2015 3 14

GUYANA

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

No. 104128 SATURDAY MARCH 14, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

Police get Elections decree from President …maintain enabling environment of peace, stability INCLUDING VAT

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Canal farmer killed in bees attack

GPHC’s Maternity Ward gets $2.35B expansion Page

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DEAD: Ramraj Challu Page

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Venezuela objections to Guyana territory spurious, illegal – Gov' t

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar turns the sod for the expansion as Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran and Hospital CEO Michael Khan look on (Samuel Maughn photo)

Granger dodges Bharrat Jagdeo's debate challenge

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Tourist arrivals up 7.1 per cent PRESIDENT SAYS...

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Crum-Ewing was no threat to Gov’t, or PPP/C Page

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GPHC’s Maternity Ward gets $2.35B expansion 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

…No woman should die giving life’ – Dr. Bheri Ramsaran FIRST Lady, Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar, yesterday turned the sod and unveiled a plaque to launch the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s $235,963,806 Maternity Ward Remodelling and Extension Project.

The event yesterday at the GPHC was graced by the presence of Mrs. Ramotar; Health Minister Dr. Ramsaran; The People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C)’s prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming Regional and General Elections, Mrs. Elisabeth Harper; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster; GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan along with other highly distinguished persons and

First Lady Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar, and Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, unveil the plaque to declare the project open (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

officials of the GPHC. During his address, Dr. Ramsaran highlighted that every year the highest number of babies in Guyana is delivered in the maternity ward at the GPHC, recording 5,790 delivered babies in 2013 and a record-breaking 6,085 deliveries in 2014.

“We are doing a great job in stabilising the under-five mortality rate, and what we’re about to embark on will better develop the maternal health care we provide,” he said, adding that “No woman should die giving life.”

The minister noted that the Government-funded project before its launching, was the object of extensive reviews pertaining to the strengths and weaknesses of

the Maternity Ward, so that it would be known exactly what to introduce after the expansion.

Minister Ramsaran also emphasised the importance of safe motherhood, noting that while the tertiary health-care aspect is well recognised, “We still need to highlight the work of the primary health-care workers who are undermined, while they are the ones who create the foundation for proper health care; these include mid-wives who are responsible for the delivery of babies and also the well-being of the mothers who deliver these newborns.”

Additionally, he noted that these primary healthcare workers are equally responsible for the decrease in maternal mortality.

“Thanks to the visible improvements in the health sector, the Government has Turn to page 8 ►

Crum-Ewing was no threat to Gov’t, or PPP/C 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

PRESIDENT SAYS...

By Vanessa Narine

“ W H AT w a s t h e re t o gain?” This was the question posed by President Donald Ramotar, as he emphatically stated that slain political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was shot dead in Diamond on Tuesday night, was no threat to the government.

In an interview aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) Wednesday evening, the President roundly condemned the killing, saying: “Neither the Government, nor the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic) had anything to gain by it. Mr Crum-Ewing was not a threat to the Government or the Party, or any interests we have. He was no threat at all.”

According to him, suggestions to the contrary can only be based on evidence, and if this is the case, then the evidence must be brought to the fore.

“I have seen people saying that this is a political assassination. If anyone is saying that, we must assume that they have evidence; and if they do, then they must give that information to the police,” he said.

The President stressed that if there is no evidence to back up claims of political motivation, then peddling the suggestion will serve no purpose, other than to instigate problems in the society, an act that does no one any good, particularly with elections in the air.

“They should desist from instigating violence, and from creating perceptions about who is to blame, and for what purpose. We have nothing to gain; I do not know if any other force has anything to gain, but Mr Crum-Ewing had nothing to gain,” Mr Ramotar stressed.

The Head of State also extended his sympathies to the families and friends of Crum-Ewing. Since the incident, the Head of State and Commander of the Armed Forces has also called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to “leave no stone unturned” in finding those who perpetuated the crime.

“If necessary, and if it exists, find the intellectual authors of this act that was committed,” the President said, adding: “The police must deal with this matter, otherwise, what they are saying could

be construed as being instigation, and may want to instigate violence in our country. They must come to the authority that is responsible for that investigation and deal with this issue.”

IMPROVED CITIZEN SECURITY Turning his attention to the need for improved citizen security, he recognised the survey findings of the recent Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) which

‘Neither the Government nor the PPP/C had anything to gain by it. Mr Crum-Ewing was not a threat to the Government or the Party, or any interests we have. He was no threat at all’ -- President Donald Ramotar found that Guyana has the lowest level of trust in the police in the region and this trust has decreased over time.

“We must work to change that perception,” he said, adding that this issue must be

President Donald Ramotar delivering an emphatic charge at a recent public event

dealt with.

The President added that steps have been taken to improve security. “We are trying to equip the police will all that is necessary,” he assured.

However, he agreed that success depends on a threepronged approach, which includes Government’s efforts, relative to resources, and improved police response, as well as the political will.

Relative to the latter, Mr Ramotar cited the Opposition’s failure to support improved citizen security via their non-support for the Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, as well as their attacks on development

partners, particularly the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

“The IDB has a US$15M assistance to enhance citizen security. The Opposition is calling for the IDB not to give that. How can the Opposition say they are against crime and prevent the resources from reaching the main organisation that you have to fight crime?” the President said.

A ROLE TO PLAY Mr Ramotar stated too that every group and individual has a role to play in improving citizen security, including by way of making criticism.

However, he charged that

criticism proffered, must be constructive in nature and not reflect criticisms and opposition only for the sake of it.

“One it is justifiable I have no problem….one of the big issues is the police response time and that is a justifiable criticism that must be addressed,” the President said.

He tackled the issue of “bad apples” in the ranks of the GPF and appealed for the hundreds of “decent” police officers not to be painted with the same brush.

“We have some bad apples yes, but the vast majority of police officers in the Force are decent people who put their lives on the line and work hard every day,” Mr Ramotar said.

On that note, he reiterated that each Guyanese has a role to play to bring to the fore the inadequacies, which is important to ensuring the success of efforts to improve citizen security.

The Commander in Chief concluded with the assurance that his Administration will do all it can to ensure that the Guyanese people are served in the best way possible by those in positions of service.

Venezuela objections to Guyana territory spurious, illegal …investors, will not be swayed by fabrications – Govt.

THE following statement was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Georgetown last evening: THE Government of Guyana is extremely perplexed by the fact that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, while declaring as false Guyana’s statement that Venezuela’s actions are aimed at stymieing Guyana’s development, that same Government seeks to publicize those very objections to Guyana’s development initiatives – by also utilizing Guyana’s local media.

While the Communiqué which appeared in the Kaieteur News edition of March 13, 2015, mentions the fact that leaders from both countries have underscored the “necessity of deepening cooperation” between Guyana and Venezuela, it fails to rec-

ognize that those efforts have in fact been defeated by Venezuela’s threats and actions against investors wishing to operate and those already operating in Guyana, including by the very Communiqué under reference.

The premise of Venezuela’s objections continues to be its spurious and illegal claim to Guyana’s territory.

The land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela was permanently and definitively delimited on October 3, 1899 pursuant to the Treaty of Washington of February 2, 1897. The view expressed in the Communiqué under reference that there is a territorial dispute “inherited from British colonialism” is therefore patently false.

As a sovereign State, empowered under international law to exercise sovereign rights over its continental

shelf and exclusive economic zone, the Republic of Guyana has full and unfettered authority to unilaterally explore – with or without partners – and exploit the living and non-living resources within its jurisdiction. Any act or objection to the exercise of such jurisdiction is contrary to international law – both codified and customary international law.

While it is a fact that the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Guyana and Venezuela remains an outstanding matter, it is pellucid that there are maritime spaces that can legitimately belong to only one of the two States. That is fully recognized under both customary and codified international law. Venezuela’s vain effort to link its spurious and illegal claim to Guyana’s Essequibo to matters related

to the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of Guyana within the context of the Geneva Agreement of February 17, 1966 therefore has no legal basis. The fact is that the Geneva Agreement does not relate to a boundary or territorial dispute, but to a unilateral and unsubstantiated claim by Venezuela that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void. Guyana completely rejects this effort to conflate two separate matters within the context of the Geneva Agreement.

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana earlier this year elaborated on the reasons why Guyana was in the process of reviewing the options under the Geneva Agreement for bringing the controversy initiated and maintained by Venezuela, to an end. It should suffice to

repeat that the Good Offices Process has been in existence for over twenty-five years, but Venezuela has on many occasions taken actions and issued statements that are inimical to that process even while it was in full operation – this includes both military actions and strident statements by high officials of

Venezuela.

Guyana rejects the subtle threat issued in the sixth paragraph of the Communiqué where it is stated that Venezuela “reserves the right to execute all actions in the diplomatic field and in accordance with international law, that might be necessary Turn to page 8 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Dozens feared dead after Cyclone Pam hits Vanuatu

(BBC News) THE death toll from a category five tropical storm that has hit islands in the South Pacific could run into the dozens, the UN’s relief agency says.

Cyclone Pam battered Vanuatu with winds of up to 270 kph (170 mph) on Friday.

Authorities on the islands had earlier issued a red alert to residents after the cyclone changed direction and began moving towards populated areas.

It has already caused major damage on other Pacific islands, including Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.

Tuvalu, a group of nine tiny islands north-east of Vanuatu, has also declared a state of emergency after the cyclone caused flash floods there.

“The immediate concern is for a very high death toll but also an enormous amount of destruction and devastation,” Sune Gudnitz, regional director for the UNOCHA, told Reuters news agency from nearby Fiji, which is also expecting to be hit by Pam. There were unconfirmed reports that

44 people had died in Penama province in the north-east of Vanuata, the UNOCHA said in a statement on Friday, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, category three Cyclone Olwyn has hit the coast of Western Australia with wind gusts of up to 195 kph (120 mph).

People in the state’s coastal region were warned to move to higher ground to escape dangerous flooding.

TUVALU EMERGENCY Cyclone Pam destroyed homes and flooded crop areas in Kiribati and the Solomon Islands before moving on to Vanuatu and Tuvalu. At least 3,000 households were said to have been affected.

The Vanuatu Meteorological Services (VMS) said it expected torrential rainfall, flash flooding, landslides and storm surges.

All six provinces are under red alert, meaning people are advised to immediately head to shelter.

Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office spokesperson Mishaen Garae Lulu told Radio New Zealand that the

Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, experienced heavy winds and rain on Friday government had lost contact with some parts of the northern provinces.

He said the cyclone was expected to be worse than Cyclone Uma, which killed 50 people in 1987.

Located about a quarter of the way from Australia to Hawaii, Vanuatu has a population of 267,000 spread over 65 islands. About 47,000 people live in the capital, Port Vila.

Iraqi forces pause in battle to drive Islamic State from Tikrit (REUTERS) - FRUSTRATED by guerrilla tactics from Islamic State militants, Iraqi forces paused for reinforcements on Friday in a major offensive to take back the city of Tikrit.

The operation appeared to have stalled for the time being, two days after Iraqi security forces and their mainly Shi’ite militia allies pushed into Tikrit, the home city of executed

ex-president Saddam Hussein.

A source in the military command said Iraqi forces would not move forward until reinforcements reached Tikrit, of which Islamic State still holds around half.

If government forces wrest full control, it will be the first time they have won back a city from Islamic State since it over-ran large areas of the country last year and declared an Islamic caliphate in territory it is holding in Iraq and Syria.

From there it has spread fear across the region by beheading Arab and Western hostages and killing or kidnapping members of religious minorities like Yazidis and Christians.

In Tikrit, the militants have deployed snipers and turned streets into a labyrinth of home-made bombs and booby-trapped buildings.

Forces loyal to powerful Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and known as the ‘Peace Brigades’ appeared to be positioning themselves to join the government offensive.

Up to 1,500 fighters had reached the sacred Shi’ite city

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of Samarra, south of Tikrit, a source in Sadr’s provincial office told Reuters.

The deployment came days after Sadr announced the “unfreezing” of his forces’ participation in battles against the militants. He had suspended their actions after allegations of abuses committed by other Shi’ite militias during recent operations.

One official said he was told that the Peace Brigade fighters intend to push north toward Tikrit on Saturday.

Hadi al-Amiri, the head of the Shi’ite paramilitary Badr Organization and now one of the most powerful men in Iraq, said the outcome of the battle for Tikrit was in no doubt, but Iraqi forces needed time.

