2014 12 12 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 104039 FRIDAY DECEMBER 12, 2014

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Finance Minister calls global attention to 8th MDG

– urges developed countries to make good on their ODA promise

Santa goes ‘upriver’

INCLUDING VAT

Union threatens shutdown of Municipal buildings

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President commends Demerara Bank

– on launch of VISA card service

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President finds Hydar Ally’s book an interesting read

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Road work continues in Middle Road, La Penitence Santa took a detour recently and headed up the Mahaicony River, with Education Minister Ms Priya Manickchand and some members of staff in tow, to start the Christmas ball rolling in that community. Needless to say, everyone had a jolly good time (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Education)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Starting tonight at Port Mourant…

Superb Bollywood shows slated for Berbice, Georgetown, West Coast By Raveena Mangal AT the SleepInn Hotel on Brickdam yesterday during a press conference, International Promoter Ramjodha from New York and Kumar Saxena from India disclosed plans for the hosting of a superb Bollywood show. The artistes, who have already arrived from India, are renowned and multifaceted in all areas of Indian songs, evident from their years of experience and varying T-series albums. They are prominent playback singers Shavin Bhawtt, Sangeeta and Himmat Kumal. The songsters related they have come to perform for the Guyanese public to provide pure entertainment with songs ranging from the 90’s to the present. Sangeeta’s specialty is romantic songs while Himmat and Shavin are willing to give the public whatever songs they desire, including Mohammad Rafi and

other ‘golden oldies’. With about 15 years of singing experience, they are versatile enough to include rock and roll and pop songs. The show is intended to be a “cultural event which promises good healthy entertainment for the older folks and young people as well,” according to Ramjodha. “It will also showcase local bands and local dance groups,” he said. The Ishara Dance Troop is expected to perform. While the shows will commence at 6pm, the crowd will be entertained by the talented band and local performers such the ‘Coolie Bai’ Mystic. The international artistes will then take to the stage at 8pm. Three shows are expected to be held, commencing tonight at the Port Mourant Ground in Berbice, in Georgetown at the Everest Ground on Saturday and on the West Coast of Demerara at the Uitvlugt Ground on Sunday, December 13.

Playback singers Shavin Bhatt, Sangeeta, Himmat Kumal and promoter, Kumar Saxena

Tickets, at a price of $2,000 per person, will be sold at the gates of the venues. VIP tickets will also be available. The playback singers will move to New York to con-

tinue their shows. However, they expressed their enthusiasm to perform in Guyana: “We are looking forward to a huge crowd as we would like to come again and again.” Ramjodha has previously

hosted a Bollywood show in October which included an impressive lineup of artistes, including the Indian television actress Surbhi Jyoti who was the female lead of the soap opera ‘Qubool Hai’ and

international singer Chintan Bakiwala. He revealed for one of his shows next year, he intends to bring the stars of the popular ‘Jodha Akbar’ to Guyana’s shores.

Cabinet arranges televised programmes for ministers’ yearly reviews SPEAKING at a press briefing on Wednesday last, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon stated that Cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday concluded ar-

rangements for the presentation of ministers’ annual sector reviews. Dr. Luncheon noted that there will be televised programmes through which ministers will provide the

listening public with the highlights of 2014 and also the developments in their particular sectors. He noted that “This venture will not replace the press encounter which ministers traditionally host in their offices at the end of the year on perhaps a parallel activity [about] the developments in their sectors.” In closing, he noted that the Government or information service will provide

a schedule as to when the ministers will present their reviews and added that it is expected to commence with the economic and productive sectors. Meanwhile on a separate note, Dr. Luncheon also disclosed that Cabinet had recently given its no-objection to the appointment of his Excellency Silvio Minyanyo as non-resident ambassador for the Italian Republic to the Republic of Guyana.The

ambassador will be resident in Caracas, Venezuela. Dr Luncheon announced also that cabinet has also granted its no-objection to the appointment of His Excellency Fernando Manuel De Jesus Teles Fazendeiro, who will be the non-resident Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to the Republic of Guyana. This ambassador will also be resident in Caracas, Venezuela.

Dr. Roger Luncheon addressing the media on Wednesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Finance Minister calls global attention to 8th MDG – urges developed countries to make good on their ODA promise

WHILE Guyana has made many strides in achieving its Millennium Development Goals, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has issued a global call for the recognition of the Eighth Millennium Development Goal and the global commitment of developed countries to donate 0.7% of their Gross National Income (GNI) towards Official Development Assistance (ODA). First pledged in the 1970 General Assembly Resolution, the 0.7% target has been affirmed in many international agreements over the years, including the March 2002 International Conference on Financing For Development in Monterrey, Mexico and at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg some time ago, according to the UN Millennium Project website. Dr. Singh expressed concern that the target has not been met as he alluded to the effects this would have on the development of the eight MDG. The MDG speak to the development of

‘An extremely important MDG is Goal 8 - this MDG not only speaks to access to technology but access to affordable pharmaceutical products as well as issues of official development assistance delivery, which is so critical to the achievement of other goals’ – Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh speaking Wednesday at the launch of the Guyana Maternal Health Acceleration Framework at the Herdmanston Lodge

a global partnership in order to “develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system,” and to “address special needs of the least developed countries, landlocked countries and Small Island” and “deal comprehensively with developing countries’ debt.” “I believe that the archi-

tects of the MDG framework recognised the importance of this global partnership for development as integral to the achievement of the rest of the goals,” the Finance Minister told the gathering at Herdmanston Lodge Wednesday for the launch of Guyana’s Maternal Health Acceleration Framework for MDG 5.

“In fact, it is in my mind difficult to conceive the other goals being achieved in the absence of MDG 8,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “Much focus has been placed on MDGs numbered one to seven... but an extremely important MDG is Goal 8.” Dr. Singh noted that this MDG not only speaks to access to technology but access to affordable pharmaceutical products as well as issues of official development assistance delivery, which he says “is so critical to the achievement of other goals.” The United Nations Millennium Project website establishes the relationship between the 0.7% commitment and the MDGs. “The UN Millennium Project’s analysis indicates that 0.7% of rich world GNI can provide

enough resources to meet the Millennium Development Goals, but developed countries must follow through on commitments and begin increasing ODA volumes today.” INTERLOCKING ISSUES Further addressing the link between MDGs and the 0.7% Global Commitment, Dr. Singh also said: “Maternal mortality isn’t only about maternal health and child health but in fact is also about economic prosperity and economic wellbeing and how interlocking and interrelated these issues are.” 44 YEARS OF GLOBAL INACTIVITY Dr. Singh stressed that the commitment was initial-

ly designed to be achieved in ten years but it has been 44 years since and “today there are only 5 developed nations of the world [that] have achieved that target.” “If we recognise that poverty reduction and poverty eradication [and] social development as articulated by that UN General Assembly Resolution of four decades ago [and] if we recognise that the public good nature of development in that context then as a global community we have an obligation to participate,” Dr. Singh emphasised as he made a final call for the global community to recognise the implications of underachievement of the eighth Millennium Development Goal.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

More looting, one arrest as Bay Area protests dwindle (Reuters) - POLICE in Oakland, California, said demonstrators broke windows and looted stores and that there was one arrest for assaulting an officer in the latest U.S. protest over police violence. Oakland and neighboring Berkeley have seen nightly demonstrations since the weekend in response to decisions by two grand juries not to charge white police officers in the killings of unarmed black men in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City. On Wednesday night, about 150 protesters - a smaller crowd than on previous evenings - left the

Protesters chant in front of a police line outside Berkley Police Department headquarters during a march against the New York City grand jury decision to not indict in the death of Eric Garner in Berkeley, California December 9, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Stephen Lam

campus of University of California-Berkeley and demonstrated without incident before marching south into Oakland, the city of Oakland said in a statement. By that point, the protesters’ numbers had dwindled to about 50 people, the statement said, some of whom broke windows at a T-Mobile store and a Chase bank. Looting also was reported in an area of small businesses at a downtown intersection, it said. “An officer outside the Oakland Police Department was assaulted and an arrest was made,” the statement said. A Reuters photographer

witnessed an undercover police officer, who had been marching with the demonstrators, pointing his pistol at protesters after he and his partner were attacked. About 20 uniformed officers were quickly on the scene and detained one man. A spokesman for the Oakland Police Department said only that it had responded to a request for assistance “made by an outside agency,” and referred all inquiries about the incident to the California Highway Patrol. A spokeswoman for the CHP’s Golden Gate Division did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Rains, wind lash California as Pacific storm hits (Reuters) - A PACIFIC storm lashed northern and central California on Thursday with heavy rain and high winds, knocking out electricity to tens of thousands of homes, disrupting commercial flights and prompting school closures in the San Francisco Bay area. Nearly 240 departing and incoming flights had been can-

celed at San Francisco International Airport by late morning, with delays for other flights averaging two hours, airport duty manager Bob Ritiski said. A downtown San Francisco subway station serving the financial district was closed through the morning commuter rush due to a power outage, and the city’s electrified bus

system was halted in many areas, transit officials said. Winds howled through Sacramento, the state capital, with gale-force gusts rattling buildings and whipping through trees before dawn, followed by heavy downpours just as the morning commute was getting started. The National Weather Ser-

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vice issued flash-flood, high-surf and high-wind advisories ahead of the storm, warning that torrential rains could lead to mudslides in foothill areas stripped of vegetation by wildfires earlier in the year. The Shasta Lake area of northern California received 5 inches (13 cm) of rain overnight, and up to 4 inches (10 cm) was expected in Califor-

11/12/2014

nia’s Central Valley, the state’s agricultural heartland, as well as in Sacramento, according to the Weather Service. “The fact that it looks like so much of it is going to fall in such a short period of time, that’s one of the major concerns,” Weather Service meteorologist Charles Bell said. The Pacific Gas and Electric

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Company reported that nearly 227,000 customers lost power during the storm Thursday morning, with cities in the peninsula area south of San Francisco hardest hit by outages. Several Bay area school districts, including San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley, canceled classes due to the storm.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Gov’t signs T&T borders open to Brazil ‘serial killer’ das Gracas alleges 42 MoU to fight Nigerians-PM deaths in a decade illicit trade via airports KINGSTON, Jamaica – THE Jamaican Government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to implement the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP) at the Norman Manley and Sangster International airports on the island. The signing took place at the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing on Maxfield Avenue in Kingston. The project, an initiative of the UNODC, World Customs Organisation and INTERPOL, is aimed at supporting the establishment of secure and effective international law enforcement networks to counter the risk of illicit imports and exports via air transportation. According to the participants the overall objective is to disrupt the illegal networks that are disseminating drugs and other illicit products at source and transit points, using smarter, more effective, intelligence led counter-narcotic activities. Funded by the European Union, the project currently covers 25 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. “This initiative will provide us with some of the support needed to mount an even stronger response. It will be facilitated by the establishment of two joint interdiction task forces, one at the Norman Manley International Airport and the second at Sangster International Airport,” Transport Minister Dr Omar Davies said at the signing. Dr Davies explained that the objective will be to improve coordination in various areas as well as to avoid duplication of activities leading to a safer, more reliable and user friendly air transport system. At the same time Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, emphasized that the importance of international cooperation to effectively combat crime, especially in

the trade of illicit drugs and weapons, cannot be overstated. “Globalization, despite its many benefits, has led to crime becoming borderless. As a result, criminal organizations are increasingly being strengthened through international networks, which allow them to carry out their activities with increased efficiency,” said Bunting. Meanwhile law enforcement expert at the UNODC, representing Central America and the Caribbean, Bob Van den Berghe, explained that AIRCOP will provide real time communication between international sources, transit and destination airports in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. He said that the project will promote intelligence and information sharing between agencies at the international level, and that the units will do proactive investigations aimed at intervention before crimes are committed.

WHILE Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says noone will be blacklisted for entry into T&T, she remains adamant that security forces will do what is necessary to ensure public safety. The Prime Minister made the declaration on Tuesday night at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), San Fernando, as she addressed reporters on concerns raised over a group of Nigerians with alleged terrorist links who arrived in T&T in 2013. Commenting on the flagging of several Nigerian students as potential threats then, Persad-Bissessar, head of the National Security Council, admitted she was aware of a letter sent to then National Security Minister Jack Warner in 2013 advising him of the security threat the group of 66 posed. She said at that point the Nigerians, who were allegedly involved in military action against the Nigerian government, were placed under constant monitoring. “Minister Griffith was then our adviser with respect to National Security Council (NSC) matters. “We kept the police on board... intelligence sources. Nothing really extraordinary happened, so they were under constant monitoring and we continue to do the same,” she said after attending the Cedar Grove Private School’s annual Christmas concert.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

(BBC News) BRAZILIAN police have arrested a man who has confessed to the killing of 42 people over the last decade in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Police say they arrested Sailson Jose das Gracas on Wednesday, shortly after he stabbed a woman to death in a city suburb. He then confessed to killing another 37 women, three men and a two-year-old girl. The police are searching for alleged victims and say they have found four. In a police interview broadcast on Brazil’s TV Globo, the man said he would go out hunting, and he killed for the adrenaline. He told police that if he was ever released from prison he would kill again. ‘Watched for months’ He said he preferred victims who were white females, whom he strangled. His three male victims had been killed when he was operating for hire, he added. Das Gracas said: “ I would wait for an opportunity to break into the house and kill,” adding that he would watch his victims for months before making his move. Experts said Das Gracas appeared to be a psychopath who enjoyed the media spotlight and warned that what he said needed to be carefully checked. Police said they had begun cross-referencing his confession with police reports and had already found four of his victims.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

EDITORIAL

PPP is as constant as the North Star THE unconscionable strategy by the Opposition collective (AFC and APNU) to target communities according to their racial composition will backfire on the nation, as it has always done. PNC/APNU’s Aubrey Norton said it best, that the aim is to remove the PPP/C Government at all costs, and the mechanism must be so geared. Thus he recommended against the stated intention – openly or subtly, of the PNC/APNU and the AFC to form a coalition to go into the next elections. The strategy used, he posited, should be that the PNC/APNU campaign in its own constituency (meaning predominantly Afro-Guyanese communities); while AFC should concentrate its resources and energies on wooing traditional PPP support bases (meaning predominantly Indo-Guyanese communities). The PNC/APNU has traditionally appealed to ‘Kith and Kin’; while since its formation the AFC has taken a two-pronged, double-faced, doublespeak approach to target both Black and Indian communities, which proved to be somewhat successful,

with Nagamootoo biting deep into the heartland of the PPP with his fork-tongued strategies. Conversely, the PPP has always appealed to all Guyanese to join the developmental train and eschew race politics to sustain its continuum of upward mobility – individually and nationally, through their support – with their votes, as well as prior and subsequent to general elections. Pre-polling day of 2011, while en route to the LieuKen-Pen Square at Wismar for a PPP/C election rally, what immediately impacted the consciousness was the proliferation of PPP/C banners and posters lining all along the highway, through the streets, and right up to the venue, all untouched – neither defaced nor torn. That this was so in Region 10 was striking to anyone who is au fait with things and events past in Guyana. Noteworthy, also – more than either at the Albion or Kitty rallies, the rally in Linden reflected a truly Guyanese audience, with a mixture of thousands in near-equal parts of almost every ethnic and religious

Guyanese composition. This was a Region 10 audience expressing jubilation at a PPP/C rally, unprecedented after the decades-old political split that divided the nation along racial lines. This was history in the making that Sunday at Region 10; and the significance would not have been lost to all those who struggled alongside Dr. Jagan, who grieved even as he fought to restore unity once more in the Guyanese nation. As then PPP General-Secretary and Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar said during an interview with this newspaper, this achievement is the real victory of the PPP/C – that Guyanese are once more coming together to work toward the common good in the spirit of 1953. In the tranquil beauty of a balmy twilight in that rural community, with the river meandering its lazy way, successive speakers gave their reasons for joining the PPP/C, while the audience listened attentively - wildly cheering at times. At that event M.C.

