2015 3 17

GUYANA

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

No. 104131 TUESDAY MARCH 17, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Revised List of Electors...

570,786 voters for 2015 Elections

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Hoisting a portrait of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan on his death anniversary last Monday at Queen's College

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Neesa Gopaul 'killers' appeal conviction Police get leads in Crum-Ewing execution

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Farmer arrested for improvised

'cross-bow'

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‘STAMMER’ CONFESSES TO CHILD ABUSE…

Pleads guilty to having sex with 9-year-old girl 9 Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Rohee calls on Granger to desist from using security sector as ‘political football’ HOME Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has made a call to Opposition Leader David Granger to desist from using the security sector as a ‘political football’, stating that Granger conveniently chooses not to recognise the progress of the sector.

In a statement issued

by Minister Rohee, he said Mr. Granger has obviously chosen to do so for political reasons. Referring to a press statement issued by the Guyana Police Force, Rohee said the police recently appealed to all political parties not to use the force for political mileage.

The police statement also noted that the force was making every effort to improve the quality of service it provides and to gain public trust.

According to Minister Rohee, the Opposition leader “likes to set himself up

as the guru for the security sector in Guyana and tries to convince the nation that no one else but he has all the answers to the security situation in our country, ignoring all accomplishments and investments done since 1992 by the PPP/C Administration.”

Minister Rohee further pointed out that Mr. Granger’s PNC has never in its 28 years of misrule done what the PPP/C has done for the security sector, “and his Security Advisor Winston Felix is very much aware of these facts.”

Minister Rohee, in his statement, noted that Granger continues to make erroneous comments which must be addressed so that the public can be better informed of the efforts this Government is making in the area of public safety and security.

Shedding some insight

APNU's Security Advisor, Winston Felix

on the piracy situation, the subject Minister said it has been well established that a Guyana Police Force marine floating base was commissioned to operate collaboratively with ranks of other Law Enforcement agencies.

The Guyana Defence Force also has a similar floating base located at the mouth of the Pomeroon

River.

This $49.9M capital investment was complemented by the procurement of a boat imported from the U.S. costing $71.4M, in addition to four new vessels built at a cost of $4.9 million.

The PPP/C Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to public safety and security and this is evident in capacity-building by way of training provided to the marine wing of the force.

It was also noted that instances of piracy has dropped significantly within the past months.

Guyana’s collaborative efforts, the Minister said, with those of Suriname, have contributed significantly to the reduction in instances of piracy on the Corentyne River Further, the Home Affairs Minister noted that by now Guyanese are aware

that all previous strategic plans developed during Government’s engagement with local and overseas consultants have been subsumed in the current strategic plan whose implementation is being overseen by the civilian composed Strategic Management Department.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs is awaiting resources to further engage the UK-based Capita Symonds Consultancy to implement four additional areas which are critical to building the institutional capacity of the Guyana Police Force.”

He added that it should be noted that the move by the Opposition to challenge in Court the disbursement of resources from the IDB Security Sector Loan will again stymie the implementation of plans for the achievement of the primary objective of providing com-

prehensive citizen security for all Guyanese.

Further, it was stated that the recommendations of the Disciplined Services Commission are being implemented as recent presentations by the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and the Guyana Prison Service gave status updates on the progress each agency is making towards the full realisation of those recommendations.

The Progress Report was circulated to members of the National Assembly in June 2014.

“David Granger is entitled to his opinion, but not to his own facts in this matter. It is therefore disingenuous for him to pontificate and attempt to pronounce on any of the above issues in the manner which he is attempting to so do,” Mr. Rohee said. (GINA)

PPP worried over shortage of polling day staff CONCERNS have been raised by the Clement Rohee, General Secretary of the incumbent Party, over what he termed “significant shortages” of polling day staff engaged by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in several regions, including 1 (Barima/ Waini) and 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

“The Party urges GECOM to re-open the process to allow for submission of applications by persons who are qualified and desirous of working.

Situations like this can lead to the ‘relaxing’ of requirements, accepting second choices and hand picking, which the PPP is totally against, since it may have

Clement Rohee

Dr. Steve Surujbally

dire consequences to the integrity of the electoral process,” Rohee said.

However, when pressed, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary maintained its call for public vetting of staff.

The argument from

GECOM that public vetting could affect the Commission’s ability to attract polling day staff, according to him, is not “convincing” enough a reason for the PPP to abandon its position.

Rohee said, “This call is not intended in any way to

rob anyone of any opportunity but to build public trust and confidence in GECOM’s machinery.

“Time and again, flaws and inconsistencies have marred our elections, especially by unqualified and biased polling day staff.

The PPP views this as an appropriate and proactive step in having a transparent, free and fair election, and yet again strengthen our democracy.”

NO SHORTAGE GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, in an invited response, was emphatic in his assurance that there is no shortfall in staff.

“We have the numbers,” he stressed.

According to the Com-

mission, an estimated 12,000 workers will be needed and one month ago GECOM was 1,623 workers short of filling that quota.

The Commission had approached educational institutions to recommend potential polling day staff.

Also, since last September, GECOM has been engaged in training of polling day staff, an undertaking that commenced with the intention of creating a ‘reservoir of resources’ that can be utilised when the time comes.

Yesterday, Dr. Surujbally made it clear that the Commission is currently striving to have more than necessary for polling day staff, in the event of un-

foreseen circumstances or in the event that employees renege on their promise to work with GECOM. Additionally, GECOM has committed to having the full complement of polling day staff engaged in refresher training, which will include conducting ‘mock’ polls, one month before May 11.

Surujbally also disagreed with Rohee’s position on public vetting.

The GECOM Chairm a n a s s u re d t h a t t h e Commission recognises the role of stakeholders in the electoral process and restated the body’s commitment to address any concerns that are communicated to GECOM. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

APNU+AFC called out over disingenuous stances on AML/CFT Bill

By Vanessa Narine

A financial sector held back. This was President Donald Ramotar’s summation when he commented on the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) (Amendment) Bill and Guyana’s consequent shortcomings on the issue of international compliance.

The consequences of the strangled Bill by the political Opposition continue to be felt by the average Guyanese and, importantly, continue to impact the expansion of the country’s financial sector.

“Ensuring the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill is another reason to go to elections. We have to pass the bill to protect our financial sector,” Mr. Ramotar stressed, in a recent interview.

Three years of political gridlock was culminated by the November 10, 2014, prorogation of Parliament and its subsequent dissolution, which paved the way for the General and Regional elections on May 11.

The President said, “They (the political Opposition) want to prevent our people

President Donald Ramotar

from having all this….this is what they have been targeting, areas that affect masses of people in the society. “…they are focused on creating as much damage, putting as many impediments in place to progress….I can only assume that they will drive this country to its knees…I believe they think it will improve their political fortunes.”

FLIP FLOP Noteworthy is that given the positions taken by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), in the National Assembly, the newly coalesced Alliance, at its

launch, promised the passage of the AML/CFT Bill.

The coalition partners promised that this will happen with the formation of a Government of national unity.

Both APNU and AFC had linked conditionalities to their support for passage of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.

APNU proposed three amendments, which were included in the Party’s draft amendments to the Principal AML/CFT Act, which President Donald Ramotar said would be supported by his Government if the Party would agree to pass the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill. This was rejected.

