2015 2 13 by Guyana Chronicle

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No. 104099 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Two teens among men held with M15 rifle Page

Children’s Mash competition...

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Human Services Minister reports...

Gov’t taking even tougher stance on Domestic Violence

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Town Clerk reports...

Mash Day vending Clash of the Regions fills NCC with waves spots ‘going like hot 8 2 cakes’ of excitement Page

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More victims of ‘Trini’ trickster come forward 9 Page

From the sky comes the drummer as Georgetown’s South Ruimveldt Secondary shows off our proud ‘Ancestral Legacy’

Bare Root man killed, others injured in Essequibo 11 accident Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Children’s Mash competition ...

Clash of the Regions fills NCC with waves of excitement By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally AS the regions clashed yesterday to see who will be crowned the best at the Regional Children’s Mashramani Competition, the National Cultural Centre was filled with waves of excitement being emitted from the scores of children. With lots of anxiety

and wet palms, the participants at this year’s regional competition gave their best and their best was spectacular. Yesterday’s dance and masquerade segments were witnessed by a packed to capacity National Cultural Centre (NCC) with eager children, parents and teachers. The Coordinator of Drama at the Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King,

during her welcoming remarks at the NCC related that the Children’s Mashramani activities officially became the responsibility of the Education Ministry in February 1992. It was the task, she continued, of the Allied Arts Department to coordinate and integrate the expressive arts such as dance, music, physical education and visual arts into the school system.

Education Minister, Ms Priya Manickchand being greeted by some of the children at yesterday’s competition She acknowledged all sponsors for this year’s competition, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry

and the Massy Group of Companies. The coordinator mentioned that slated to perform on the first day of competition were some 86 registered groups. “You are in for quite a treat today as all our regions, all ten plus Georgetown, will wow you off your feet.” While declaring the competition officially open, Education Minister Priya Manickchand reminded the children that this year Guyana is celebrating its 45th Republic Anniversary and this means “as a nation we are our own people.” She explained that much work has been invested into our country and now

all over the world “we are celebrated, whether it is for our CXC performances or our achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.” The Education Minister urged students “do your school work, pay attention to your teachers and with this you can take Guyana to new heights.” She emphasised that at these competitions, “we are able to bring to light the talents that our students possess, not only in Georgetown but from all our regions.” Manickchand concluded by encouraging parents to allow their children to participate See page 12

Regma Primary of Region 10 brought out their ‘Super Heroes’ to help them with ‘One Power’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Two teens among men held with M15 rifle

THE police are seeking the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions on how to proceed with six persons, including two teenagers, who were found on Wednesday night in possession of an M15 rifle and 30 matching rounds. The Guyana Chronicle was informed by police sources that the six persons are said to be miners who work in the interior of Guyana, and their ages are 16, 19, 21, 24, 34 and 45. The police on Wednesday evening received information that a group of men were standing on a bridge near a car which was parked

at Sussex and Saffon Streets in Charlestown, Georgetown. According to reports, when the police arrived, one of the young men was holding the weapon and apparently showing it to the others, but he then placed it into a Toyota 212 motorcar that was close by. The police approached the group of men and carried out a search on their person first, before searching the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, the ranks came upon the weapon, along with 30 matching .223 rounds. None of the men claimed ownership of the weapon

and ammunition. However, as the police were conducting their investigations, a 45-year-old man showed up and claimed ownership of the rifle. He reportedly admitted to the police that the weapon was unlicensed, and that he’d purchased it to hunt in the interior. Sources confirmed yesterday that initial checks failed to come up with any information that the men were of interest to the police previously. However the police have moved to carry out ballistic tests on the weapon to determine if it was ever used in any crime.

The weapon which the police recovered on Wednesday night along with the matching rounds

Wi t h i n t h e l a s t f e w months the police have been reporting the seizure of illegal weapons and ammunition

found in the possession of persons either at their homes, vehicles or on their person. The police continue to

credit their discovery of these weapons to intelligence-led policing. (Leroy Smith)

AFC acknowledges resignation of former GS, founder member – expects fallout from alliance talks THE leadership of the minor opposition party, Alliance For Change (AFC), has acknowledged that there may be fallout as a result of the decision by the party to enter into a coalition with the larg-

er opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Addressing the issue of the resignation of its former General Secretary and a Founding Member, Sixtus Edwards, Executive

Member Kathy Hughes yesterday at the party’s weekly press conference at the Georgetown Club said,“As we deal with the issue of a possible alliance, we know that we may not all be on the same

footing, we may not all agree on the same approach.” She also acknowledged that losing persons from political parties “is part of life,” as persons may die or choose to join another

party. She acknowledged that the party was sorry to see Edwards leave, but his departure was not as a result of a ‘falling out with the executive’. Sixtus Edwards, a founding member of the

AFC, was its first General Secretary and lost his position to the present holder, David Patterson, shortly before the 2011 General Elections. He was also not elected to the party’s leadership.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Thousands flee Niger town after Boko Haram attacks

(Reuters) - THOUSANDS of civilians fled their homes in the southeastern Niger town of Diffa this week, officials said on Thursday, following waves of cross-border raids and suicide bombings by Nigerian militant group Boko Haram. Attacks in Niger are deepening a humanitarian crisis in the remote border zone. The area, struggling to feed some 150,000 people who have run to escape violence in northern Nigeria, has seen around 7,000 arrive this week in Zinder, Niger’s second biggest town some 450 km (280 miles) west of Diffa. Niger’s military said its forces had killed 260 Boko Haram militants and had arrested others in fighting since Feb. 6. A suspected local leader of the group was arrested and several weapons including rocket launchers seized from his home. The International Rescue Committee, which supplied the population estimates, has teams working around Diffa and Zinder. Matias Meier, country director, said some families in Zinder, one

of the poorest regions in Niger, were having to host 20 people, while other displaced were sleeping in the stadium. A local politician said the flow of people out of Diffa continued on Thursday even though the town was calm. “Everyone wants to get as far from Boko Haram as possible,” the politician said, asking not to be named. The IRC’s Meier said: “Those who went on the trucks are the lucky ones. Bus tickets are sold out until the end of next week. Many are just walking or going by bicycle.” A tout at Diffa’s bus station said hundreds of mini-busses, coaches and trucks had ferried people out of the town. The cost of a seat in any vehicle travelling to Zinder had nearly tripled to 15,000 CFA francs ($26), he said. Boko Haram’s insurgency has killed thousands in northeastern Nigeria. Regional armies are mobilising a joint force of 8,700 men to defeat the group that is increasingly threatening neighbouring countries.

DON’T PANIC Niger’s army, backed by Chadian forces deployed to the country, has fought several battles sparked by raids in the Diffa region by militants this week. “We have taken the steps necessary to guarantee the peace and security of the population. We call on people not to panic,” said Colonel Moustapha Michel Ledru, spokesman for Niger’s armed forces. A state of emergency has been declared in Diffa region. Local authorities in Zinder told France’s RFI radio that at least 4,000 displaced had arrived in the town. Schools and administrative buildings there were largely closed on Thursday. Authorities in Niger have registered over 100,000 Nigerian refugees and Nigeriens who have returned to their home country from Nigeria. However, Meier said violence in recent months meant the number of displaced in Diffa region was closer to 150,000. The new wave of displacement comes as farmers should be preparing to plant crops for the next harvest, raising concerns about the long-term economic impact of the violence.

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A family that escaped Boko Haram attacks in both Michika and Cameroon, seek shelter in an uncompleted house in Adamawa, Nigeria, January 31, 2015. Credit: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Ukraine crisis: US welcomes Minsk peace agreement (BBC News) THE United States has welcomed a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war in Ukraine but demanded that Russia end its support for the separatists. US Secretary of State John Kerry said sanctions on Russia could be eased but only if its actions matched its words. The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France sealed a deal on Thursday morning after lengthy talks in Belarus. The ceasefire is due to begin in eastern Ukraine at midnight on Saturday but both sides remain sceptical. Pro-Russian rebels have signed the agreement, which also includes weapon withdrawals and prisoner exchanges, but key issues remain to be settled. Clashes between government forces and the rebels continued on Thursday and one Russian-backed commander said his forces would not stop fighting. Thousands of people have died in almost a year of fighting in the region. In another development, the World Bank said on Thursday that it is ready to provide up to $2 billion (£1.3bn) in financial assistance to Ukraine this year as part of an international package of support.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Panama protects wetlands from construction boom

(BBC News) PANAMANIANPanamanian President Juan Carlos Varela has signed a bill aimed at protecting the wetlands outside the capital, Panama City, from a construction boom. Under the new law, construction is banned in a 85,000-hectare-stretch (210,000 acres) of the Bay of Panama. The wetlands are a key stopover and wintering area for migratory shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere. Mr Varela’s predecessor

had encouraged construction projects in the area. The new law, which came into effect on Monday, also bans logging, the removal of soil and any other activity which may affect the mangrove swamps. In recent years, the area around Panama City has seen fast growth with the construction of major residential, tourism and industrial complexes. Environmentalists accused President Ricardo Martinelli of tacitly encouraging unrestrained growth

during his time in office from 2009 to 2014 by lowering the fines for cutting down mangrove trees. They say the move sped up the destruction of Panama’s mangrove forests, 55% of which were lost between 1969 and 2007, according to United Nations figures. About a million shorebirds migrate to the Bay of Panama every year. The area is also home to anteaters, Central American tapirs and loggerhead turtles.

The mangrove forests were threatened by Panama City’s rapid expansion

TT$4.5m Police look to drones cocaine Police: Drones will be very useful haul in in areas without proper roads Trincity (Trinidad Guardian) TWO men from Santa Cruz and Belmont were arrested on February 11, after they were held with pure cocaine with an estimated street value ofTT$4.5 million. The men, 54 and 66, were travelling along Golden Grove Road, Arouca when there were intercepted by members of the Northern Division Task Force, according to police sources. The officers, along with members of the Criminal Gang Intelligence Unit were given information about the men’s illegal activities and had them under surveillance. Police intercepted the car around 1 pm after monitoring the men’s activities for most of Wednesday morning. When the vehicle was searched, three packets of cocaine weighing 3 kilograms were found. The men will be placed on several identification parades parades before going to court.

MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Area One police should have the use of drone technology, dubbed ‘Eye in the Sky’, added to their crime fighting toolkit in a matter of six months, if everything works according to plan. Commander of Area One, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Ferguson made the revelation Wednesday during a press conference at the Area One police headquarters at Sewell Avenue here in Montego Bay. ACP Ferguson explained that the proposed venture, a private/public sector undertaking, should be economically viable. “It’s a technology that is used internationally for crime and traffic management, and other disaster management and the cost benefit analysis outweighs the traditional ways that we are carrying out operational activities,” he said. He explained that following the training of the police, the proposed project

is intended to be piloted in the St James Police Division, where there has been a spate of serious crimes in recent years. The project will start with the use of one or two drones, after getting the go-ahead from the Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant bodies. “At this time we are looking to have, maybe, one or two training drones, because we have to go through a process. We have to be looking at the law that regulates the use of drones,” the Area One police boss said. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Vernon Ellis, in outlining the benefits of the drone technology, argued that it will help to eliminate conflicting reports by police and civilians. “Basically, we are looking on the use of technology to combat the crime situation and we see where the drone technology will just be an added tool to this crime fighting. The drone will also assist with transparency; reason being, the citizens can also feel safer because the

account of the police, as also their account in certain circumstances, could be captured by the eye in the sky,” Detective Inspector Ellis said. Additionally, he explained that the drones would be very useful in communities where there is the absence of proper road infrastructure, among other pluses. “For tactical operations, where the risk is very high to officer safety, the drone could actually be used to reduce this risk. We could (also) use them for rescue missions, we could use them for traffic management, could also use it for surveil-

ACP Paul Ferguson (left), businessman Mark Hart (centre), and Michael Shaw of Scotiabank during a demonstration of a drone (on ground) at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay yesterday. (PHOTO: PHIlLIP LEMONTE)

lance purposes,” the detective pointed out. “We intend to use these drones to come up with three dimension mappings of police hot spot areas.” Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor

Glendon Harris; members of the Montego Bay business community — Mark Hart, Angella Whitter, and Lee Bailey — expressed their willingness to assist with the acquisition of drones.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

EDITORIAL Speeding, DUI must be addressed to curb carnage on our roads PEDESTRIANS have been the main victims of fatal accidents; and the primary causes of traffic accidents have been proven by statistics to be speeding and driving under the influence: But influence of what? While speeding indisputably continues to be a major contributory factor to fatal accidents, correspondingly, drivers who are senses-impaired because of usage of drugs and/or alcohol have also been responsible for a major number of road accidents leading to fatalities, despite enhanced deployment of traffic policemen and consequential traffic enforcement by the police. However, errant motorists continue to be a major threat to themselves and

other road users Guyana had endorsed and advanced the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety with a goal to stabilise and then reduce the forecast level (prevent five million road traffic deaths globally) by 2020. Yet the carnage contines unabated. Thus focus needs to be directed to the escalating practices of drinking and driving, as well as the issue of exceeding speed limits on our roads. A social site lists six reasons why attention must be given to drinking and driving and drug use and driving, as follows: *If you drive when a breathalyzer test would record the level of alcohol in your blood stream at twice the legal limit, you are at least 30 times more likely

to cause a road crash than a driver who hasn’t been drinking. * Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. There is no foolproof way of drinking and staying under the limi, or of knowing how much an individual can drink and still drive safely. * Each person’s tolerance to alcohol depends on a range of factors: weight, gender, age, metabolism, current stress levels, whether they have eaten recently, amount of alcohol consumed. * Drugs – whether prescription, over-the-counter or illegal — can all impair necessary driving skills, including vision, reaction time, judgment, hearing, and simultaneous task processing/accomplishment. * Marijuana has been

linked to an impaired ability to drive a vehicle, in that concentration is affected, and there is difficulty in perceiving time and distance, which can lead to the following: bad judgment, impaired reaction time, poor speed control, an inability to accurately read signs, drowsiness, and distraction. When marijuana is combined with alcohol, it creates greater impairment in areas such as reaction time and coordination. * Cocaine may successfully mask fatigue, but high dosages impair judgment and interfere with a driver’s ability to concentrate. Coordination and vision are impaired, and there is an increase in impulsive behaviours, with tendencies to take more risks and create confusion within the user. A person using cocaine maintains the illusion of

being alert and stimulated, although physical reactions are impaired. Legislation has been enacted to deal with the twin sins of driving under the influence and excessive speeding. However, vigilance by traffic ranks and enforcement of the traffic laws against errant drivers is an imperative if the carnage on the roadways is to be decreased or, hopefully, cease. Adequate deployment of traffic ranks, interventions to enforce legislation, deterrent policies and programmes – such as using undercover strategies by plainclothes ranks, could go a far way to curbing road law violations. But most important is the adjunctive cooperation by members of the public who should be second-tier guards of public safety striv-

ing to regulate the behaviour of road users. According to the WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2013, strong drink/drive laws protect almost 70% of the world’s population. In addition, enforcement of drink-driving laws has been shown to be more effective when it includes random breath tests for all drivers (not just those suspected of drinking), and when it is carried out at times and in locations when drunk-driving is more likely to occur. Such measures that increase drivers’ perception of the likelihood of being apprehended are key to the success of this intervention. That report noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) rated the enforcement of drink/drive laws in Guyana at 6 on a scale of 10.

More ‘rogue cops’ exposed...

