2015 2 27

GUYANA

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

No. 104113 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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First Couple ushers in Holi season with Witness

Chowtal Samelan - at State House

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breaks silence on Neesa Gopaul’s murder

Neesa Gopaul

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East Canje duo busted with 34 pounds ‘weed’ Page 16

President Donald Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds taking part in the chowtal singing at the Chowtal Samelan hosted by the President and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar at State House to usher in the season of Holi (Phagwah)

Education, Police, Digicel rule the roost Mash Day

Digicel Guyana appoints new CEO

Centre

– Jumo takes Road March title

Mr Kevin Kelly

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

First Couple ushers in Holi Season with Chowtal Samelan – at State House GUYANA’s First Family – His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, First Lady Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar, and members of their family -hosted a Phagwah Samelan last evening at State House, transforming the residence with melodious chanting of chowtaal, and colourful dances depicting Phagwah.

The Samelan at State House was held ahead of the Hindu festival of Holi, which will be observed on March 6.

The First Couple mingled freely with persons who gathered to enjoy the festivities, and Guyana’s Head of State said he was delighted to be part of such an auspicious occasion. “It a great pleasure to be here to celebrate with you, because I’m sure that all of you know that this celebration has many meanings; it’s a celebration of good over evil; the beginning of a new page; the turning of a new leaf.”

The President explained that the Hindu Festival of Holi is a very important holiday in the Hindu calendar, and is an equally important holiday in the national calendar of our country. He noted that because of our country’s diversity, these festivals have now become more nationalistic, with our people integrating as one.

The President deemed Guyana “a country that is rich in tradition and a country in which we are trying to integrate all the cultures of the different strands that are existing in our society, so that we can emerge with one strong Guyanese culture.”

The Head of State exTurn to page 10 ►

President Donald Ramotar greeting a young attendee

A section of the crowd at the Phagwah Samelan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Essequibians accord President – during busy two-day visit a rousing welcome to ‘Cinderella County’

By Rajendra Prabhulall PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar was given a rousing welcome Wednesday at Supenaam as he arrived by a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) jet boat to the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region for a twoday visit.

As the Army boat approached the farmers’ stelling, a large crowd, including speed boat operators, hire car drivers, farmers and residents, gathered to welcome and meet with the Guyanese Head of State.

President Ramotar was accompanied by Minister

within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Alli Baksh, and Region 2 Chairman, Mr Parmanand Persaud.

One woman who came from the Supenaam Creek said she was very happy and felt blessed after shaking the President’s hand. The woman, who is a farmer, said she sees

the President on television many times but never had an opportunity to meet him personally.

The President, who was on a two-day visit to the Essequibo Coast, started off by addressing a large crowd of residents at Sand Road, Supenaam at a community meeting.

President Ramotar also addressed community meetings at Aurora, Huis’t Diren and Adventure on Wednesday, and based on reports, the meetings attracted large crowds.

The President continued his meetings yesterday at Charity New Housing Scheme, New Road, Better

Hope and Dartmouth.

Meanwhile, residents at the meetings on Wednesday pledged their full support to the PPP/C at the upcoming elections. One man declared that the PPP/C must be returned to office to continue developing the country.

President Ramotar meets a resident at Supenaam

President Ramotar meeting a speedboat operator at Supenaam

President Ramotar interacting with Essequibians

Residents of Huis’t Diren listen attentivly to President Ramotar at a community meeting

A section of the crowd at the Aurora meeting with President Ramotar

President Ramotar addressing one of the meetings in Essequibo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Witness breaks silence on Neesa Gopaul’s murder Nessa Gopaul’s mother, Bibi Shareema Gopaul, and step-father, Jarvis “Barry’”Small, are on trial at the High Court in Georgetown for Neesa’s brutal murder, which allegedly took place sometime between September 24 and October 2, 2010.

Jarvis “Barry” Small is being represented by attorneys-at-law Glen Hanoman, Bernard De Santos SC, Lyndon Amsterdam and Zanna Frank, while Bibi Gopaul is being represented by Attorney-at-Law, George Thomas.

The case is being presented by State Prosecutors Diana Kaulesar, Mercedes Thompson and Stacy Gooding.

The prosecution is presenting that on October 2, 2010, the headless remains of a female were discovered at a location along the Soesdkye-Linden Highway, tucked inside a suitcase that was partially submerged in a creek.

A rope was wrapped around the suitcase and dumbbells were attached at one end, apparently in an effort to keep the body under water.

In addition to the body, a passport bearing the name Neesa Lalita Gopaul was also found. The teenager was reported missing just days before the discovery was made. Subsequent to the discovery of the body, Bibi Gopaul and her ex-paramour, Small, were arrested and charged for the murder.

THE State yesterday called another witness, Simone De Nobrega, also known as Simone King, before Justice Navindra Singh and a panel of mixed jurors. In her evidence, King told the Court that she knew Shareema Gopaul, whom she identified to the Court.

She explained that she

first got to know the accused in the East La Penitence lock-ups.

In her evidence, De Nobrega said she sat next to Shareema Gopaul and they talked. She said Gopaul at the time appeared to be sad, and they talked for about 15 minutes. She recalled that about an hour later, her mother brought her dinner

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was that she had no idea. To which Gopaul replied that she did not want to find out either.

De Nobrega said Gopaul told her that she seemed to know a lot of people, and she wanted someone to go dig up the grave of her ex-husband, Javid Gopaul (Moonsammy Gopaul). She said she wanted it dug up as early as possible, and at any cost.

had dinner, and then retired to bed.

She was lying right beside me, the witness said, when, about one hour later she looked as if she was having a bad dream and was heard saying, “No, Barry!

Barry stop!” De Nobrega said she woke Shareema up, since she thought it was the logical thing to do.

She said Shareema Gopaul woke up and kept looking over her shoulders as if something was going to happen to her. The witness said Shareema Gopaul told her she had something she wanted to ask her; and in response, she promised Gopaul she wouldn’t say anything to anyone.

“She asked me,” De Nobrega began, “if someone had died a year ago of poisoning, and the authorities wanted to exhume the body and perform an autopsy, if they could find out that the person died of poisoning?

And her response to Gopaul

and she asked Shareema Gopaul if she had eaten, and she responded in the negative. De Nobrega told the Court she offered to share her dinner with the accused, and after that, they just chatted about ordinary matters.

She further stated that after that day, they talked at length about personal matters, such as weight and health. Shareema Gopaul went Court and then to the Berbice lock-ups; three days later, she was taken back to East La Penitence, which was October 15, 2010. DeNobrega noted that other than that, she saw Shareema Gopaul as a pleasant person, and one who was easy to talk with.

She said on Gopaul ‘s return on October 15, 2010 to the prison, she kept a space for her. They continued talking, and Gopaul was telling her about her experience at the prison lock- ups, after which they continued to talk about girls’ stuff,

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IT WASN’T ME The witness said that noting her confusion, the accused Gopaul said to her: “After I tell you something, then you would understand.”

With that, De Nobrega said, the accused Gopaul took her hand ever so softly and said, “It wasn’t me; Barry kill Neesa.” According to the witness, Shareema Gopaul told her that since her husband died, Neesa had gotten rude and very disrespectful to her. She was skipping school and showing up late, she said. She wasn’t listening to anything, and when she tried scolding her, she would become upset.

De Nobrega said the accused Gopaul went on to tell her that she first met Barry in March 2010. He was a gym instructor, she said, and she was overweight.

She told him she wanted to lose about 20 pounds. The witness said Gopaul told her a relationship had begun with her and Barry; she

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was uncomfortable in her troubled marriage, and had moved out on her own for two weeks.

According to De Nobrega, Gopaul said she and Barry rented an apartment, and that she wanted to be with him because he made her happy. Shareema Gopaul, the witness said, later moved back home because of her two daughters, but her marriage did not get any better.

De Nobrega said accused Gopaul said that Barry told her the only way to make things better was if Javid (Moonsammy Gopaul) was out of the picture. She said Barry gave her some tablets and told her how to administer it to his food; that is, put small amounts in the food so he can die gradually and no one would suspect.

According to the witness, Gopaul told her that from time to time, Barry would call to check up on Javid’s condition, and that during some of those conversations, he would get upset and angry. He told her she was not giving her husband enough of the tablets; that it looked as if she did not want him to die.

The following day, Barry brought some poison that was in powder form, and told her to start adminis-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

‘Jihadi John’ killer from Islamic State beheading videos unmasked as Londoner

By Michael Holden and Mark Hosenball L O N D O N / WA S H I N G TO N , ( R e u t e r s ) - T H E masked “Jihadi John” killer who fronted Islamic State beheading videos has been identified as Mohammed Emwazi, a British computer programming graduate from a well-to-do London family.

The black-clad militant brandishing a knife and speaking with an English accent was shown in videos released

by Islamic State (IS) apparently decapitating hostages including Americans, Britons and Syrians.

The 26-year-old militant used the videos to threaten the West, admonish its Arab allies and taunt President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron before petrified hostages cowering in orange jump suits.

Emwazi’s name was first disclosed by the Washington Post, citing unidentified former associates, but two U.S. government sources who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to Reuters that investigators believed Jihadi John was Emwazi.

Dressed entirely in black, a balaclava covering all but his eyes and the bridge of his nose and a holster under his left arm, Jihadi John became a menacing symbol of Islamic State brutality and one of the world’s most wanted men.

Hostages called him John as he and other Britons in Islamic State had been nicknamed the Beatles.

Emwazi was born in Kuwait but came to Britain aged 6 and graduated with a computer programming degree from the University of Westminster before coming to the attention of Britain’s main domestic intelligence service, MI5.

An associate of Emwazi, who was a fluent Arabic speaker, said MI5 tried to recruit him and then prevented him from travelling abroad, forcing him to flee abroad without telling his family.

He travelled to Syria around 2012.

MI5 does not publicly comment on such claims. The British government and police refused to confirm or deny his identity, citing an ongoing security investigation.

“We don’t confirm or deny matters relating to intelligence,” said a spokeswoman for Cameron, who has ordered spy agencies and soldiers to track down the killer.

MOST WANTED MAN “Jihadi John” rose to notoriety in August 2014 when a video appeared showing a masked man raging against the United States before apparently beheading U.S. citizen James Foley off camera.

Intelligence services in the United States and Britain used a variety of investigative techniques including voice and facial recognition as well as interviews with former hostages to identify the man, with whom MI5 had already had dealings.

But security officials made great efforts to avoid publicly naming Emwazi, fearing that would make him more difficult to catch. They were uneasy that the name was revealed.

There was no answer at two addresses in west London where Emwazi was listed to have lived. Neighbors described the family as “normal people” and “friendly”.

“This is the first time anything like this happens in this neighborhood,” said Fatima Al-Baqali. “We have to be careful now. I didn’t know this family and I usually know everyone here.”

linked Emwazi to another British militant killed in Somalia in a U.S. drone attack.

A British court ruling dated December 2011 reported that Emwazi was an associate of Bilal al Berjawi, a leader of al Shabaab, a person in possession of the court ruling said.

Qureshi said British spies had tried to recruit Emwazi.

“There’s one character that I remember, one kind person that I remember and then I see

A masked, black-clad militant, who has been identified by the Washington Post newspaper as a Briton named Mohammed Emwazi, brandishes a knife in this still image from a 2014 video obtained from SITE Intel Group February 26, 2015. Credit: Reuters/ SITE Intel Group/Handout via Reuters “JIHADI JOHN” Asim Qureshi, the research director of Cage a charity that campaigns for those detained on terrorism charges, said that although he could not be certain Emwazi was John, there were some

“striking similarities”.

Qureshi painted a picture of a kind and thoughtful young man who faced harassment from MI5, which apparently suspected he wanted to join the Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab.

British authorities have

that image and there doesn’t seem to be a correlation between the two,” Qureshi told reporters.

“I feel like a prisoner, only not in a cage, in London..,” Emwazi wrote in an email to Cage.

He felt like “a person imprisoned and controlled by security service men, (who) stopping me from living my new life in my birthplace and my country, Kuwait”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

EDITORIAL HATRED BOOMERANGS

GUYANA

- so many times when a shot is fired at an enemy it hits a friend INTOLERANCE of other communities in the human family has catalysed much destruction to lives and infrastructure in nations throughout the course of history.

Of current times the attacks of radical Islamists and retaliatory actions by equally intolerant communities have driven catastrophic tragedies that are probably unparalleled in this history of humankind.

Subsequent to the attack in Paris by Muslim extremists, the Media reported that three young Muslims had been shot dead in their home in a quiet neighbourhood of North Carolina in the United States.

According to the report, Police named the victims as 23-year-old Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19.

The victims were found shot dead at the scene, while some residents described not even being aware there was an incident until police arrived. All three had been shot in the head.

A 46-year-old man, named by police as Craig Stephen

Hicks, has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of first-degree murder.

The women’s father, Dr Mohammad Abu-Salha, who has a psychiatry practice in Clayton, told the North Carolina News and Observer that he believed the shooting was based on the religion and culture of the victims and that this was a hate crime.

Allah is beneficent and merciful – so says the Koran of the religion of Islam, but in the name of this selfsame religion, a number of persons are killed around the world almost on a daily basis.

Aside from pursuing mass murder plots against innocent populations in every corner of the planet, Islamic terrorists have one other thing in common: They credit their motivation and success to religion.

The shockwaves of the terrorist atrocities of 11th September 2003 (9/11) still reverberate in the soul of the world, but especially so in the hearts and memories of those who lost loved ones when the twin towers were blasted into oblivion by Al Qaeda suicide bombers.

Guyana lost several of its citizens in that holocaust.

One of them is the very beloved son of staunch Moslem parents, Nezam A. Hafiz, who was eliminated from among the ranks of the living like an insect.

Nezam is still mourned.

He was the baby of the family and the only son of three children born to his parents. Until today his mother cannot speak about him without breaking down.

The recovered parts of Nezam’s body were identified through DNA testing and buried after a very private funeral ceremony, but this is also cause for grief for those who loved the very healthy young man, whose exploits on the cricketing fields are still remembered today.

Nezam was thirty-two years old and a Computer Analyst employed by insurance giants, Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. when he perished in his office, which was situated on the 94th Floor of Tower One in the World Trade Centre.

As in everything that he endeavoured, Nezam was

very conscientious about his job and his mother knew that he was in the Tower when it was hit because he was customarily very early in office; but she hoped and prayed for days that he would have survived and frantically, along with other relatives and friends, scoured the hospitals where the survivors had been taken, in vain.

After leaving Guyana to join his family in New York, Nezam acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University, but he is best remembered for his contributions, both in Guyana and the USA, for his contributions to the sport of cricket.

Although he retained his membership of the Malteenoes Sports Club, Nezam entered zealously into the North American cricketing arena and became captain of the Commonwealth Cricket League (CCL) and the American Cricket Society (ACS).

President of the CCL, Mr. Lesly Lowe, described Nezam as a perfect gentleman, as did Mr. Atul Rai, President of the United States of America

Cricket Association, who said that he was a very likeable person, who displayed exemplary manners on and off the field.

National First-Class Cricket Umpire, Mr. Colin Alfred, said that while Nezam resided in Guyana he represented his club Malteenoes and country at junior and senior levels in regional cricket and performed exceptionally well, so much so that a wall of fame was established in his memory at his club and a game of cricket is played to commemorate his birth anniversary every year.

Former teammate, Neil Barry, who was coaching cricket in Georgia, Atlanta when the towers were destroyed, said that losing his friend hurts until today. Although he knew that Nezam worked in Tower One, like relatives and other friends he kept hoping that his friend would have been one of the lucky ones who escaped, although he knew that this was an unrealistic assumption.

