an intelligent group in terms of their hockey IQ. They’re committed, they’re determined and I think they have good synergy together because they’ve been playing together for a while and the fact that we don’t have as many players as the leading nations, means that our players actually interact both competitively and socially, more frequently than the bigger countries would,’

Coach Philip Fernandes said. Making a comparison with previous squads, Fernandes said the addition of fresher younger faces has improved their overall work rate. ‘We have a few new players into the squad like Shebiki (Baptiste) and Princessa (Wilkie)and Tekeisha (DeLoen), they have a good level of conditioning, they have good speed and I think that their work rate up at the top is higher than teams we’ve had in the past so I believe that coming off the bench we should have quite a bit of energy in the attacking part of the field.’ This current crop has been training for the CAC games since the middle of the year, but the core of team, Fernandes told Chronicle Sport, has been together for the greater part of five years.

‘So they’re very familiar with each other’s styles, they’re familiar with the systems we try to play and it’s just to sharpen and fine tune and keep themselves fit and so on.’ Six members of the squad play their hockey overseas. Ideally, Fernandes was hoping to have them all training together, so they will not have to adjust and improvise when the full squad meets in Mexico for training on Thursday and Friday. Fernandes, who is also President of the Guyana Hockey Board, is encouraged by the effort being put in by the girls. He said he’s seen a lot of improvement, but their execution on the field needs to be sharpened. The biggest impediment to the team’s success – the training surface

‘The most difficult challenge is the fact that we’re not training on the exact surface that we’re going to be playing on, that’s very very difficult and that makes a significant difference in our performance, so we have to improvise and find ways to change.’ The team trains on the world famous GCC outfield. To the North-Western end of the ground, there is a small concrete surface with a green artificial cover on top,

lighting conditions at the facility. Guyana last played competitive international outdoor hockey in Argentina last year at the Pan American Games. Reflecting on the performance, he said the Guyanese did not do well against the top teams, but was competitive against the middle tier teams. The CAC he said is just that – a mid-level competition and he is optimistic his

connect with the overseasbased players for training two days prior to competition. Guyana’s first match is against the Dominican Republic on Saturday at noon. The ladies are ranked higher than their opponents. Squad: Chantelle Fernandes (C ), Ulrica Sutherland (VC), Alysa Xavier, Tiffany Solomon, Ashley DeGroot, Trisha Woodroffe, Leigh Sandison, MarzanaFeidtkou, Gabriella Xavier, Kerensa Fernandes,

In session: Coach Philip Fernandes demonstrates a manoeuvre to his charges and their male training partners. the girls use to practice their skills such receiving and passing the ball flat. It’s then back onto the field for the tactical stuff; that is how to defend and attack as a team. The challenge there is the bounce and un-even surface. Added to that, are poor

charges will hold their own against them. On the field – the girls will run a 4-4-3 formation, but that is likely to change once in possession of the ball to a 4-4-2 formation. The locals leave on Wednesday, where they’ll

Aliyah Gordon, Samantha Fernandes, Maria Munroe, Shebiki Baptiste, Tekeisha Deleon and Princessa Wilkie. GHB President Philip Fernandes is the coach, Devin Hooper is Manager and Peter DeGroot the third official.

Mae’s A team cop first title in Inter-Schools Table tennis tourney By Tamica Garnett Mae’s A team led by Kaysan Ninvalle had an easy win over the Mae’s B team in the 11 years and under finals to cop the first title in this year’s Guyana Table Tennis Association Inter-School’s Table Tennis Tournament which began last Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue. The competition started Friday afternoon with play in the teams Under- 11 and Under- 18 categories, and continued yesterday in the Under- 13 and Under- 15 categories. Mae’s also continued their dominance in the Under- 18 category opening with a win when Mae’s A, lead by Kyle Edghill, trounced the West Demerara A team 3 - 1. In the Under- 11 category, Ninvalle disposed of Danesh Persaud 116, 15-14, 11-6, before Cole Dixon