GECOM will not release OPR probes extortion racket early elections results at Kurupung Police Station --at the expense of accuracy

GECOM is hinting to Guyanese that there will be big trouble at the upcoming elections. GECOM must set up cameras in and out of all polling stations, with feeders to all those in authority, so they can see what’s taking place in and out and around polling stations. PNC employees and volunteers who are supposed to sign off before they leave the polling stations just walk out to create mayhem so PNC leaders/

operatives can holler to the top of their lungs, ‘PPP rigged elections’. Serious laws should be passed that any person/s employed to work at polling stations on Election Day that walk out of the polling station without signing off on their sheet must be sentenced in a huge way if there are to be free, fair, transparent, credible, non-intimidation election. Cameras in and out of polling stations are a must, if elections are to be free

and fair. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says notwithstanding its greatest desire to provide accurate results of the upcoming May 11 elections at the earliest possible time, it remains exceedingly cognizant of the existing logistical and other challenges it faces in doing so. As such, GECOM, in a media release, is encouraging Guyanese to

See page 7

THE Office for Professional Responsibility (OPR) is said to be on the verge of completing an investigation into reports that six ranks from the Kurupung Police Station demanded $600,000 from some Belgian mining firm employees following a drug raid. The complaint was made in late January and the ranks, including a Lance Corporal, were placed under close arrest. At present, they are reportedly under open arrest at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) in Eve Leary. According to reports,

the ranks found a quantity of marijuana while searching an area that is connected with the Belgian firm. Rather than having the individuals charged, the policemen allegedly demanded $600,000 from staffers to cover up the matter. A complaint was made to senior police officials and the ranks were posted to Georgetown. Whether it’s true that rouge cops are posted to the interior as a Force policy, it appears that the Kurupung Police Station is breeding its fair share. This elicited a sharp response from the Force’s Pub-

lic Relations Department, which accused Broomes of appealing for resources “by using the distasteful strategy of telling lies on the Guyana Police Force.” Anyone calling this lady a liar should be jailed for doing so. This lady is telling the truth, citizens are telling the truth when they say they are more afraid of police than of bandits. Police are given very special powers over all other citizens; they get a licence and badge, uniform and weapon; some police think that having all that

See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

One can never have too much democracy THERE is a tendency on the part of some people to devalue our democracy because, in their opinion, it is more the result of ‘ethnic arithmetic’ rather than the ‘true’ expression of the will of the people. This is an erroneous view that needs to be debunked since any democracy in whatever form, shape or configuration is always superior to any other governance mechanism known to man. One can never have too much democracy in the same way that we can never have too much fresh air. I do recognise that there are challenges to democracy, especially when it comes to multi-racial societies like our, where there are two dominant ethnic groups. We live in what sociologists refer to as a plural society. Voting preferences and behaviours are often con-

ditioned by ethnic loyalty which may not correspond to otherwise rational choices. In other words, voting preferences tend to be at times less issue-oriented and more group-oriented. But this is the reality of our political life and it cannot be wished away. Instead, we have to continue to find ways in which our democracy can become much more enriched, not by tampering with our democratic essence, but by putting in place the necessary mechanisms to make governance more participatory and inclusive, regardless which of the two major political constituents is elected to govern. Our democracy has been evolving over the decades from one of privileged voting, as during the pre-1953 period, to one of representative democracy as is currently the case. There were

periods in our post independence history when our democracy was subverted, but the democratic spirit to have a government elected through the expressed will of the electorate was always paramount in the minds of the Guyanese people. Democracy is premised on the belief that people are sovereign. It is the expressed will of the majority that forms the basis for governance and this has always been the hallmark of democracies throughout the free world. And this is how it must be, since any attempt to depart from this time-honoured principle is fraught with dangers as our own experience in Guyana under the PNC regime has demonstrated. Today, as we approach yet another general and regional elections, the opposition parties are in secret

talks on how to come up with an electoral alliance which could address the race question. The fact that the talks seem to be going nowhere is indicative of the deep-seated and entrenched nature of race-based politics. This is why the need to establish trust in our political culture is so important. In this regard, the incumbent PPP/C alliance has a built-in political advantage. It is the largest and most representative political party in terms of multi-racial support. This is attributable to the fact that the Party has always embraced values that are universalistic and which transcend the narrow confines of race. The development philosophy pursued by the PPP has lifted all boats, and people today are enjoying a much higher standard of living that at any period in our history.

President Donald Ramotar has continued this tradition of development with a human face which, in essence, is one of putting people at the centre of his development paradigm. This is also why the President wasted no time in ensuring that the benefits of a reduction in the price of fuel trickles down to people by way of lower electricity costs to consumers. This coming election is essentially one of securing a new mandate for President Ramotar and his PPP/C administration to continue with his development paradigm. As the President said, he remains confident that he and his party would win a resounding victory having regard to his administration’s solid record of progress and development. HYDAR ALLY

Racism in Guyana....

Implications and prescriptions for our national youth

I PEN these few lines with utmost disgust and disappointment in our political system and its use of the tool of racism as a fuel or driver of political gain. Personally, as a Guyanese youth growing up in Linden, I would have known and seen racism and the use of race by the two major political parties, the PPP and the PNC. But in today’s era of politics, my question is still yet to be answered. Why is it still important in this modern era for us to fuel race based politics to our constituents? What’s it to gain but looking back at the ills of the PPP or the PNC, and directing the young people to vote for futuristic ideas embedded in the past? What are they telling us young people, that the future of our country is based perpetually on a history of social ills? I

beg to differ. As someone very fortunate to have a decent upbringing in a multi ethnic family, my point of view for Guyana is different. Make no mistake; I have heard it all, about the social ills and witnessed the parties at work destroying our nation’s reserves and impoverishment of my fellow Guyanese. Somewhere along the lines of my higher education I had embraced a new vision and sense of what’s it like to be a Guyanese. I remember living in Wa s h i n g t o n D C , a v a s t metropolis with a plethora of races, cultures and lifestyles. Interactions with my school mates from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Central and South America. I realized that we are not different at all. There is actually more that binds us

in grit, determination and prosperity, than anything else. As a student of history, I spent expansive time learning my residence here in the United States has come a long way in terms of creating equal opportunities for all of us minorities, of which our Guyanese people have benefited greatly. It still behooves us to wonder how we tackle the racial issues of Guyana and what’s the pathway for youth engagement and participation without racial prejudice or “jumbies” of the past recurring. I have a tremendous opportunity to meet people from most of the regions in Guyana. And from our discussions from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, Linden to Lethem and Supenaam to Charity, men and women, both young and old, want to see a change

in Guyana; but they don’t want race to be the fuel or driver of such. My proposed recommendations to curb these issues are simple and not far-fetched. From the leadership of our parties right down, we need to move to more inclusive ideas of the future and not reverting to the past. This will help keep us youths focused on improving the way of life and creating better outcomes among the people. The era for racebased politics is over. If our politicians are cognizant of the fact that most of the voting population will be under the age of 38, they would realise that this group of people does not care about the social ills of history of the PPP and PNC. We youths care about GUYANA. We want to hear what’s in it for

us in all 82,000 square feet, stretching across 10 regions set among three major rivers. We youths want to hear about a National Youth Strategy/ Policy that will address higher education, advancement of healthcare, economic development and social responsibility among the youth. What if our politicians and other civil like- minded individuals shift the conversation to address youth policies on development, rather than educating us on the social ills and racist ways of the opposition parties. I call for all our young people to join me in this conversation. It’s not always about politics or scoring over the opponent. It’s about how we can further address the national agenda and interests of our country. COLLIN HAYNES, MPH

PPP/C: The only credible Party in Guyana BASED on issues and performances, and not race, the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is the only credible political party in Guyana that should win the May 11, 2015 General Election. The PPP/C took a bankrupt economy and made it viable, while the Peoples

National Congress (PNC) took a credible economy and made it bankrupt. The Alliance for Change (AFC) is an untried entity with minimum support from the general population. Their only hope for survival is if they can convince their current supporters that they have not sided with the PNC

whom they said they were never going to side with. This siding with the PNC is seen as a sell-out by some supporters of the AFC. Can the AFC and PNC/ APNU form a coalition? Yes, they can. Should the AFC and PNC/APNU form a coalition? Only if they are political opportunists seek-

ing to do so purely for the reason of getting into power. I keep reading in the Guyana newspapers about “electioneering strategy”, “race”, “size”, etc will win the next general election. Yet, not much is being said about the prospective candidates “policies” and about the “issues”. Definitely

not enough is being printed about the issues. Getting into power is one thing. But delivering the goods is another. The fact that Guyana has a credible economy is testimony to the fact that the PPP/C has delivered. SEAN McLEAN

From Page 6

OPR probes extortion racket at ...

they are above the law and can do to citizens whatever they feel like once they think that citizens broke the law. The government is not catching on to the idea as yet how these people cry low wages in police and army, but yet they take the job. So why they take the jobs? This is why adults must be trained in weapon use and be issued with weapons to defend self, family property from these well-organized licensed criminals. To c a l l S i m o n a Broomes a liar you have to be on the side of the terrorists. TED KING

GECOM will not ...

“be very cautious and responsible, and to carefully manage their expectations of the timely announcement of the May 11 elections result.” GECOM says, “The electoral system to be used for the conduct of Elections 2015 will be the system of Proportional Representation, along with some elements of Geographical and Gender Representation. Guyana is one single constituency consisting of hundreds of thousands of electors responsible for the election of the President and the 65 members of the National Assembly. This means that in order for GECOM to arrive at accurate results, all votes from all the polling stations across the length and breadth of Guyana must be counted.” TED KING

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Town Clerk reports...

Mash Day vending spots ‘going like hot cakes’ R E I T E R AT I N G w h a t was made clear by Acting Town Clerk, Ms Carol Sooba last week, Minister of Local Government, Norman Whittaker yesterday sought to advise that the sale of Mash Day vending spots was a revenue-earning activity for which the Acting Town Clerk was responsible for. The revenue-generating activity, he further explained, was an activity of the City Council, which “ought not to be executed or managed from the Mayor’s Office.” This, he posited, would be “highly irregular.” “This activity must be viewed as an economic project that ought to be administered and supervised from the Office of the Town Clerk (Ag), or the City Treasurer’s Office under the direction and supervision of the Town

Clerk (Ag). It is a revenuegarnering opportunity for the Council; not for individuals of the Council,” the minister said yesterday in a statement. He said that as the Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Ms Sooba’s responsibility is to ensure, inter alia, that all financial activities or events are strictly monitored to ensure they are approved by the authorised authority, recorded, transparent and not done in an ad hoc fashion, devoid of transparency and/or in breach of financial or other regulations. This being the case, Whittaker said, there is no executive function or authority reposed in the Mayor or his Office or the Council itself. “They cannot usurp the duties and responsibilities of the Town Clerk or City Treasurer,” he said. Shedding light on the authoritative figures responsible

for financial transactions, the minister further explained that there are issues to do with issuing of valid Council receipts for monies collected from the public; recording of these sums collected in the financial records of the Council; providing Financial Statements summarizing the revenue, authorized expenditure and surpluses from these activities. He was quick to add, however, that there are officers authorised by the Municipal and District Councils Act to deal with these financial matters, and they are certainly not the Mayor or Councillors randomly selected. He disclosed that financial records have revealed that since the Town Clerk’s office started managing the event, net revenue to the

Council has increased significantly. He also took the opportunity to reflect on a letter he wrote to the Mayor and Town Clerk in 2013 and 2014, expressing concerns with respect to reports reaching his office and identifying several anomalies with respect to the implementation of Council’s decisions by the Social Development Committee of the Council. These reports, he added, included claims of “free spots, or discounts on spots, for family, friends, specific organisations.”There were also issues of persons and organisations who were tardy in paying and those who had to wait for lengthy periods to be paid, the minister added. He continued that all should be reminded of the

“ruckus occasioned by the irregularities of the 2014 activities as a result of the political interference by His Worship and sidekicks.” As such, he sought to reiterate that while the Council may wish to have a committee, by whatever name it is called, to oversee the sale of spots and other related activities, it is the city treasurer, acting under the direction and supervision of the town clerk who must manage these activities. He concluded by urging every stakeholder to “work together to ensure that Mashramani 2015 celebrations are a success story”, and in so doing, give credence to the theme of our 2015 Mashramani celebration: “One People, One Culture, One Celebration.” Meanwhile, the Acting Town Clerk yesterday as-

sured this publication that sales for vending spots were “going well.” She added that while sales on Wednesday were a bit slow, Monday, Tuesday and yesterday have seen a remarkable response from members of the public, who were eager to transact business in this manner. Sooba also took the opportunity to advise the public not to be misguided by any official from the mayor’s office into believing that there are “free spots” available. She continued that if the spots given through the “free ticket” clashes with any spot which would have been sold from her office, the person who issued the “free ticket” would be apprehended by officers of the City Constabulary or the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Mash Day.

Digicel makes charitable donations --to mark 8th Anniversary

IN observance of its 8th anniversary, which will be celebrated tomorrow, cell-phone giant, Digicel, yesterday made substantial donations to the Cheshire Home for the physically challenged at Unity-Lancaster, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, St. Barnabas Special School at Regent Street and the Deaf Academy at Tuschen, East

Bank Essequibo. Digicel Public Relations Manager, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara during the first presentation at the Cheshire Home presented a cake to the residents of the facility, along with a donation of pampers, bed sheets and toiletries, among other items. And Digicel employee Ulex Smith cut the cake with a resident of the Cheshire

NDC workers to benefit from 5 per cent wages/salary increase CABINET has approved a five percent wages and salaries increase for workers in the Ministry of Local Government who are employed by the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon at his post-Cabinet press briefing Wednesday stated that the increase will be calculated on their December 2014 salary and be effective from January 1, 2015. The increase, however, is dependent on the Councils’ ability to fund the increases. The stipends for councillors and chairpersons are also expected to be increased. Dr. Luncheon said that stipends for the entities in the Local Democratic system “specifically the very same NDC and the Town Councils, and here the focus was on the stipend that was provided for by ministerial order to the elected representative … the NDCs and its councillors and the town councils and its members… the details of those increases will be provided later,” he said. Employees in the public sector received a similar increase in December last year, however they were unable to benefit as they are paid by the NDCs. (Raymon Cummings)

Home and then it was shared evenly among residents. Administrator Patricia Bailey told reporters that they were very pleased with the gesture which saw the donation of much needed items for the residents. She added that the Cheshire Home houses 25 residents, both male and female, from ages 16 to 55, who are profoundly disabled and some bedridden with a staff compliment of 30. Bailey stated that the Cheshire Home is managed by a Committee and the Ministry of Health. A resident expressed gratitude on behalf of the residents yesterday. Meanwhile, at St. Barnabas Special School at Regent Street, Georgetown, a sofa three-piece set with statio-

At the Cheshire Home yesterday nery, school kits, printer, cake mixer and microwave were presented to the Home Economics Department. On hand was the Head Teacher Rebecca Persaud, who accepted the gift on behalf of the students yesterday afternoon during a

handing over ceremony. She said that the school has 37 students with learning disability and there are five teachers who are under the Ministry of Education Placement Division as a public school. Bijlall-Sanichara told the

At the handing over ceremony yesterday at St. Barnabas Special School (Photos by Adrian Narine)

media that they visited the school last week and asked what was needed to enhance their capacity and then Digicel Guyana made the presentation yesterday. Students were a part of the ceremony which took place on the ground floor of the two-storey wooden building. An icing cake was also presented to the school. A handing over of stationery and other items was done at the Deaf Academy at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo yesterday afternoon to Mr. Bacchus, who has been utilising the bottom flat of his property to assist children who are deaf, including his daughter. A group of employees, including managers, were present at all three presentations yesterday, accompanied by Brand Ambassador, Curtis Armstrong, called DJ Casual. (Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

More victims of ‘Trini’ trickster come forward

By Alex Wayne

RIGHT after this newspaper’s story in Wednesday’s issue about the Trinidadian conman who was targeting individuals with promises of visas, another male contacted us wailing about being outsmarted by the very fellow. Late last evening, Ryan Sooklall, a vendor at the Bourda Market contacted this publication with claims that the crook who calls himself Daniel Ali had tricked him of $30,000 with claims that he was going to sell him a brand new S6 I Phone he had in his possession. The vendor lamented that he bumped into the conman on the adam4adam social network and struck up a conversation. He said telephone numbers were exchanged and subsequently the two met a few days later. Sooklall said on the second meeting Ali offered to sell him an almost brand new S6 IPhone he had in his possession but he balked at the enormous charge the man was demanding. He said as he was about to turn down the offer, Ali told him that he can “pay in pieces” and would collect the phone when the entire payment of $80,000 was made. The vendor said he took

$30,000 of his hard earned money and gave it to the Trinidadian who promised that he would hand over the phone as soon as two other payments of $25, 000 were made. He said when he managed to acquire the next installment and was ready to pay up, he was unable to get the crook on the telephone number he had provided. When designer Alex Lawson who the conman robbed of $30,000 posted his photo (taken from a passport) on Facebook, Sooklall said he almost went into a coma since the photo fitted the description of the very man who had outsmarted him of his hard earned dollars. Meanwhile, Lawson has informed that the conman seems to be working with another accomplice who mysteriously began contacting him on Facebook before he handed over the $30,000 which was a down payment for the conman to arrange accommodation for the designer in Trinidad. Meanwhile, the confidence trickster has also managed to con fashion designer Olympia Small-Sonoram a whopping $75,000 after he promised to leave his passport and other documents as surety for a loan to ‘get himself back together’.