On the other hand, the AFC, which was fully behind APNU’s position, demanded the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which the Government has agreed to, providing that Cabinet retains its no-objection role in the process. However, the latter position was rejected by the AFC. In a further change of position, on May 29, 2014, after the announcement by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the AFC, in a statement,

GRA revisits parking lot use after dismal occupation by taxpayers DESPITE repeated attempts to set straight the record on the use of the parking facility opposite the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Headquarters on Camp Street, concerns and queries by taxpayers on the issue of parking facilities continue to mount, much to the Authority’s surprise.

The GRA had made the facility available to taxpayers at a minimum fee as it sought to bring final resolution to the problematic traffic situation that was created when both staff and taxpayers were utilising Camp Street for parking.

However, after the GRA had opened the lot for the benefit of taxpayers in late January this year, occupation was dismal and there was a high degree of reluctance to

pay for parking.

The notion that the facility should give free parking was ruled out by the fact that the Authority does not own this lot. The GRA had also reiterated that it is not associated with any fees charged for use of the lot.

After weeks of review and recognising the notable disinterest towards the lot, management was prompted to instead utilise the space for staff parking, for which a fee is attached. Taxpayers who henceforth seek to utilise the lot for parking will be denied access.

It should also be noted that plans were also put in place, through the help of a foreign developer; to prepare the Lamaha railway embankment to facilitate staff parking after the GRA

had surrendered a lot it had previously occupied at the corner of Camp and Quamina Streets.

However, under-utilisation of the Lamaha lot by staff resulted in the GRA extending the offer to vehicle owners of other entities. Since then a positive response has been noted.

Even though interventions by the GRA did little to achieve the desired results, the Authority wishes to reiterate that it remains committed to convenient parking and order in the busy sections of the capital.

However, the GRA says, with the parking situation still hovering, the inconvenience taxpayers who have been utilising the facility now face is regrettable.

(Michel Outridge)

“Ensuring the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill is another reason to go to elections. We have to pass the bill to protect our financial sector.” – President Donald Ramotar

noted that it is now willing to budge on its position and support Cabinet’s retention of its no-objection role.

David Granger

NO SHAME All considered, Mr. Ramotar, also the incumbent Party’s presidential candidate, charged that the political Opposition have “no shame.”

“One thing we saw with PNC (People’s National Congress)-APNU and now with the AFC is the lack of shame, they have absolutely no shame. They do not care about integrity,” he said.

He agreed that to not support the passage of AML/ CFT Bill when there was an opportunity to do so, then promise the passage of the Bill if elected, is disingenuous.

“To not pass the Bill

meant opening up our country to criminal elements… what we have had to do is ensure that all the non-legislative actions that could close the compliance gap are in place,” the President said.

While challenges remain, in the absence of legislation, Mr. Ramotar said that efforts have been made and recognised by the international oversight bodies.

Guyana, at the end of February, was deemed to have made progress with the non-legislative actions needed to improve its compliance, relative to the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism framework. Therefore the

country did not have to field a delegation to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) most recent five-day plenary in Paris.

Since Guyana was regionally blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force in November 2013, for not having legislation in place, the country was referred to the international watchdog body and subjected to a targeted review.

Under that review, an action plan detailing several non-legislative actions to improve compliance was proposed and September 2015 was set at the drop-dead date for enacting legislation.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill to meet CFATF’s and, by extension, FATF’s requirements was first tabled in the National Assembly in April 2013, but was referred to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee and was eventually voted down by the combined Opposition in November 2013. The Bill was re-tabled in December 2013, and was again referred to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee, where it languished.

Police get leads in Crum-Ewing execution

FOLLOWING the charge

by Head of State Donald Ramotar for the police to leave no stone unturned in their quest to solve the Crum-Ewing murder, the police seem to be narrowing down on the suspects.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the two persons who were in police custody for questioning in connection with the Crum-Ewing murder were still in custody and may be released.

According to police sources, the two persons have been giving the police vital information that has the potential to lead to the killing of the man last Tuesday.

The police have also detained a car that was suspected to have been used in transporting the men who carried out the assault on the father of

Courtney Crum-Ewing

three that left him lying dead on the roadway with three gunshot wounds.

The police last week were reviewing video footage from which they were able to pick up the registration plate of a vehicle. It is not clear, however, if that registration plate was the same one connected to the vehicle that the police impounded when they arrested the two persons for

questioning in relation to the murder.

Last week, after the president called for the arrest of the persons responsible for the shooting and lashed out at those who tried to link the killing to that of a political assassination, the police came out with a response.

The Police said in its statement that the Crime Chief had responded to the article by contacting the writer, David Hinds, and asked if he had any information as to who killed Crum-Ewing. But Hinds responded in the negative.

The police release went on to state that Hinds was then cautioned against his assertions which had the potential of instigating unrest.

The investigations are ongoing and Crum-Ewing is expected to be laid to rest some time this week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Fighting rages near Donetsk airport despite Ukraine ceasefire (Reuters) - HEAVY machinegun and light artillery fire pounded a district of Donetsk, the biggest city of eastern Ukraine, on Monday and pro-Russian rebels said there had been no lull in the fighting since a February ceasefire.

The Spartak district, adjacent to the city’s now-flattened airport, is one of several sites in eastern Ukraine to have seen continued hostilities between the rebels and Ukrainian government forces since last month’s ceasefire, brokered by France and Germany in the Belarussian capital Minsk.

The ceasefire is broadly holding in the rest of the region.

“Not a single day has been quiet here since the deal. One of our guys got killed here today and we have lost nine in total since the deal,” said one rebel fighter who gave his name as Roman and bore the nickname Gruzin, or ‘the Georgian’.

He commands some 120 members of the rebel Vostok (East) battalion in Spartak, an area where most houses and other infrastructure were destroyed during months of heavy fighting for control of the nearby Donetsk city airport.

The airport is now completely destroyed but its ruins lie in an area now controlled by the rebels.

Gruzin’s men had two large anti-aircraft guns mounted on a truck and an armed personnel carrier in Spartak.

While the vast majority of Spartak residents fled long ago, several dozen desperate people are holding on, saying they don’t want to leave their belongings behind or have nowhere to go.

“The war has been going on for a year here. We are used to it by now, though I guess we should not get used to it. We have a basement and we run there when the fighting gets intense,” said 61-year-old resident Yelena.

She lives in a badly damaged house with her 14-yearold daughter Marina who has not been to school since last May. Both sides in the conflict, in which more than 6,000 people have died since last April, have accused each other of violating the truce.

Gunfire came from both sides of the line of contact in Spartak on Monday.

The Kiev government and its Western supporters accuse Moscow of deliberately driving the rebellion in eastern Ukraine by providing the rebels with arms and money and sending serving Russian troops across the border.

Moscow denies direct military participation in the

conflict.

The rebels said on Monday they only opened fire when attacked by the Ukrainian troops, but said they did not expect the latest

truce to hold for long and they threatened to capture more ground.

Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko said during a visit to Berlin on Mon-

day he wanted European Union leaders to make clear they would impose further economic sanctions against Russia if Moscow did not implement the Minsk ceasefire.

Syria’s Assad says wants actions, not words from Kerry (Reuters) - SYRIAN President Bashar al-Assad dismissed on Monday remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that Assad should be included in negotiations to reach a political transition, saying “declarations from outside do not concern us”.

In a Sunday CBS interview, Kerry did not repeat the standard U.S. line that Assad had lost all legitimacy over the shattering civil war in Syria and so had to go.

“We have to negotiate in the end,” Kerry said when asked whether the United States would be willing to negotiate with the Syrian leader.

Assad said in comments broadcast on Syrian state television: “We are still hearing the declarations and we should

DATE: 14/03/2015 N

A man checks his mobile phone in front of his destroyed house in the town of Debaltseve, north-east from Donetsk, March 13, 2015 (Credit: Reuters/Marko Djurica)

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wait for actions and then decide.”