“We are not in a hurry, but we have a plan and we are following it,” Amiri told state television from the frontline. “Even if the battle drags on for two, three or four days that is okay. We will celebrate the liberation of Tikrit from the enemy.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Haiti sets date for long overdue elections

(BBC News) HAITI has set dates for elections which have been repeatedly delayed, causing months of protest.

Elections for two-thirds of the senate and the chamber of deputies will be on 9 August, with the presidential and municipal vote following on 25 October, Haiti’s electoral council said.

President Michel Martelly is barred from running again by the constitution.

The opposition has accused him of abusing his powers in order to rule by presidential decree.

Parliament was dissolved in January over its failure to hold elections, leaving Haiti without a functioning government.

Mid-term Senate elections had been due in May 2012, while the municipal poll is three years behind schedule.

The delay was caused by a stand-off between the president and some opposition senators over an electoral law which would make the vote possible.

Street protests calling for Mr Martelly’s resignation over the delayed vote have intensified with demonstrators angry by high petrol prices.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and is still struggling with the legacy of the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Protestors have been demanding President Martelly’s resignation over the delay

Children don masks as smoke from Riverton dump hovers

KINGSTON, Jamaica – STAFF at the Callaloo Mews Basic School, located near the Riverton City Landfill in St Andrew, today followed universal precautions by protecting students from the smoke hovering over the area.

The children were each given masks to cover their nose and mouth to

help prevent smoke inhalation.

A blanket of smoke passing the school sent students and teachers running indoors for cover before completing an exercise outside.

Several schools have since been closed due to smoke coming from the landfill.

Motorists, smokers hit hard; GCT on electricity bills reintroduced …J’ca $10-b tax package hits motorists, smokers, electricity users hard (Jamaica Observer) JAMAICANS will have to pay more taxes to drive, smoke and use electricity on April 1 when a $10.3-billion tax package introduced yesterday by Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips takes effect.

The tax measures came as no surprise to some observers, despite constant assurances from Dr Phillips, since the tabling of the budget on February 19, that compliance measures would fill most of the gap.

They will also affect domestic production as well as importers, including those trading with Jamaica’s Caribbean Community (Caricom) partners who are required to pay an environmental tax; those paying trade and business licence fees; and is expected to be extended to affect life insurance companies before the fiscal year ends. Hardest hit are motorists who will have to fork out some $8.2 billion more per annum to pay for petrol and petroleum products at local service stations.

Dr Phillips admitted in the House of Representatives yesterday that the hole in his $641-billion budget for 2015/16 was really $22.7-billion.

The ministry had previously spoken to a $10.4-billion gap, which Phillips suggested could be largely filled by increased compliance, as well as some changes to the Property Tax Act, new transfer

tax legislation affecting transfer pricing rules, and withholding tax on statutory payments.

However, yesterday he explained that those measures would only cover $12.3 billion of the $22.7- billion-wide hole by the end of the year.

This left a gap of $10.4 billion, which has to be filled by new revenue measures.

These measures include: • an increase in the special consumption tax per stick of cigarette from $10.50 to $12, as of today, to yield $488 million in revenue; • an additional specific special consumption tax of $7 per litre of petrol, which is expected to yield $6.4 billion as of March 18; • Conversion of the one per cent petroleum cess to a specific special consumption tax of $2 per litre of specific petroleum products, to yield a further $1.8 billion also as of March 18; • Re-introduction of the GCT at the standard rate on monthly residential electricity consumption above 350 kilowatt hours, to yield $807 million as of April 1; and • The extension of the environmental levy to cover domestic production and imports from Caricom partners, as well as imports from countries outside of the regional community, to reap an addition $962 million in tax revenues as of April 1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Participatory leadership PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, even from the inception in his maiden speech as Guyana’s Head-of-State, has always invited the Opposition to share in the decision-making processes of administration through discussions, with an open invitation to the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, and even to the miniscule AFC. Their gerrymandering, however, was not confined to Parliament, but to every forum whereby they sought relevance in the political fray.

The Prorogation Proclamation was also meant to give all stakeholders, including the citizens of the land, a breathing space and an opportunity for dialogue and reason to take the nation forward instead of a descent to anarchy.

But the joint Opposition was resolutely on a path of destruction and dissension, as is their wont – nothing to do with reason or a sense of responsibility to their constituents. Their clamour was for shared governance. In other words, inclusion in the Cabinet. Recall the constant pandemonium and unending ruckus the Opposition cabal contrived and all the shenanigans that transpired during the tenth Parliament then imagine the bedlam that would ensue in Guyana’s Cabinet were members of the Opposition to be given access to that policy-making body.

They already have participatory leadership through the Parliament and the parliamentary committees, but

nothing short of the Presidency would suit them. It boggles the mind how they would split this coveted post to satisfy all the presidential aspirants in the new ‘marriage of convenience’ were they to win the next elections.

It was this recognition of the need for participatory leadership that prompted Dr Jagan, even while he was being cheated through the electoral process, to reach out to his opponents, either through offering critical support for some worthwhile programmes initiated by the PNC Government, or the formation of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), and the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) in efforts to restore a democratic culture in Guyana prior to l992.

And due to the fact that the other leaders of Guyana were only interested in power rather than caring for the welfare of the nation, Dr. Jagan faced bitter opposition from his protagonists, to the detriment of national unity and prosperity. Today, those who want entry into government through the backdoor are touting power-sharing and using every tactic of destabilisation in efforts to eventuate this outcome.

Dr. Jagan never abandoned his thinking, however, and reached out to the general society to those who dreamt, like himself, of a Government of national unity. Thus was the Civic component of the Government con-

ceived: So there was no winner-take-all policy. Even from the inception, if one judges from the original composition of the Cabinet; and even today leaders from other parties, as well as former ministers and prominent members of the PNC administration comprise the current Cabinet, along with a surprisingly few original members of the PPP. The PPP/Civic Government has also retained key officials in sensitive areas of administration and has never sought accountability from the past regime for State properties and records, much of which had disappeared when they demitted office, so there was never any witch-hunting. Today the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee that is mandated to scrutinise every aspect and facet of public spending has been held from the inception by the PNC. These parliamentary committees, whereby members of Government and Opposition interrelate with all stakeholders to scrutinise and advise on the way forward for policy decisions in the governance process, have generated a mutual respect between participating MPs, to the extent where a young PPP/C M.P. Irfaan Ali once found himself so much in sync with the thinking of PNC veteran, the late Winston Murray, as they examined the nation’s accounts, that one female PNC/R M.P once teased Irfaan that he would soon belong to them.

But these processes have created friends out of once bitter enemies, who usually work unstintingly, committedly, always striving for unanimity towards decisions for the nation’s good, and even when unanimity cannot be achieved relations remained cordial.

This is because it is recognised that most members within both major parties really love this country and care about the welfare of its people.

However, loyalty to Party supersedes, and sometimes succeeds in derailing, decisions taken at committee level by individual members; and strategies of destabilisation and provocation ensue.

Within the parameters of the human condition disagreement at any forum is inevitable. It, however, bespeaks maturity, unity of purpose, and vision transcending, and to the exclusion of, narrow partisan and personal interests to chart and hold a course toward achievement of an ideal of a nation united in purpose to carve a destiny of peace and prosperity and truly make of this country of ours a paradise on earth.

The hardcore veterans whose charter includes utilisation of all the Machiavellian strategies contained in the diabolical X-13 Plan are making the nation cry rivers of blood while the voice of reason has been silenced in the thunder of the cannons that devastate the nation’s hope for a brighter future.

The PPP has no interest in promoting racism GUYANA has come a long way in terms of race relations. Gone are the days when race was used to divide us. As Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar reminded us, the PPP has always championed the cause of a multi-racial society in which there

is political, cultural and ideological diversity.

The PPP has no interest in promoting racism in Guyana since it is the only political party with the largest multi-racial support. Both at its leadership and rank and file levels, it has always attracted

men and women of honour and integrity from right across the ethnic and cultural spectrum.

Ideologically, it is more inclined to the left but this does not mean that there is no room for the participation of other interest groups in the

national development process. This was particularly evident during the post-1992 period when the PPP/C assumed the reins of political power after nearly three decades of PNC See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Dates for important Hindu Festivals

I refer to Amar Persaud’s letter captioned ‘Conflict of dates,’ published in Stabroek News on March 11.

It is true that dates for important Hindu Festivals differ between the Calendar of Dharmic Sabha and those of other Hindu Organizations, viz. Phagwah, Hanuman Jayanti, Krishna Janam Ashtami and Diwali.

I do not wish to dwell on Phagwah, since that is now history, but on showing the correct dates for the others. The source is the 100-year Patra, which is the authentic guide for all Hindus. (All Time given are the Ending Time). The Formula is standard.

HANUMAN JAYANTI - FRIDAY 3rd APRIL Chaturdashi – Friday April 3rd Purnima – Sat. April 4th 21:23 x by 2 = 42:46 26:55 x by 2 = 53:50 Divided by 5 = 08:33 Divided by 5 = 10:46 Add Rising Sun 05:49 = 14:22 Add Rising Sun 05:49 = 16:35 Less 9:30hrs. = 04.52 AM Less 9:30hrs. = 07:05 AM (Chaturdasi ends, and Purnima begins). (Purnima ends) Thus, Chaturdashi ends on Friday 3rd April at 04:52AM. Purnima, which begins immediately after, runs for the entire day and night of April 3rd, and ends on Saturday 4th at 07:05 AM. Purnima is Friday night 3rd April. Hanuman Jayanti is therefore, April 3rd.

KRISHNA JANAM ASHTAMI – SEPTEMBER 4 ‘Janam’ literally means ‘birth’ and ‘Ashtami’ is the 8th Tithi, (lunar day), of a fortnight.

Sri Krishna appeared at 12:00 Midnight on the Ashtami in the dark half of the Month of Bhadrapada. Calculation: Saptami – Friday September 4th Ashtami – Sat. Sept. 5th 52:31 x by 2 = 105:02 50:49 x by 2 = 101:38 Divided by 5 = 21: 00 Divided by 5 = 20:20 Add Rising Sun 05:44 = 26:44 Add Rising Sun 05:45 = 26:05 Less 9:30hrs. = 17:14 (05:14PM) Less 9:30hrs. = 16:35 (04:35PM) (Saptami ends, and Ashtami begins). (Ashtami ends) Ashtami, which will begin at 05:14 PM on the 4th September, will run the entire night of the 4th and will end on the 5th at 04:35 PM. Sri Krishna Janam Ashtami will therefore, fall on Midnight of the 4th September. Janam Ashtami is September 4.

For the record, let it be mentioned in passing that Purnima (Holika Dahan) and Holi were in fact 4th and 5th March, respectively.

It is hoped that the date for Diwali will be resolved before the event.

Those who may desire further clarification or confirmation are invited to visit one or all of the following websites: (a) mypanchang.com (Check for Festivals for Georgetown, Guyana, 2015) (b) drikpanchang.com (Festivals for Georgetown, Guyana 2015) © Hinduism today – calendar for Georgetown, Guyana, 2015.

PT. R. BALBADAR. President, Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandit’s Sabha, Region 3.

The PPP has no interest ...

From page 6

authoritarian rule.

By the turn of the twenty-first century, the world balance of power has shifted dramatically following the collapse of the world socialist system and the rise of new centre of powers. The rigid bi-polar world of the 1970s and the 1980’s have for all practical purposes given way to a new era of multilateral diplomacy with the emergence of new and powerful economic players led by China and, to a lesser extent, India.

These developments at home and abroad have resulted in a much more open and all-embracing approach to national development which saw the private sector playing an increasing bigger role in the national development process.

Indeed, the private sector is seen now as the engine of growth with the state playing a more facilitating role in terms of providing the right balance between labour and capital.

One manifestation of this balancing act by the state is the increasing share of the national pie towards social sector development in general and human development in particular. Indeed, the largest allocation of the national budget is allocat-

ed to the social sectors such as education, health, housing and water which are quite unlike what obtained under the PNC regime when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alone consumed more that education, health, housing and water combined.

In a situation of declining production and economic stagnation, all ethnic groups were made to suffer. Put in a different way, there is a direct correlation between low levels of economic performance and ethnic insecurity.

The rising tide of prosperity now enjoyed by all Guyanese regardless of race or colour is the best antidote against ethnic insecurity.

The PPP/C therefore has no interest whatsoever in fanning the flames of racism in our country. Indeed, as a party and party in government, it has always prided itself on the role it has played and still continues to play in bringing the various races and interest groups in the exciting task of nation-building.