Robeson Benn invited all Region 10 citizens to make that leap of faith, because the PPP/C administration needed the energy to continue development in the region, urging against their paying heed to those who charge the administration with accusations of racism and discrimination, because of the amplitude of evidence to the contrary. He reminded Lindeners of the past, when Guylines proliferated and baton-wielding horse guards determined what basic commodities and foodstuff should be allowed to the ordinary citizen and encouraged them to help the PPP/C to win the national and regional elections so that the administration could continue to develop their region without impediments and obstruction. Ms. Maylene Stephens said that the PPP/C, under a Ramotar presidency, will continue to transform Guyana and reminded them of all the assistance that they have been receiving from the PPP/C Government toward bettering their lives and their communities. Moslem social activist,

GUYANA

Jafar Mohamed prayed for the nation and said that those who lived through the era of PNC domination will appreciate the salvation in the nation that the PPP/C Government has provided. He posited that there are only two religions – righteousness and wickedness, where some worship God and some worship the Devil. He urged that Region 10 citizens accept salvation in whatever form it comes and disregard the irrelevancy of skin colour and other nebulous considerations. Heaping accolades on PPP/C leadership, while blasting the Opposition as cheats only intent on power, who are all scrambling for leadership, Mohamed stressed that, under divine guidance, the PPP chose its Presidential candidate with 100% votes, and thus Ramotar is clearly God’s choice. Maybe it was portentous, because while it rained heavily during the APNU rally, and on Sunday all along the Linden highway, and even earlier at the Lieu-Ken-Pen Square, the sun shone brilliantly before gracefully submerging itself into a balmy twilight before and during the PPP/C rally, which elicited remarks from supporters that this is God’s blessing on the PPP/C. They also remarked on the thunderous blasts from the skies on the President’s Day of Appreciation, which preluded the event – a phenomenon they consider to be an ovation by divine forces for a job well done by outgoing President Dr. Bharrat

Jagdeo. Phillip Bynoe fancifully praised the PPP/C for being a political party that is as constant as the northern star (which travellers and sailors use as a guide on difficult journeys); and provides positive leadership, which is the reason that he ascribes for the party growing successively stronger and more united countrywide. Sadly, the PNC/APNU, recognising the threat to its dominance in the region, moved in with that Machiavellian combo’s appeals to ‘kith and kin’, with the regrettable consequence of all the inherent promise of a fruitful partnership between the people of that region and the Government to exploit to its fullest that region’s developmental potentials. The Government had to forge ahead without the full support of the people, and with the joint Opposition creating roadblocks at every step of the way to impede community development and people empowerment. Perhaps, this time around, not only Region Ten, but all the peoples in this nation would disregard ‘kith and kin’ calls and provide their support – which would be the wind beneath the wings of the only political configuration – the PPP/ Civic combination, that can and has consistently kept faith with the people because it has, not just the wisdom and the will for wise and productive governance, but the welfare of the entire Guyanese nation at heart.

THE REAL AMERICAN REVOLUTION WHAT if I told you that the mass murderer they caught today, the

genocidal artist, the killer of nations and perhaps species, was a stealer of

sweets? Ye s , h e s l i p s i n t o your parlour in the dead

of night and steals dinner mints, buns, toffee a n d d i e t c o k e . Wo u l d

you wring your hands in utter disgust, tear out your hair, gouge out

your own eyes, as the great tragic hero Oedi-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Ramifications of Ram

RECENTLY, I have observed that Mr. Christopher Ram has become a champion of human rights with particular emphasis on women’s right issues. Wearing another cap, he speaks loudly and emphatically on questions of transparency and accountability. Even more importantly, he publicly advocates for morality and ethical conduct for those who have chosen public life both in the discharge of their official duties as well as in the private lives. He has been particularly harsh on those whom he feels do not meet his high standards. Free speech and freedom of the press have also been his platforms. For these postures I wish to commend him. Having regard to the public positions which he has taken, I have no doubt that he must be aware that he would be judged by those self-same standards. It is for this reason that I know that he will not find

it objectionable, if I share with your readers a document which I stumbled upon on the internet. It is an affidavit done by his wife and the mother of his children in his divorce proceedings filed in the High

Court. I made the effort to confirm the validity of this document at the High Court Registry, Georgetown. As I indicated, this document was executed under oath and filed at the High Court Registry. It is therefore a public document and any member of the public can request a copy. Rather than being ac-

cused of misrepresentation, I will set out word for word some paragraphs in the said affidavit. The maker of this document is Ena Savitri Ram of Area R Ogle East Coast Demerara. She is referred to in the Affidavit as the Respondent and Mr. Ram the Petitioner. The paragraphs that make most interesting reading are as follows: • “That the problems of this marriage are as a result of the Petitioner’s constant infidelity to the Respondent, and almost inhuman ill-treatment of the Respondent and children especially the eldest son (name withheld).” • “That the Petitioner’s most recent affair, and which is continuing, commenced in January 1999 with …an employee from his office, for whom he has purchased a car, and with whom he spends time in a log cabin at Emerald

Tower, and travel together overseas”. • “That whenever questions are asked by the Respondent concerning… The petitioner would be extremely violent and threatening, calling the Respondent an idiot, a moron, and even sometimes a whore. On one occasion in August 1999, the Respondent was beaten and kicked so badly, she started bleeding.” • “That the Petitioner is extremely brutal to his son (name withheld) who on one occasion came to the Respondent’s assistance by shouting at the Petitioner not to hit the Respondent. The Petitioner responded by pulling a knife at (his son’s) throat, telling him how he would kill him and how he was an “anti-man.” The child ended up in tears for days.” • “That the petitioner would violently beat up his eldest son (name withheld) for what he regards

THE REAL AMERICAN ... From Page 6 pus had done? No. You wouldn’t eat yourself up like that. It would be irrational. You would be daft, as the British would say. And, weird, as the Americans would say. Because, of course, stealing sweets is child’s play; virtually nothing compared to killing peoples, nations, world leaders and perhaps species. You might even begin to humanise or accept the actions of the genocidal artist; because it might just show, this stealing of sweets, that the antagonist was human, perhaps pathetic, after all. But this is not what is happening in the USA today. Today is the day that US Senate Committee revealed that the American CIA was engaged in detention/torture, and had lied about it. And all the publics of this great nation state are up in arms about it: Really? We did not know. How horrible!

They couldn’t be taken to the International Criminal Court? Not really. The President will not allow it. Well we better pardon them then. But still, how revolting! How revolting for the Left, the Right, the Libertarians, the Conservatives, the Liberals, the Democrats, the Republicans, the Hawks, the Fundamendalists, and the great cohort of media gurus in surveillance, war, espionage, the Geneva Convention, the CIA! Up in the tree of terror they are, with their knickers all in a twist. The great programme of the USA, ever since the Pilgrim Fathers, arrived on the East Coast of this continent in 1604, is torture. Torture from beginning to end. Torture as entrée, main course, dessert, and in the little cherry atop the second helping of ice cream. Not many would agree. They will not agree because they have been fed with the diet coke of a sanitised American History. They do not know because they are afraid of

turning themselves over. Afraid to make, even if they have the facts - you put it right in the plate in front of them - a revolution inside themselves, overthrow their comforting truths, adages, proverbs. The first act of the Pilgrim Fathers was to plot and scheme. They did not want to share the lands of the Americas. They wanted all. They made war. They burnt villages. This was three hundred years of war, torture and bloodshed. An entire sub-continent of peoples were slaughtered, or sent to the ghettos of reservations. The great Declaration of Rights, the Federalist Papers, Washington that great luminary and war-general, the Father of the Republic did not stop the process. Pity the poor Sioux who might have thought that Independence in 1776 would bring relief. Independence hardened the process of genocide and the extinction of economies, ceremonies, systems of knowledge and

vibrant ways of life. Nor did Independence bring independence for the Slave. Independence brought more organised forms of official plantation torture. Did Lincoln’s Civil War of the 1860’s bring it? Lincoln was goaded into an anti-Slavery position by Republicans who wanted cheap and exploitable

labour to drift North to service the Northern Industrial Revolution. Convert the agrarian hand into a proletarian. The man who really stood up, John Brown, they hanged. And after the Wars, all the goody-two-shoes promises were denied; the ‘negro’ had to be fighting on the streets a hundred years later for basic rights. In the face of Klans, lynchings,

as disrespectful behaviour. It ended up in (the son) almost committing suicide in 1998. He had to be treated by Dr. Bhiro Harry who diagnosed this suicidal tendency as coming from a seriously bad father-son relationship. The Petitioner did nothing to rectify this situation notwithstanding the Respondent’s constant pleadings.” • “ T h a t s o m e time after beating the Respondent so badly in 1999, the petitioner left the matrimonial home for 8 (eight) months; he started living at the upstairs flat of his office compound. It was since this time that indeed the Respondent and the Petitioner ceased having a sexual relationship.” • “ T h a t t h e P e titioner returned to the matrimonial home in June, 2000 after a bout of sickness, and after recuperation continued his inhuman treatment of the more torture. US genocide since the Civil War has killed close to 100 million people, scattered nations and decimated leaders and philosophies. Do we need to list them? Japan, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Panama, Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and since World War II Korea, Vietnam, all over Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East. Since the Gulf War of the early 1990’s US men and munitions have slaughtered over two million in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen alone. Right before our faces. Using Fascist slogans like New World Order, the War on Terror, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Threat to the Nation, The International Community, The Security Council Resolution, The Butcher of Bagdad and Chemical Ali, and Links to Terrorism and so on. Do we

Respondent and her children. On one occasion in September, 2000 he busted (his eldest son’s) lips, terrorising the young man, causing him to break down in class crying uncontrollably and having to be counselled by Dr. O’Tool and others. On another occasion he threatened that he will end all of this by putting a bullet through the Respondent’s head. The Respondent reported to the Sparendaam Police Station.” I hope that the public would be in a better frame of mind to digest what Mr. Ram offers in his public comments. ABDUL JAMAL KHAN ***EDITOR’S NOTE: The name of the child mentioned in the Affidavit was deliberately omitted to protect the individual. This letter was also sent to our Lawyers for clearance before publication. need to go on more? The Senate findings have triggered an opportunistic rush to moral outrage, starring the great Senator John Mc Cain himself. The outrage is a reflex of the conscience. It is a grand cheat. To smoothen the fact of national approbation of four hundred years of torture, and to detract from the real torture: mass scale, continual genocide by a nation, its leadership, its media and many of its citizens. Proverbs are adages, which through clime and custom we accept. They represent language itself and therefore how we see ourselves and the world. If we can see that the proverbial bearers of democracy, freedom, rights, are the klansmen of genocide and torture, we may then succeed in revolutionising the self, a precursor to revolution and planetary justice. The real American Revolution will only occur when America revolts against its sacred proverbs, its self. WAYNE KUBLALSINGH

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

GLGOU threatens M&CC with shutdown of Municipal buildings --over wages, salaries increase

THE Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) over its failure to approve wages and salary increases for Local Government officers for 2013. In a statement seen by this publication, the GLGOU informed City Mayor Hamilton Green that the action will be taken subject to his previous indication that he will “revisit the issue and

have the matter of approval for wages and salaries for members of GLGO.” GLGOU’s President Dale Beresford is concerned that the Mayor & Councillors have the union “at ransom”, since, according to him, the Mayor has placed a conditionality on the approval of wages and salaries for local government officers. And the conditionality is that similar increases will be given to City Councillors. “While we empathise

with the Councillors, as they should and ought to have an increase, these are separate matters which a Collective Labour Agreement exist between the councillors and the Guyana local government officers union and there is no such agreement that we are aware of with the councillors,” Beresford said after a press briefing at the Mayor’s Office yesterday. Beresford informed reporters that the increase of advances, allowances and increases for councillors are

subject to approval by the Local Government Minister, according to provisions in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01. “I want to make it very clear, this 48-hours ultimatum commences today and we will take appropriate industrial action should our demands not be met,” the GLGOU President further said. TARGETS FOR SHUTDOWN The union represents some 250 local government officers, Beresford said as he cautioned that if those demands are not met, it will

trigger industrial action to shut down the Office of the Mayor & Councillors as well as the Abattoir, Municipal Clinics, Municipal Day Care Centres and Markets. The increases which the GLGOU has proposed are some 5% for those 250 or so workers. Beresford said the Council in committee meetings had approved the monies to cater for the increases but that decision was to be further taken to the full Council at their biweekly Statutory Meeting. The demands of the GLGOU come at a time when conflicts at City Hall have heightened since a Motion

was passed and approved by the Council on Monday to stay any other business of the Council until the restoration of the salary for City Hall’s Public Relations Officer Royston King. At the last statutory meeting, the agenda of the Council was tossed aside to consider what the Mayor called the arbitrary cutting of salary for the PRO. Outraged by that decision, the Mayor & Councillors approved a motion for the reinstating of King’s salary with a conditionality that no other business of the Council is to be considered until that motion is acted on.