Describing Nezam, Barry said that he was a genuine, forthright, principled person and a very loyal and dedicated friend who, just the day prior to his demise, had taken the time to assist another friend,

Lennox Cush, who was returning to Guyana after spending some time in the USA. Barry said that Nezam exuded confidence on the cricket field, responding to challenges in a very fearless manner. He emphasised that Nezam always considered himself Guyanese who never forgot his roots, and that he kept in touch with his friends and his club, visiting as often as possible after he migrated.

Calling membership in the Malteenoes Club a ‘family affair,’ Barry said that Nezam’s relatives are still very much a part of Malteenoes and that they periodically make financial and other donations to the club on Nezam’s behalf.

As in the poem “Brightstar” Nezam continues to shine in the hearts of those who have loved and still remember him.

Indeed, he remains an icon in the galaxy of Guyana’s “Brightstars.”

The world is one global village and hatred boomerangs. So many times when a shot is fired at an enemy it hits a friend. Bullets have no names and no eyes to distinguish friend from enemy.

A strong female technocrat will make a difference IT is a very critical issue when it comes to business, that is, being in step with the customers. Without this core principle any businessman will suffer the consequences of being alienated, isolated, and his enterprise ruined. I have used a crude example, but nevertheless it brings home the message that nothing successful will come your way if you distance yourself from the people.

They are the central theme of any discussion where political leadership is concerned.

People are a very critical issue

for anyone accessing a leadership role in any country that is to identify with them.

The fact is they are the ones you will have to rule over, and they are the ones you depend on to vote for you. So, it behoves political leadership to be cognisant of the fact that before you lead you must serve. Serving people should always be the focus as you broaden the entire outlook in life with a positive expectation for the future. Mrs Elisabeth Harper has fitted that description perfectly, she has served her people with distinction and

now it is time for her to take the mantle on to the national stage.

It is this people concept that has caused President Donald Ramotar to name Mrs Elisabeth Harper to be on his team. Making this strategic move places him miles ahead of his political counterparts.

His detractors are now running scared and frightened at the thought of running against an intelligent, young, female technocrat. How would they fare against such a strong woman?

President Ramotar real-

ised that the time had come for his prime ministerial running mate to bear a new face.

Not that the party is severing ranks with Mr Samuel Hinds; far from it. I think there will be room for him in the new government in the capacity of Advisor to the President.

But we need a change, 20 continuous years of quality service is more than enough time for Mr Hinds to step aside in grace. Our heartfelt thanks to you, Sam! So, let me get back to my main idea: President Ramotar has embarked on a new era in

our political sojourn here in Guyana by choosing Mrs Harper.

She is young - taking political age range for a leader - educated, intelligent and one who carries a dignified personality. She is also a woman, which means that she is sure to bring the female voting public with her.

Women form a major portion of voters in any jurisdiction and Elisabeth will make a huge difference in the way women vote in the next election.

Mrs Harper allows for the distinct possibility of choice when voters go to the polls.

We would not be ‘burdened’ with the task of only selecting a group of men. The voting public can now look at a fresh, new female face with which they can identify.

This is something that the Opposition never took into consideration: that a female technocrat would have been the prime ministerial choice for the PPP/C. They were caught off guard.

And Mrs Harper will cause a major political shake-up come May 11th.

NEIL ADAMS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Timelines that ignore practicality can be self-defeating I ADMIRE and learn a lot from the prolific writings of Dr Henry Jeffrey who must be congratulated and thanked for his comprehensive offering in SN of 25/02/15 titled: “A timebound coalition programme is essential.”

However, the time-frame provided appears over-ambitious and impracticable, not only in terms of the nature of the items contemplated, but also having regard to the limited availability of skills and

competencies required to undertake the 20 items contained in the proposed programme.

It has been suggested that all the 20 items be initiated within the first four months with 8 for immediate action, 2 for action within two weeks, 7 for action within one month, 2 for action within two months and one for action within 4 months. The mere consultation with stakeholders and assembling of the necessary human resources required for most of these

items can take several weeks, even months.

With due respect for the competencies of fellow Guyanese, “national and international stakeholders” et al, it is difficult to see how so much can be achieved within the short timelines given. The appearance of promising too much, of biting off more than can be chewed, risk incurring the cynicism of the electorate and their dismissal of the proposal as yet another “political ploy” just to get votes

rather than a serious, wellthought-out programme that is indeed actionable because it is realistic.

I respectfully suggest that the 20 items which are indeed well-thought out be prioritised with timelines that better reflect their do-ability, having regard to the unique demands of each of them and the availability of the required human resources.

the centrifugal appeal of the major parties. Its pull in the elections of 2006 was largely Afro-centric and in the 2011 elections it lost that support but made up for the loss by making some inroads in some PPP strongholds.

It is clear that the AFC does not have a stable political base and its political fortunes depended on which way the political pendulum is swinging. Its support base is at best fluid and therefore unpredictable.

Now that the AFC has merged with the APNU in a pre-election alliance, it can no longer present itself as a counter force to either of the two dominant political forces.

Put in a different way, it has lost its raison d’etre or its reason for being.

Political pundits have already pronounced on what seems to be an act of political suicide on the part of the AFC leadership. Already there are several resignations at both the leadership and rank- andfile levels, who interpreted the move as not only opportunistic, but as a betrayal of principles.

As to whether or not the AFC, as a party, would be able to recover from such a crippling, self-inflicted wound remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the AFC lacks the moral right to claim that it is a party of principles, or that it can be trusted when it comes to honouring its promises.

BROOKLYN-BASED Rickford Burke, in a letter published in the Kaieteur News on February 25, made comments about former President Mrs. Janet Jagan and Prime Minister Sam Hinds that are totally inaccurate and made up events that never happened, to tar the PPP as a racist party.

He claimed: “The PPP eviscerated [removed] President Sam Hinds” following the untimely death of Dr. Jagan in March 1997. That is incorrect, as President Hinds served out Dr. Jagan’s term from February through December of that year. Burke must be suffering from amnesia and no doubt has racialism as an undercurrent in his thought process. Why else would he focus on race when it was not a factor in Hinds’s succession as President and when the PPP never removed Hinds as President?

Burke wrote, “The PPP forced President Sam Hinds to resign and make Prime Minister Janet Jagan succeed him”.

Such an act never occurred and raises a question about the motif of inventing information and injecting “race” as the reason for the PPP engaging in [an] act that never occurred.

As a historian, I cannot let that statement go uncorrected. The facts would reveal that after Dr. Jagan suffered a massive heart attack in February 1997, he was airlifted to Washington for medical treatment with Mrs. Janet Jagan by his side. Then Prime Minister Hinds acted as President. I believe Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud was appointed Acting P.M. (stand to be corrected). Following the death of Dr. Jagan, Hinds was sworn in as President. Following the funeral of Dr. Jagan, Janet was appointed Prime Minister by Hinds. Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud (who was Agriculture Minister) was appointed Deputy Prime Minister; he may also have acted as PM during the period that Dr. Jagan was hospitalised (stand to be corrected).

Hinds was never asked to resign from the presidency and Mrs. Janet Jagan did not replace him. President Hinds visited the U.S. as President and spoke at the UN in September, as well as addressed gatherings in Brooklyn and Queens; my recollection was Burke was present at the Brooklyn meet. I wrote on that visit as a reporter for publications in Guyana and North America. Mrs. Jagan became the PPP’s presidential candidate with Hinds as the prime ministerial candidate in elections in December. Janet was sworn in as President after the party won with Hinds as P.M. A medium has an obligation to state facts and to review and edit (delete) letter comments, especially from writers who have an axe to grind, that are not factual. Clearly, Burke’s comments were not in the remit of facts. As a lawyer, he ought to know better and not manufacture information, a la the Freddie Kissoonian method. The paper’s editor and the writer ought to verify claims before putting them out in the public domain. Burke wrote of “PPP’s concealed racism” in describing a non-act he used to tar the PPP. Since the event never happened, there could not be any racism there, and by extension the PPP could not be a racist party.

The same cannot be said of Burke’s party (he proudly said he was advisor to Hoyte) that discriminated against Indians, and that refused to put an Indian as a prime ministerial candidate under Burnham and Hoyte. At least, the PPP put an African as its prime ministerial candidate in every election since 1992.

In manufacturing information and peddling them as facts, is Burke not guilty of racism? And why would a person denigrate the appointment of a brilliant African-Guyanese female like Elisabeth Harper as a prime ministerial candidate by the PPP, albeit a largely Indian party, as the country strives to overcome race-based politics?

Every effort at multi-racial politics should be welcomed rather than be viewed through the prism of race. Burke owes the nation an apology for penning a falsehood and spreading a racist agenda.

HYDAR ALLY

VISHNU BISRAM

NOWRANG PERSAUD

Coalescing with APNU deprives AFC of reason for existence THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has taken a big political gamble in entering a pre-election coalition with the A Partnership for National Alliance (APNU).

Some political analysts are of the view that it could very well be the end of the life of that political entity after, as seems more than likely, the PPP/C’s victory in the May 11 national and regional elections.

The fact is that unlike the United States and several other western democracies, there is not political space for swing voters. Any political blunder could prove costly if not fatal for parties on the periphery like the AFC. In our context, the two dominant political parties namely the PPP and the PNC have, by and large, managed over the decades to hold on to their respective support bases with the PPP having the distinction of being the only

political party in post-independent Guyana that have been successful in winning a majority of the votes in all but the November 2011 election which gave the combined Opposition a small margin of votes over that of the PPP. I refer of course to free and fair elections which effectively disqualifies the PNC during the 1968 - 1992 period.

In other words, no political party except the PPP has ever won a majority of the votes on their own strength.

An analysis of voting behaviour would reveal that the PPP has always polled the highest number of votes since it entered electoral politics way back in the early 1950s.

Despite the anti-communist hysteria waged by local and foreign reactionary forces in the 1960s, the PPP emerged as the party that commanded the largest bloc of votes until the 1964 elections when the

PPP lost power through constitutional fiddling.

The PNC except for the elections of 2006, when it polled 35 per cent of votes never fell below 40 percent which in effect meant that roughly 90 percent of the total votes are shared between the PPP and the PNC. Attempts by third parties to penetrate the electoral boundaries of the two dominant political parties have been met with great resistance, if not hostility.

This is why almost all of the smaller parties folded up after the elections are over; some never to re-appear on the electoral stage after having been badly bruised in the rough and tough of electoral politics.

The AFC, to its credit, managed to pick up a few seats in the elections of 2006 and 2011 due in part to its promise of being a party that is independent of

‘Buy one get one free’ aptly describes APNU/AFC coalition ANYTIME you walk in a store and see the sales gimmick of “buy one get one free” on an item, two things come readily to mind.

Firstly, that item has a limited shelf-life and the sale is to get rid of it and make way for new merchandise.

And second, the item was so cheap in the first place that even by selling two for one the owner is still making a profit.

The same reasoning applies to the APNU/AFC coalition. The AFC has recognised that since the 2011 elections, their shelf-life has been diminishing and that they will not be able to repeat their past performance at the coming elections. So their message to their dwindling supporters is to vote for me and you get APNU free, in order to

hide their anticipated meagre returns at the polls. APNU on the other hand has long since passed its shelf-life, hence like expired items they do have a harmful effect if consumed, even though they come free with an AFC vote.

The second comparison is the cheap politics of the AFC like the items on sale. AFC politics is constantly being cheapened by their shifting positions and principles. The AFC’s core founding principle was that it would have a rotating leadership representing the two major races. We had Trotman then Ramjattan and now we have Nagamootoo hijacking things and moving them away from that principle.

Another of its bold pronouncements at its formation was that it would never join the PNC or the PPP. It will not dominate

nor would it be dominated by the big parties. Well, like snake oil salesmen they have joined the PNC and have accepted a 40 per cent stake in the coalition and still want to convince the electorate that it will not be dominated by the PNC. In situations such as this, be careful of the freeness and vote for the trusted brand which remains consistently the PPP. Since 1992 they have maintained their policy of having the President from the PPP and the Prime Minister from the Civic component. Now that is a principled position and kudos to their enlightened and inspired choice of Mrs. Elisabeth Harper as the new prime ministerial candidate.

REGGIE BHAGWANDIN

Racist motif in Burke’s penning of non-facts?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

PPP/C traditionally empowers women and youth Former President Janet Jagan, O.E. FROM the inception of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) – the forerunner to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the Jagans had established a vital women’s partnership that struggled in sync with the parent body, always led by the partner in struggle of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, his wife Janet.

From this movement evolved some powerful women in the socio-political construct of Guyana.

Women and youths, t h r o u g h t h e Wo m e n ’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) have traditionally been the backbone of the body politic of the PPP. And their contributions in the unrelenting struggles for freedom from various oppressors in the political dynamic in Guyana is unparalleled.

After the restoration of democracy in this country, subsequent to the October 5, 1992 elections, women and youths continued to play a major role in the rebuilding process of the nation; and most significant were the choices of Mrs. Janet Jagan as Prime Minister and Vice-President prior to her election as Executive President of the nation; as well as a very youthful, but incredibly brilliant Bharrat Jagdeo becoming initially Finance Minister and subsequently President of the country.

With the Civic component added to PPP stalwarts, yet more women and youths were absorbed into the composition of the new Government; and today the young lions and lionesses have joined the old PPP stalwarts in adding considerable dynamism in the transformative developmen-

tal processes in this country.

T h e “ G e n t l e m e n ’s Agreement” between Dr. Cheddi Jagan of the PPP and Mr. Sam Hinds of the Civic movement – GUARD, was founded on a partnership whereby the PPP conceded the Prime Ministerial slot to a member of the civic component in any Government the coalition formed.

Since the formation of the PPP/C Government in 1992, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had served the country beyond the call of duty in that capacity, even while presidents have been changed as a result of former President Jagdeo facilitating a change in the Constitution to a two-term limit.

With the naming of career diplomat, Elisabeth Harper, as the ruling party’s Prime Ministerial candidate, there has been elation and approval by supporters of this choice and many ex-

pressions of support for her nomination.

However, true to form, instead of lauding the choice by the PPP of someone without baggage as its Prime Ministerial candidate, the consensus from the joint political Opposition is that Ambassador Harper should not have accepted the offer.

President Donald Ramotar has summarily dismissed the Opposition parties’ negative responses and deemed their reactions as “acts of desperation.”

The President, in an interview published by this newspaper, rejected the criticism that the PPP/C, via Harper’s nomination, is seeking to play up her gender appeal. “We have always been appealing to women.

The PPP/C has given Guyana its first female President, its first female Chancellor, its first female Chief Justice and now its first (second af-

ter Mrs. Janet Jagan) Prime Ministerial candidate.”

The President was pellucid that Ambassador Harper was chosen only on consideration of merits.

The joint Opposition’s reaction to Ms. Harper’s appointment as a running mate to the incumbent President, who is also the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C’s) unanimous choice as presidential candidate, is a telling indictment of the mindset of derelicts who treat women as tokens rather than partners in the socio-political landscape of their party in particular, and the nation in general.

Their track record of criticising anyone who chooses to serve the nation out of love of country by joining with the Government in its transformative developmental drive denotes their lack of patriotism and real care of the Guyanese people.

Miss Elisabeth Harper Afro-Guyanese who accept official and technocratic positions within the governmental construct are labelled “houseboys’ and alluded to as traitors to “kith and kin.”

So it is to be expected that, instead of congratulating a woman who has contributed immensely to this nation with dedicated service, for having been trusted to serve the nation in an even more demanding position with challenging responsibilities and wishing her well, they choose to admonish her instead.

Ambassador Harper has an unblemished record of service to this nation, and this is the quality of leadership that hallmarks PPP/C governments; so the popular opinion is that she is a superlative choice to be Guyana’s next Prime Minister.

Groenveldt main access road gets $12M upgrade --brings immense satisfaction to residents THE Ministry of Housing and Water, under the Community Road Improvement Programme (CRIP), upgraded the main access road at Groenveldt in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to asphaltic concrete surface from a deteriorated loam surface.