Sonoram had said that the man pretended to be recoiling from a ruptured relationship with his male lover, and had wanted the money to find new accommodation. She recalled that when he arrived with the bag containing the purported documents she was dealing with a client and therefore had not checked the contents until the con artist had left her premises. She almost died when she discovered the bag only contained scrap paper, lipstick and face powder. Daniel Ali, as he calls himself, has so far managed to rob several businessmen at Uitvlugt where he was operating a fast food outlet and disappeared after it was discovered that he and accomplice Steven Baboolall were actually renting cars from dealers which they later sold to unsuspecting buyers. While Baboolall was arrested and taken into police custody, he never returned to the Lenora Police Station after he was released on bail despite being instructed to do so by the ranks. Reports reaching this publication suggest that while Baboolall may be hiding out at relatives in Black Bush Polder, the Trinidadian crook continues to evade the police.

16 army officers receive Instruments of Commission – 9 receive State warrants THE Officer Corps of the Guyana Defence Force has been further enhanced with the commissioning of 16 officers who were issued with their Instruments of Commission by Commander in Chief President Donald Ramotar in the Credentials Room of the Office of the President yesterday. The young officers, who received their badges of rank from the President on Wednesday at a parade in their Honour at Defence Head Quarters Base Camp Ayanganna, received the Instruments of Commission which represent their authority to function as officers in the Guyana Defence Force. The officers included

Lieutenant Eon Cameron, who underwent additional training in Brazil, through collaboration between the two armies and 15 second lieutenants who completed training at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS). Included among those receiving their Instruments of Commission was one female Winette Smartt, who also outdid her male counterparts earning awards for best drilling and Military Knowledge. Second Lieutenant Lewins Langellier, who was the best graduating student on the course, delivered the vote of thanks at yesterday’s ceremony in which he thanked the Commander in Chief for his re-

marks delivered at the parade on Wednesday and assured him that as officers they will serve Guyana without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Nine serving Non Commissioned Officers were also issued with State Warrants after pledging allegiance to the state. They are drawn from the various branches of the Defence Force and would have completed the required training and displayed the level of disciplined service to be so promoted. Witnessing the ceremony were Chief-Of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, and other senior officers of the army and members of the media.

Japanese Gov’t donates ambulance to Guyana Red Cross Society

Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, Mr Takaaki Kato (left) presents GRSC First Aid Coordinator, Mr DeVaughn Lewis, with the keys to the new ambulance

The new ambulance which was donated to the Guyana Red Cross Society by the Japanese Government yesterday

THE Guyana Red Cross Society yesterday benefited from the donation of an ambulance by the Japanese Government, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Project. The vehicle is valued at US$61,478. According to First Aid coordinator at the Guyana Red Cross, DeVaughn Lewis, the idea of a First Responders Ambulance Project was birthed a few months ago,when he was given the “go-ahead” to prepare a project proposal for the ambulance. Subsequently, he noted, Secretary General Dorothy Fraser indicated that she had found a suitable partner who was willing to consider such a project. The first draft of the proposal was then finalised in December of last year and was emailed to the Japanese embassy in Trinidad and Tobago. Lewis explained that the embassy which seemed eager, responded, and within a few weeks, the Guyana Red Cross Society and the Japanese embassy were able to iron out the last remaining kinks in the proposal. Why this piece of equipment was much needed by the Red Cross Society, Lewis

said, was because for years, the Society has been functioning on the use of voluntary and back-up vehicles, which in some instances have proven to be ineffective. “We offer first aid posts to many events such as national events, which includes Mashramani, Guy-Expo, school sports and national sporting events such as the upcoming Motor racing meeting,” Lewis said. As such, the ambulance was much welcome, as it would enhance the delivery of medical services provided by the Red Cross Society country-wide. Yesterday, these efforts proved fruitful as the Japanese Government, through the Embassy of Japan presented the fully equipped ambulance which was eagerly received by the Red Cross Society. Officially handing over the keys to the Red Cross Society was First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, Takaaki Kato, who extended his regards on behalf of the Japanese Government, whom he said was pleased to make this donation. Kato noted that since the contract was signed between the Japanese Embassy and Fraser from the Red Cross

Society, a great deal of work was invested into ensuring that the project was a success. “The Embassy of Japan has no doubt that this ambulance would contribute to and enhance the daily activities of the Guyana Red Cross Society; and it would make a positive impact on areas such as first aid services and response services to natural disasters,” Kato posited. “Red Cross Youths” also graced the short handing -over ceremony with a song, followed by a dramatic poem which left the audience in amazement. The poem began with a young man reciting a poem during which he collapsed and fell to the floor. Not realising that the collapse was part of the dramatic poem,the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Guyana, Kashir Khan, rose to his feet and attempted to rush to the scene before realising it was staged. As the crowd burst into laughter, the Red Cross Youths demonstrated how medical treatment is to be administered in cases of emergencies. The use of the ambulance also played a crucial role as the “injured” person was rushed to the hospital.

10 Neesa Gopaul murder trial…

Witness tells of finding blood stains in home of accused By George Barclay POLICE Sgt. Rawle Nedd yesterday told an assizes court that he and others were at the Ruimveldt Police Station on 4th October, 2010 when Assistant Supt. of Police Jessemy came in with a vehicle with Neesa Gopaul’s mother - Bibi Gopaul. Neesa Gopaul was reported missing in October 2010 by a relative. The 16-year-old schoolgirl’s mutilated body was found, on October 4, stuffed in a suitcase in a creek not far from the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Following police investigations, Neesa’s mother, Bibi Gopaul, and Bibi’s alleged paramour Jarvis Small, were arrested and charged with murder. They have pleaded not guilty to the indictment, and are being represented by well-known lawyers. Testifying yesterday, Sgt. Nedd stated that on October 4, 2010 he was at Ruimveddt Police Station when ASP Jessemy drove in a vehicle with an East Indian woman whom he later learnt to be Neesa Gopaul’s mother, Bibi Gopaul. The sgt. told a story about how he and other ranks visit-

ed a large house where there were two motor cycles and five suitcases. They searched the suitcases, but nothing of evidential value was found. On leaving the first room, leading to the second room, there was a mattress in the hallway. There was a substance on the mattress which appeared to be blood. Witness said he took samples of the substance for laboratory examination. In another bedroom, he said, two black suitcases were found. They were examined, but nothing was found. Witness also said he observed two zippers with a padlock. He then proceeded to a location in the bottom flat, where before entering a washroom, he examined the door. On the door, he observed an uncommon substance, like hair and chops on the door. Witness said he also observed smelly items in a container which had soap powder or chemical. The Sgt. said he also went into a bedroom, where he found a ward robe and a chest of drawers. On the chest of drawers, he found a quantity of suspected hair. He said he was informed by the female who joined the vehicle at Ruimveld Police

Station that the bedroom was a child’s bedroom - Neesa Gopaul’s. Witness said he went to a big bedroom, where he saw a small suitcase on the table. It was examined, and a black plastic handle knife was found with suspected blood stains on it. Witness said the last room to be searched was Bibi Gopaul’s room. Noting of importance was found. Witness said he and other ranks collected substances on the western wall and a golden cream margarine bucket with what appeared to be hair. The items were packed and labelled, and taken away for laboratory examination. Witness identified the blood-stained mattresses and hair samples that the police had seized for examination. Senior Counsel Mr. Bernard De Santos and Attorneys-at-law Messrs. Glenn Hanoman, Lynden Amsterdam, George Thomas and Ms Zanno Frank are representing the accused. Prosecuting for the State are Ms. Diana Kaulesar-O’Brien, Ms. Mercedes Sampson, and Ms. Stacy Goodings. The trial is continuing before Mr. Justice Navindra Singh, who is presiding.

Shoemaker charged with unlawful assault, threatening behaviour A SHOEMAKER who assaulted a woman with a deadly weapon appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry,and denied all charges laid against him. The allegation against Tyrone Persaud of 268 Independence Boulevard is that on February 6 at Independence Boulevard, he behaved threateningly towards Marissa Premaul. The court heard that on

the said day and at the said location, Persaud unlawfully assaulted the 25-year old mother of one, Premaul. Persaud denied the allegation as it was read by the Chief Magistrate. Police Prosecutor Michael Grant explained to the court that the defendant and the woman lived in the same street and on the day in question, the two parties had a misunderstanding, which lead to Persaud to attack the woman with a series of expletives.

It was said that Persaud left and returned with a chopper in his hand and the two parties had an altercation,during which the woman defended herself and took the weapon away from him. The matter was reported and Persaud was charged for the offence. Grant did not object to bail and Persaud was bonded to keep the peace and placed on his own recogisance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Human Services Minister reports...

Gov’t taking even tougher stance on Domestic Violence

– 1684 cases made in 2014, another 1000 pending SOME 3051 reports of Domestic Violence were made to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry in 2014, with 1684 cases being made out from the total number of reports. Speaking at the launch of the Domestic Violence Regulations at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jennifer Webster also disclosed that some 1500 aggressors were warned, with 18 matters being referred to probation officers. This aside, the minister pointed out that there are over 1000 pending matters, as she stressed that tackling Domestic Violence is a top Government priority. A passionate Webster said Domestic Violence does not only affect victims in a physical and financial way , but is also a cost to the country, and on that note she called on all stakeholders to play their part in ridding the scourge from society. She told the gathering which included Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall; senior officials from their ministries and regional representatives that the regulations represent the latest effort by the Administration to combat Domestic and Gender-based Violence. According to the minister, for the problem to be effec-

An animated Human Services and Social Security Minister Jennifer Webster speaking at the launch of the Domestic Violence Regulations

tively addressed, victims need to report the matter to the police and the police need to take them seriously. She also noted that the ministry is looking to make it mandatory for medical practitioners to report cases of victims of Domestic Violence who visit them for treatment. Domestic Violence is not only a serious problem in Guyana, but a problem affecting countries the world over. Women aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, car accidents, war, and malaria, according to World Bank Data. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviour in any relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over his/her intimate partner. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions that

influence their partner. This includes behaviour to intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, coerce, threaten, blame, injure or wound someone. Domestic violence can occur regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender, socio-economic background and education levels. Acts of domestic violence can happen to intimate partners who are married, living together, or dating. Up to 70 per cent of women experience violence in their lifetimes and children who grow up witnessing domestic violence are among those seriously affected by this crime. Several global surveys suggest that half of all women who die from homicide are killed by their current or former husbands or partners.

Carpenter bonded for threatening language MOHAMMED Yusuf Ali, a carpenter, yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to two separate charges of using

threatening language and unlawful and malicious assault. The allegation against Ali, of Lot 132 Alexander Village is that on February 2 at Alexander Village, he used threatening language

and unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Elton Joseph. Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not object to the defendant being granted his pretrial liberty, and Ali was bonded to keep the peace.

Jury empanelled in the Balgobin murder trial A 12-member jury was yesterday empanelled at the Demerara Assizes to try Vinod Balgobin for the murder of Maryann Sunita Nauth. The murder was allegedly committed

been May 11 and 12, 2013 in the county of Demerara. Justice Franklyn Holder is presiding. Prosecuting are Misses Teshana Lake, Orinthia Schmidt and Shawnette Austin.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Bare Root man killed, others injured in Essequibo accident By Leroy Smith

TWENTY-five-year-old Junior Assanah of 1214 Bare

Dead: 25- year-old Junior Assanah Root, East Coast Demerara, was killed on Wednesday afternoon in Essequibo, after he was thrown from a speeding open-back SUV while descending a hill. The accident occurred at 65 Miles Buck Hall Road, Essequibo, as Assanah and six other persons, including the driver of the vehicle, were heading to a mining camp in the interior.

Yesterday, 37-year-old Nigel Bobb, who was also involved in the accident told the Guyana Chronicle that they were seated in the tray of the land cruiser as the driver sped. “He going with brutal speed, ‘bigga’. And when I tell you speed, this is the first time I experience so much of speed working bush,” the man explained. Bob said the vehicle climbed a hill, and when it was about to descend, the driver did not exercise caution, but continued at the same rate he was going. The man said that as the vehicle came down the hill, there was a turn and because of the speed the driver was going at, he could not make the turn so he applied the brakes which caused the vehicle to sway from side to side and eventually topple, tossing the passengers out before landing back on its wheels. When the vehicle came to a halt, Bobb said, he rushed to the aid of his friend who was several feet away, and observed that he was badly injured. Meanwhile, another passenger from the vehicle who escaped unhurt hurried

to the vehicle, helped the driver out, and the two quickly changed a damaged wheel and replaced it with the spare

However, the driver apparently panicked and continued driving the SUV in the same direction he was heading when the accident occurred, as he stated that he was going to seek medical attention for the man. That journey, which was several miles, saw Junior Assanah succumbing from his injuries which, according to Bobb, were concentrated between his feet and which might have caused him to bleed to death. In addition to the death of

Assanah, there were broken bones and lacerations which were sustained by the other persons who were in the vehicle. One person remained hospitalized, but is said to be not in a critical condition. Both Bobb and Assanah and another man involved in the accident, who was identified as the person hospitalized, are residents of Bare Root, East Coast Demerara. Yesterday this publication visited the home of the dead man where relatives and friends had gathered to

mourn his loss. One man who identified himself as Shawn Garraway said that Assanah had played the father figure for the young man for the past 12 years, adding that the now dead man is survived by his parents and siblings. The Chronicle was told also that the man whose mining camp the men were heading to when the accident occurred, has since paid relatives of the injured and of the dead man to show his solidarity.

Survivor, Nigel Bobb, who spoke with the Chronicle wheel. Bobb told the Chronicle that after the vehicle was ready to move again, another vehicle arrived, and the driver was advised not to continue going in the direction he was heading when the accident occurred, since the closest medical facility could be found in the direction from which they came.

At Assanah’s home yesterday where relatives gathered in mourning

Nesha’s Flowerland offers 50 Shades of Valentine for lovers By Telesha Ramnarine

“THE 50 Shades of Valen-

tine - Pushing the extremities of love” is the theme selected by Nesha’s Flow-

erland to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, February 14.

A wide variety of teddy bears at Nesha’s Flowerland

“Give her all she desires and show her that she has earned it with flowers from Nesha’s Flowerland,” said owner Yasmin ‘Nesha’ Deonauth. Speaking with the Chronicle a few days ago, Deonauth said Nesha’s Flowerland is trying to do something different this year. “We are trying to do more for the younger people’s love,” she said. Nesha’s Flowerland has on hand a wide variety of flowers and other items. “We have the Vanilla Roses which consists of a dozen white roses arranged in a vase with a very rich red rose in the middle. That is our Valentine’s special. Then we have the Estasy Setting which is two dozens of red roses and one dozen of white ones. We have our Red Room Setting which is two dozen red roses arranged. Our Explosive is a dozen Rainbow Roses

arranged nicely in a vase with green leaves, etc. Our Invitation Rose is our single rose. We Aim to Please You is our 50 roses arrangement of mixed colours,” explained Nesha. She has made it her duty recently to travel abroad in order to bring back something different for Valentine’s. “We have a wide selection of silk arrangements. Come and see 50 shades of flowers this Valentine’s. Every petal is a different colour in the Rainbow Rose. A lot of people go for that rose, especially to give it to a male. Our beautiful rose bouquets are limited. We also stock mixed flower bouquets. Our single roses start from $2000 wrapped all nicely in a plastic with a complimentary little card. We have chocolates ranging from $500 to $15,000. Indulge her in chocolates if she is worth it. We have

a wide variety of teddy bears also. They are really soft, really snugly; not stuff that you are going to see around.” A delivery service will be available today and tomorrow for those who perhaps wish to send something to an office. The telephone numbers are 227 3553 and 225 3315. Nesha’s Flowerland will be opened from 8 am to 7 pm today and from 6 am to 6 pm tomorrow. “Nesha’s Flowerland is the place to be because we have been in the flower business for the past 20 years in Guyana and we have been satisfying our customers with the best of our products. We do not use plastic vases or containers for our arrangements so you are getting quality at the same time,” said Nesha. A special order will also be accommodated by Nesha’s Flowerland.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Clash of the Regions fills NCC with waves ... From page 2

in the competitions as it will make them ‘rounded students’. “Children ask your parents to bring you out on Saturday to the Children’s Costume Parade, starting at Parade Ground and then to the

National Park. Come out and support our children and teachers,” she urged. As the competition rolled into gear Hopetown Primary from Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) stunned the NCC as

they performed a piece, in the 5-7 years category, titled School Days. In this year’s competition, compared to 2014, there were more entries in the masquerade category. This art form was feared to be a dying art

Our First People performing ‘Wabo Treno’, done by Mainstay Lake Primary from Region 2 (Photos by Delano Williams)

form and the persistent efforts of the Ministry of Culture, collaborating with the Education Ministry, have somewhat revived it. As the second half of the competition commenced the senior groups

brought their ‘A’ game as their performances displayed admirable coordination and immense talent. The newly added ‘hip hop’ category saw many entries, showcasing the talents of the male students.

