2015 2 19 by Guyana Chronicle

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No. 104105 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Media/GECOM sign MCC Page

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Pensioner, two sons busted with illegal guns Page

DR LUNCHEON...

PPP/C not only respects diversity; it also nurtures it GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally (holding up document), Facilitator Dr Paloma Mohamed (2nd from Right) and representatives of the Media houses who were present at the signing of the MCC

ON ELECTION DAY…

Polling places, staff will be sufficient

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Keith Lowenfield

GECOM ensuring legal compliance ‘every step of the way’ – Lowenfield Page

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Lent begins; worshippers turn out for Ash Wednesday observance 11 Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

ON ELECTION DAY…

Polling places, staff will be sufficient – Chief Elections Officer THE final number of polling places could be affected by the number of eligible voters on the Official List of Elec tors (OLE), according to Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) official, speaking during a news conference yesterday at Cara Lodge, explained that the intention is not to have more than 400 persons assigned to vote at a particular polling station. As such, he reasoned that there may be need to

increase the current number of polling stations, an increase from an estimated 2,260 polling stations. Asked about staffing for Election Day, Lowenfield stated that an estimated 12,000 workers will be needed and currently GECOM is working to fill that complement. He said an estimated 1,623 additional polling day staff would be needed and the Commission has approached educational institutions to recommend potential polling day staff. The CEO underscored that GECOM has, since last September, been en-

gaged in training of polling day staff, an undertaking that commenced with the intention of creating a “reservoir of resources” that can be utilised when the time comes. “We are still training people,” he assured.

MOCK’ POLLS Lowenfield stated too that one month before the May 11 General and Regional Elections, the full complement of polling day staff will receive refresher training, which will include conducting ‘mock’ polls. On the question of placement of polling day staff, he noted that per-

sons will be placed, as far as possible, within their own voting districts. Lowenfield also gave the assurance that persons recruited by GECOM will be chosen on the basis of established employment best practices, which ensures that the best candidates with the necessary skills and experiences secure the available posts. The CEO’s comments come on the heels of concerns expressed by General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, on Monday. “GECOM must also ensure that proper and adequate polling places

are identified and made known to voters at an early stage and to avoid last minute changes as was the case in 2011. This created confusion and caused some voters to relinquish their democratic right in frustration,” he said. Rohee, speaking at the PPP’s weekly press conference, underscored too that on numerous occasions the issue of transparency in the recruitment process has been raised by the PPP. He said, “Past experiences, particularly occurrences of 2011 elections in Georgetown, have made us even more vigilant in the selection of polling

day staff. Further to this, training and simulations are very critical to the entire electoral process, particularly on polling day. Guyanese must demand that proper systems and mechanisms are implemented by GECOM.” On these matters, GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, made it clear that “truth” is the “shield” of the Commission and every measure is taken to ensure that the upcoming elections are free and fair. “These questions have been asked before (and they have been answered),” he stressed. (Vanessa Narine)

Surujbally appeals to media to be responsible in their reporting – declares the 'dotishness' must stop By Tajeram Mohabir GUYANA Elections Commission Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally yesterday issued a stirring appeal to the media to be responsible in their reporting, while demanding that the “dotishness” appearing in some media reports must stop. Speaking at a media conference at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, Dr Surujbally said while there is a Media Code of Conduct in place, there are some who want to besmirch the image of the Commission. This, he said, is not conducive to a healthy environment in the

lead-up to the May 11 polls. He said the Commission is committed to working with the media to provide any clarification that they may need, pointing to a familiarisation workshop for media personal on the elections process that was held last Saturday. “We explain to them the terminologies that we use so that we do not mix up Continuous Registration with House to House Registration, with a Periodic Registration, with a registration that is coming on during the Claims and Objections period.” On this note, he lauded the addition of a glossary to the revised Media Code of Con-

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surajbally

duct, which was signed onto by the various media houses yesterday after two days of discussion. The GECOM Chairman also warned journalists against bombarding him with questions that have been repeatedly answered before. “You cannot be inviting me to swim in your sewage and expect me to jump overboard, I will not be going

overboard with you, you talk nonsense, we are going to tell you that you are talking nonsense,” he said. The somewhat worked up Dr Surajbally added: “The dotishness cannot continue, it has to stop and I hope that is part of the Media Code of Conduct too, that you do not print certain things that you have answers to.”

DESIST FROM SENSATIONALISM He said while sensationalism sells, journalists and editors must desist from the practice, especially where it unfairly questions the work of the Commission at this critical time. On this note, he pointed to a headline in “big font” in one section of the media, on the $20 million allocated for the purchase of Duracell batteries, where a demand was made for justification. The media outfit had contended that the allocation happened at a time when the “children of Guyana are starving”. The GECOM Chairman said the justification is simple. There are 2,300 polling stations; each will require two Coleman lamps, with each lamp requiring eight batteries. There will be four extra batteries for each station just in case. He explained that the indictment is not on GECOM, pointing out that if there was 24 hours of electricity uninterrupted, there would have

been no need for the batteries. However, the GECOM Chairman emphasised that if there is a blackout and there is no plan B, the Chief Executive Officer of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield will be hauled over the coals. “So its 20 batteries (per station), 2,300 polling stations and you do the division on the $20 million; it comes up to those Duracell batteries at $300 for one. You going to buy one of those big Duracell batteries, you know it cannot happen. But you see the scandal.” He urged journalists to always take the straight and narrow path as he encouraged them to challenge their editors and media owners who want sensationalisation to sell their newspapers. TRUTH IS OUR SHIELD “That is your honour. Ask us the hard questions, we will find you the answers for them. The truth is our shield and the Chief Elections Officer will always answer you,” the GECOM Chairman said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

GECOM ensuring legal compliance ‘every step of the way’ – Lowenfield By Vanessa Narine THE Official List of Electors (OLE) is likely to be published by April 13, while the Revised List of Electors (RLE), following the end of the ongoing Claims and Objections period, could possibly be completed by March 16. This was disclosed at a news conference held yesterday at Cara Lodge, where the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, said, “We are moving to ensuring that all the processes, as the law prescribed are satisfied every step of the way.” The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) official used what is the first news conference since the Commission went into “full election mode” to offer clarity on a number of issues. According to him, the Representation of the People Act guides GECOM’s undertakings in the lead-up to the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS Lowenfield explained that following the end of the seventh cycle of continuous registration, GECOM embarked on its mandatory Claims and Objections period, which comes to an end on February 27. Some 6,003 persons took advantage of the Seventh Cycle of Registration, which ended on December 31, 2014. There were also 1,163 changes and corrections to existing registration information that were done during the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration, as well as 1,248 transfers. Prior to the start of the Claims and Objections period, the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) was published to allow for review by eligible voters. The GECOM official told the media that the PLE lists some 567,125 eligible voters. The PLE’s publication, as well as several other operational undertakings, had to be completed be-

fore a date for the Claims and Objections period was named, while the Claims and Objections period is necessary to finalise the Official List of Electors, which will facilitate voting on Elections Day. The Chief Elections Officer explained that to date there have been 3,200 new registrants and 3,000 requests for transfers. Once the Claims and Objections end, he noted that the Revised List of Electors will be posted and stakeholders will be given another 21 days to review it, before the OLE is finalised. Up to the end of last week, GECOM reported that there had also been 550 changes and corrections to existing registration information, 477 replacements of identification cards requested, 139 retakes of photographs and 25 objections. At the last General and Regional Elections in November 2011, the OLE listed some 492,193 eligible voters.

Pensioner, two sons busted with illegal guns A mechanic and his two sons were late yesterday arrested and taken into custody by ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department out of Eve Leary after a search of their home found that they were in possession of two illegal guns. The Guyana Chronicle Newspaper was reliably informed by police sources that the mechanic has been identified as 66-year-old Oswald Dass, while his two sons are Oswald Dass Junior, 21 and Ivan Dass, 23, all living at Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Police sources have also confirmed that the man’s sons work with him at the mechanic shop which they own. The police at the Eve Leary CID division received information that the family is in the business of trafficking

The firearms unearthed at Kuru Kuru yesterday

weapons and as such they were placed under surveillance for approximately one week now. Yesterday, the police decided to move in on the men and carried out a search of their home. Buried in their yard the police found a 12 gauge shot gun and three cartridges, along with a 9 MM pistol. The men were told of

the offence and promptly taken into police custody where up to late last evening they were assisting in the investigation. (Leroy Smith)

Keith Lowenfield

“Our operational posture throughout, including prior to the commencement of the Claims and Objections period, have not detracted from the laws in any way,” Lowenfield assured. FULL ENGAGEMENT He also stated that key stakeholders in the electoral process are fully involved in the work of the Commission. “All are involved and all are aware,” the CEO stressed. Lowenfield pointed out that political parties, altogether, have some 1,600 scrutineers attached to GECOM, who work with the staff of the Commission on every aspect of preparing to host the elections. “They are involved every step of the way…the Commission insists that political parties must be involved as far as practically possible in every aspect of our operations,” he said. The GECOM official added that the Commission’s reach spans the entire Guyana, the entire voting spectrum, to ensure that every eligible voter is enfranchised. “We will be at every location, across the spec-

trum…every location in Guyana that is populated… no Guyanese will be left out,” he said. Lowenfield reiterated that these undertakings, the system and processes adopted by the Commission, remains within and complies with legal provisions. “The law is clear,” he stressed. The Chief Elections Officer assured that every effort is being made to ensure that the upcoming General and Regional election is reflective of a process that is free and fair. EARLY ELECTIONS The move to early elections resulted from the fact that the objectives of prorogation, in the face of a no-confidence motion against the Government and the consequent dissolution of Parliament, failed in the opinion of the current Administration. Given the posture of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), President Ramotar has always maintained that the need for dialogue was uppermost in his mind when he made his decision to prorogue Parliament on November 10. Paving the way for greater dialogue among political parties, he contended, would have kept the 10th Parliament alive to address critically important

issues currently before the House. The effect of ending the first session of the 10th Parliament by way of prorogation is the suspension of the business of the National Assembly. As a result of that move, the AFC-sponsored ‘No-Confidence’ Motion was not considered. Also, APNU had, prior to November 10, signalled its intention to support the Motion. Since the prorogation, APNU and the AFC have made it clear that they will not engage the President in talks unless the prorogation is lifted, and parliamentary work resumes. The rejection of talks was also formally communicated by APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger in a December 2 letter, responding to the President’s November 18 invitation for talks. President Ramotar had made it clear that if dialogue did not fructify, there would be a move to early general elections. As a result, the Head of State early last December indicated that Guyana will head to early General and Regional Elections, just over three years since the November 2011 polls.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

AG expounds on CJ’s ruling refusing Conservatory Order

AFTER several hearings, the Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang, ruled that Opposition Leader David Granger’s application to stop government spending in 2015 had no legal basis, and dismissed it. His decision was delivered a few days ago, against the action that was filed on December 11, 2014. RECAPPING Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, speaking on the National Communications Network’s programme ‘Political Scope’ yesterday, recapped that on

- $4.5B spent solely on Guyanese

December 11, 2014, Granger did file a general Indorsed Writ against three persons: Dr. Ashni Singh, in his capacity as Minister of Finance; the Attorney General of Guyana; and Mr. Raphael Trotman, in his capacity as Speaker of the National Assembly. In this writ, from Granger, a number of reliefs were prayed for in the Indorsement of Claim. An ex-parte application (one-party only), by way of affidavit, was

filed simultaneously with the said Writ of Summons, in which the Applicant, Granger, prayed for a Conservatory Order “to stay all spending and/or any further spending by the first-named Defendant or other Ministers on programmes disapproved or not authorised by the National Assembly until the hearing of the substantive action herein.” However, in the court, it was agreed by the parties that this application will

Conservatory Order, the Chief Justice offered that he upheld the submissions of the AG, in that the application for the Conservatory Order (because of the time that it was made) can only relate to spending for the year 2015, and therefore, the application for the Conservatory Order did not relate to spending for 2014. It should be noted, according to AG Nandlall, that in relation to spending for 2015, there are set legal and existing specifications, provided for by the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, since for the said

not be heard ex-parte, and it was therefore by consent, converted into an inter-partes application, that is, a mandate that all parties be present. In the result, the respondents were granted leave to file an Affidavit in Answer to the application and the applicant was granted leave, to file an Affidavit in Reply thereto. This then led to the next procedural step, which was that submissions were to be made by all sides. ONLY ONE ISSUE AG Nandlall detailed that only one matter was before the court, and that was the application for a Conservatory

ambiguously meant that the court cannot interfere with the Government’s Constitutional authority to spend in accordance with this formula. The essence of the Chief Justice’s ruling is most pellucid, and eloquently captured in the wording of his written ruling: “As the learned Attorney-General correctly submitted, the court has no jurisdiction to prohibit or restrict the exercise of any authority conferred by the Constitution or an Act of Parliament, since so to do would be to violate the doctrine of separation of power which indubitably inheres in the Constitution of Guyana. Only if the Respondents are acting or are likely to act ultra vires (beyond) the power or authority conferred by or

For the AG, “the $4.5B restored was spent solely for the people of Guyana, and it is these very people the opposition now wants to go to, and ask them for their votes ... Yet these are the very people, whose livelihood in essence were cut of the budget and this government restored those monies.” financial year, there has been no Appropriation Act or no Budget for 2015. These parameters for spending reside in the combination of Article 219 of the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003, as they expressly provide the legal framework on a number of required areas: how monies are to be spent for this period; for what purposes those monies can be spent; and in what proportion. These un-

Order, and absolutely nothing else. He added that this was expressly why all the legal arguments presented by himself in person, and by Mr. Ashton Chase, S.C for the Minister of Finance, exclusively related to the only issue which was before the court, that is, whether or not the Conservatory Order should be granted. LOGICAL APPLICATION OF CONSTITUTION In refusing to grant the

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under the Constitution or by or under an Act of Parliament that a prohibitory order in the nature of a Conservatory Order can be issued against the Respondents… The Court cannot nullify or limit in any way, whether directly or indirectly, the effect of the application of the Constitution which it has sworn to uphold. It is absolute that there can be no judicial subversion of the Constitution directly,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

AG expounds on CJ’s ruling refusing...