HYDAR ALLY

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'G' Division CPG hosts successful youth seminar and symposium

held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Anna Regina Courthouse, and the Symposium was held the following day at the C. V. Nunes Primary School auditorium.

The sessions attracted youths and adults from Supenaam to Charity and the Pomeroon villages.

Those present were afforded the opportunity to participate extensively in discussion on issues pertinent to the topics of the theme.

Mr. Satyanand touched on the prevalence of domestic violence and suicide in society, emphasising that these social issues are also global challenges.

He highlighted the growing number of road fatalities countrywide, and encouraged the youths to be more alert and grasp the opportunity that

is available to them so as to enhance their lives.

During his presentation, Dr Constantine, a Clinical Psychologist and Executive Member of NCPE, drew attention to the dangers of domestic violence, suicides, and their negative impacts on society.

The other speaker, Mr. Pompey, Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, outlined the importance of using the roadways with care, caution and consideration.

He explained that if the roads are used in a better manner, accidents would be reduced, thus saving the lives of our citizenry.

The possibility that a Road Safety Council would be established in Essequibo was also examined at the symposium.

Venezuela objections...

From page 3

to defend and safeguard the sovereignty and independence [of Venezuela]” over Essequibo. The Government of the Republic of Guyana has had occasion to caution the Government of Venezuela that any such action will be in flagrant violation of the territorial integrity of Guyana, international law and will also constitute a material violation of the Geneva Agreement.

Finally, the Government of Guyana wishes to make it clear that investment approvals by it are done solely in the interest of the people of Guyana. Guyana therefore utterly rejects the insinuation that its investment operations are or could be inimical to the interests of the Govern-

ment of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Guyana notes that this assertion is without foundation since the Venezuelan Government has also sought to derail other projects in Guyana that are being supported by a mutually friendly State that is fully a part of the “unity of Latin America”.

The Government of Guyana is convinced and assured that the people of Guyana, and indeed international investors and public opinion, will not be swayed by the falsities and fabrications in the Communiqué issued by the Venezuelan Government on March 13, 2015.

The Government of Guyana further calls on the Government of the Bolivarian

GPF warns Dr David Hinds to desist from potentially inciting violence THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday responded to an article published in the Stabroek News of March 12, 2015 in a letter to the Editor written by one David Hinds and published under the caption “There should be no Tit for Tat”.

The gist of the article seems to give the perception that the killing of Courtney Crum-Ewing on

March 10, 2015 at Diamond, EBD was politically motivated by persons aligned to a political party other than the one to which Crum-Ewing belonged.

The police would hereby inform the public that, on the basis of this article, the Assistant Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ contacted Mr. David Hinds and asked him whether he has evidence of the perpetrators of the murder, and

THE Demerara/Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) experienced a disruption of service at 09:35 hrs on March 12, 2015 as a result of a tripping of one of the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL’s) main feeders.

The fault on the feeder caused generating engines at the Wartsila Kingston Plant to shut down, trigger-

ing subsequent interruption in the Demerara/Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) said power restoration commenced on the Demerara System at 9:45 hrs, and continued to the Berbice System, with the last affected community being repowered at 10:26 hrs.

he said that he has no such evidence.

The Assistant Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ then informed Mr. David Hinds that there was no logic on which his statement and call for ‘no tit for tat’ was based, and that his statement could potentially incite violence. Hinds was therefore warned to desist from such behaviour, the GPF stated.

Tripped GPL feeder leads to disruption in system

Some of the youths who participated in the conference and symposium

AS part of the observances of the 39th Anniversary of Community Policing in Guyana (CPG), the “G” Division Community Policing Groups recently hosted a youth seminar and symposium on the Essequibo Coast.

Held under the theme ‘Community Policing - supporting the fight against domestic violence, suicide prevention and promoting road safety’, activities were chaired by “G” Division CPG Chairperson, Ms. T. Barton; whilst the panel comprised the National Community Policing Executive (NCPE) Chairman Mr. Omesh Satyanand, Dr. Mark Constantine, other senior members of the NCPE, and the Community Policing Administrator Mr. D. Pompey.

The youth conference was

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Republic of Venezuela to be respectful of the 1897 Treaty, the Arbitral Award of 1899, the 1905 demarcation of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela pursuant to the Arbitral Award and other formally ratified documents between our two countries, the principles of general international law and the Charter of the United Nations in the conduct of its relations with the Republic of Guyana and its people.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to a diplomatic solution consistent with international law, however the public pronouncements by Venezuela through various media agencies cannot go unanswered.

Customers from Sussex St to Rahaman’s Turn; along Water Street, Kingston; North Road; Church Street; Access Road to Cornhill St, and Lombard Street remained without electricity until 13:52 hrs yesterday, while GPL crews inspected the feeder.

The GPL hereby expresses its regret for any inconvenience caused.

GPHC’s Maternity...

From page 2

From left: First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran and GPHC CEO, Michael Khan

taken more interest into developing this area, as $17.5B was the allocated sum for the health sector in 2013 compared to that of $40B in 2014, which shows that the improvements have attracted the interest of the Government of Guyana,” said Minister Ramsaran.

In closing, the Health Minister disclosed that Guyana has one of the best maternal units in the Caribbean and it will continue to develop as time goes on.

Meanwhile, also speaking yesterday at the GPHC, CEO Mr. Michael Khan underscored that the importance of the Maternity Ward is fully recognised by the hospital’s management and the Ministry of Health (MoH), who are conscious of the need to modernise and expand the building to ensure that quality health care is delivered to mothers and their babies.

According to the GPHC’s CEO, over the years the maternity ward has had several

improvements done both internally and externally: in 2012, the hospital reopened the Maternity Unit Theatre, thereby eliminating the need to move patients across the street and saving time, while the neonatal unit was also refurbished.

Additionally, “Adequate space, however, has always been a challenge, because the building currently houses the Pre and Post Natal Wards, Labour Room, Birthing Room, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Post-Operative Unit and Gynaecology and Antenatal Clinic,” he said.

GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT Khan further stated that in an effort to create more bed space, the Government of Guyana recently approved G$235,963,806 for the remodelling and extension of the maternity ward. As a result, this was the largest rehabilitation project the maternity building would have

ever had.

AIM OF EXPANSION The main aim of the expansion is to create more bed space for the Pre and Post- Natal Wards, which is desperately needed to put an end to the problem of more than one person sometimes having to share the same bed.

That apart, Khan noted that an additional 60 beds have been projected, as the remodelled ground floor will house training rooms, offices, a neo-natal clinic and Doctors’ on call Rooms; the top floor will have two operating rooms, the birthing room and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

In closing, the CEO stated that the project started on February 16, 2015 and is expected to be completed by February 15, 2016.

Contractor for the project is PD Contracting, while the consultant responsible for the design and supervision is KALITECH Inc.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

APNU+AFC alliance fails to gain traction – Pres. Ramotar “The Opposition parties like to say that they are not about race, but the fact that Mr Nagamootoo could say that he will deliver 11 per cent of the Indian vote to APNU, clearly shows that there is ethnic counting in their political calculation,” he said.

Mr Ramotar noted that ‘talk is cheap’ and what Guyana needs is real action

President Donald Ramotar

By Vanessa Narine PLAYING the race card, according to President Donald Ramotar, is a tactic to distract the Guyanese people, given that the Opposition parties have not gained the “traction” expected after coalescing into an Alliance.

“It is clear that the APNU-AFC is not getting the traction they wanted from their coalition, and they are in fact losing ground…It is becoming clear that they are using the race card (as a means of appealing to electors),” he said during an interview aired last night on the National Communications Network (NCN).

This resort, Mr Ramotar surmised, is grounded in the

‘There is the hope that if they repeat these accusations (of racism), some of them will stick… We have to counter this by going to reality; we have to depend on truth and fact and show the people what has been done across the country’ – President Donald Ramotar

fact that the new Alliance cannot compete with the ruling Party’s track record, given the actions and positions taken in the years of the former People’s National Congress (PNC) regimes, as well as those evidenced in the three years of the 10th Parliament.

“They cannot bring a record that they will be elected on, and in this regard, they are using the race card,” he opined.

to match positions that are articulated publicly.

“We saw this last year too; where their messages were different to the different communities they went to,” he said.

On that note, the President reiterated the demerits of practised racism in Guyana, particularly with elections in the air.

RACISM IN PRACTICE The Head of State decried the fact that persons in the leadership of the Alliance of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have demonstrated racism in practice.

NATIONAL PARTY In a further effort to disabuse the criticism that it is the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that engages in race-baiting, he charged that reality cannot be changed and facts remain facts.

“The PPP was founded as a national party and it has remained a national party since then,” Mr Ramotar stressed.

He referred to the documented positions of the PPP’s founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan, where racism in all its forms was denounced as a matter of principle for the party.

“Dr Jagan was of the view that anyone who practised racism is an enemy to the country and an enemy to themselves…that is the Party I grew up in and that is the Party that I have been General Secretary of…that is the tradition I follow and that is the direction that we follow,” the President said.

According to him, the track record of consecutive PPP/C administration makes clear which side of the line the Party stands.

“We have never had a policy or programme that favours one race at the expense of another,” he said.

He did acknowledge, however, that the only special attention given to a particular group of Guyanese is that which is given to the nation’s first peoples, the Amerindians.

“We have a programme that gives priority to the Amerindian,” Mr Ramotar said, unapologetically.

The President reasoned that this is owing to the fact that their interests have been under-addressed because of colonialism, among other factors.

“We have national policies that benefit Guyanese across the length and breadth of Guyana…there

‘Dr Jagan was of the view that anyone who practised racism is an enemy to the country and an enemy to themselves…That is the Party I grew up in, and that is the Party that I have been General Secretary of… That is the tradition I follow, and that is the direction that we follow’ – President Donald Ramotar

is no policy that anyone can identify, or practise (to say that the PPP favours one group ahead of another),” he said.

SMARTER THAN THAT The Head of State expressed the view that the Guyanese people are “smart enough” to see past the rhetoric and recognise reality for what it is.

“We have to constantly fight against this perception,” he said, explaining that misinformation and the peddling of falsehoods have fed the notion that there is a practice of racism.

Mr Ramotar stated too that that mindset of the factions touting such negativity belies an attempt that is premised on the saying ‘if you repeat a lie enough, it becomes truth’.

“There is the hope that if they repeat these accusations (of racism) some of them will stick…we have to counter this by going to reality. We have to depend on truth and fact and show the

people what has been done across the country,” he said.

The President delved deeper in affirming his Party’s efforts to rely on truth and fact and questioned who benefits from the practice of racism.

“Racism, itself, has an economic base. In every country where it is practised there is an economic reason.

In South Africa, it was for the whites to have a higher standard of living at the expense of non-white peo-

‘Racism, itself, has an economic base. In every country where it is practised, there is an economic reason. In South Africa, it was for the Whites to have a higher standard of living at the expense of Non-White people…

In Guyana, there is no one that can say there is one ethic group living at a higher standard at the expense of another’ – President Donald Ramotar ple…(in Guyana) there is no one that can say there is one ethic group living at a higher standard at the expense of another,” he posited.

All considered, Mr Ramotar concluded confidently that truth in the end will prevail and fact will evidence where his Party stands on efforts to deliberately divide Guyanese and strain the ethic tapestry of the country.

Powley murder trial continues with L/Cpl’s statement

By George Barclay

LANCE Corporal Denzil Frank, one of the ranks investigating the murder of Vishnauth Narine, told about visiting the West Coast Demerara scene in search of the accused Vishnauth Narine, called ‘Buddy’ .

Frank said that relative to a report of an alleged murder made at the Vreeden-Hoop Police Station on 08/6/2012, by Faith Armanda Shazeen which was committed on Vishnauth Narine by Michael Powley,

the accused at Plastic City, Vreed-en-Hoop, W. C. D., he and a police party began investigations.

Witness said that on the said date he went to the mortuary where he examined the deceased body of Vishnauth Narine called ‘Buddy’.

On the 11/06/2012 witness said that he was present at the Funeral Home, Best Village , where he witnessed a post mortem examination

by Forensic pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh.

On the 3/7/2012 about 09:00 hours witness went to La Penitence where he

contacted the alleged suspect Michael Powley at the back of a house .

He told the alleged accused about the allegation made against him that is that he had murdered Vishnauth Narine called ‘Buddy’ on 08/06/ 12.

According to the witness, the accused elected to remain silent.