The competition continues today with Calypso and Dramatic Poetry at the NCC, starting at 9:30hrs sharp while the Costume Parade is set to kick off tomorrow from the Parade Ground.

Sparta Primary of Region 2 doing a ‘Ring Dance’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Mash plans moving smoothly as countdown begins – Children’s Costume Parade slated for tomorrow

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally MASHRAMANI 2015 plans are moving along smoothly as the day draws near, with the Children’s Costume Parade slated for tomorrow. All events are being held under this year’s theme, “One People, One Culture, One Celebration”. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport last year put a different twist on things as they introduced a commemorative intelligence section to the usual social aspect of the celebrations. Mashramani, often abbreviated to “Mash”, celebrates Guyana’s becoming a Republic in 1970. The festival includes a parade, music, games and cooking, and is intended to commemorate Guyana’s attainment of Republican status. With the response to this segment being overwhelming, the ministry is yet again hosting a Mashramani Republic Lecture which is set for February 17 at the National Library in Georgetown and there is also an ongoing ‘Mash’ Exhibition at the National Museum that will conclude on March 6. Mash Secretariat Coordinator, Lennox Canterbury, in an interview with this

emony to commemorate the day’s activities, and cultural programmes would enhance our knowledge of “Mash”. Meanwhile, he encouraged persons to come out and support the Children’s Costume Parade tomorrow. “This parade starts at the Parade Ground on Middle Street, and traverses the road into Camp Street, then into Lamaha Street, left into Albert Street and proceeds to the National

Children’s Mash Parade 2014

Some students visiting the National Museum to view the Mash Exhibition

publication, pointed out that the committee was lauded for last year’s initiatives, and since there are a few aspects of Guyana’s history going into extinction, it was decided to continue the commemorative intelligence section to revive our history and educate the public. According to the Coordinator of the Mash Secretariat, “so far the committee has successfully completed the Junior Calypso competition, Chutney competition and the finals of the Carib Soca Monarch competition is set for tomorrow. All steel pan competitions have been completed; only the steel pan concerts that will be in Linden and Parika are outstanding.”

One of the displays at the National Museum

FLAG-RAISING IN ALL REGIONS He also said all regions would have a flag-raising cer-

Park for judging.” Mashramani is a time when the oneness of the people of Guyana is distinctly on showcase as we celebrate our successes as a nation. This is also the time when our creativity is most ingenuously highlighted and it’s the effort of the committee to enhance those skills and talents to their optimum, in order to preserve Guyana’s rich history.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Guyana’s timber legality discussions with EU on track By Clifford Stanley

G U YA N A h a s m e t all the requirements to ensure that logs exported to the EU have been legally harvested. Chairman of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) James

Singh said last week that Guyana is on track for a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union (EU) with respect to its Forest Laws Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) regime. Guyana exports mil-

lions of dollars in forestry products to Europe annually. Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) between the EU and timber-exporting countries are a central element of the EU FLEGT Action Plan to support forest

sector reforms and prevent illegal timber products from entering the EU market. The FLEGT VPA will serve to safeguard this market for local forestry products by ensuring that each piece of timber which emanates from the country is traceable. The VPA will help ensure that only timber verified to be legal under Guyana law can be exported to the EU. Once agreed, the V PA s w i l l i n c l u d e commitments and ac tion from both parties, notably with a license scheme to verify the legality of timber exported to the EU.

The first VPA negotiation session between Guyana and the European Union was held on 5th December, 2012 in Georgetown. Both parties agreed that the common goal was to have the VPA ratified by September 2015. Commissioner Singh said last week that the GFC was of the view that EU FLEGT discussions were on track for completion by September 2015 but the EU had said that they wanted more consultations. The GFC accommodated the EU and as a result some dates were shifted back and consequently the September

2015 deadline will not be met. He said that the GFC and the EU have set a date for further negotiations in April when it is expected that the new deadline date will be identified and made public. He stressed: “But we have been meeting all our obligations.” The GFC and t h e E U h a v e a g re e d that the VPA should be built upon existing timber legality verification systems in Guyana which are appropriate and which serve the needs of forestry producers without putting undue burden on them.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Rental pool for road project equipment mooted at engineering conference By Clifford Stanley SOME of the major implementation challenges of road projects on the coastland can be alleviated with the establishment of a rental pool for equipment, similar to the Plant Maintenance and Hire Division of the Ministry of Public Works of years ago. Such a Division would remove the necessity for a contractor to purchase expensive equipment which will only be useful for a single project. It will also eliminate the delays caused by frequent downtime of malfunctioning equipment owned by contractors and eliminate competition in the cost of construction since contractors will all be bidding using the equipment at the same hire rates. It will also allow young university engineering graduates and other small contractors to participate in contract work although they may not have the capital to purchase the specialized equipment needed for such work. The necessity for a rental pool for equipment to facili-

tate road construction works was the general consensus of engineers who participated in a recent Ministry of Public Works Engineering Conference under the theme: “Defending Guyana’s development with engineering solutions.” The idea was suggested by Chief Roads and Bridges Officer, Ministry of Public Works, Ron Rahaman during a presentation captioned: “Current Design and Implementation Challenges of Road Projects on the Coastland.” Rahaman made the suggestion within the context of delays experienced in the implementation of the East Coast of Demerara four-lane extension from Better Hope to Lusignan and the East Bank Demerara four-lane extension which goes from Providence to Diamond. He observed that there were many occasions when a contractor needed one special equipment which may be owned by another contractor but then he would have to purchase it as he may not have the leeway to get it from that contractor. “They do that and when they are finished using it,

it just ends up sitting there gathering dust,” he said. SMALL MARKET A participant observed that what complicated the situation was that locally there was a very small market for road construction. He said: “To expect contractors to fully equip themselves to perform the kind of projects that we perform every now and then is not an economical proposition.” He said this is the dilemma that is faced and therefore it is expected that the Government may have a significant management role to play in this regard. There used to be a Plant Maintenance and Hire Division in the Ministry of Works precisely because of this problem so that smaller contractors can hire equipment since road construction work is highly mechanised. During the debate by the engineers, the only issue on which there was lack of consensus was whether this endeavour should be a private sector operation or an activity of the Government through the Ministry of Public Works.

Speeding,tiredness cited in three recent fatal accidents THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported Wednesday that three fatal accidents occurred recently on the roadways and according to investigations they were caused by speeding and tiredness. In one case the accident occurred when an unlicensed 15-year-old reportedly took a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and was speeding along the roadway, a press release stated. In the other two instances, the drivers were “overworked” and drove the vehicles while in a tired state of mind and this caused them to lose control of the vehicles. Meanwhile, the Traffic Department is urging owners of motor vehicles to make every

fundamentally that a core mandate of any Government’s fiscal management and policy must be to intervene proactively to ensure that savings are passed on to businesses and the general public, whenever international commodity prices and related events provide an opportunity to do so. Moreover, it is also in this vein that the Chamber encourages its members and other members of the private sector to wherever and within reason consider adjusting

their prices for the benefit of their consumers during this period. Meanwhile,the BCCDA in a separate release stated that it welcomes the announcement by his Excellency, President Ramotar on the 10% reduction in electricity rates. Adding that, these savings coupled with those from the recent fuel reduction will certainly help to go a far way in improving people’s standards of living, and serve as an additional boost to the

Breach of Condition of Road Service Licence 31 Careless Driving 11 Dangerous Driving 18 Fail to wear safety helmet 10 Fail to wear seat belt 52 Prohibition of the use of handheld mobile phone 10 However, 15 persons were charged for the soliciting of passengers (touting). And in a separate incident on Tuesday, ranks of a police marine patrol at Waraputa, Essequibo River, searched a boat in which an unlicensed 12-gauge shotgun and eight cartridges were found. Two men have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

J’can hairdresser remanded for drug-trafficking A JAMAICAN hairdresser was on Wednesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a drug-trafficking charge. Akeisha Anderson, 25, pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on February 8 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara, she had in her possession 606 grammes of

cocaine for the purpose. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Oswald Massiah told the court that the defendant came to Guyana on January 28 last. He added that on the day in question she was departing Guyana on Flight Jamaica Airlines, OJ152, destined for Jamaica. However, she was observed by a CANU officer acting in a suspicious manner

and a subsequent search was carried out on her possessions. Representing the defendant was attorney-at-law, Mr. Mark Conway. He requested bail in a reasonable sum for Anderson, stating that she is a diabetic. Bail was however refused, and the matter transferred to the Providence Court for today for report and fixtures.

Vendor gets two-year suspended sentence for simple larceny A VENDOR who resides at the East La Penitence Night Shelter was on Wednesday given a two-year suspended sentence by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for simple larceny, committed at a Shell Gas station. John Hercules, 39,pleaded guilty to the charge that said on February 11 at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, he

GCCI, BCCDA welcome 10% reduction in electricity rates THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) along with the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) have welcomed His Excellency, Donald Ramotar’s announcement of the 10% reduction in electricity rates. The GCCI in a release disclosed that they are heartened by the news that electricity rates are going to be reduced by 10% starting in March. The Chamber believes

effort to prevent unlicensed persons from having access to the keys of their vehicles; and at the same time the police are calling on motorists, as far as practicable, not to continue driving a motor vehicle once they recognise that they are in a tired state. The Traffic Department is continuing to work assiduously to prevent vehicular accidents, especially those resulting in the loss of life. During the period February 2 to 8, 2015, a number of cases have been made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws. These include: Speeding 662 Driving Under the Influence 27

manufacturing and processing sectors. “The positive ripple effects this reduction will generate should help to improve confidence in our economy and continue to attract new investors. “However, we continue to call for speedy progress in realising the potential of our renewable energy sources, because cheap energy source is the life-line for the manufacturing and processing sectors, and our economy as a whole.”

stole one bottle of cream soda, one bottle of Vita Malt, and one bottle of Smalta, together valued $680, property of the Shell Gas Station. The unrepresented man told the court that he was previously charged for littering. However, Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, informed the court that Hercules had been charged with

simple larceny two years ago. Mangru said on the day in question, Hercules went to the supermarket section of the said gas station and consumed the articles mentioned in the charge. He subsequently exited without paying for them. He was also ordered to repay the total cost for the articles mentioned in the charge.

Angoy’s Avenue man gets three years – for ganja in pants crotch

DWAYNE Stafford of Ogleton Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam was found with 50 grams of cannibas sativa in his pants crotch following a police raid near his home last week Friday. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the New Amsterdam Court. Police Sergeant Phillip Sherriff, prosecuting, said that police were on mobile patrol in vehicle PPP 4934 in the defendant’s hometown. While in the vicinity of his home, the defendant was seen acting suspiciously, and was

stopped and searched by Constable Lynch, who unearthed a black plastic bag containing several transparent Ziploc bags which contained leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be portions of the cannabis sativa plant. He was arrested and taken to Central Police Station where the illegal drug was weighed and charges instituted. Meanwhile, although the defendant accepted the facts presented by the prosecution, he denied that the drug was weighed in his presence. However he pleaded guilty and asked for leniency.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Accused duo in fireman’s murder acquitted By Jeune Bailey-VanKeric THE duo, Hallman Hunte and Sohan Busjit, who faced a joint indictment over the murder of a fireman, was acquitted on Monday following a unanimous verdict by the twelve-member jury, which included two women. However, the verdict came as a surprise to Senior State Counsel Judith Gildharie-Mursalin, who was of the opinion that the State had sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction. Further, she observed that two jurors seemingly shared a close relationship, as the arm of a male juror was seen thrown behind that of his nearby female peer, as they stared at the defence lawyers with what appeared to be a grin of approval, while the foreman returned the ‘not guilty’ verdict. In addressing Justice Brassington Reynolds, Ms. Mursalin said the Number One accused, Hallman Hunte, faced additional charges of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and common assault. Further, he faces a joint indictment with his co-accused, Sohan Busjit, for

the offences of robbery under arms. The robbery-underarms case is the second indictment, while the first was the just-concluded murder trial, and is listed as Number 23 on the list of cases to be heard at the Berbice Assizes during the February sessions. However, addressing the men in the dock, the Judge said, “You have heard what the jury said; they have found you both not guilty. You are now discharged. I was informed that you have outstanding matters.” Following the dismissal, Busjit was returned to the New Amsterdam prison, while Hunte was taken to the Reliance Police Station where he was detained. Meanwhile, in their defence, the accused men denied that they were at the scene. In an unsworn statement in the dock, Hunte said, “Your Honour, I am innocent; I never had a matter at the Whim Magistrate Court at 2011. Neither was I in prison in 2010. I never attended Alness Living Water Assembly Church with Nadine Crawford or Jane Hawker. I didn’t know where they lived. I never robbed Nadine Craw-

ford, or kill Delon Collins. I am innocent.” Meanwhile, defence witness, Clerk of Court Shanice Joseph, being led by Attorney-at-Law Ramesh Rajkumar, said that she was assigned to the Whim Magisterial District and observed that there was no record for Hallman Hunte in relation to the year 2010, for the Corentyne Magisterial District, which includes the Whim Magistrate Court. According to the custodial of the magisterial dockets, Hunte was never charged or placed before the court in 2010. Responding to questions advanced by State Counsel Mursalin, the witness said that each case emanating from the Corentyne Magisterial District would be kept in her custody. “I went a little further in my examination of the records to 2008, but did not find anything. I confined the search to 2010 because that was what was requested. I did not find anything until 2012. I checked for the name Lennox Hunte as that was his call name. The filing clerk has the responsibility to record every

single docket, and I would verify it. I am not aware that persons can be charged and their names are not recorded in the book.” Further the witness said, “I know Hallman Hunte was at the Whim Magistrate Court. I was the clerk to the Magistrate at that time. Roughly seventy cases are called per day and I would remember most persons who would appear before the Magistrate between January and December 2013. I knew Hallman Hunte before. If he was there in 2010 I would have known he was there. Once persons consistently attend court I will remember them,” she concluded. Another defence witness Linden Cornette, Officer-in-Charge of the New Amsterdam Prisons, told the Judge and the mixed jury that on perusing the prison journal it did not reflect that Hallman Hunte, also called Lennox Hunte, was a prisoner in 2010. Questioned by Mursalin, the witness, who is also the keeper of the prisoners and their records replied, “I confined my search to 2010. I know Ms. Nadine Crawford.

I have knowledge of her working at the Prison. I do not know when she assumed duty, but in October 2012, she was introduced to me as the Welfare Officer.” Meanwhile, the other accused, Sohan Busjit, revealed that he left Guyana two weeks before Christmas in 2011. “I do not know nothing about what Crawford talking about. I never see Nadine Crawford, I never knew her. On the identification parade, Mr. Persaud put me in the identification parade. Two minutes later the door opened and he say you all come out. Mr. Persaud call me saying Busjit come this way. Mr. Persaud told me that I was the one that people pointed out. I ask Mr. Persaud if I can see the people and he say the people jumped into a car and they drove away. Mr. Persaud took me to a table and had a seat. My fist was in a cuff. He placed a pen in my hand and told me to write my name Sohan Busjit. Since the middle of November I left Guyana and went to Suriname. In January 2012 I was deported from Suriname. I am innocent of this charge.