Mango Landing murder victim died of ‘multiple gunshot wounds’ A POST-MORTEM examination on the body of 50-year-old businessman Linden Mc Almont of Robindra Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara showed that the man died of multiple gunshot wounds about the body. Speaking with this publication yesterday afternoon, the man’s stepdaughter said that the results of the examination showed that the man who

Linden and Maureen McAlmont on the wedding day

was murdered in his business place on Monday at Mango Landing received injuries to his chest, belly and head. In addition, the post-mortem report revealed that the man’s heart, liver and lungs were damaged as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained. Meanwhile, the police have not yet made any arrests for the murder, which started out as a robbery at a grocery shop which the

Manlaughter accused freed on defence no-case submission -- Discharged by judge AS freed accused Fazal Bacchus walked away from the dock, the wife of the deceased accosted him saying: “You know that you killed my husband,” causing the freed man to turn back and report to the judge. The judge then called on the police to maintain order. Even before Justice Reynolds handed down his ruling yesterday , leading State Counsel Mrs. Teshana Lake, prosecuting, conceded that according to the evidence at her dis-

posal, she was obliged to agree with defence counsel that Bacchus had no case to answer. The judge commended counsel on her acceptance that her witnesses had let her down and declared that there was no other option open to her than to accept that no evidence-oral or written-supporting the charge of manslaughter had been led. Justice Reynolds agreed with defence counsel that because of insufficiency of evidence, the oral and written statements said to

be voluntarily made by the accused had to be rejected. As a consequence, the judge directed the mixed jury to find Bacchus not guilty of the crime of manslaughter and to return a formal verdict of not guilty in his favour. Bacchus was then discharged. On leaving the dock the accused tapped his lawyer on the shoulder and said “thank you” to the judge and jury. But,as Bacchus was going through the door, the screaming wife of the deceased accosted him, stating, “You know that you killed my husband.” Bacchus then returned to the court and reported to the judge what had happened .

The judge ordered the police to maintain order. Bacchus was charged with having on January 16th 2011 unlawfully killed Dhanpaul Rambarrack known as “Papalo.” But the trial failed after the defence had proved through cross-examination that the accused remained silent when first a capital charge was put to him, resulting in the police tricking him by putting an assault charge in order to get a response. The particular officer admitted to the court that he did put the allegation of assault to the accused. The judge noted that trickery had its part to play in the case.

man and his wife operated for almost seven years in the interior location. On Monday three men stormed the business the couple operated and demanded money and gold from the man whom they first encountered and when he reportedly did not give the men what they expected to receive,

he was shot dead in the bedroom. He was found dead by his wife of three years, in a sitting position, after she herself was robbed by the men and locked in a storeroom of the building. Linden was killed two days before celebrating his third wedding anniversary.

Stepfather murder conspiracy trial adjourned to Monday --as defence counsel falls ill DUE to the illness of defence counsel Mr. Bernard Dos Santos, S.C., the stepfather murder conspiracy trial did not continue yesterday. Presiding judge, Madame Dawn Gregory granted an adjournment to Monday when the defence of the accused will begin. The accused, Bibi Shamiza Khan also called “Sham”; Hoosman Khan called “Strongman”; and Bibi Farida Khan called “Pum” are indicted for the murder of stepfather Motilall Singh. The prosecution is alleging that the murder was planned by the mother of the accused who lived abroad with Motilall. Following a breakdown in the relationship between the couple, the mother it is said contacted her children in Guyana and sent them US$700 with instructions to hire a killer to dispose of Motilall, who was on a visit to Guyana. According to reports, they executed the plot on September 7, 2009. The police are in possession of caution statements allegedly made by the accused. State counsel Misses Natasha Backer and Mercedes Thompson are prosecuting.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

BIT puts over 300 more skilled youngsters on ever-growing job market

Chairman, Mr Clinton Williams addressing invitees and graduands at Wednesday’s graduation ceremony

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) continues to provide vulnerable individuals with an opportunity to gain some form of qualification in technical studies. In this regard, last Wednesday saw over 300 persons in Region

Through continuous operation of the Eccles Skills Training Centre, 71 persons gained qualification in the areas of catering and Information Technology, and 42 in Welding and Fabrication through the Guyana National Industrial Corpora-

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall presenting one of the graduands with her certificate of achievement

Four graduate following training in several areas. The graduation ceremony, which was held at the Regency Hotel on Hadfield Street, here in Georgetown saw 16 officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) graduating as Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators, along with three other batches in this skill area, while 31 persons graduated in block making, catering and cosmetology through collaboration with the GPF.

tion (GNIC), along with 77 women in the areas of Information Technology, Sewing, Catering and Cosmetology through collaboration with the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute. Thirteen (13) persons from the Deaf Association of Guyana were also trained and placed in employment at the Grand Coastal and Pegasus Hotels and Jailall’s Workshop, and another 10 in Region Three. Speaking at the cere-

mony, BIT Chairman, Mr Clinton Williams noted that Wednesday’s graduation was the ninth to date under the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and Single Parents Programme for Region Four. This programme was launched in 2005 by Former President Bharrat Jagdeo with the objective of providing competency based technical vocational education and training to fill the shortage of entry level skills for both the public and private sectors. Wi l l i a m s n o t e d t h a t these programmes target vulnerable groups such as school drop-outs, youths from depressed communities and other disadvantaged youths, including those with disabilities. In 2009 another programme which targeted single parents was launched to build capacity for them. He added that in 2006 the programme began with 254 graduates and to date over 16,000 individuals graduated inclusive of the 1,000 under the Apprenticeship Scheme. Over 2,700 persons will graduate across the country under BIT in 2014. Also delivering brief remarks at the ceremony was Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul who congratulated the students and

noted that this year has seen the largest number of graduates under this programme throughout Guyana. “For Guyana to develop, all of its people must play their role,” Dr Gopaul said, adding that many of the persons who have been trained by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are now managers in various departments in the

as he urged the graduands to aim higher. He added that the People’s Progressive Party has been focusing on technical education since it was in power in the 1960s, by building skills schools such as the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) among others. Minister Nandlall added that this can be reflected in a letter written

Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul presenting another graduate with her certificate of achievement

company. “We are providing the opportunities for thousands of people …and the last five years have seen Guyana moving forward,” Dr Gopaul noted. Also commending the graduates was Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Anil Nandlall who said, “This can’t be the end of the road; it is only a stepping stone,”

by Dr. Cheddi Jagan in the past. He also reminded that the University of Guyana will be launching online courses to allow those persons who cannot attend the institution to have a chance to qualify themselves. He pointed out that another example of the efforts made by the party to ensure this opportunity is given to all Guyanese is the construction of several

dormitories to house students who are travelling from far distances to elevate themselves. Due to these efforts, urban schools are no longer the only top schools in the country, but students from various parts of the country are now excelling at examinations and dominating the top spots. He also noted that through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), individuals are now able to work in various parts of the Caribbean. He however, urged the graduands to stay in Guyana and work and develop their country. The Minister also noted that there is great need for hydropower because it is important for the country to move away from primary production and commence manufacturing which requires a lot of power and can be very expensive to undertake. However, he added, that Guyana has over 100 waterfalls to provide a large amount of hydropower to complement this undertaking and provide cheap electricity. A total of 633 persons were trained in Region Four in the areas of Engineering (194), Home Economics (188) and Information technology/Clerical (251) during this year. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

At Dharam Shala Christmas Party...

Finance Minister helps distribute ‘goodies’

THE management and board of directors of The Dharm Shala – Home of Benevolence for all Races at King Edward Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, yesterday hosted its annual Christmas party for children in the community. The event was graced by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, who not only helped with the distribution of delectable snacks and goodies to more than 200 children, but also engaged them in lighthearted conversation. In brief remarks, he firstly recognised the late founder of the home for the elderly, saying that last year when he was there, it was for the party for the elderly inmates who had already lived the greater part of their lives; but now he was addressing children, who are at the start of their

lives and urged them to take time to reflect on the reason for the season. He also encouraged those parents who were present to ensure that they prepare their children for the future by sending them to school regularly, since they are the future leaders. Dr. Singh spoke of government’s position as it relates to youth development, and told the large gathering that the government is doing its best to create a bright future for children and youths. He however, requested parents to ensure that their children are in school and they do well because it is in preparation for their futures. The minister pointed out that even though the festive season is the time for celebration, enjoyment, play, happiness, sharing and giving, it is also the right time

to attend church and reflect on the important story of Christ and Christmas. Dr. Singh noted that this season, we should allow the lessons to influence our lives and to keep alive the story of Christmas and be reminded of its significance. The children were treated to delectable snacks, drinks and equally nice toys and other goodies as they sang along to popular Christmas songs sang by Rudolph Kendall, called “Sweet Kendingo,” on his guitar. He even took time to allow several children to sing along with him yesterday. Also present were the Ramsaroop sisters, Pamela and Kella, accompanied by board member Eddie Boyer, among others. In remarks, Pamela Ramsaroop said The Dharm Sha-

--engage children in lighthearted conversation

‘Sweet Kendingo’ has the undivided attention of these youngsters as he entertains them in song area and it was done and it la homes for the elderly has arately and are cared for exclu- will continue, since he had been in existence for seven sively through the organisation wanted to have an orphandecades and they house 38 by way of fund-raising activi- age but it eventually was developed into a home for inmates at that location and ties and donations. another 38 at the Berbice Pamela also told the gath- the elderly. A party will be held at location. ering that her father had She explained that men always intended to do some- the same location for the and women are housed sep- thing for the children in the inmates also.

Dr. Ashni Singh lends a hand with the distribution of snacks

ATC Hosts Employer Consultation & Student Information Session IN keeping with its mandate, the Accountancy Training Centre (ATC) conducted an employer consultation and student information session in collaboration with the Association of Business Executives (ABE) on December 10, 2014. Ms. Kereesa Carrington-Nunez, the ABE Country Manager for Guyana and Trinidad, hosted both sessions at ATC and they were successful. The Administrator of ATC, Ms. Kamladevi Singh, stated that the institution provides mentoring and career guidance to its students and has been networking with several employers in and out of Guyana to provide employment opportunities to them as they pursue their qualifications at the institution. The employer consultation sensitized employers about the ABE qualifications and how the skills set acquired by students match their needs. Similarly, the student information session empowered students with the tools they needed to invest in their future today. ATC was established in 2000 and has been offering the ABE qualifications for over two years. The institution has received top awards from ABE in examinations. The institution is currently enrolling students for the January 2015 term. Courses in Accounting, Business, Marketing, Human Resource Management and Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management will commence the week of January 5, 2015. All persons interested in pursuing an affordable and globally recognized qualification are encouraged to attend its second student information session this Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 1.30 pm. Visit www.atcguyana.com or call 227-1007/ 223-7673 for more information.

Dr Singh presents toys to two children, flanked by the Ramsaroop sisters (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

Corentyne man hospitalised with multiple injuries --after being run over by police motorcycle

A 5 4 - y e a r- o l d s e c u r i ty guard of Hampshire, Corentyne Coast, is warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), suffering multiple injuries after being struck down by a police patrol motorcycle on the Hampshire public road last Thursday. Rajendranauth Gopaul said he was crossing the road a short distance away from his home on Thursday afternoon, when the police rank driving his motorcycle

The injured Rajendranauth Gopaul failed to stop at a major road and ploughed into him.

He suffered a fractured left leg; injuries to his neck; a blow to his head and jaw; cuts to his forehead and nose, among other things. Gopaul is unable to see out of his left eye. He is also unable to eat solids and is being fed only fluids through a straw or tube. The injured man said he was picked up by villagers and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital before being transferred to the GPH.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

President finds Hydar Ally’s book an interesting read – a reflection of local politics of the day

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar graced the occasion of Hydar Ally’s launch of his book: “Pragmatism or Opportunism? Guyana’s Foreign Policy Behaviour (1964-1985)”, on Wednesday evening at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, which reflected on the political phases in Guyana’s foreign policy arena. Recognising Dr. Rudy Insanally and Sir Shridath Ramphal’s noble and recent contributions to the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy arena in Guyana, the President observed that Ally would have undoubtedly taken a more “political struggle” approach in his book. He further asserted that “Foreign policy is a reflection of local politics” and as such, Guyana’s foreign policy has indeed moved in different directions over time. The President then noted that work on the book began in 1964, when it was “pretty straightforward” that foreign policy

President Donald Ramotar receiving his copy of ‘Pragmatism or Opportunism’ from the author, Mr Hydar Ally at the launching Wednesday

Charlestown neighbours bailed

…bonded for abusive language and damage to property charges SIXTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Tu Shen Ye of Lot 228 Lyng Street, Charles town, Georgetown appeared Tuesday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a damage-to-property charge. The father of one denied that on December 2, at Lyng Street, Charlestown, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged one car bumper worth $15,000, property of Dawn Moore. Tu Shen Ye was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Basil Williams, who made an application for bail for his client. Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones

did not object to bail, and Tu Shen Ye was placed on $5,000 bail. Forty-year-old Office Manager, Dawn Moore also denied that on the same day at Lyng Street, Georgetown she made use of abusive language to Tu Shen Ye, whereby a breach of the peace may be occasioned. Each defendant was eventually placed on $5,000 bail, and each was bonded to keep the peace until their case has been tried in court. Their next court appearance is on December 22. (Clestine Juan)

was heading into one direction, and as such was more or less dictated. He then highlighted the collaboration between Guyana and Cuba in the foreign policy field, and observed that in the Caribbean, there is a tendency to begin history from 1972, thereafter reflecting on Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago’s collaboration with Cuba in terms of foreign policy. He noted that this was a contribution by Dr. Cheddi Jagan in order to show solidarity with Cuba, since he stood by Cuba’s side, allowing Guyana alongside Mexico and other countries of the Americas to open market shares by exporting local products. Moreover, he lastly reflected on Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s foreign policy theories and how productive they proved for Guyana, even before Guyana had gained Independence. “In many ways, the foreign policy reflects the political struggles taking in place in Guyana at every step; every struggle that was going on in every area, and I’m sure Hydar captured that in his book,” stated President Ramotar.