Kerry said the United States and other countries, which he did not name, were exploring ways to revive the diplomatic process to end the conflict in Syria, which has left more than 200,000 people dead and displaced about half the population.

“What we’re pushing for is to get him (Assad) to come and do that, and it may require that there be increased pressure on him of various kinds in order to do that,” Kerry said.

Assad said that any international change in attitude regarding Syria’s situation would be positive.

But he reiterated that foreign countries should stop supporting terrorist groups in Syria, a term Damascus

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uses for insurgents who have been fighting the army and allied militia for four years.

“Any talk on the future of the Syrian president is for the Syrian people and all the declarations from outside do not concern us,” he said.

Washington has long insisted that Assad must be replaced through a negotiated, political transition, although the rise of a common enemy, ultra-radical insurgent group Islamic State, appears to have softened the West’s stance toward him.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said later on Sunday that Kerry was not specifically referring to Assad. She said Washington would never negotiate with the Syrian leader.

But the comments had

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already caused ripples among countries opposed to Assad. Commentators close to Gulf Arab governments opposed to his rule voiced alarm and dismay.

France, a major U.S. ally, said its position was unchanged and that Assad could not be part of a negotiated solution in Syria.

When asked about Kerry’s remarks, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters: “Assad’s regime is the reason for all the problems in Syria.

“What is there to negotiate with Assad?” Cavusoglu said. “What will you negotiate with a regime which has killed more than 200,000 people and used chemical weapons? What result is achieved through negotiations so far today?”

Two rounds of peace talks last year in Geneva failed to halt the conflict, which started when peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011 were cracked down on by security forces.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Chile firefighters contain blaze near Valparaiso (BBC News) FIREFIGHTERS in Chile say they have managed to control a huge forest fire around the port cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. One person was killed and thousands were evacuated as the fire spread fanned by strong winds.

Officials said they would bring charges against the owner of an illegal landfill site, where the fire is believed to have started.

Last year, a fire severely damaged Valparaiso, a World Heritage site.

National Forestry Corpora-

tion Director Aaron Cavieres said the fire had been “pretty well contained” and that people who had been evacuated were being allowed to return to their homes.

A red alert, the highest there is, remains in effect in case the wind should change and rekindle the fire.

More than 500 hectares were burned since the blaze started on Friday.

A 66-year-old woman died of a heart attack, thought to have been brought about by the fire.

Nineteen firefighters were

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes over the weekend injured, five of them seriously.

The fire was reportedly started at an illegal landfill, where molten metal was dumped.

Big protests in Brazil demand President Rousseff’s impeachment their virtues, their values and also with their dreams”.

Thousands gathered outside Brasilia’s modernist Congress building to protest against corruption HUNDREDS of thousands of Brazilians have joined demonstrations against President Dilma Rousseff, with many asking for her impeachment.

The protesters say the president must have known about a corruption scandal in the state oil firm, Petrobras.

The political opposition say much of the alleged bribery took place when she was head of the company.

But Ms Rousseff has been exonerated in an investigation by the attorney general and denies involvement.

Most of the politicians accused of taking bribes in a kickback scheme come from the governing coalition.

After the protests, the government promised a series of measures to combat corruption and impunity.

Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo said the government saw the rallies as an “expression of democracy”.

‘Virtues, values, dreams’ Protests have taken place across 22 Brazilian states and the federal capital, Brasilia.

The largest demonstration went ahead in Sao Paulo, a major opposition stronghold.

The estimates of how many people attended the march varied widely.

Brazilian data analysts Datafolha say almost 200,000 people marched on Avenida Paulista on Sunday evening.

But police estimated the number of participants at one million, based on aerial photographs of the area.

Many of the protesters waved Brazilian flags and wore the yellow shirts of the national football team.

They shouted slogans against corruption and the Workers’ Party government.

Opposition parties have backed Sunday’s protests but have not openly called for impeachment of the president, says the BBC’s Gary Duffy in Sao Paulo.

Senator Aecio Neves, who was defeated by a narrow margin in October’s presidential vote, issued a statement praising the protests.

He said Brazilians “went to the streets to reunite with

‘Coup attempt’ In Brasilia a crowd of 40,000 demonstrated outside the Congress building.

In Rio de Janeiro, where Ms Rousseff won 55% of the vote in the October presidential election, police said around 25,000 people had joined a protest there.

“There’s no point in complaining only on social media, we have to be here and show that we are really fed up,” businesswoman Daniela Mello told AP news agency in Rio. Friday saw supporters of President Rousseff out in force, with tens of thousands taking to the streets.

Her supporters say calls for an impeachment, less than five months after she was elected to a second fouryear term, amount to a coup attempt.

The Workers’ Party has been in power since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in for his first term in January 2003.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court approved the investigation of 54 people for their alleged involvement in the kickback scheme.

The list was prepared by Attorney General Rodrigo Janot who alleged that private companies paid corrupt officials in order to get lucrative Petrobras contracts.

According to the investigation, high-profile politicians also took a share of the money siphoned off from the oil company.

The blaze comes less than a year after 15 people were killed and more than 3,000 homes were destroyed in Valparaiso by another fire.

Skull at the front door (Trinidad Express) A HUMAN skull with a red candle on top of it was discovered by a San Fernando family yesterday on their doorstep.

The family is confused why the human body part was placed there, but police believe that someone wanted to send a cryptic message to them. Samuel Oudit, who lives at the house where the skull was found, called the act “madness” and “wickedness”.

The skull was found at Hubert Rance Street, next door to the San Fernando Methodist Primary School.

Oudit, 27, said he first spotted the skull outside the house at around 5:30 a.m. A white crocus bag was found metres away from the steps.

He said at around 3:00 a.m. yesterday, the family’s three dogs began barking loudly, but

Joseph Oudit, 19, shows an image of the skull on an iPad, taken before it was removed by police. The skull was found at the doorstep to his home at Hubert Rance Street, San Fernando Photo: Innis Francis no-one paid much attention to see in the morning. The candle, it. He said that could have been it looked like it was lighted but the time the skull was placed by the time, I opened the door, on the steps. it had burned out”, he said.

“I was in shock. I don’t Police officers said the know who put that there. That skull was taken to Guide’s is madness. That is wicked- Funeral Home, Coffee Street, ness. You have everyone here San Fernando and later to the fearful. As soon as I opened Forensic Science Centre, Fedthe door, that is the first thing I eration Park.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

EDITORIAL A controllable social malady TEENAGE pregnancy has been an age-old problem, but in today’s more open society, it has become a bedeviling social malady that requires the effort of all to be meaningfully addressed.

There are many factors that contribute to the problem, but the chief cause remains the lack of parental guidance or proper supervision by guardians, and this includes the reluctance to educate their teenage charges about teenage sex and its implications.

No doubt many parents hold the belief that their children will eventually get to know about sex as they grow older, and that there is no hurry to sit them down and have these talks with them and at the same time listen to their views.

Of course, they will eventually know, but more often than not they learn from pollut Moses Nagamootoo sources which, in many cases, engender contaminat-

ing action, and the fruit thereof is teenage pregnancy.

The time for parents to talk to their children is not when they finish school, but while they are in school, since it is there that they are exposed to influences that can positively or negatively impact their young lives; and teenage sex, which leads to teenage pregnancy, is one of the problems they have to be ever vigilant against.