Mae’s Khalil Ninvalle taking on Marian Academy’s Brittany Bunbury (right) went up against Alexander DeAbru and won 3-2. Dixon won the first two sets 11-5, 11-4, but had a tough in the third set and went down 4 -11. Good favour continued for DeAbru and he collected the other set 13 -11 before Dyon pulled things together and closed off the next set 11 -8. Already winning the first two

matches Mae’s A needed just one more win and they got it when Kaysan and Wong teamed up to defeat Sahadeo and DeAbru in straight sets 11-6, 11-1, 11-2. Yesterday’s continuation of the event got off to a late start due to electricity outage, leaving the Under- 13, Under- 15, and Under- 18 finals still to be contested. These

matches are set to conclude today. Events started off with the opening ceremony that was attended by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, who bestowed words of encouragement to the participants. As the competition got underway yesterday, Mae’s continued to dominate in all of the age categories. In the 13 and under category the Mae’s A team made it’s way into the finals where they will next take on the Central High team. Contesting against Marian Academy and Ash Educational Trust, Mae’s A recorded straight set wins against both opponents to move into the next round of the competition. The team comprised Khalil Ninvalle and Cristian Alexander. Against Marian Academy, Alexandar took on Ramesh Bhookmohan and won 3-1, while Ninvalle played against Brittany Bunbury

and won straight sets. In the doubles match, Ninvalle and Alexander made quick work of Bunbury and Bhookmohan in straight sets. Central High made it into the finals after getting pass Mae’s B and Marian Academy A teams. However, it was not all wins for the Central team of Jamal Nicholas, Nicholous Romain, Khalika Felix and Sarah Sanmoogan, which suffered a lost against Tutorial High. In the under 15 category, Mae’s dominated once again. Mae’s B won straight sets against Queen’s College B and Marian Academy B teams. The competition is set to come to an end today with the completion of the team matches as well as the singles category. The annual competition which has continued to grow over the years, this year saw the participation of 14 schools from all across Guyana.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 9, 2014

17TH TROY HUMPHREY MEMORIAL

Feature event abandoned after one lap as cyclists protest By Calvin Roberts SEVERAL cyclists and enthusiasts alike, led by a very vocal Robin Persaud, forced the 17th Annual Troy Humphrey Memorial Cycling programme organised by Roraima Bikers Club (RBC) to come to a halt after one lap of the feature event around the inner circuit of the National Park yesterday. The protest came about, following RBC’s decision not to allow former club member and defending champion Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams to compete due to disciplinary club matters, with Persaud calling out to George Humphrey, Managing Director of Humphrey’s Farm and Bakery Products to intervene. Unknowingly to Persaud, Humphrey, the father of the late Troy Humphrey, a former cyclist, was already briefed of the situation to which he gave full cooperation to the race organiser and president of RBC Brian Allen, standing by his decision. As Allen tried his valiant best to start the feature event which was scheduled for a distance of 30 miles, with 10 prime prizes up for grabs, while Marlon Williams himself on behalf of another

cycling enthusiast had submitted finance for 30 other prime prizes making it a prime every lap, only Alanzo Greaves, Warren ‘40’ McKay and Junior Niles moved off from the line to compete. Several other cyclists including Persaud, Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey, Paul Choo-Wee-Nam, Hamza Eastman and Geron Williams, stood in solidarity with Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams at the line and even openly agreed to block the path of the trio who had moved off to compete, forcing the race to be called off after one lap. With that in mind, the event was called off and the prize money that was up for grabs, was distributed evenly between Niles, McKay and Greaves. Prior to such, the day’s eight card programme got underway with Rainelle Crawford claiming the Juvenile five laps race from Andrew Hicks and Christopher Griffith, followed by Niles winning the Veteran’s Under-50 five laps event from Jaikarran Sukhai and Wilburg Benjamin. Linden Blackman took the Veteran’s Over-50 five laps event from Virgil Jones and Lancelot Rose, before the Win and Out eight laps

President of RBC Brian Allen (foreground) tries his valiant best to start the Category 1 to 3 feature event, even as the cyclists and cycling enthusiasts prevent same from occurring by converging on the track. (Photos by Calvin Roberts) race was won by Geron Williams, who was followed by Eastman and Jeffrey, even as Hosea McAulay rode off with the Mountain bike category from brothers Keon and Seon Budhan. Toshawna Doris proved her superiority over newcomer Ronella Samuels in the ladies five laps which was contested same time with the Mountain Bike race, even as Jeremiah Harrison did not let age and size undermine him as he took the BMX one lap

event away from Ryan Goberdhan and Alex Leung. The Category Four race which covered a distance of 20 laps, was won by Michael Anthony away from Mark Harris and Mario King while Raul Leal who won one of four primes, with two going to Anthony and one to Harris, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike riding for the fourth placed position which was given to Andre Greene. As the riders played a cat and mouse game just