by certain members of the media and aided and abetted by lawyers, who appeared for Mr. Granger, because somehow they are claiming victory From Page 4 sues will have to be deter- ing what obtains in that peri- soon as this happened, he and I see people talking about indirectly or consequentially.” mined at the hearing of the od when there is no budget. responded and wrote a six prosecuting and so on, so they In layman’s summation, substantive action, and then He intoned that the Consti- page press release which he aided and abetted the distorting the Chief Justice had to refuse only after pleadings have tution, with its Fiscal Man- quickly disseminated. process which emerged.” Even though peeved to grant the assent to the Con- been filed and evidence led. agement and Accountability servatory Order since under These fundamental and man- Act lays out in detail how with the unfolding of events CONFUSIONno circumstances the law pro- datory procedural require- monies are to be spent during and reaction, Mr. Nandlall CLARIFICATION was sympathetic towards the ments did not take place, this period. vided for it. Minister Nandlall went Constitutionally, the media fraternity, declaring and that indeed no legal back to the possible source FLIP SIDE of confusion when he revis The AG further elaboprevious illegal budget He pointed to a number of situations that necessitated the re- ited rated and exposed the folly cuts made by the opposistoring of the funds: the accessibility of the Student Loan at the Uni- tion in the past, cuts that if one were to consider allowing the Conservatory versity of Guyana, the $10, 000 “Because We Care” education grant were restored by the court. Order. He pointed out that (which was given to every child in a public school), the hundreds He recalled that in July a significant ground upon 2012 and January 2013, of employees in the State sectors from Office of the President to the the Chief Justice gave a which this Conservatory Order was refused was that Ministry of Finance (who otherwise could not have been paid), the preliminary and final rul“If granted in the form as $3.2B to GPL, preventing an increased light bill; the $4B or so for ing respectively regarding prayed for, it would be in cuts. the sugar industry so that some 18,000 sugar workers would not budgetMinister effect an injunction against Nandlall exbe thrown off; hinterland airstrips were repaired; the Amerindian plained that he first sought government spending, permitted by the Constitution Development Project was put back; and many Amerindians in the from the court and got the and the Fiscal Management declaration that the reduchinterland had their developmental projects financed. and Accountability Act…” tion of the estimates of the In everyday language, Minister of Finance, by the this translates, that in effect, opposition was “unlawful, what Granger was asking, is submissions were made ei- Finance Minister has a right, that “it takes some degree of unconstitutional, null, and that the court stop legal gov- ther by the AG or Mr. Ashton and is vested with a power legal training to be able to void and of no effect, thereernment spending, meaning Chase, S.C on these matters. that is described as a ‘draw- decipher from a judgment, or fore the budget cuts were that he was asking the court to He stated that this was so ing right’ on the consoli- to dissect a judgment in order basically unlawful.” because they were not live dated fund, to the tune of to extract from it the decision act illegally. Annexed to this, was That is why, the AG in- issues before the court, since one-twelfth of what was itself and remarks which may the second relief he asked toned, that it is important to they did not relate and were approved in the previous be made by a judge in the for, that is an order, permitcourse of this judgment.” grasp the purport of the “final not relevant to the applica- year’s budget. ting the Minister of Financ, This, according to the He emphasised that and decisive words of the tion for the Conservatory to restore those parts of the Chief Justice in his ruling: Order (which was the only minister, the government is what should really be the esbudget that were unlawfully “For the above reasons, the application that was before aware of, and that “it intends sence of the matter is that the cut. The chief Justice granted application for an interlocuto- the court). The pronounce- to apply that formula, in its decision of the court is that me the first declaration, a ry (provisional) Conservatory ments of the Chief Justice, letter and spirit, as it has the application for the condeclaration that the budget Order cannot be granted in the said the AG, on these matters always done so … 22 years servatory order was refused, cuts were unlawful, unconcircumstances of this case and are, therefore, obiter dicta in government, and it intends as the Chief Justice upheld stitutional, ultra vires, null (his) submissions, when he (incidental and by the way) to do so this year.” accordingly refused.” and void and of no effect. This means that the dismissed the application On this point, AG Nandlall and are therefore not binding In relation to the secfurther shed light on why the aspects of the ruling: “In court has neither power nor made by Granger. ond release, the Chief Justice The sad part, according to Conservatory Order ought short, they do not constitute jurisdiction, to interfere with ruled there was no need for not to be granted, and was not the ratio decidendi, or the the government, as it exe- him, is that the tangential and the court to grant any order, cutes its functions in this incidental statements which granted. He highlighted that reasons for the ruling. permitting the Minister of realm, in a most constitu- the Chief Justice made, in the the State Liability and ProFinance to restore the budtional and statutory manner, course of his ruling “were CHIEF JUSTICE’S ceedings Act of 1980 actually get cuts. This is because the minister added. In fact, extracted, magnified and I DIGRESSION prohibits the court from grantthe Minister of Finance has According to the AG, the according to him, “Were would dare say manipulated ing any order that is either the power to do so. Indeed ‘prohibitory’ or ‘mandatory’ Chief Justice embarked upon the court to interfere in that against the State or any State an examination and inter- formula or the government’s Agency and that a Conser- pretation of Articles 217 and spending on that formula, vatory Order is in effect an 218 (3), even though these then the judiciary would be have no bearing on whether trespassing in the province injunction. or not a Conservatory Order of the executive, thereby should be granted in relation violating the doctrine of the PASSING to spending for the year separation of powers.” COMMENTS-NO 2015. BEARING ON AMBIGUITY AND In his deliberation, AG RULING-OBITER DICTA CONFUSION Nandlall stated a number of PRONOUNCEMENTS AG Nandlall declared factors supporting his con The AG opined that the that he realised quickly that tention that the order should unequivocal ruling of the various media houses creatbe refused. He stated firstly, Chief Justice ought to have finished the matter, since that that expenditures of govern- ed a most distorted view of specific application was the ment for any given financial what was the ruling by highonly matter that was before year, in which there has been lighting different portions the court. However, and quite no appropriation act or no of the written ruling of the unfortunately too, Chief Jus- budget, the constitution and Chief Justice. He said that tice Chang chose to express the provisions of the Fiscal his suspicion is that some his views on a number of other Management and Account- media entities used “those matters, which were neither ability Act, together create a portions which suited their germane nor felicitous to the formula for how monies are particular agenda and so issues that were before him for to be spent, during that given maybe magnified, exaggerated or even manipulated period, which means 2015. determination. Mr. Nandlall answered their output for their own Minister Nandlall explained that these (other) is- the logical question regard- purposes.” He stated that as

5 the Chief Justice pointed to Article 218 (3) of the Constitution, and said that under that provision the Minister of Finance has the remedial power to spend the money cut from the budget and lay before the Parliament a Statement of Excess in relation to the monies which were expended thereof. “The Chief Justice ruled in this way in a preliminary ruling handed down on July 12, 2012. As a result, and acting under the guidance of the Chief Justice, the Minister of Finance restored the money cut from the 2012 budget. This was done while that case was still pending in the High Court. The very lawyers who are appearing in the just concluded case appeared in that case. They made lengthy submissions alleging that the Government and the Minister of Finance acted illegally in spending those monies. I responded to those submissions. In his final ruling, made in January 2013, the Chief Justice again upheld my argument and overruled the argument of the other side, and reiterated the identical position of his preliminary ruling which is, that the Minister of Finance has the power to spend monies cut from the budget utilising Article 218(3),” the AG explained. RESTORED MONIES USED FOR NOBLE CAUSES When Finance Minister Ashni Singh restored a number of budgetary allocations on several occasions, the AG not only proffered the legality of the actions, but harped on the moral and noble factors of the restorations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

THE ‘BOOMERANG’ EFFECT THE Opposition parties, their media colleagues, Transparency Institute, opposition-alligned NGOs, GHRA, et al, especially the decrepit members of the PNC clan have had an epiphany. They are making pronouncements on moral rectitude, integrity, flooding in Guyana, neglect of farmers, violence against women and children, corruption, crime, etc, to indicate that they epitomise morality, integrity, good governance, wise and effective fiscal management, equitable, fair, and just treatment to women, children, and the vulnerable in society, and all good and decent things. Constrained space in this Editorial column does not allow for comprehensive statistical data, but there is a preponderance of records and evidence to show how hypocritical these pronouncements are. Only the credulous will even consider, with any seriousness, the utterances of the main members of the PNC and its various acolytes and satellites to have any moral framework on which to establish credibility. In direct correlation to the PNC’s position is its

echo – the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA). Although most victims of crime in Guyana refer to that body by another acronym, which is more a pejorative, and an indictment of the morality and integrity of that self-appointed body, which ostensibly represents human rights in Guyana, but which is perceived to instead serve the vested interests of those organisations and persons who support, assist, and encourage criminals to wreak havoc in society. The PNC’s record of opposing merely for the sake of political expediency had resulted in its most credible member, a man who, in order to retain his record of impeccable integrity and contribution to the national good, late Mr. Winston Murray, resigning from the Chair of that political party, which has, of recent times, seen the loss of some of its most stalwart members who had contributed significantly to the growth and development of that Party. Given the PNC’s history, its leaders should take into account that they are not perceived to be examples of moral rectitude, with enough credibility to assume position on a high moral ground on the

issue of violence and discrimination against women because, rightly or wrongly, some members – very high in the hierarchy, have been publicly accused of perpetrating some of the most heinous crimes against women, especially one very prominent female in Guyana’s society. This is a matter of public record, open to anyone’s scrutiny, and one wonders where all these very strident female voices in the Opposition were when these and other allegations were being made, bearing in mind that the acts for which they are lambasting and castigating members of the Government for are merely that – allegations. However, what takes the cake is their unending litany of corruption in the Governmental structure, while ignoring the fact that most of the perpetrators fingered are public servants, whom everyone is aware are mainly PNC supporters. The fact that public servants are employed by the Government in no way makes the administration culpable for infractions of the law by individuals; and how could one forget that corruption became endemic in the society during the long years

of PNC (mis)rule and (mis)management of the social and administrative structures in the nation? An attempt to restore accountability in public office by auditing public accounts saw protest actions and accusations of discrimination when thefts were discovered and the perpetrators were either dismissed and/or charged. A case in point is the demonisation of Ms. Sita Ramlall when she sought to re-institute a system of accountability within the jurisdiction of her mandate. It was only when the PPP/C established the Public Accounts Committee, under the competent guidance and chairmanship of the erudite and brilliant Mr. Winston Murray, then the truth and the range of thieving of public funds and assets under the PNC regime - that continued into the PPP/C administration by PNC appointed Public Servants - came to light. And it is to that gentleman’s credit, and the credit of every member of that parliamentary committee, that they put party and individual considerations on the back-burner as they sought to put society and the nation

AFC’s selective amnesia THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has once again showed its inability to reason and make informed decisions. The coalition with A Partnership for National Unity is nothing more than a body waiting for an opportunity to grab power. They have basically made an attempt to fool uninformed citizens by coagulating as a group of recycled politicians waiting for

their first chance of grabbing power. They have displayed a shocking ignorance and amnesia as it relates to the PNC. The AFC has failed to learn from the mistakes of The United Force (TUF) at the 1964 polls, and could be condemned to the same fate. This Party has been adamant that the PNC has evolved over the years, but this change is not very visible. The PNC, under

the leadership of David Granger, has been involved in multiple undemocratic acts. This current PNC has effectively muzzled Vanessa Kissoon, marginalised Lindeners, and also had undemocratic elections that allowed David Granger a second chance. This Party has displayed a failure to make morally correct decisions internally, much less in a coalition with the AFC.

Let’s not forget how the TUF was unceremoniously removed and marginalised by the PNC in the past. The PNC has also chosen to stick with a group of failures as politicians. The PNC chose to stick with Carl Greenidge, a man who has, over the years, failed to produce anything remarkable. In his time as Finance Minister, Guyana had triple-digit inflation, massive budget

first by attempting to restore accountability to public office through their scrutiny, investigations, deliberations, and considerations of the public accounts of the country. However, given the fact that most of the perpetrators had absconded, as well as the difficulty of sanctioning Public Servants, this had little effect and hardly any restoration was effected. And one wonders where was the Opposition members’ concerns for farmers when the PNC/R Government neglected agriculture (discrimination against farming communities was also claimed) and the nation’s infrastructure declined to such an extent that Guyanese were being shunned as destitute ‘mudlanders’ looking for handouts from its Caribbean counterparts. And their supercilious references to Minister Rohee being unable to stem criminal activities begs the question of under whose tenure did the kick-downthe-door phenomenon erupt, with all its sinister implications: And who desecrated the nation’s symbol of nationhood and honour by draping it on the body of

deficits, and tumbled to the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Their leader, David Granger, I will speak of in a subsequent letter. Again, the Alliance For Change is willing to forgive the APNU just for a share of power. Next on the list is hypocrisy. The Main Opposition has launched scathing attacks on the current administration with regards to youth involvement. I would like to highlight that you have to look no further than their current list of MPs to

a notorious thief, rapist and murderer – Lindon ‘Blackie’ London? Space does not permit an expansion on this theme, but suffice it to say that, in clichéd but apt terms, “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.” And by the way, does the GHRA ever have its accounts audited and exhibited for public scrutiny? What about the PNC/R, and the other Opposition parties? And Mr. Anand Goolsarran should stop pointing fingers at others and instead examine his own track record when he held public office, when no public accounts were audited. The Opposition will be presenting themselves to the voting populace as icons of moral rectitude; but their sanctimonious accusations of Government officials reflect back to themselves in multiple ways, because the corruption starts right there within their ranks; so while they are pointing an accusing finger at the Government, four are pointing right back at them.

see their hypocrisy. I believe that the AFC is guilty of bandwagoning for power, and is misleading the people for personal gain. This, however, can prove to be a very terrible decision. The AFC has shown incredible ignorance of morality and accountability; they are set to lose out terribly from their support. The past should act as a lesson; the AFC is set to learn a very big one. DARREN CLEMENTSON

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Do we really want them in power again? GROWING up, I had only the knowledge of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), never paying heed to what they had done so far and what they were planning to do for the betterment of Guyana. As the years went by, elections kept coming and going and I still did not care. However, recently, with elections around the corner, I started seeing things differently; and being the person I am, I felt the urge in me to do something good, so as to make a difference. The job I now have has given me the opportunity to see beyond; to look back, hearing and seeing

the cries of many Guyanese who wanted to have things changed. I now see articles dating back to 1987 on the fuel crisis, cost of living, and water crisis, blackouts for 3-8 hours per day, and sometimes even longer. In 1987, many wrote and cried out because of the increase in price for commodities by over a hundred percent. Some wrote of how the People’s National Congress (PNC) had no regard for the feelings of their own people; how they had to endure potholed streets, living with no lights for the children to do their homework; and indeed, many children’s eyes were

strained, due to the use of kerosene lamps. Rice and flour were scarce, and their prices were sky high. The people paid their taxes, but the Government had nothing much to show for it, as productivity was disastrously low for a variety of reasons. I read through an article where it is recorded that in the first week of 1989, the Guyana Electricity Corporation (GEC) was shut down, and hospitals, one of the most important service, were severely affected. The said article detailed how minibuses were off- duty due to fuel problems, and how water was rationed. When the PPP took over again in 1992,

Guyana was in some serious debts, and the country was in shambles. Look now, and what do I see? I see a much better country. Food is plentiful and affordable; water is not a problem; and movement is easy, as there is no fuel problem. There have been continuing investments, as many local and international companies, such as Qualfon and BK International, have plugged millions of US dollars into ventures, thereby creating thousands of jobs. I think of the Berbice River Bridge; it has been maximising time and saving money. I add, too, that the

Ministry of Housing & Water is making home-ownership very easy; and I see constant repairing and upgrading of a number of roads. Readers need to think of how rice availability is no longer a headache, as the industry has experienced a complete turnaround, and has today become one of the best performers in the agriculture sector. Mr. Editor, I can go on and on and pinpoint how Guyana has changed over the years, and is being developed more and more, in all the different areas. I truly see and believe that we have come from poverty to prosperity, so the people

who saw and know of the 1980s, why not teach and pass on history to the little ones. We must answer if we really want the PNC people back in power at any time. PNC is being called by various names: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) that is a combination for the PNC and the Working People’s A l l i a n c e ( W PA ) . N o w the Alliance For Change (AFC) has joined them, but this changes nothing. To me, the PNC, no matter how it camouflages itself, will still continue to be the destruction of Guyana. MARIA KARIM

No coincidence this No change on the

IT is most regrettable that in this country, it is the norm to attack the messenger rather than the message; and it is my fervent hope that the spate of break-ins and thefts at the RVC High School, which I operate, is not politically motivated. However, there are too many coincidents to suggest that these are isolated incidents, and that the motive is to steal. As I had mentioned in a letter to the Press, which was printed in yesterday’s edition of the Guyana Chronicle, the break-ins coincided with my TV programme which sought to expose the lies and deception peddled on the AFC programme, ‘ Alliance on the Move’; and when I stopped the programme in July last year, the break-ins ceased. Two weeks ago, I restarted the programme. And the break-ins started again. On the last occasion, a message on my desk warned me to get out of New Amsterdam; an identical message was scrawled on my desk last

political landscape in Guyana

Scorched wall and cupboard and burnt-out debris the school. In addition, the classrooms were vandalised, year. On two occasions, my and furniture thrown all over. entire office was vandalized Fortunately, the debris used to and important documents ignite the classroom fizzled stolen, in addition to soft out, and only managed to drinks and snack items from scorch the wall and the cupthe canteen. board which was placed next The break-in reported was to the pile of ignited debris. done on Saturday, February 14, There was an attempt also Valentine’s Day. However, on to ignite the screen which the night of Tuesday, February was placed on the floor. The 17, there was another breakmotive clearly rules out stealin; but this time, there was ing, and the true motive is no theft. This time, there was becoming clearer. Below a clear attempt to burn down are two pictures to show the result of the attempted arson. The matter was once again reported to the Criminal Investigation Department at New Amsterdam Central Police Station, and they have launched an investigation, with two persons currently being questioned. I will continue to expose the lies and deceptive statements peddled by the AFC, and the attempt to ‘burn’ the truth will fail miserably.