Witness arrested Michael Powley and escorted him to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, where he was placed in custody.

Witness said that about 10:30 on the said day he

again put the allegation to the accused and cautioned him.

Witness added “ Michael Powley said to me , on 8th Tuesday, 2012 at about 08:00 hours, my wife Hamer left home for work. I was at home when I heard Buddy cussing my wife. I peeped over the fence and I told Buddy to leave my wife alone. Buddy then held my wife's jersey with his right hand and he had two broken bottles in his other hand. I came out to the yard and pick up a piece of wood by a neighbour’s fence . Buddy

then chucked my wife away and told me is me he want, he going to kill me today.

He start to pelt the bottle.

Buddy ran to his mother’s house, come out back with a hammer and pelt me.. The hammer hit me in my back.

I tried to run and fell down.

Buddy rushed me and two of we start to fight on the ground. I see Bonesman and Kevin come with a cutlass and I got up and run away in the bush.”

Witness said that he then asked Powley if he wanted to give a written statement and he refused.

9

According to witness about 17:30 hours on the said day he held a confrontation at. C.I. D. between Michael Powley and B.C. Buddy’s wife.

Witness said that Hamer repeated her story that she had told the police.

The witness L/Cpl Denzil Frank was expected to be cross-examined by defence counsel Mr. Basil Williams, yesterday afternoon.

State counsel Miss Natasha Backer and Miss Narissa Leander are prosecuting.

The trial is contining.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Granger dodges Bharrat Capped health insurance Jagdeo's debate challenge coverage likely for gov’t officials – President Ramotar

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo

AGAINST the backdrop of a challenge issued by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo to any member of the Opposition to engage him in a public debate on policies, Leader of the Opposition Brigadier (rtd.)

David Granger yesterday dodged a direct answer to the question on whether he or any member of his party would willingly engage the former president in the public domain.

Taking the spotlight after three years, Jagdeo on Tuesday last at a press conference held at Freedom House, issued the call to the “big wigs” of the Opposition to publicly debate him on their party’s policies which he deemed “inconsistent.”

The former President

Opposition Leader, David Granger

also sought to remind the Opposition, whom he said has stymied development in Guyana, that Head of State Donald Ramotar has already made it clear that he is ready to have a public debate with Opposition Leader, David Granger.

Continuing along a similar path to that of the current President, Jagdeo then made his call that, “I will debate any one of them, [David] Granger, [Khemraj] Ramjattan, [Raphael] Trotman, [Carl] Greenidge, anyone of them.”

In fact, the former President said as long as he is assured of equal time, he is prepared to have a public debate with all of them, at once.

Faced with the question

of whether Jagdeo’s challenge has been considered by the Opposition, Granger at his weekly press conference held yesterday at the Opposition Leader’s office refused to give a direct answer to the question.

Granger, who is also presidential candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, instead responded, “A has-been?”, hinting that the former president may have outlived his significance.

Questioned again on w h e t h e r h i s re s p o n s e should be taken as a “no” to the Jagdeo challenge, Granger responded in an evasive manner, saying “that should answer the question.”

Essequibo rice farmers demand better paddy prices

Farmers protesting at the Anna Regina high bridge

SCORES of rice farmers staged another protest at Anna Regina yesterday (Friday) to demand better prices for their paddy.

Reports said the farmers, organised by the Essequibo Farmers Paddy Association (EFPA), marched along the public road from Bush Lot to Anna Regina with placards demanding better prices for their paddy.

The farmers led by AFC members Naithram and Sona

Persaud, gathered atop the Anna Regina high bridge and protested opposite the office of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

Several other farmers who did not join the protest said the crop is being harvested and they are expecting that the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and the GRDB will ensure that fair prices are offered.

They said the protest by the EFPA is for better prices, but

many farmers are busy in the “backdam” to dry their fields and harvest their crop. The farmers said the weather is very hot and ideal for harvesting.

Reports said some millers on the coast are offering $2,700 for extra “A” and from $2,500 downwards for a bag of paddy. Farmers said the low prices cannot compensate them. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

IN wake of recent revelation about large sums of money being used by government officials for medical procedures, President Donald Ramotar has confirmed that he has begun discussions with executives of the ruling party, as well as the Cabinet for a new system of financial assistance for medical purposes. “…This will be capped in the future. It will not be allowed to have an unlimited charge on the treasury. I’m planning to move toward a health insurance system so that I can limit the exposure on the treasury for many of these health benefits.”

The Head of State noted

that it was unfortunate that only the bills of some senior government functionaries were released when many other persons continue to benefit from the current scheme.

President Ramotar pointed out that persons including members of the Opposition parties and persons who are not supportive of the government have benefited from this scheme over the years.

“We spent millions on people who have not been supportive of the party. We have given assistance right across the board. It is not limited to Government ministers…”

Further, the President said one should look at the

motive behind bringing this issue to the fore as he noted that it is a move to suggest that only government officials are benefiting.

He added that at almost every Cabinet meeting, requests are granted for financing of medical treatment from persons across the country and many have been approved.

However, in going forward, once the discussions and consultations are held, a technical team will work out the new mechanism of how persons can access this kind of assistance in the future to ensure that there is a limit to what is given to persons in need.

(GINA)

Go-Invest staffers mourn tragic passing of colleague

By Navendra Seoraj GO-INVEST staff members yesterday took time to reflect on the life of their late colleague, and to express condolences to the family of the late Vimala Balgobin, who was killed on Sunday afternoon when the vehicle in which she and her husband were travelling ran off a bridge and plunged into the Pirara Creek in Region 9.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Chairman of the GO-Invest Board of Directors, Mr. Keith Burrowes, disclosed that Balgobin had joined the GO-Invest family a few years ago, and although she had not stayed with the family for very long, she had made significant contributions in terms of data collection.

Mr. Burrowes, a close friend of the late Ms Balgobin’s father, said: “She worked along with me on an international development bank project and also quite a few other projects, in which she made significant contributions as well.”

He noted that the late Vimala Balgobin would be missed, even as he extended condolences to her family members and friends, who would also miss her very dearly.

Some GO-Invest staff members said yesterday that Ms Balgobin had worked

The Golden Arrowhead could be seen flying at half-staff in remembrance of the late Vimala Balgobin

with GO-Invest as a research officer for about a year, before she had taken another career path. During her time at the entity, she had been a very hard working and pleasant person, and they said she would definitely be missed by many.

“Her death was rather untimely, so we would like to express our condolences

-- on behalf of the entire staff of GO-Invest -- to her husband, parents, and other family (members) and friends,” the group of staffers disclosed.

Ms Balgobin’s husband was driving the vehicle at the time of the mishap.

He was also injured, but is being wished a speedy recovery.

Parliament art competition winners receive prizes 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

STUDENTS who emerged winners of the Art competition held by the Parliament of Guyana in partnership with UNICEF and the University of Guyana under the theme, “Governance and Child Rights for Children in Guyana,” received their prizes yesterday.

A t e a m o f o ff i c i a l s from the Parliament Office, UNICEF, and the University of Guyana led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Raphael Trotman, had previously travelled to Surama where they distributed prizes to the winners who reside there.

Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony, Speaker Trotman said the focus of the competition was to encourage and bring visibility to child rights in Parliament- with a focus on governance and child rights.

This, he said, adds to the larger objective of creating an image that promotes the rights of children to live free and fulfilling lives, to be free

from all forms of violence, and abuse of every kind.

He further congratulated the winners present and urged them to ensure that they always strive to keep a balance between education and play.

Mr. Trotman explained that the winning entries have been framed and placed on the walls of the MPs’ lounge for viewing.

Resident Representative of UNICEF, Ms. Merriam Flach, in congratulating the students said UNICEF is pleased to have been associated with the competition.

She said the institutionalisation of this competition and other media to engage children fully into the role of Parliament will be supported fully by UNICEF in the next and future parliaments.

She further commended Mr. Trotman and the 10th Parliament of Guyana for recognising the importance of allowing children to express themselves, and including their ideas and opinions

Crum-Ewing shot three times in head

– post-mortem reveals

By Leroy Smith POLICE sources have confirmed that political activist Courtney Crum– Ewing, a father of three who had resided at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, died as a result of three gunshot wounds sustained to his head and two to other parts of his body, delivered at point blank range, according to the post-mortem performed by a government pathologist yesterday morning.

The results of the post-mortem comes just one day after President Ramotar called on the Guyana Police Force to ensure they leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the shooting.

The Head of State has also instructed that the police ensure they apprehend the intellectual authors of the crime, if they exist.

Following Crum-Ewi n g ’s T u e s d a y e x e c u tion-style killing, his family members made it clear

that they would be seeking to have the post-mortem performed by an independent pathologist. This call was also echoed by lawyer representing the family, Mr Nigel Hughes.

Immediately after Crum-Ewing’s shooting death, claims on social media and other forums suggested that the killing was politically motivated and that it represented the first assassination this current political season would experience.

President Donald Ramotar, in response, called on the authors of those claims to come forward with supporting information that would indicate the killing was political. He said if those claims were to have any truth, it would be obvious that the claimants might be aware of who the killers were, or who had organized the killing.

The President also said that if those persons who are claiming that the killing was political refuse to Turn to page 13 ►

in shaping of the nation. She also expressed the hope that this art competition would be one of the many collaborations with Parliament on children’s rights.

The competition created opportunities for children throughout the 10 adminis-

trative regions of Guyana, including those who are in vulnerable settings including “street” children and/ disadvantaged, as well as, children in rural and hinterland regions to develop self-expressions, through their interpretation of “Child

Rights and Governance.”

This will be done through drawing, painting, collage, assemblage, and mix-media.

This competition was open to children within the age group of 4 –18 years, and residing in all 10 regions. Winners hailed from

the Bath Settlement Primary in Region 5, Belladrum Primary in Region 5, Eccles Primary and Nursery Schools in Region 4 and Surama Village in Region 9. Students who placed first, second and third each received prizes.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Police get Elections decree from President …maintain enabling environment of peace, stability WITH the May 11, general and regional elections looming, it is the hope of Commander-in-Chief President Donald Ramotar, that persons will be able to exercise their franchise at polling stations where they are registered within an enabling environment of peace and stability.

President Donald Ramotar was at the time speaking at the opening ceremony of the Police Officers’ Annual Conference held at the Officers’ Mess Annex, Eve Leary.

The President’s main concern about this year’s elections is that the citizens of Guyana are safe during this period, noting too that: “It is important for the country to have a peaceful, enabling environment before and after general and regional elections.”

The Head of State explained to the officers: “I know that the focus of attention over the next few weeks would be to ensure that citizens can exercise their right to listen to political parties

on the campaign trail without being subjected to threats, intimidation or physical abuse, and that come May 11th, they will be able to exercise their franchise at polling stations where they are registered within an enabling environment of peace and stability.”

The President emphasised the importance of a strong and professional GPF for the maintenance of social order, for the protection of people from crime and to act as a visible deterrent to crimes and disorder and “to also lay out the reforms that I believe are necessary to bring [the] GPF in line with the needs of all Guyanese.”

Making reference to recent developments, such as the joint opposition voting down the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, the President said: “I also want to take the opportunity to also appeal to everyone, whether they are in Government or the Opposition to strengthen our security in this country,”

President Ramotar said.

“We cannot continue to have [the] Opposition for the sake of having Opposition.

How else can we explain the voting down on two occasions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill? How else can we explain that when the citizens and the country are put in danger and at the same time creating the perception that you want to turn this country into a haven for international criminal activities. That is unacceptable,” the Head of State stressed.

Further explaining some grievances that had occurred, The Head of State stressed: “This cannot be politics as usual; this is creating a terrible situation for the people of our country.” He added, “Secondly how can you explain the attempt by the Opposition to publicly call on the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) to prevent money for the Citizen Security Strengthening Project from

Tourist arrivals up 7.1% PROOF that ‘Guyana – South America Undiscovered is fast becoming the destination of choice for visitors the world over, the Ministry of Tourism has reported 7.1% increase in arrivals over the same period, January-February, in 2014.

The current year-todate summary indicates that visitor arrivals increased by 7.1% with a total of twenty seven thousand nine hundred and four visitors compared to twenty six thousand and sixty five for the same period in 2014.

“It is clear that the country’s interest in tourism is very aggressive at this moment. This steady increase is testimony to the continued investment in the country’s Tourism Sector and the aggressive marketing strategies used,” Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali explained.