I never knew Hallman Hunte on the road. I met Hallman in 2012 February in prison after he went to court.” Meanwhile Senior Superintendent [ag] Cornette, who returned to the witness box, said he reviewed the records of Sohan Busjit between November 17 to December 24, 2011 and the accused was not a prisoner. However, being cross-examined by State Counsel Mursalin, the witness said after he was confronted by Officer Jessame, he confirmed that Busjit was a prisoner while Nadine Crawford was the probation officer attached to the prisons. The witness further confirmed that the prisoner Busjit was interviewed by Crawford on November 11, 2011, during which period she was asked to contact his relatives on a given telephone number [337-1773] “Further the Prison Officer confirmed that Busjit was discharged from the New Amsterdam Prison into the custody of the police on December 14, 2011.” The prosecution’s main witness Ms. Nadine Crawford Turn to page 17 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Contractor kicks former employee he owed money Court told...

A CONTRACTOR who kicked his former employee, who went to collect outstanding wages, was fined $10,000 on a charge of common assault by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday. The 45-year-old, Mario Nimatali, appeared at the New Amsterdam Court

where he pleaded guilty to the charge. Police Sergeant Phillip Sherriff, prosecuting, said that Kelvin Madramootoo was employed as a chauffeur by the defendant. On September 14 last year, the virtual complainant was at the Albion Estate when the defendant approached him,

Accused duo in fireman’s...

From page 16

recounted that she knew her fiancé, Delon Collins three months prior to him meeting his demise on Christmas Eve. Together with her three children, and her mother, the witness, lived with Collins at her home at Lot 21 Alness Village. It was at 20.45hrs, moments before Christmas, when the couple along with the children, left the home for Rose Hall Town in motor car PMM 5332 which was driven by Collins. Whilst at the Rose Hall Township, they went site-seeing and conducted last minute shopping , before stopping at the Spready’s Snackette at Port Mourant, before returning home at 23:00 hrs. “The now deceased stopped the car in the driveway, allowing the children to exit the back seat. I gave Joshua Crawford, my son, the key to open the northern gate and the door to the garage. As the door was opened the now deceased drove into the garage, whilst I remained seated in the front seat. I then turned to pick items from the back seat, when I heard a scream. It was from one of my girls. I did not know which one. I spoke to the now deceased before exiting the car.” According to the witness, who incidentally is a Probation and Welfare Officer, she recalled being on the second stairs when she was confronted by a short East Indian male, who was armed with a gun. ‘He held my throat. He was demanding that I lie down. He stripped me of my gold chain valued $32,000, a pair of gold earrings valued $7000, and I gave him a silver ring, which cost $3000. It was not the first time I saw the man who took off my jewels. I saw him twice. Once when I was working at

the Guyana Prison Service. I heard the car door slammed. I saw the now deceased. I heard what appeared to be a gunshot. The gunman was demanding more jewellery and money. I shouted for my son to bring my purse, which had $17,000 and my bank card. The short East Indian guy took my purse’. Further, the witness said, another masked individual was pointing a gun to the right side of her temple as the East Indian man took her purse. “Afterwards, the masked man was searching the car and thereafter signalled the East Indian male for them to leave.” “I then turned my attention to the garage, where I saw Delon Collins lying facing east. I ran to him. I touched him, but he was motionless. Water was thrown on Delon Collins, then I saw what appeared to be blood coming from his left side. He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he subsequently died.” Meanwhile, during her cross-examinations by Defence Counsel Ramesh Rajkumar, Presiding Judge Brassington Reynolds noted that he was befuddled with respect to the nautical description of the witness, house, garage, shop and fence. However, in her response to the other Defence Counsel Horatio Edmonson, the witness said that on the night of the incident she was not wearing her spectacles. She said two weeks before the incident, she saw Sohan Busjit in the prison yard and at that time she was wearing her eyeglasses. Nevertheless, Ms. Crawford related that she did not know who shot the deceased as he was shot outside of the garage.

saying he was no longer in his employ. However, the unwritten arrangement was that for every trip made in transporting sugar or molasses from the Albion Estate to the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, a ticket would be issued. Subsequently, all accumulated

tickets would be submitted for payment. But following his dismissal, Madramootoo approached the wife of the defendant, who is the financial officer, for his money. He was given $15,000 and was told to return for the balance. On October 3, he visited his former employer at his Strand Road residence where the defendant was seated on his stairway having lunch.

The virtual complainant requested his money. But the defendant became annoyed, and while using a series of expletives told his former employee that he had nothing to get. The complainant admitted that he raised his voice, and it was during this period Nimatali raised his right foot and kicked him. As a result, he went to the Central Police Station

where ranks subsequently instituted the charge. Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law Ramesh Rakjumar told the court that the virtual complainant had approached his former employer while under the influence of alcohol. The lawyer conceded that there was some measure of anger between the duo and that his client was regretful over the incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Teacher, nurse charged with assaulting each other

– following unsatisfactory school recommendation A TEACHER and a nurse who assaulted each other following a disagreement over a recommendation, appeared Tuesday before New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs who granted them $10,000 bail each. Deputy Headmistress of Berbice High School, Tracy Helligar pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm committed on Nurse Jasmattie Goberdan. Goberdan is charged with assaulting Tracy Helligar on February 2 last. On the day in question, Goberdan went to Berbice High School, where her son once attended to get a recommendation. However, she was told by Helligar that the school did not have a secretary to have the document prepared. Goberdan reportedly stated that she had in her possession a recommendation and requested that the Deputy Headmistress sign the doc-

ument. However, Helligar allegedly turned over the document, and in red ink wrote a recommendation in her own words. After Goberdan left, she went to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she requested of a clerk to have it typewritten. The prepared document was returned to Helligar in an attempt to solicit her signature. But the teacher refused as she had never recorded that Goberdan’s son had a good attendance and punctuality record. As a result, Helligar allegedly attempted to access her original red inked document which was in Goberdan’s pants pocket. As a result they allegedly assaulted each other and Goberdan’s pants pocket was torn. The matter was then reported to Central Police Station where charges were instituted. The women are expected to return to court on April 9.

Canje man put on $250,000 bail – over rape of 13-year-old FORTY-year-old Gewan Rohit, who is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl, was ordered to post $250,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the New Amsterdam Court on Tuesday. He was not required to plead to a charge of rape. In addition, the court ordered that the defendant should not go within 100 feet of the complainant or her place of residence and he has to report to the Reliance Police Station each fortnight. Particulars of the offence state that during October 2014, the defendant, at Lot 1189 New Area Canefield, Canje, engaged in sexual penetration with a 13-yearold girl. Investigators revealed that the charge stemmed

from a complaint by the girl to her school friend. The teen told her classmate that the defendant would insert his finger into her vagina, much to her annoyance. As a result of what the friend was told, a report was made to the Probation and Welfare Office, the police were informed and subsequently charges were laid. However, in a request for reasonable bail, Attorney-at-Law, Ramesh Rajkumar said that his client had cooperated fully with the police and had attended the station and court whenever required. The lawyer submitted that there was no likelihood that his client would interfere with the witness. The case has been adjourned to March 11 for statements.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

GPHC welcomes four overseas healthcare professionals – in filling gaps of skill shortages

By Navendra Seoraj T H E G E R O G E TO W N Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) took time out Wednesday to recognise the presence of four overseas healthcare professionals, who, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, are here to assist the hospital in their commitment to fill the gaps of skill shortages. The overseas healthcare professionals include Dr. Nancy de las Mercedes Sitchao Suarez, a Consultant Pathologist from Cuba; Dr. Justo Despaigne Deslisle, a Consultant Oncologist also from Cuba; Dr. Helen Holtby, an Anesthesiologist and member of the International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF) from Toronto, Canada; and Roy Morris, a Biomedical Engineer from Memphis, USA, who is also with the ICHF. According to Minister Ramsaran, “the GPHC and the Ministry of Health is committed to filling the gaps as to why they are experiencing shortage in skills,” and the help from the overseas healthcare professionals will contribute towards them achieving that goal. Moreover, he stated, they now have a boost in addressing the issues with pathology which has been occurring for the past few months, and they can also strengthen the oncology department as well as expand anesthesiology services. Apart from the medical aspect, the biomedical engineers with the assistance of Morris will now be able to develop their knowledge on how to improve the maintenance of various equipment in the hospital. Minister Ramsaran also urged the foreign healthcare professionals to take time to pass on their skills to the locals in building the GPHC. OPEN HEART SURGERY Meanwhile, the ICHF along with the Ministry of Health have embarked on another project that involves an ICHF team coming to Guyana in April to perform open heart surgeries on a

select group of children, who are in immediate need of medical attention. Last year ICHF assisted in taking 15 Guyanese babies to the Dominican Republic to perform open heart surgeries, which were all successful. According to the Health Minister, Morris came to Guyana about a month ago to do an analysis of the hospital’s heart institute, in terms of the availability of equipment. As a follow-up, he and Dr. Holtby are back here to further develop certain areas. Speaking at the press conference, Morris stated that “if open heart surgery is introduced in Guyana it could be beneficial because not only will persons save money from not having to travel, but they will also be able to comfort their loved ones right here instead of having the agony of thinking they’re all alone in another country undergoing the surgery.” He also noted that from consistently performing this type of surgery here, local surgeons will be exposed to the process and will be able to enhance their skills. “Once we leave, the local healthcare professionals will be able to carry out the procedure, if not on a large scale they will be able to do so on a small scale,” he said. DONATIONS Morris disclosed that during his last visit he noticed that the hospital had lacked some of the equipment to carry out necessary procedures, such as a heart-lung bypass machine, ventilators and life support equipment. “Fortunately for the GPHC, the ICHF had received a heart-lung bypass machine which they will be further donating to GPHC, along with four ventilators and life support equipment,” said Morris. He added that the ICHF has been aiding the GPHC for two years and the support will be continuous as they intend to contribute to the development of Guyana’s health sector.

Minister Bheri Ramsaran (extreme left) stands for a picture with other officials of the GPHC and the foreign healthcare professionals

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

ROC 2012 report handed over to House Speaker THE annual report for the Rights of the Child Commission (ROC) for the year 2012 was yesterday presented by the Chairperson of the ROC to the Speaker of the House of Assembly. During his remarks, the

Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, at Public Buildings congratulated the Commission for its work and invited and implored all Guyanese to applaud and lend support to the work of these commissions. Trotman explained that

ROC Chairperson, Aleema Nasir hands over a copy of the annual report to Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman (Photo by Adrian Narine) briefing to our partners, the the ROC was established as media and other stakeholdone in a group of “rights” com- ers of the work done by the missions in 2001 and the goals commission pursuant to its of which are “to strengthen constitutional mandate,” Nasocial justice and the rule of sir said. She also explained law.” He also stressed that that of special importance in these Commissions established this reporting period would by the Constitution are the Hu- be the launching of the Comman Rights Commission, the mission’s 2012-2016 strateWomen and Gender Equality gic plan. “This is a landmark Commission, the Indigenous document which guided the Peoples Commission, the crafting of the annual work Rights of the Child Commis- plans in the specific period,” sion and “of course the much the chairperson related. anticipated Ethnic Relations Meanwhile, Nasir exCommission.” plained that also in the reAccording to The Speak- port, 2012 saw the establisher of the House, Article 212 ment of an engagement with says “that as soon as practi- the New Opportunity Corps cable at the end of each year (NOC). “The commission the Commission shall submit has worked with the manto the National Assembly an agement of this institution annual report of the activi- to ensure that the children ties of the previous year and who are placed in that alterthat report shall be tabled native care setting know of within 30 days thereafter.” their rights as set out,” she In closing, he empha- stressed. The commission, sised that “though we are she noted, has worked closeprorogued or suspended, the ly with a number of other National Assembly, as an in- institutions such as the Red stitution is still very much in Cross Convalescent Home to existence and as the Speaker ensure that the best practices of this National Assembly, and minimum standards are I am pleased to accept the maintained. report in keeping with the The ROC has commitconstitutional mandate.” ted itself to work steadfastAleema Nasir, Chair- ly with all stakeholders to person of the Rights of craft a general code, wherethe Child Commission ex- by the rights and interests plained that it is the pleasure of all children would be of the Commission to pres- safeguarded. “We implore ent the Annual Report for all stakeholders to always the year 2012 to the Speaker act within the spirit and of the house. She explained intent of the UNCRC (Unitthat the report encapsulates ed Nations Convention on the endeavours and achieve- the Rights of the Child) ments of the commission and the Constitution of the for the year 2012 in pursuit Republic of Guyana as we of the protection, education feel that both documents and empowerment of the sufficiently contemplate the children of Guyana. interests and well-being of “It is our anticipation the children of Guyana,” that such reports may be Naris said as she concluded able to provide an important her remarks.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Fogarty’s mourns passing of Rose Bud Cafeteria’s manager MANAGER of Laparkan’s (Fogarty’s) Rose Bud Cafeteria, Mr. Jaisefo Ramoutar, also called Jai/Rambo died last Friday following a brief period of illness. He ws 53. Having complained of feeling unwell, he was being taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. News of the death of Mr. Ramoutar who had held the position of Manager at the Rose Bud Cafeteria for the last seven years, has left the company in a

state of utter shock. Human Resources Manager, Ms. Lynette Shiwlochan, recalled she had worked with Mr. Ramoutar for almost three years, during which time she has seen him as a father figure, very respectable, always willing to help. “When it comes to customers, the customer was his number one priority. He was a very loving gentleman; always talked about his family and had a great affinity for his staff and treated them with warmth and

closeness as though they were his children. We were like a family in the Rose bud Cafeteria under him.” And Elizabeth Leander, Supervisor at the Cafeteria, described him as a strong leader. She said the staff had come to see him as a brother and friend. “We will miss Mr. Ramoutar for many reasons. We stood by each other for business and as a family,” she said. Meanwhile, his wife, Mrs. Nadira Ramoutar who recalled

what a wonderful husband Jai was, said that, prior to joining the Laparkan team, he also worked at the Regency Suites, National Hardware, Georgetown Club (for over 18 years); VIP Fast Food and National Printery. Mr. Jaisefo Ramotar is survived by his wife Nadira; one sister and other relatives. A book of condolences is open at the Rose Bud Cafeteria for signing by mourners and sympathizers.