Vandalised classroom and scorched screen

HASEEF YUSUF AFC Councillor-Region 6

THERE is a popular saying that says ‘The more things change, the more they remain the same’. This statement is ever so true when you look at the political scene in Guyana. What has taken place recently is a rehash of the old; a return of two political entities, the PPP/C and the PNC/R. No change. It is a two-horse race right from the very start. Why I say this is as a result of verifiable proof in the woven thread of history of Third Party politics. Let us carefully examine the way Third Party politics played out in Guyana. When the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was formed, that Party was to have become the third political force in our country. A Third Party then meant that the people of Guyana had a choice wherein they could breakaway from the monopoly of a two-party system. The WPA, under the charismatic leadership of Dr. Walter Rodney, blazed a trail which saw thousands of supporters under his wings. He had the blessings of thousands, who were hungry for change, rallying behind him, “Rodney our hero; Rodney our hope.” This meant change was bound to come on the political scene. Now, we are well aware what this kind of challenge posed for the ruling PNC; it brought out the raw and unbridled wrath of Burnham; hence, at every opportunity, the PNC, under Burnham, hounded that Party. Lurking at every corner was danger, death and destruction. This ultimately led to the brutal assassination of its leader, Rodney. The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry says it all. Soon thereafter, the WPA became a shadow of its former self, never to carry the clout they had when charismatic leader Rodney was alive. So, where did that leave us? A dead hero in Rodney and a bunch of living cowards, chief of whom is Rupert Roopnarine. Then, that new leader did the unthinkable, and gave up his birthright for a mess of pottage; he sheepishly joined the PNC in a coalition that is called APNU. Unbelievable! There ended that Third Party. We are now in February 2015, and the very same scenario confronts us. Here we have the AFC, assuming the position of Third Party formed under the expressed assurance that they would be the party that can make a change in Guyana. That was the operative word: Change. People took them seriously and jumped on the idea with their votes in the last election. This whole idea of a breakaway from the hegemony of the two major parties sat well with the people and moved them to give the AFC an unprecedented seven seats. They even went so far as to categorically reject the idea of ever teaming up with either of the two established forces, that is, the PPP/C or the PNC/APNU. Further assurance for the people to like them and vote for them. Well, the rest is history the AFC was forced to eat up those words like the proverbial “dog that ate his own vomit.” They have cowardly surrendered their wills to the PNC/APNU. Again I repeat there ended the third party system and any viable alternative to the people. Hopes were dashed and dreams became nightmares. This is the coalition mess they see which tells me that the people will speak in no uncertain terms come May 11. In it all, only one party has stood the test of time: That is, the PPP/C. It is a bastion of unity, strength and goodwill towards the people of Guyana. They are the only ones worthy to govern this country. NEIL ADAMS

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Rodney COI hears…

1980s Police, Court records are fabrications, concoctions

…no knowledge of slain WPA Leader courting ‘GDF Mercenaries’- Donald Rodney

COI Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham catching up with the front page of the Guyana Chronicle ahead of yesterday’s hearings By Gary Eleazar POLICE trial records, and published accounts of the June 13, 1980 explosion that killed Dr Walter Rodney and its related events, were all rejected as concoctions, fabrications and outright falsehood, when the lone witness and brother to the slain Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) leader returned to the witness stand of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (COI) yesterday. Donald Rodney reappeared before the commissioners and, in his evidence-in-chief , rejected a number of accounts of the events authored by former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Gregory Smith and his sister Ann Wagner, and published under the title “Assassination Cry of a Failed Revolution: The Truth about Dr Walter Rodney’s Death”. In the book, the authors allege that Smith was in the car with Dr Walter Rodney and Donald Rodney on several nights, a charge that the surviving Rodney vehemently denied. In Smith’s book, he alleged that Donald Rodney knew fully well that his brother was looking to secure the services of ranks in the GDF. GDF MERCENARIES Smith, in his book, alleges too that Dr Rodney, along with his brother Donald, were complicit seeking out the ranks that had either felt disenfranchised, or had money or other drug related issues. According to Sergeant Smith’s account, Dr Rodney was actively looking for men who did not necessarily hold any political ideology, but would more or less work as mercenaries in aiding the supply and transport of arms and ammunition. This too was a charge vehemently denied by Donald Rodney, who was led in his evidence-in-chief by Attor-

ney-at-Law, Keith Scotland. Rodney also dismissed all of the allegations that had been detailed in Smith’s book in relation to detonators and tests with Gregory Smith and Dr Rodney driving along in the same car. Following the explosion that killed Dr Rodney in 1980, Donald Rodney was charged with the unlawful possession of explosives . FABRICATIONS /CONCOCTIONS Rodney was shown copies of police statements and records from his trial, but he rejected their contents telling the Commission that which is recorded he did not say. In fact, Donald Rodney told the Commissioners that at his trial, none of the reports of any of the bomb experts that had been flown in or the pathologist had been presented, an allegation that seemed unusual to the learned COI Chair Sir Richard Cheltenham and Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuel-Brown. There were numerous attempts to differentiate between what was Donald Rodney’s sworn from unsworn testimony from the 1980s Court records. Rodney told the Commission that everything documented in the court records is ‘a total fabrication.’ It was put to Donald Rodney, by his attorney, that in the records of a Police Assistant Superintendent, Gentle, who had recorded that when his home was searched, walkie talkies, plans and other subversive literature were found. VIOLENT END The police officer concluded that Dr Rodney was looking to secure political power through revolutionary violence but met a violent end since he was not conversant with explosives. The police rank at the time, in his report, said that both Dr Rodney and

his brother, Donald Rodney, knew very well what they had in their possession was an explosive. Rodney, from the witness stand, continued to profess his innocence and through his attorney, recalled that none of the plans, walkie talkies or subversive literature purportedly found at his house were ever presented at his trial. Donald Rodney said that the only plans he knew to be at his house at the time were in relation to examination papers he was marking as part of his job at the University of Guyana, and they were in fact building plans with electrical

Walter Rodney and other plumbing drawings. Rodney told the Commission that prior to the 1980 events that led to him collecting what he believed to be a home-made walkie talkie for testing, he had never actually seen a walkie talkie, homemade or otherwise. “I didn’t know it was an explosive before the impact,” maintained Donald Rodney. The witness recalled too, that in retrospect, Dr Rodney could not have intended to blow up the Georgetown Prison walls. He pointed to the size of the explosive and its distance from the prison and questioned how the walls of the Georgetown Prison could have been a target. FRIDAY, 13 JUNE, 1890 Recalling the fatal night of Friday 13, June 1980, Rodney recalled that when he collected his brother, they drove to Gregory Smith’s home at Russell and Howes Street in Charlestown, and he left his brother in the car to go collect the ‘walkie talkie’ for another night of tests. He recalled that Smith was surprised to see him and asked where his brother was. According to Donald Rodney, he was informed by

Donald Rodney during his testimony Smith that two tests would be conducted that night, one in Princess Street and the other in the vicinity of the Georgetown Prison. It was explained to him that there was a need to test the effect of the transmission against the expansive metal walls of the prison. Rodney told the Commission the package he collected was a box in a brown paper bag weighing between one and two pounds and he assumed it was the same device he collected a few nights earlier to conduct similar tests. Smith, according to Rodney, indicated to him that there was a knob on the side of the box already in place for the first test on Princes Street and when in the vicinity of the second location, the Georgetown Prison, he would need to turn the knob and wait for the second signal—a flashing light. WATCHES SYNCHRONISED At about 7:50pm that evening, according to Donald Rodney, Sergeant Smith indicated to him that they needed to synchronize their watches and that the first signal could be expected at 8:00pm. Smith, according to Rodney, suggested that the two walk to the location and according to the witness, when he returned to the car “I told Walter who was still sitting on the front passenger seat that we should start walking.” He testified that the plan was to brief his brother on Smith’s instructions as they walked to the location; but Dr Rodney insisted “we should drive.” Donald told the Commission that he repeated Smith’s instruction to walk and “he (Walter) said again that we

should drive, that he didn’t think it would make a difference.” He continued to tell the Commissioners that he went along with his brother’s suggestion after handing him the package. Test #1 “We were parked in Howes Street and I continued in Howes Street towards Adelaide Street, we turned left into Adelaide Street until we came to Princes Street, I went just over Princes Street and I parked in John Street near Princes Street,” according to Donald Rodney. Having parked in John Street, in the vicinity of Princes Street, Donald Rodney told the Commission that after turning off the engine they waited on the appointed time, at which point there was a flash from the package “and Walter remarked that it is ok. Donald Rodney recalled that it was at this point in time that he indicated to his brother the need to turn the knob on the box to the secondary location for the second test. “As far as I could recall, he did it and we then drove off again north along John Street,” said Donald Rodney. He continued: “we went up to Durban Street, across Durban Street continuing past the jail, continuing past Bent Street and we continued going onto Hadfield Street, at Hadfield Street I stopped the car.” LOUD THUD Continuing with his evidence in chief, Donald Rodney testified, “We waited for the second signal,” but none came. In giving his testimony of the seconds before the horrific explosion, Rodney said his brother was about to tell him something in reference

to “I believe Gregory Smith, because, he said tell him, who the him was, wasn’t explain further because at that point I felt a vibration and heard a loud thud.” Revealing his story for the first time to a public hearing in 34 years, Donald Rodney testified, “At the same time I hear a loud thud, I felt my body being pushed out of the car against the car door.” Having recognised the impact on his body, Rodney was asked to recall what happened next, at which point he said, “The door on my side flew open and I was aware of the dashboard lights coming on even though at that point in time I was already blinded on the left side.” According to Rodney, he soon realised that the loud noise was an explosion on his brother’s side of the car. “I felt I needed to get help for him,” said Rodney, who by this time had made his way out of the vehicle and recognising that his brother had been injured, ran along John Street towards the home of Dr Omawale. According to Rodney, when he arrived at the house, he shouted out at the side of the building and was greeted by either Karen DeSouza or Andaiye. During his testimony, Rodney said he could not recall specifically which one of the persons he spoke with, but indicated to that person, “something terrible had happened.” While Dr Walter Rodney was killed instantaneously in the explosion, his brother Donald, testified that he suffered lacerations to the throat, right thumb, puncture wounds with fragments embedded in his left arm, side, face and eye, along with a puncture wound to his right elbow. Donald Rodney testified too that as a result of the explosion, he also suffers longterm effects in the form of impaired vision and hearing, as well as nerve damage to his right hand. The Commission of Inquiry will resume today with a visit to the scene of the 1980 explosion by Donald Rodney, Commissioners Sir Richard, Queens Counsels Seenauth Jairam and Jacqueline Samuels-Brown along with other stakeholders and attorneys with vested interests.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

UG launches Masters programme in Public Health

– in collaboration with two reputable American universities

At the launch Monday of the MPH programme at UG. At right is Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran delivering the keynote address (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

THE University of Guyana (UG) has officially launched its Masters of Public Health (MPH) programme after three years of negotiations with its US-based partners. The institutions at reference are the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, a department of the prestigious Vanderbilt University, and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). Before a small gathering of distinguished guests on Monday evening in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran delivered the keynote address, in which he underscored that the Government of Guyana would be supporting the University of Guyana by supplying more space and resources to ensure the programme runs smoothly. Dr. Ramsaran said the programme would attract people from the Caribbean, and would enhance its stability for the coming years. “I think it will be sustainable beyond the next five years,” since it has

already captured the interest of some 75 persons, he opined. Dr. Ramsaran noted that if the programme is properly marketed, the turnout would be larger, and this would ultimately attract resources for its enhancement. Among the distinguished guests at the programme’s launching were Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi; Chief Medical Officer of Guyana, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud; Programme Director Dr Reeta Gobin, and several international medical coordinators. Professor Opadeyi stressed on the importance of attracting international students in the coming years, and is anticipating a five-year success for the programme. He said this programme, with its Online features, has the ability to reach students in the remote areas of Guyana, and he expressed much hope that Guyanese in those areas would take advantage of the opportunity being presented them to advance their education.

FOUNDATION Programme Director Dr. Reeta Gobin underscored that the foundation for the programme was laid in early 2012, when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced a funding opportunity for establishment of a Master of Public Health Degree in Guyana. She said this initiative was in accordance with the goals of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and was intended to strengthen human resources in public health and epidemiology by preparing graduates for leadership in public health. The funds were ultimately awarded to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, she said, and this was “entirely fitting. Not only did Vanderbilt already have a track record of collaborating with Guyanese partners to establish postgraduate training programmes,” said Dr. Gobin, “but through the renowned Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, it also had considerable experience in building capacity in public health, both within the

US and abroad, including Africa and the Caribbean.” Dr. Gobin said the factor that contributed to the successful development of the programme was the “insistence of the Principal Investigator, Professor Douglas Heimburger,” on equal partnership from the beginning. The collaboration was further enriched when the Vanderbilt team engaged colleagues from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), who had “extensive experience” in developing postgraduate degrees in public and global health. Dr. Gobin emphasised that response to calls for expressions of interest from prospective candidates have exceeded all expectations. An initial cohort of approximately 20 students had been anticipated to respond; instead, more than 75 persons have indicated a desire to enroll in the programme. THE PROGRAMME The programme consists of 11 courses which were developed by a dyad of in-

structors, one local and one from either Vanderbilt or UCSF. The regulations and forms for the practicum and culminating experience were developed by candidates from Vanderbilt’s own MPH and Master of International Education programmes as part of their practica. The programme actually commenced on August 18, 2014, but because of time constraints and the inability of overseas partners to be present, it was not then possible to conduct a formal launch. The launching ceremony was, however, planned to coincide with the beginning of the University’s second semester, when representatives from the Vanderbilt University and the University of California in the United States (US) would be available to attend. Twenty-one candidates have been selected for this inaugural cohort, and Dr. Gobin noted that the programme would be able to accommodate larger numbers in future, since its appeal clearly extends beyond the health sector. Dr. Gobin said that pro-

fessional diversity among persons interested in the programme is reflected in the current cohort, which is comprised of medical doctors, hospital administrators, nurses, medical technologists, university lecturers, quality assurance officers, an orthopedic technician, a surveillance officer, four veterinarians, and an attorney-at-law. The programme has principally been established to build capacity within the public health sector to combat HIV/AIDS as well as other infectious and chronic diseases. “We also deliberately created a weekend schedule for the majority of classes, and incorporated online delivery of content to accommodate MoH employees who cannot be relieved of their regular duties, or who are based outside of Georgetown,” Dr. Gobin revealed. The American universities (Vanderbilt and California) hope to form deeper ties with the Ministry of Health, as the principal beneficiary of what they have to offer.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

DR LUNCHEON...