MASTER’S THESIS Meanwhile, Ally noted that this publication is a modification of a thesis he had done in fulfillment of his Master’s degree at the University of Guyana. After much persuasion and deliberation, the idea of formulating such a collective piece was birthed. “The money collected from the sales of the book is going to a worthy cause,” Ally said in his remarks. Besides his political involvement, Ally held a number of administrative positions including that of Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Education and Health and he is currently Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry. He has served on a number of Boards, including the Caribbean Examinations Council, the University of Guyana Council, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Board of Industrial Training, Cyril Potter College of Education and President’s College, and Guyana National Newspapers, among several others.

Sophia man charged for alleged theft of Blackberry Torch DRIVER Sherwin Sunich of 106 South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Monday placed on $25,000 bail when he appeared before City Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a charge of larceny.

Particulars of the charge allege that on November 26, at Georgetown, he stole one Blackberry Torch cellphone worth 120,000 from former University of Guyana Pro-Chancellor Dr. Prem Misir. The 33-year-old father

of two was represented by attorney–at–law, Mark C o n w a y, w h o t o l d t h e court that his client was not guilty as charged, is not a flight risk, and had been released on $20,000 station bail. Police Prosecutor, Din-

ero Jones did not object to bail, but explained that the allegedly stolen item was not recovered. Sunich was granted bail and is to make his next court appearance before Magistrate Dylon Bess on January 6, 2015.

Sexagenarian charged with damage to property A SIXTY-six-year old man who allegedly damaged the bumper of a car was on Tuesday made to post $5,000 bail after facing Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to the charge of damage to property. Tu Shen Ye of Lot 228

Ling Street, Charlestown, Georgetown denied the charge that said on December 2 at Ling Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged one car bumper worth $15,000 property of Dawn Moore.

Present in court also was forty-year -old office manager, Dawn Moore, who denied on the same day at Ling Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, she used abusive language, thereby occasioning a breach of the peace. Meanwhile Tu Shen Ye was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Basil Wil-

liams, who made an application for bail. Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones did not object to bail and both defendants were made to post $5,000 bail each and were bonded to keep the peace until the trial ends. Their next court appearance will be on December 22.

Shotgun recovered at Berbice River during threats probe

A MAN is in police custody after an unlicensed gun was found at Berbice River on Tuesday. Police said during investigations into a report of threats on December 9, 2014, cops conducted a search on a house at Kaichin, Upper Berbice River, where an unlicensed 12-gauge shotgun was recovered.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Substance abusers recall...

‘It all started with a little puff on a cigarette’ By Shirley Thomas

DRUG addiction, a phenomenon that has today turned out to be Guyana’s biggest menace, waging an unprecedented and debilitating onslaught on the minds of the vast majority of its users, in many cases started off with cigarette smoking. This fact was revealed in interviews with persons who are known recovering substance abusers in Guyana and who have shared stories of the thrill they experienced, at an early age, on taking that first ‘puff’ then inhaling it again, and just how difficult it was to ever break off the habit. And yes, tobacco is culpable, since it is a carrier of the highly addictive drug, nicotine. Similarly, addiction is characterised by compulsive drug seeking and abuse. Once the person smoking tobacco gets a taste for nicotine, it can quickly become a lifelong addiction. Nicotine, a nitrogen-containing chemical (an alkaloid) is made by several types of plants, including the tobacco plant. And although many

persons were introduced to smoking by starting off with tobacco, they later moved on to feeding far more expensive forms of addiction with narcotics. For this reason, the major challenge facing developing countries such as Guyana, is that young smokers and low-income adults who cannot afford to graduate to narcotics, invariably remain hooked on tobacco smoking, thus being made vulnerable to all the risks associated with it. DANGERS OF TOBACCO So dangerous is tobacco smoking to human health, that when tobacco smoke is inhaled, nicotine is absorbed through the lungs, and reaches the brain in about seven seconds, thereafter sparking irreversible damage. This applies for both active smokers and passive (non-smokers who passively inhale the second-hand smoke). Second-hand smoking may adversely affect children’s growth and cause childhood illness, especially respiratory diseases; ear problems and severe asthmatic

attacks. The most common forms of tobacco-related diseases are respiratory complications and include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections, such as bacterial pneumonia or pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, tobacco smoke has been designated as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) and research has found that the really harmful substances are the burnt carcinogens in tobacco. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), cigarette smoking increases the risk for many types of cancer, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, larynx, lung, cervix, urinary bladder, and kidney. The NIH has also warned that: “Smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral vascular and coronary artery disease, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) complications, including myocardial infarction and stroke.” Meanwhile, the Center for Diseases Prevention and Control (CDC), has also sounded

Shooting up in the streets

a warning bell that smoking is estimated to increase the risk: ► For coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times ► For stroke by 2 to 4 times ► Of men developing lung cancer by 25 times ► Of women developing lung cancer by 25.7 times Further, more women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer. Smoking causes about 90% (or 9 out of 10) of all lung cancer deaths in men and women leading the Guyana Chest Clinic to declare that: “Smoking damages the body from head to toe.” But the stark reality, according to the CDC, is that smoking causes more deaths each year than all of the following conditions combined: ► Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ► Illegal drug use ► Alcohol use ► Motor vehicle injuries ► Firearm-related incidents GLOBAL TOBACCO SMOKING Tobacco smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the USA, claiming more than 480,000 lives annually, while second-hand smoking claims about 42,000 lives. Globally, one person dies every six seconds from tobacco use and this habit costs the global economy in excess of $2 Billion each year. Because smoking is an acquired behaviour that is chosen by individuals, all morbidity and mortality caused by smoking is preventable. High-burden countries include China, Russia, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia The World Health Organization had earlier estimated that tobacco would kill nearly 6 million people worldwide each year (5.4 million active smokers and 600,000 non-smokers). But its most recent extrapolation is that the global annual death toll could reach 8 million by 2030. The local PAHO office, in its ‘World No Tobacco Day 2014’ message, observed that paradoxically, tobacco is the only legal consumer product that kills up to half of its users when used exactly as intended by the manufacturer.

‘World No Tobacco Day’ provides an opportunity to start or enhance collective action to reduce the burden of disease, death, and economic consequences caused by tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke globally, PAHO Resident Representative to Guyana, Dr. William Adu Krow said. This year’s theme for ‘World No Tobacco Day’ was: ‘Raise Tobacco Taxes, Lower Death and Disease’. It aims to encourage governments and civil society around the world to raise taxes as a strategy to reduce smoking, particularly among teenagers and low-income people. WHO FCTC Concerned at the impact of tobacco smoking on the health of nations worldwide, the World Health Organization charted what is known as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The treaty entered into force in February 2005 was signed by 168 of the 192 WHO member states, and more than 170 WHO member states (including Guyana) have become parties to the convention. The FCTC was developed in the recognition that a global strategy was needed to confront a global epidemic that countries cannot address through domestic legislation alone. It is the first international public health treaty negotiated under WHO auspices, and reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. In essence, the FCTC ‘recognises the need for countries to give priority to their right to protect public health, the unique nature of tobacco products and the harm that companies that produce them cause.’ The FCTC provides an internationally co-ordinated response to combating the tobacco epidemic, and sets out specific steps for governments addressing tobacco use, including to: ● Adopt tax and price measures to reduce tobacco consumption; ● Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;

● Create smoke-free work and public spaces; ● Put prominent health warnings on tobacco packages; ● Combat illicit trade in tobacco products. Guyana signed on to the treaty in 2005, and according to former Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, that was the biggest leap Guyana has ever taken in public health. He referred to tobacco as ‘an addictive and killer product’. In the ensuing years, his successor, Dr. Bheri Ramasaran approached the problem with the same zeal and optimism and together with PAHO’s Resident Representive, Dr. William Adu Krow, has been working passionately at sensitising the nation on the dangers of tobacco smoking and the role we can each play in bringing about a change for the better. Statistics from a Tobacco Data Dissemination Workshop in Georgetown in 2011, revealed that 15 percent of the local population are smokers, 7 percent of whom are women. The current prevalence rate has shown no decrease compared to the figure then. But given the drastic implications of tobacco smoking – both in terms of morbidity and mortality, when it comes to implementing the strategies agreed on for reducing this scourge, it cannot be business as usual. There should be a constant evaluation of progress on the specific steps (as per the FCTC) to be taken by policy makers, in an effort to combat the tobacco epidemic. CONCERTED APPROACH What is needed is a concerted and synergistic approach to the task in hand, involving all stakeholders, not only policy makers but at the individual level; the media; the Church; health facilities; in the field, office, factory and across the spectrum. The holding of public consultations could also serve useful in getting a sense of how the public feels about the matter and finally setting up a feedback mechanism to evaluate their participation and commitment. Where information is to be disseminated, a list of the key audiences needing the data should be drawn up and specifics as to how the data is to be used. Likewise, wherever the electronic media is used to get information to the people, the timing should be strategically set, aiming for prime time, so as to ensure the messages reach the target audience and are not aired at times that people are least likely to be watching television or listening to the radio.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Albouystown youth remanded to Jan 6 on robberyunder-arms charge NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD, Earl De Souza of Albouystown, Georgetown was on Tuesday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Ann McLennan for a robbery-under-arms charge, particulars of which detail that on December 5 at La Penitence, Georgetown, being together with another and armed with a gun, he ro b b e d J a s p e r C a r t e r of one gold chain worth

$115,000 and one gold ring valued $100,000, to a total value of $215,000. P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Dinero Jones objected to bail on grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence, and the penalty the charge attracts. The defendant will remain on remand until his next court appearance on January 6, 2015 before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. (Clestine Juan)

Man trying to ‘work things out’ with ex placed on $10,000 bail, bonded to be on good behaviour WHEN he appeared Tuesday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan, 36- yearold Gavin Primo of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara pleaded not guilty to employing threatening behaviour against Samantha Ferina on December 8 at Commerce Street, Georgetown, and of unlawfully assaulting the same Ferina on the same day and at the same time in question. Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones told the court that the virtual complainant and Primo were in an eight-yearlong relationship which they terminated two months ago, and on the day in question, Ferina was in a Route 50 minibus when the defendant approached her and demanded that she exit the bus. He allegedly scrambled the VC by her hair and pulled her out of the minibus. Ferina managed to escape and seek protection in the bus, but Primo picked up a bottle and threatened to lash the

VC with it. However, public-spirited persons came to her rescue. The matter was reported to the police, and Primo was arrested and charged with the offences. Primo told the court that Ferina had thrown him out of the house, after their years of being together, because he was in love with somebody else; but on the day in question he was just trying to talk to her with a view to their working thing out and getting back together. The prosecutor did not object to bail for Primo, but requested that the defendant stays away from the VC. Primo was placed on $10,000 bail, and was bonded to be on good behaviour and to keep 50 feet away from the virtual complainant. The defendant will make his next court appearance before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty on December 15. (Clestine Juan)

Police nab four with revolver in car at Corriverton FOUR men are in police custody pending investigations following a search done by the police on a motor vehicle on Tuesday which unearthed an unlicensed weapon in Berbice. Police reported that

during December 9, 2014, ranks conducted a search on a motor vehicle at Queenstown, Corriverton, during which an unlicensed .38 revolver was found. The occupants in the vehicle were arrested.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

GLC ‘Best of Best’Promotion...

86 lucky persons cart off $38M in prizes EIGHTY-SIX persons yesterday carted off $38M worth of prizes, after being selected in the drawing of the “Best of the Best” Promotion, which was set up by the Guyana Lottery Company (GLC), to give back to the Guyanese public. The promotion which commenced on November 29 and ended December 3 saw persons winning one of 10 Beats Headphones; one of 10 Sony PlayStation; four consoles; one of 10 Samsung Galaxy S5; one of 10 Apple Ipads; one of 10 Apple I Phone 6; one of 10 Apple MacBooks; one of two Bose Surround Sound Systems; one of two Samsung Curve Televisions; and one of two Kia Rio Sedans. The winners of the two grand prizes, which were the two Kia Rio Sedans, were M. Hoosein and Habeeb Bonnas; other winners included persons from all across Guyana. General Manager of GLC, Tracey Lewis, at the drawing noted that presentation of the prizes will be on Saturday, December 13.