The reason for attention in this regard is clear. The State of the World Population 2013, produced by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reported that Guyana is among six Caribbean countries with the highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy, having a birth rate of 97 per 1000 adolescent girls.

A local study conducted earlier had estimated that at least 30 per cent of the students in the school system are sexually active.

In today’s technological world, the need for parents to

have open discussion with their children on sex and sexuality cannot be understated, as they are vulnerable to the sway of lewd images and videos which can be easily accessed on their phones.

For this reason, while it is a known fact that children of poor background are most vulnerable to teenage pregnancy, those of well-off background are also exposed.

For children of poor parents, it often-times happens out of the desire to either stand out or keep up with their peers, while for the well-off, it is having ready access to emancipate their feelings or experiment, based on what they see on screen.

More often than not, poverty is blamed for poor children becoming victims of the scourge, but this is not really the case, as poverty is not a death sentence, but rather a challenge to scale the ladder of success against all odds.

And for this to happen, par-

GUYANA

ents do not necessarily have to be university educated, but must have an interest in their children’s performance in school; learning of their strengths and weaknesses and working to correct them; knowing their friends and their activities, both in and out of school; and valuing their opinion as important.

The more open parents are to their children, the more open their children would be to them, and the greater would be the likelihood of parents nipping in the bud a problem that can potentially affect the lives of their children in a negative way.

But raising a child should not only rest with parents; it should be a community effort, and here is where religious institutions and schools have an important role to play. Places of worship have a duty to instill or reinforce good values and morals in youth, gearing them to lead disciplined and decent lives.

Devanand Bhagwan misinterpreted my letter THIS is in response to Mr. Devanand Bhagwan’s “Phagwah is a cultural rather than a religious celebration” missive in the March 10, 2015 edition of the Stabroek News.

While I agree with the contents of your letter, I strongly believe that you misunderstood mine and its contents. My letter was based on the Phagwah/Holi celebrations in Guyana, and how it contributes to our country; it was not directed or crafted to match that of India. Although I may have made some general statements, the gist of the letter was centred on Guyana and the way the festival is celebrated here.

My position was taken out of context, as suggested by your statement, “Ms. Rampersaud would have more accurately described the festival

as ‘Hindustani,’ rather than ‘Hindu.’

Hindustani is the Hindi word that would be translated as “Indian.”

In Guyana, believers of the Hinduism religion are known as Hindus; this is what I was referring to, and not as you suggested - that is Indians (nationally/race), because in Guyana ‘Hindus’ aren’t only Indians but individuals from every ethnicity.

Your second point was: “There is little religious significance in the celebration of Holi. In most places in India (especially in the northern areas of the country), the Holika is burned invariably by men (mostly in their 20s or 30s) who are either somewhat drunk or under the influence of ‘bhang’ (a derivative of marijuana); no woman is usually

found at the scene for fear of being molested.”

Again, this does not apply to Guyana, because locally, when the Holika is planted, those who partake in the rituals would commence fasting until after the celebrations. Nowhere in this time is alcohol or alcoholic beverages involved. In fact, this period is passed with chowtal signing and prayers on a daily basis at most Temples across the country.

However, it should be noted that since this festival is a cultural one that cuts across religions and ethnicity, alcohol does come into play on the actual day, but this is in most cases done by non-Hindus.

SHIVANIE RAMPERSAUD

Teenage pregnancy is just one of the ills of society, but it is one that has to be tackled through a comprehensive approach, involving the education of both boys and girls.

It is encouraging to know that the Ministry of Education has recognised the problem, and is giving due attention to it through the Health and Family Life Education Programme, and a programme to reintegrate teenage mothers into the school system.

Not much has been divulged on the latter of late, but the Health and Family Life Education Programme, which is a compulsory subject in some schools, should be implemented in all schools throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

In doing so, Guyana could not only reduce the instances of motherhood in childhood, but ensure more stable families and less social maladies caused by teenage pregnancy.

Jagdeo willing, but Opposition seemingly weak TIME and time again, leading Opposition members have made claims against Former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and his leadership. Some of the claims are corruption, lack of accountability and transparency, and misappropriation of national funds.

Recently, sections of the media reported that Dr. Jagdeo claimed to be transparent during his tenure, and is willing to debate Messrs Granger, Greenidge, Trotman and Ramjattan all at once, once assured equal time, on the aforementioned issues.

The Opposition should take this opportunity to engage Dr. Jagdeo in a public debate. Such an act would serve them well, given they can properly articulate and substantiate their every claim. They should engage him to prove that they’re being truthful, and have the nation at heart; and that their claims aren’t geared at character assassination or for mere political mileage.

The Joint Opposition should not allow this opportunity to be wasted, if not for their sake, for the sake of the Guyanese populace.

ELTON BOLLERS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

No propaganda necessary today

By Shaun Michael Samaroo STORIES abound across this blessed nation of ours of Guyanese living well, thriving, developing and building their dreams.

Indeed, the Guyanese nation has moved beyond the primary concerns of mere survival, and now seeks secondary and tertiary concerns, those higher aspirations of the human soul.

Today, we want to design beautiful homes, drive nice cars, build solid careers, educate the future generation.

Our days of scrambling for basic food, hunting for meagre shelter, walking about in old rags and patched pants and hustling to squeeze unto a minibus to get to and from work are long gone.

The evidence of the macroeconomic development of nine consecutive years of GDP growth; of a resoundingly solid banking sector; of efficient management of the Guyanese economy, despite pressing problems in a few sectors, like sugar, shows up in the ordinary life of the ordinary Guyanese citizen.

Walk about any village or town of this nation, and the evidence of development springs up with fresh wonder.

We just have to be aware and conscious of our context.

PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT Development of a people, just like the process of an individual self-developing, happens below the consciousness: We don’t, for example, realise that in reading literature, we’re developing our minds, until we start to notice that we talk and write and read with ease.

The same thing happens with the development of a nation. The impact of socio-economic development of the Guyanese society happens with such mundane routine, so unceremoniously, that we take it all for granted.

We see our neighbours building their house, upgrad-

ing from a wooden cottage to a glass-front concrete, stylish modern home, and we marvel; yet it takes a while to register in our minds that this is Guyana developing.

We see sparkling new banks, like the Citizens Bank branch that opened earlier this month in New Amsterdam, Berbice, and we pass it without a conscious thought that this is our town undergoing development; that this transformation of our skyline and landscape is us moving forward.

Development might be akin to the phenomenon of the boiling frog, whereby a frog would stay in a pot of water, unaware that the water is gradually heating up, and would boil: The frog is unconscious of the gradual rise in heat.

This parable comes to mind when one ponders the constant complaining of people who live unconscious that Guyana is fast rising as a modern, 21st Century society. We’ve overcome so much, moving from the worst off nation in the Commonwealth Caribbean to today being the fastest rising.

We must awaken our people to become conscious of our rise in standard of living; of our development.

In Guyanese knowing that we are advancing is our motivation, self-esteem and inspiration as a Guyanese people. Indeed, in us knowing of and being aware of and conscious of our progress, is our sense of identity as a Guyanese nation.

The State media plays the crucial role here, in the face of irresponsible journalism in the private media, to showcase the amazing stories of ordinary Guyanese living and thriving in the new Guyana.

A NEW DAWN When the ruling party won free and fair elections in 1992, the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan announced that our nation had embarked on a “new dawn”. Today, we live in

that new day, whereby the average Guyanese could walk into the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown and pick up a visa and go for a vacation to New York or Florida.