PPP/C not only respects diversity; it also nurtures it HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon is most emphatic that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) does not just respect diversity, but also nurtures it. Speaking on the programme, “Political Scope” aired Sunday on the National Communications Network (NCN), Dr Luncheon took the opportunity to remind his audience that diversity has always been co-existent within society since the beginning of the human race. He cautioned, however, that the problem is not diversity, which is inevitable, but responses to it; and he said history is replete with examples of extremist approaches to this normal phenomenon in society. He expounded that ‘respect for diversity’ has attracted the widest range of human responses, as on one end, some of the most glorious chapters have been written when it came to respect for diversity; on the other hand, some of the most infamous examples have occurred, and have shown the insensitivity of ‘man to man’ based on the colour of the skin, the colour of the hair, or

on religious, geographical, or tribal differences. For Dr. Luncheon, ‘respect for diversity’ is fundamental to social organisations and society, and the PPP/C excels in this area. He recalled that this has been so with the PPP/C from the days of the People’s National Congress (PNC). Dr. Luncheon noted clearly that the embracing of diversity was both ‘intra’ (PPP/C) and ‘inter’ party (with the PNC), since the genesis of both parties. He explained that people need to be reminded that “we’ve come from different places, and were brought here as slaves and indentured labourers; also that we’ve met the first peoples and, over the centuries, we have all been here in this cauldron that is both British Guiana and post-independent Guyana.” Because of this variegated background, the veteran politician said, “we all had to contend with the reality of the good and the bad.” He said that with this comes either “respect or disrespect for the diversity.” According to him, Guyana has prevailed in this area, conquering by embracing the fundamentals for a good

Dr Roger Luncheon

society. “Aided and abetted by the most permissive of Governments, that is, the PPP/C Government, Guyana has indeed confronted all aspects of diversity and has committed itself to dealing with respect for diversity.” He said respect for diversity means that Guyana must always apply those features of intervention that have been used elsewhere and are appropriate for the Guyanese situation, and this must be done in a way that is holistic and profound, that is “at the level of the constitutional,

statutory, executive, and administrative.” ROLE OF EDUCATION Dr. Luncheon elaborated that ‘respect for diversity’ is not something that could have been or must be left to chance; and, in this way, the PPP/C is very much at the forefront in making this a reality. He declared that “no one should be rejecting or questioning it, but recognise that this is our social reality, that we all can’t be the same, and we can never be the same, and what we have we have to learn to live with.” This mindset, he stated, is what is vital, and is what has been achieved over time. The HPS posited that this was done via education, and opined that “the commendable work that has been done by the education system (did it) but it has to continue.” He said he has absolutely no doubt in his mind that there is such a link between education and diversity. Dr. Luncheon wished that every Guyanese could have been a university graduate, because “I feel that with education, with knowledge, comes wisdom, and that would allow for this

respect for diversity to actually flower in the Guyanese environment.” He highlighted that Guyana is moving assiduously on the educational front “to imbue the Guyanese people with a heightened culture, not a narrow culture of race, but of a ‘people in toto’ as this would allow us to embrace diversity…that is where it all begins and ends. We have to love what is our own,” he said. POLITICS AND DIVERSITY Dr. Luncheon firmly believes that the PPP/C has essentially established the groundwork for ‘respect for diversity.’ He said the PPP/C has a pattern, with the major element being consolidation. He, however, cautioned that “we, the PPP/C, need to remain focused; we need to enforce and to make the ‘respect for diversity’ so ingrained it’s like rain falling, the sun shining; it becomes a part of our very nature, and this I refer to as enculturation.” The HPS explained that ‘respect for diversity’ has got to be a cultural reality, and he reiterated that this is possible when the educational

system takes the tremendous responsibility for so doing, as it is “our education system. There is where I wouldn’t say the battle or war would be waged, but the action will play out.” He strengthened this line of thought by announcing that “an educated Guyana is a Guyana that will embrace respect for diversity, so we have to indeed keep the focus on our educational system, on the output of our educational system, as it encourages greater respect for diversity, and indeed enshrines respect in our legislative constitutional instruments, the monitoring and the evaluation.” In this vein, the HPS said that Guyana has to consolidate so as to ensure an emerging culture that embraces ‘respect for diversity’ and one that is inculcated by the educational system. He detailed that it is by the products of education that ‘respect for diversity’ will become cultural, noting that “we have to look at what is happening with enforcement, and support it by appropriate legislation, constitutional instruments that maintain what we have achieved.” (GINA)

GECOM hosts forum to revise media code for May 11 election By Raymon Cummings IN the lead-up to the National and Regional Elections scheduled for May 11, 2015, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Tuesday launched a twoday stakeholders’ forum for media proprietors and practitioners at the Georgetown Club. The workshop is intended to revise the Media Code of Conduct (MCC) employed during the 2011 elections with a view to having media houses sign and implement it for the 2015 elections. The opening session of the workshop which is being facilitated by Media Consultant, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, was addressed by

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally who also officially declared the workshop open; Romel Roopnarine and Charles Griffith from the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and Guyana Media Proprietors Association (GMPA) respectively. GOOD JUDGMENT Surujbally in his opening remarks reminded of the responsibility of media houses to exercise good judgment given that small things could lead to potentially great consequences. He pointed to the need for media practitioners to understand the electoral process and to assist in educating the population on the process to help to reduce anxiety.

He also alluded to the difficulty in physically accessing results from hinterland communities and the need to verify all results before they are declared as some of the challenges GECOM faces that result in apparent delays in announcing the results after polling day. The GECOM Chairman said that during the 2011 elections media practitioners honoured the code of conduct and it was his hope that the same spirit will continue. He also urged that they should use the power entrusted to them to assist in maintaining democracy and building a stable Guyana. Griffith who represented the GMPA in his presentation urged the media to assist in

the education of the population to ensure that persons voting will be making an informed choice. He stated that every effort should be made to reduce tensions and promote fairness. Roopnarine who is also Secretary of the GPA reminded of the potential dangers media workers are exposed to while executing their duties. Facilitator of the workshop, Dr Paloma Mohamed reminded that the media in their reportage should be accountable; act independently; minimise harm; seek the truth and maintain its integrity. SOCIAL MEDIA She pointed out the increasing role being played by the internet and social

media as a source for news, stating that the present code of conduct did not address these areas. The workshop is being attended by media practitioners from state and private media, proprietors and representatives of the

GECOM Media Monitoring Unit. It is expected that at the end of today’s sessions the amended code of conduct that will guide reporting during the 2015 election period will be prepared and signed on to by all media houses.

Voltage fluctuations affecting GWI water production facilities – particulary those on the East Bank

THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) on Tuesday sent out an advisory saying that voltage fluctuations caused by the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) are affecting their production facilities on the East Bank of Demerara, primarily at Yarrowkabra, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke and Timehri, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). GWI has said that they are in regular communication with GPL in an effort to resolve these disruptions in the swiftest manner possible.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

Sprucing up of Mash parade route underway

A grass cutter doing some sprucing up on Irving Street

AS February 23 draws near, preparations for this festive event are well underway as “sprucing up” continues along the Mash parade route. The Guyana Chronicle observed that preparations for Mash Day are continuing daily with persons recently cleaning the trenches along the route that will be used on that day. Grass cutters were seen yesterday putting final touches to the parapet along Irvin Street and Vlissengen Road. Also noticeable are the vending spots sold by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), brightly numbered on Vlissengen Road, and notices proclaiming

that no vending will take place on the mash route. Lennox Canterbury, Head of the Mash Secretariat, in reply to the statements concerning vending and congestion by individuals, disclosed that they have partnered with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to maintain order, especially ensuring that there will be no vending along the route (North Road-Church Street-Irving Street-Thomas Lands), so as to prevent the usual congestion and make more room for the parades. Meanwhile, speaking at a recent meeting held at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport, a police rank disclosed that they had

a “walk along” the route which the parade follows and identified areas which will be barricaded to prevent persons from going into the path of the floats. The rank disclosed that all of the intersecting roads along Irving and Church Streets will be blocked and supervised by police to ensure that vehicles cannot enter into the path of the parade. “At the head of Lamaha Street leading into the intersection of Irving Street there will be a double barrier; and also at Sandy Babb Street into the turning point at Thomas Lands,” said the rank.

Lent begins; worshippers turn out for Ash Wednesday observance “REMEMBER you are dust and to dust you will return,” these were the words uttered as ashes were applied to the foreheads of thousands of worshippers across Guyana, as both young and old turned out in their thousands yesterday to be a part of the traditional observance to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. At the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Campbellville, Georgetown, many adults and children began their day at the 07:00hrs service. While at the historic St George’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam, the Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals respectively, services were held at noon and at 17: 00hrs. These services saw hundreds of persons who work and attend schools in the surrounding areas join members of the congregation in worship. Fr. John Persaud presided over the services at the Brickdam Cathedral, while the Anglican bishop of Guyana, Bishop Cornel Jerome Moss presided at the St. George’s Cathedral. Bishop Moss in his brief address to those present urged them to consider giving up permanently whatever it was they were giving up during the Lenten season. He stated that if they believed that what they were giving up for lent will make them better persons during that period, then they should consider making a permanent change for the better. He also urged them to be part of the daily midday services at the historic Cathedral. Lent is a period when Christians engage in a period of penance, self-denial and

St Teresa's RC - Young Catholic receives ashes.

alms-giving. The period will conclude at Easter. During this period, special services are held in various churches throughout Guyana.

Fr John Persaud applying ashes during the service at the Immaculate Conception Brickdam Cathedral

Ogle cocaine mule expels 60 pellets UP to late yesterday afternoon, the 28- year- old, Stephon James Watson of Patentia, West Bank Demerara was still being monitored following his swallowing and subsequent expelling of cocaine pellets. The Chronicle was informed that the West Bank resident told police investigators and doctors that he could not recall how many cocaine pellets he had ingested; this is even after the amount that he passed out amounted to more than five dozens and weighed approximately 680 grams of the illegal substance.

Yesterday, Watson told investigators that he was no longer feeling unwell and opined that he may have passed out all the pellets that he ingested. However, doctors advised the police that the man should be subjected to another X-ray as a precautionary measure to ensure that all the pellets had been removed from his stomach. If all the pellets were indeed passed out, police sources indicated that the man may likely appear in court sometime today charged with attempting to smuggle cocaine out of Guy-

ana by way of trafficking. On Monday the Guyana Police Force Narcotic Branch was able to nab the mule at the Ogle International Airport. The man, a Guyanese, was at the time an outgoing passenger on a LIAT Flight, namely flight 512 which was destined for Antigua. Police sources close to the investigation reported that Monday would have been the fourth journey to Antigua for Watson. He was described as a frequent flyer who also is said to be in the business of furniture manufacturing.

Bishop Cornel Jerome Moss applying ashes during the service at the historic St George's Cathedral

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

PPP ELECTION ENERGY…

PPP demonstrated ‘testicular perspicacity’ - party ‘chomping at the bit’ to in admitting mistakes – Rohee halt the ‘uncontrollable horse’ By Vanessa Narine THE ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is “chomping at the bit” as it heads into the May 11 General and Regional elections campaign, according to its General Secretary, Clement Rohee. “We are chomping at the bit to go…the election is creating tremendous amount of energy for us,” he said on Monday, during the party’s weekly press conference held at Freedom House. According to him, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which coalesced into an alliance over the weekend, has added impetus to the party’s campaign, particularly as it relates to the combined Opposition’s track record in the 10th Parliament. “What is energising us is the need to get over the experiences we had in the 10th Parliament, where all of our developmental projects were being blocked and where the one-seat majority or where

the uncontrollable horse was let loose on the Guyanese people,” he quipped. Rohee underscored the fact that a majority of the

“What is energizing us is the need to get over the experiences we had in the 10th Parliament, where all of our developmental projects were being blocked and where the one-seat majority or where the uncontrollable horse was let loose on the Guyanese people.” – PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee Guyanese people do not want to return to the days of stalled development and progress – a sentiment reflected in analyses done by the PPP. “Our supporters and members do not want a return to that situation and that

PPP open to public debates ahead of May 11 polls THE ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) remains open to the possibility public political debates ahead of the May 11 General and Regional elections. “The PPP has always been open to debates,” said the party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, yesterday at the party’s weekly press conference, which was held at Freedom House. At the last election, Guyana made a move in a similar direction, with the leaders of the political parties agreeing to public debates involving their presidential candidates. Such debates, while they have been suggested in the past, have never been strongly insisted upon the major political players. In 2011, the first debate was held at the University of Guyana, in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre and was organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences. Then, pol-

iticians had outlined the vision, programmes and policy differences of their political parties; presentations were made by the presidential candidates from the four major political parties contesting the elections – incumbent President, Donald Ramotar; Brigadier (rtd) David Granger of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); Khemraj Ramjattan of the Alliance For Change (AFC); and Peter Persaud of The United Force (TUF).However, the event was marred by the disruptive behaviour of a rowdy crowd. There were subsequent calls on the organisers of such events to put in place measures to prevent such a recurrence, which is not only counterproductive, but negates the value such debates are expected to generate. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this was the only political debate that was hosted.

is what is energising us… they see themselves challenged by the experience they had, which they do not want a return to,” he said. STRATEGIC The party’s general secretary maintains that the PPP has the best oiled election machinery in Guyana, given that it is the one party with the most political experience in the country. “Elections are won by people who can think things through…elections are not won by dunderheads,” he said. On that note, he acknowledged that mistakes were made during 2011, in the lead-up to the November polls. However, he stressed that every effort has been made to correct these. “We did make certain errors in the 2011 elections. Had we not made those errors, our political fortunes would have been different,” Rohee said. The party’s general secretary added, “We had the

“We had the testicular perspicacity that we made mistakes. We were man enough to recognise that we made mistakes.” – PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee testicular perspicacity [to admit] that we made mistakes. We were man enough to recognise that we made mistakes…we have been working as energetically and creatively as we can to correct those…since that time we have worked as energetically as we can to correct those mistakes…we have come a far way since then.” All considered, Rohee expressed confidence that the PPP is well positioned to regain a majority, come May 11. PROVEN TRACK RECORD The PPP general secretary asserted that the

Clement Rohee

track record of the ruling party is a proven one. He posited that social advances are seen in the successes of the education, health and housing sectors, as well as in the support to vulnerable groups in Guyana. With regard to Guya n a ’s e c o n o m i c s t a n d ing, Guyana has had real consecutive economic growth every year since 2006. This represents the longest period of unin-

terrupted, real economic growth since independence in 1966. Growth as at mid-year, according to a report from Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, reached the 3.2 percent mark. The economy is projected to grow by 4.5 percent in the full year 2014, with non-sugar growth projected at 3.6 percent. The private sector has also made significant achievements in every area of endeavo u r, w i t h i n v e s t m e n t s in mining, agriculture, tourism, commerce and information-based technology. The service sector has also grown steadily, making an important contribution to Guyana’s economic progress. Also, over the years, Guyana has seen massive development in the construction sector. These facts, Rohee stressed, will be considered by voting Guyanese in the upcoming regional and general elections.

Man held for questioning in Corentyne granny murder A MAN who is the suspect in the murder of a senior citizen in the Corentyne area has been held by police for questioning in a similar matter, even as the first case for which he is being investigated remains current. Police sources on Wednesday confirmed to the Chronicle that the man who was picked up on Monday by police fits the description of the suspect in the murder of 67-year- old Ramdai Mohabir, called “Elsie” of 665 Topoo Albion Corentyne. He also fits the description of a suspect who was picked up in the past for a similar matter. The man was however not charged in the first matter, since investigations are still in progress. On Wednesday, the police said that the man who was picked up is not known to “Elsie” or other family members and thus far they are just acting on the information being provided by a witness. The police confirmed that they are yet to take a statement from the witness,

but there are some technical aspects that are being addressed which were not immediately available to this publication. Last week the nude body of the pensioner with feet in the air was discovered in her home by relatives who had last seen her the night before, when they went over to her home to take meals for her. The woman according to information appeared to have been raped, since her underwear was displaced. She also appeared to have been strangled during or after the ordeal. Ramdai Mohabir was a mother of three. Police sources last week confirmed that her home showed signs of forced entry as several louvres had been removed by the person or persons to gain access to the woman’s dwelling. Family members told police officers that they last saw the woman on Sunday when they went to her home to carry food around 17.30hrs. The woman lived in a yard with two houses and she lived in flat house,

while her other relatives lived in a two-storeyed house located in front of her home. The relatives also indicated that the woman had requested of family members that they allow her to be by herself; hence the decision to live alone. According to information received, the woman’s remains were discovered just after 07.30hrs on Monday morning. The daughter-in-law of the dead woman spoke with this newspaper via telephone last week and related that her sister-in-law, the woman’s daughter, went from the front house to the woman’s house which is located at the back and realised that several louvres were missing. Consequently, she became afraid and headed back to the front of the yard. She said that the woman then called out for the dead woman’s son and together they returned to the house, where they also observed that windows were also missing from the backroom which leads directly to Ms. Mohabir’s bedroom.

When they peered into the house they discovered that the woman’s two feet were in the air and that she lay naked on the bed. They immediately raised an alarm after calling for her and getting no response. The woman’s grandson then entered the house through the same window, opened the door and placed a sheet over the woman’s body. The woman’s daughter confirmed that her mother was a bit mentally unstable, but not at an advanced stage and pointed out that her mom was alert enough to know the names of all those around her and would usually do everything for herself, except cooking, which is done by those who live in the other house. Asked if they had any suspects, the dead woman’s daughter said that they do not have any, nor are they aware of anyone who may have wanted to hurt their mom or cause her to meet such an undignified death. Ramdai Mohabir had worked as a fish vendor in her early days.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

Rohee refutes claims PPP straying from founding principles SINCE the passing of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Founder Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and his wife, Janet Jagan, there have been criticisms that the principles on which the Party was founded have been forgotten. The latest such comment has come from Dr Jagan’s own son,Joey, who has been lamenting in recent years that the PPP has moved away from his father’s vision. A point he has been making time and again of late is that the upcoming May 11 General and Regional Elections will be the first time that there will be ‘no Jagan’ on the PPP’s list of candidates, from which representatives of the people are selected and appointed as Members of Parliament (MP).