Friday, December 12, 2014 - 09:00 hrs Saturday, Decemeber 13, 2014 - 10:00 hrs Sunday, Decemeber 14, 2014 - 11:00 hrs

GLC General Manager, Tracey Lewis announcing the names of some of the winners (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

LOTTO SUPA 6 TICKET She noted at the launching of the promotion that entry into the competition was simple: upon spending $1,000 on a Lotto Supa 6 ticket, persons received coupons, after which they were required to write their names, addresses and telephone numbers on the

coupons, detach them and place them in the box at any GLC- authorised agent sites. Lewis added that this is the first “Best of the Best” promotion and she lauded the support which was received from the Guyanese public, through their participation in the promotion. She added that she looks forward

to the continued support not only in this promotion, but also in any other promotion which the GLC may stage.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

PPP urges GECOM to recruit competent Polling Day staff – to avoid recurrence of 2011 problems THE People’s Progressive Party is calling on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ensure that measures are being put in place to ensure a select group of competent and suitable persons are recruited for polling day. General Secretary Clement Rohee made the call on Monday last at the PPP press conference. He also noted that following President Ramotar’s announcement that he will call General and Regional Elections in early 2015, “the process of GECOM recruiting persons for polling day is expected to take precedence and gain

momentum.” Rohee further stated that the PPP would like to stress on the importance of the quality of training of polling day staffers to avoid a repeat of the problems which occurred during the 2011 elections. 2011 INCIDENTS Rohee recalled that during the 2011 elections, a GECOM-trained presiding officer who was working in a traditional PPP support area, either intentionally or due to poor selection and training, failed to stamp 19 ballots with the official stamp, in turn rendering those ballots

rejected. When asked whether or not he believes the rejected ballots were votes rewarded to the PPP, Rohee stated that “we won’t know whether or not the votes were for the PPP because the ballot boxes are locked, therefore, the votes could have been either for APNU or the AFC.” He noted that the untrained individual took away the democratic right of 19 hardworking Guyanese who had their country at heart and certainly the PPP does not wish for a repeat of that unfortunate occurrence. He added that there were also several instances in

Georgetown where presiding officers refused to accept the PPP candidates at the Polling Place. In the wake of such incidents, he noted that “the PPP is urging GECOM to ensure these individuals and others who acted unprofessionally in 2011 are not selected again.” GECOM’S OBLIGATION Rohee went on to say that GECOM is obligated to the nation to make public the names and details of all selected polling day staff for public inspection. He said that this would serve to improve the confidence of the Guyanese people in GECOM while maintaining the Commission’s integrity. The PPP General Secre-

tary also stated that the public must be informed about the changes to polling day procedures and practices, and all instructions and regulations which polling day staff must adhere to on elections day. This procedure, he added, could ensure the reliability of the electoral process and prevent malpractices, so there will be a problem free election when it comes to the voting aspect. LOCATING POLLING PLACES Rohee also stated that “polling stations must not be placed as a political weapon,” meaning that they should not be placed close to any of the “parties’ strongholds.” Moreover, the PPP is calling on GECOM to in-

volve all major political stakeholders in reviewing polling places used in the 2011 elections, “with the establishment of the many new housing schemes and the movement of people into existing schemes, therefore a total review is needed,” Rohee said. He pointed out that the PPP has made representation time and again to GECOM with regards to persons being asked to travel long distances to polling stations, especially in the hinterland and riverine communities. Rohee also reiterated that the PPP will continue to make representation on behalf of the Guyanese people to ensure that the 2015 general and regional elections are free and fair.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

President commends Demerara Bank – on launch of VISA card service

DEMERARA Bank Limited on Wednesday night launched their Visa Credit Card service during a cocktail reception at the Pegasus Hotel in celebration of their 20th anniversary. In attendance, among others, were President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, both of whom endorsed the launching. In his remarks President Ramotar expressed congratulatory remarks to Demerara Bank as he highlighted their

achievements. He noted that the bank is a Guyanese institution which has evolved over time and has contributed to the growth of the local economy. “Moreover, we have moved from an Indebted Poor Country to a middle income developing country and over the years we have seen growth with rapid growth in investments and businesses,” he said. NEWER INFRASTRUCTURE

President Donald Ramotar shares a light moment with Demerara Bank Chairman, Dr. Yesu Persaud and other invitees to the ceremony on Wednesday night (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh (left) being presented with a Demerara Bank Visa Credit Card by Company Chairman, Dr. Yesu Persaud. Looking on at centre is Demerara Bank CEO, Mr Pravinchandra Dave

The President added that “we need now newer infrastructure to take us to the heights of the developed countries,” pointing to such projects as the Amaila Falls Hydro Project to achieve cheap energy. President Ramotar said, “We also need a deep-water harbour, with the changes in the region in trade, the expansion of the Panama Canal will revolutionise maritime trade locally, and we need to put infrastructure in place because of our geographical

location as a hub for such maritime trade for development locally.” Demerara Bank, since they started 20 years ago, took banking to the next level and continues to grow, transforming Guyana as well in that sector. MUCH TO CELEBRATE Dr. Ashni Singh, the guest speaker, who delivered the feature address, told the gathering that in the launching of the Visa Classic and Visa Signature Credit Cards, there

is much to celebrate since Demerara Bank has been an upstanding member of the Guyanese financial sector. He added that if one is to look at the growth of the bank and its evolution, “we see successes since the bank was conceptualised and they went along to adapt with changes.” The Finance Minister spoke of the growth of the bank, which took hard work and bold steps initiated by the management, in concerted and disciplined action to climb even higher in their

achievements. Dr. Singh congratulated the management and staff of the bank, its shareholders and customers for their economical growth and achievements on Wednesday night. Chief Executive Officer, Pravinchandra Dave; Investment Officer, Jerrett Morgan; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Yesu Persaud; Sheila George, Director, and Amrita Henriques also spoke at the ceremony on Wednesday night.

Road work continues in Middle Road, La Penitence CONTINUING in their efforts to further develop communities in and around Georgetown, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Works has targeted Middle Road, to execute repairs to the road which was in a deplorable state. Middle Road, which is located in La Penitence, has long been described by residents as a “get-away” for thieves, since the poor road condition aids easy escape once petty crimes have been committed.

In this light residents have often made calls for the road to be repaired so as to reduce the number of crimes committed in the area. Sunday last saw the commencement of work on the western half where holes were filled with bricks and loam. In addition, works continued in the area as the eastern half, just around Hunter Street, saw the use of bitumen to seal holes which had been created by heavy-duty vehicles.

Workmen hard at it yesterday in the Middle Road La Penitence area (Photo by Ravin Singh)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Police deliver Christmas cheer to Agricola groups THE Police ‘A’ Division, through the Ruimveldt Police Station, last Saturday concluded its youth programme in Agricola with a grand children’s party where close to two hundred children were feted with goodies. The occasion was observed at the St. Ann’s Primary School and the arrangements were done by ranks of the police station and the school’s administration. The police in August this year began working with the children in Agricola where they were first trained in the preparation of art and craft before being organised into a youth group that was adopted by the Guyana Police Force. Since then the children have benefited from guidance and counseling sessions, outings, and other forms of developmental and recreational engagements in collaboration with the police and their partners. The children were on Saturday entertained by animated characters and Santa Claus, compliments of the marketing staff of Courts Guyana Inc.

day the police made good on their promise to distribute certificates to twenty-five young people from

ment the police-sponsored training they received. They were also issued with recipe booklets print-

Senior officers interact with the children during the party on Saturday

The event was attended by the Commander Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commander Moore and other senior officers of the division and other police ranks and partners who have been working along with the children over the last few months.

Hicken promised the children that next year the police will continue its relationship with the children and the community. He asked the parents to play a more meaningful role in the lives of their children, and to ensure their regular

attendance in the programme since there are many things that the police wish to share with them. COOKERY CERTIFICATES Meanwhile on Wednes-

The lone male in the cookery programme receives his certificate from the DDO

the community who were part of the cookery class. The young ladies and lone male were also given a financial incentive to compli-

ed for their use by the police and this was followed by a social when they enjoyed refreshments, also provided by the police.

Scotiabank treats less fortunate – to night of caroling, gifts STAFFERS of Scotiabank Guyana, Carmichael Street branch, on Wednesday evening took to the streets with a night of caroling to spread Christmas cheer to some of the less fortunate and elderly persons from five charitable homes around Georgetown. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday evening, Scotiabank’s Marketing Manager, Jennifer Cipriani stated that this is a yearly venture which has been going on for approximately nine years. During the walk they visited New Nazareth, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Center, St. Ann’s Home, Joshua House and St. Vincent De Paul’s Home for the Elderly. She noted that recently they donated large hampers

and goodies to each home and during the walk they visit these five homes to do some caroling and spread the Christmas cheer to these less fortunate persons. Cipriani added that this venture involves the Scotiabank’s Robb Street branch and the Carmichael Street branch. She also noted that the other Scotiabank branches across the country also give back to the various communities in which they are located during the Christmas Season, but they do so in different ways. In closing Cipriani stated that Scotiabank will continue to give back to the public and will continue to appreciate what the public gives to Scotiabank throughout the year.

ScotiaBank staffers who took part in the event on Wednesday evening

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Tele: 616-0301 or 699-6156 Well we are coming down to crunch time as the heat of the Christmas festivities roll in. Naturally our pages will be more spicer and ‘electric’, so brace yourselves for a hectic ride into the very center of ‘entertainment galaxy’. The hotties made it here this week and they are all surrounded by riveting tales delivered Bombshell style. Join us next Friday when Bombshell share out the awards to the lucky celebrities of 2014. In the meantime have a blast on these four creative pages.

Bombshell’s hottest dudes…

Ronald Ramsaroop raves he’s

‘de girls dem suga’

MEN come and men go, making ladies swoon with their flow… But how can one really be sure that these guys are for real? Some are smooth talkers and drop dead ‘dancehall dappers’, but let’s pause for a while to realise there are still a few good guys left around, and Ronald Ramsaroop declares he is the best amongst that small lot. He has been clamouring for months now to be featured in this column, so we decided to finally let him have his say. And while many other men told us all kinds of sultry things with the intention of melting the heart of the ladies, this dude just maintained his conviction that he is certainly ‘de girls dem suga’. What he means by that he will have to tell you girls, because he is very secretive about the whole thing. However, he did let on that he is full of unrelenting love and knows just how to take his special lady to the ‘next level’. He prefers to tell you all his erotic little secrets face to face, so I have no other choice than to let you have the pleasure of being the first to hear him, ladies. Well, if you are curious and love sizzling surprises, then call him up on phone number 690-6579. He has promised to be ready and waiting for that call…

Guyana

remains in top 20 at

Rafieya Aasieya Husain

N LESS than 10 days, a new Miss World will be crowned when the pageant finale is held in London, England; and Guyana’s representative, the stunning Ms Rafieya Aasieya Husain, is doing quite well, maintaining her spot in the top 20 as the preliminary competitions continue. The 120 delegates hoping to wear the crown arrived in London for two weeks of activities leading up to the grand finale, set for December 14. The delegates

Miss World

were immediately judged upon their arrival, and this has continued on a daily basis. Husain is competing well, and hopes to earn a spot in the top 10 on the night of the finale. She has so far placed among the top 15 in the Beauty with a Purpose competition. Her presentation was based on “Domestic Violence”, and it educated the audience about the scourge in Guyana. In terms of the rankings, Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss, remains in first place with a near-perfect score, but now has competition from Miss Russia,

pageant

Anastasia Kostenko, who seems to be gaining in popularity by the minute in London. Miss Turkey, Amine Gulse, entered the top five for the first time in third place, followed by Miss Australia, Courtney Thorpe, who jumped from 13th to fourth. Miss Thailand, Maeya Nonthawan Thongleng, is now in fifth place. The results of the Beauty with a Purpose segment saw a huge shuffle in the leader board with fierce competition from the delegates.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Westside braces for massive

King/Queen of the Dancehall Showdown

THE West Demerara District is poised for one of the most entertaining events of the year, and that is the ‘Westside King and Queen Dancehall Showdown’. This event, slated for December 24, 2014 at Butcher Shop Street, Parika, will see fiery clashes among some of the hottest dance groups and personalities from the Westside. The best dance group will cart of $20,000 and one bottle of Black Label Rum, with their runner-up taking home $10,000 and a bottle of the same rum. This event is presented with the kind compliments of Tony’s Taxi Service & Grocery and Jai’s DVD Centre at Parika. During the festivities, Bar-b-Que will be sold, with Slingerz Family and Matrix Sounds creating the musical vibes.

Shennel Yansen

Shennel Yansen is Bombshell’s

‘Holiday Dreamgirl’ BOMBSHELL will feature three ‘holiday dream girls’ before the end of December 2014. To be selected from the sizzling lineup, you will certainly have to mail your hot photo with your name and other particulars to runwaydiva713@gmail.com. One of you lucky ladies will also be selected as our ‘Dream Girl of the Year’. Remember, your photos must be sexy and attractive, but not scandalous. This week, our dream girl was fished out of the lush, green pastures of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, and she is no other than the delightful Shennel Yansen. You hotties out there can also call phone numbers 616-0301 or 699-6156 to have your ‘dream girl photos’ submitted… Meanwhile, Bombshell would like to remind you that we would, next week, be naming our dons and divas of the year, as well as our babe and hunk of 2014, and of course pageant coordinator! Of course this year’s ‘Woman of Substance’ would also be selected. This coveted title was won last year by the beautiful Miss Katherina Roshana. Make sure you are in the know next Friday when Bombshell serves up the anticipated accolades.

Tanya Stephens for Guyana’s 704 Lounge on Dec 19 TANYA Stephens has said that she is continuing to do what is necessary for her to stay in the music game. In her wry, no-holds-barred, matterof-fact style, which is very reminiscent of her music, Stephens disclosed in a recent interview in New Kingston on Wednesday, as part of the live music festival — Kingston Music Week: “Me work and make the entertainment industry, not the other way around. Entertainment industry nuh mek me! So, although

it hard out there, we continue to make music, perform and tour.” Stephens’s last release, the digital album Guilty, went to the market in December last year. “Guilty is doing well! We had just released it digitally, but the fans who prefer a physical CD were grumbling, so we had to satisfy them. So the CD for Guilty was just released yesterday [Tuesday],” she said. Guilty is on Tarantula Records, Ste-

phens’s own imprint which she co-owns with business partner Andrew Henton. The lead single from this set, Corners of My Mind, featured recording artiste-cum television producer-and-presenter Sanjay Ramanand. Tanya Stephens is known for her monster hits: These Streets from her 2006 album, Rebelution, and It’s a Pity from 2004’s Gangsta Blues. Tanya Stephens will be performing in the 704 Lounge in Guyana on Friday, December 19th.