Today, we could walk into an auto dealer and, like our relatives in America and Canada, own a new car. Today, the average Guyanese could secure a house-lot from the Government and walk into the Bank and get an affordable loan and build their home. In fact, today, President Ramotar’s vision is for every Guyanese to own their own home.

That’s the new Guyana!

And it’s the reality every day.

Even those who vociferously oppose the Government live in lavish homes and drive luxury vehicles, unlike back in the old days when the ruling party was in Opposition; when its leaders moved about on old bicycles and stuttering motorcycles, while Party rank-and-file footed it everywhere. Opposition leaders and even rank-andfile members live at a high standard of living.

The only thing we’ve got to do to showcase the new Guyana; to lift the spirits of our people; to motivate and inspire the Guyanese nation, is to tell the story of the ordinary Guyanese: Farmers ploughing land with combines and tractors; our students in secondary school and university able to secure text books with ease; the average Guyanese building their dream home; auto companies and Banks and furniture stores and grocery stores conducting solid business.

We want to see the human face of Guyana; people living and dreaming and building.

NO UTOPIA As with any human society, Guyana is far from being a Utopia, but we are blessed with a paradisiac land, sunny, warm, with roaring rivers and fertile land. Our people development moves along well, albeit there is need for a

national literacy programme to bring us decidedly into the Knowledge Age. Vegetables and fruits abound in the markets across the country, with US$5 being able to feed a family of two parents and two kids fresh organic, home-grown vegetables for a week.

Indeed, people in the U.S. or Canada or Europe would pay hefty prices to be able to eat the healthy greens and fruits available to us in our markets.

Whether it’s the young couple with two cute kids who own a bottled-water

business on Camp Street; or the 23-year-old guy in Berbice appointed as manager of a Trinidad and Tobago furniture store that invested in New Amsterdam this year; or the young lady entering nursing school in Berbice after gaining 10 subjects at CXC; or a young pilot graduating at Ogle to traverse our hinterland; or the young lady from Orealla living in Canje attending the University of Guyana to gain her degree; or hundreds of thousands of such stories abounding across Guyana today, the Guyanese nation lives a new day.

In fact, so much has been transformed over the years, that our history as a poor, suffering people seems like a distant mirage; unreal and forgotten.

Thus, the Government needs no propaganda or public relations to showcase development; all we need to do is tell the stories of ordinary Guyanese living the dream of their nation’s development over the past two-and-a-half decades; of us advancing into the Guyana we dreamed of when we gained Independence 49 years ago.

8

Police collaboration with

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

communities admirable – top cop says initial focus broadened PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, while addressing the Annual Guyana Police Officers Conference at Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Thursday, commended the force for its initiatives in building broader partnerships with members of communities.

According to the Head of State, the approach is indeed deserving of admiration as he called for the partnership to be reciprocated by the other partners of the force and those whom the police represent. Mr. Ramotar made specific reference to partnerships with the faithbased organisations, communities, sports personalities and clubs, vendors, business persons, miners, loggers, tourism operators and more specifically, the hinterland communities.

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud told the gathering of senior officers and other dignitaries that since the partnership with

the Cops and Faith Network (CFN), the body has expanded its collaboration with the police from just ensuring a second chance for first offenders to one which is family oriented.

He explained that the CFN now acts as a family-liaison body, where a member of the faith-based organisation along with the police will engage victims of serious crimes or relatives of victims affected by murders, suicides, traumatic accidents and fatal accidents.

For such persons, the CFN will provide counselling for the families and then act as a bridge between the investigators and relatives in order to provide feedback on the progress of the investigations, Persaud added.

The commissioner also told the conference that the force chaplaincy programme, like the CFN, has added more services to its initial line of collaboration. He stated that

the programme, instead of just presiding over ceremonies, has now included the counselling of its ranks whenever they would have had traumatic experiences.

He reaffirmed that the police had engaged in such a programme because of the logistical constraints of moving ranks across the country to a central location for counselling; now, counselling is being done in the districts where the identified ranks are located.

In addition, the police will continue their engagement with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which is also supported by faith-based organisations.

Now, the faith-based partners are involved as the invigilators of the learners’ theoretical examination, which aims to bring more credibility to the process, according to the Commissioner of Police.

He stressed also that presently, the Guyana Po-

Traffic Chief Ian Amsterdam with a businessman and church youth group at the repainting of pedestrian crossings in Georgetown

– President Ramotar

Commander ‘F’ Division, Sen. Sup Calvin Brutus and another senior rank pose with a mother and her child whose education the police are sponsoring

lice Force has two full-time certifying officers who are now stationed at the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. It was pointed out that with the presence of the two officers, every single graduate leaving the school is now able to graduate with a driver’s licence. This is possible after they would have completed the training and examination. There is also collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services

and Social Security.

Commissioner Persaud told the conference that the re-introduction of the Drug Abuse Resistance Programme has resulted in remarkable benefits and successes. According to him, they have been able to reach out to 1,762 students from a total of 48 schools across the country.

The Social Crime Prevention Programme has been expanded beyond Albouystown and is now in

all police divisions, Commissioner Persaud stated.

He stressed that the engagements are now geared at recreational and educational skills, as well as workforce development in addition to the normal activities it was initially focused on.

This year’s Annual Police Officers’ Conference was held under the theme: “Providing Effective Security through Partnerships, Enhanced Public Trust and Capacity Building.”

Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Commander Hicken along with other ranks conduct a walkabout in Agricola prior to commissioning a police-renovated community centre ground

‘B’ Division Commander ACP Brian Joseph poses with members of his admin team and footballers in that community following a donation

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Police record decrease

in serious crimes Pleads guilty to having between 2014/2015 – reveals speeding as major cause of fatalities ‘STAMMER’ CONFESSES TO CHILD ABUSE…

sex with 9-year old girl

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) said yesterday that as at the end of February 2015, serious crimes have shown a 4% decrease compared with the corresponding period in 2014.

Among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

At the end of February 2015, a total of 25 murders was recorded, compared with 24 at the end of February 2014, showing an increase of 4%; but incidences of robbery under arms committed in 2015 showed an overall decrease

of 29% compared to the same period in 2014.

Incidences of armed robberies involving the use of firearms also decreased in 2015 by 33%, as did incidences of armed robberies involving instruments other than firearms, which showed a 22% decrease in 2015.

TRAFFIC STATISTICS Nineteen road fatalities from 12 accidents have been recorded at the end of February 2015, as against 19 fatalities from 19 accidents for the same period in 2014.

All other categories of road accidents -- serious, minor and damage -- have recorded decreases.

Passengers in motor vehi-

cles have so far been the main category of road users affected in road fatalities, with nine such persons having lost their lives at the end of February 2015.

In addition, 1 pedal cyclist, 6 pedestrians and 3 drivers also lost their lives.

Speeding has been the major contributory factor to fatal accidents, having been the cause of 7 of the 12 fatal accidents unto February 2015.

Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 10,301 cases being made against errant motorists at the end of February 2015. Of this total, 3,449 cases were for speeding, 253 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 273 for failing to wear seat belts. (Michel Outridge)

Bourda Market vendor fatally stabbed at Port Mourant

By Jeune Bailey-VanKeric THE body of Bourda Market grocer vendor and father of four, Karamchan Jagasar, 41, of Second Street Alberttown, Georgetown and of Lot 40 Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, was discovered motionless just outside the Satesh Liquor Bar at Port Mourant, Corentyne.

A police press release said that at about 01:10 hrs on Monday, March 16, Karamchan Jagasar was involved in an argument with another man in a bar at Port Mourant, during which he was stabbed to his chest.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Port Mourant Hospital.