But, PPP General Secretary, Mr Clement Rohee yesterday refuted this contention. “I cannot recall that this is the first time that we have not had a Jagan on the list,” he said. “I can’t recall that we had one in 2011,” he told members of the media during his weekly press conference at Freedom House. He insisted that the PPP has stayed true to the vision of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, particularly when it comes to the development of Guyana. DEVELOPMENT WITH A HUMAN FACE Dr. Jagan’s principle had always been ‘development with a human face’, according to the PPP General Secretary. The coining of the term was premised on recognising

all the imperatives of taking people’s empowerment into consideration when planning developmental strategies. He maintained the view that the ruling party has made significant advances in the economic and social spheres, in line with the principle of the party’s founder. “Significant social and economic progress has been made,” Rohee said. “Our projects have been people-centred in terms of water, housing and infrastructural advances. Projects advanced by the PPP/C administration have benefited all Guyanese,” Rohee said in a prior interview with the Guyana Chronicle. Rohee highlighted that social advances are seen in the successes of the edu-

cation, health and housing sectors, as well as in the support to vulnerable groups in Guyana. With regard to Guyana’s economic standing, Guyana has had real consecutive economic growth every year since 2006. This represents the longest period of uninterrupted real economic growth since Independence in 1966. Growth as at midyear, according to a report from Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, reached the 3.2 percent mark. The economy is projected to grow by 4.5

percent in the full year 2014, with non-sugar growth projected at 3.6 percent. The private sector has also made significant achievements in every area of endeavour, with investments taking place in mining, agriculture, tourism, commerce and information-based technology. The service sector has also grown steadily, making an important contribution to Guyana’s economic progress. Also, over the years, Guyana has seen massive development in the construction sector.

Clement Rohee

“I have not read what was said…Dr. Joey Jagan is entitled to his view, but I reject it completely. It is not true that we are moving away from the principles of Dr. Cheddi Jagan,” Rohee concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

GOVERNMENT has, through the Region 2 Administration, commissioned a brand new $9.1M health centre at Yarashima in the Wakapao community to boost delivery of health care to the mainly Amerindian residents. Region 2 Vice-Chairman Mr Vishnu Samaroo, who on Sunday commissioned the project on behalf of Government, told a large crowd that the new health centre is another testimony of the PPP/C

over the years, constructed several health centres and health posts, and rehabilitated existing ones across the length and breadth of the region to provide free quality health services to residents. Mr Samaroo said the Yarashima Health Centre is one such example. The building was constructed by Boodraj Contractor and Supplies through the Region 2 Administration’s capital works programme for 2014. The older folks in the community who attended the commissioning ceremony said they remember that it was the PPP Government, during the 1953-1964 period, that had introduced such health services under the stewardship of the late Mrs Janet Jagan, who was the then Minister of Health. The senior residents said they are very

residents New $9.1M health centre –praise gov’t commissioned at Wakapao for project administration’s commitment to deliver quality health care to Amerindians. He said that Government’s policy since in the 1964 era was to introduce health services to Amerindian communities where no such service existed. The Vice-Chairman said the PPP Government had also set up health posts in the interior areas, and equipped those posts to provide services to residents, especially in the fight against malaria during

The new $9.1M Health Centre at Yarashima in Wakapao

the early sixties. Mr Samaroo said the services started by the PPP Government were discontinued under the PNC regime

between 1964 and 1992. He said the communities in the hinterland suffered because of non-existent or poor health services. According to Samaroo, after the PPP/C won the elections in 1992, the Government then began focusing again on providing quality health and social services to Guyanese. He said some 30% of the national budget was allocated to health. Mr Samaroo said that, in Region 2, the Government,

happy that the PPP/C Government can again provide and expand health services across the country, in which every Guyanese can benefit. Vice-Chairman Samaroo also told residents that the PPP/C Government was responsible for bringing Amerindians into the mainstream of Guyanese life. He said many Amerindians are now nurses, doctors, teachers, soldiers, police officers, agronomists, agriculture officers, public servants, and are engaged in other areas of work. Mr Samaroo said a large number of Amerindian youths were among the 900 doctors that were sent to study in Cuba. He said they studied and qualified themselves as doctors, engineers, technicians and agronomists. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

Cummings Lodge skeletal remains...

Crime Chief: DNA results due in two weeks

SAMPLES taken from the skeletal remains found aback Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, last September and dispatched to Trinidad for DNA-testing have not yet been returned, Crime Chief Leslie James said Tuesday. He explained that although the results are available in the twin-island republic, there is a procedure involved in which the rank uplifting the results of the analysis must adhere to; as such, it takes time to be achieved. James said that in less than two weeks the rank will journey to Trinidad and Tobago where he will uplift the samples and return to Guyana; the results will then be announced. Sleuths had taken samples from the headless body which was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition on September 23, 2014, aback Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.The body is believed to be that of former MFK Trading boss, Mohamed Khan, who has gone missing, but this is yet to be confirmed. The remains were found

Missing: Mohamed Khan

a month after he disappeared following a visit to Guyana from Venezuela to conduct business. Khan, 54, fled Guyana and sold his Hadfield Street business after his life was threatened and during a visit to Guyana in July 9, 2014, he was shot and injured by a lone gunman at La Grange, West Bank Demerara. He was last heard from on August 21, 2014 after he left his wife and children for Guyana and is still missing. The skull, which was wrapped in a plastic bag, was found several feet from the skeletal remains of the unidentified man.

Man on $5,000 bail for alleged plant theft OVID Chester, accused of stealing flower plants from the yard of Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr Lionel Wordsworth, was Tuesday placed on $5,000 bail by City Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond. Chester admitted that on February 12, at Bel Air Park, Georgetown, he stole seven flower plants worth $16,000, property of Lionel Wordsworth. Police Prosecutor Renetta Bentham told the Court that at about 22:00 hrs on the day in question, Wordsworth was at home watching television when he heard a loud noise coming from his yard, and saw Chester on his surveillance camera removing said plants.

Being a licensed firearm holder, Wordsworth discharged three rounds at the defendant, who somehow managed to escape with the plants. The matter was reported at the Kitty Police Station, and Chester was subsequently arrested and charged for the offence. Chester told the Court that he had done some gardening for Wordsworth but had not been paid; and therefore took the plants for the work he had done. The Court was told that Chester had been previously convicted on a simple larceny charge for which he had served nine months. The Prosecutor asked for a short adjournment date to verify the time and nature of the offence. The matter will be called again tomorrow.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

Blind, bed-ridden old woman wants public assistance payments expedited By Shirley Thomas A 61-year-old diabetic woman, stricken in bed with a stroke for the last three years, blind in both eyes and unable to speak, is being denied a basic constitutional right which would ultimately guarantee her the right to life. Norma Hitlall of Best Road, West Coast Demerara, ever since she became ill, has applied to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for public assistance. Her application was eventually approved and in January 2014 she began receiving public assistance. However, to date she has not received her book for the new year – 2015, which means that she has not received any payment for the year. Norma, who, because

of her condition is virtually confined to bed 24/7, lives with her 90-year-old mother, Jasoda Raaja , who tries her best to share what she has with her, but there is a limit to how much she can contribute, since she is herself a pensioner. The sick woman’s distraught mother Jasoda shared with the Guyana Chronicle her experiences of constantly sending a grandchild to the Pouderoyen office to uplift her mother’s public assistance, only to be told that the book has not come (to the office) as yet. And to compound the old woman’s woes, at age 90, she is being made to pay monthly electricity bills to the Guyana Power and Light Company and water rates to the Guyana Water Inc. at its West Demerara facility when she is supposed to be granted exemption.

Jasoda produced as evidence, two of her most recent water bills and receipts for payment. In January she paid $9,000 and in February paid another bill for $13,000, the equivalent of 100 percent of what she is being paid as monthly old age pension. “If I got to pay meh whole pension for one month water bill, how me gun able look after meh daughter?” she sullenly asked. She said when she asked the GWI how much water they think she can use, they told her that she is allowed 600 gallons. “How in the name of earth me gun use 600 gallon water in a month?” she asked, looking puzzled. In fact, the old woman said she has black tanks in which she collects rain water which she feels is best. The frustrated, nervous, and deeply distraught moth-

Still waiting for her public assistance: Norma Hitlall, stricken in bed with a stroke; blind and unable to speak

er, out of deep compassion for her sick and helpless daughter, is appealing for the authorities at the Ministry of Human Services and

Social Security to intervene on her daughter’s behalf, with a view to having the woman’s public assistance payment expedited.

Meanwhile, the GWI is also being asked to cause the nonagenarian woman to be exempted from paying water bills.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

St. Cuthbert’s farmer on ganja charge A FARMER of St. Cuthbert’s Mission was refused bail Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a drug-trafficking charge. Leroy Gunpat, 22, pleaded not guilty to the charge which detailed that on Saturday, February 14, at L Soesdyke-Linden Highway, he had in his possession 500 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking. Representing Gunpat was attorney-at-law Ms. Latchmi Rahamat. She told the court that her client was in a car with three others when the police’s car broke down and blocked the road, causing the car which Gunpat was travelling in to stop. Defence counsel said the ranks carried out a search on

the vehicle and the persons in the car, but nothing was found. A further search by the police revealed that a few feet back was a bag containing the suspected drug. However, the defendant was charged and the other persons were kept in police custody. According to Police Prosecutor Michael Grant, a parcel containing the illicit substance was found 15 feet away and Gunpat admitted to the police that he threw the parcel out of the car. Subsequently, they were taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further investigations. Gunpat, a father of one, was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrates Court Tuesday coming.

Duo bailed for stealing from employer A DUO charged with larceny by clerk or servant was on Tuesday ordered to post $50,000 bail each by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Ivor Waddle of Lot 56 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, and Ronald Jones, 31, of Lot 40 Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, both pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

Particulars of the charge detailed that on January 17 at Georgetown, they stole five cases of Johnson and Johnson products, property of their employer, Distribution Services Limited (DSL). Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, did not oppose bail for the men. The matter stands adjourned to March 27 for statements.

Labourer ordered to compensate ‘child-mother’ for injuries TWENTY-six-year-old Quincy Evans, a labourer of Station Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, was ordered to pay $50,000 compensation to the mother of his three-year-old son when he appeared Tuesday before City Magistrate Dylon Bess on a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. The court heard that Evans unlawfully assaulted Karen Cook, so as to cause her actual bodily harm, on February 14 at 58 Middle Street, Agricola. Pleading guilty, Evans explained to the Court that on the day in question, he had gone to see his son when

he had a confrontation with his child-mother, at whom he “fire a cuff and ran away.” The Court was told that Evans has a habit of constantly abusing and tormenting the mother of his child. On the day in question, at about 10:00hrs, Evans went to visit Cook to inquire about his child, and the two parties allegedly had a confrontation in which Evans dealt Cook several cuffs to her head. Magistrate Bess first told Evans that he needed to find other ways of resolving his anger, before ordering him to pay Cook for the injuries she had received, failing which he faces three months’ imprisonment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

Hit-and-run driver spoils practice session

– for aspiring ‘Dirt-Bike’ champion EIGHTEEN-year-old bike enthusiast Shaliendar Ramcoomar, of Enterprise Gardens, East Coast Demerara, was engaged in intense preparation for the Mahdia Dirt Bike Race scheduled for late March. But he will now no longer be able to participate in that meet, because his involvement in an accident with a hit-and-run motor car on the Enterprise Public Road last Saturday has left him with a dislocated shoulder and injuries to his head, as well as some abrasions. After that unfortunate incident, he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was treated and later sent home. Relatives who accompanied him to the hospital related that a group of young men who were scheduled to participate in the motor cycle races at Mahdia next month had arranged a practice session at the Enterprise ball field at 11:00 hrs on Saturday. Since Shaliender was not at

The injured and distraught biker, Shaliendar Ramcoomar outside the Georgetown Public Hospital

home when the other bikers were setting out for the ball field, they arranged for someone else to meet him at the ground with his bike. When he was ready to join them, he set out on a pedal cycle for the destination, but on the way he was struck down by a speeding motor car which knocked him down and drove away without stopping to render

any assistance to the injured lad. A little boy who was nearby and witnessed what had happened raised an alarm, saying: “Watch a car knock down a man!” Public-spirited persons rushed to his rescue and, soon after, the other bikers arrived on the scene and took the injured man to hospital.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Media/GECOM sign MCC

AFTER nearly two days of intense deliberation, an agreed Media Code of Conduct (MCC) that will serve as a guide to the conduct of media operatives and media houses during the 2015 National and Regional Elections campaign season has been signed. The 2015 MCC is an amended version of the one used during the 2011 election campaign season and reflects the changing environment and lessons learnt from previous years. The 2015 MCC was agreed to following a two-day media Forum organised by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to review the 2011 document and to improve on it. GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally, at the signing ceremony, said that he was happy to see that media operatives were able to cast aside all partisan politics to reach an agreed position. He reminded that media practitioners were technicians of the truth and urged that they exercise good judgment in the execution of their duties. The Chairman said that he would be happy if the GECOM Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) would not have to caution any media house during the time of operation as it would show that the media have been faithful to the MCC. Pointing to previous elections and the work done by the MMU, he said that

Participants at the GECOM MCC Stakeholder forum

2001, the first experiment with the MMU, was not a good year, but the 2006 and 2011, the media showed that they had matured based on the reports. He especially congratulated the media for the maturity displayed in face of provocation during the 2011 elections campaigning. Pointing to the 2015 document, the chairman said that he was happy that it contained a glossary of terms in the document as that will help both the monitors and the operatives in their observance of the code. The Chairman also t h an k e d t h e E u r o p e a n Union (EU) and Canadian High Commission for their support of the electoral process and technical assis-

tance to the Commission, and expressed confidence that this process will assist in Guyana having good elections. Facilitator of the forum, Dr Paloma Mohamed, said that she was particularly proud of what was achieved over the two-day period and posited that it will go a long way in ensuring stability and peace during the election campaigning. The Manager of the MMU, Ms Lavern Pinto, and the staff of the MMU were also introduced to the media. Pinto, in brief remarks, said that the document is superior to the 2011 code as it attempted deal with new and emerging media. Following yesterday’s signing of the new code, a one-week period of

GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally (sitting) and staff of GECOM MMU

training will be held for the monitors, who were present during the deliberations, so that they will be familiar with the clauses and what is expected. GECOM will then advise all media houses when the official monitoring will commence. The code calls on media practitioners to, among other things, hold themselves free of any or all political control and direction, inducement, promises or threats. It also urges that every effort be made to provide factual, comprehensive, accurate, balanced and fair accounts of events in a context which give them meaning. With regard to political activities of media functionaries, the code recognises

the likelihood of charges of bias, therefore it requires these functionaries to refrain from using their programmes for promoting their political objectives. The code further deals with the need for management support for the independence of journalists and the need for civic education in reporting. It also addressed the issue of equitable share, access and coverage of election campaigning, the use of official events for electioneering and the reporting on opinion polls. As the 2015 MCC will be enforce after the results have been declared, it addresses the expected behaviour or the media on polling day and its relations

with GECOM with regard to the announcement of the results. The code also outlines the procedure for dealing with complaints and commits the media houses to respond promptly and responsibly to complaints of errors in reports. The agreed 2015 MCC was signed by representatives of the state and private media including the “new media”, referring to online publishing houses, among whom were representatives of Kaieteur News, HGTV, Capitol News, 93.1 Radio, INews and IRadio, Channel 8, and LRTV Berbice, Frontline News, GINA, NCN, Guyana Chronicle and CNS Channel 6.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Monitors for MMU selected – Dr Surujbally