The Unites States remained at the top market with 36.4% of the total tourist arrivals during the first two months of this year, while visitors from South America has increased and accounts for 16.2% of the total market share.

Minister Ali was quick to point out that these fig-

coming to the security forces to strengthen their capacity.”

During his remarks, the President noted that some US$15M is threatened and this is to strengthen the Guyana Police Force, the Prison Service and communitybased initiatives to deal with the root cause of crime. “This cannot be politics and we must do our best to ensure that our security forces have both the laws and the wherewithal to fight crimes both internal and trans-border. I appeal for good sense,” he said.

In closing, the Head of State not only appealed for good sense to prevail, but also for maturity and patriotism. “Equally, I want to ensure that on election night and after the results of the General and Regional Elections are known, that the environment must be sustained and all political parties contesting the elections must pledge their support for the Guyana Police Force and the Joint Services. They must

Commander-in-Chief of Guyana’s Armed Forces President Donald Ramotar being greeted by Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud

appeal to their constituencies and their staff to display maturity and patriotism to demonstrate to the world that we are a progressive and responsible people.”

Briefly speaking on the period of elections, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud said the force recognises its security responsibilities for the upcoming elections. He explained to the officers and in response to the questions posed by the Head of State, “While a lot of

ON WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY…

Gov’t commits to healthy, happy population A part of the exhibition showcasing our local produce

Minister Irfaan Ali

ures are as a direct result of COPA and CONVIASA flying to Guyana.

He explained, “This is testimony to the Government’s ability to improve airlift and to attract new airlines to the destination.

In addition, our continued investments in trade shows, Familiarisation trips, films and documentary groups, travel writers and PR have contributed substantially to the development of the tourism sector.”

Minister Ali reaffirmed h i s v i e w t h a t t h e t o u rism sector is the backbone

of the future economic growth and development of Guyana and also urged the Private Sector to take advantage of this influx and to devise strategies to lure the visitors to their restaurants, hotels, and resorts Over the last few months, several film and documentary crews have concluded filming in Guyana and several more are slated to arrive.

The destination welcomed its first cruise visit for 2015 in January while several major events have already been staged.

internal work is being done by the force in this regard, the issue of elections is also being addressed at the level of the Joint Services where International Inter-Agency collaboration at this particular time is at its highest.”

The commissioner during his remarks noted that the police will deliver adequate security for the conduct of the current campaign period ahead of the elections, on elections day itself and the period after.

ON Friday last, in light of the upcoming World Consumer Rights Day under the theme: “Helping Consumers Choose Healthy Diets,” the Government of Guyana has committed to having a healthy and happy population while urging consumers to eat healthily.

World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) will be observed on March 15 and the local Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has organised a series of events reflective of this year’s theme.

Among the string of planned activities, the commission held a World Consumer Rights Day seminar at the Guyana International Conference Centre.

The event featured several presentations from the CCAC, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department and the Ministry of

Health, with all placing heavy emphasis on the benefits of healthy eating and consumers’ choices.

While addressing the gathering, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism,Industry and Commerce, Derrick Cummings, urged all Guyanese to become familiar with the regulations contained in the Consumer Protection Legislation and to recognise that the law is already having an impact.

While he explained that all efforts are geared towards ensuring that the Guyanese populace remains healthy, Cummings urged those gathered to adopt the prescriptions and diets which lead to healthy lifestyles.

Activities planned for the 2015 observance included radio and television programmes, a “cook for change competition” and the just

concluded seminar and mini exhibition.

Given that poor diets account for more than 11 million deaths annually, Consumer International, the regulatory organisation in charge of consumer affairs globally, has selected to highlight the benefits of healthy eating during this year’s observance of World Consumer Rights Day, (WCRD).

The global entity reported that diet-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular illnesses and diabetes are rapidly rising in developing economies. This, the body underlined, has resulted in the death of more than eight million people before their 6th birthday, many in low and middle-income countries.

The WCRD was first celebrated in 1983 and became an important annual occasion for mobilising citizen action and solidarity within the international consumer movement.

The day is an opportunity for promoting the basic rights of all consumers, demanding that those rights are respected and protected and protesting the market abuses and social injustice which undermine them.

At the conclusion of Friday’s event, several participants won prizes, compliments of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Survival Supermarket and Nigel’s Supermarket.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

PRESIDENT ASSURES NATION…

‘Competent people’ to dominate PPP/C Candidates List at 2015 polls SINCE the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) announcement of April 7 as Nomination Day, the spotlight has turned on persons who will constitute political parties' Lists of candidates.

President Donald Ramotar, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, gave the assurance that the incumbent party’s List of Candidates will be a “truly” representative one.

“I believe that we will have a list of candidates that includes people who are aptly competent to take this country forward,” he said.

The former General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), now the party’s presidential nominee, headed the List of Candidates in the 2011 elections.

“I think we will have a good List of Candidates. Our list will reflect the population of the country,” he said, adding that this – a representative list – has always been a focus for the PPP/C. The 65 Members of the

National Assembly, relative to representation in the House, will be decided on the basis of the outcome of the upcoming General and Regional elections, and who those individuals are will be based on the names submitted, via the Lists of Candidates.

According to the President, full representation has always been a consideration for the PPP/C, as is reflected in the policies, programmes and legislative actions advanced by successive PPP/C administrations.

“The PPP was founded as a national party and remains a national party,” he stressed.

In the 10th Parliament, which was convened on January 12, 2012, the PPP/C held 32 of the 65 seats and its members included different races, genders and representation from the different regions in Guyana.

Additionally, GECOM has made public its guidelines for the composition of the necessary lists that need to be submitted, come April 7.

Contesting parties are permitted to submit three separate lists on Nomination Day. These Lists of Candidates are in respect of: Geographical Constituencies Lists; National Top-up Lists; and Regional Democratic Council Lists.

In accordance with the electoral system of Proportional Representation, in order to qualify for a seat in the National Assembly, contesting parties must contest a minimum of six (6) of the Geographical Constituencies - totalling at least 13 seats for eligibility to contest and submit Geographical Constituencies lists and National Top-up Lists. This arrangement will provide for that qualified contesting party to submit on Nomination Day, two separate Lists of Candidates.

Any contesting political party can contest the election of members of any of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils. For this purpose, a List of Candidates must be submitted on Nomination Day. (Vanessa Narine)

Crum-Ewing shot three...

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come forward and share information in their possession with the police, who represent the authorised organisation to investigate crimes, those persons need to cease their blame game, since the game can amount to instigation.

The Guyana Police Force yesterday issued a press release, claiming that Crime Chief Leslie James had made contact with Dr David Hinds, who had, in another section of the media, written a letter which suggested that the killing of Crum-Ewing was political.

The Crime Chief reportedly invited Hinds to come forward with any information that he may have about the killing, but Hinds indicated that he had no such information; whereupon he was cautioned to desist from making further comments which suggested that the killing was political.

The Crime Chief also reportedly informed Hinds that his statements could be interpreted as instigation.

While addressing the Guyana Police Force Annual Officers Conference on Thursday, President Donald Ramotar charged the Guy-

Courtney Crum–Ewing

ana Police Force to ensure they put the systems in place to protect the citizens of this country in the leadup to general and regional elections, and on elections day and the days thereafter.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud has indicated that the police stand ready to address any issue during the periods mentioned earlier. He had even

said, two days earlier, that the Guyana Police Force has been preparing for elections since Parliament had been prorogued, and the Force is preparing to treat with the worst possible instances.

Asked what he considered those to be, the Top Cop gave a general description: the total breakdown in law and order.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Alleged rapist Leroy Deonarine freed

…Victim refuses to testify

By George Barclay BECAUSE a 15-year old girl of Lusignan East Coast Demerara, who reported to her parents and the police that she was raped in 2012 now smilingly refused to testify against her attacker.

The resulting effect the alleged rapist Leroy Deonarine, called ‘Baby’ was freed of the alleged crime.

When the matter came

up for trial two days ago , the accused unrepresented by counsel pleaded not guilty and a jury were empanelled to try his case.

When the victim was called to testify at the resumption yesterday, she became dumbfounded so much so, that Presiding Judge, Mr. Franklyn Holder had to adjourn court for five minutes to give her an opportunity to regain her composure.

On the resumption she told the court that she does not wish to prosecute the accused and that by her action she fully realises that the accused will go free.

The young woman who was 15 years old at the time when she tearfully complained to her mother about the alleged assault also told the Prosecutrix Mrs. Teshana Lake yesterday, that no one had compelled her to take the course she had chosen nor was she paid any money by anyone for the action taken by her.

As a consequence of

the complainant’s action the Prosecutrix informed the Judge that the Director of Public Prosecutions had to withdraw the charge of rape against the accused.

In law, once a jury is put in charge of the accused, it is the duty of that

jury to decide the outcome of the case.

Therefore the trial judge had to direct the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused.

On the directions of the judge, the Chairper-

son of the jury returned a formal verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused Leroy Deonarine called ‘Baby’ After discharging the accused, Judge Holder told him - “ Go and behave yourself.”

Miner scalds sister with hot rice after family spat, court told A miner was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, after he appeared before her charged with unlawfully assaulting his sister with intent to maim, disfigure or to cause her grievous bodily harm.

Daniel Young, 28 of Lot 49 East La Penitence, Georgetown, denied the allegation which stated that on March 15,at East La Penitence, with intent to maim, disfigure or to cause grievous bodily harm, he unlawfully assaulted Natasha Daniels.

The court was told that the virtual complainant (VC) and her brother live

at the same address. It is alleged that on the day in question, the siblings had an argument over the cooking of food, when the defendant threatened her; when she reported the matter to the police around 10:30 hrs, he disappeared. Later that day around 13:00 hrs, the VC was washing clothes when her brother came behind her with a pot of boiling rice and doused her with it, causing her to receive third-degree burns about her body. He then proceeded to deal her several lashes to her head with the said pot and when she lapsed into unconsciousness, the defendant made good his

escape. He was however subsequently arrested and charged, after the matter was reported. The VC was rushed to the Georgetown Hospital, where she is said to be in critical condition.

The prosecution objected to bail on the ground of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence along with the penalty which the charge attracts.

Grant also opposed bail on the grounds that the VC is still hospitalised in critical condition.

The man who was unrepresented by counsel, was refused bail. The matter stands adjourned until March 23 for statements.

BERBICIAN housewife Nichelle Johnson, 36, of Lot 6, Number Five Village, West Coast Berbice appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a narcotics charge to which she pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on Thursday, March 12, at Lot 6 Number Five Village, West Coast Berbice, the mother of two had in her possession 16.571 kilogrammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

Her attorney, Mr James Bond, applied for bail after telling the court that his client has a fixed place of abode.

Defence counsel added that the police found the bag in the kitchen area of his client’s premises, which is occupied by his client and other family members.

Bond said Johnson’s door is secured by a CCTV surveillance camera, and had police reviewed the footage, they would have seen that someone had brought the bag and had placed same in the kitchen.

He added that a stranger had stashed the haversack in the kitchen, and the police had checked and found it, but it was never opened

by Johnson and her daughter.

He asked that the court find the multi-occupancy of the home as a special reason for the grant of bail.

The lawyer emphasised that Johnson never opened the bag, and when the ranks arrived, she did not go into hiding. He noted that Johnson and her relatives are business people, and has secured their premises, since money was always missing.

The lawyer said the

prosecution cannot prove that his client had any knowledge of what was in the bag.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru said ranks from the narcotics branch acted on information and contacted Johnson. They carried out a search on the premises where she and her daughter lived and found the illicit substance.

Johnson told the ranks that the said bag was given to her by someone, and she claimed that the bag was hers.

The prosecutor asked the court to find that the reasons advanced by counsel for the granting of bail to Johnson should not be considered special reasons.

Bail was refused, and the matter was transferred to Fort Wellington Magistrate Court for March 19.

(Geeta Rampersaud)

Housewife refused bail on narcotics charge

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Canal farmer killed in bees attack Ramraj Challu Challu’s house (orange) which adjoins his brother’s property at Canal #2 Polder

Challu’s citrus farm

RAMRAJ Challu, 69, of Lot 70 Resource, Canal No.2 Polder, West Bank Demerara, was killed after he and two employees were attacked and stung by a swarm of Africanised bees on Thursday morning, while tending his citrus farm.

One of two survivors, Anand Etwaroo, 20, told this publication that it was before midday Thursday they had ventured out to the farmland via a boat to do some insecticide spraying; and they had just

cut the engine and motor blower when suddenly a large swarm of bees descended on them.