GNNL defeats GBTI in last over thriller…

After brilliant all-round team performance The recently formed Guyana Chronicle cricket team last Friday evening defeated their host Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) cricket team by two runs in a specially organised tapeball 15/15 affair, which was hosted at the Bank’s Bel Air Park, hard court facility. After losing the toss and asked to take first strike, the Chronicle Boys posted a mere 69 for 8 off their allotted overs with Calvin Marks topscoring with 22 before being dismissed off the final delivery of the innings and got support from Navendra Seoraj who made 14. Seoraj and Sonell Nelson had earlier posted 10 for the first wicket before Nelson was out after he cleared the fence, which was one of the ways a batsman can be given out, following which Ravin Singh was run

The victorious Guyana Chronicle team poses for a photo after defeating Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry in a tapeball encounter last Friday night. out for 3 after being involved in a miscommunication with Seoraj. Things were shaping up well for the Chronicle when they were at 25-4 with Marks and his skipper Akash

Persaud at the wicket, but following Persaud’s demise via the run out route for 6 followed by the wicket of Raphael Singh (05), left the GNNL team on 25 for 5. The hard hitting Steve

Balgobin who came in and looked aggressive, was bowled by Shane Bacchus for 5 but the eventual victors rallied to score 14 in their last three overs, eight of which came in the final over to reach 69 for 8. Bacchus and Sachin took 2 wickets each for 14 and 15 runs respectively for GBTI, who in their turn at the wicket started well but lost wickets regularly before they needed to score four in the final over that was bowled by Singh to record the win, but they only got one. Ruel Sumair topscored with 32 for GBTI who found the bowling of Marks (2 for 11) and Persaud (2 for 14) too much to handle, while the fielding of the GNNL Boys was exceptionally well, resulting in five run outs aiding to their win.

after the high bridge behind the first three finishers, Leal started the sprint for home to which many felt was too early and wondered if he could hold his advantage as Greene was coming hard to stage an upset on the inside. However, Leal, whether knowingly or unknowingly steered his bike into the left hand side of the track blocking an advancing Greene who was handed no choice but to make his way off the track and curtail his sprint

for an upset win in the process and amidst several protests from Leal, the fourth place was handed to the Berbician. However, the protest by some of the riders in sweltering heat prior to the start of the feature event marred what was an exceptionally great day for cycle racing, with several other enthusiasts who were not in favour of the decision taken by the cyclists, calling for severe penalties to be handed out, while it was great to see the Team Coco’s cyclists battling with their other competitors for supremacy in the races. In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, an RBC member who chose to remain anonymous said their club had received no correspondence from the Guyana Cycling Federation saying Team Coco’s cyclists were not permitted to compete, hence they had no problem with the riders doing so. “We did not have any problem with Team Coco’s and the Federation never wrote us saying their cyclists will not be permitted to compete on the local scene, so once they come to the line and register to compete, we will allow them that privilege.”

Racing Tips

French Racing Tips

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Unified Caribbean needed -Ninvalle

See story on page 29

Austin fires St Pius Primary to COURTS Pee Wee finals Defending champs to clash with Stella Maris Primary

‘We the best’! St Pius Primary after hammering Tucville Primary 6 – 1 in yesterday’s Semi-finals. By Rawle Toney THE race is never for the swift and when defending champions St Pius struggled in the early stages of the competition, many worried and wondered if the ‘champs’ will be able to ‘keep up’ but yesterday,

behind a five goal haul from striker Raymond Austin, St Pius Primary slammed Tucville Primary 6 – 1 to reach the finals of the Petra Organisation/ COURTS Pee Wee Football Tournament. They (St Pius) will face one of the most unlikely of

teams in the finals, Stella Maris Primary who defeated South Ruimveldt 3 – 1 on penalty kicks. “This is our tournament” exclaimed Head Coach Wayne Ritchie as he spoke to Chronicle Sports during his team’s celebration after the match

at the Banks DIH Thirst Park. It was a one-sided affair and Austin (2nd, 4th and 9th minutes) had scored all three of his team’s goals in the first half which had the ‘champs’ leading 3 – 0 at the end of the first half. Turn to page 29

Bombs Away! St Pius Primary’s Raymond Austin caught by Chronicle photographer Adrian Narine as he is about to unleash a thunderous strike.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014