- US$100,000 funding secured REVIEWS of election coverage in the media by the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) are expected to commence within two weeks, according to Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally. At a news conference yesterday at Cara Lodge, he disclosed that the va-

cancies for media monitors have been filled by qualified, University of Guyana (UG) graduates. The operations of the MMU are an added measure in the interest of maintaining the laudable electoral processes of the last few elections. Funding in the sum of US$100,000 has been se-

cured for the resuscitated MMU and, according to Dr. Surujbally, this is expected to be released to the Commission shortly. The primary donors, he added, are the European Union (EU) and Canada, via the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Initially established in

2001, the MMU’s operations are expected to span a five-month period, and its activities, according to the project proposal seen exclusively by the Guyana Chronicle, would include the following: Daily monitoring of Guyana’s mainstream print and broadcast media for conformity to best practices associated with professional

journalism; Informing media practitioners in a timely manner of instances of breaches; The production of periodic reports on the Unit’s findings on media practitioners’ compliance; Compiling archival information on local media performance for referencing purposes; and Providing informational and other support to GECOM’s Public Relations Department. These are in addition to other undertakings which

are outlined in a work plan for the Unit. The Media Monitoring Unit was revitalised in 2006 and has since come to be “accepted as an objective and credible arbiter of media practices,” as the document highlighted. Additionally, over two dozen media corps stakeholders yesterday signed onto a revised media Code of Conduct, by which the MMU’s monitors will be guided. (Vanessa Narine)

Measures put in place to address challenges in health sector – HPS –challenges raised in 2014 report

THE performance of the health sector remains a priority for Cabinet, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, noting that Cabinet sub-committees monitor several sectors for the inter-current events affecting them. Dr. Luncheon explained however, that the monitoring of the health sector is directed at three areas, child mortality, maternal mortality and the licencing of facilities. In 2014, a report by the Health Ministry, reviewed by the Cabinet monitoring group and discussed by Cabinet in January was completed in February of this year. It was pointed out that the sector had achieved its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with respect to maternal mor-

tality, notwithstanding the fact that 18 deaths were recorded across the country, 10 of these at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The non-compliance or indifference to reporting on maternal deaths, with specific regard to the timing of their reportage within recognised timelines, was among the issues expressed in the report. Dr Luncheon said the report highlighted this “minimal indifference and sometimes even worse, in so far as the reporting by these private institutions”. Child mortality rates, in the report, focused on those under five years and neonatal, Dr Luncheon stated. “The issues that arose in the report were the comparison and using the MDGs of the reduc-

tions from figures of earlier years (1991/92) and what we intend to achieve in the signal year of 2015”. He added that the neonatal rates had more to do with the efforts of the Health Ministry to enhance efforts to allow for the salvage of what ordinarily might have been unsalvageable births”. He further added that creation of intensive care neonatal units has in effect contributed to the “picture of neonatal deaths that Cabinet was so distressed about”. Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran further explained to Cabinet that the aforementioned was a population that is of low birth weights, and short gestation periods, with inherently high mortality. The challenge in adequate reporting was also brought to

the fore by the report, said Dr. Luncheon. “We have cultural norms against fundamental tools in the evaluation of infant deaths, like post mortems. The report commented on the considerable difficulties that exist in getting parents, perhaps institutions, and even conniving officials to enforce those requirements to have post-mortems done. In many places it just doesn’t happen”. The postmortem is a statutory part of the requirements, captured in the regulations to allow the proper delivery and maintenance of statistics. The export groups, convened by the ministry, Dr Luncheon stated, to address the issues of culpability, whom or under what circumstances these deaths occurred, would generally express their findings and

make recommendations. “Cabinet had to face those instances when either the autonomous Medical Council or lesser frequently the High Court, disposed of the recommendations of the expert group as they sought to have disciplinary measures against malpractising professionals, keeping in mind the Medical Act, applicable regulations in the face of what has been reported in 2014, to overcome these obstacles to indeed

ensure maximal enforcement”. With regard to complaints about the attitude of healthcare providers to patients, especially those at government funded institutions, Dr Luncheon reiterated that over the 2001 to 2006 period, an initiative to have “Service level agreements” was instituted. These agreements cover the waiting times for non-critical and critical care at public health facilities, for example. This initiative is undertaken with assistance from various non-governmental organisations, the Cabinet Secretary explained, and improvements have been seen from this intervention which has been sanctioned by the health minister. In closing, Dr. Luncheon indicated that Cabinet is satisfied with the efforts being made and the measures being put in place by the Health Ministry to address these issues. (GINA)

City buildings sporting national colours and symbols for 45th Republic Anniversary By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally MANY buildings at all corners of Georgetown have taken up the challenge to be decorated for the national celebration of Mashramani. Under the theme ‘One People, One Culture, One Celebration”, public and private entities have chosen to decorate their building with Guyana flags and other patriotic symbols in support of the country’s 45th Republic Anniversary. Speaking briefly with the Guyana Chronicle during a recent interview, coordinator of the Mash Secretariat Lennox Canterbury noted that this is a traditional aspect of the Mashramani celebrations. However, it is a

Guyana Water Inc. dressed to celebrate Guyana’s 45th Republic Anniversary growing tradition with many nesses are seen decorating more entities showcasing their buildings. “We even their patriotism and talents have some of the private in support of the event. schools getting involved decAccording to Canterbury, orating their environs with in the past most public build- flags and banners.” ings such as the ministries This newspaper visited a came on board to have their few of the decorated buildbuildings nicely decorated ings, noting the talents showbut many more private busi- cased in attractively deco-

rating their buildings. Many buildings on Regent Street, even with just Guyana flags, showed their patriotic pride. It’s an attractive spectacle each year to see many buildings being transformed by the creative use of the Guyana flag. Guyana Water Inc.,(GWI), Ministry of Education and Hand in Hand Group of Companies have outdone themselves this year. The Guyana Chronicle spoke with a few persons, who were trying to get some of their Mash shopping done, and they explained that it is always nice to see the stores and buildings decorated. “It’s nice to see the place decorated with our flags and not like how it is at Christmas,” Mrs Persaud said. A n o t h e r s h o p p e r,

Shaun, related that when he was a ‘little boy’ seeing the place decorated helped to get persons in the Mash mood. “I will

have to take my children on a little drive around the town so they can see some of what happens during Mash time,” he said.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport making sure they add to the colour and glamour of the celebrations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Warapoka residents pledge allegiance to PPP/C at coming elections --in appreciation of all it has done for community RESIDENTS of Warapoka community in the Barima/ Waini district of Region 1 have pledged their full support to the PPP/C at the general and regional elections set for May 11. Coming out in large numbers to attend a PPP/C public meeting last Saturday afternoon, residents said their community has seen development over the past 22 years under the PPP/C Government, and they do not have to use the PNC’s (now APNU) famous “jumbie” flambeau lamps anymore, but only have to press a switch to get solar powered light in their homes in the hinterland under the PPP/C

Government. Residents are proud of the People’s Progressive Party [PPP] as a party and as forming a Government; and they say they will vote for the cup solidly in order to return the party to Government. Residents said their community had been neglected and the PNC Government had called them “bush people”; but today, the late ‘father of the nation’ and President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Jagan, and the PPP/C Government have transformed their community and involved them in every area of development. They said the PPP/C has brought them into the light. Senior PPP/C representa-

tive and Chairman of Region 2, Mr Parmanand Persaud, who addressed residents, said the PPP/C Government has moved the country a far way in terms of development, and the economy has improved greatly. He said development is evident in every region across the country. Mr Persaud said more could have being done under President Donald Ramotar’s Government, but the Opposition APNU and AFC parties voted down many big projects that would have benefited every Guyanese. He called on residents to reject the APNU/AFC coalition, and pointed out that the

Region 2 Chairman Parmanand Persaud addressing residents at Warapoka

AFC is trying to get votes to give to the APNU [PNC] to fight the PPP/C. The Chairman said the PNC (APNU) wants to start its election campaign on the 21st February with the lighting of the Burnham torch to relive the Burnham era of blackouts, food shortages, poor health services, run down hospitals, poor potable water services, and suffering being visited on Guyanese. He reminded residents that under the PNC Government they had to paddle with canoes to Moruka and Charity to search for food, but under the PPP/C Government residents are now travelling in

boats powered by 150 and 200 hp outboard engines, and there is no shortage of food. Another PPP/C speaker, Mr Steve Stanley, reminded residents that under the PNC, now APNU, government, their community had to use an old army barracks as a school, but when the PPP/C came to office on 5th October, 1992, a new and modern school was built so children can pursue their education in an environment conducive to learning. In a blistering attack on the Opposition parties, Mr Stanley said the PNC has changed its name to APNU, but it is the same PNC that destroyed Guyana during

Warapoka Village in the Waini River, North West District

28 years in Government by fraud and rigged elections. He said the AFC party is another arm of the PNC (APNU) He said the PPP/C brought development to the community of Warapoka, and he pointed to trained teachers at the school. He said the community has a health post with its own trained health workers. The village also has its own vehicle and solar powered well. Residents also praised the Government for the $10,000 education grant they received to help their children. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

Crime Chief promises intelligence-led strategy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to counter minibus banditry on the East Bank

SOME commuters travelling in buses on the East Bank corridor have, from time to time, been victims of armed robberies perpetrated by men posing as passengers and this has not gone unnoticed by the G u y a n a P o l i c e F o rc e (GPF). Crime Chief Leslie James told this publication that there are law-enforcement personnel on the ground gathering intelligence, and strategies will be employed to minimise such incidents. The strategies, he pointed out, will not be disclosed, but they are looking at it and using their intelligence-led network which will see perpetrators being arrested. James said they do not malign people, but they are aware that some persons after committing crimes make good their escape through two villages along the East Bank route. He explained that every effort is being made to forge closer relationships with those two communities and the police are doing a lot of work at the community level where youths are engaged in sports and other activities. James stated that as information is received they

will continue with raids to sanitise several villages along the route and they also urge residents to cooperate with law enforcement personnel. A minibus driver was gunned down during a robbery on Monday afternoon when one of two men, who were passengers in the bus he was driving, demanded he hand over his gold chain. The incident happened at Grove Public Road, in the vicinity of Campbell Street, as the driver identified as Beepat Taijram, 28, known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biggsâ&#x20AC;?, of Lot 55 Albouys Street, Albouystown had dropped off passengers and was about to head to the city. It took place at about 14:00 hrs and he was shot at least three times in the back as he tried to flee from his attackers, who held him at gunpoint at Grove Housing Scheme. The gunman managed to relieve the mortally wounded man of his gold chain before he fled into the village even as he was being pursued by members of the Disciplined Services, who had witnessed the robbery. The route 42 minibus driver, an ex-cop, was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

CORENTYNE MINIBUS SMASHUP…

Mother of three killed, as another mother and baby flung out of bus A COLLISION on Monday between two Route 63 minibuses (New Amsterdam to Crabwood Creek) at Wellington Park, Corentyne, Berbice, claimed the life of Vidwattie Persaud, called Bedoo, 43, a mother of three of Number 43 Village Corentyne. The accident, which occurred in the vicinity of Wellington Park Primary School, left three persons, including a baby, hospitalised. Persaud was travelling to Rose Hall Town, a few miles away, where she was expected to make a deposit at a bank, but unfortunately she did not make it. Her sister Meenwattie reported that the monies were missing along with personal documents. Meanwhile, Adisha Khedaroo, 24, of Brighton Village, who is a patient at the New Amsterdam hospital, recalled being seated behind the conductor in minibus BRR 6403. She too was travelling to Rose Hall Town to purchase school items for one of her daughters, Emily, who was scheduled to go on a school tour on Friday. Khedaroo said she was breastfeeding her one-yearold daughter, Philonena, when she felt the collision. As a result of the impact, she and her baby were thrown through the window and they landed under the very vehicle. The baby, she said, sustained injuries to the face, eyes and head, and was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), while she remained a patient at the Berbice Regional Hospital for attention to a fractured shoulder and injuries to the right side face and head. The accident victim lamented from her hospital bed that persons who came to their assistance stole $11,500, along with personal documents belonging to herself and husband. Meanwhile, the other hospitalised persons are the driver of BSS 2229, Trellon Archibald, 30, of Number 53 Village, and Dhanwattie Sahid, 52, of Number 71 Village, who was transferred to the GPHC. According to investigations, minibus BRR 6403 which is owned and driven by forty-oneyear-old Ghirdial Heralall of Number 59 Village was proceeding west along the Wellington Park Public Road when the driver swerved to the right in order to allow a passenger to disembark. However, the driver of BSS 2229 on seeing this manoeuvre applied brakes in an effort to avoid a collision, but the speed at which he was reportedly travelling caused him to collide with the left front side of the other minibus. At his hospital bedside,

driver Trellon Archibald confirmed that he was behind the wheel of BSS 2229, however, a relative prevented him from offering any further information to the media. But, an eyewitness, twentyone-year-old Inzaman Hussain of Wellington Park, said the accident occurred as a result of speeding. Hussain explained to the Berbice media that the blue and white minibus, BSS 2229, was heading towards New Amsterdam but took a detour after a passenger, who is employed at Wellington Primary School, requested that the vehicle take her over to the other side of the road. Hussain noted that while BSS 2229 was returning to its original lane, a speeding navy blue bus, BRR 6403, travelling in the opposite direction collided with it. The eyewitness opined that as the navy blue bus overtook a truck, the driver may have been unable to see the approaching bus, which at the time was moving across the road. Hussain recalled that as the driver of the navy blue bus saw the other bus in the process of crossing the road, he applied brakes but it was too late and the collision occurred. “As the buses collided the navy blue bus slammed into the left side of the light blue bus, causing the upper part of Persaud’s body to be flung through the window of the bus,” the eyewitness said. Meanwhile, when the Berbice media spoke to the dead woman’s 21-year-old son, Vishnu Persaud, he said that his mother had left home Monday morning to go to the Rose Hall Town Branch Republic Bank. He explained that, around noon while he was “in the backdam” he received a call from his sister who told him that their mother was involved in an accident. When they arrived on the scene the family was told that the ambulance had rushed his mother and other injured passengers to the Port Mourant hospital. However, when they got there, they were informed that his mother was transferred to the New Amsterdam hospital. The grieving son lamented that upon arriving at the New Amsterdam Hospital they learnt that his mother was in the X-ray room. Soon after, doctors at the New Amsterdam hospital rushed her to the GPHC, but she succumbed on her way in the vicinity of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. The deceased mother leaves to mourn her husband, two daughters and a son, along with her siblings and other relatives and friends. Investigations are continuing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

Thursday, February 19, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Friday, February 20, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 05:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 19, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Paris prosecutors probe ‘racist’ Chelsea fans … FIFA president Sepp Blatter condemns Chelsea fans tion against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders.” Blatter, the head of soccer’s world governing body which has a zero tolerance policy towards racists, tweeted: “I also condemn the actions of a small group of Chelsea fans in Paris. There is no place for racism in football.”

FIFA president Sepp Blatter By Mike Collett LONDON, England (Reuters) - The Paris prosecutor’s office has started an investigation to find the Chelsea fans responsible for chanting “we’re racist and that’s the way we like it”, as they stopped a black man boarding a Paris train on Tuesday. The incident was captured on video by another passenger on the platform at the Richelieu-Drouot metro station before Chelsea played Paris St Germain (PSG) in a Champions League match at the Parc des Princes in the French capital. Police said no arrests were made in relation to the match which ended in a 1-1 draw but amateur footage posted on The Guardian newspaper website (www.theguardian.com) clearly showed the incident which has been widely condemned

by the soccer authorities including FIFA president Sepp Blatter and Chelsea. The Metropolitan Police in London have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and said in a statement that they “took offences of this nature seriously no matter where they occur”. The statement added: “We will examine the footage with a view to seeing if we can apply for football banning orders, preventing people from travelling to future matches.” With the Paris prosecutor’s office opening a case, both the French and British police forces said they would cooperate in identifying those involved. ‘WE’RE RACIST’ The men in the video could be seen and heard chanting “we’re racist, we’re racist, and that’s the way we like it,” as they stopped the man boarding their carriage -- pushing him back on to the platform. Premier League leaders Chelsea, making their second visit to Paris for a Champions League match in less than a year, condemned the incident in a statement yesterday. “Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society,” the club’s statement said. “We will support any criminal ac-

UEFA APPALLED UEFA’s statement read: “We are appalled by the incident which took place in the Paris Metro on Tuesday.” However, European soccer’s ruling body, which also has a zero tolerance policy towards racism, distanced itself from being able to take action against the fans or the London club. “As it occurred away from the stadium, it is outside UEFA’s remit to act,” it said. “It is a matter for the local authorities to investigate further and UEFA supports any action that is taken.” Police, including about 10 British officers, had been deployed across Paris on Tuesday and prevented several fights from breaking out, a police spokesman said. The English FA and the English Football Supporters’ Federation also condemned the incident but PSG had no immediate comment on the incident.