This upgrade has brought immense satisfaction to residents, especially those residing at the last street along the access road. According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, many residents have recommenced using the main access road, which is situated opposite the Leonora Primary School.

The works were undertaken

by Compustruct Engineering

Inc. to the tune of $12M. The Ministry has indicated that they are very pleased with the timely conclusion of the works by the contractor.

Robina Persaud and other residents of Groenveldt said just imagine having a medical emergency and the access road to your home is impassible due to huge craters and slush, “that horrifying situation is no longer a challenge for us,” she said.

She noted that previously the road was a deplorable loam surface and during the wet weather the slushiness of the road made it impossible for vehicles to traverse and persons to walk, essentially making life difficult for residents.

NO HASSLE ANYMORE Persaud recalled that for several years she had suffered from an ailment which resulted in her need for immediate medical attention.

She recounted that getting to the hospital was a hassle, especially the unbearable walk from her bridge to the head of the road.

“The road was so bad that cars never wanted to drive here…when I was sick and I had to go to the hospital the car would come to the road head and I had to walk to the car…my children would have to put a chair for me…I would walk a piece and sit and then walk again…that is what I used to

Vehicles can now smoothly traverse Groenveldt’s Main Access Road do but now we get this road and it would make things easier for everybody,” she explained.

Sharing another experience of how the deplorable road posed an inconvenience to residents, she recalled that when one of her neighbours had passed away persons were forced to fetch the corpse to the head of the road to a vehicle.

Vishal Rampersaud, a regular visitor to the area, said “this road looks good - for the past 15 years I coming by my mother-in-law this is the first time the road in so good condition, the road was terrible with huge potholes and mud whenever it rain.”

The CRIP is a multi-million dollar road project being implemented by the Government of Guyana,

through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Housing and Water, and it is aimed at improving access to housing, education, health and other social infrastructure through the improvement and upgrading of roads in existing housing schemes.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Gov’t about to close 70,000-ton rice deal with Africa AGRICULTURE MINISTER REPORTS...

– sector sees 1,000% increase in exports since 1990 GOVERNMENT is close to securing a sizeable market on the African continent as negotiations are currently underway for the supply of more than 70,000 tons of rice, to add to the other destinations such as Haiti, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Belize, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who was responding to concerns expressed by Chair of the Rice Producers Association Action Committee and Rice Farmers, Jinnah Rahman.

According to Rahman, more than 100,000 tonnes of paddy are currently stored in silos across the country with another imminent harvest in about three weeks in the absence of any markets.

Minister Ramsammy, by way of a public missive, immediately pointed out that just last year, rice production was 635,000 tons with more than 500,000 tons of that being exported to overseas markets.

“Rice export last year increased by more than 105,000 tons, or more than 25 per cent over 2013 export,” recalled Dr Ramsammy, who drew reference to the fact that the 2013 export itself was also some 20 per cent larger than the previous year.

“Guyana has increased its export between 1990 to now by more than 1,000%,” according to the Agriculture Minister.

Jinnah in a pessimistic missive to the media yesterday had claimed that there was an impending crisis since there was no attempt to se-

man is nothing but another blatant attempt to misinform people.

Rahman alleged too that rice farmers in Berbice and Essequibo Coast are still owed a huge amount of money from the previous crop. However, Minister Ramsammy pointed to the fact that in 2014, there was a revolving fund facility to reduce waiting time amounting to almost $5B. The industry in 2014 produced paddy worth more than $44B and of that amount, more than $43B was paid out to the farmers by millers.

According to the figures provided by Dr Ramsammy, an amount of less than one per cent is presently outstanding to the farmers and the Government has been working to ensure that this is fully paid off before the harvesting for the first crop of 2015 begins.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

cure any market in face of a supposed glut - a false claim dispelled by Minister Ramsammy.

‘BITTER EXPERTS’ Rebutting what he called “the misinformation campaign by misguided and bitter experts,” the Agriculture Minister also explained the need for a buffer stock being held in silos. He said that every rice-producing country will have an amount remaining at the end of the year since for the three-month period between January and March when no paddy is produced,

the country has to maintain a stock that will meet local demands and also to ship to clients who require shipments during that period.

“For January, the stock was further depleted when we shipped about 40,000 tons and in February we have shipped another 35,000 tons…With shipment in March expected to be around 40,000 tons, the remaining amounts of rice and paddy from 2014 would be fully depleted meeting local demands.”

According to the Agriculture Minister, the statement issued under the hand of Rah-

$20B OUTSTANDING TO MILLERS The Minister pointed out too that GRDB estimates that the millers have about $20B outstanding to them from rice and paddy they have exported and are awaiting payments in addition to having rice and paddy still to export. “While the banks have allowed overdrafts, this amount is too large for the banks to accommodate…The Government of Guyana, protecting the interest of farmers, have stepped in to ease the difficulties.”

MARKETS NOT A PROBLEM Dr Ramsammy, in his response to Rahman, reiterated “that the major problem the industry faces at this time is not finding more markets.”

RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said there is no indication that the expanding rice industry is in limbo

Government, he stressed, has made available a revolving sum that amounts to more than $5B to millers so that “we could reduce the long waiting period between export and payment by clients.”

The Minister noted too that sometimes, there are cases where intervention against unresponsive millers is warranted in addition to court action. According to Dr Ramsammy, there is one miller who is involved with litigation over the non-payment to farmers.

“This resulted in non-payment of more than $226M to Region 3 farmers…The Government of Guyana had to make these resources available so that farmers could be paid.”

Dr Ramsammy also used the opportunity to reaffirm that with the increasing need to export larger volumes and meet higher standards, the industry required major investments in the processing and manufacturing side. Government, he said, has worked with the private sector to ensure that these challenges are met.

Dr Ramsammy also addressed what he called a major constraint in entering a competitive international trade regime in having to wait for payments. “Our international

trading partners have requirements that necessitate a waiting period for payments…

This situation has created hardships for the industry that has resulted in millers and exporters not paying the farmers on time.”

However, Dr Ramsammy observed that “this is a problem that farmers understand, but it creates tension between farmers and millers.” He reassured that Government has not been on the sidelines, doing nothing and “indeed, even though the cultivation, milling and processing and export have been exclusively in the hands of the private sector, the PPP/C Government has intervened to facilitate the industry and reduce the impact of late payments.”

Jinnah Rahman

PPP urges Guyanese to take advantage of Objections period – so as to ensure ‘clean and accurate’ voters list THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Objections subset of its Claims and Objections period is ongoing.

And the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has urged all Guyanese to take advantage of the process to ensure that come May 11, the voters list is a “clean and accurate” one.

“All are urged to make objections to persons on the PLE that are either dead or

underage so that a clean and accurate list can be prepared for May 11, 2015,” said Party General Secretary Clement Rohee on Tuesday at a news conference.

He stated too that thousands who have taken advantage of the Claims and Objections process to date is justification of the Party’s position on its sustained representation of the large number of unregistered persons and persons needing

transfers after the completion of the last cycle of registration.

NEW REGISTRANTS According to GECOM, the most recent numbers approximate transfers at 6,375, due to issues related to change of address, etc., while another 3,904 used the process to become new registrants.

Also, there were approximately 1,646 changes and

corrections to existing registration information, and 1,681 replacements of identification cards requested, 634 retakes of photographs.

The Objections period is currently ongoing and ends on Sunday and to date, the Commission has recorded some 55 objections.

Once the Objections period has ended, GECOM will be expected to host hearings, at which point it will be decided whether the

objections will be upheld or not.

Additionally, 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 PLE’s publication, as well as several other operational undertakings, had to be completed before a date for the Claims and Objections period was named.

The Claims and Objec-

tions period is necessary to finalise the Official List of Electors (OLE), which will facilitate voting on Elections Day Additionally, GECOM has indicated that the Revised List of Electors (RLE), following the end of the ongoing Claims and Objections period, could possibly be completed by March 16, while the OLE is likely to be published by April 13. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

President vows to continue enhancing – as country’s conditions for public servants development persists PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has overseen Guyana’s continued development over the last three years and intends to ensure that public servants and other workers benefit from the country’s economic growth.

He recently shared his thoughts on the programme ‘At Home with the President’ on some of the benefits that government has put in place to better the lives of workers. He said once his

PPP/C party is returned to power, focus will be on bettering the lives of public servants.

The President said the decision to increase the minimum wage has resulted in more disposable income being available, as has the reduction of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from 33% to 30%. The income tax threshold has also been increased to $50,000, and this, President Ramotar explained, has been “a major

improvement for low income people in particular” and even for those in higher wage brackets.

In addition to the aforementioned direct benefits, there are other indirect benefits that must be recognised, the president said.

These include the provision of free exercise and text books to school-age children, school uniform assistance, hot meals and snacks for students, free health services at govern-

ment institutions, a comprehensive housing programme with a mortgage relief mechanism which has resulted in younger persons owning their own homes were among those benefits named.

The Head of State pointed out that once the anticipated sectors such as the Information, Communication Technology, and promising oil and gas sectors “come on stream”, the benefits will redound to all Guyanese,

particularly workers.

“The possibilities will be big for them, to have better opportunities for jobs and much better opportunities for well-paying jobs”.

It is in anticipation of these sectors expanding that, government has embarked on improving infrastructure such as the construction of roads and bridges.

The Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, President Ramotar said, will play a major role in attracting

investments to Guyana, as it will enable Guyana to have a cheap, reliable and sustainable energy supply.

Government is close to finalising this project which was halted by the actions of the joint parliamentary Opposition, and President Ramotar is confident that Guyana’s economic development will expand even faster, moving Guyana from a middle income status to that of a developed nation.

First Couple ushers in Holi Season... plained that all these festivals have great lessons that we can follow and live by.

(They) will guide our lives and help in fostering people morality within our society.

President Ramotar thanked all who made a special effort to attend the event.

“It gives me great pleasure to have you all here at my home as we display a small part of this beautiful culture and tradition. I thank you very much on behalf of my family for coming and sharing in the festivities of Phagwah.”

With cultural Phagwah renditions, dances done by the Jewan Ka Nritya Dance group and the Nachgana Academy of Dance, the chowtaal groups were able to bring the festival of Holi to each and every person gathered. Persons were also treated to ‘seven curry’ for dinner as well as traditional sweetmeats.

The event was attended

by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Ministers of Government, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

These youngsters, attached to the Jewan Ka Nritya Dance group, performed a hot Phagwah number

The West Berbice Chowtaal group of 30 young persons, showcasing their talents

The Jewan Ka Nritya Dance group performing a cultural Phagwah dance

From page 2

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Hururu and Bai Shan Lin sign lease accord – Company to build wharf, log pond, village’s road

General Manager of Bai Shan Lin, Han Zhen Jun hands over a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding to Hururu Toshao, Winsbert Benjamin in the presence of the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai (centre) with Hururu Toshao, Winsbert Benjamin (left) and General Manager of Bai Shan Lin, Han Zhen Jun (right) signing the Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

HURURU, an Amerindian community in Region Ten, has signed a lease agreement with Bai Shan Lin Forest Development Inc. for 24.7 acres of land that will see the company constructing a wharf, log pond and buildings.

Vi l l a g e To s h a o , M r Wi n s b e r t B e n j a m i n o n Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) with General Manager of Bai Shan Lin, Mr Han Zhen Jun, for a 15-year lease that will see the village receiving $5,000 per acre over time.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Amerindian Affairs Minister, Ms Pauline Sukhai and representatives of Bai Shan Lin, along with members of the Village Council of Hururu and the

Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

The MoU will also cater for the construction of two-storied buildings, and a parking area to accommodate equipment.

Minister Sukhai stated that the signing of the agreement followed the process which mirrored free prior

and informed consent of the indigenous people, who had discussions regarding the proposals sent to them.

The Village Council did all that was required by the Amerindian Act, and had discussions among all stakeholders while guidance came from the ministry along with legal advice.

Toshao Benjamin noted that the two bodies had

worked hard during the past year, and that the three-year relationship with Bai Shan Lin has led to the agreement.

He thanked the company for its support over the past years.

The company’s General Manager, Mr Zhen Jun, expressed appreciation for the cooperation among the stakeholder entities and the village, and pledged to stick to the terms of the MoU, so as to move forward.

The company has pledged to construct 2.5miles of roadway for the village, costing $12M, and

will also sign on to being good a corporate citizen, that will support the village.

It will also establish a sport facility, based on the needs of the youth of the area.

There will be no log harvesting on the 24.7 acres of land, and monitoring will be done by the Village Council, with the ministry having oversight to ensure that the lease agreement is held in honour.

The ministry plays an integral role in addressing any matter which may come up during the lease agreement. (GINA)

43 photos of tattooed woman in hotel – exhibits include wounds, murder tendered in court knife , tattoos, room 209

By George Barclay

YESTERDAY afternoon leading State Counsel prosecuting in the K&VC Hotel murder, Mrs Teshana Lake, tendered through a Police Photographer, 43 pictures of the crime scene.

The pictures were numbered J1 to J 43 and

carried images such as the deceased woman Maryann Sunita Nauth, with numerous tattoos on her entire body; a knife stuck in her chest; an underwear; a slipper at her bedside; a brassiere with what appeared to be a slit; a red rose, a bed, and a reddish substance which appeared to be blood.

All of those which were tendered in evidence before the jury, were also taken in the room numbered 209.

Following the discovery of the dead woman, the police investigation led to the arrest of the woman’s husband Vinod Balgobin, who was later charged with murder.

During the investiga-

tion, Balgobin gave a caution statement to the police in which he allegedly stated that he had paid $3,000 for the room, but that after his wife had taken off her clothing, he noticed that she had a tattoo across her abdomen.

The man said he told his wife that she was giving him ‘blow’ and she cursed

him and this caused him to become angry, resulting in him attacking her with a knife. Now, he is saying that he did not tell the police such a story.

His lawyer said that the caution statement is a fabrication on the part of the police, who took the caution statement from the accused.

When the trial resumes today, Mr. Richardson will cross examine the photographer who testified about taking the 43 pictures at the scene.

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who performed the post-mortem on the body of Maryann, is also expected to testify today.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Digicel Guyana appoints new CEO

DIGICEL Guyana yesterday announced the promotion of Kevin Kelly to

the role of Chief Executive Officer. Gregory Dean, the current Chief Execu-

tive Officer, has been promoted to Regional Chief Executive Officer with

responsibility for Guyana, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Mr Kevin Kelly has been appointed new CEO of Digicel Guyana

Mr. Gregory Dean, the current CEO of Digicel Guyana

With over seven years’ experience in the telecommunications and technology sector, Kevin moves into the position of Chief Executive Officer from his current role as Chief Financial Officer of Digicel Guyana. He has held the latter role since August 2008.

Gregory Dean said; “I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Kevin all the very best in his new role as we look forward to the further expansion of the business following the ending of the telecommunications monopoly.”

Commenting on his new role, incoming Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Kelly said; “I am pleased to be leading the team as we continue to transform the

communications landscape in Guyana. I look forward to building on the excellent base we have established in Guyana and aim to continue delivering best value, service and network to our customers across Guyana as Digicel evolves to a total communications provider.”

Digicel CEO for the Caribbean and Central America, Regis Romero, said: “I would like to thank Greg for his years of service as Digicel Guyana’s Chief Executive Officer and the progress made during his tenure. I would also like to congratulate both Kevin and Greg on their promotions and wish them the very best in their new roles.”

The new structure is effective March 1st 2015.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Witness breaks silence ...

From Page 4 tering it in Javid’s meals.

Soon enough, Javid started complaining that the food had something in it.

The witness said that Shareema Gopaul told her that after Javid started to get worse, she took him to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where a doctor ran some tests which proved he was OK; except that his kidneys seemed to be failing. The doctor also advised that she take him home, since there was nothing more that the hospital could do for him.