He explained that they had no chance of escaping, since they were trapped in the boat. Consequently, they were all stung after which they managed to get out by the same boat to Canal No.1 Polder and transported the father of two to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).

Challu, was also a contractor attached to the Regional Democratic Council

(RDC) Region 3 (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) and was tasked with clearing trenches and canals in the district.

Etwaroo said Challu had been conscious for sometime after they were stung, but by the time they reached the WDRH he became unresponsive and was pronounced dead.

The employee added that he and the other worker however, received treatment of injections and medications and survived.

He explained that when

the bees attacked, there was little they could do to ward them and it was the first time that they had encountered the bees.

Etwaroo related that sometime ago some sugar workers had warned them about the bees and had cast them off by igniting a fire while they were working in the backlands of Canal No.1 and 2 Polders.

He added that he had been working with Challu for about a year and his death came as quite a shock, the way it happened.

Challu was described as a very friendly person who befriended many and had liked to engage in chatting, and had been very much involved in his

citrus farm, which extends from his property to several acres into the backlands.

It was reported that his children from his first marriage arrived in Guyana on Friday morning to oversee his funeral arrangements, while his second wife of two years was inconsolable and had very little to say.

Although his children refused to speak about t h e i r f a t h e r ’s d e m i s e , neighbours and spoke in glowing terms about Challu, who was liked in the community among those whom he had encountered during work.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Julius Faerber told this publication that he learnt they were spraying insecticide at ‘A’ Side-

One of the two survivors, Anand Etwaroo

line Canal No.1 Polder on the northern half using a motor blower when they were surrounded by bees.

He added that from his understanding of the incident, Challu and his employees jumped overboard after being stung.

Faerber added that Challu, who underwent heart bypass surgery sometime ago, began panting for breath and collapsed, after which he was taken to the WDRH where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

He stated that Challu, who returned to Guyana several years ago, was a very friendly person who was known to him for a long time and his demise came as quite a shock.

St. Monica residents praise Gov’t for fulfilling development promises

– say APNU+AFC not welcome RESIDENTS of St Monica village in the Upper Pomeroon River are happy, thankful and loud in praise for the PPP/C Government for fulfilling more promises for development in their community.

Region 2 Chairman Mr Pramanand Persaud, speaking at a commissioning ceremony in the village for a concrete walkway and a new stelling, said the projects are testimony to the Government’s commitment to develop Amerindian communities. Mr Persaud said the projects were done after consultations were held with residents and the concrete walkway and stelling were financed by government through the Presidential Grant.Mr Persaud said the projects will benefit all residents.

The chairman said he is pleased with the work that was done on the stelling and walkway. He pointed out that children attending school from

A child cuts the ribbon to commission the new stelling at St. Monica in the Pomeroon

the river will now have a new stelling to use and a concrete walkway from the stelling to the top of the hill to get to the school. Mr Persaud said before the walkway was constructed, children and residents had to use a pathway that was wet and muddy whenever rain fell or there were extreme high tides in the river.

Community Development

Officer of Amerindian communities in Region 2, Ms Melrose Henry, said the projects will benefit residents and thanked the Government for investing in St Monica. She said residents requested the projects and after consultation with them through the Regional Administration, the projects were budgeted and approved. Ms Melrose thanked residents for their

self-help work in making the projects a reality.

Several residents said they were happy that the projects were done and thanked the PPP/C Government. They said St Monica believes in the “cup” and will give their full support to the party come May 11.

They said their community has developed over the past 22 years and they want the PPP/C Government to continue with its massive development work across the country. Residents said the APNU/AFC is not welcome in their community. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

The new concrete walkway from the stelling to the village

Auto dealer sustains gunshot injury in robbery ordeal in city AUTO dealer Intiaz Arakhan, 23, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was confronted by a man with a firearm in Water Street, Georgetown, and was relieved of a haversack containing $2.5M in cash before being shot and injured to his right foot at about 10:15hrs yesterday.

The perpetrator escaped on a motor cycle, while Arakhan has been admitted to hospital as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Culture could bring us together despite political divide – Culture Minister

Ms. Olympia Small-Sonaram receiving her Award from Minister Frank Anthony after she copped best designer of the year Award

“CULTURE is a unifying force, despite where you stand on the political divide, there is one thing that can bring us together and that is our culture; it is one thing we must cherish, enjoy and preserve, because it is the definition of all Guyanese.”

These were the words of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, during his remarks at the Mashramani prize-giving ceremony on Tuesday Evening at the National Cultural Centre.

The minister disclosed that Mashramani is underestimated to some extent, but in reality, the period is one of the most creative in the season, as the country comes alive with all the extravagant festivities.

According to Minister Anthony, Mashramani is truly the people’s festival, as thousands come together along with the ministry and the Central Mash Committee to make the event a success.

“I am fascinated by the work that so many people do, and without your hard work it could not have been a success, because the committee along with the ministry just consists of a relatively small group of people who help to guide the process,” he said.

The uniqueness of Guyana is that we can all appreciate everyone’s culture and we’ve grown and are getting better as a society.

MOE’S ROLE That apart, he highlighted the contributions of the Ministry of Education(MoE) over the years

to making the festival of Mashramani a success.

Over the years, Minister Anthony said, the children’s Mash parade has grown, as manifested by more beautiful and bigger costumes, and there is also a possibility that the children’s parade is going to be bigger than the adults’ parade, Dr Anthony posited.

Minister Anthony reiterated that culture defines us as a people, therefore, it should be transmitted from generation to generation and the work that the MoE does during this period helps to sustain many of the things we call culture.

DEVELOPMENTS Meanwhile, according

to the minister, “This year there were visible improvements in the art [forms] of Steel Pan, Soca Music, Calypso and Chutney; although Calypso has its ups and downs, we still need more calypsonians, because it is one of the art forms we need to see grow and develop.

“Over 100 songs were done and we need to put them on CDs so that persons can have them after the festivities, so that we can help to market the festival and create merchandises,” said the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport(MCYS).

PATENT ON MASHRAMANI As the marketing of the

Reigning Soca Monarch, Jumo Primo posing with his prizes

festival is a major factor, there will be new initiatives for Mashramani 2016, one of which includes the patenting of the word Mashramani.

“A number of companies advertise things pertaining to Mashramani and they don’t contribute to the festival in any way. Therefore, the pirating of the event [ambush marketing] must be dealt with, so that people who contribute could max out their dollars and get maximum benefits,” said Minister Anthony.

He explained that when the word Mashramani is patented, anyone who needs to use it will have to go through the MCYS, so in that way the festival will be

self-sustaining.

EXCITING 2016 Dr Anthony continued: “For 2016, the celebrations must be extra special, as we will be celebrating [our] 46th Republic anniversary and also our 50th year as an independent country; therefore, the festivities will start when we do our Republic celebrations, as we are expecting a whole year of celebrations.”

In closing, Minister Anthony expressed his gratitude to all the supporters who made the festival a success and also extended congratulations to the winners who were presented with awards on Tuesday evening.

At the ceremony, the audience was given a chance

Dancers from the National Dance Company wooing the crowd with their colourful rendition

to relive the Mash festivities through performances by the current Soca Monarch, Jumo Primo; Chutney King, Roger Hinds (young Bill Rogers); a creative dance presentation by the National Dance Company and also a performance from the Current Calypso King, King Perai.

Meanwhile, the winners in the various competitions were presented with trophies, cheques and hampers.

Prizes for the Steel Pan Competition were sponsored

by Republic Bank, while those for the Carib Soca Monarch were sponsored by Ansa Mcal Trading Guyana.

Sponsorship for prizes also came from newcomers Sterling Products, Holiday Snacks, and the MCYS.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Several women honoured for their contribution to Guyana A section of the gathering who attended the activity to honour women at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal

PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper being recognised for her contribution

AS part of activities for International Women’s Day, observed on May 8, the Human Services Ministry Wednesday held an activity to honour women who have contributed to the development of Guyana.

The event was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal last evening. Present were Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster,

PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, and other distinguished women who have and are still playing a role in Guyana’s development.

International Women’s Day, which was launched in 1911, is celebrated each year on March 8. It is a day when organisations, religious communities, and governments engage in the quest for peace, democracy and equality, to mark

the economic, political and social achievements of women Minister Webster explained that on this day, Guyana had been recognising women for the role they play, looking back upon past struggles, accomplishments, and more importantly, looking ahead and discovering the untapped potential that awaits future generations of women.

She further noted that global activities to recog-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster being recognised for her contribution

Members of the Praise Prophetic Arts Ministry performing a cultural piece

nise women have grown from strength to strength and have become an event which brings together women and all other stakeholders to promote and advocate for a more cohesive and coordinated intervention towards addressing the critical needs of women in the social, political and economic spheres of life.

She expounded on the theme “Make it happen”, and the need for every woman to reflect on how she can make it happen and contribute, especially in a world where each woman can exercise her choice in all sectors.

“In Guyana, we have a lot to be proud of as we celebrate women and their contributions at all levels.

Whilst we still face many challenges, our government is obligated to continue its efforts to promote the advancement and empowerment of all our women.”

Minister Webster emphasised.

The empowerment of women can lead to econom-

ic growth, poverty reduction and good governance.

Speaking on violence against women, the minister further highlighted that effective action to promote women and girls’ empowerment does require a comprehensive national approach which should include preventative measures, consequences for perpetrators and the protection of victims.

Violence against women is one of the most pervasive crimes in society, and the key priority of

government will be to end this scourge. She also mentioned the issue of gender equality and how Guyana has made significant progress in this regard.

At the event there were also cultural presentations in the form of dance, song and poetry by the Vision Band, Praise Prophetic Arts Ministry and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Patrick Findlay also paid tribute to women. (GINA)

A member of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha performing a cultural piece

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

King Perai gets support from Amerindian Affairs Ministry MANOEL ‘King Perai’Ferreira, who was crowned the 2015 adult Calypso Monarch with his song “King Perai,” received $100,000 from the Ministry of Amerindians Affairs, for being the first Amerindian to cop the title since 2002.

At a handing over ceremony at the Ministry’s Quamina and Thomas Streets’ Office yesterday, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, congratulated Ferreira

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai hands over a cheque to Manoel “King Perai” Ferreira

for his outstanding performance during the calypso competition, which was done during the month of February, as part of the Mashramani celebrations.

She said that the ministry was pleased to know that an indigenous dominated this national competition, and it shows that Amerindians have great talent. “We are very proud that an indigenous competitor…indeed it is a great honour for us to express our congratulations to and appreciation for you, to participate in this very important national event, Mashramani, which comes from an Amerindian word.” Minister Sukhai told Ferreira.

Meanwhile, the delighted calypso monarch expressed gratitude to the ministry for the support which he said will assist him is replicating his compact disc that is in high demand. King Perai noted that he is currently preparing for “Clash of the Champions” in which he will be participating.

He said that he had entered the competition three times before, with the hope of winning, but was unsuccessful. However, this year he went stronger, and was thrilled when he was crowned calypso monarch.

As for other young talented Amerindians, King Perai urged that they not to give up on their dreams. (GINA)

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Guyanese boxers arrive in Cayenne A 14-MEMBER team of boxers and officials from the Guyana Boxing Association arrived in French Guiana yesterday morning, ready to do battle with the host country.

Guyana and its South American counterpart go head-to-head this evening at the Centre Sporting Departmental in Cayenne.

The competition is the first of its kind between the two countries in a decade and signals the start of developmental plans between the two.

Guyana is being represented by strong team of nine boxers including

two females. In addition, two referee/ judges have also made the trip.

GBA president Steve Ninvalle said yesterday that the overland journey had obviously left the team tired so they rested the remainder of the day.

Ninvalle said that he had been in contact with team manager Gordon Nedd who declared that despite all, team spirit was indeed high and the boxers were eager to get on with the business of fighting.

He noted that there is a large Guyanese community in Cayenne

which serves as a confidence-booster.

While in Cayenne, Nedd would hold discussions with French officials about the possibility of a team participating in the upcoming DDL Under-16 competition.

The team left Guyana Thursday morning and had to overnight in Paramaribo. Preparations for the competition commenced earlier this month with Cuban coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan leading a battery of coaches entrusted with whipping the pugilists into shape.