Australia’s Clarke to return against Bangladesh - Lehmann (REUTERS) - Australia captain Michael Clarke will return to the side for Saturday’s World Cup match against Bangladesh after recovering from hamstring surgery, coach Darren Lehmann said yesterday. Clarke’s race to be fit has been something of a soap opera in Australia and he played his first match for the team in two months last week in a warm-up against United Arab Emirates. Clarke hit 64 against UAE but sat out the team’s 111-run romp over England in their tournament opener. “Yeah, he’s playing, mate,” Lehmann told reporters in Brisbane.

Clarke, who is likely to replace stand-in skipper George Bailey, bowled and batted in the nets yesterday and was satisfied with the progress he has made. “We had a good conversation (with selectors) last week and thought it was in the team’s best interests to not play against England and give me another week,” he said. “At this stage I think the selectors are very happy.” Heavy showers have been forecast for the weekend and the two cyclones expected might push Clarke’s return back to Australia’s February 28 match against co-hosts New Zealand in Auckland.

Racing Tips American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Stonely Heart Race 2 El Grillo Race 3 Repartee Race 4 Charming Eyes Race 5 Kleptocrat Race 6 Mr. O ‘Leary Race 7 Lulu Rocks Race 8 Ferzetti South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:25 hrs Respectable Ruler 09:05 hrs Fortitude 09:30 hrs Deliver The Power 10:15 hrs Olive Leaf 10:55 hrs Suedette 11:30 hrs Verge Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 09:45 hrs Cliff House 10:15 hrs Tongie 10:50 hrs Coolbane West 11:25 hrs Mr Cosmopolitan 12:00 hrs Kilmurry Kid 12:30 hrs Visible Light 13:00 hrs Nickname Exit Arab Emirates Racing Tips Meydan 10:45 hrs Shared 11:20 hrs Lancelot Du Lac 11:55 hrs Yard Line 12:30 hrs Hunter’s Light 13:05 hrs I’m Back 13:40 hrs Cladocera 14:15 hrs Eastern Rules English Racing Tips Musselburgh 09:50 hrs Arthurs Secret 10:20 hrs Coiurt Of Law 10:55 hrs Island Heights 11:30 hrs Silver Duke 12:05 hrs Silver Gent 12:35 hrs Bracing Sedgefield 10:00 hrs Aristo Du Plessis 10:30 hrs Discoverie 11:05 hrs Zazamix 11:40 hrs Stilo Blue Native 12:15 hrs Forty Crown 12:45 hrs Be A Dreamer Huntingdon 10:10 hrs Polo 10:40 hrs Canuspotit 11:15 hrs Tango De Juilley 11:50 hrs Kylemore Lough 12:25 hrs Shoreacres 12:55 hrs Alberto’s Dream

Athletics to ... From back page Dr Anthony recently said the finishing touches were being put on the facility. The long-awaited opening the minister said was due to the non-completion of the clubhouse. Meantime, the association at its Council Meeting held on Saturday, February 14 took the decision to postpone the planned National High Schools Championship to 2016. It was set for March 21-22 this year. The AAG was

hoping to host the best athletes from nine districts but all arrangements were not finalised in time to host the event. Had it been held, it would have been the first AAG-sanctioned event. The Annual National Schools Athletics Championships is not sanctioned by the association; as such the times and distances recorded by the Ministry are not recognised outside Guyana’s borders.

UG ends with ... From back page UG copped gold again in the men’s long jump, which was championed by Emanuel Archibald in a winning jump of 6.74m. A r c h i b a l d ’s g o l d was complemented with a bronze from Ameer Yussuf who covered 6.10m. Second place had gone to UWI Blackbirds’ Jamar Ward who jumped 6.54m. Plagued with injuries and stiff competition, in the track segment the team still managed to end with i m p r e s s i v e p e rformances under the circumstances. Coach for the team, Mark Scott, noted the surprisingly increased level of competition in which teams from several other Caribbean countries participated. The Boys 4x400m team managed to come in second in their heats. However they did not place in podium position, overall, in the race which was awarded finals by time. “I am proud of how they per-

formed, we came here, we performed, we had some injuries and we could not fit in people who were supposed to be our regular runners, even our 4x400m was a B team because of the injured athletes that we had. But the increased level of competition and participation was what we were not expecting.” Scott said. Manager for the team, Lavern F r a s e r- T h o m a s also expressed her amazement at the level of competition displayed at the event this year. The UG Sports Organiser expressed her satisfaction with the teams’ performance, and viewed this experience for the team as a stepping stone towards understanding the level of competition that the athletes will come up against as they aim to develop their skills. “I was basically satisfied with how things went, the level of competition was much higher this year.” Thomas-Fraser said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Afghan World Cup debut ends in loss to Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim steady the Bangladesh innings with 114 runs off 93 balls for the fifth wicket. (REUTERS) - A three-wicket blitz at the start of their innings knocked the wind out of Afghanistan on their World Cup debut and helped Bangladesh to a 105-run victory with more than seven overs to spare in their Pool A opener in Canberra yesterday. Skipper Mohammad Nabi had warned that nerves might compromise Afghanistan’s bid to cap their remarkable rise to the top table of international cricket with a maiden victory at cricket’s 50-over showpiece, and so it proved. Their attempt to overhaul the 267 all out that Bangladesh posted never recovered from the loss of Javed Ahmadi, Afsar Zazai and Asghar Stanikzai in 13 balls that left them facing humiliation at 3-3 after the opening three overs. Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza (3-20) took two of the wickets to help spur his side to a measure of revenge for the defeat in the only previous meeting between the countries at the Asia Cup last year. Shakib Al Hasan, who tops the all-rounder world rankings, was missing from that match but played a key role in yesterday’s victory after Afghanistan had shackled the Bangladeshi batsmen and reduced them to 119 to four

in the 30th over. Teaming up with Mushfiqur Rahim (71) to plunder 114 runs off 93 balls for the fifth wicket, Shakib (63) also became the first Bangladeshi to score 4 000 one-day runs. Despite spinner Samiullah Shenwari being forced out of the attack by the umpire for following through onto the danger area, four Afghan bowlers took two wickets apiece and they will have been encouraged by bowling Bangladesh out. That encouragement did not last much beyond the innings break and although Nawroz Mangal (27) and Samiullah Shenwari (42) averted complete humiliation with a fourth-wicket partnership of 62, the run chase never looked on. Shakib’s left-arm spin accounted for Najibullah Zadran (17), who looked unfortunate not to escape the lbw decision on appeal, as the ball appeared to strike him on the pad outside the line of the off-stump. After Nabi lashed out at a Mortaza delivery on the following ball and was caught at mid-off for 44, the end was not long coming and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur performed the coup de grace by running out Aftab Alam to end the innings with 162 runs on the board.

Scoreboard BANGLADESH innings A. Haque lbw b Ashraf 29 T. Iqbal c Zazai b Ashraf 19 S. Sarkar lbw b S. Zadran 28 M.MahmudullahcZazaibS.Zadran 23 S. Al Hasan b Hassan 63 M. Rahim c Shenwari b Nabi 71 Sa. Rahman b Hassan 3 M. Mortaza b Alam 14 M. Haque run-out (Zazai) 3 R. Hossain not out 0 T. Ahmed b Alam 1 Extras: (b-3 lb-4 w-6) 13 Total: (all out, 50 overs) 267 Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-52, 3-102, 4-119, 5-233, 6-241, 7-247, 8-263, 9-263. Bowling: H. Hassan 10-0-612 (w-1), S. Zadran 7-1-20-2, A. Alam 9-0-55-2 (w-3), M. Ashraf 9-3-32-2 (w-1), M. Nabi 9-0-58-1 (w-1), J. Ahmadi 4.50-32-0, S. Shenwari 1.1-0-2-0.

AFGHANISTAN innings J. Ahmadi c & b Mortaza 1 A. Zazai lbw b R. Hossain 1 N. Mangal c R. Hossain b Mahmudullah 27 A. Stanikzai c Mahmudullah b Mortaza 1 S. Shenwari run-out 42 M. Nabi c Sarkar b Mortaza 44 N. Zadran lbw b Al Hasan 17 M. Ashraf c Mortaza b Al Hasan 10 A. Alam run-out 14 H. Hassan c A. Haque b Ahmed 0 Extras: (lb-1, w-2) 3 Total: (all out, 42.5 overs) 162 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-2, 3-3, 4-65, 5-78, 6-136, 7-136, 8-154, 9-154. Bowling: M. Mortaza 9-2-203, R. Hossain 6-0-27-1 (w-1), T. Ahmed 7-0-23-1, S. Al Hasan 8.5-0-43-2, M. Mahmudullah 8-1-31-1 (w-1), S. Sarkar 3-013-0, Sa. Rahman 1-0-4-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo on target as Real ease past Schalke 2-0 GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany,(Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo ended a threegame goal drought as holders Real Madrid won 2-0 at Schalke 04 yesterday to take a big step towards the Champions League quarter-finals and equal the competition record with a 10th straight win. The world player of the year headed in after 26 minutes for his 73rd Champions League goal with Real’s first chance and he set up Marcelo to make it seven wins for the Spanish side in seven Champions League games this season and 10 in a row. Real’s victory was nowhere near as emphatic as last season’s 6-1 romp at Schalke at the same stage of the competition but it was a much-needed confidence boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s team after a lacklustre start to the year in Spain. “Anything can happen in the Champions League. We are humble and we know that to get through we have to work hard like we did today,” Marcelo told Spanish television. “We have a two-goal advantage but the tie is not over. “Cristiano is not obsessed with scoring. Goals come when the team works together,” he said of his team mate. Looking to become the first team to retain the Champions League title, Real, eliminated from the King’s Cup this month and crushed 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in La Liga, host Schalke in the second leg on March 10. The Germans fielded

five defenders and were on the back foot from the start but coach Robert Di Matteo’s disciplined 5-3-2 system proved effective. Schalke gradually grew in confidence and created good chances for Dennis Aogo and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. But Ronaldo put Real ahead, ending his mini lean spell with a glancing header from Daniel Carvajal’s cross to take his competition tally to 73, two short of the record held by Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. Schalke keeper Timon Wellenreuther, making his competition debut, did well to deny Karim Benzema and Ronaldo, parrying a curling free kick in the 34th. Schalke’s game plan collapsed when Huntelaar, back in action despite serving a suspension in the Bundesliga for a red card, limped off with a leg injury. Real were almost punished by 19-year-old Felix Platte who replaced Huntelaar and struck a shot against the crossbar 15 minutes from time. “The quality made the difference,” Schalke coach Di Matteo said. “They have superb players and that is why they are the title holders. They had one chance and scored two goals.” Brazilian Marcelo ended any lingering German hopes with a powerful shot 11 minutes from the end after good work from Ronaldo to keep Real firmly on course for a record-extending 11th triumph in Europe’s premier club competition.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

GUMDAC Badminton Tourney winners get their prizes WINNERS of the annual GUMDAC Open Doubles badminton tournament, which ended recently, were, last Monday, presented with their prizes at a presentation ceremony held at the Queen’s College courts. Again topping the winners list and continuing their winning strides were the Ramdhani siblings, Priyanna and Narayan. The pair topped the mixed doubles category while Narayan teamed up with Nicholas Ali to win the men’s doubles category of the competition, which featured rivalry in only two categories. In the mixed doubles category Narayan and Pri-

Winners of the annual GUMDAC Doubles badminton tournament with their trophies

Team Evolution seeking to register fourth win of the 2015 cycle season TEAM Evolution will be seeking to register their fourth win of the 2015 local cycle season on Sunday when they face the starter in the Annual Forbes Burnham Memorial twostage cycle road race. The event, which gets under way at 08:00hrs in Linden, is expected to attract Guyana’s leading cyclists and promises to be a very thrilling and entertaining event. It is being staged in commemoration of the 92nd birth anniversary of Guyana’s first Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, who died on August 6 1985. Stage one will conclude on Homestretch Avenue while stage two starts at 14:30hrs from outside the Ocean View International Hotel, Liliendaal from where the participants will journey to Belfield, East Coast Demerara, before turning back to finish opposite the place of origin. The race, which is being organised by the Burnham Foundation in collaboration with the Guyana Cycle Federation (GCF), has at stake over $200 000 up for grabs

and is open to seniors, juniors and veterans. Team Evolution opened the 2015 cycling season on a winning note, as Marlon `Fishy’ Williams won the feature 35-lap National Sports Commission event in the National Park, while his team mate Michael Anthony followed up the following day with a win in the Benjamin’s Cycle Sports Store 50-mile cycle road race in Berbice. Two Sundays ago, Williams claimed his second victory for the season by winning the R&R International-sponsored 40-mile road race over in the West Demerara area. Come Sunday, both Williams and Anthony will be supported by team mates, Orville Hinds and Stephen Fernandes. They will, however, have to be wary of the likes of defending race champion Raynauth Jeffrey Christopher Holder, Alanzo Greaves, a n d P a u l D e N o b re g a among others. Jeffrey won the senior category last year, returning a time of two hours 50 minutes 08 seconds.

yanna easily made their way to the finals after amassing effortless wins against the only other two teams in the category. Played in the round robin format the mixed doubles saw the Ramdhanis overpowering Jonathan Mangra and Abosaide Cadogan 2110, 21 – 12 on the opening day of the competition which began February 9. The pair next came up against Ali and his partner Siya Persaud and defeated them 21 – 10, 21 – 13. Ali and Persaud would defeat Mangra and Cadogan to take second place in the category. As the three day competition continued at the

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Narayan and Ali took the men’s doubles title of the competition, for the third consecutive year, opening with a 21-6, 21-7 win againstTyreese Jeffrey and Lakshman Das. In the semi finals the pair out mastered Deodat Etwaroo and Raymond Khalil defeating them 21-13, 21-6, before moving on to dispose of Mangra and Avinash Odit in a three set match which ended 21-11, 21-23, 21-15. Third place in the men’s doubles category was shared between the Etwaroo and Khalil team and a team made up of Gokarn Ramdhani and George Melville.

EBDCA/Goodwood Racing Service 40-overs quarter-final action this weekend THE East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA)/Goodwood Racing Service-sponsored 40 Overs competition will continue this weekend with quarter-final action. Fourteen teams started the tournament in 2014 but action was stalled due to the inclement weather. The competition finally resumed last Saturday with Sandpiper Sports Club winning by walkover from Combined United Sports Club at the Laluni ground. On Sunday at the same venue, Ruimveldt Sports Club won easily over Nandy Park to book a spot in the final eight.

The first quarter is on Saturday (February 21) will be contested between Ruimveldt Sports Club and Laluni Sports Club at the Laluni ground from 10:00hrs. while the following day North Soesdyke Sports Club will take on Sandpipers Sports Club also at the Laluni ground from 10:00hrs. The race for another semi-final will put together Bayrock Sports Club and Uprising Sports Club at the Bayrock ground also from 10:00hrs. There are other 2014 competitions to be completed in the first quarter of 2015 before the commencement of the 2015 season for teams affiliated to the EBDCA.

Third round bowls off today at Wales Marlon `Fishy’ Williams Last year also, Anthony won the junior category of the event, clocking a time of two hours 51 minutes 06 seconds. However, he is no longer a junior rider, so there is a place open for a new junior champion. Junior Niles is the defending veterans champion but this year he will be hardpressed to make a successful defence of that title since Linden Blackman, Eon Jackson, Virgil Jones and Kennard Lovell will look to deprive him of a repeat victory.