His mother, Elizabeth Narine, said she was aroused from sleep by a sibling, who related that her son had been involved in an argument and had sustained a stab wound in the region of his abdomen.

She and the family member went to the scene of the altercation intending to take the injured man for medical attention, “but the area was a

Dead: Karamchan Jagasar

bit dark, and I did not notice that it was him lying on the ground. I passed the spot he was lying. I did not realised that he had died,” she lamented.

“He came from Georgetown. He went to look after his passport, and then he went to Bush Lot (Corentyne), where there was horse racing…. He then went with some friends, and they were drinking…. He (doesn’t) really drink to get drunk,” she said.

While the grieving mother of six could not tell what may have triggered the incident, she expressed regret at not being allowed to see

her son before his body was taken away.

“The police picked him up, and they did not allow me to see him. They carried him to the hospital, then the mortuary,” the grieving woman lamented Sister-in-law of the deceased, Mrs. Ameena Mohammed, revealed that her brother-in-law had his stomach slashed open and his entrails were exposed. She disclosed that a misunderstanding over money led to the fatal stabbing.

This newspaper understands that a man who was wanted by the police has since been detained.

Meanwhile, the proprietor of Satesh Bar has said he was in the process of closing his business when the incident occurred just outside his business place.

He was informed that someone was stabbed, but did not identify the person or the perpetrators.

Karamchan Jagasar leaves to mourn his siblings and other relatives.

Investigations are continuing.

Justice Franklyn Holder yesterday postponed sentence on Leyrone Sandiford, called ‘Stammer’, to March 30, to await a Probation report.

He was about to empanel a l2-member jury to try the accused for committing rape on a nine-year old girl between the 1st and 31st of May, 20ll, when the 43 year old plait haired man with gold teeth, and smartly attired with black pants and tie to match, muttered ‘Guilty sir’ when asked by the Registrar whether he was guilty or not guilty of the crime.

The jury, whom the judge observed were eager to sit, since last week when the 12-year old victim of an alleged rape case decided not to testify, which resulted in the particular accused being discharged and the jury sent away with instructions to turn up yesterday for possible selection in ‘Stammer’s rape case, has now resulted in

a further setback for them.

After consulting with the prosecutrix who could not find another case before Monday next, means the jury will have to wait until then, the judge observed.

In the meantime, “Stammer” was in chains yesterday when he was remanded to prison to await sentencing. The probation report is expected to be represented by lawyer Mr. Mark Waldron, who is expected to make a plea in mitigation on the resumption.

Up to the time the accused pleaded yesterday, he told the court that he was unrepresented and that he was leading his own defence. But after a short adjournment, lawyer Waldron visited the court and spoke to the judge.

When the matter resumes on the 30th, prosecutrix Mrs. Teshana Lake will disclose the facts of the case to the Court.

RANKS on routine patrol at Mahdia Park in Region Eight on March 12 observed Nigel Gordon throwing away a transparent plastic bag.

The bag was retrieved, checked and found to contain leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be from the prohibited cannabis sativa plant.

Gordon was told of the offence, and was arrested and charged.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, Gordon appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and denied a charge of trafficking narcotics, but was nevertheless refused bail. The court heard that on the day in question, he had in his possession 31 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

His matter was transferred to Mahdia Court for April 20. (Geeta Rampersaud)

Suspected ganja trafficker remanded to April 20

Mahdia youth jailed, fined for narcotics offence

TWENTY-one-year-old Esrick Simmons (no address given) was yesterday jailed for three years by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a drug trafficking charge.

He was also fined $30,000 after he admitted that on Friday, March 13, at 111 Miles Mahdia in Region Eight, he had in his possession 16 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the

purpose of trafficking in narcotics.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru did not reveal the prosecution’s facts to the court, but the unrepresented youth told the court: “Yuh Worship, I didn’t have that amount. I had 15 grammes”.

And asked if he had anything to tell the court, the young man responded in the negative.

Man facing robbery with violence allegation on self-bail

FORTY-FIVE-year-old Albouystown resident Winden Cadogan was yesterday placed on self-bail on a robbery with personal violence charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He made his appearance before City Magistrate Annett Singh and denied the allegation against him.

It is alleged that on March 12 at

Hunter Street, Albouystown, he robbed Dexter Fenty of $300. In addition, he made use of personal violence during, before or after the offence was committed.

There were no facts read in court by the prosecution, nor was there any objection to bail being granted. The matter was adjourned until March 30.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

DECONSTRUCTING THE OPPOSITION’S AGENDA

By Teayken A. Dhigg

A PLOT RIDDLED WITH DECEPTION – echoed by Nagamootoo’s call to forget the past WHEN the Alliance For Change (AFC) was established, it went to pains to convince that it was not, and would never be, a part of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

This laborious endeavour to so convince was repeated prior to the holding of the 2011 General and Regional elections.

Preceding all of that, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, both former Members of Parliament of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), emotionally berated the PNC for imposing itself on Guyanese which was done through massive electoral fraud, and achieved by rigging the process.

What is so significant about the two statements above?

For me, it embodies the unbridled deception that these two politicians inflicted on Guyanese. In the first instance, despite the efforts to convince otherwise, the AFC has now joined the PNC with Nagamootoo being its Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming May 11, elections. Who among the rational membership of the AFC in 2006, would have envisaged such a coalition based on the principle that the Party touted at the time of its establishment?

This question is in the context of the doubts that prevailed then with regard to the allegiance of one of its founders, former PNC Member of Parliament, Raphael Trotman. It was believed that Trotman was fronting for the PNC, but the AFC was able to cast a veil of independency; at least then!

Some weren’t fooled though. Many in the PPP had alluded to the AFC being unable to be independent. As a matter of fact, former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during the 2011 campaign, warned of the AFC being part of the PNC. At that time, he felt they already were.

By joining the PNC through this coalition, the AFC has officially revealed another act of shameless deception on its supporters and Guyanese at large. With regards to the second statement whereby Nagamootoo and Ramjattan had labelled the PNC as fraudsters and electoral riggers, their call for such forgotten, must rank high, if not the highest, in the echelons of shameless and cold-hearted deception! How can these two men, who were on the receiving end of the PNC’s atrocities, now ask for one of the biggest crime, electoral rigging, committed by the PNC on Guyanese, be forgotten?

By extension, these two, who can only be branded as power-hungry politicians given their new position, are now asking for the death of Dr. Walter Rodney and Father Darke to be forgotten. They are asking for the two Ballot Box martyrs, Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar, who paid with their lives to try and prevent electoral rigging, be forgotten. By the same token, they are asking for all the atrocities committed by the PNC, including the banning of food, to be forgotten.

It therefore begs the question, if the promises of high of-

fices by the PNC to the AFC, were the alliance to be successful come May 11, would automatically cause two lawyers to abruptly change their beliefs and their take on history?

This “soul-selling” exposes the AFC’s diabolic agenda of trying to gain power by any means, including, sleeping with the enemy. The PNC’s (now A Partnership for National Unity), lack of cooperation and support for the Commission Of Inquiry (COI) into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney exposed one aspect of its agenda; to want us to forget the past. Mr. David Granger recently promised to end the inquiry should he win!

It is therefore not a coincidence that similar sentiments are now being expressed by Nagamootoo and Ramjattan and which has now become the hallmark of the alliance’s agenda; to have Guyanese forget past. This call has now exposed the true characteristics of the PNC given its past record. It is a past that they are ashamed of, hence the name change, and is woefully worried that the current generation would be made aware of the many atrocities they inflicted on the nation and its people.