Randy Madray

for GEM’s Christmas Cover

ESIGNER Randy Madray will grace the Christmas cover of GEM – Guyana’s p re m i e r l i f e s t y l e

magazine. Randy Madray has been creating waves since his debut on the local fashion scene some years ago, and is continuing to up the ante, especially in the pageant gown arena. His gowns are now in hot demand in Guyana and the Caribbean, as many of them have been adjudged “Best Gown” while being worn by numerous new queens. In an exclusive interview with GEM, Randy explained his childhood, what led him to pursue a career in fashion, and his future plans. Of course, some of his exquisite designs will be part of the extensive feature! The glossy GEM magazine, which is into its tenth year of production, has disclosed that the 65th edition also includes some exciting features on artist Stanley Greaves, twenty-five under-forty Guyanese professionals,

Digicel Guyana Open Golf Tournament, the ever popular annual Christmas Wish List, and much more. Since launching in 2004, the lifestyle magazine’s compelling content and high standards have helped it to stamp its name in the spheres of travel, health, beauty, sport, fashion and entertainment as it accentuates its mission to transcend race, politics, religion and class to celebrate Guyana in its entirety. GEM’s print and online versions continue to attract thousands of subscribers and readers from around the globe, as it maintains the status of being Guyana’s most popular magazine. The management and staff of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Joke of the Day! Teacher: "Anyone who thinks he's stupid may stand up!" *Nobody stands up* Teacher: "I’m sure there are some stupid students over here!!" *Little Johnny stands up* Teacher: "Ohh Johnny, you think you're stupid?" Little Johnny: "No, I just feel bad that you're standing alone…"

GEM also took the opportunity to wish all their families, clients, friends and loyal supporters a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2015. The next issue of GEM hits the newsstand in time for the Christmas holidays, and will be available at select gas stations, boutiques, bookstores, restaurants and supermarkets.

Bombshell’s Designer of the Year’ is the inimitable

l e o N a i n So

T was quite a task to settle on a Designer of the Year this time around, with all the new and creative talent that has sprung up over time. As gruelling as the task was, it was really one designer who actually met our criteria with flying colours, and stood out in every aspect of the competition. While her designs were magnificent, her cuts and finishes were just astounding. She continued all through the year to stand out with exceptional excellence at both local and international forums. In a brief interview yesterday, Miss Noel shed light on her aspirations and her successes in 2014. She said: “Even though this year was challenging, it was also an amazing year. The last few months have been really extremely busy, but productive. The most recent ventures were a private one in Florida and the Guyana Expo in Florida as well. Also, the Haiti Fashion Week was amazing for me, (as was) the Christmas Fusion in St Lucia. Quite soon my collection will be showcased at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale. The show is dubbed ‘Translation of Art’, (and) will feature designers from ten countries: Africa, Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica,

Martinique, and Porto Rico. “I feel so blessed and very thankful for these opportunities, and would like to see more of our Guyanese designers in more overseas shows. “I plan to have the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts more active next year. One of the main objectives is to assist designers through their journey. I can feel I am headed in the right direction; and for next year, I have planted lots of seeds on fertile ground, and I am seeing that the blossoming has started. “We all posses so much creativity within us sometimes we just need an encouraging word. Next year will be very interesting, and a lot of advancements are anticipated”. Ms Sonia advises young designers to be patient, because sometimes the things they want to achieve may take longer that they anticipate. She notes that if their passion is genuine, anything is possible. She concluded that remaining very humble is important in their journey to ultimate success. She is indeed grateful to everyone in the creative sector for staying on course even when things seemed bleak. She thanks her patrons who supported her, Corporate Guyana, the media, and anyone who supported her entourage as they continued their journey.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

‘Carlsberg Jingle Jam’ to engulf Gravity Lounge

olks, me got tuh agree dat de Carlsberg fevah really tekking ovah de place. And me get good reason fuh saying suh! The new buzz in the air for sure surrounds several top notch events that will take place at the Gravity Lounge as the Gravity, in close collaboration with Southland International Inc., stages a series of events as part of its ‘Jingle Jam’ festivities. Come tonight, the heat will be turned up with the ‘Carlsberg Jingle Jam Launch Party’ inside the Gravity Lounge, and this will be followed by live performances from international act Kerwin Dubois tomorrow night. Wow!! Way to go Carlsberg!! Then, on December 17, another great international act, Shurwayne Winchester, will ‘tear up de place’ alongside DJ Private Ryan, making way for Lead Pipe & Saddis, who will create entertainment havoc on December 20 at the same venue. Music will be coming to you like thunderbolts from DJ Titan VCD of Trinidad; and do remember that everyone is admitted free of cost before 11pm. Come on folks, here is your chance to party with the hot Carlsberg Divas and also win Carlsberg collectibles and other prizes! Make sure you are there at every event to enjoy the Carlsberg Experience; it’s what life is all about!

The Heatwave Band is ‘on the move’ GUYANA’S leading string band, The Heatwave Band, has been creating quite a buzz, and continues to prove why it has been labelled number one in the country. It has been six years since this band has come into existence, and its members have undoubtedly shown vast improvement each year. Many may know the band for its high-end performances of popular reggae, dancehall and

Soca music, especially during the Mashramani season; while others recognize the name for providing musical accompaniment at major events for many established artistes that came to our country. Not only have The Heatwave Band been stirring things up at home, but it has also been performing and making its name known outside of Guyana, over the years. Merely two months after accompanying reggae sensation Glen Washington in Suriname, the group of eight has, just over a week ago, re t u r n e d h o m e from French Guiana after accompanying and being the opening act for one of dancehall’s youngest and most outstanding artistes, Tommy Lee, on two back-toback shows hosted in that country. The events were held at two different venues -Kourou and St.

Laurent respectively -- by the Panach Club of French Guiana. Some local performers were also featured, as were Jamaican divas ‘Stylish’ and ‘Destiny’, who were also accompanied by the Heatwave band. There were also a few other top entertainers from Suriname. The French promoters learned about the Guyanese band via recommendation from affiliates in Suriname after they made appearances in the neighbouring country in 2013 and in September 2014, and also had their videos of previous shows examined by the promoters. The promoters thus agreed to have the band accompany the main act. Both shows commenced after midnight but went on successfully without hindrance. Although it was the main act of the night, Tommy Lee, who stole the show, lead singers Carlvin Burnett and Tennicia De Freitas, all had the crowd in a party frenzy, since reggae and dancehall music are both very popular in the French-speaking territory. Being very pleased with both the band’s opening performance and accompaniment, the promoters made an early booking for them to return to French Guiana in January 2015. Tommy Lee and his team also expressed how they felt about the band, and gave them a huge recommendation as well. The band has become a household name and is already scheduled to perform at various functions and events that will be held during this Christmas season. Photos and videos from the show and other events can be viewed on the band’s Facebook profile, @TheHeatwaveBandGuyana, as well as updates on upcoming performances as they prepare to ring in 2015 to commemorate the band’s seventh anniversary. Bookings can be made via heatwavebandguyana@gmail.com .

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Arab Emirates Racing Tips Jebel Ali 08:05 hrs Kahruman 08:35 hrs Sky Jockey South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:10 hrs La Salle 08:45 hrs Ideal Countess 09:25 hrs Toss The Dice 10:00 hrs Cape Siskin 10:35 hrs Vivalda 11:10 hrs Konfessional English Racing Tips Doncaster 08:10 hrs Clondaw Kaempfer 08:45 hrs Hassle 09:20 hrs Lochnell 09:50 hrs No Duffer 10:20 hrs One F or Kocky 10:55 hrs Artic Ben 11:25 hrs Centasia Cheltenham 08:30 hrs Kings Palace 09:05 hrs Liberty One 09:40 hrs Lough Kent 10:10 hrs The Ould Lad 10:40 hrs Big Shu 11:15 hrs Big Easy 11:45 hrs Miles To Memphis Bangor Melodic Rendevous 08:55 hrs Carhue Princess 09:30 hrs Rocky Bender 10:00 hrs Honey Pound 10:30 hrs Dreams Of Milan 11:05 hrs Echo Foxtrot 11:35 hrs Cassie Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 14:15 hrs Your Pal Tal 14:45 hrs Sgt Rock 15:15 hrs Clutchingatstraws 15:45 hrs Twistandturns 16:15 hrs Tsar Paul 16:45 hrs Marble Statuette 17:15 hrs Havelock Ellis American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Little Gidding Race 2 Net Gain Race 3 Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marvy Race 4 Global Positioning Race 5 Americas Guest Race 6 Charming Eyes Race 7 Off My Cloud Race 8 Irish Sweepstakes Race 9 Mineral water

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Kohli scores ton as India fight back … Kohli inspires India with captain’s knock By Ian Ransom (REUTERS) - CAPTAIN Virat Kohli scored a rousing century after being struck on the head with a bouncer to guide India past the follow-on mark on day three of the first Test against Australia in Adelaide yesterday. Standing in for injured regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kohli’s 115 helped push the tourists within 148 runs of Australia’s first-innings total of 517-7, with the hosts declaring before the start of play at Adelaide Oval. Paceman Mitchell Johnson struck Kohli on the helmet first ball and ended up dismissing him late in the day when the batsman miscued a pull shot to deep fine leg where Ryan Harris charged in to take a fine, low catch. Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha (one not out) rode out a tense few overs to

Virat Kohli points to the crest and flag on his helmet after reaching his century in Adelaide. stumps, with middle order batsman Rohit Sharma on 33. H a v i n g b e e n l a rg e ly dominated on the field, Kohli’s wicket left the Test evenly poised, according to Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, who bowled well for his two wickets. “It’s pretty even-ste-

vens, really,” he told state radio ABC. “They batted well but they’re still five down and we’ve still got a lead of 140 or so. So if we come out and bowl well tomorrow, hopefully we can get a good solid lead.” Lyon removed Ajinkya Rahane for 62 in the

last session for his second wicket but all of India’s top order batsmen made positive starts on a day of bright sunshine. Only 26-year-old Kohli really cashed in, however. He was hit first ball by a searing bouncer from Johnson which struck him flush on the badge of his helmet, but he responded by spanking the paceman to all corners of the ground in the final session before eventually holing out. With the death of Phillip Hughes from a bouncer still fresh in all minds, the Australians rushed to the batsman out of concern and Clarke consoled Johnson as he walked back to his mark visibly distressed. Kohli brought up his ton with a well-struck four steered through midwicket and after ripping off his helmet, yelled “Come on!” at the India team box, eyes blazing.

AUSTRALIA 1st innings (o/n declared 517-7) S. Smith 162 not out, D. Warner 145, M. Clarke 128. INDIA 1st innings M. Vijay c Haddin b Johnson 53 S. Dhawan b Harris 25 C. Pujara b Lyon 73 V. Kohli c Harris b Johnson 115 A. Rahane c Watson b Lyon 62 Ro. Sharma not out 33 Lyon broke a 101-run partnership between Kohli and Rahane with an unplayable ball that reared out of a rough patch and pinged off the middle order batsman’s glove to fall to Shane Watson at slip. Lyon also ended an 81run stand between Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara with a ball that dribbled through the number three’s legs and onto the stumps. Left-armer Johnson was punished for some wayward bowling but teased a nick from opener Murali

W. Saha not out 1 Extras: (lb-4, nb-2, w-1) 7 Total: (for 5 wickets, 97 overs) 369 Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-111, 3-192, 4-293, 5-367. Bowling: M. Johnson 18-5-90-2 (nb-2), R. Harris 17-5-49–1, N. Lyon 30-3-103–2, P. Siddle 13-2-62-0 (w-1), M. Marsh 11-4-29-0, S. Watson 5-1-13-0, S. Smith 3-0-19-0. Vijay into the slips to have him out for 53 just before lunch. Seamer Ryan Harris, back in the side after a long recovery following knee surgery, bowled opener Shikhar Dhawan who had raced to 25 before edging onto the stumps. Australia captain Michael Clarke took to the field after battling through back pain to score his courageous 128 on day two, but was clearly restricted in his movement and sluggish to chase down balls.

Nike accuses former shoe designers of taking secrets to Adidas By Andrew Chung NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - Nike Inc. is accusing three of its former senior shoe designers of stealing its commercial secrets and making off for German rival Adidas AG, which announced in September the trio would staff its new urban footwear design studio in Brooklyn. A lawsuit filed in Oregon where Nike is headquartered

claims at least $10 million in damages. The world’s largest sportswear maker said the former designers, Marc Dolce, Mark Miner, and senior design director Denis Dekovic, started consulting for Adidas while still working at the company, violating their non-compete agreements. Nike said the designers hatched their plan last April, and pitched Adidas on a design studio that would help

craft products while also bringing Adidas information about Nike’s plans for the next few years in its running, sportswear and soccer lines. The plans for the studio were essentially for a knockoff of Nike’s own design lab, called the Kitchen, according to the complaint. Adidas bought the studio idea and offered the designers lucrative employment contracts, Nike said. The

project, called the Brooklyn Creative Design Studio, is set to open early next year. An Adidas representative said the company attracts top talent and has “no interest in old work or past assignments.” Nike’s spokesman declined to comment further on the case, but said the company will “vigorously” protect its intellectual property. Before leaving Nike, the complaint alleged, the design-

ers copied sensitive design and business documents from their computers, including drawings for an unreleased shoe made for one of Nike’s sponsored athletes. The suit accused the designers of trying to hide their tracks by erasing incriminating emails and text messages from their work-issued cellphones and laptops. Nike also claimed that Adidas knew of the non-

compete agreements and promised to pay for any legal fallout. The agreements barred the designers from any connection with Adidas during their employment and for one year after. The case is Nike, Inc v Denis Dekovic, Marc Dolce, and Mark Miner, in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Multnomah, No. 14-cv-18876.

Kohli bouncer to help players past Hughes shock - Lyon By Ian Ransom (REUTERS) - A Mitchell Johnson bouncer that struck India captain Virat Kohli on the helmet during the first Test yesterday might actually help players get past the shock of Phillip Hughes’ death, according to Australia spinner Nathan Lyon. After taking the wicket of opener Murali Vijay before lunch on day three at Adelaide Oval, a fired-up Johnson banged in a short ball which struck Kohli flush on the badge of his helmet. With all mindful of fallen

batsman Hughes, who died in hospital two days after being hit in the neck by a bouncer, the Australian fielders bolted to the middle out of concern for Kohli, who took his helmet off to inspect it. Though fans at the ground had applauded the first short ball that India’s Varun Aaron sent down to opener David Warner on day one, the Kohli hit hushed the terraces and Australia captain Michael Clarke consoled Johnson as he walked back to his mark visibly distressed. Kohli was unharmed and

went on to score a rousing 115 before Johnson returned to dismiss him late in the day. Asked whether the blow and Kohli’s response might assist players still struggling to cope with the loss of Hughes, Lyon said it might be beneficial. “It probably has been a positive thing as well, as bad as that sounds,” said the offspinner, who took two wickets as Australia battled to hold India to 369-5 in response to their first innings declaration at 517-7. “We know the helmets work, and ... have that confi-

dence for our quicks to have a bouncer again.” Lyon said players had discussed the hit over lunch and Johnson had not been too affected by it. “He’s feeling good and I can guarantee he’s going to come out and fire in the second innings and have that aggression that we all love him for,” he added. Johnson was off his best and was punished by India’s batsmen, particularly by Kohli after the new ball was taken after tea.