… Everest in GCB Under-15 cricket WITH Demerara already guaranteed a spot in Saturday’s final, today’s contest between Berbice and the GCB President’s XI will see the winners move on to play the defending champions on Saturday, as play continues in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-15 Inter-County Tournament. The boys from the Ancient

County and the GCB XI will face off at the Everest ground from 09:00hrs while at the same time, at the Wales Community Centre, Essequibo and Demerara square off in a game with little or no merit. In that match last Monday, Demerara had defeated Berbice by five wickets and Essequibo outclassed the President’s XI by 18 runs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

GCB hands out kits to clubs on ECD and RHTY&SC President Drubahadur hands over cricket kit to Christopher Singh from Lusignan. Also in photo are: Jitlall Jowharilall of Enterprise at right, Delbert Hicks from Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and GCB secretary Anand Sanasie at left. THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) countrywide cricket development outreach programme continued at the weekend with donations of cricket gear to four clubs. On Saturday, at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, complete cricket gear kits were given out to Better Hope, Lusignan, Enterprise and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. President of the GCB, Drubahadur, urged the clubs to make full use and care the kits. He noted that with all the constraints the Board is encountering, it still manages to stick to its mandate by ensuring that all levels of cricket competitions are played within their scheduled times.

GCB president Drubahadur hands over kit to Mustafaa Azimulla of Better Hope. Also in photo is GCB secretary Anand Sanasie (L).

Local football referees for CONCACAF Preliminaries

FIFA International Referees affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have been appointed to officiate in the CONCACAF Preliminary Competition for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. According to a GFF release, Sherwin Moore (Referee), Venton Mars (Assistant Referee 1), Andrew Porter (Assistant Referee 2) and Sherwin Johnson (Fourth Official) have been appointed by FIFA to officiate in the St

Kitts & Nevis vs Turks & Caicos Islands match on March 23 at the Warner Park Sporting Complex in St Kitts and Nevis. Additionally, Trevor Johnson has been appointed by FIFA as the Fourth Official for the U.S. Virgin Islands vs Barbados match on March 29 at the Lionel Roberts Park in the United States Virgin Islands. The GFF has confirmed the participation of all the aforementioned referees to FIFA.

NOTABLE DATES BARRINGTON Cambridge was the national super lightweight (junior welterweight) and welterweight champion at different periods in a career that lasted 25 years. Cambridge first entered the ring as a professional in 1981 and had his last fight in 2006. On February 19, 1983 Cambridge had his second fight and knocked out Simeon Thomas in the third round. He collected six consecutive victories before he ran into Gustavus `Haversack’ Theobald in February 1984. The two battled to a draw after 12 rounds. Two months later Dennis `Kid’ Dalrymple handed Cambridge his first defeat. Dalrymple was adjudged the winner on points after 10 rounds. Later in his career Cambridge lost to Raul Frank and had two entertaining bouts with Michael Benjamin. His record reads 19 victories (10 KOs) eight defeats and one draw.

The president told the clubs that once the GCB irons out some, if not all of its issues, more help will be given to clubs across the country. Drubahadur also praised the national teams and urged the youngsters to pay attention to their achievements and work hard to achieve same or better. The outreach programme started last year with the aim of equipping all cricket clubs. Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, said the board has been able to assist the Bayrock Club and the Upper Demerara Cricket Association, the various associations in Essequibo, some clubs on the East Bank of Demerara and some clubs in Berbice.

NOTABLE DATES THE lady who one day became world champion started her professional career on February 19, 1999. Shondell `The Mystery Lady’ Alfred won a four-rounder against Stephanie `Stepping Razor’ George via points decision in her opening fight. Alfred racked up three victories during 1999 but received her first blemish one year later. The orthodox Guyanese fighter was TKOed by Austrian Doris Hackl. The contest was held on June 9, 2000 in Nova Scotia, Canada and referee Ken Wood called a halt at one minute and 14 seconds of the fourth round. Undeterred and full of tenacity, Alfred returned to win the vacant Women’s International Boxing Association bantamweight title on September 26, 2009 at the Princess Hotel and Casino. She lifted the crown after being given a unanimous nod by the judges in a fight against Corinne Van Ryck DeGroot. Alfred last fought in November of 2010 and was set to make a comeback in November 2012 against Mexican, Zulina Muñoz, for the World Boxing Council (WBC) female super/flyweight title. However, in a bizarre twist of fate, the fight was cancelled when doctors, performing medical checks hours before the bout, discovered that the Guyanese was more than two months pregnant.

Shondell `The Mystery Lady’ Alfred

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

Teammates need to rally around Holder, advises Sammy CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – Darren Sammy believes embattled West Indies captain Jason Holder needs the unbridled support of his teammates, in order to navigate the current turmoil surrounding the team’s poor form. The 23-year-old Holder has had a fiery baptism, presiding over the Caribbean side’s 4-1 thrashing at the hands of South Africa last month and then as West Indies slumped to a shock four-wicket defeat to minnows Ireland in their ICC World Cup opener on Monday. “You just need that spark and … we as a group have got to carry him through,” said Sammy, a former ODI captain and the current Twenty20 skipper. “He’s young, he didn’t ask to be put in that situation and as one who has been in that

situation, I know what that feels like. I will try my best to help him along and also encourage the team to help him along because captaining the West Indies is a very, very tough job.” Holder’s appointment as captain was not without controversy. He replaced Dwayne Bravo who had only been in the job for just over a year, after replacing Sammy in 2013. Bravo was also axed from the squad, following his role as spokesman for aggrieved players during the abandoned tour of India, a move that prompted claims of victimisation from several quarters. Senior team player Chris Gayle, a member of the World Cup squad, also publicly lashed out at the selectors’ decision to drop Bravo and Kieron Pollard.

West Indies World Cup captain Jason Holder Despite this furore, Sammy said Holder still commanded the support of the senior players. “At least now Jason has the backing of the guys in the dressing room, the senior players want to see him do well,” Sammy pointed out. “It’s very tough, I don’t know what’s going on in his mind but from what I’ve seen he’s a strong character, a strong individual.” Sammy also advised Holder to seek super-

natural help in difficult times. “(He needs to) stay strong and pray to the man above. He controls all things,” the all-rounder said. “If you’re feeling down, you whisper a prayer to him. That’s what I did but I had good support around me with my family.” West Indies are currently here preparing to face Pakistan in their second match of the World Cup at Hagley Oval tomorrow.

England were ‘embarrassing’ v Australia, says Gooch last 10 overs as Glenn Maxwell plundered 66 off 40 deliveries. “You have to have a full armoury of deliveries for the last few overs,” said Gooch, who worked closely with the team as batting coach until leaving the role last year. “It’s all about variation -- and what you saw from

Kim Collins

Collins rolls back the years to equal CAC record LODZ, Poland, (CMC) – Ve t e r a n K i t t i t i a n sprinter Kim Collins continued to roll back the years, setting a world-leading time and equaling the Central American and Caribbean Games record in winning the 60 metres at the Pedro’s Cup meeting here Tuesday. At two months shy of age 39, the enduring athlete produced a sensational run, clocking a personal best 6.47 seconds, to snatch the event in style at the Atlas Arena. American Mike Rodgers was second in

a season-best 6.52 seconds with Great Britain’s Richard Kilty also clocking a season-best of 6.54 seconds. Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda was fifth in 6.59. Collins ran well within himself in the heats, clocking 6.66 seconds but exploded in the final to repel his challengers. The CAC mark of 6.47 was set by Jamaican Lerone Clarke three years ago. Collins is a former World 100 metres champion, having won the title in Paris, 12 years ago.

England was a concentrated attack of similar deliveries. “I was gob-smacked by the way they bowled at the end. Our side is full of talented cricketers but it’s delivering that talent under pressure.” England’s next game is against co-hosts New Zealand in Wellington tomorrow.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday February 19, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Fomer England captain Graham Gooch LONDON ,(Reuters) - England’s 111-run mauling by Australia in their opening World Cup match was “embarrassing”, former captain Graham Gooch said today. Australia piled up 342 for nine after being put into bat and England were bowled out for 231, only a valiant 98 not out by James Taylor saving them from an even more emphatic loss. “There’s no disgrace in defeat, but the way they racked up runs was embarrassing,” Gooch told

the BBC. England captain Eoin Morgan was out for nought, his fourth duck in his last five innings. “He’s in a bad run but he’s a match-winning player and England desperately need him to be leading the way,” Gooch said. “Morgan’s a bit vulnerable outside off-stump but he should retain his attacking instincts - that where his skills lie.” England reduced Australia to 70 for three but conceded 105 runs in the

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) ArjunaRanatunga (2) England & New Zealand Today’s Quiz: (1)In which two World Cup tournaments Brian Lara led the West Indies? (2) Who scored a century in the first World Cup final? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 19, 2015

COURTS pledges $400 000 to ‘Caribbean Collision’ boxing card AN INJECTION of some $400 000 from COURTS Guyana Inc. to the promoters of the ‘Caribbean Collision’ boxing card set for this weekend was handed over yesterday at a simple presentation. COURTS presented a cheque to the Guyana Boxing Board of Control president Peter Abdool at the company’s Main Street, Branch. On Saturday, Guyana‘s Clive Atwell faces Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings in the headline bout. Mullings has fought four Guyanese and will be looking to add Atwell to the list. Four other bouts are set for the card at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Courts Presentation: COURTS Managing Director Clyde DeHass (2nd left) makes the presentation to GBBC president Peter Abdool while COURTS Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings looks on.

New GFF Constitution will change football in Guyana – Urling FIFA officials expected next month for Goal Project assessment

By Rawle Toney CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling, in updating the media on the present constitutional reform process, pointed out that Guyana’s football will be enhanced in ways never before seen once everything is finalised. “Our constitution is going to change football in every way,” Urling told reporters recently at the 704 Sports Bar while addressing several issues in the sport. FIFA Head of Association Primo Corvaro, along with CONCACAF’s Director of Legal Affairs Marco Leal recently visited Guyana where the duo spearheaded the GFF’s constitutional reform process. The pair met with a selected group of legal minds and the Normalisation Committee at the Guyana Olympic Association for over two days, in an attempt to carry out an obligation by FIFA to reform all the constitutions of its member associations, in some cases making it specific to fit the circumstances in the sport. Urling pointed out that at present, FIFA is working on a draft of the constitution and would then

return to Guyana where the officials will once again meet with the various member associations, but, the GFF Normalisation Committee Chairman noted, “If the member associations don’t adopt it, then FIFA returns and it means the life of the Normalisation Committee will be extended and FIFA will try again”. “The Normalisation Committee is a feature of FIFA and not the Member Association. Nowhere in the GFF statutes says anything about a Normalisation Committee, that’s in the statutes of Article 7 of FIFA, so when it’s activated, only FIFA can remove it. When it comes to us reporting and answering, we’re only obligated to do that to FIFA. When it comes to getting everyone involved, we speak to all the member associations. In fact a part of our mandate is to share all information just like we’ve been doing from the start,” Urling said. According to Urling, if the Normalisation Committee fails in any way, the consequences could be that Guyana will be banned for a few years, adding, “there’s no doubt about that, this is the last stop. When a Normalisation Committee is in place, it’s the association telling FIFA they need help and they intervene and install this group and fix that country.” “This period will be a test to see if Guyana is interested in being part of International football with the rest of the world and all the support that comes with it, or, if they want to just play domestic

football. For me, it’s the latter which is more important than these controversies,” said Urling. He further added, “People should try to look at things and say: Mr Urling, how can we help the situation, even if I hire a crook, what safeguards you have in place. At the end of the day, it’s the Normalisation Committee who runs Guyana’s football. The General Secretary, the Technical Director, those are support structures and at the end of the day, we’re the ones that FIFA has put in place to ensure that we manage Guyana’s football until such time.” Goal Project An update was also given on Guyana’s first FIFA Goal Project; one which has been in the making for decades, where Urling told the gathering of sports journalists that “two senior (FIFA) officials are expected in March and we’re making some slight changes to it as well, but those announcements will come pretty soon and some other projects that we hope to get off the ground pretty soon.” “A lot of things are happening football-wise; positive things that should be reported as well. In fact, pretty soon we’ll be launching our elite football tournament and you’ll see an entire different structure of how the federation competitions will be and that’s where we want to take football. We’re not looking into the past, just where we can develop Guyana’s football,” said Urling.

Cameron given huge boost as JCA makes about-turn KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Incumbent West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron had his re-election chances significantly boosted when his home territory, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), made an about-turn and decided to throw their support behind him, in next month presidential elections. JCA directors had earlier this month voted 10-6 to support Cameron’s challenger, Barbados Cricket Association president Joel Garner. The move sparked dissent among the wider membership who on Tuesday voted unanimously at their annual general meeting to strike down the original decision and have the JCA support the Jamaican Cameron. While Cameron was given the opportunity to make his case to the JCA for re-election ahead of the initial directors’ vote, Garner could not because of a hiccup in telecommunications, the Jamaica Observer reported. However, outspoken JCA director Wayne Lewis said the fact Garner had not made a presentation was now “irrelevant”, as the membership had spoken strongly. “We still never got the opportunity to hear from Garner. But the members spoke; you could feel it in the room that they didn’t care too much about that because they knew exactly who they wanted to support,” Lewis told the Jamaica Observer. “The wider constituents supported the Jamaican so the fact that they didn’t hear from Garner became

Huge boost for Dave Cameron re-election chances irrelevant to them because they knew that (initial) decision was an unjust decision and they wanted to make the wrong right.” The development is a huge blow to Garner’s chances of toppling Cameron at the March 7 Annual General Meeting of the WICB here. While the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board members have backed the legendary former West Indies fast bowler, the Windward Islands, Leeward Islands and Guyana have all indicated their support for Cameron. In recent months, Cameron came under fire for his handling of the aborted tour of India and the subsequent impasse between the players, the WICB and players union WIPA. The WICB could also face a US$42M lawsuit in coming months if the Indian Cricket Board follows through on its promise to seek damages arising from the abandoned tour.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Cameron given huge boost as JCA makes about-turn See story on page 39

Athletics to feature at Leonora synthetic track opening next month By Leeron Brumell ATHLETICS will form part of the showcase for the opening of the Leonora synthetic track next month. Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar and Athletics Association president Aubrey Hutson visited the facility yesterday. Track and Field has been given a half-hour slot. The planned date for the opening is Friday, March 27. The opening of the facility should be an evening affair, with events under lights. Hutson said the artificial surface is in order for the event. The executive of the association will meet to finalise events and the age group of the athletes who will be on show. Hutson said, given the limited time slot, a few of the shorter distances will be run.

It has been touted that the top athletes from the CARIFTA Trials on March 7-8 will give those in attendance a glimpse of their talent. The CARIFTA Games will be held April 4-6 in St Kitts and Nevis. T h e a s s o c i a t i o n ’s vice-president Gavin Hope, at an AAG Retreat last year, said he is hoping to send 15 athletes to the games, once they make the qualifying times and distances for the respective events. Chronicle Sport understands that the Ministry is looking to have two top world-ranked Caribbean athletes make an appearance at the opening ceremony. The Leonora synthetic track was certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) in September last year. Turn to page 33

FLASHBACK: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony and president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hudson hold the IAAF certificate.

UG ends with five medals at Relay Fair … Three gold, a silver and a bronze

By Tamica Garnett

UG medallists from left: Ameer Yussuf, Kleon Spellen and Emanuel Archibald. (photo by Tamica Garnett)

THE University of Guyana team to the Barbados Relay Fair returned home last Monday with five medals from the event which was held at the Barbados National Stadium last Saturday. After several near misses on the track, the field event athletes excelled beyond expectations with Kleon Spellen topping the medal haul with gold in the men’s shot put and silver in the men’s discus and javelin.

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In the shot put Spellen had a best throw of 12.81m overcoming the 12.44m thrown by Charles Walcott. In the discus throw Spellen’s 34.52m was more than enough to surmount the 25.22m thrown by his nearest competitor Myrico Morris. However, Spellen’s 46.01m in the javelin was not enough to make it to the top. He was defeated by the 49.80m covered by UWI Blackbirds’ Lamar Clarke. Third place went to Combermere’s Mathew Jones who had 44.32m. Turn to page 33 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015