The boxers representing Guy-

ana are: Females: Taseka Howard (54kg) and Dwon Thompson (80kg). Males: Delon Charles (56kg), Aquincy Harvey and Diwani Lampkin (64kg), Glenroy Smith and Eon Bancroft (69kg), Dennis Thomas (81kg) and Trevon King (90kg). Steel Crawford will support Roldan in Cayenne while Germin Craig and Medford Wilson will do duties as referee/judge.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Trustee’s Pawn Shop, Wayne Ford and Dave’s Pharmacy have been praised for supporting the trip.

England beat Afghanistan in rain-swept Sydney

By Nick Mulvenney SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - England brought an end to their miserable World Cup campaign with a nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan under the Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-disrupted final Pool A match at Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.

Set 101 to win from 25 overs after the wet weather had curtailed the Afghan innings at 111 for seven from 36.2 overs, England romped to their target with 41 balls to spare.

Openers Ian Bell (52 not out) and Alex Hales put on 83 for the first wicket before the latter departed for 37 and James Taylor came in to hit an unbeaten eight to help

usher England over the line.

The win ensured England would at least match their previous worst World Cup record with two vic-

CHRIS JORDAN tories.

With both sides already eliminated from contention for the knockout stage, the

match was played out in front of a sparse crowd, with only pride at stake.

Hales, bumped up the batting order to open, was dropped off the third ball of the innings and again when he was on 12, both times Najibullah Zadran at point failing to give Shapoor Zadran the wicket.

Paceman Hamid Hassan finally had him caught behind but by then England were already well on their way to the target.

Shafiqullah Shafiq (30) top-scored for Afghanistan but a second win in their maiden tournament always looked a tall order after England skipper Eoin Morgan had won the toss and chosen to field.

Barca president, club ...

From back page

that neither he nor the club and its officials had intentionally committed tax fraud.

Barca coach Luis Enrique told a post-training news conference yesterday he and his squad were focusing on playing football.

The La Liga leaders, who play at Eibar today, have a chance to repeat their historic 2009 treble of Spanish league and Cup and Champions League this season.

They have a one-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid in La Liga, take a 2-1 lead into Wednesday’s Champions League last 16, second leg at home to Manchester City and are through to the King’s Cup final.

“What we have control over are the training sessions, everything else is in the hands of the justice system,” Luis Enrique said when asked about the tax fraud trial.

Racing Tips SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Just Felicity 08:55 hrs Breathless Bertie 09:30 hrs Silver Salver 10:05 hrs Night Of Stars 10:40 hrs Going My Own Way 11:15 hrs Sir Henry ENGLISH RACING TIPS Uttoxeter 09:35 hrs Young Cheddar 10:05 hrs Sword Of The Lord 10:40 hrs Salmanazar 11:15 hrs Sir Ivan 11:50 hrs Catching On 12:25 hrs De Vous A Moi 13:00 hrs Yala Enki 13:35 hrs Definite Outcome Kempton 09:45 hrs Imjoeking 10:20 hrs Ballybolley 10:55 hrs One For The Guv’nr 11:30 hrs Buck Magic 12:05 hrs Sugar Baron 12:40 hrs Buddy Love 13:15 hrs Pawn Star

Lingfield 10:30 hrs Angelic Lord 11:05 hrs Tryster 11:40 hrs Boom The Groom 12:15 hrs Big baz 12:50 hrs The Gay Cavalier 13:25 hrs The Yank IRISH RACING TIPS Limerick 10:25 hrs Venitien De Mai 11:00 hrs Perfect Woman 11:35 hrs The Gatechecker 12:10 hrs Luke’s Benefit 12:45 hrs Flemenstorm 13:20 hrs Man Of Conquest 13:55 hrs Kate Appleby Shoes AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Grand Strand Race 2 Repartee Race 3 Van Fraassen Race 4 Isabelle Race 5 Hundred Percent Race 6 All Is Number Race 7 Eight Cents Race 8 Sea Raven Race 9 Point Hope Race10 Duke of the City

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

New Zealand complete unbeaten group run

By John Mehaffey HAMILTON, New Zealand (Reuters) New Zealand completed an unbeaten run in the cricket World Cup group stages yesterday by defeating Bangladesh by three wickets at Seddon Park.

A third-wicket partnership of 131 between Martin Guptil and Ross Taylor rescued the New Zealanders after their leading batsmen Brendon McCullum (8) and Kane Williamson (1) had departed in the space of an over while chasing 289 to win their sixth consecutive tournament match.

Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson both scored 39 with a flurry of strokes and Tim Southee struck a huge six followed by a four to give his team victory with seven balls to spare. Both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals.

Guptil, who was struck by cramp in his left leg on 99, scored his first World Cup hundred and his team’s first of the tournament before he was caught for 105 from 100 balls. Taylor compiled 56 after struggling for runs in the earlier games.

Bangladesh, on a roll after defeating England on Monday, became the first team to bat through their 50 overs against the cohosts, reaching 288 for seven with Mahmudullah scoring an unbeaten 128.

Mahmudullah, who scored Bangladesh’s first World Cup hundred, against England, was granted a huge slice of luck on one when an edge off Tim Southee went through Corey Anderson’s hands at first slip.

Thereafter he batted with a sensible mix of caution and aggression, taking advantage of McCullum’s aggressive field placings and marshalling the lower order skilfully.

New Zealand made their first team change of the tournament when Mitchell McClenaghan came in for the injured Adam Milne. McCullum then won a rare toss and asked Bangladesh to bat on a hot, steamy afternoon after steady rain fell for much of Thursday.

Southee and Trent Boult swung the ball late and only four runs came off the first five overs as the batsmen played and missed.

Boult then struck, bowling Imrul Kayes for two with a magnificent delivery which moved away late from the right hander and capturing the wicket of Tamim

Martin Guptill registered his first World Cup century Iqbal (13), caught by Anderson.

Then came Anderson’s costly drop and

enterprising batting by Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarkar (51), who scored his maiden one-day international half-century.

Daniel Vettori bowled yet another subtle, probing spell of flighted left-arm spin, conceding only 42 runs and picking up a wicket while Anderson was also economical and was rewarded with two wickets when Shakib Al Hasan (23) and Mushfiqur Raham (15) edged catches to wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.

New Zealand appeared to have the game under control at that stage but runs came freely off McClenaghan, who was unable to extract any bounce from the pitch.

Sabbir Rahman (40) cracked two sixes and five fours and Mahmudullah paced his innings admirably to reach his century off 111 balls after a subdued start.

Al Hasan, captaining Bangladesh in the absence of Mashrafe Mortaza, who has been battling injury and a sore throat, then opened the bowling with his slow left-arm spin.

He dismissed McCullum caught at long-off while Williamson sliced a delivery to cover.

Ganesh Parts and General Store on board for Phagwah horse race meet GANESH Parts and General Store of Robb Street, Lacytown, yesterday joined the many sponsors that are part of the Kennard’s Memorial

horse race meet, scheduled for tomorrow at the club’s facility, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice under its brand, Bala Krishna Tyres (BKT).

In this Delano Williams photo, Justice Cecil Kennard (second left) accepts the sponsorship cheque from managing director Roop Persaud, in the presence of the store’s employees.

According to managing director of the company, Roop Persaud, Ganesh Parts and General Store has always been happy to be associated with the Kennard’s Turf Club’s annual horse race meet and this year is no different.

Horse racing, he said, is part of the Guyanese culture, regardless of ethnicity, culture or creed.

Persaud said his company has not only been contributing to horse racing in Guyana, but has been assisting tremendously with the development of other sports over the years.

He expressed his gratitude for the support the company has been receiving from the general public and stated that this is one way that his company has been giving back to society.

Yesterday, Persaud handed over a cheque for $120 000 that will be award-

ed to the second-place finisher of the seven-furlong race for horses classified `G1 and Lower.

The winner will receive $300 000 with the third- and fourth-place finishers of the event receiving $75 000 and $37 000 respectively. However, these prizes will come from other sources.

In accepting the sponsorship cheque yesterday, Kennard thanked Ganesh Parts and General Store for coming on board once more and said that the store has been very supportive of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club for over 10 years.

According to Kennard, when the company came on board initially, the sponsorship was very small, but he was satisified “as the little counts”.

He stated that over the past 10 years, the sponsorship has increased tremendously and he is grateful for that.

Metro Stationery and Office Supplies supports Phagwah horse race meet METRO Stationery and Office Supplies yesterday made a timely contribution to the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club’s annual Phagwah horse race meet set for tomorrow at the Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice racing facility.

The company yesterday donated $120 000 towards the first prize of the five-furlong race for horses classified `K’.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony yesterday at the company’s Georgetown head office on Quamina Street, the company’s Chief Executive Officer Avia Maria Lindie in brief remarks stated that her company has always been supportive of activities that the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club has been organising over the years.

“Our company is pleased to partner with Kennard’s Turf Club as we have a long-standing relationship with them,” adding, “We are very pleased to be a part of any

activity the club has and we are committed to continuing our support.”

Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority and executive of the club, retired Justice Cecil Kennard mentioned that Metro Stationery and Office Supplies has been supportive of the club for over 20 years and “even though the size of the sponsorship might not be large, Kennard’s Turf Club is very thankful for the support offered by the company.”.Kennard said that it is the company’s president Ron Ramnarayan that was instrumental in Kennard’s Turf Club getting this support.

Justice Kennard revealed that Ramnarayan, who hails from Bush Lot, Corentyne Berbice, was an executive member of the club years ago and through his influence the company has been supporting the club’s ventures as the relationship between the club and the Ramnarayan’s family is a very close one.

Metro Stationery and Office Supplies CEO Avia Maria Lindie (second left) presents former Justice Kennard with the sponsorship cheque yesterday at the company’s Georgetown head office. Others in this Delano Williams’ photo are the company’s Warehouse manager Christopher Persaud (extreme left) and manager of the Document Centre, Barnard Ramsaroop.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

Powerful Cyclone Pam threatens Windies quarter-final hopes

NAPIER, New Zealand (CMC) - West Indies, yesterday, were keeping an anxious watch on the weather ahead of tomorrow’s crucial fixture against United Arab Emirates in the ICC Cricket World Cup as powerful Tropical Cyclone Pam trained its sights on New Zealand’s east coast.

The category five storm is the most powerful to hit the Pacific in three decades, and is expected to bring dangerously strong winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour accompanied by torrential rain.

“Hurricane force winds of

this magnitude are going to cause a lot of damage,” said David Gibson, Vanuatu Meteorological Service director.

While Cyclone Pam is not expected to make landfall before Monday, Napier – located on the east coast of North Island – could begin to feel its effects before with the forecast for Sunday showing cloudy weather and possible showers.

The centre of the weather system may not pass over New Zealand but parts of the country, including the north-east coast of North Island, could experience severe weather, meteorological

WICB PCL Scoreboard

Barbados vs Windwards BARBADOS 1st Innings K Brathwaite c Lesporis b Johnson 1 K Corbin b Matthew 0 S Hope not out 134 S Brooks run out 124 R Chase not out 20 Extras (lb2, nb6) 8 TOTAL (3 wkts, 95 overs) 287 To b a t : + S D o w r i c h , K Stoute, A Nurse, T Best, J Warrican, M Cummins.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-239.

Bowling: Johnson 12-243-1, Matthew 17-5-33-1, Shillingford 25-3-77-0, Bobb 26-4-70-0, Sebastien 13-0-520, Polius 2-0-10-0.

W I N D WA R D S – L i a m Sebastian (captain), Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile, Keddy Lesporis, Dalton Polius, Romel Currency, Denis Smith, Shane Shillingford, Alston Bobb, Mervin Matthew, Delorn Johnson.

Jamaica vs Leewards JAMAICA 1st innings S Thomas lbw b Tonge 23 J Campbell c & b Tonge 7 J Blackwood c Louis b Boatswain 0 T Lambert c Richardson b Cornwall 30

C Walton c Cornwall b Tonge 62 B King c wkpr Hamilton b Boatswain 6 D Bernard Jr lbw b Peters 17 D Jacobs c wkp Hamilton b Cornwall 9 J Dawes c Martin b Cornwall 0 O Brown c Peters b Tonge 8 M Mindley not out 0 Extras (b4, lb5, w1, nb3) 13 TOTAL (all out, 45.5 overs) 175 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-30, 3-30, 4-84, 5-95, 6-117, 7-155, 8-155, 9-168, 10-175.

Bowling: Tonge 10.5-4-34-4, Boatswain 9-0-26-2, Louis 5-0-19-10, Cornwall 15-4-543, Peters 6-4-13-1.