Later, according to the witness, Javid called Neesa, her younger sister, Miriam, and Shareema in the presence of someone called ‘Brother Shahab’ (a friend of Moonsammy’s). Javid allegedly told this ‘Brother Shahab’ that he was dying; that he was not going to make it; and that he wanted him to marry Shareema after he died so as he could assist with raising the girls.

After ‘Brother Shahab’ left, they all went to bed.

According to De Nobrega, Shareema said that she got up around 03:00hrs the following day and went to check up on Javid and found that he was not breathing and appeared to be dead. Immediately after, she contacted Barry, and he came over to ensure that Javid was indeed dead. After Barry left, the accused Gopaul said, she then raised an alarm and started to scream. Javid was buried on the same day he was discovered dead, and about two weeks later, she started to feel lonely and depressed.

AFTER JAVID’S DEATH De Nobrega said after Javid’s death, Shareema said that Barry moved in, which caused her parents to be very upset. During that time, however, she and Barry got along very well, which seemed to upset Neesa, as she’d begun to act up again. Shortly after, however, Barry and Neesa started getting along very well, and at times when Bibi went into the room,she would see them conversing. In addition, in Neesa’s presence, Barry would be very mean to her; but whenever Neesa was not around, he was a total ‘sweetheart’.

She said a short while later, Barry told her that Neesa wants what she has;

and that was him. After she told Barry that she was stressed out and depressed, he told her that he had some Dr. Chase’s Nerve Tablets for her to relax. He got this medication from a friend who owned a drugstore and told her to drink eight per day (four in the morning, and four in the afternoon).

According to the De Nobrega, Gopaul said Barry told her to lie on the bed and pretend to be asleep, and he would prove to her how much Neesa wanted what she has. She said she made Barry promise her that he would not touch Neesa, after which Neesa appeared as if she was dancing and taking off her clothes. She said he promised that he would not touch, so he did not.

Shortly after, Barry told her that Neesa had mentioned to him that she heard her mother having a conversation with someone on the phone about how she poisoned her father. As a result, Neesa went to the police station and reported what was happening to her. The police then sent Neesa back to get her mother, and then they both came back to the police station. Neesa then told the police that it was a lie. The accused Gopaul also said on one occasion that after scolding Neesa about something she had done, Neesa got angry and told her that she had poisoned her father. She said that subsequent to that, Barry told her that the situation with Neesa was getting out-of-hand, and that they should get rid of her because she would cause trouble for both of them.

According to the witness, Gopaul told her that Barry suggested that they should send her away to Venezuela, but that option was ruled out, because Neesa would probably come back when she was 18. She said that Barry also suggested that they should take Neesa along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway where they burn wood to make coal, and he suggested that they push her in. Gopaul said she didn’t like that idea,so that option was also ruled out.

COMPROMISING POSITION De Nobrega said the accused told her that she was feeling drowsy one night, so she got up to drink some water and saw Barry and Neesa in a very compromising position and she said “What the f***!” She said she was so angry, she

went to the kitchen, got a knife and confronted Barry.

As Barry was trying to get the knife from her, he was cut on his index finger and thumb, after which Neesa intervened and got her hands cut too. Neesa immediately ran out of the house, and Barry got up and went to get needle and thread to stitch the wounds. Barry then told her (Gopaul) that he was going to look for Neesa. Barry then called Gopaul to inform her that he had found Neesa at his wife’s house, and that he’d collected his wife’s car and taken her to a hotel at Parika to ensure that she was safe for the night.

Around 10:00hrs the next day, Barry and Neesa arrived while Gopaul was in her room. Barry then entered, and they both (Barry and Gopaul) had an argument over a cell-phone. Barry grabbed the phone and hit her in the head and forehead.

The witness related that after Barry left, Neesa saw the wound and smiled and said she was happy that they (Barry and Gopaul) had broken up. Shortly after, Barry told Gopaul that Neesa was causing trouble.

De Nobrega continued that Gopaul told her that there was never any back-up plan for the outcome of what they were planning. However, a few days later, she (Gopaul) told her daughters that she would take them to buy chicken and that they would pick up Uncle Barry at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction. Neesa was sitting in the front passenger seat.

She said that Mary, Neesa’s younger sister, and Uncle Barry were sitting in the back seat; Barry was sitting directly behind Neesa. They went to Royal Castle, and to the seawalls after. Gopaul asked Mary and Neesa if they wanted to go for a long drive, and they both said yes. When they were in the area of Splashmins Fun Park, the witness related while showing the action to the Court, Barry placed a rope around Neesa’s neck while she (Neesa) held on to the rope saying, “Mummy, mummy, don’t kill me.” She was fighting and kicking up the dashboard and steering wheel.

PANTING FOR BREATH According to the witness, Gopaul wound up the windows and put on the air-conditioning while Mary was asleep. She continued that Gopaul turned through

a trail to the Emerald Towers Resort, Neesa’s favourite place where they spent time together. They drove for approximately one mile, after which they stopped, and Barry got up and held onto Neesa by her neck as she was panting for breath.

Barry came out of the back of the car and took Neesa out, while Gopaul turned up the music in the vehicle so as to not awake Mary.

Barry took Neesa around the car and she fell to her knees and stretched out her hands on the ground saying, “Mary Mary, wake up” in a dull tone. Barry went around and took a piece of wood out of the car and started to hit Neesa at the back of her head; he continued to hit her as she laid there on the ground. The witness said that Gopaul told her that the last sound she heard from her daughter was a “moaning sound”, and when the sound finally stopped, Barry picked up Neesa’s lifeless body and placed it in the car.

After Bibi Gopaul reached home, the witness said, she (Gopaul) saw Barry’s wife, Marcy, at the gate.

Marcy was upset and told Gopaul: “Yuh nah go leff meh husband alone? If yuh don’t leave my husband alone, I will take the tapes to the police.” Marcy told Gopaul that Barry had recorded the conversation they had before she (Gopaul) poisoned her husband.

The witness said that Gopaul went down on her knees and pleaded with Marcy not to cause a big commotion because the police would be sure to come. She told Marcy that she would stay away from Barry, so that she (Marcy) could leave.

She then reversed her car and took Mary to bed. She retired to bed as well. Barry then called to ensure that she was okay, and told her (Gopaul) that while he had the rope around Neesa’s neck, Mary had opened her eyes, looked at him, and went back to sleep. Barry then told her that if Mary had gotten up, they would have had to get rid of her too.

REVISITING THE CRIME SCENE The following morning, the witness said, Gopaul told her that she went to check on Neesa’s body. She said that Gopaul didn’t want to use her hands, so she used a piece of stick and poked the body to ensure that Neesa was really dead.

She then took Mary to her

grandparents, then went to the police station to report that Neesa was missing. She then spoke to Barry who told her to get a sheet and a suitcase along with Neesa’s passport and saver’s bank card. She said that Barry told her that they will use the dumbbells along with some ropes attached to the suitcase, and they will take it back to Emerald Towers, Neesa’s favourite place. She said Barry told her they will leave around night but will use separate cars. They went back to Emerald Towers, and Barry assisted in wrapping the body in the sheet and placing it in the suitcase along with the bankbook and passport. They then attached the rope and dumbbells to the suitcase which Barry told her will keep the body down.

She said they dragged the body to the creek and he let down the suitcase along with some weeds.

De Nobrega related that the next day, Gopaul washed the trunk of the car thoroughly, then took the vehicle to a washbay to have it cleaned by someone. After this, Barry told her to buy two pounds of fresh meat and put the dogs in the trunk with the fresh meat for the entire day, so in case the police suspected anything, they would find evidence of dog meat in there. She said that Gopaul told her that during one of her (Gopaul’s) conversation with Barry, he told her that Neesa said that her father had left a large sum of money for herself and Mary, but she [Neesa] could only access it after she would have become 18. After Neesa said that, Gopaul and Barry then made arrangements to go see Attorney-at-Law Peter Hugh, but they had arrived late, so they had to return home. Barry then told Gopaul that he wanted her to sign a document to make him power-of-attorney.

GETAWAY PLAN Afterwards, Barry told her (Gopaul) to pack a bag with clothing for both of them to travel to Suriname, so the police would not suspect anything.

Sometime after, Gopaul said she heard a knock on the gate and she went down to the person, who identified himself as a police officer.

She said the officer told her that they believed that they had found her daughter’s body, and that he would like her to come and identify it.

The officer saw the packed suitcase in her car and asked

her if she was going somewhere, but she said no, that they always keep a packed bag since they were in the habit of going on trips. She said she asked the officer if she could go upstairs and change her clothes, and she called Barry’s home immediately. His wife answered, and Gopaul told her that the police were at her and they may have found Neesa’s body and the police needed her (Gopaul)to go and identify the body.

However, before Marcy handed the phone to Barry, she told Gopaul that she should wear something black as if she was mourning.

The prosecution questioned the witness as to how long it took Shareema Gopaul to tell her the story, and her reply was: “We spoke for five days.” They also asked her if she could recall the date Gopaul came from the New Amsterdam Prison, and she resplied, “October 15.”

They also questioned why she decided to tell the court the story, and her response was: “Because I am a mother who loves my sons dearly; my job is to protect them. I couldn’t carry such a weight and live with myself... I felt that Neesa deserves to get justice. And no matter what, Neesa didn’t deserve to die by the hands of someone she trusted; by the hands of someone who is supposed to protect her.”

De Nobrega said she spoke to the police on October 20, 2010.

“At the time, I was charged with a number of false pretence charges,” De Nobrega told the Court, adding that she had been convicted and imprisoned for five years.

Replying to the prosecutor’s question as to why she was absent from Court, she responded: “Because I feared for my life; I was threatened by persons who claimed to be associated with Neesa Gopaul. I feared for my life, and that of my two sons; that is why I didn’t return to court,” she said.

The prosecutor then questioned the witness about Bibi Gopaul’s demeanour when she told the story, and the witness related that Gopaul didn’t appear the least bit remorseful.

During his crosse x a m i n a t i o n , A t t o rney-at-Law George Thomas asked De Nobrega if she had anything to add to, or change what she told the court, to which she responded in the negative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Charlestown Community Clean-Up Project 25% complete THE Clean-Up Programme for the Charlestown community, which commenced on December 5, 2014 is approximately 25% complete.

For the purpose of the Community Sanitation and Aesthetics Improvement Programme, Charlestown which is bordered by Princes Street (North), Sussex Street (South), St. Stephen’s Street (East) and Lombard Street (West) was divided into six blocks. A total of 85 workers were assigned to the programme: these include 80 community enhancement workers, four supervisors and one project coordinator.

Throughout the Charlestown area, the teams are encountering several challenges. One primary challenge is the large volume of motor

The cleaning in progress at Charlestown

vehicular traffic passing through several streets. This uncontrollable situation is posing problems, but the teams are working with

much caution. Further, there are numerous derelict vehicles which have been left on parapets and over drains that are preventing workers

from accessing portions of the community drainage network. Coupled with the derelicts, numerous property owners have breached the Building Code by constructing concrete bridges which provide very limited or no access to community drains. This lack of respect

for the law continues to be a major hindrance to the programme; like many other communities across Georgetown, the community enhancement workers of Charlestown have expressed similar concerns.

Hon. Norman Whittaker, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, at the recently held Clean-Up My Country Sustainability meeting called on the Georgetown City

Council to place emphasis on this issue and prosecute those who are in breach of the law.

Moreover, random disposal of food and beverage receptacles are an ongoing challenge in the community. Residents have complained that persons who are utilising public transportation services which pass through the community are major contributors to this problem.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Kitty resident accused of breaking and entering Footsteps store A KITTY resident accused of breaking and entering a Footsteps store and stealing over $1.8M in items was remanded to prison on Tuesday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The allegation against Orin Williams of 60 William Street, Kitty, is that between September 2, 2014 and January 15, 2015, he broke and entered the Footsteps Store and stole five water dispensers, one canister, two tele-

vision sets along with other items valued $1.8M. Williams accepted the charge as it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court; however he told the court that he did not break into the said store and only came before the court to answer to the charge of larceny.

The magistrate after hearing his explanation recorded a not guilty plea.

Police prosecutor Michael Grant stated that the

facts were as charged and told the court that Williams was convicted in 2012 for simple larceny.

Grant successfully objected to bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence along with the value of the articles that were allegedly stolen.

The prosecutor’s objection was upheld and Williams will make his second court appearance on March 13.

Essequibian remanded for fraudulent conversion A THIRTY-eight-yearold resident of Buck Hall Landing, Essequibo River, was on Wednesday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of fraudulent conversion.

Royston Harry pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on Thursday, February 19 at Arangoy Landing,

Cuyuni River, being solely entrusted by Mortimer Williams with $260,000 in cash along with three-and-a-half pennyweights of raw gold, a total value of $300,000, fraudulently converted the items to his own use and benefit.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail on the grounds that there are

other matters being presently investigated against Harry.

He further objected that the accused, who was unrepresented by counsel, was previously charged for assault and damage to property.

The prosecution’s objection was upheld and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates' Court for March 5.

Psychiatric evaluation ordered for young, alleged chain snatcher MAGISTRATE Fabayo Azore has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for 21-year-old Orseno Benn, of Lot 527 Craig, East Bank Demerara who, on February 20 at Georgetown, allegedly stole a $60,000 gold chain from Zelta Bess.

Benn was not required to plead to the indictable charge alleging larceny from the person when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.

According to the police report, last Friday night at

approximately 20:30 hrs at the Stabroek Market, Benn snatched the gold chain from the woman but was subsequently caught by a member of the City Constabulary who pursued him.

It was also reported that the defendant was found in possession of an unlicensed .32 revolver with a live round.

Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat told the court that her client suffers from a mental ailment and has been receiving psychiatric help for several years.

The lawyer requested that Benn be released into his mother’s care, stating that prison is not the best place for him.

Police prosecutor Simone Payne successfully opposed bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the fact that he was found with an alleged firearm when he is not a holder of a firearm licence.

Benn is expected to be examined by Dr. Bhiro Harry and will make his next court appearance on March 20.

Murder accused ‘Batty Boy’ freed MURDER accused Edward Skeete, called “Batty Boy,” was freed of the capital charge on Wednesday.

Skeete was being tried for the murder of Bede Ramjewan, who was shot to death at

Crown Dam, Industry, East Coast Demerara, in 2011.

The former murder accused, who was represented

by Mr. Nigel Hughes, was discharged by the judge but had to return to prison, since

he is serving a sentence for another crime.

Presiding Judge Mr. James Bovell-Drakes ordered that he be returned to prison to continue serving his sentence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

East Canje duo busted with 34 pounds ‘weed’ EAST Canje residents Frederick Mc Lean, called “Bum”, aged 28, and Carl Lampkin, 24, have been charged jointly for being in possession of 15Kg 454g of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking on

February 22 last.

The men appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, and pleaded not guilty to the charge .

Police Sergeant Phillip Sherriff, prosecuting, said he was relying on the statutes

in relation to the granting of bail .

Attorney-at-law Mursulene Bacchus indicated to the Court that an application for bail will be made to a higher court, as the cannabis was found in a house where

neither of the two lived.

Responding, Sherriff said that the home is owned by the mother of the Number One named defendant, who currently resides overseas.

Further, the prosecutor said that acting on information, the police proceeded to Sheet Anchor Village where,

during a search in the living room, a large black bulky bag, along with a polythene (salt) bag in which was contained a total of 14 parcels of suspected cannibas sativa.

The sum of $300,000 was offered as an inducement to the investigators. However, an arrest was made, and the

duo and the narcotics were taken to the Central Police Station, where the latter was weighed and totalled 15Kg 454 g [ 34lbs] The defendants were remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison, and are expected to return to court on April 20.

Woman Corporal charged after allegedly accepting bribe in rape case DETECTIVE Corporal Wanda Dutchin, aged 45 years, of Lot 24, B Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice, appeared before New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus, charged with corrupt transaction by agent. She was granted $30,000 bail.