Mr. Jaisefto Ramoutar, late manager of Rose Bud Cafeteria

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 13, 2015

Biker has instep amputated after collision with car at Bagotstown A MOTOR mechanic has had his right instep surgically amputated following an accident with a speeding motor car on the Bagotstown Public Road last Saturday. The victim, 45-year-old Christopher Holder, (Snr.) of 39 Section “B”, Block “X” Diamond, told the Guy-

ana Chronicle that around 15:20 hrs, he was riding his sport bike Yamaha R6 motorcycle CG 8891 along the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara, and was heading towards M&M Snackette when the accident happened. Holder recalls that as he was in the vicinity of the

former KFC Restaurant, he looked around and saw that the road was clear. He said he continued riding and suddenly heard the screeching of tyres behind him. The next thing he knew was that he was knocked clean off his motorcycle and on impact was thrown prostrate on the roadway and his bike

was on him. The injured man lay on the road for quite sometime, according to witnesses, before being picked up and taken to hospital. Eventually an elderly man stopped and with the help of the errant motorist, placed the injured mechanic into his car and rushed him to the AcciChristopher Holder on his hospital bed

dent and Emergency(A&E) Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). He was later taken to the theatre where doctors amputated the instep. The tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges were crushed beyond repair and so had to be

amputated in order to save the entire leg becoming gangrenous. However, he was taken back to the theatre yesterday for further surgery. Following the accident, the motorist was taken into police custody.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

GGMC to beef-up field staff - to garner more revenue from mining sector this year

THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will be beefing up its staff in the hinterland to try to garner more revenue from the

gold and diamond mining sector this year. Commissioner Rickford Vieira has said that an increase in at-site facilities and personnel on the ground will

For Friday February 13, 2015: 10:30hrs For Saturday February 14, 2015: 12:00hrs

aim at ensuring that miners in remote areas declare all the gold they produce. The at-site facilities will also make it easier for miners to interact with the agency since these would relieve many of them of the inconvenience and expense of having to travel to the coastland to conduct their business legitimately. He acknowledged that because of the vastness of the areas of interest this was likely to be an uphill task but the GGMC was combining this expansion with appeals and moral suasion to miners to comply with their obligations to their country. He said that the GGMC was also working closely with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) towards this end. Vieira disclosed too that miners who make declarations above a certain amount will be rewarded with duty free allowances for certain desirable classes of vehicles for their operations. The GGMC recently opened a sub-office at Lethem in Region 9 (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takatu) as part of its planned atsites expansion for 2015. (Clifford Stanley)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Aries A call from a romantic partner could lead to an intimate get-together. It’s likely to be highly gratifying emotionally and bring you closer together. Passionate poetry and sexy novels could especially appeal to you right now. If you’re into writing, you could channel your rush of sensuality into producing results that are so well thought out that they surprise even you. Get started! Taurus Creative projects that you may have been working on for a while could prove especially ego boosting. You’re doing a great job. A change of employment and increase in income may be in the works. If you don’t feel passionate about what you’re doing, expect the chance to become involved in an enterprise that you do feel strongly about. New ideas and opportunities could change your life. Gemini You’re an appealing person, but today you could project more magnetism than ever. Don’t be surprised if you draw admiring glances from strangers you pass in the street. Romance should be going very well for you. A hot date with a current or potential love partner could take place tonight. You might also be feeling especially artistic and inspired. Consider this a gift and use it. Cancer Today you may contemplate changes in your home. They could be physical, like redecorating, refurnishing, or remodelling. Or someone could move in or out. Whatever the change, it’s likely to be fortunate. If you’re thinking of such a change, you can proceed confidently. You should be feeling especially inspired now, so be creative and manifest whatever has been on your mind for some time. Leo If you aren’t currently romantically involved, today you might suddenly see an old friend or neighbour in a new light. This can be thrilling, but it might not be a good idea to do anything about it just yet. You’re feeling especially sensual today, and therefore any attraction you feel could pass by tomorrow. If you’re presently involved, schedule a romantic evening with your partner. Virgo Your financial situation could undergo some positive upheaval now, probably as the result of a career advance. This process is likely to continue today, as social events put you in touch with valuable contacts. It might be a good idea to listen to others today and not try to voice ideas of your own or make any decisions. Too much input could lead to mental overload and a lack of focus. Libra A powerful desire for change could have you thinking of travelling, or perhaps relocating to a distant state or foreign country. Friends who live far away could be trying to convince you to join them. This isn’t a minor decision. It requires careful thought. You might be tempted to act impulsively, but wait for a while. In a few days, you will know if the change is right for you. Scorpio Some vivid and interesting dreams could bring a lot of repressed memories up and force you to confront them. This could be a bit disconcerting, but still positive. Psychological obstacles to financial success and romantic happiness could be cleared away, which could change your life. It’s vital that you write down your dreams. You won’t want to miss out on this. Sagittarius A transformation in your circle of friends could occur today and change your life. Someone exciting could move in nearby, and you could hit it off. Expect stimulating conversations and fascinating new information. If you aren’t currently involved, this person could be a potential romance. At least you will make a new friend. Take a close look and don’t initiate things too quickly. Capricorn Opportunities to do well-paying creative work could come to your attention today, perhaps online. You will probably like it, as it may give you freedom. Whether you actually want to try it or not depends on your situation. You might want to get some chores done around the house today in order to leave free time tomorrow for whatever you want to do. Something exciting might happen. Aquarius Aquarius, you probably feel especially sexy and passionate now. You may enjoy browsing through catalogues of rich fabrics or furniture. Erotic novels could also appeal to you. If you’re currently involved, you may want to spend the evening alone with your partner. If you aren’t, don’t be surprised if you attract someone new. Either way, you will draw admiring glances from strangers. Pisces Legal matters should definitely work in your favour today, particularly any involving property. You’re likely to feel positive about life, and your home life should be especially gratifying. Sex and romance also could be on your mind. If you can get together with a lover, you will probably grow quite a bit closer. Artistic projects, particularly regarding the home, should also go well.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Tel # 616-0301/ 699- 6156

Well, Valentine is here again, and with it comes that rush of romantic adrenaline... So, naturally, our pages are laced with heady hunks, dashing lasses, and exciting locations for you to enjoy that special feeling. Of course we allowed space for your customary soothing features, and allowed the presence of those who stood out on our many entertainment exploits, allowed few lashes for those who erred and fell by the wayside, and allowed a little humour to make your day. Do enjoy fans, and join us next Friday for another serving of the deliciously created ‘Bombshell Pudding’. See ya...

The ladies soliciting corner

Roshad Lall: A Guyanese cheesecake broiling with forbidden nectar

Lick your fingers and drool in anticipation, ladies…

Joke of the Day!

My three-year-old sat in the bathroom with me, watching as I  removed my dentures and brushed them. After a few minutes, he asked, “Can you take your ears off too?”

HE’S hot and pulsating, dashingly attractive and is dubbed by Bombshell as ‘A Persian royal with that special Midas touch’. This dude is like none who has ever graced our pages, and let me tell you why: His sensuous lips hold tales of unbridled romance, locked away in a jeweled chest of erotic treasures. His toned and comforting biceps unleash scorching degrees of provocative pleasure, laced with a certain comforting and rare form of masculine security…. And I can go on and on. Yes, ladies, I know I am getting you all piped up…. Sorry divas… Don’t blame me… It’s Roshaad that has your adrenaline escalating to screeching degrees. What are you waiting for my damsels? Don’t you want to be embraced by his chiseled form, and melt at the knees as you stare into his intense eyes that speak volumes of the romantic bliss he can bring you? His fiery heart thumps rhythmically as it gurgles with a strange language of infinite love, whilst his sinewy thighs emit messages that will mould your soul and cause you to ooze with ecstatic delight. My gosh, I am sweating!!! What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man!!! Roshaad enjoys reading; is good at martial arts and swimming, and works out regularly to keep his superb form.

Roshad is certainly a dude to die for… And his wildest fantasy is to be enrolled in the US Army, but not for the purpose of warfare. Instead, he wants to use this forum to help persons who are victims of natural disasters. His strengths lie in his academic achievements and his virile athletic abilities. That aside, he admits that his only weakness is not being able to say ‘no’, even when his every instinct dictates that he should. Talk about unrelenting kindness…. Now, my good ladies, this dude makes being educated a priority, and is not looking for a playmate, as you may think. Instead, he is gracing our pages with the ‘tropical magic’ he brings to every forum upon his entrance. So, with pleasure, we serve up a sparkling platter upon which is perched this delightful Guyanese cheesecake, broiling with forbidden nectars.

Valentine’s special …

Sixth Annual Cupid’s ChokeHold Party on at Gravity Lounge SOME give you chocolates, some give you flowers, some wine and dine, but we spread the love differently by bringing back the first International party DJ that started it all -- DJ Jerry West from Zen Night Club -- alongside P-Star Perry.

We have the music, we have the potions, we have the Fantasy girls, and love is in the air; if you don’t have it, get it at Pulse’s 6th Anniversary Party -“Cupid’s Chokehold” -- on Saturday, 14th February, at Gravity Lounge. Tickets cost $2000 before, but more at the door.

Full Bloom Entertainment to host ‘Valentine Red & White’ Affair

ITH the Valentine buzz escalating like crazy, Full Bloom Entertainment and Promoter Blackie are both set to unleash their very lavish ‘Valentine Red & White Affair’. Slated for tomorrow night at Nichola’s Place, (Train Station, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo), this event will showcase glitzy and glamorous décor geared at exuding the love and romance associated with the season. Patrons are certainly in for a treat

in that the first 50 ladies arriving will receive a complimentary Valentine rose and a beverage of their choice. That aside, the Best Dressed Valentine Couple will win a smashing prize, while the ‘Biggest Crew in Red and White’ would be in for a pleasant surprise. Those attending the event will also receive giveaways all night, compliments of Digicel. Music will be provided by the Super Ray One Man Band, ‘Killer Feelings’ from the African Vibes Sounds, and of course the Slingerz Family Sound System.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

To-To Gas Station to host Mash 5-5 Softball Showdown

THE Mashramani frenzy is headed to the Westside, and the To-To Gas Station Crew is also caught up in the festivities. Come February 23, 2015, these promoters will bring to the platter their ‘Mashramani 5-5 Softball Cricket Fantasia’ that will see several ‘day and night clashes’ amongst top teams from the Westside. While this event is slated for the Parika Community Centre Ground, teams desirous of competing are required to pay a $15,000 entrance fee. The winners will

be able to share in a whopping $400,000 in cash and prizes, which would be up for grabs. While the event begins at midday, the final stage will be played under floodlights. Music will be provided by Slingerz Family, High 5, and Matrix Sounds. This event is sponsored by Safo, ToTo Gas Station, Ruben and Sunny Saw Mills, A & S Lumber Yard, Chico Cargo Boast Service, Mangal Lumber Yard, and Sharmilla’s Variety Store.

You Shouldn’t Do That !!!

How can schoolboys be so dumb? WELL, I certainly expected that when young school boys are sent by their elders to get a proper education, they should at least know right from wrong and learn over time to act responsibly. This was certainly not the case when our cameras found two school boys doing the unthinkable in the New Amsterdam/Fort Canje District, recently. You see folks, teenage boys had just completed a session at the summer classes that were being conducted in the area, and one of them, in the company of the other, just marched across the road and purposely perched himself atop a metal box that contained high voltage wiring, when the sign clearly dictated ‘Danger: High Voltage’ Come on folks! Shouldn’t he know better? Think of all the negatives and horrors that could occur if something should go wrong, and that live wire, for some strange reason, happen to become loose

‘Bai, you want some good lashes from the fuses and sockets that hold them together? The rest is just horrid imagination... School children, alyuh ears hard!! Mek yuh parents proud and act like sane-thinking, responsible citizens. “If dis bai was me son, ah woulda tan he hide

red wid ah leadda belt.” Hey Alex, these are Berbice High School boys at the ‘Four Corner’ junction in the New Amsterdam/Fort Canje district. They were just out of summer lessons at their school, which is obliquely opposite the junction.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Carlsberg ‘Treasure Chest’ headed your way…

WITH you in mind, the Carlsberg/Southland International Crew is headed your way with every intention of having you savour the ‘Golden Experience’. On Tuesday, February 10, the Publik Burger and Wing House had staged their promotion, which saw four Carlsberg Beer and six chicken wing pieces being sold for a whopping $3000. Then it was the Duke Lodge in Kingston on the following day, with three beers for $1000 at their Wednesday Night Karaoke Siesta. Tonight the Carlsberg Models and Promoting Crew head to Seeta’s Bar in Kitty, where the mega ‘Happy Hour Saga’ continues. From 8-10 pm on this date, the 704 Lounge comes alive with the Carlsberg Divas as they stage their Happy Hour feature during the NBA All Star Finals’ Showdown. Similar such activities will be going on simultaneously at the Garage (South Ruimveldt), Hibiscus location (Middle Street, Georgetown) and of course at Duke Lodge (Kingston, Georgetown) From 3pm tomorrow, the action fires up at the Club Harmony (Parfaite Harmonie) with an all-day beer

special. Folks in the city can enjoy similar offers at the 704 Sports Bar (NBA All Star Games) from 8-10pm. On Sunday, February 15, it’s double excitement again when the hot Carlsberg models execute the same initiative at the said location during the NBA All Star Game from 8-10pm. Seeram’s Bar in Alexander Village will also be staging its leg of the Happy Hour Promotion on this day, from 8-10 pm. Meanwhile, tomorrow will see Club Harmony come alive with a special Valentine Treat as, folks there stage their ‘Valentine Special’ with performances by a top one man band. Couples on the West Side are encouraged to express their love to their significant other there, and enjoy Carlsberg specials from 15:00hrs into the evening onwards. Then on February 22, folks would be engulfed in a scorching ‘Chutney/Soca Fever when this club stages its ‘Mash Chutney/Soca Road Jam’, featuring the 2015 International Chutney Monarch performing alongside Guyana’s Chutney King, Bill Rogers, and other popular local artistes.

Photo of the Week

CREATING A STIR ...

OME persons just naturally create a stir wherever they go, and they are quite popular for making grand entrances. These two persons are my favourites, not because I am familiar with them, but simply because they never fail to make heads turn whenever they step out in style. Their fashion ideas are always electric, and one must say thanks to their designer, Jason Shurland. If we can be enthralled by this delightful couple, why can’t we also be delighted by the likes of you. Just make sure you are dressed to kill when coming out, because the almost undetectable Bombshell camera might just be right outside your door!

Dates for Link Show 2015 changed… ORGANISERS of the Link Show masterpiece regret to inform that the dates for this fantastic event have now been rearranged due to unforeseen circumstances. The new dates are now February 20 and 21, with additional shows on February 27 and 28. A grand finale is also slated for March 01, 2015. On these dates, Link Show 31 would take to the stage

of the National Cultural Centre. The first Link Show was staged in November 1981. It followed that trend for 3 years, then, in 1985, the annual show moved to February, and that is where it has stayed for the past 27 years. Link Show has become synonymous with Mashramani, and in keeping with the themes of the lyrics of calypso competitions, Link Show represents the dramatic satire that is very fitting for the season. The Link Show has been attracting large audiences over the years. It is the longest and most popular satirical stage production in Guyana. It has done several tours overseas to countries with a heavy diaspora presence. This year, with elections on the heels of opening dates, one can expect ‘an election link’ and a lot of predictions on the outcome. The annual satirical review will run from February 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th and March 1st. There is no guarantee that repeat shows would be held, so patrons are asked to get their tickets early and secure their seats. Tickets will be on sale at the National Cultural Centre, Nigel’s Supermaket, Giftland OffcieMax, and at Ashmin’s Trading. Prices are $2500, $2000 & $1500 respectively. Cast members include Henry Rodney, Rajan Tiwari, Mark Luke-Edwards, Randolph Critchlow, Mark Kazim, Paul Budnah, Sean Budnah, Michael Ignatius, Simone Dowding, Sonia Yarde, Leslyn Fraser, Nirmala Narine, Nicola Moonsammy, Tashandra Inniss, and Nuriyyih Gerrad. Link Show is being directed by the evergreen Ron Robinson, produced by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, and would be presented by The Theatre Company and GEMS Theatre Productions. Patrons are advised to observe the NCC dress code and be punctual.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Carib Soca Monarch Final is on tomorrow!!! THE proverbial bar has been set in the sky for the 2015 Carib Soca Monarch Final set for tomorrow night!!

Vanilla Jomo

Lil Red

Ernesta Nelson

East Coast Auto and Vehicle Sound-off slated for Feb. 28

WESTSIDERZ Entertainment presents the biggest car and bike show ever to be held on the East Coast of Demerara. It is called the East Coast Auto and Vehicle Sound-Off, and is slated to be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2015, at the Better Hope Community Centre Ground ECD. Music will be provided by #TRS and Big Life Sound System, and the MC would be DJ Golden Chyld. There would be lots of cash and trophies to be won at this event. There will also be musical clashes between Star Cars, T-Rex, Avengers, Red Jet, Wreaker, Massive and others. Gates will be open from 4pm, and sound-off will start from 10pm. Admission costs $1000; vehicle pass costs $1000, and competition fee is $3000 per vehicle. This event is made possible by Carib Beer, Sky Vodka, Trans-Pacific Motor Spares and Auto Sales, Deals on Electronic, Mobile Solution, Seeta’s Bar, Miracle Auto Accessories, Royal Taxi Service, Tony’s Auto Spares, Clear Water, Star Cars Auto Sales and Westsiderz Furniture Store. For more info on this event, please call 690-3210.

Fourteen artistes will meet defending champion Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson in a showdown for the right to own the crown. The 14 were selected after competing in the semi-finals at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road last Sunday morning. Those who successfully competed in front of several thousand Berbicians are George “Chiney” Abrams; Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo; Devon Lewis; Ernesta Nelson; Jonathan “Lil Red” King; Jory Hector; Kemmyanna Garnett; Levar Gittens; Mark “Iya Man” Amar; Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts; Onassis “Varity” Croker; Orlando “Bones Man” Johashen; Quacy “Avalanche” Coates, and Timika “Lady T” Nicholson. Despite the absence of crowd pleaser Adrian Dutchin, the participants showcased the variety in soca music, but it was the last man on the stage Jumo ‘Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo who put the icing on the cake and signalled that it was not going to be easy come tomorrow night. To soak up the fun, make sure you are on site at the National Park to join in the celebration when the 2015 Carib Soca Monarch queen or king is crowned.