Virat Kohli is struck on the helmet by a Mitchell Johnson bouncer.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Joe takes root to steer England to win over Sri Lanka (REUTERS) - Joe Root’s third hundred powered England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the fifth one-day international in Pallekele yesterday and kept alive their hopes in the seven-match series. After rain forced play to be suspended on Wednesday, the visitors returned to chase down a 240-run victory target with five balls to spare. They trail the hosts 3-2 in the series. The 23-year-old Root (104 not out) added 104 for the third wicket with James Taylor (68) after England lost both openers cheaply to off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake. The Yorkshire righth a n d e r, w h o h i t s e v e n fours in his 117-ball knock, reached his hundred by slog-sweeping Ajantha Mendis for a six in the penultimate over. Senanayake, back in the Sri Lanka team after being cleared to bowl again with a remodelled action, bowled Moeen Ali (four) in the second over. He then compounded England’s problems by

Joe Root raises a third ODI hundred against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

getting under-fire captain Alastair Cook, who has faced criticism following a string of poor results and lack of runs, out lbw for 20. Taylor and Root consolidated initially before launching into the bowlers and laying down a solid platform for the chase. The 24-year-old Taylor, who hit five fours and a six, showed nimble footwork against the spinners to get to his second successive half-century before he was dismissed by Thisara Perera. Root and Ravi Bopara (28) took England close to the target with a

fourth-wicket stand of 86 runs. Bopara and Eoin Morgan (five) fell in quick succession with England in touching distance of the win. England paceman Chris Woakes (6-47) tore through the Sri Lankan lower order to bowl out the hosts for 239 in 49 overs on Wednesday despite a cultured 91 from Kumar Sangakkara. A torrential downpour then kept the players off the pitch and prompted the match officials to abandon the day’s play. (Writing by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; editing by Ed Osmond)

Harris moves back to 147 DESPITE being knocked out in his last fight, former WBA junior welterweight champion `Vicious’ Vivian Harris has no immediate plans of calling it a day in the ring. The 36-year-old believes that he has much more left in him and would now ply his trade in the more “comfort-

BCB mourns the passing of one-time treasurer Roopnarine Dhanraj THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday registered its deepest condolences on learning of the death of one of the Board’s former treasurers, Roopnarine Dhanraj who passed away in Queens, New York City last week Sunday. Dhanraj, who was the younger brother of the stalwart Berbice, Guyana and West Indies cricketer Leonard Baichan, was elected treasurer in 1973 and 1974. He will always be remembered for the role he played alongside the then Berbice Cricket Board president Lennox Phillips, vice-presidents Leslie Amsterdam, J. Maurice Haniff and Ancel Hazel, secretary Victor Omrow and assistant secretary Mortimer George, as the livewire behind the Board’s successful hosting of the Pakistan International Airways Cricket Team in Berbice in 1973 and the hosting of the Tony Greig-led MCC team against a Guyana second eleven team in a two-day match in Berbice in 1974. These two events are two of the many highlights of the history of Berbice cricket. Born in 1947, Dhanraj was also a very keen first division cricketer who represented both Bermine and the Mental Hospital before migrating to the United States. He was cremated last week Thursday in New York. The Board sends its sympathy on his passing to his immediate family and wants to let them know that he had made his mark in the annals of Berbice cricket.

able” welterweight division. Harris received his 10th defeat (eighth by KO) on November 29 when he challenged Mexican Ramon Alvarez for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American junior middleweight title. The fight was stopped at 44 seconds of the seventh round. “I had to go up in weight since no one in the welterweight division was taking me on. I was 151 pounds the night of the fight and he was 169. Even with all that I was outclassing him during the fight. I still have much left in me and I will be going down back to welterweight,” Harris

announced. He blamed his most recent performance on the condition of the ring in Mexico. “I was amazed at the condition of that ring. In my entire career as amateur and a professional I have never fought in a ring like that. The matting was very soft and it made moving around difficult. My legs were terribly fatigued and I really could not do what I wanted to. The ring took my legs away,” Harris explained. “It took me four rounds to get accustomed to that ring. I was forced to walk through that fight and even with that I was able to hold my own. I think I was win-

NOTABLE DATES WAYNE Harris was in Trinidad when he knocked out Francisco Diaz in the fourth round on December 11, 1992. The fight was Harris’ last before he made an unsuccessful bid for Reggie Johnson’s WBA middleweight title. On December 11, 1992 dapper super featherweight Gairy St Clair won a four-round fight against Linden Arthur, via points decision at the National Sports Hall. It was the second professional fight for St Clair who improved to 16-0 before suffering his first defeat, after dropping a points decision to Diego Corrales, in December 1998. Former national bantamweight champion Jeff Roberts received a harsh reception in Dublin, Ireland when he was knocked out by Irishman Nigel Wenton on December 11, 9991. Referee Freddie Teidt called off the bout at one minute and 31 seconds of the second round. Roberts had one more fight before retiring.

Vivian Harris

ning the fight when it was stopped.” The gangly fighter was knocked down twice in the contest that was held in Mexico. “I was not hurt with the first knockdown. I stayed down at the second knockdown more because of fatigue in my legs. If you look at the fight you will see that there were moments when I was dominating him. I am a boxer and he is a fighter,” Harris added.

The Guyanese believed that the condition of the ring was a part of Alvarez’s team plan to maximise the Mexican’s chance of winning the contest. “They did what they had to do to protect their fighter. “My team should have done the same to protect me. However, I accept the defeat the same way that I embrace my victories and I know that Vivian Harris is coming back stronger.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

UDFA’S GT Beer Supa 16 Cup Christmas GFA Banks Beer Cup GDF sink Black Pearl; Pele tournament to kick off on Sunday

too strong for Flamingo

By Joe Chapman THE second edition of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s GT Beer SUPA 16 football championship was launched last Saturday at the Watooka House, where Banks DIH GT Beer Brand Manager Errol Nelson declared that Linden was one of the first communities where GT Beer was distributed and the first where promotional or sponsorship activity involving GT Beer was held in the form of this very tournament last year. Nelson thanked the UDFA for approaching Banks DIH last year about a SUPA 16 tournament which we signed on to because we saw it as a plus for the Linden community, He said, “Just how the tournament was well received and supported by the Linden community, GT Beer since it was launched

UDFA officials, sponsor Banks DIH and players at last Saturday’s official launch to be included in this year’s rock, Net Rockers, Eagles has been received, accepted and supported not only by the Linden community but countrywide.” Fifteen teams have been drawn to contest this tournament where the cash incentive is $1M with the second-place team receiving $600 000, third $400 000 and fourth-place finisher $200 000 along with trophies, replicas and medals. The teams, drawn from across Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) are Winners Connection, Mile-

United, Botofago, Peace Makers, Kwakwani Strikers, Vasco, Silver Shattas, Hi Stars, Mahdia, Block 22 Goal Getters, Snatchers, Amelia’s Ward Panthers, Blueberry Hill. Noticeably absent from this year’s tournament are former Upper Demerara and National Club champions and seven-time Kashif and Shanghai winners Bakewell Topp XX who, according to president of the UDFA Collis Gift, unfortunately, did not meet the requirements

tournament. The tournament kicks off this Sunday with a doubleheader feature at the tournament venue, Mackenzie Sports Club. A women’s game and one competition match between Peace Makers and Amelia’s Ward Panthers will be played on the opening night which will be preceded by a march past of the various teams at 18.00hrs, before the first game at 19:00hrs.

PSP U-17 SCHOOLS FOOTBALL C’SHIPS

Hackett fires home hat-trick as Lodge eliminate North Georgetown By Calvin Roberts

THANKS to a Ryan Hackett first-half hattrick, Lodge Secondary School yesterday afternoon issued North Georgetown Secondary with their marching orders out of the inaugural Premiership Sports Promotion (PSP) Under-17 Inter-Secondary School football championship, with a 6-0 defeat at the Ministry of Education ground. After seeing Tutorial defeat a game East Ruimveldt Secondary 2-0 in the first game that was contested in sweltering conditions, North Georgetown were forced to wait for close to 45 minutes for the arrival of their opponents, who encountered transportation problems to the venue. However, when they got there they were already attired in their outfit and ready to play, hence both teams took the field, following which Ryan Hackett scored his first goal in the 2nd minute - a deflected shot that nestled in the back of the net. Three minutes later Kevin Boters made it 2-0 for Lodge Secondary, when he beat North Georgetown’s pint-sized custodian with a well-placed shot on his near post. After a keen

… Tutorial beat ERSS

Ryan Hackett tussle for supremacy in midfield, both Ryan Hackett and Boters doubled their team’s lead with goals that were scored five minutes apart. Hackett first did so in the 22nd minute from a goalmouth scrimmage, while Boters wormed his way past the defence and calmly slotted the ball home, much to the delight of his teammates and detriment to his opponents. From another goal-mouth scrimmage, Hackett’s younger brother Simeon Hackett placed his name on the scoresheet in the 31st minute to make it 5-0 and when Lodge won a free kick just before the halftime whistle sounded, Ryan Hackett, with precision and placement, used the Atlantic Ocean wind to place the ball into the back of the net

from approximately 50 metres out to complete his hattrick. Not to be outdone, North Georgetown had the opportunity to place their name on the scoresheet twice, but Hakeem Roach, in goal for Lodge, thwarted the efforts of Osafa Mathieson on his near post and later Joshua Ferreira ensured his side kept a clean sheet. Unlike the first half when Lodge dominated proceedings, North Georgetown gave a better showing of themselves in the second half, cutting off plays and even working the ball around, but great custodial work from Roach prevented them from placing their name in the scorers column, while his team came away with the win. In the first game, Tutorial proved their superiority over East Ruimveldt Secondary, who lacked coordination and suffered a 2-0 defeat, despite being in control of the game. David Coates missed several scoring opportunities for Tutorial due to selfish play, but when he decided to play team football, he found an

unmarked Steve Stanton in the 18-yard box. His first-time volley rocked the net in the 21st minute for the 1-0 lead their side took at lemon time. After the break, Coates and Stanton created a partnership to terrorise East Ruimveldt’s defence, one that worked until Coates was found in the offside position several times, until the 51st minute when he faked a pass to Coates and powerfully sent his shot to the back of the net to make it 2-0. The action continues today at the same venue with another double-header, that features Bishops’ High taking on Queen’s College in the first encounter from 13:00hrs, followed by Richard Ishmael and North Ruimveldt clashing in the second from 15:00hrs. The winners of the tournament will pocket $200 000, while the team placing second are guaranteed $150 000 with third- and fourth-place finishers receiving $100 000 and $75 000 respectively. All matches will be played at the Ministry of Education ground, including the final and third-place playoff, which are scheduled for Sunday, December 21.

THE Guyana Defence Force and Pele are the latest teams to pick up wins in the 4th Annual Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup, when action continued on Wednesday evening at Camp Ayanganna ground. Played in front of a vocal crowd at the military base, the home side (GDF) outgunned Black Pearl 3-1 while Pele got the better of Flamingo by the same score line. In what was perceived to be a close game, Tyson Carmichael broke the deadlock and sent the military men in the lead in the 42nd minute. However, Black Pearl equalised through Mark Correga’s strike in the 53rd minute as things got back to the way they were as the two sides couldn’t find the net. Determined and cheered on by their supporters, GDF got the lead in the 76th minute when Nigel Braithwaite found some space and hammered in a right-footed volley. Black Pearl were visibly shaken by GDF’s goal and the Army men kept pressing while playing solid defence to complement their well-orchestrated attack. Clifford Garraway put the icing on the cake for GDF in the 90th minute to help his team secure a comfortable and well-deserved win. Meanwhile, it was pretty much a one-sided game when Pele clashed with Flamingo in the opening game of Wednesday’s double-header. Pele controlled the pace of the game from kickoff and got the opening goal from Omallo Williams (23rd minute) but Flamingo equalised just on the stroke of halftime when Sheldon Gurrick found the back of the net as the victors’ defenders were caught napping. On resumption of the game, Pele looked settled defensively and on a counter, they scored through Jermaine Sutton (68th minute) and Godfrey Powers sealed the win in the 83rd minute. The tournament continues tonight with another doubleheader at the same venue with powerhouse Alpha ‘the Hammer’ United colliding with Northern Rangers while the Guyana Police Force will seek to make it two in a row against Black Water FC who were humiliated by Alpha 17-0 on the tournament’s opening night.

Dwayne Smith retires from first-class cricket DWAYNE Smith announced his retirement from First-Class cricket on Wednesday, after playing for Barbados for 13 years. Nationenews.com reported Smith saying, “It’s sad to leave but I guess it’s time to give the youngsters a chance to prove themselves.” Smith was playing in the Professional Cricket League (PCL) inaugurated by the West Indies Cricket Board and had won two matches back-to-back. “It was a pleasure to play for my country Barbados in FirstClass cricket but all good things come to an end,” said Smith. Smith made his debut in 2001 and played 88 matches.

Dwayne Smith

Suriname introduces laws to boost World Cup bid

Team Toney ready to take ‘Respect the Game’ Charity basketball title tomorrow S P O RT S J o u r n a l i s t Rawle Toney will be leading a team of Division One basketball players and local celebrities, along with some of the biggest personalities, against ‘Team Bond’; a similar compilation by Attorney-at-Law James Bond tomorrow at the Cliff Anderson Sports.