Earlier, her colleague, S e rg e a n t C u r t i s C o r t , swore to the accuracy of the police file in which it is alleged that on February 17, 2014, at Central Police station, New Amsterdam,

she obtained from Shanti Devi Cumbraj $20,000 for herself as an inducement, for forebearing to institute a criminal charge against Vedyekarran Sookraj for rape.

Subsequently, Police Sergeant Phillip Sherriff, prosecution asked that the Administrative of Justice Act be applied, allowing the case to be tried summarily.

As a result of the new application, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Meanwhile, in his application for bail Attorney at law Mursaline Bacchus said the defendant has been a policewoman for over twenty years and is an active member of the Guyana Police Force, now stationed at Brickdam Police Station.

Additionally, she has not been interdicted by her superiors, and had been placed on her own recognisance at the station level.

The matter is fixed for statements and fixture on April 20.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Father of three dies in police custody …after suspected epileptic seizure A MINIBUS driver o f C o r n e l i a I d a , We s t Coast Demerara, who is a father of three children, was pronounced dead on arrival Wednesday at the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was taken by police ranks.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that

the 28-year-old man who was picked up by members of the Community Policing Group on Tuesday evening, following damage to property re port against him, was first held briefly at the Leonora Police Station before being transferred to the Parika Police Station.

Four East Bank residents charged for drunk driving – arrest warrants out for two others

Dwayne Roberts

Vajdie Persaud

Roni Hassan

Andre Boyan

DWAYNE ROBERTS of Lot 191 Adams Road, Soesdyke, EBD, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on 201502-03 while driving motor vehicle BSS 5750 on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, and was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on 2015-02-05 where he pleaded not guilty. The matter is continuing before the court.

VAJDIE PERSAUD of 296 Second Street, Herstelling, EBD, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on 201502-07 while driving motor vehicle PSS 9436 on Grove Public Road, EBD, and was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on 2015-02-11 where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500.00.

ANDRE BOYAN of Lot 335 BB, Eccles, EBD, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on 2015-02-07 while driving motor vehicle PNN 6316 on Providence Public Road, EBD, and was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged for court at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on 2015-02-10 but failed to appear. An arrest warrant has been issued for him by the court.

RONI HASSAN of Lot 216, Diamond, EBD, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on 2015-02-07 while driving motor vehicle PNN 8824 on Providence Public Road, EBD, and was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged for court at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on 2015-02-10 but failed to appear. An arrest warrant has been issued for him by the court.

It was reported that while there, the man began behaving strangely while other prisoners were still in the lockups.

They claimed that the man might have been an epileptic, and was suffering a bout of seizures while in the lockups.

Investigators were t o l d t h a t o n We d n e s -

day morning, the man was seen hitting himself against the concrete walls of the lockups.

The police on duty were informed, and the man was immediately taken out of the holding facility and transferred to the Leonora Police Station, and subsequently taken to the Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, police

are said to be investigating the rationale behind placing the man in the lockups for the damage to property charge when, according to at least one police source, he could have been placed on station bail.

H o w e v e r, t h e p o l i c e source could not say if releasing the man on the same night that he was arrested could have been considered a danger to

the complainant.

The police yesterday in a press statement reported that when the man was taken from the Parika Police Station he was alive and lying on the floor of the lockups when the ranks responded to the alarm of the other prisoners.

The matter is being investigated by the police Office of Professional Responsibility.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Education, Police, Digice --Jumo takes Road March title

THE Ministry of Education, the Guyana Police Force and Digicel are the big winners of the Mashramani 2015 competition and Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo was crowned

King of the Road March Competition.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport announced the winners after the results were perused and audited

by Nizam Ali and Company, Chartered Accountants. Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Mashramani Day related that the judges for the then float parade had a very chal-

lenging job as all the bands for the 2015 competition were better than before in terms of creativity and numbers of revellers.

Digicel Guyana walked

away with five prizes from the Mash Competition: they were crowned winner for the Queen, Female and Male Individual Pieces; 1st in the medium band semi-costume and 1st in the full costume category.

During a telephone conversation with Digicel Guyana Communications Manager, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara, she explained that this is the sixth year that Digicel has won numerous prizes. “We are on top of the world, the company has invested a great deal of time and money into Mash

and we are very satisfied with the results,” she said.

She related too that the company uses these outcomes as motivators and “we are proud to be associated with the up- keeping of the Guyanese culture.” The communications manager explained that “it is a wonderful feeling for all who worked tirelessly to come out on the day and see all the families and children enjoying our display and then to be awarded for our participation.”

“It’s the first time I won the Road Mash Competition,” were the words of an excited but humble Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo.

Speaking via telephone with the Guyana Chronicle, he revealed that his songs have been entered on numerous occasions but ‘I never pushed it, I just lay back since it was entered as a team.”

Semi-Cost Category wa Guyana Polic

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

el rule the roost Mash Day The song most played on Mash Day during the float parade is declared the winner of the Road March Competition.

Jumo, as he is popularly known, explained that the road to being crowned Soca Monarch and now Road March winner was not easy, “with all the ups and downs that were experienced, I must thank God for allowing me this opportunity.”

He acknowledged and thanked all the ministries, the Progressive Youth Organisation and the numerous Disc Jockeys (DJ) that had played his song on Mash Day. “Unruly, is a people song”, he said, further thanking his fans, both old and new. “I am committed to the music industry in Guyana and with recognition like this I am here to stay,” he concluded .

Taking the full costume prizes in the small category are the Ministry of Education with first prize, followed by the Ministry of Agriculture in second place and third place, Region 5. Education Minister, Priya Manickchand told the Guyana Chronicle ,“We are elated to have won.” She explained that a lot of effort is put into the ministry’s participation every year and “We are usually pleased by the results.”

This year, she noted, “We had a lot of fun on the road and I would like to congratulate and thank all involved.”

She singled out especially the Allied Arts Unit and the band’s designer Nelsion Nurse. She however, warned,“Next year we will be defending our title and coming even better.”

Full Costume Medium Category winners, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

tume Large as won by the ce Force

Winners of the Full Costume Small Category, the Ministry of Education; leading the band is Education Minister, Ms Priya Manickchand, with costume designer, Neilson Nurse and Soca Artiste, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts

In the medium-sized category, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs took first place with the Ministry of Tourism in second, followed

by Region 10 in third. In the semi-costume division in the small category, the first place was taken by the Ministry of Housing and Water, followed by the Ministry of Local Government in second place and “Slingshot” in third. In the medium category, the first prize was taken by DIGICEL followed by the Ministry of Health in second place, with third place going to Region 6.

The large category semicostume title was won by the Guyana Police Force; this is

the first year for the participation of this band after some 10 years of absence from the annual Mash activities. Assistant Commissioner of Police , Clifton Hicken spoke with the Guyana Chronicle and expressed happiness and satisfaction with winning within their category. “We are all very happy about winning since we have not been participating for some 10 years now,” he explained. In second place was the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO)

and third the Guyana Youth and Studens Movement.

For the floats, in the non-commercial category the first prize was taken by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport with second place going to Ministry of Local Government, “Slingshot” took the third spot. In the Regional Competition Full Costume in the small-band category, the first prize went to Region 5; in the medium category the first prize was taken by Region 10; the sec-

Digicel Guyana winners of five prizes including 1st Place in Full Costume Large Band Category

ond prize went to Region 4 and the third prize, to Region 3.

In the small category for semi costumes, the first prize went to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development with Region 6 taking the first prize in the medium category. Individual pieces were won by Region 3, which took the King prize, with Region 6 winning the Queen. The Male was taken

by Region 4, and Region 10, the female prize.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

GPF assigns three to apprenticeship programme with contracting firm THREE young men from the West Coast of Demerara are now beneficiaries of an apprenticeship programme with Khan’s Construction and Transportation Service Inc. The programme was facilitated by the Guyana Police Force’s C-PETS Programme in “D” Division.

Benefiting from the twomonth programme are Shawn Boodie, Hosea Harry, and Denzil Walker whom the police have shortlisted to be the first three persons to benefit from the engagement with the company. They are expected to be trained in disciplines such as bond-stocking, masonry, welding, servicing of

vehicles and other skills.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer of the Company Shaffiek Khan, said that he decided to work with the young men after he had observed that they were persons who were willing to work and had the potential to learn.

The three young apprentices with the police, their new boss and office staff

L-R ASP Clayburn Johnson, Commander Marlon Chapman, and Deputy Commander Steven Mansell in discussion with businessman Shaffiek Khan and his staff on Tuesday

He added that the initiative is one that he had always wanted to get involved in, having grown up in a poor family and at one time with his grandmother, who was left to care for him. According to Khan, he remembered the struggles he had as a young man and saw it fit to assist humanity in whatever way he could, having been brought up in a single-parent home also.

During the interview, Khan said that he has always wanted to partner with the police, since he is of the view that working with young people would ease the crime situation in the country once those persons are gainfully occupied and/ or otherwise employed, as many crimes seem to be committed by persons who are deemed unemployable.

He further stated that for years now he has been waiting to assist the police in addressing the issues of youth violence and community-related work, but that opportunity never presented itself. The three young men would be given a stipend of $25,000 a fortnight for their two-month apprenticeship. The businessman told this publication that it was his intention to accommodate more persons, but the police did not have more persons to send to him at the time.

The men commenced the training on Tuesday and according to Khan, when they are finished those who wish to

remain with the company will be allowed to do so once there are vacancies; and if vacancies are not available, then he would recommend them to his colleagues in the construction industry.

In his address to the young men after he had taken them to their first day on the job, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Marlon Chapman told the young men that they ought to operate with a high level of commitment and should not at any time display any form of disrespect to their superiors on the job, or to those with whom they work.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commander, Senior Superintendent, Steven Mansell who was also present when the young men first turned out on Tuesday, reminded them that the C-PETS Programme was one which aims at bringing young people together and ensuring that they are provided with opportunities which are facilitated by the Guyana Police Force.

He echoed the sentiments of the businessman that the approach does have the potential to bring the crime rate down, not only in that division, but in other parts of the country. This coming Monday the police are expected to assign five more persons to the company, since those will be drawn from other youth groups within that police division.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Mechanic found guilty of robbery under arms

A MECHANIC was on Wednesday found guilty of robbery under arms

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and will return to court on March 16 for a probation report and sentence.

According to particulars of the charge, Quason Roberts, 22, of Tucville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, on October 18 at East La Penitence, Georgetown, being in the company of another person and armed with a gun robbed Teresa Fredericks of one Samsung Galaxy cellular S5 phone, one purse and $10,000 in cash.

Roberts was also charged with two other robbery-under-arms offences. However, those charges against him were dismissed

by Magistrate Latchman on Tuesday, February 24.

One of the dismissed charges stated that on October 18 at East La Penitence, he robbed Jermaine Knights of one Premio Motor car valued $2.8 M.

The other dismissed charge said on the same day at East La Penitence, being armed with a gun, he also robbed Knights of one Samsung touch cellular phone and $43,000 in cash.

At yesterday’s proceedings, the magistrate informed Roberts that she will rely on the prosecution’s case. She also told Roberts that she will put no weight on the evidence given by his two witnesses, who were his mother and his girlfriend.

Magistrate Latchman also said that she strongly believed Fredricks when she told the court that she had positively identified Roberts during the time of the robbery, since she had looked at him for four minutes and she had known him for one year, because he worked at Brian’s Mechanic Shop.

During the trial, both the mother and the girlfriend told the court that at the time of the robbery, Roberts was at home.

Friday, February 27, 2015 - 12:00 hrs Saturday, February 28, 2015 - 13:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

Grove woman charged, remanded for 576 grams ganja VANESSA Stephens of Lot 48 Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was on Tuesday refused bail on a narcotics charge.

Before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, particulars of which said that on February 23 at Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, she had in her possession 576 grammes of cannabis sativa (mari-

juana).

On the day in question, Stephens was an incoming passenger on LIAT flight 512 from St. Vincent. After a procedural check was done at the airport, the illicit substance was found in her hand piece. She then told law-enforcement officers that she had bought it to make tea.

She was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Sparendaam Court for today.

Single-parent mother refused bail on narcotics charge A SINGLE-parent mother of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was on Tuesday remanded to prison on a narcotics charge.

Beverly Chase made her appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and denied the charge, particulars of which said that on Monday, February 23, at Arangoy, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, she had in her possession 18 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana).

The mother of three was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Mark Conway, who told the court that the illegal substance was found on a table outside of the shop where his client

works.

Defence counsel noted that Chase works behind the counter; is not the only person who works in the shop, and that she had just taken over her shift. He added that his client does not have any prior conviction.

Police prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that police ranks received information and carried out a search. As a result of the search, a plastic bag containing the illicit substance was found on a table in the shop to which the defendant had access.

Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Court for March 5.

Charlestown shopkeeper remanded on drug-trafficking charge A SHOPKEEPER of Lot 46 Charlestown, Georgetown, was on Wednesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a drug-trafficking charge.

Simone McPherson, 49, pleaded not guilty to the offence that said on February 24 at Charlestown, she had in her possession 18 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution, around 16:30 hrs, on the day in question, ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch acted on information and went to her home. She was told of their suspicion and requested to carry out a search.

As a result of the search which was conducted on her shop, the police found leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be parts of the prohibited plant.

Subsequently, she was taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the alleged drug was weighed in her presence.

She was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Mark Waldron, who told the court that the illicit substance was found in her shop, to which the public has access.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant successfully opposed bail on the grounds that special reasons must be advanced by the defence.

The matter was deferred to March 21, 2015.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

‘Blu Martini Kanghan Nites’ to be staged on Wednesdays

Contact # 699-6156 / 616-0301

Joke of the Day!

E

VERYONE craves and dream of a club that offers ‘real time entertainment’ and can still manage to serve up on a platter a regal serving of comfort, coziness, sophistication and entertainment bliss.

And the Blu Martini Club, located at 161 Lamaha and De Abreu Streets, Newtown Kitty, Georgetown, is taking things to the edge of insanity to do just that.

In a recent interview with folks there, Bombshell was informed that management will now be hosting its new and exciting ‘Kanghan Nite’ feature on Wednesday nights, and not Friday nights, as was previously announced. Persons wanting to stage the same feature in a different setting can also contact the venue for reservations and more information.

The aim of this event is to showcase the East Indian traditions and keep it revolving in an atmosphere that is upbeat, pulsating and exciting.

The interior of the club will be transformed to reveal a real life event-styled ambience that allows patrons to believe they are still revelling in the outdoors.

And the Blu Martini Kitchen will, of course, be serving up steaming hot mutton, duck and chicken curries, not to mention that you can enjoy your finger licking ‘seven curries’ a little later.

This is truly exciting, as this clubs brings a festivity from open yards to the glossy interior of a nightclub. And man, the Blu Martini DJs will be blasting an ethnic storm with music just suited for the occasion.

Meanwhile, folks there are informing that families can now also make bookings and have their Kanghan Nights hosted at the very spacious venue.

Patrons are urged to rush down to this venue, which begins its ‘Weekend Fiesta’ on Fridays with mixed music to tease your senses. On Saturdays, the fun continues inside this location which was built and

YOU SHOULDN’T DO THAT!!!

T

he lawlessness and chaos that continues unchecked on our mini-bus parks is not created by touts alone, as some may want to think.

Bus conductors and drivers are also major contributors to this situation, which is really causing a lot of confusion.

While it is expected that buses wait in the queue until its their turn to ‘fill up’, some undisciplined drivers, engulfed in avarice and covetousness, often park in places ahead of other buses that have been toeing the line correctly to get their load of passengers. When other drivers object, these hooligans would explode

with horrid obscenities, and would deliberately park their buses in a manner that prevents even loaded buses from getting in or out of the bus parks.

This was the case here with this bus that plies the Georgetown/Sophia route.

The driver tried to park ahead of other buses, and this caused a scene. Instead of going to his right position in the line, this very arrogant man parked his bus in this position, causing a complete shutdown on the park for over twenty minutes, until some drivers got really angry and seemed about to give him a good whipping.