The Business Corner…

Wafugee and you… Make sure you are on board!!! Go to www.wafugee.com and sign on Wafugee Employment Exchange. Wafugee has a comprehensive Employment Exchange in two modules, listed as “Vacancy” and “CV.” The Vacancy module allows employers to create and post a vacancy on Wafugee. Click the vacancy tab on the task bar; type your job title; state the desired skills and experience required; describe the job; say if the applicant requires to know another language; state the qualifications required and location of the job; put a deadline for the application (and we give you a calendar here) and set the publicity settings (in this case to Everyone). You can first save as a draft, which will allow you to view before publishing, and then hit ‘publish’. We incorporate an edit function in case you need to go back and make any changes or additions to your vacancy. Job seekers can now find your vacancy published. They can share this with a friend or relative who is interested, share the link to their twitter followers, and comment on their wall. If someone fits your requirements, then s/he can apply to fill the position just here in Wafugee. The applicant is allowed to state her/his name, upload a picture, provide an email, telephone number, and incorporate a resume by uploading a file from their computer, tablet or smart phone, or use their Wafugee or LinkedIn resumes. Hit your Apply Tab and that’s it! You have applied for this job in two minutes. The employer can open a dropdown marked “Actions” in the vacancy tab, and will receive and process all the applications right here. You will see the date they were submitted, can set a status for this applicant; download this applicant’s resume, or all applicants’ resumes; view

this applicant’s resume; reject, delete or pass this Applicant for an interview. You can now invite the Applicant by email or message for an interview. Resume: Publish your resume and adjust your settings in order to filter the persons/organizations that you wish to view your resume. Open the CV tab on the task bar and click “create resume”, or you can “import your LinkedIn Resume”in thirty seconds. List your basic information, including your name, date of birth, gender, marital status, address, telephone number, email; upload your picture, set your privacy setting to “Everyone”, or to “Job Seeker Group”, or to “only me” until you are ready to publish. Click the update tab and you will now enter “Summary”. State your professional headline, country and state you are authorized to work, location and current position, years of experience in the position, and a brief summary of the job you do. Hit update tab and move on to fill your “experience”, “education”, “skills” and “expertise” the same way. Continue and list your “certifications”, “language proficiency”, “publications” and other relevant information. Click the update tab and you are done. Go to the view tab to view your resume. There is a resume completion counter that will indicate your completion percentage; it will now guide you to full completion if any information is omitted. You can now fill the omissions and go to “My Resume” on the left scroll bar and publish your resume on Wafugee.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Ireland set out stall with upset of Bangladesh SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Ireland set out their stall as potential World Cup giant-killers by beating Bangladesh by four wickets in their final warm-up match at Blacktown Oval yesterday. After the Irish won the toss and chose to bowl first, Max Sorensen

(3-31) and John Mooney (3-32) took three wickets apiece as Bangladesh were dismissed for 189 in 48.2 overs. Former England top order batsman Ed Joyce hit 47 to help set the Irish on their way before Andrew Balbirnie (63 not out) and Kevin O’Brien (23) teamed up for a sixthwicket partnership of 41 to take them to the brink of victory. After O’Brien was caught behind off Taskin Ahmed, Mooney returned with his bat to add two runs and help Balbirnie steer the side past their target with just over four overs to spare. Ireland have produced shocks at both their previous World Cups, tying with Zimbabwe and beating Pakistan in 2007 and stunning England on the back of O’Brien’s 50ball century four years

later in India. The victory will be a huge confidence-boost for the Irish, who were wellbeaten by fellow Celtic minnows Scotland in their first warm-up game on Tuesday. They will certainly now fancy their chances of a victory in their tournament opener against an out-of-sorts West Indies side in Nelson, New Zealand on Monday. Bangladesh, who open their campaign against Afghanistan next Wednesday, never really managed to get their innings going and Soumya Sarkar was their top scorer with 45 from 51 balls. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam was the pick of their bowlers with two for 29 including the dismissal of Joyce, but an Irish victory never really looked in doubt.

World Cup launched ...

From back page A Maori cultural group also performed during the evening, apart from several popular New Zealand musical acts, including artistes like Hayley Westenra and Shapeshifter. The crowd grew as the sun set, and gathered around the main stage and the three big screens. Many had brought an evening meal and picnic mats. Former World Cup players including Chris Harris, Rod Latham and Geoff Allott highlighted the matches that would be played across the six New Zealand venues from atop six towers, before Richard Hadlee and Stephen Fleming also appeared. Brendon McCullum also played a role in one of the segments that featured a young boy who dreamed of becoming a great cricketer, and enlisted the assistance of Lasith Malinga, Lord of The Rings director Peter Jackson, and several other New Zealand celebrities in his quest. New Zealand prime minister John Key was also at Hagley Park, and posed for a picture with McCullum. Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel gave an impassioned welcome speech, emphasising both the challenges that an earthquake-stricken Christchurch had overcome since 2010, and also the excitement that had built up in the city, at the chance to host a major sporting event. In 2011, Rugby World Cup matches that the city had planned to host were cancelled in the wake of the two major earthquakes, but the city will now host the first match of the World Cup tomorrow. “We have been waiting for a very long time for this,” Dalziel said of Christchurch’s yearning to host fans of many nations who have already begun descending on the city. She also said the World Cup would be part of Christchurch’s resurgence in 2015. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw - a hugely popular figure in the city - and the remainder of the New Zealand cricket team received cheers when their attendance was made visible. One of the biggest fireworks displays ever seen in Christchurch brought the event to a crescendo, as the World Cup was officially declared open.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Jaguars and Pride aim to stretch lead as PCL resumes today today in the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament. Bottom-placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes will be banking on home advantage when they face chart-toppers Jaguars at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. The Hurricanes have failed to win a match this season, sinking to a heavy defeat against the Pride. Jaguars have gained a significant boost of confidence with a solid victory over the Jamaica Franchise on the road. The Jaguars, whose 13-member squad is unchanged, have won five of their previous Leon Johnson 10 matches including in the first round of this ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Leaders Guyseason’s tournament. ana Jaguars and Barbados Pride will attempt to The Hurricanes, whose side is also unstretch their lead when sixth-round matches start

changed, romped to a five-wicket win over Jaguars the last time the two teams met at this venue. Meantime, The Pride will be looking to collect their fourth straight victory when they host long-standing arch-rivals Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Kensington Oval. Pride and Red Force were last season’s top two sides – the home team lifted the NAGICO Super50 title and followed up with the R4-Day crown, while T&T finished in the runners-up spot in both competitions. This season, however, the Pride struggled in the NS50 which the full-strength Red Force won while the visitors have found the going tough in the R4-Day. Both sides are unchanged from the previ-

ous round. But the most competitive contest of the round could emerge when the Windward Islands Volcanoes meet the Jamaica Franchise at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex. Volcanoes breathed life into their season with a resounding victory over the Red Force in the previous round, at the same time that the Franchisers stumbled when they were dominated by the Jaguars. Both teams need all the points they could acquire to keep front-runners Jaguars and Pride within reach. Windwards are unchanged, but the Franchisers are the only side this round to make an adjustment, bringing Brandon King in to replace Shacaya Thomas.

GCA action continues Clarke definitely out of World Cup opener - Lehmann this weekend THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will once again have another hectic weekend of activities at grounds across the capital city. The HADI’s World Incorporated 1st Division 2-day cricket competition will be played on Saturday and Sunday. The Guyana Defence Force will visit GNIC while the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will be at home against the Guyana Police Force (GPF), with both games set for a 09:30hrs start. Four matches will be played in the New Building Society 2nd Division (40 overs) competition on Saturday at 11:00hrs. Everest and Transport will travel to the MYO ground for their match, Malteenoes will host St Stanislaus College, while the University of Guyana visit the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground to oppose the home team. GCC and the GPF will collide at Eve Leary ground in the fourth and final duel on Saturday. Meanwhile, only one game will be played in the Banks Malta Supreme U-13 competition as GCC and Malteenoes faceoff at the GYO ground from 13:00hrs.

M E L B O U R N E , Australia (Reuters) Australia captain Michael Clarke will miss the World Cup opener against England in Melbourne tomorrow, Australia coach Darren Lehmann confirmed. “He’s pulled up really well and no, he’s not playing,” Lehmann told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday. “Really happy with his progress but we’re going to stick to the plan that he’ll play against Bangladesh.” Clarke is on the comeback trail after a long layoff in the wake of hamstring surgery. The 33-year-old top-scored with 64 in

Australia’s last World Cup warm-up match, a 188run win over United Arab Emirates. Selectors gave Clarke a deadline to be fit for the second group match of the World Cup against Bangladesh on February 21.

Michael Clarke

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Tiger Woods will not compete in golf until ‘tournament-ready’ Woods expects to be playing again very soon

(REUTERS) - Tiger Woods does not plan to return to the PGA Tour until he feels his game is “tournament-ready,” the American former world number one said on Wednesday. The 14-time major champion, who had back surgery last year, withdrew from last week’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, his second start of the season, after just 11 holes because of tightness in his back. Based on his usual tournament schedule, Woods, 39, would be expected to compete next at the February 26 - March. 1 Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida. “Right now, I need a lot of work on my game, and to still spend time with the people that are important to me,” Woods said on his website. “I’d like to play the Honda Classic - it’s a tournament in my hometown and it’s important to me - but I won’t be there unless my game is tournament-ready. That’s not fair to anyone. “I do, however, expect to be playing again very soon.” Woods has struggled badly in his first two events this year. He posted the worst score of his professional career, with his short game in complete disarray, as he carded a mind-boggling 11-over-par 82 to

Tiger Woods miss the cut at the Phoenix Open last month. He looked no better last week at Torrey Pines where he was two over par after 11 holes on the North course

when he decided to pull out - his third withdrawal in his last nine tournaments. “The last two weeks have been very disappointing to me, especially Torrey, because I never want to withdraw,” said

Woods. “Unfortunately, lately injuries have made that happen too often. “This latest injury is not related to my previous surgery. I am having daily physical therapy and I am feeling better every day.” “My play and scores are not acceptable for tournament golf.” Woods, who has not won a major title since the 2008 U.S. Open, is still adapting to the fifth swing change of his career, this time with new consultant Chris Como. The four majors have always been the top priority for Woods, who has a burning desire to eclipse the record 18 titles won by Jack Nicklaus. However, he will need to improve his game markedly if he is to be ready for the year’s opening major, the April 9 - 12 Masters at Augusta National where he is a four-time former champion. “Like I’ve said, I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I’m ready, I’ll be back,” he said. “Next week I will practise at Medalist and at home getting ready for the rest of the year. I am committed to getting back to the pinnacle of my game.”

Busta Champion of Champions ICC have idea who match-fixers starts this weekend are - chief executive

THE 11th Edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Busta Champion of Champions would start this weekend after heavy rainfall two weeks ago washed out the first round of matches. The tournament, which is being sponsored by the Guyana Beverage Company under its Busta brand, has been organised by the Club’s Cricket Development Committee and is one of the 200 programmes/ projects planned for the Club’s Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration (1990-2015). Young Warriors and Tucber Park, formerly Bermine, would clash tomorrow at the Cumberland ground in Canje. The home team minus the service of national opening batsman Shimron Hetmyer would be spearheaded by Seon Hetmyer, Ishwar Singh, Linden Austin, Kevin Ramdeen and Kassim Khan while Tucber Park would be led by Romario Shepherd, Eugene and Joemal La Fleur, Keion De Jesus, Devon Clements, Nial Smith and Anthony D’Andrade. On Sunday, a young Blairmont team will clash with West Berbice at the Blairmont ground and will be depending heavily on Nick Ramsaroop, Parmanand Ramdhan, Aviskar Sewkarran, Waqar Hassan and Kevon Jawahir while West Berbice would have Arthley Bailey, Raffiel Es-

triado, Raun Johnson and Kwesi Mentore in their lineup. Defending champion, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets would be at home against Upper Corentyne at the Area “H” ground. Skipper Shawn Pereira, Delbert Hicks, Jason Sinclair, Troy Mathieson, Leroy Bristol, Brandon Prashad, Keon Sinclair and West Indies female international Shemaine Campbelle would spearhead the home team’s effort against underdogs Upper Corentyne, who would pin their hopes on Lakeram Latchman, Viendra Gooniah, Naeem Yacoob, Parmeshwar Chatterpaul and Imran Mohamed. At the historic Port Mourant Cricket Club ground, the home team will come up against arch rivals Albion, who would be without several of their main players. Port Mourant’s challenge would be held by Yudendra Harrinarine, Arif Chan, Joshua Ramsammy, Nicholas Cameron while national player Jonathan Foo, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Gudakesh Motie, Sharaz Ramcharran, Balchan Baldeo and David Latchaya would seek to make sure Albion advance to the semi-final which is scheduled for Sunday February 22. The matches would be played on a 40-overs-per-side basis, starting at 11:00hrs. Teams are required to be at the venues by 10:15hrs.

Dave Richardson WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council had a “far better idea” of the people involved in match-fixing and would do everything in their power to ensure the “sickness” of corruption did not affect the World Cup, Chief Executive Dave Richardson said on Wednesday. The sport has been blighted by reports of match-fixing in recent years, though Richardson said the governing body’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) had been working with local authorities to ensure it did not influence the February 14-March 29 event in New Zealand and Australia. “I think the preparations the anti-corruption unit have put into this tournament, far exceed previous tournaments,” Richardson told a media conference in Christchurch, also attended by local organising committee head Therese Walsh and

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White. “They have a far better idea who these people are that travel the world and try to influence players, umpires and curators to get some sort of benefit on the betting side.” The ACSU’s head Ronnie Flanagan said last week that fans would be able to watch the tournament “with confidence” it would be free of corruption. Richardson, who said the ACSU had been working with law enforcement in both Australia and New Zealand for about three years, added that security around teams and officials would make it very hard for them to be approached by fixers. “I think we are in the best place ever in terms of fixing,” the former South Africa wicketkeeper added. “We have made it very difficult for them to approach players.” The ICC had also noticed a change in attitude from players over the last 12 months, Richardson added, with even innocuous contact being reported to the anti-corruption unit. “The players have been tremendous over the last couple of years, indeed the last 12 months, in acknowledging their responsibility in fighting the sickness in the game,” he said. “They realise the threat does exist. The fight is against those corrupt guys who travel the world rather than the players.”

Baksh returned as president of Blairmont Cricket Club SHABEER Baksh was elected to serve as president for the fifth year, when Blairmont Cricket Club held its Annual General Meeting and elections recently. Baksh will have Rudolph Doodnauth, Nigel Trotz and Omesh Prashad as his vice-presidents, secretary Chunilall Sansasi, Shizad Ali as treasurer and assistant secretary/treasurer Mohamed Samad. Addressing the gathering at Blairmont Cricket Club, Baksh said that the club has moved from strength to strength over the last four years and his intention is to continue building and maintaining proper cricket structure and systems for 2015. Baksh also pointed out this will be the fifth year since its resuscitation and there will be a calendar of events to celebrate this milestone and as much as there has always been good interest in the youth groups, more emphasis should be angle in the direction of developing the youngsters to be better cricketers and individuals of the community, since they are the foundation of the club. Baksh further stated that he hopes the elected executive can work together with the same interest and implement better systems than the existing ones. Meanwhile, the executives of the club will be meeting at an early time to discuss programmes and the way forward.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Windies survive Scotland scare in Sydney warm-up (REUTERS) - West Indies’ preparations for the World Cup went from bad to worse yesterday when minnows Scotland came up just four runs short of a famous upset in a warm-up match at Sydney Cricket Ground. Although West Indies ultimately came up with the win by three runs, this was by no means an emphatic statement that might have reassured Caribbean cricket fans that all was well inside the camp. Thrashed by England at the same ground in their first warm-up on Monday, the twice world champions needed a flurry of late wickets to re-

strict the Scots to 310 for nine in reply to the 313 for eight they posted in their 50 overs. Opener Kyle Coetzer scored a fine 96 to fire the run-chase and Richie Berrington chipped in with 66 but the Scots could not quite find the partnership they needed at the bottom of the order to secure the victory. “Obviously it’s quite frustrating to get that close, it was looking like we were going to get over the line there in those last couple of overs,” Berrington told reporters. “But there are a lot of positives to take out of that for us.”