LEEWARDS 1st Innings L Richardson lbw b Jacobs 11 S Peters not out 84 M Hodge not out 26 Extras (nb1) 1 TOTAL (1 wkt, 42 overs) 122 Fall of wicket: 1-24.

Bowling: Mindley 4-2-9-0, Dawes 7-1-12-0, Lambert 4-0-15-0, Jacobs 9-2-16-1, Brown 8-0-34-0, Bernard 6-1-23-0, Campbell 3-0-13-0, Blackwood 1-1-0-0.

Position: Leewards trail by 53 runs with nine wickets intact.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Saturday March 14, 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) South Africa (1999/2007) (2) Sri Lanka; Zimbabwe; Bangladesh

Today’s Quiz:

(1)How many ODIs were played before the first WC match was contested?

(2) How many WC semi-finals England has contested to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

officials said.

This news will be trou-

West Indies manager Richie Richardson

bling for West Indies who need to beat UAE at McLean Park on Sunday to stand any chance of remaining in contention for a quarter-final spot in the World Cup. They currently sit fifth in Group B on four points and a wash-out will see Pakistan and Ireland – both on six points – through to the next round. Group leaders India, the reigning World champions, and South Africa have already booked their spots.

Team manager Sir Richie Richardson said the Windies were keeping their fingers crossed for good weather.

“We have to play the game to give ourselves a chance, so we want sunshine.

We need two points badly and we need it big,” the former West Indies captain said.

Should West Indies win, they are likely to progress at the expense of the loser of the Pakistan/Ireland game which also bowls off tomorrow but at Adelaide Oval in Australia.

Sir Richie believes once West Indies reach the quarter-finals, their chances would be as good as any other team.

“We can beat anybody in this competition, but I’ve

Hope, Brooks centuries put Barbados in strong position SHAI Hope and Shamarh Brooks scored centuries as Barbados Pride dominated day one of their WICB First Class match against Windward Islands Volcanoes at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Hope and Brooks came together after Barbados lost captain Kraigg Brathwaite, 1, and Kyle Corbin, 0, with the score on 1.

The two added 237 for the third wicket, giving the Pride a good advantage going into day two.

Hope, the first to reach his century, ended the day on 134 not out.

said at the start of the tournament that I hope we don’t peak too early. We still have a sniff, but we need to back ourselves,” he stressed.

“We know that, given a chance, we can beat anybody.

Once we get past this hurdle of UAE, then anything is possible.”

The UAE have lost all five of their games while West Indies have won two of their five outings, including a shock four-wicket defeat to minnows Ireland in their opening game.

West Indies have also lost their last two games, to South Africa and India.

SHAI HOPE

He faced 286 deliveries in almost six hours at the crease – hitting nine fours in the process.

Brooks, who was scoring his first century at this level, was dismissed late in the final session for 124. He compiled his innings in 250 minutes off 214 deliveries with 14 fours and two sixes.

Roston Chase, the other not-out batsman, will resume on 20.

Delorn Johnson, 1 for 43, and Mervin Matthew, 1 for 33, are the best bowlers for the Windwards so far.

Germany coach Loew extends contract to 2018

By Karolos Grohmann BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) Joachim Loew has extended his contract as Germany coach by two years to July 2018 and will oversee the holders’ bid for a second consecutive World Cup triumph.

“I am delighted that Joachim Loew will stay until the 2018 World Cup as our national team coach,” DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach yesterday.

“With his competence, his determination and his presence, Joachim does the team and the entire FA a world of good. We want to remain as the world’s top team and that is our joint aim.”

L o e w ’s a s s i s t a n t T h o m a s Schneider and goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke have also been

rewarded with new contracts while national team manager Oliver Bier-

Germany coach Joachim Loew has extended his contract for another two years hoff was given a contract extension to 2020.

Loew took over from Juergen Klinsmann after the 2006 World Cup following two years as his assistant and led Germany to one final and two semi-finals in his first three major tournaments in charge.

Germany ended an 18-year title drought by beating Argentina 1-0 in last year’s World Cup final in Brazil.

“I have often said that for all of us it is a great motivation to try and confirm the success of Brazil,” Loew said.

“Our young team is still not at the end of its development. The same goes for our players.”

Loew and Germany will attempt to win the 2016 European Championship in France, a title the team has not won under his management.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2015

WICB/PCL REGIONAL 4-DAY

Singh, Bramble engineer Jaguars fightback

By Calvin Roberts

THANKS to an unbroken 78-run seventh-wicket partnership between Anthony Bramble and vice-captain Vishaul Singh, hosts Guyana Jaguars wrested control at the end of the first day of their ninth-round West Indies Cricket Board/ Professional Cricket League four-day encounter against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Guyanese, who lead the points table with 123 points, opted to bat first and reached 264 for 6, thanks to an unbeaten 51 from Bramble, 51 from Rajendra Chan-

drika, 49 from Leon Johnson, an unbeaten 46 from Singh and 44 from Assad Fudadin.

Leg-spinner Imran Khan (3 for 55) and Jason Mohammed’s 2 for 44 threatened to take the initiative from the home team, who will firmly secure their first regional title in 17 years if they manage to complete an outright win in this fixture.

The hosts, who entered the contest heading the points table in comparison to their opponents’ 51, won the toss and opted to bat first. Their openers Fudadin and Chandrika scored 74 from 20.3 overs batting.

Chandrika opened his account with

Granger hands over 25th K&S tournament’s Fair Play trophy LEADER of the Opposition and Presidential candidate for the (APNU+AFC) coalition David Granger yesterday handed over the ‘Fair Play’ trophy for this year’s Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament.

The 25th Edition of the country’s longest-running football tournament will kick off on March 20 at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground and conclude on April 5 at the Guyana National Stadium.

This is Granger’s first time sponsoring the event.

Both Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major collected the trophy on their organisation’s behalf and thank the Presidential candidate for his timely gesture.

The David Granger Fair Play award will be given to one of the 16 participating teams for exhibiting good behaviour and sportsmanship.

T&T Red Force’s Kjorn Ottley (right) is jubilant with ball in hand after taking the catch to account for Guyana Jaguars’ Leon Johnson off the bowling of Imran Khan, as umpire Nigel Duguid, non-striker Assad Fudadin, the first slip fielder and wicketkeeper Steven Ketwaroo look on. (Photo by Adrian Narine) a streaky four through the slip cordon in the first over off Shannon Gabriel, repeated the shot in the fifth over before he was given a life by Jason Mohammed off Marlon Richards when on 15, with Guyana Jaguars 18 without loss.

He said thanks by hitting Richards for two fours in his next over to race to 37 while Guyana reached 50 without loss, with Fudadin on 8 and when Yannick Ottley replaced Richards at the Media Centre End, he was struck for two fours in his first over by Fudadin.

Chandrika got to his fifth half-century for this season, with an authoritative straight drive back past Ryad Emrit for his ninth four, batting for 97 minutes and facing 69 balls, before he turned Emrit straight into the waiting hands of Bryan Charles at backward square, at 74 for 1 in the 21st over.

Skipper Leon Johnson replaced Chandrika and quickly got into his stride with two fours off Yannick Ottley, while Fudadin caressed Emrit through the cover region for his fourth boundary, as the Jaguars went back into their den for lunch at 94 for 1 off 27 overs, with Fudadin on 22 and Johnson 13.

After lunch, Guyana posted their 100 from 27.3 overs, after seeing Johnson hit Mohammed for 6, 4, 4 in the first over after the break, before he eased graciously into the 40s with his second six off Imran Khan, dominating the second-wicket partnership with Fudadin,

which yielded 59 runs.

Khan had Johnson caught off the next delivery after the six by Kjorn Ottley at forward short leg for 49 (69 balls, 9x4, 2x6) at 133 for 2 and removed Narsingh Deonarine without scoring, at the same score in his next over.

Fudadin opened his shoulders to hit Khan back over his head for 6, before he pushed one back to Mohammed when on 44 (147b, 6x4, 1x6) at 165 for 4, while wicketkeeper Steven Ketwaroo missed a stumping chance offered by Shivnarine Chanderpaul before he had scored off Jason Mohamed without any addition to the score.

Despite the let-off, Chanderpaul was dismissed lbw to Mohamed for 2, at 167 for 5, while the Jaguars went to tea at 186 for 6, losing Christopher Barnwell 14 (2x4) who was lbw to Khan one ball before the break, taken with Singh on 19.

After the break, Bramble joined Singh and together they repaired the damage done by the Red Force, who took the second new ball with Jaguars 231 for 6, with Singh on 38 and Bramble 26, the latter recording two fours off Gabriel to post the 250 in the 85th over.

Bramble got his second half-century for this season, when he drove Emrit through extra cover off the 84th ball he faced while batting for 104 minutes, during which time he struck six fours and at the close of play, the Jaguars had reached 264 for six.

SCOREBOARD Leader of the Opposition and Presidential candidate for the APNU+AFC coalition, David Granger, hands over his ‘Fair Play’ trophy to Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and Kashif Muhammad yesterday.

GUYANA Jaguars 1st innings R. Chandrika c Charles b Emrit A. Fudadin c & b Mohammed L. Johnson c K Ottley b Khan N. Deonarine lbw b Khan V. Singh not out S. Chanderpaul lbw b Mohammed C. Barnwell lbw b Khan A. Bramble not out

51 44 49 0 46 2 14 51

Extras: (nb-2, lb-4, w-1) 7 Total: (for 6 wkts off 90 overs) 264 Fall of wicket: 1-74, 2-133, 3-133, 4-165, 5-167, 6-186.

Bowling: Gabriel 14-2-600 (nb-2) Richards 13-3-31-0 Emrit 10-2-25-1 (w-1), Y. Ottley 9-1-39-0 Mohammed 22-6-44-2 Khan 21-4-55-3, K. Ottley 1-05-0.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Coach Harris looking for clean sweep tonight

Singh, Bramble engineer Please see Jaguars story on page 31 fightback

... Guyana go 2-0 in basketball series against Bermuda

CAN they do it? Can Guyana make a clean sweep of their three-game series against Bermuda? Tonight, those questions and more will be answered as head coach Darcel Harris aims to end on a flawless note.

It’s the first time Bermuda will play in Guyana and the reception was not pleasing since the Guyanese now hold the advantage.

Game one ended with Guyana winning a thrilling come-from-behind 76-73 points win while in the second encounter, the home team made it look easy, defeating the visitors 66-55 in a one-sided contest.

Travis Burnett led with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Captain Akeem Kanhai netted 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists.

Jason Lowe poured in a game-high 21 points for the visitors; 15 of which came from down town. Sullivan Phillips had 14 and Dean Jones 11.

It was nothing short of a perfect display of basketball by coach Harris and his troops who led at the end of every interval, taking the first 21-17, 30-29 at halftime and 49-35 heading into the fourth.

According to Harris, a series sweep would give him a chance to assess Guyana’s position heading into the June 16-20 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship in Tortola.

If accomplished, it would be the third time Guyana have defended their home court with a series sweep, having first done so in 1969 against Suriname and in 1997 against Trinidad and Tobago.

The likes of James Brush, Hawley Harry and Melroy Fitzalbert were the faces of the 1969 team while in 1997; the team was captained by Lugard Mohan and had his brother Orin, Rawlwin Loncke, Lorenzo Withrite and Lancelot Loncke.

Jump-ball time is today at 19:00hrs.

Guyanese boxers arrive in Cayenne Please see story on page 28

The Guyana boxing team - nine boxers, two coaches, two referee judges and one manager - arrived in French Guiana yesterday morning.

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

Guyana’s Akeem Kanhai makes his way to the basket against Bermuda on Thursday.

Barca president, club to stand trial for tax fraud MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - A Spanish judge has decided to send Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu, his predecessor Sandro Rosell and the club to trial over alleged tax fraud in the signing of Brazil forward Neymar.

Bartomeu, Rosell and club are accused of defrauding the tax authorities of around 13 million euros (£9.3 million) between 2011 and 2014 by trying to hide the real cost of the deal.

Rosell initially said Neymar had cost 57.1 million euros but the club later admitted a host of additional contracts with the player and his father had pushed the value of the deal closer to 100 million.

Judge Pablo Ruz decided there was enough evidence to proceed with a trial on charges of tax fraud and maladministration, court documents published yesterday showed.

Bartomeu, who was a vice-president under Rosell and involved in negotiating the Neymar transfer, said at a court appearance last month that

Please see page 28 SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2014