Good Lord, when will all this end?

You should be ashamed of yourself.

A

young boy enters a barber shop and the barber whispers to his customer, “This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you.”

The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then calls the boy over and asks, “Which do you want, son?” The boy takes the quarters and leaves.

“What did I tell you?” asked the barber. “That kid never learns!”

Later, when the customer leaves, he sees the same young boy coming out of the ice cream store. “Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?” The boy licked his cone and replied, “Because the day I take the dollar, the game is over!”

decorated to ooze fun, romance and tropical sizzle.

Check them out for an ‘After Work Bar Lime’ practically any day of the week. Hurry down there and indulge in the ‘Blu Martini Experience’. Of course you can call them on phone numbers 231-9481, 231-9482 or 231-9480 for bookings and more information.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Southland International ups agenda with ‘Special Brew Promotion’

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UST out of the Mash 2015 festivities, promotion. She indicated her winnings had Moussy fans went as far as to dispense folks at the Southland International come at a perfect time to assist with her the fruit-flavoured malt liquid into clear Inc. (Carlsberg Beer) are taking boarding expenses in pursuit of a two-year plastic bags and containers to ensure their things a notch higher as they embark on a scholarship in Canada. envelope was spun in the big rotisserie. series of ‘Special Beer Promotion’ around One year later, she is on her way to Guyana. completing her Masters comfortably and 2015 Promotion Starting this week, beer lovers can get debt free. Her lucky winning crowns were Colour Your Life (CYL) depicts an expe‘special bargains’ from today at the Sharon Kissoon location ((Stabroek Market Square) from 6pm to 7pm.

Then it’s off to Seeta’s Bar (Kitty, Georgetown) from 7pm to 8pm for the Bucket Specials.

Fans can also enjoy the Sombersby Special & Cranberry with Vodka at the 704 Sports Bar from 8pm to 9pm.

At the Hibiscus Venue (Middle Street, Georgetown), it’s the same bargains from 9:30pm to 10:30 pm.

At Mark’s Bar and Fat Head Place at Parika Junction, folks can enjoy Carlsberg Specials all day. While at Bandar’s Place in Anna Regina, Essequibo, the Carlsberg ‘All Day Specials’ continue.

Meanwhile, With the intent of giving back to customers, Southland International Inc, through its malt brand, MOUSSY, will be offering one lucky person in the nation From left to right in photo are: Irzad Zamal, CEO of Southland International Inc; Nuriyyih a chance to change their lives by winning Gerrard, Moussy Brand Ambassador; and Vishal Seeraj, Chief Operations Officer the grand prize of G$1,000,000 cash in the second edition of the Colour Your Life purchased from Refreshment Paradise bevrience for consumers to refresh and enjoy the promotion. erage outlet at the Stabroek Market Bazaar, ‘new genre’ of malta in Guyana, as opposed On Saturday last at the Brickdam, Georgetown. to the culture of dark malt beverages. The Georgetown location, the promotion was Last year, drawings were held in all parts versatility of this product offers a healthier launched with much pomp and fanfare. of the country – Georgetown, New Amsteralternative than soft drinks, shandy or ales.

Millionaire winner of the 2014 edition dam, Anna Regina, Linden to name a few Moussy has been the most popular and was Ms. Pere DeRoy of East Ruimveldt - where consumers were in a frenzy to secure preferred non-alcoholic beverage of choice, Georgetown. With great elation and inspi- their 3 Moussy crowns by buying as many especially during religious occasions ration, the post graduate student in Interna- Moussy bottles and 6 packs as they could in tional Studies at the University of Guyana order to increase their chances to win fabuThe Prizes praised the Company for having such a lous prizes at each drawing location.

This year’s GRAND PRIZE will be G$1,000,000. Aside from the grand prize, 18 lucky winners will have the opportunity to win SIX 40-inch Samsung Smart TVs; grocery vouchers worth G$20,000 and US$50 cash prizes each.

Each prize will be drawn weekly at

e divas…

vocativ Bombshell’s most pro

Rishardo Mc Donald unleashes her ‘Berbice flava’

select outlets countrywide in Georgetown, Corentyne Coast, West Coast/West Bank of Demerara, Linden, Bartica & Essequibo.

First drawing will be held on 21st March 2015 and 3 lucky winners would each win a Samsung 40-inch Smart TV, grocery voucher worth G$20,000 and US$50 cash Competition rules 1. The Customer’s Name, Address, Telephone Number along with 3 Moussy caps must be placed in a sealed envelope and deposited in boxes located at outlets countrywide 2. There will be seven (7) drawings during the period of the Promotion, and for each drawing, customers will win fabulous prizes. The presentation of the Grand Prize will be held at Buddy’s Parking Lot (Southland International Inc.) 3. Winners must present acceptable modes of identifications, eg National Identification Card, valid passport, and proof of address to uplift prizes. Where a winner is not available to collect his/her winning prize, he/she could authorise a person on his/her behalf. The person must produce an authorisation from the winner. The authorised person must produce an acceptable Identification of his/herself and ID of the winner.

4. Prizes must be claimed and uplifted within one (1) month from the date of the declaration of winners.

5. All winners agree to have their photographs and/or names used for publicity at the discretion of Southland International Inc. 6. Prizes are not returnable, refundable, exchangeable or transferable.

7. Persons who do not comply with these rules will be ineligible for prizes 8. Employees and their immediate families of SII and its parent company are not eligible to participate in this promotion.

9. All enquiries must be addressed to Southland International Inc. Marketing Division on telephone number 2231040 extension 103

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N a recent trip to Berbice, we were totally amazed at the very pretty and naturally sexy young ladies we found in the streets of Hopetown and other villages.

You see, we were given the idea that the ‘Berbice gals were ‘kinda rough cut and not suited for our pages’.

Well, GT gals, after what we saw there, we say to you ‘drop the war paint and move over’. It’s time to make way for the very ‘bootylicious’, suave, and naturally appealing ‘country ladies’.

With great pride, Bombshell presents this 18-year-old Rishardo Mc Donald, a very peppy damsel whose radiance will engulf you and play ‘tick tock’ with your senses.

This bubbly beauty enjoys Reading, dancing, athletics, travel and exploring.

While she is so very single and available, she maintains that her ‘ideal playboy’ will have to What are you waiting for guys? Take out your cell be ambitious, employed, intelligent, and able to provide her with phone and give this ‘hottie’ a shout. Rishardo can be contacted on phone number 672-3364 the ‘finer things of life’.

Aracari Resort to host I

‘Karaoke Fantasia’

T has been ages since Westsiders have been calling for karaoke sessions to be held at an ideal location; and, just recently, the Aracari Resort (160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara) answered their prayers.

Starting on Friday, March 20, 2015, the resort will be staging its 2015 ‘Karaoke Fantasia’, which will see winners receiving fantastic giveaways as they bask in a relaxing setting. This initiative will continue every Friday thereafter from 8pm, and will feature both English and Indian music.

As singers put their vocals to the test, they will be served complimentary snacks

by the courteous ‘Aracari Waitresses’, even as Karaoke Phenomenon ‘Rocky Persaud’ takes them down memory lane in fine style.

The resort meanwhile continues to feature its ‘Friday After Lunch Lime’ at the Poolside Bar, and its Saturday Night Dance Fever Chutney/Soca Party. Things wind down on Sundays as families gather at the poolside to enjoy the refreshing warmth of the Aracari Blue Water Pool.

Interested persons are invited to call telephone numbers 264-2946/2947 for further information on these exciting developments.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

IN this election season…

Beauty Ambassador Katherina Roshana addresses her beloved Guyana

Natural Black

to appear on GEM’s Cover

I

NTERNATIONAL Reggae sensation Natural Black will cover the 66th edition of GEM, as the magazine heads into its eleventh year of production.

In an exclusive interview with GEM, Natural Black disclosed his upbringing, career, and some of the big plans he has for the future.

This issue of GEM also has a feature on the King’s annual Duck Curry Competition, a spread on designer Micheel Cole’s swimwear collection, the nonprofit group Global Shapers, Body art company BRAVO! Arts and much much more.

About GEM: GEM is the No. 1 lifestyle and entertainment magazine targeting Guyanese at home

and in the Diaspora. For eleven years, it has transcended race, politics, religion and class to cover the movers and shakers, trendsetters, hottest personalities, and young professionals in our society.

GEM educates, entertains and inspires its readers through its thought-provoking articles and world-class photography.

The magazine’s print and online versions, as well as its active social media presence, continue to attract thousands of subscribers, readers and fans from around the globe. he next issue of GEM hits the newsstand shortly, and will be available at select gas stations, boutiques, bookstores, restaurants and supermarkets.

T

!!

Bulletin!!! Bulletin!

Mahendra Ramkellawan returns with “Clash of the Titans”

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UYANA is more than ready to welcome the return of Chutney sensation Mahendra Ramkellawan, as he stages his much-anticipated ‘Return of the Clash of the Titans at the National Stadium on March 14, 2015.

Ramkellawan has informed that this year’s show will be bigger than anything ever staged on the local shores, and has vowed that the artistes’ lineup was orchestrated to do nothing but bring a chutney/soca firestorm to the venue.

Billed to perform at the event are the

Fire Fest Production Dancers, Mahendra himself, the Karma Band’s Ravi and Neesha B out of Trinidad, JMC 3Veni, the DilE-Nadan Band, Omesh Singh, 2015 Carib Soca Monarch, Jomo Primo, and Little Avinash Maraj.

Carded for entertainment also are Veekash Sahadeo, Omadath Maharaj, Nishard M and many others.

Regular tickets are being sold for a whopping $1500, while VIP tickets are set at $3000.

Showtime is 07:45 pm.

G

uyanese receive love, peace and harmony from Katherina Roshana in New York, USA KATHERINA Roshana sends all Guyana her love, peace and harmony during this season of elections.

All Guyana remembers our Miss Universe Guyana 2013; Miss India Guyana 2013; Miss India Worldwide’s Most Beautiful Skin Awardee; Guyana“s Media Award as Lady of Substance; and the Ambassador of PEACE of the Universal Federation.

KATHERINA ROSHANA’s message to her beloved country is as follows: Dearest Friends, families and fellow Citizens of Great and beautiful Guyana: I note the tensions, fears, annoyance, hate, bitterness, and yes, even excitement as we draw closer to May 11, the time of National Elections in Guyana.

Some are preaching gloom and doom; others want gloom and doom, it would appear. Yet others fear and withhold their investments due to fear of gloom and doom, which can cause economic pain and even loss.

My people, fellow Guyanese, this Land of many Waters is our country, we must never try to sabotage it or bring it to shame. It is not a pageant where an individual alone could be hurt when some people try to bring her down, hurt and damage her; it is an entire nation, a whole country of people with children, and futures, with ambition.

The day after elections, regardless of who wins, we all have to cook our foods, go to the market, and get to work; even shower, put on our clothes, make out beds, and exist as always, just as we did all our lives.

People should have control of their emotions, (and) not get excited politically, even to the point of violence or intolerance. Violence can be even the use of harsh words.

We are a great people, I often heard my Father say we are a nation of many peoples who have coexisted for many centuries.

Why it is (that) at election (time) we tend to create annoyances amongst ourselves?

This is a beautiful country with people from great civilizations brought under difficult but similar circumstances and ordeals, so we must be like one big family, sharing each other pains and successes. With the exception of the Amerindians, we all came in ships, so we must care this sacred land (of) Guyana, which we call home.

We should never be intolerant to any group, as in this small, yet large and diverse nation, we have learned to live together, work with each other, serve and pray with each other. We cry and laugh together.

Let us think of our similarities and not differences, and for a thing like elections,

(let us) never be uncaring for each other.

We have breathed the air together, we ate food from the land, grown by various persons; we give blood without asking which party its owner voted for, or what race was he or she.

Similarly, we all buy from each other and sell to each other; one never asks I wish that pound of eddoes, and that pound of plantains, but I need to know which party you voted for, or what race planted it, what race, grew it, what race transported it.

I ask the political parties to be mature, not to use blaring and vulgar music or (operate in) cursing down mode, thinking that will

attract voters. Sorry, that chases them away.

The people of this country are not interested in foreign entertainers and big parties, where alcohol will always enter. Remember, the bigger you are, the harder the fall. he people of this country want excellent articulation, refined speeches, wisdom at its peak, and love to overflow the land.

I have heard (that) the people of this country are not interest in such things. They say they wish progress, peace, and goodwill.

So give them that. They say they have too many parties and vulgarities already.

This message is to all political entities and personalities involved in the election machinery, and seeking office of power; and (it is) also aimed at voters who tend to get emotional (over) issues such as party love, or race love.

“Everyone has a basic inherent right to vote for the party of their choice. All political entities have the right to influence our vote, but none has the right to influence us to violence or depression, to annoyance or interference with our human emotions and personal dignity, or to cause national disturbance. In the end, the reality, the truth, is that Guyana is our dear and beloved country, place of our birth or our naturalization; most of us have nowhere else to go.

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So, as a people, we must care our land, our waters and our fellow citizens”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Dharmic Sabha’s Phagwah Mela and Folk Dance Festival set for tomorrow W ITH a star-studded lineup of artistes, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Phagwah Mela, Bazaar and Folk Dance Festival, which will be held tomorrow at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, ECD from 4pm, promises to be a truly spectacular event that you simply would not want to miss.

Heading the list of artistes is outstanding USbased Guyanese singer Purnash Durgaprasad. Trained professionally both in USA and India, Purnash is a former ZEETV USA SAREGAMAPA contestant who is currently an instructor at the Suresh Wadkar Academy of Music in the USA. He also composes and produces music, and is a phenomenal performer.

Purnash has performed extensively, and has had the honour of opening for Sonu Nigam’s Concert in New Jersey in 2012 and Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Concert in Guyana in 2013.

Purnash became a household name in Guyana when he took on the role of judge of the popular E-Networks Emerging Voices competition last year. Purnash will be performing a number of hit songs at the Phagwah Mela, and will be bringing with him, to provide musical accompaniment, Grammy Award winning singer/song writer and producer Jeremy Mage and percussionist Gabriel Globus-Hoenich.

Also performing will be E-Networks Emerging Voices winner Vishalie Sukram and runner up Artie Sookhai, along with Rekha Singh, Sookrane Bookdhoo, Dharmendra Gobin and Chevalia Rampersaud, backed by the Caribbean Hotshots Band.

In addition, more than 30 dancers from the Sabha’s Dharmic Nritya Sangh, recently out of a successful Naya Zamana, will be presenting exciting choreographies replete with

energy, glitz and glamour.

Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded.

Strictly no alcohol will be allowed. Tickets cost $1000, with children under 5 being given free admis-

NCN, IRadio, Rent-a-Tent, Shaline’s Flower Shop and E-Networks for their kind contributions towards the event.

Tickets are available at Red Mango - Robb Street; Bhagwan’s – Wa-

call phone numbers 2276181 or 219-1900 for more information.

Besides the Mela, the Sabha will also be hosting its annual Holi Utsav on Phagwah Day – March 6th -- at the Everest Cricket

sion. Paid parking will be available within the compound of the Conference Centre. Patrons can also choose to park outside for free.

The Sabha wishes to thank Digicel, ICEE, MAGGI, GBTI, NTN,

ter Street; E-Networks Camp Street; Harrinarain & Sons –Regent Street; Boodhoo’s General Store – Parika; Payless Variety Store – Vreed-en-Hoop, and the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra – Prashad Nagar. Persons can also

Club Ground. The Sabha’s countrywide Chowtaal Samelans commenced last Thursday in West Coast Demerara.