Denesh Ramdin scored 88 off 86 balls in the warm-up against Scotland, which West Indies won by three runs in Sydney

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin top-scored for West Indies with an 86ball innings of 88 after many of the bigger names in the batting line-up failed to fire. Their most potent batting weapon Chris Gayle, who was out for a duck against England, faced 12 balls for one solitary run before he was caught behind off Iain Wardlaw. Dwayne Smith (45) and Darren Bravo (43) got starts but failed to convert, while vice-captain Marlon Samuels departed for a fifth-ball duck to leave West Indies lurching at 59-3. It was left to wicketkeeper Ramdin, who has

averaged a shade over 45 in one-dayers over the last year, to steady the innings in a fifth-wicket partnership of 117 with Lendl Simmons (55). Darren Sammy (36 not out) and Andre Russell (24) then combined for a half-century partnership in half as many balls - highlighted by a huge Sammy six which clattered onto the roof of the Ladies Pavilion to bolster the tally. West Indies start their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Nelson on Monday, while the Scots will take on co-hosts New Zealand in Dunedin in their opener the following day.

Alpha start preparation `Candyman’ for CFU tourney unwraps tonight

Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover

GUYANA’S number one football club, Alpha `The Hammer’ United, Monday morning officially commenced preparation for this year’s Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship. Club coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover disclosed that the turnout as well as the attitude of players was heartening and a good sign for the regional tournament. “It may be a bit too early to make a pronouncement for the next month but if our players continue with this same attitude then I think that we can surpass last year’s performance in the CFU Club Championships. I am heartened at least,” Dover said. “The indication is that we have a committed bunch and it’s a pleasing sight from a coach’s point of view.” Alpha United opted out of the Mayor’s Cup competition to focus on preparing for the CFU engagement. Last year, Alpha United topped their Group that included Trinidad Defence Force and Harbour View of Jamaica. All matches were played in Jamaica. The sublime performance earned Guyana’s top club a place in the CONCACAF Club Championship. The first round of this year’s CFU competition is scheduled to be held between March and April but no definite word has been received from the organisers. Alpha United president Odinga Lumumba has written to CFU requesting that Guyana host matches of the round.

in Connecticut

UNDEFEATED Guyanese junior middleweight Simeon `Candyman’ Hardy will be looking to secure his 14th professional victory tonight when he steps into the ring at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. Hardy will come up against Vito Gasparyan of Armenia in a six-round contest that is part of ESPN Simeon `Candyman’ Hardy 2015 Boxinco tournament. A southpaw knockout specialist Hardy has put to sleep all three opponents since moving to North America last year. GUYANESE-born light heavyweight boxer H e i s t h e Wo r l d B o x i n g Dennis Andries was months short of being 33 Council Caribbean Boxing Fedwhen he applied brakes to the charging Englisheration (CABOFE) welterweight man, Keith Bristol, on February 13, 1986 at the champion but is moving up to Crest Hotel in London, England. the junior middleweight division Andries’ aggression whipped up sympathy in to tackle Gasparyan. referee Harry Gibbs, who called a halt to the contest Since moving to the USA last at one minute and 34 seconds of the bout to hand the year Hardy has boxed a total Guyanese a TKO victory. Andries record improved of eight rounds in three fights. to 26-6-2 with the win. Last February he knocked out Andries started professional boxing on May Chad Greenleaf in round five and 16, 1978. followed up in April with a firstHe became the European light heavyweight round TKO of Rahman Yusubov. champion, the World Boxing Council light heavyMalcolm Terry was the next opweight champion and later the Commonwealth ponent to taste the sweet fist of cruiserweight champion. Although born in Guyana, Hardy and was taken out in round Andries never fought at home. His career spanned two in June. 18 years and Andries had his last fight on December The 27-year-old Hardy is un14, 1996. defeated in 13 fights winning 10 He left with a record of 49 victories (30 Kos), of them by knockouts while the 14 defeats and two draws. He will turn 62 in Armenian has 14 victories three November. defeats and five draws.

NOTABLE DATES

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Two grudge matches set to feature prominently on five-bout card … DeClou takes on Richmond, Austin faces Gonsalves By Michael DaSilva COME February 21, boxing fans will be treated to a night of interesting fights as there are two grudge matches on the five-fight card, which will feature Guyana’s Clive `The Punisher’ Atwell taking on Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings for the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) CABOFE junior welterweight title. The grudge matches will involve Mark Austin and Dexter Gonsalves in an eight- round junior welterweight contest while the other will be between Edmond DeClou and Derick Richmond in another eight-round contest in the middleweight division. When DeClou and Richmond last met (2013), DeClou, the reigning CABOFE middleweight champion, received a vicious left hook that broke his jaw and the fight was stopped by

the referee, DeClou said he has recovered fully and is 100 percent fit. “I’m really anxious to get back into the ring and especially against Richmond, since I want to prove that it was a lucky shot that caught me the last time we met,” DeClou stated, adding “I will correct my mistake which was underestimating my opponent, so fighting Derick will not be a walk in the park, but it will definitely be a nightmare for him.” Richmond, the national super middleweight champion, however, said that he is very confident of defeating DeClou again. “It will be the same as before. I have been training very hard under the guidance of Howard Eastman (former European Edmond DeClou welterweight champion) and have In the other grudge match, Gonsalves said made remarkable progress since Austin’s victory over him was a fluke and he that last fight.”

is confident of reversing that decision. Gonsalves said he has been training daily with former Guyana and World Boxing Association welterweight champion Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis and has learnt a lot from the former world champion. Austin said he is fully fit and will do his best on fight night. “Dexter knows that I’m a very good fighter, I’m not a walkover and difference is I’m in better shape now,” Austin declared. The other supporting bouts on the card will bring together debutant Keeve Allicock and Quincy Gomes in a four-round lightweight contest, while debutants

Travis Fraser and Charwick Estwick will square off in a four-round junior middleweight contest. Gomes admitted that he never met Allicock when they were both amateur fighters, but he (Gomes) knows that Allicock is a very good fighter. “but for now, I’m not going into the ring to lose, because I have my eyes set on one day becoming a world champion”. Allicock in response said, “Quincy is a good boxer and he wants to get a title, but he will have to wait until after I beat him. He’s my food.” Gomes then quickly quipped, “It’s not any kind of food, you will have to take your time when eating it.”

WICB and Scotiabank partner once again ... Kiddy Cricket officially launched in Guyana

Cricket Programme plays in helping to allow, from a tender age, the students to strike a balance between academics and sports. The Kiddy Cricket programme targets boys and girls, aged 7-12 and, in addition to teaching them how to play the game, Kiddy Cricket helps to foster a love of learning and builds leadership skills. By developing motor skills, art and craft abilities, and even Maths speediness, Kiddy cricketers become more disciplined and confident - traits that will serve them well later in life.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 13, 2015) Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani (third from right) along with Director of Sport Neil Kumar, president of the GCB Drubahadur and other representatives of the Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers Union at yesterday’s Kiddy Cricket Launch. THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Scotiabank yesterday launched their ‘Kiddy’ Cricket in Guyana. The bank, who first partnered with the regional body in 1998, said that the entity is heartened to continue the partnership, since cricket helps to promote, develop and celebrate a sport that is an integral part of Caribbean history, culture, and identity Scotiabank (Guyana) Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani was joined by representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Education and members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) as they all expressed delight in having the programme held once again. “This year, we have upped the ante on the quality of the programme by including some elements that will make

the programme more meaningful to the beneficiaries. Kiddy cricketers will be exposed to, among other things, the history of the game, use and care of equipment, nutrition, and relevant laws such as ways of getting out and its complexities and field placements,” Cipriani said. She added that “under the ‘Meet the Emerging Player’ component, up-andcoming cricketers will deliver coaching sessions to participants – which will give the emerging players an opportunity to market themselves and influence our young crickets in a positive manner”. With Guyana winning both the WICB Under-15 and 19 competitions last year, Director of Sport Neil Kumar attributed the successful performance to Scotiabank, who he said made the investment early, given the fact that their programme has been in existence for the past 16

years. “Scotiabank must be proud of sponsoring this programme because if they are there for 16 years and Guyana won the U-15 and U-19 tournament last year and we’re doing extremely well presently in the senior tournament, then I think the sponsors must say that they are doing something good in promoting cricket,” Kumar said, further noting “Kiddies cricket is the nursery for cricket in Guyana and by having a good coaching programme and this developmental programme at the young age is most encouraging. “What is more heartening for us is the fact that you have the event in all three counties.” Both representatives of the Guyana Teachers Union and the Ministry of Education spoke of the importance the Kiddy

Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 2236055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Australia (2) Clive Lloyd Today’s Quiz: (1)How many times the WI have won the World Cup? When? (2) How many times the WI have played in a World Cup final? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 13, 2015

Groden appointed temporarily as GFF general secretary ... Diedre Davis is his assistant By Rawle Toney THOUGH still a secret too many in Guyana’s very small football circle, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has a new general secretary. Trinidadian Richard Groden will now serve in the same position he once held in the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) for 15 years before he resigned in 2013, according to the GFF Normalisation Committee and will have Diedre Davis as his assistant. In a letter to the affiliates of the GFF yesterday, GFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling said that Groden will officially take the post on March 2, while Davis will begin to serve the Federation on February 24. The GFF was without a general secretary following the sacking of Mabiola How-

ard in December who had taken over from Noel Adonis. According to Urling, Groden will serve in the capacity of general secretary during the life of the Normalisation Committee which, according to FIFA, is until the end of September and during that time, Davis will be his assistant. After his (Groden) departure, Davis will take the position on a permanent basis. “CONCACAF recommended Groden and he will serve as general secretary of the Federation during the tenure of the Normalisation Committee and will demit office on the completion of the Committee’s mandate. Ms Davis will serve as assistant general secretary of the Federation and will work directly with Mr Groden in the coming months and will assume the functions of general secretary on Mr Groden’s departure,” Urling told his Associations.

GFF general secretary Richard Groden

GFF assistant general secretary Diedre Davis But while the Normalisation Committee term is set to last until September, FIFA’s Head of Member Association, Primo Corvaro, told the media during his recent visit that the (Normalisation Committee) lifespan can be extended, depending heavily on the outcome of the present GFF constitutional reform process. It is said that Groden has “extensive experience in the inner workings of the inter-

Garner to make dramatic changes to WICB if elected BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC)- The man attempting to dethrone Dave Cameron as president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Joel Garner, says cricket development, performance and governance of the sport will be his top priority if he wins elections carded for March 7. Garner, the former West Indies pacer, says a dramatic change in the way WICB administers the region’s cricket affairs is necessary to combat the recent trend of protracted disputes plaguing the sport in recent year. The 62 year old cricket legend and president of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) is the only challenger to Cameron who is seeking a second two year term. “The core business of the WICB should be cricket. Two of the issues which I think have been neglected by the WICB are that of cricket development and performance. In recent times I think we have been focusing too much on finances,” said Garner in an interview with Barbados Today.

Joel Garner “It is a serious problem which needs to be addressed, along with that of governance. Over the years, West Indies cricket has been embroiled in disputes with players, and more recently the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)”. Garner, who lost out to St Lucian Emmanuel Nanthan for the post of vice-president in the 2013 elections, is backed by the BCA, seconded by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and has also received support from the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA). Cameron, who defeated St.Lucian Julian Hunte two years ago, is being supported by the Guyana Cricket As-

sociation (GCA), the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control (WICBC) and the Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA). “I think there is a need to look at reforming the WICB and making it more presentable. There needs to be a different approach to business at the WICB. I think that we need to look at cricket in the Caribbean in a holistic way… and that is from the bottom up instead of from the top down, ”said Garner, veteran of 58 Tests and 98 One-Day Internationals. “Finances are a critical part of any organisation, but we also have to take administration very seriously…and I honestly don’t think that we do enough of that.” Garner says he was asked to contest the elections and believes he has a good chance of unseating Cameron. “My election is dependent on six shareholders, and I honestly don’t know what my chances are,” he said. “But I have been asked to serve, and I will still be open to serve, even if I don’t win”.

national football network, having served on many FIFA and CONCACAF committees throughout his career. He also served as CEO of the Organising Committees of five Trinidad national teams’ appearances in various World Cup categories, including the Soca Warriors in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and the Girls Under-17 finals in 2010 in Trinidad”. Davis, according to the

Normalisation Committee, holds an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in International Relations from the University of Guyana. She has nine years professional experience working with the Roraima Group of Companies; her most recent title being that of Human Resources Manager. “We have no doubt that with their exceptional qualifications and experiences they will contribute to the success of the Federation and to the growth and development of football in Guyana,” Urling said in a letter dispatched to the GFF’s affiliates.

But now, one might question if it is a “good idea” to have Groden serve, even on a temporary basis, given the reason which led to his resignation from the same post in Trinidad and Tobago. Groden was one of four officials who escaped punishment from FIFA over the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) bribery scandal that saw the then-GFF president Colin Klass being banned from the sport. The Trinidadian received just a warning from FIFA’s ethics committee for his involvement in the Qatari Mohamed bin Hammam cash-for-votes scandal.

E-Networks CrossFit Games officially launched ... Registration closes; event set for March 1

Sponsors and organisers at the launching of the CrossFit Games at 704 Sports Bar. (Adrian Narine photo)

THE E-Networks CrossFit Games was officially launched on Wednesday night at the 704 Sports Bar, where the organisers Jaime McDonald of Fitness Express and Noshavyah King of Genesis Fitness Express said that they are thrilled at the response so far. Registration for the event is officially closed with the March 1 activity set to

see participation from nine teams and 36 individuals. The organisers were joined by sponsors Banks DIH, COURTS Guyana Inc., DeSinco Trading, Planet Fitness, AXE Apparel, Star Party Rentals, Moksha, Associated Packers Inc., HJTV, and Genesis Fitness Club at the launching where they all were delighted to be part of the first-of-its-kind event.

March 1 will be the day when Guyana’s strong men and women converge on the National Park to see who will be crowned CrossFit Champions. The events will be published shortly and adults desirous of witnessing the event will have to pay $500 while children will be admitted free.

Sport CHRONICLE

Groden appointed temporarily as GFF general secretary

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

See story on page 39

World Cup launched with song, dance and colour The ceremony in New Zealand ends with a fireworks display that lit up the Christchurch sky. By Andrew Fidel Fernando in Christchurch

World Cup 2015: To represent the team from the West Indies, a steel pan band performance entertained the Melbourne crowd.

A CHRISTCHURCH crowd in the tens of thousands welcomed the 2015 World Cup in a colourful, community-focused event, which was capped off by a spectacular fireworks display. A host of cricket stars, both past and present, were in attendance, as were thousands of families, who had begun arriving at North Hagley Park in the early evening to enjoy the carnival atmosphere. The event, free for the public, began with four big backyard cricket

matches for children, each played at themed stations. There was a Caribbean corner, a ‘So Beige’ Kiwiana mini-venue, a South Asian station, and a Victorianthemed match, replete with ladies and gentlemen dressed in fancy garb, and a painting of WG Grace overlooking the scene. The cricket hubs wound down when the opening ceremony began in earnest with a Kandyan dance performed by a Sri Lankan troupe, followed by a Bollywood-style act, a performance by a bagpiper and an Irish river dance.

Turn to page 34

Schroeder passes WADA random dope test THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday announced that one of its star players, Dwayne Schroeder, who was randomly tested by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WDA) after the team picked up their 7th NACRA 7s Rugby Championship, had his results returned negative. Schroeder, a solider by profession, who plays with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) team locally, is one of Guyana’s leading rugby players. He has been a part and has played a significant role on every history-making National team. “Guyana’s Men’s National Sevens Team is subject to international testing for prohibitive substances and prohibitive methods listed in the WADA prohibitive list whenever the team

competes internationally and may be subject to ad hoc testing of its athletes at anytime in-between competitions” the GRFU said in a release yesterday. “The Union is pleased to announce that it has received confirmation of the random testing report of a player (Schroeder) from its team who was required to provide samples for testing for doping control under the WADA Programme at the recent NACRA Sevens Championships in Mexico in December last year and that the results of the tests proved to be negative,” the union added. According to the Union, World Rugby thanked the GRFU and players for their cooperation and support in keeping the game of rugby drug-free.

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Dwayne Schroeder FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015