The repeated rigging of successive elections from 1968 to 1985 did not only precipitate oppression and despondency on Guyana, but the process itself unleashed untold violence with many forced to pay with their lives. It is in this context that the calls by Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are beyond being shameless and cold-hearted; it further exemplifies what I said in a previous edition, an agenda to rewrite history!

Nagga meking Uncle Cheddi turning by asking fuh PNC rigging to be forgotten!

POTSALT only de other day mention RumJ about turn by now sehin that de Palm Tree PNC Party ain’t gat riggers. Everybody know how that Party rig up all de elections under it time just fuh stay in power. Dem even rig dem own internal one just to keep some of dem comrades from getting certain positions. Everybody also know how, since as a lil boy, RumJ cussing de same Palm Tree PNC Party about rigging de elections. He also cuss dem about Walter assassination just like Rupert. Now that RumJ put he “key” in de Palm Tree “door”, sudden so, de riggers disappear!

From de time he join dem in 2011, by helping fuh give dem de one-seat story, de Palm Tree no longer gat riggers!

Even de great Houdini couldn’t mek things like that disap-

pear so quick! Now, he cussing and busing anybody who sehin that de Palm Tree PNC Party gat riggers! Potsalt hear people sehin that RumJ about turn more shocking than if a Kardashian sister seh dem not looking fuh publicity! But is not only RumJ mek de about turn; he partner, Nagga also join in and now asking people fuh forget that de Palm Tree use to rig! Similar messages from de “two peas in de pod” just like Batty and Po! Potsalt would like fuh ask Nagga, if he could honestly forget that de people he now hugging up, use to rig all de elections and end up bankrupting de country? Could Nagga forget de blows he get and how two young boys get killed when dem try fuh mek sure that de ballot box in Berbice was safe? People seh is de same Nagga that cuss and mek noise

against de Palm Tree PNC Party people about de boys death when de same David, which he now hugging, was one of de army bossman at de time! He even cuss David then and accuse he of being responsible.

People asking if is de power Nagga dreaming about mek he want heself and others fuh forget something like that! Dem sehin that he must go and tell de Berbice boys family that dem must forget de rigging de Palm Tree PNC Party do and mek dem life a hell. Uncle Cheddi gat to be turning in he grave when he hear what Nagga asking people fuh forget! Potsalt believe that Nagga trying fuh impose “whole-zymer”, not half-zymer, pun people fuh dem to forget something that important! He forget that people gat memory like elephant! Potsalt gone! Fuh now!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Muslim organisations, GT&T to hold 2015 National Qaseeda Competition March 29 Winners to represent Guyana at August International 'Mehfil' in Guyana THE picturesque Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), Guyana’s leading Muslim Centre, will, for the 13th consecutive year, be the venue for the Annual National Qaseeda (Muslim Songs in praise of Prophet Muhammad (SAS) Singing Competition, to be held on Sunday March 29, 2015.

The best of Guyana’s Qaseeda singers will converge there for staging of the event, which is part of activities to mark Eid Milad un Nabi 2015, hosted by the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex and the Guyana United Sad’r Islamic Anjuman, and sponsored by The Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) -

best value in Guyana!

The Competition will be in four categories:— Male Senior & Junior and Female Senior & Junior. The Female competitions will be held on Saturday evening (March 28) at 7pm (19.00hrs), and the Male competitions will be held on Sunday (March 29) at 9.00am (09.00hrs).

The closing ceremony and presentation of prizes and awards will commence at 1.00pm (13.00hrs).

Successful contestants in each category will represent Guyana at the International Qaseeda Mehfil to be hosted in Guyana in August.

Expected at the National Qaseeda Competition are overseas guest artistes as well as representatives

from Muslim organisations.

The Committee is advising persons interested in participating to contact their respective Imams for application forms and rules, or collect same direct from the Secretariat of the National Qaseeda Competition at the ACIC, or telephone numbers: 269-0210 / 2760029 / 625-6833 / 628-4179 / 226-4258 or email: muslimjournal@yahoo.com or anna_catherina_islamic_ complex@hotmail.com, or follow us on Face Book @ https://www.facebook.com/ annacatherina.sunnatuljameet.9 The Guyana United Sad’r Islamic Organisation, Guyana’s oldest existing Islamic organisation, was

formed since the 1950s, and throughout its existence, remained committed to the promotion of this Islamic culture. Many other Islamic organisations have joined with it in promoting the singing of qaseedas.

In 2000, through the ACIC, the Muslims of Guyana and Suriname forged a link between themselves.

This relationship saw Guyanese Muslims benefiting tremendously from the tradition of singing qaseedas. Guyana then created a special committee (The National Qaseeda Committee) tasked each year with organising the national competition, which other than arriving at Guyana’s top singers, also selects the participants to the

International Qaseeda Mehfil each year.

The promotion of the qaseedas by the GUSIA and ACIC has also seen the staging of International Qaseeda Competitions and Mehfils for the past decade. Since joining with Suriname, the link has also grown to include Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, Holland, United Sates of America, Canada, England and Pakistan.

This year, Guyana will participate in the male & female, junior and senior categories at the international event hosted in Guyana, again in association with GT&T and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Last year, Hedayatul Islamic Complex in Paramar-

ibo, Suriname hosted the international event, wherein participants are required to render their songs in the Urdu language for no more than 4 minutes. Points are awarded for choice of qaseeda, manner of dress, pronunciation, melody etc.

Convenor of this year’s event is ACIC’s Hakeem Khan. The organisers have, over the years, ensured that judging of the competition will be of the highest standards, and only qualified persons are selected as judges. This year again, judges from Suriname, India and Bangladesh will be utilised.

This is the telecommunication giant’s -- GT&T’s -- fourth year of sponsorship of this event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Rohee debunks Granger’s statement Guyana is an unhappy country

By Navendara Seoraj

STUDIES have shown that 75% of Guyana’s human population is happy.

Yet A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)’s Presidential Candidate, David Granger, at the launch of its campaign at Pegasus on March 03, 2015, said otherwise when he announced that “Guyana is an unhappy country.”

This is according to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s General Secretary Clement Rohee at the party’s weekly press conference yesterday at Freedom House, Robb Street.

Rohee stated that the PPP takes strong objection to statements made

by APNU Leader David Granger that Guyana is an unhappy country, noting that “the statement by Granger is not only unfounded, but in stark contradiction to the findings of a Latin America Pub-

Clement Rohee addressing members of the media

lic Opinion Poll (LAPOP) which, in a recent survey, found that the happiness level of Guyanese have risen significantly within recent years.”

Furthermore, he added that the findings of the LAPOP are applicable to Guyanese as a whole, but are particularly applicable to the current generation of young people who are today the main beneficiaries of the new development

paradigm in which young people are now capitalising on the opportunities created by the Government to create that good life to which they not only aspire, but to which they are entitled.

According to the PPP’s G.S, that is manifested in the increasing number of University and other tertiary graduates who have made a name for themselves as young entrepreneurs and professionals.

“This wave of prosperity is manifested in the increasing number of Guyanese who are the proud owners of their own homes, cars and other consumer durables, which, under the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) regime was a distant dream,” said Rohee.

He made it clear that the statement was not meant to disqualify what was gained by some persons under the PNCR, but rather at validating what was gained by many in addition to those who gained a house in those days.

PPP’s ROLE Meanwhile, he announced that the PPP is proud of the role it has played in poverty reduction in Guyana and also the strong advocacy role it has played in the creation of a better and just society.