On Sunday, February 22nd, Samelan will be held at the Hope Mandir, East Bank Demerara be-

ginning at 3pm. On Sunday, March 1st, beginning at 10am, Chowtaal Samelan will be held at the Tain Kendra - Central Corentyne; Shieldstown Mandir – West Bank Berbice; Yakusari Mandir – Black Bush Polder; Better Hope Mandir – East Coast Demerara; and the Colombia Mandir – Essequibo.

The East Berbice Praant’sSamelan will be held on March 1st at the No. 19 Mandir from 5pm.

In addition to these events, East Coast Demerara Praant’s Phagwah Sangam will be held at the Mahaica Market Tarmac on Sunday, February 22nd, at 6:30 pm; while the Essequibo Praant’s Phagwah Mela is scheduled for Saturday, March 7th, at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

T h e We s t B e r b i ce Praant will host Holi Utsav on Phagwah day at the Bath Market Tarmac from 3pm.

The Sabha urges all to attend these events.

Tony Matterhorn for Berbice Mash

foreign artistes come to Guyana and perform in the city.

They don’t come to Berbice.

So we thought it is time to give Berbicians a good Mash and have Tony Matterhorn come here and perform”.

Berbicians will be entertained by Matterhorn for the incredibly low fee of $2000.

Thought of the day

TONY Matterhorn

T

ONY Matterhorn is expected to grace the Ancient County with his presence on February 28, when the Berbice annual Mash tramp is held in New Amsterdam.

The dancehall/reggae deejay will perform some of the songs which have made him popular in the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

Dufton Taylor Jr, who adopted the nickname “Tony Matterhorn”, which comes from Matterhorn, a brand of cigarettes sold in Jamaica, will perform at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road (Mathew Allen Road) before an anticipated huge audience, since it will be the first time he will be in the Ancient County.

The show will also feature Berbician Calvin

Burnette and chutney singer Bunty Singh.

The Mash tramp is promoted by Candy Shop Entertainment, in collaboration with the Region

Six, (East Berbice-Corentyne) Mash Committee.

Organiser of the event, Tito Sancho, says that Berbicians deserve a good concert. “Most of the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 27, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

President Ramotar to ...

“When the first phase (of the Aquatic Centre) was launched the former president, Bharrat Jagdeo, made a commitment, to deliver a world-class facility, so this warm-up pool is in keeping with that commitment.

We have every reason to be proud (of the pool’s completion),” King said.

“This is not only a gift to the swimming fraternity but a gift to all Guyanese, because with the warm-up pool we will be better able to roll out training opportunities not just to our national swimmers but to others who want to learn to swim as well, because the warm-up pool has different levels (of depth) to accommodate that now.”

The warm-up pool, which is 21 metres wide, carries both a shallow end and a deep end ranging between 1.175m and 1.82m.

The foundation for the pool was done by D & S Construction at a cost of $37.3M, while the pre-fabricated pool was sourced from,

From back page

and installed by Myrtha Pools, the same company that supplied the pre-fabricated structure for the initial 50m pool.

With the warm-up pool now completed, the pool will still require a few other systems, such as an electronic timing system, before the facility can meet ultimate criteria for an international standard-approved facility. However, according to King, these are all accessories to the facility that will be added in time to come.

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony is set to begin at 09:30hrs and is expected to include an infusion of cultural display, with performances of steel pan music, and African and Indian drumming. The National dance troupe is expected to participate while there will also be mini displays in swimming from some of the national swimmers.

Racing Tips South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:25 hrs Dance And Destroy 09:00 hrs Ottimo 09:35 hrs Crown Of Gold 10:10 hrs Sedge 10:45 hrs Miss Saigon 11:20 hrs Grim Reaper English Racing Tips Newbury 10:00 hrs Sebastian Beach 10:30 hrs Minella Rocco 11:00 hrs Cody Wyoming 11:35 hrs Valid Point 12:10 hrs Be Bop Boru 12:40 hrs Obistar 13:15 hrs Jully Les Buxy

Doncaster 10:10 hrs Tara Mac 10:40 hrs Hurricane’s Girl 11:10 hrs Hunters Hoof 11:45 hrs Vivaccio 12:20 hrs Full Day 12:50 hrs Crazy Jack 13:25 hrs Frank N Fair Lingfield 10:20 hrs Birkdale 10:50 hrs Lupo D’Oro 11:25 hrs Symphony Of Kings 12:00 hrs Prmrose Valley 12:30 hrs First Experience 13:05 hrs Storm Runner Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:25 hrs Majestic Timeline

14:05 hrs Maronella 14:35 hrs Balmont Blast 15:05 hrs Song Of Love 15:35 hrs Cristy’s Call 16:05 hrs Coach Bombay 16:35 hrs Tubeanie 17:05 hrs Colla Pier American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Courtney Ryan Race 2 Malibu Dreamer Race 3 Lady Mayfair Race 4 Conspiracy Again Race 5 One Eyed Candyride Race 6 Wild Mongolia Race 7 Quairia Race 8 Gunderson

Beharry pumps US$10 000 ...

Apart from the Beharry Group of Companies, the GRFU said that the bulk of their support has come from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), with the body also taking care of the financial obligation for recently-acquired Technical Director Angus Thompson.

“I’ve personally watched

them play, I’ve watched them practise and I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with most of them individually and I must say that they’re really dedicated to what they do,” Beharry-Strand pointed out.

The company’s Marketing Director also noted that there is “not enough invested in Sports here in Guyana, unfortunately. Because there is so much talent out there, it’s a shame. So to even be able to send these gentlemen out there to make a name for Guyana and do us proud, it’s such a pleasure as a company and we will continue to support the team and we wish them all of the best of luck.”

Head coach Theodore Henry further thanked Beharry for what he said is a show of continued confidence in the team, adding that with their (Beharry) tangible support, “I can guarantee that the heights that this team has reached in the past few years would not have been possible without your support”.

“In the same breath, I want to ask others to show the same faith in us so that

From back page

we can surpasse where we’re at right now and move on to even bigger things.

“One of my goals as a coach is to be on the international scene on a consistent basis and in order for that to be accomplished, we need a whole lot of financial support to play more competitive games, rather than playing regional competition, because when you play on the international scene it’s two different levels of play; so consistent play equals results but it requires consistent financial support as well,” Henry said.

Patron of the GRFU Kit Nascimento, the driving force behind the side’s push to have maximum funding from both the private and sectors, reminded that the National 7s rugby team is the only sporting team in Guyana that can still qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year, claiming that “no other team can do that and we’ve earned the right to be at the tournament that will allow us do so. That in itself is a huge achievement”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Shenwari gives Afghanistan first World Cup win (REUTERS) - Samiullah Shenwari produced a brilliant rearguard action to guide Afghanistan to their first World Cup victory with a dramatic one-wicket win over Scotland in their Pool A clash in Dunedin yesterday.

Shenwari, who had been positively pedestrian for his first 40 runs, was dismissed for 96 after taking charge of his side’s chase to 211 runs for the victory at University Oval.

The 28-year-old was dismissed with 19 runs still required from 19 balls but last pairing of Shapoor Zadran and Hamid Hassan managed to get their side to the target with three balls to spare.

Richie Berrington and

Josh Davey had ripped through the middle of Afghanistan’s order to reduce them from 85 for two in the 19th over to 97 for seven in the 24th.

Mohammad Nabi’s side had been well placed to chase down Scotland’s 210 all out with Javed Ahmadi well set on 51 before Berrington and Davey struck with five wickets for 12 runs between them.

S h e n w a r i , h o w e v e r, managed to farm most of the strike in a 35-run partnership with Dawlat Zadran and a 60-run stand with Hamid Hassan and threatened to get his side home with a maiden century.

He belted three sixes off Majid Haq in the 47th over to get to 96 runs before he was

Samiullah Shenwari strikes three sixes in the 47th over to change the game. caught in the deep attempting ever, Shapoor hitting the group of Afghanistan fans. winning runs with a four to Afghanistan’s pace bowlhis fourth.

Shapoor and Hassan spark delirious celebrations ers, ably supported by Nabi’s got their side home, how- among the team and a small gentle off-spin, probably felt

they had done enough when they dismissed Scotland for 210 on the final ball of the innings.

Shapoor (4-38) and Dawlat (3-29) were the pick of the bowlers, putting pressure on Scotland’s batsmen with their accurate line and length even if there was little movement in the air or off the pitch.

Scotland’s innings was one of fits and starts as they lost wickets in bunches, consolidated with promising partnerships, only to again lose batsmen in quick succession.

Haq (31) and Alasdair Evans (28) ground out a 62-run ninth-wicket partnership to ensure the Scots lasted the full 50 overs and had something of a target to defend.

Kennard’s Memorial annual Phagwah horse race meet rescheduled to March 15 THE Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club annual Phagwah Day horse race meet has been rescheduled to March 15 and will be held at the Club’s facility, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to a release from the organisers, they were forced to reschedule the date in order to facilitate the wreath-laying ceremony in commemoration of the late former President of the Republic of Guyana,

Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu John, Corentyne, Berbice which is scheduled for March 8.

Apart from the change of date for the race meet, there are also some changes to the six-race programme.

The feature event over seven furlongs is open to horses classified A 1 and Lower and the winner will take home $1M instead of $700 000 while the second-to-fourth place finishers will receive $500 000, $250 000 and

$125 000 instead of the $350 000, $175 000 and $87 000 respectively that was announced earlier in the month.

Race two, which was open to D3 Maiden and E & F Open horses, has been changed and is now open to D3 and Lower horses over a five-furlong distance.

The winner will receive $400 000, while the second-to-fourth place finishers will earn $200 000, $100 000 and $50 000 respectively.

Race four which was previously open to horses classified `K’ and Lower over five furlongs will still be a five-furlong race, but is now open to horses classified J3 and Lower and will have at stake $120 000 for the winner, $$60 000 for the horse placing second, $30 000 and $15 000 respectively for the third- and fourth-place finishers.

Another seven furlong race is also on the card and is open to horses classified G1 and Lower and the winner will cart off $300 000, while the second-, third- and fourth-place

finishers will receive $150 000, $75 000 and $37 000 respectively.

The opening event will see horses from around the country battle for honours in a K1and Lower event over five furlongs, with the winner receiving $120 000, the second-place finisher will collect $60 000, while the third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $30 000 and $16 000 respectively.

There is another five-furlong race for horses classified J1 and Lower and the winner will receive $180 000 while the other top three performers will cart off $90 000, $45 000 and $22 000 respectively.

Horse owners and trainers are asked to note that the closing date for entries is March 8 and horses can also be entered by calling Roopnarine Matadial on 3253192 or Ivan Diphnarine on 331-0316 or Justice Kennard on 623-7609, 225-4818 or 226-1309.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Region 9 athletes to compete this weekend ... to decide regional team for CARIFTA Games trials in Georgetown

By Rawle Toney THE top athletes in Region 9 will all converge on the Tapachinga Sports Complex ground tomorrow and Sunday, hoping to be selected to represent the Region at the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) CARIFTA Games

trials.

Set for March 7 and 8, the AAG will seek to have the best possible athletes represent Guyana at the 2015 CARIFTA Games in St Kitts and Nevis on April 4 and 5.

It is on that backdrop the Region 9 Athletics Club is hoping to have several

athletes from the hinterland on the Guyanese contingent.

President of the AAG, Aubrey Hudson, along with representatives from the ministries of Sport and Amerindian Affairs is expected to witness what coordinator Sugereem Singh is calling a showdown of the region’s best athletes.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday Singh, a former chairman of the Region 9 Athletics Club, said that all systems are in place for the weekend’s

athletes at the CARIFTA trials next week.”

According to Singh, Chairman of the Region 9 Athletics Club Kenrick Lewis is also enthusiastic

3000m and U-20 200m male and female races will each pocket $10 000 and Singh said: “We’re very grateful to Mr Lamazon for the donation. I believe that this

Centurions Dilshan, Sangakkara thrash Bangladesh

By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Sri Lanka veterans Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara smashed imperious centuries to punish a wasteful Bangladesh and set up an emphatic 92-run win in their World Cup clash in Melbourne yesterday.

Dilshan blasted 161 and Sangakkara 105 as the evergreen pair combined for an unbeaten 210-run stand to fire Sri Lanka to an imposing 332-1 in front of a boisterous crowd of 30 000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Appalling in the field, Bangladesh’s middle and lower order grafted hard but were set a mission impossible after a top order collapse that saw them slump to 1005 after 20 overs.

Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga captured the final two wickets in consecutive balls as Bangladesh were dismissed for 240 with three overs to spare.

Though master batsman Sangakkara was dropped twice in his aggressive 76-ball knock, 38-yearold Dilshan was virtually flawless as he enjoyed a welcome return to form after scoring 24 and a duck in the team’s opening matches against New Zealand and Afghanistan respectively.

He belted 22 fours to all corners of the ground to notch his highest score in ODIs and muttered thanks to the heavens after completing his 21st ton in the format off a streaky inside edge.

He later returned to take 2-35 with his part-time offspin, dismissing all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for 46 and having Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza stumped

by wicketkeeper Sangakkara for seven to walk away with the man-of-the-match award.

Conditions had begged for a big total on the MCG’s benign drop-in wicket and Bangladesh made Sri Lanka’s task easier from the start.

Opening batsman Lahiru Thirimanne was dropped at slip by Anamul Haque on

chance when wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim failed to move for a nick that flew between the stumper and slip early on.

Completing a forgettable afternoon, Mushfiqur later failed to back up a throw at the stumps that would have almost certainly captured Dilshan’s wicket.

(L-R) Region 9 Athletes Valesa Harding, Mary Leandrew and Simona Lawrence will all be on show this weekend at the region’s CARIFTA Games trials this week. Also in picture is Sugereem Singh (first from right) and chairman Kenrick Lewis. event, noting, “We have everything in place and the ground is in great condition.

I heard that it’s raining in Georgetown but up here, it’s great weather and we’re hoping to have an exciting meet. The athletes are excited and so are we, to see them perform so that Region 9 can have the best

about a successful event this weekend.

Meanwhile, apart from the athletes competing for medals and trophies, Singh said that Lethem businessman Lincoln Lamazon donated $60 000 to the club which will provide incentives to the athletes.

Winners of the 5 000m,

will add a little more flair to the meet and the athletes will put a little more effort and hopefully it will bring out the best in them”.

It is the hope of the Region 9 Athletics Club to send a maximum of 10 athletes and other officials to Georgetown for the CARIFTA trials.

GCA competitions continue this weekend

Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan share an unbroken 210-run partnership in Melbourne. the fourth ball -- an easy, waist-high chance off paceman Mortaza.

That set the tone for a dreary afternoon of grassed catches, missed run-out opportunities and leaked runs from sloppy fielding that made Bangladesh’s place at the global showpiece seem an embarrassing anomaly.

Thirimanne was reprieved three times before finally being dismissed on 52 when attempting an ill-conceived ramp shot off paceman Rubel Hossain that flew straight to Taskin Ahmed at third man.

He had earlier been the beneficiary of a missed stumping and another lost

Playing his 400th ODI, Sangakkara could have been out for 23 had paceman Taskin clutched a difficult caught-and-bowled chance.

He was dropped again on 60 when cutting straight to point where Mominul Haque put down a sitter at chest height.

The fielder’s petulant response, throwing the ball at the bowler’s end in frustration, caused three runs from an overthrow.

Though Dilshan hogged the strike for much of the closing overs, Sangakkara completed his 22nd ODI century with a single to long-off in the final.

WEATHER permitting tomorrow and Sunday, cricket action under the auspices of the Roger Harper-steward Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) is set to continue in the first, second and Under-13 divisions.

In the Hadi’s Mall Inc.-sponsored two-day first division tournament, one match will be played and it pits Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) against Police Sports Club at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, with the action set to bowl off at 09:30hrs both days.