Lugard Mohan

John Krishnadath (left) with FIFA president Joseph ‘Sepp’ Blatter PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) - Draft legislation has been introduced into Suriname’s parliament, designed to help the country qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The dual nationality legislation aims to change the law to facilitate players born in Suriname who play professional football overseas but cannot represent their country. The initiative is part of a project dubbed ‘Suriname en route to 2018′ and already 25 players have been announced, who, if the dual nationality legislation gets passed, would be eligible to play for the national team. “If the dual nationality law does get approved, we are playing in the World Championships in Russia in 2018,” declared John Krishnadath, Chairman of Suriname’s Football Association (SVB). “We will own one of the four spots of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)”. Football talent from Suriname has featured prominently in international football - the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert, Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit, an elite quintet that helped the Netherlands claim twelve European Cups. Suriname, however, has never qualified for a World Cup with its best effort being a berth in the final group stage of qualifying for the 1978 tournament. There are more than 100 Surinamese players in the Dutch professional leagues, but none of the overseas professionals is eligible to represent his country. Suriname’s footballers cannot play for the national team once they assume a different nationality.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday December 12, 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)15 Test centuries (2) 11 centuries Today’s Quiz: How many Test matches Lance Gibbs played? How many wickets he took? Who is the first WI to score an ODI at home (in the WI)? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Ronald Grogan

Dubbed ‘Respect the Game’, the event caters to raise funds for several notable charitable organisations in Guyana and is also a ‘call out’ to all lovers of the game to get the ‘respect’ they deserve on the court. Toney’s team will feature former National point guard and captain Lugard Mohan, former Junior National and proprietor of Wind Jammer International Hotel Carey Griffith, Pernell Cummings (COURTS Guyana Mar-

keting Manager), Ronald Grogan (Canada), Robert Adelson (US Embassy Public Affairs Officer) and Joel Simpson (Founder-Director SASOD). The award-winning sports journalist said that his team possesses some of the best Division One basketball players Guyana has to offer. Ravens guards Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai and Dominic ‘The Logo Kid’ Vincente will be partnering with Colts guard Shelroy

Carey Griffith

Pernell Cummings Thomas, Pacesetters marksman Stephan Gillis, Colts big-man Shane Webster, Randy Richardson and Kester Gomes. Ravens head coach Darcel Harris will be calling the shots from the sidelines for Team Toney in what is anticipated to be one of the biggest basketball events for the year. In supporting games, the Diplomatic Corps are set to clash with Star Computers and the University of Guyana go head-to-head with Qualfon.

Samuels hits 203, Smith 174 as Windies domination continue BENONI, South Africa (CMC) – In-form opener Devon Smith and middle order batsman Marlon Samuels plundered the bowling as West Indies piled up 508 in their first innings against a South African Invitational X1 on the second day of their three-day tour match at Willowmoore Park here yesterday. Samuels, 103 overnight, powered his way to 203 before retiring out while Smith who resumed the second day on 82, carved out 174 before also retiring out as the West Indies stamped their authority on the match after dismissing the homeside for 125 on the opening day. None of the bowlers troubled either Samuels or Smith who picked up from where they left off and again dominated the day’s play by sharing a solid third-wicket stand that produced 360; adding 172 to their century stand posted on the opening day. Smith reached triple figures early in the morning session as the partnership prospered. His Jamaican team mate reached 150 before he himself got to 150 and later

runs as the West Indians were bowled out for 508. The Invitational side were 17 without loss in their second innings when bad light stopped play. With a day left in the

Devon Smith Samuels arrived at his 200 milestone in a frustrating day for the South African bowlers. Samuels reached his double-century in 261 minutes facing 176 balls and hitting 32 fours and four sixes while Smith, who counted 25 boundaries and a six, occupied the crease for 420 minutes and faced 277 balls. Shivnarine Chanderpaul was caught for a second-ball duck, a victim of left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi who claimed the most wickets, three for 106. Medium-pacer Aviwe Mgijima picked up two for 49 and Rory Kleinveldt 3 for 69 Denesh Ramdin occupied the crease for about two and a half hours scoring 48 but neither Jermaine Blackwood nor Assad Fudadin was among the

SOUTH AFRICAN INVITATIONAL X1 1st innings 125 WEST INDIES 1st innings (217/2 o/n) K. Brathwaite lbw b Kleinveldt 12 D. Smith retired out 174 L. Johnson c van Zyl b Kleinveldt 0 M. Samuels retired out 203 S. Chanderpaul c Kleinveldt b Shamsi 0 J. Blackwood c Kleinveldt b Hendricks 4 D. Ramdin not out 48 A. Fudadin c Cloete b Mgijima 10 C. Walton b Mgijima 12 J. Holder lbw b Shamsi 0 S. Cottrell lbw b Shamsi 1 Extras: (b-13, lb-16, w-3, nb-12) 44 Total: (all out,

match the West Indians will be hoping to exploit bowling and batting advantages as part of their preparations before the first Test begins next Wednesday.

115.1 overs) 508 Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-35, 3-395, 4-395, 5-416, 6-443, 7-469, 8-499, 9-502. Bowling: B. Hendricks 18.4-6-65-1 (w-1), Dupavillon 14-2-56-0 (w-1), Engelbrecht 19-2-87-0 (w-1, nb-2), Kleinveldt 15.2-2-69-2 (nb-8), Shamsi 26.1-4-106-3, Mgijima 17-2-49-2 (nb-1), D. Hendricks 5-0-47-0 (nb-1). SOUTH AFRICAN Invitational XI 2nd innings G. Cloete not out 9 D. Hendricks not out 8 Extras: 0 Total: (0 wickets, 6.2 overs) 17 Bowling: Taylor 3.2-0-90, Cottrell 3-1-8-0. Position: West Indies lead by 366.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 12, 2014

Four Nations for Diamond Mineral Water 2015 Hockey Festival

… GHB takes positives from this year’s event defended their title. GCC Tigers also held on to their title, defeating their Spice team-mates in the final. Local umpires at this year’s Festival benefited from a simultaneously-held three-day course, conducted by Pan American-certified umpire Constantine ‘Gus’ Soteriades. The course dealt with

the differences in application and interpretation of the rules by the locals. “We started to see consistency and new application of the rules. If I can give an example, there was some element of leniency. “In indoor hockey the ball is not allowed to come off the floor, but the umpires allowed play to continue if

there was no direct impact on the game. “The players were a bit puzzled when the games were allowed to run but they adjusted and we saw consistency,” said Fernandes. The umpires were required to take notes during the games and discuss them during the course.

Hikers Veteran striker Jerazeno Bell faces off with umpire Dwayne Allen.

By Leeron Brumell AS an added interest in the annual Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival, four overseas teams have already indicated their interest in competing in the 2015 edition. They are Canada, the USA, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. This information came from president of the Guyana Hockey Board, Philip Fernandes. He expects 2015 to be perhaps the biggest Festival since it was started some 11 years ago. In the just concluded Festival, only the Carib Hockey Club out of T&T fielded a Veterans team.

They also brought a number of junior players who formed the Renegades Unit in the Festival. This year’s event was starved of foreign teams because of clashes in the international hockey calendar. Fernandes said in the history of the Festival, there have been highs and lows with regard to the attendance of teams. But this year’s low attendance was a blessing in disguise. It has afforded the youth players, an opportunity to play in the festival, something they were unable to do in previous tournaments because of the number of visiting teams and not being

able to make the cut for their senior teams. “‘This is a positive for us because they have gained exposure and experience since we’re trying to have a junior development programme for boys and girls. It was a timely occurrence.” The level of the tournament despite the lack of foreign teams was high, Fernandes noted. “In fact it has been improving over the years because local teams have been winning titles in all divisions (men’s, women’s and veterans). In the beginning foreign teams would win the titles.” The Hikers won the Men’s title for a 6th time, Umpire Michael Harding explains to Hikers striker Marisha Ferwhile their Veterans team nandes the reason for his call.

Samuels eager to take new-found T&T, Jamaica to lock horns confidence into Test series in Under-17 Group A BENONI, South Africa (CMC) - West Indies Middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels says he has found renewed confidence, approaching the start of the first Test match against South Africa which begins on Wednesday. Samuels powered his way to a double-century to lift West Indies to a mammoth 508 in their first innings against a South African Invitational X1 on the second day of their three-day tour match at Willowmoore Park yesterday. “I basically paced myself ... am confident… I have been batting very well and I used that momentum to bring me into this game,” said the stylish right-hander. “I am just enjoying batting at the moment and putting some good scores on the

Marlon Samuels board and helping out my team as much as possible”. Samuels added 360 for the third wicket with lefthander Devon Smith who was equally fluent in making a polished 174. This helped West Indies to a first-innings lead of 383. The Jamaican batsman has praised West Indies allround cricket as encouraging ahead of the first Test and also credits the bowlers

for the Windies’ impressive showing including Sheldon Cottrell who grabbed five wickets in six overs. “The positive thing about it is that Devon Smith made a hundred and seventy something retired as well and Sheldon Cottrell got five wickets and all the bowlers chipped in and bowled very well so the all-round cricket is looking very good at the moment going into the first Test match”. At the close of the second day, South African Invitational, who scored 125 in their first innings, were 17 without loss. “I am really looking forward to the Test match,” said Samuels. “Last time I was here I scored a lot of runs and I hope I can repeat that last trip to South Africa.”

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (CMC) – Englishspeaking Caribbean giants Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica will battle each other after being drawn in Group A of the CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 Championship which kicks off here next February. At the draw here Monday attended by CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, the two rivals found themselves pitted against each other in a group that also includes hosts Honduras, the United States and Cuba. A sixth team will join Group A following the playoff between El Salvador and Guatemala set for January. Meanwhile, minnows St Lucia have been handed a tough assignment in Group B of the tournament after being drawn alongside de-

Jeffrey Webb fending champions Mexico, Canada, Haiti, Costa Rica and Panama. St Lucia qualified for the Championship after doing well to finish second in final round qualifying tournament in October. Playing in Haiti, they beat T&T, lost to the hosts before drawing with Barbados. T&T finished third but also qualified. Jamaica, meanwhile, fin-

ished top of Group A to book their spot. T&T will raise the curtain on the Championship on February 27th, clashing with either El Salvador or Guatemala. Jamaica and Honduras will meet in the feature game of what will be a tripleheader on the opening day. St Lucia open against Costa Rica the following day. The Olympic Stadium and Francisco Morazan Stadium will host group matches but the Olympic Stadium will be the venue for the final phase including the fifth and third-place matches, as well as the championship game on March 15. Carlos Pavon and Amado Guevara, Honduran World Cup stars, helped to conduct the draw.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Ministry of Sports expended over $1B for 2014

… Minister Anthony is pleased with accomplishments By Michael DaSilva THE Ministry of Sports has expended over $1B during the year to develop sports facilities throughout Guyana and assist sports associations to engage in regional and international competitions. This is according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony who held a press conference yesterday to brief the media on the work his ministry has done and has been doing over the years the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has been in office. Speaking yesterday, Minister Anthony said for the year, which according to him was a successful one, the ministry has written to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to clarify certain issues as it relates to the development of the sport

locally and more importantly to have an ombudsman appointed to oversee elections to fill vacancies that currently exist. Dr Anthony informed that a number of sporting programmes were held under the auspices of his ministry and he is very pleased about that. Among the associations that benefited from the ministry’s countrywide assistance are; cricket, swimming, track and field and football. Additionally, Minister Anthony said his ministry has spent over $300M to rehabilitate community grounds in all 10 Regions of Guyana. Dr Anthony said, apart from rehabilitating the grounds, his ministry has been doing additional works on the facilities throughout the year. He noted that the Resource Centre that has been

constructed on Woolford Avenue is a great success as it is being used by a number of sports associations to stage conferences and clinics among other things. According to the minister, the centre has been used to stage among other things, a basic basketball referees training course along with several cricket, football, swimming and track and field seminars/courses. A Sports Medicine course was also held at the centre. Dr Anthony made mention of the lighting facilities that have been done at the Albion Community Centre ground stating that they are just like the lights at the Guyana National Stadium. Minister Anthony also made mention of the lights that his ministry have provided to the softball cricket association. The minister informed

Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony (right) addresses members of the media yesterday at his Main Street office. At left is the Permanent Secretary Alfred King (Photo by Sonell Nelson)

that the 25-metre warm-up pool at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal is completed and it will be officially opened next month. Work is currently under way to erect lights at the Leonora Synthetic Track and this is being undertaken by a local company along with Moscow Lighting.

The dynamic minister said persons from Region Nine have been trained in organising sports and if the programme is a success in that Region, similar programmes will be implemented in other regions. The minister used the opportunity to congratulate the Guyana Men’s 7s rugby team

for winning their seventh title and reminded that the government of Guyana contributed to the team’s success by contributing $5M. He reminded also that the Government of Guyana also contributed to the team’s participation in Los Angeles and India during the past year.

New rules being considered for new CPL season BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) - New rules are being considered for the new season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), organisers announced on Wednesday. They include the use of international umpires for the semi-final and final as well as extending the match-playing time to midnight. The new rules were being pondered after a contentious end to the 2014 season, when the Barbados Tridents were declared winners on the Duckworth/Lewis method following a rain interruption. “Towards that end, CPL officials, Franchise Owners/ Partners and the Tournament Committee are currently reviewing the rules for the semi-finals and final with a view to using international umpires and match referees and extending the match-playing time to midnight, if necessary.” said a statement released by CPL. Meantime, last year’s beaten finalists Guyana AmaGuyana Amazon Warriors have called off zon Warriors have called off their protest. their protest.

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The warriors had written to the CPL complaining about the circumstances that led to the abrupt end to the rain-affected final at Warner Park, St Kitts. After the rain stopped and mop-up operations completed, the stumps went back up but after a delay the match officials decided that the allotted time, including extra time had elapsed and the Barbados Tridents were declared winners. “The Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise and CPL are pleased to announce that the issue has now been resolved and brought to a closure,” the CPL announced. “After various consultations, both parties have agreed that, in the interest of this great game of cricket and in order to maintain the excellent reputation of the CPL, the matter is now closed and all parties concerned can now move forward to the planning and implementing of a bigger, better and more exciting 2015 CPL,” the CPL added. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014