Matches in the New Building Societysponsored 40 overs second division tournament tomorrow will see Third Class engage GNIC at GNIC, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) host St

Stanislaus College at DCC while Ace Warriors and Police do battle at GYO. On Sunday, Guyana Defence Force and Everest Cricket Club will clash at Camp Road, Transport Sports Club and Police will lock horns at Eve Leary, Muslim Youth Organisation and DCC meet at Queenstown, GYO host Diplomats at GYO and Third Class face GCC at MYO, with all matches commencing at 11:00hrs both days.

The Thomas Lands-based Malteenoes Sports Club is the venue for the two Banks Malta Supreme Under-13 contests, with GYO facing DCC from 09:00hrs and Everest and Transport meeting in the second fixture which is set to bowl off at 13:30hrs.

NOTABLE DATES DARIUS Ford was a skilled bantamweight in the early 1980s when he turned professional. The stocky fighter came from a family known in Guyana for sublime fighting ability.

His uncles Patrick and Reggie Ford were household names in the 1970s and ’80s. Patrick was the first Guyanese to fight for a world title while his cousin Winfield Braithwaite won Guyana’s only Commonwealth gold medal in boxing.

Darius Ford joined the professional ranks in December 1984 and made the perfect start by knocking out Andrew Williams in the first round. His second fight was staged on February 26, 1985 in Georgetown Guyana.

After six rounds, Ford remained undefeated as opponent Wayne Smith lost by unanimous decision.

Victories over Juan Bautista of the Dominican Republic and Anthony Williams of Barbados followed in April and May of that year respectively. In August Ford met Guyana’s pride and joy Michael Anthony Parris who five years earlier had won the country’s first Olympic medal.

Parris had no mercy on his younger opponent and lifted the Guyana bantamweight title with a TKO in round eight. Ford made another attempt at Parris in May 1986 but was adjudged the loser on points when the judges’ scores were tallied at the end of 12 rounds.

He subsequently moved to the United States of America and was defeated in both fights there. His record reads six victories and four defeats.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

One team eliminated from E-Networks CrossFit Games

By Leeron Brumell ONE team will not be taking to the National Park this weekend for the first ever E-Networks CrossFit Games.

The West Coast team was eliminated on Wednesday night when a preliminary elimination round was held at the Transport Sports Club.

The organisers of the event were forced to hold the round after they lost one team to injury.

Nine teams competed on Wednesday night in one event, which went for three rounds – Kettle-bell swings with a burpee-box jump.

Teams put their fates in the ability of one member to secure their participation on Sunday, March 1.

The U.S Embassy’s team came out tops; Joseph Rivera rushing through the routine in 5 minutes 48 seconds, to be followed by CrossFit Bel Air’s Ian Rogers in 5 mins 57 secs. Elite Systems of Berbice finished third in 6 mins 18 seconds through Anis Ade-Thomas Top End’s Neetzkiel Yisrael was fourth in 6:59, Bodymaxx’s Dexter DeFlorimonte 5th – 7:34, Life Fitness’Osmond Mack 6th in 8:18, Interline Fitness followed in 7th in 8:14 through the lone

female on the night Nadine Taharally, Fitness Paradise’s Paul Meusa secured the 8th spot in 8:39. The West Coast’s Chatram Nauth completed the circuit in 11 mins 18 secs; ending their participation in this year’s event.

On Sunday, a Guyana Defence Force team will enter the competition to join the eight who advanced from Wednesday’s elimination round.

Co-organiser of the games Noshavyah King said the army officers were given a bye to Sunday’s games because they were unable to participate in the elimination round.

CrossFit teams compete at kettle-bell swings.

There are 36 participants in the individual round.

King explained that the first four events on Sunday at the National Park tarmac will be for the teams, along with the 5th and final event for

individuals.

She said only the leading teams after the first four events will, however, be allowed to contest the fifth and final round.

Box jumps, kettle-bell

swings, pull-ups, shuttle runs and a one-mile run around the National Park are among events that will test the athletes.

The event starts at 10.00hrs

Banks DIH on board with E-Networks CrossFit Games BANKS DIH Limited, the official beverage provider of the inaugural E-Networks CrossFit Games, presented the sponsorship cheque to organisers of this weekend’s event at a simple ceremony at Thirst Park yesterday.

The cheque was presented by Aqua Mist Brand manager Errol Nelson to Games organiser, Noshavyah King of Genesis Fitness Express.

Troy Peters, Communications manager of the local beverage giant said the company was extremely pleased to be a key partner of the Games under three brands – Aqua Mist Water, Vita Malt Plus and PowerAde Energy Drink.

Aqua Mist Brand manager Errol Nelson makes the donation to Games organiser Noshavyah King of Genesis Fitness Express while Communications manager Troy Peters and Brand manager Colin King look on.

Chief selector Moin returns home to angry reception KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan chief selector Moin Khan, ordered back home from the Cricket World Cup following a visit to a casino, avoided running into an angry group of youths after he was ushered out of Karachi Airport yesterday.

The former Test captain slipped away quietly into a waiting car as the angry youngsters stood outside the airport armed with banners and eggs.

Television pictures showed some of the youngsters smashing the eggs on their heads in anger after learning Moin had left by a side entrance.

The Pakistan Cricket Board

(PCB) recalled Moin following his visit to a Christchurch casino on the eve of the team’s match against West Indies. The PCB is to hold crisis talks with Moin this weekend.

“I went to the casino to have dinner with some friends. But in hindsight it was an inappropriate judgment on my part given the disappointment in the team’s performance in the World Cup,” Moin, who won the World Cup with Pakistan in 1992, told a local television channel.

“I apologise to the people for my action and I never realised my action would have such serious repercussions.”

Gambling and alcohol consump-

tion is prohibited in Islamic Pakistan and some critics and former Test players have questioned why Moin opted to go to the casino.

“He has brought shame to Pakistan cricket and he should be blacklisted from Pakistan cricket,” former Test player Sarfraz Nawaz told reporters in Lahore.

Pakistan have so far suffered a torrid time at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, losing both of their matches to date to India and West Indies respectively.

They are bottom of the seven-team Pool B, which includes non-Test playing nations such as Ireland and UAE.

The Games, billed for Sunday at the National Park starting at 10:00hrs, will feature several of the nation’s top athletes and fitness experts who will compete for top prizes.

King, a certified fitness instructor expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the event.

In addition to its monetary contribution, Banks DIH Limited will be providing beverages to the competitors, judges and support staff.

There will also be sampling of Pinehill juices, Golden Harvest whole wheat bread and Trisco whole wheat crackers.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 27, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Corey Anderson (NZ v SL, Christchurch) (2) Clive Lloyd (1975); Ricky Ponting (2003); MS Dhoni (2011) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many teams have been involved in World Cup cricket to date?

(2) Put these in order beginning with the man who has taken most wickets in World Cup cricket: Patrick Patterson; Malcolm Marshall; Roger Harper; Vasbert Drakes Answers in tomorrow’s issue

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 27, 2015

Auto Fashion renews commitment with K&S tournament ... Fruta Conquerors to replace Bartica

THE Kashif and Shanghai Organisation yesterday received a corporate boost from one of its long-time sponsors, Auto Fashion, ahead of its 25th football tournament which kicks off on March 20 at the Demerara Cricket Club ground.

Known for flashy and exquisite vehicle accessories, the company will be donating the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize and other trophies.

Noel ‘Rupee’ Shewjattan, proprietor of the Seaforth Street, Campbelville-located business said that for the past 15 years his establishment has supported the tournament and this year, he’s more than pleased to form an alliance with the event.

According to Shewjattan, his initial intention was to donate a car to the MVP, but said that it can only be done with Government’s intervention to grant him the duty-free concession.

“If they can take off the duty, next year for sure I will donate a nice sports car to the winner. I think a car will add more excitement to the tournament and when you think of it, a lot of these players can’t really go out and buy one and I would be happy to actually make that happen.

So next year, if the Government can help with regard to the duty, I will commit to

Hits and Jams Television, Sonic Business Services, Club 704 and JGS Telecommunications as the tournament’s sponsor.

Meanwhile, the organisers announced that Georgetown-based Fruta Conquerors will replace Bartica.

The tournament, which will conclude on April 5, will be played in a ‘win or go home’ format. The eventual winners will pocket $2M, second-placers $1M while third- and fourth-placers will collect $500 000 and $250 000 respectively.

Griffith warns against complacency as Jaguars eye first title in 17 years

By Calvin Roberts

Auto Fashion proprietor Noel ‘Rupee’ Shewjattan is flanked by Kashif Mohammed and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major at yesterday’s presentation.

National Club Championship reaches quarter-finals AFTER sending the Amelia’s Jets packing, the question now is: Can the Plaisance Guardians replicate such a performance against the TGH Pacesetters when the two collide in tonight’s final game, as the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) National Club Championship continues at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall?

Four games will be played at the premier indoor facility, starting at 16:30hrs with a clash between Colts and Pepsi Sonics followed by the clash of two Linden teams, Kashif and Shanghai Kings and Retrieve Raiders, and the penultimate game between defending champs Dynas Ravens and Victory Valley Royals.

When point guard Nikkoloi Fraser left Colts and went back to his home-based club, many were sceptical about what impact he would have had on the team.

However, coach Junior Hercules seemed to have given the best motivational speech ever written to spark such a phenomenal performance against a team that finished fourth place last year.

A herculean task awaits the emerging Guardians; coming up against a Pacesetter team stacked with players like guard

giving the MVP that car,” said Shewjattan.

Both directors (Kashif Muhammed and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major) of the organisation were on hand and thanked Auto Fashion for not only the presentation towards this year’s tournament, but for also being a long-time supporter.

Auto Fashion now joins Ansa McAl, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Demerara Distillers Limited under its Pepsi Brand, Church’s Chicken, Cell Phone Shack under its Plum Brand,

... Four games set for tonight Travis Burnett, centre Royston Siland and sharp shooter Stephon Gillis.

Gillis has been quiet thus far in the competition, but, the Guardians are fully aware that the player touted as the best shooter in the country can at any given moment go on a rampage from ‘down town’.

Many are hoping to see the match-up in the back court between Burnett and Fraser, especially with both players eyeing a spot on the National team this year.

The Colts versus Sonics game is one which puts the latter at a slight disadvantage in the front court since the Bounty-sponsored club are equipped with National centre Shane Webster and Kurt ‘Gipsy’ Elias as his back-up.

However, what the Sonics lack in size, like their name, they make up with speed and agility, especially among their guards.

Retrieve Raiders, the club that finished behind Ravens last year, are expected to defeat the ageing Kashif and Shanghai Kings team, especially after their opening game

performance.

Neil Marks, who represented Guyana at the CBC Championship, has carried the Retrieve team with little and some time no support from his teammates, who often shy away when pressure mounts.

But the Kings behind a collective effort from their ‘vets’ Abdulla ‘Zico’ Hamid, Omally Sampson and Marvin Hartman, have shown that they are still a formidable force in the sport.

Meanwhile, after Harold Adams had shown that he can be ‘Mr Dependable’, playing a massive role in the Victory Valley Royals win against Republic Banks Nets, the defending champions Ravens could be in for a long night.

Though Ravens are usually known for getting the upper hand against their Linden rivals, this time around, one can sense that something magical might happen.

Chris Williams and Marlon Pollydore will control the back for the Royals and Ravens will look to Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai, Ryan Gullen, Ryan Stephney and Dominic Vincente.

WITH six wins from seven games that netted them 107 points, the Leon Johnson-led Guyana Jaguars lead second-place Barbados Pride (82 points), by 25 points and are heavily poised to claim their first West Indies Cricket Board regional four-day title in 17 years.

However, despite being in what many would say an unassailable position as it relates to the points standing with three rounds to go, two of which they will contest on familiar territory - Guyana National Stadium, assistant coach and manager of the Guyana Jaguars, Rayon Griffith, is warning his charges against complacency.

The Jaguars recorded an emphatic come-from-behind four-wicket victory over hosts Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval last Monday, to avenge a shocking and embarrassing two-run defeat at the hands of the same opponents in the first round before the break last November at the Guyana National Stadium.

An ecstatic Griffith labelled the seventh-round vic-

tory a “total team effort” and lauded his players for their commitment and hard work throughout the game, adding that they were forced to play “tough and smart” cricket while keeping their “fitness levels up” to claim the win.

“This win was a total team effort in every way. We did well in all departments. The way we executed our plans was one of the most pleasing aspects for me when I looked at the guys on the field of play.

The second-innings batting, especially from Narsingh (Deonarine) and Shiv (Chanderpaul) was outstanding, while Reifer (Raymon) who took some time to gell in is beginning to show his wroth,” said Griffith.

In addition to the above, Griffith said that the victory over Barbados Pride was not an easy accomplishment by his charges, since the opposition is a very good side who fought tooth and nail with the Guyanese up until the last run was scored.

He added, “The bowlers all did a splendid job but Bishoo (Devendra) and Beaton (Ronsford) gave us the early momentum from their partnership in the first innings of

that game, shifting the momentum in our way, so maintaining the momentum will be the main aim going forward, even as we take serious precautions against complacency despite the recent results.”

The Jaguars are set to battle the Jamaica Franchise at the Guyana National Stadium seven days from today and the prospect of winning the title is definitely on course, especially if they can repeat their first-round win against the Jamaicans.

They will then tackle Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from March 13 at the same venue, before playing hosts Windward Islands Volcanoes from March 20, in the final round According to Griffith, who is also head of the Guyana Cricket Board’s senior selection committee, unity is the most important thing and he has been preaching that to the guys while on the road.

As it relates to the other three games, he is asking the guys to remain focused, so that they can not only come away with a win, but also finish on a high, while achieving the first Regional title for Guyana in 17 years.

Well done, guys! Guyana Jaguars’ head coach Esaun Crandon (left), manager/assistant coach Rayon Griffith and fast bowler Ronsford Beaton applaud the team following their four-wicket win over Barbados Pride last Monday. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Auto Fashion renews commitment with K&S tournament See story on page 35

Beharry pumps US$10 000 into National 7s rugby team

By Rawle Toney

BEHARRY Group of Companies, known for their generosity to the sport of rugby, yesterday stepped up a notch when they donated US$10 000 towards to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) National 7s rugby team’s preparation for the 2016 Olympic qualifiers.

“It really is an honour and a pleasure to sponsor the rugby team again. Their professionalism and dedication along with their passion for the sport is why we continue to support them,” exclaimed an enthusiastic Anjuli Beharry-Strand, the entity’s Marketing Director.

At a simple but significant presentation held at the company’s Charlotte Street Georgetown headquarters, witnessed by players and executives of the GRFU, marked the largest contribution the team has ever

received from the private sector.

Beharry’s donation now sees the GRFU covering approximately 70% of the estimated US$100 000 needed to send the team to the June 13–14 North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7s Championship in North Carolina USA. Turn to page 31

Beharry’s Marketing Director Anjuli Beharry-Strand poses with the 2014 NACRA 7s Championship Trophy

President of the GRFU is all smiles while he collects the US$10 000 cheque from Beharry Group of Companies Marketing Director Anjuli Beharry-Strand while other executives and players look on.

President Ramotar to commission warm-up pool today

The warm-up pool at the National Aquatic Centre will be commissioned today by President Ramotar.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar will commission the warm-up pool of the National Aquatic Centre (NAC), when the official ceremony takes place this morning.

The President will head a list of prominent officials expected at the opening ceremony, which will include remarks from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, president of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud, as well as FINA vice-president Dale Neuburger and South America Swimming Confederation president, Juan Carlos Ortheila. Director of Sport Neil Kumar is also expected to have his say.

Construction of the 25-metre long warm-up pool, which began back in September 2013, complements the NAC’s chief Olympic-size swimming pool which was first commission back in 2011 by the former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

At the time, Jagdeo had made a commitment for the installation of the warm-up pool, which is one of many requirements necessary before international events can be hosted at the facility. Speaking with Chronicle Sport, yesterday, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King, expressed pleasure at the pool’s completion, noting that the addition to the facility is testament to the government’s strong commitment towards developing sports in Guyana.

Turn to page 31 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015