“This mood of happiness is the result of hard and painstaking work by the PPP/C Government to empower our people, in particular young people, through the creation of a knowledge society, where

Guyanese from all walks of life are today in a much better position to realise their dreams of a good and satisfying life,” he said.

He also acknowledged, that it is no wonder therefore that overseas Guyanese are returning home in increasing numbers after being forced by the PNCR regime to look for a better life elsewhere.

As the LAPOP survey indicated, Guyanese today are less inclined to migrate to foreign shores, in particular, to the United States.

All of these developments fly in the face of remarks made by Granger that Guyanese are unhappy with the quality of life they are enjoying today.

“Whatever unhappiness exists can only be the figment of Granger’s biased and jaundiced imagination and is completely at odds with objective reality,” said Rohee.

Apart from that, in addressing the issue of Guyana being the country with the highest suicide rate in the world, Rohee disclosed that they (PPP) have been working closely with the

various faith based organsations, particularly in the Hindu community, and others who have an influence among the young people, who may attempt or want to consider suicide.

GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY Meanwhile, he reiterated that the PPP stands proud of its record of achievements and pledges to continue to propel this glorious country along the path of sustained progress and prosperity, noting that “yes, everybody would like to have an improvement in their standard of living, but this is always a work in progress, because as Guyana’s economy grows, it will address the degree of happiness of people in society.

The G.S announced that the PPP joins with the rest of the world in the observance of International Day of Happiness which is being observed on March 20, noting that the pursuit of happiness is a universal goal that is sought by all people throughout the world.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Statement on Marriott Hotel Project

By Winston Brassington

presented on March 12, 2015

LADIES and Gentlemen of the Media, welcome to the Marriott Hotel.

The hotel component of the project will open in April 2015.

The hotel will be the first major international brand to come to Guyana in over 45 years.

The project has been undertaken following a full and transparent process. Throughout the entire process of this project, the Government/AHI has employed public advertisements at home and abroad to advance each stage of the project. These were: I. 2009—Advertisement for a Public Private Partnership, “Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) Joint Venture for Hotel Development.”

II. 2010—Advertisement for “Pre-Qualification of Contractors.”

III. 2012—Advertisement for a Supervision Firm “Requests for Proposals.”

IV. 2012—Advertisement for “Final Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to participate in AHI’s (Marriott Hotel Project) private equity.”

V. 2012—Advertisement for “Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI) Requests for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Casino/ Nightclub/Restaurant Operators.”

A full feasibility study has been conducted for the project by a highly reputed international firm, called HVS International. The Feasibility Study dated Oct 2012, shows that the project has an overall internal rate of return (IRR) of 11%, and noted that “the financial projections are extremely conservative.” The Feasibility Study, excluding sections that contain commercially sensitive or confidential information, was released to the public at our Press Conference held on Sept 19th, 2013.

Guyana is not unique in investing in a hotel. Various other Caricom countries have invested in hotel projects as part of their national development, e.g. Trinidad and Tobago fully owns the Hyatt Regency and a portion of the Hilton.

I now come to where we are with the financial arrangements for this project. The framework for the financing of the hotel has not changed

AHI Chairman, Winston Brassington

and has always remained a matter of public record.

Financing from Republic Bank of US$27M and from the equity investor of US$8M remains committed but financial disbursement has been partially delayed due to legal actions filed by the Opposition.

DEBT FINANCING OF US$27M Despite having received final financial commitment from RBL announced in a joint Press Release of 24th May, 2014 by Republic Bank Limited and AHI, followed by full execution of all legal documents for the debt financing in October 2014, APNU Opposition Member of Parliament Desmond Trotman, filed another legal action in December 2014, opposing the passage of the mortgages from AHI in favour of RBL. Given that the publication

of the mortgage is one of the final steps and is part of the security package required by RBL for the conclusion of the debt financing, the opposition to the mortgages has effectively served to (partially) delay the disbursement of the US$27M financing from the syndicated group of lenders led by RBL. We are, however, confident that the legal action will be dismissed.

It should be noted that the mortgages are only part of the security structure; other parts of security include a debenture that has been registered.

As a result, RBL has disbursed a total of US$15.25M of the US$27M committed.

The remainder balance awaits resolution of the court matter or alternative resolution.

INJECTION OF US$8 M

BY PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTOR Since initial agreements were executed with the pri-

vate equity investor in April 2013, it has always been a condition that the injection of the equity was contingent on the conclusion of the commitments with RBL for the US$27M in debt financing.

In May of 2014, following announcement of the conclusion of the commitments of RBL, the name of the investor group was released in the joint release. The injection of the US$8M by the investor group, therefore, continues to be delayed, if not jeopardized, as a result of the legal actions filed by the Opposition.

INTERIM FUNDING FROM NICIL TO CONCLUDE THE HOTEL As a result of the continued legal and other attacks to delay the injection of the private financing, NICIL has had to fund, on an interim basis, a portion of the expected private financing. The alterna-

tive to the temporary investment of additional funding from NICIL would have been the halting of the construction of the hotel with the consequential and probable loss of Marriott’s engagement with the project, the risk of the contractor taking legal action and substantial escalation of costs to complete the project.

As it stands currently, NICIL has advanced approx.

US$16 M in additional funds from its own resources to ensure the conclusion of the hotel. These funds will be reimbursed once the legal challenge to the mortgages is discharged. The additional funds advanced by NICIL as interim funding are NICIL owned funds, which are not derived from taxes, but are the proceeds from the sale of investments owned by NICIL or dividend returns from NICIL investments.

CHALLENGES TO THE

Inside the Presidential suit of the Marriott Hotel

PROJECT We are all well aware that from the time, in 2009, that former President Bharrat Jagdeo announced the Government’s plans for an internationally branded hotel to be built in our country, the political Opposition launched an orchestrated and calculated campaign to deliberately, first discourage, derail, sabotage and then obstruct private investment in the development of the hotel. The hotel project was subjected to: 1. Parliamentary attacks to stop the project 2. A plethora of Opposition criticism 3. Legal actions in the Guyana courts 4. Competitor attacks 5. Pliant, often biased and negative sections of the media 6. Investors increased perception of Guyana risks due to the failure of the Opposition controlled Parliament to pass the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Legislation. Let me document this for you.

PARLIAMENTARY ATTACKS TO STOP THE PROJECT Despite the substantial information being made available to the Parliament in early 2012 and the comprehensive response given to a question

by Mr. Ramjattan (the construction contract, tax agreements, and lease agreements were all shared) and a public debate under a Government series on corruption in Parliament, the Opposition have still sought to stop the project. On a motion submitted

by Mr. Ramjattan in August 2012, the Parliament, on 17th December 2012, passed a motion seeking to halt financing of the project.

In September 2013, Mr. Ramjattan happily advised the private investor that “the combined Opposition had passed a motion in Parliament stopping the project.”

We had in October the same year, Mr. Joseph Harmon boasting that his party “may not honour any commitments made by the principals here” and Stabroek News running a headline “APNU warns Marriott financiers”, prompting the Private Sector Commission, in October that year, to express its concern at the repeated threats against investors.

See continuation in tomorrow's edition

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Neesa Gopaul 'killers'

appeal conviction Neesa Gopaul

By Geeta Rampersaud THE convicted murders of 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul will appeal the High Court ruling that resulted in their receiving a collective life sentence of 202 years.

The mother of the teen, Bibi Shareema Gopaul, and her ex-lover, Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small, were sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 106 years and 96 years respectively on March 5.

Small’s attorney, Mr. Lyndon Amsterdam, in a telephone interview yesterday, told the Guyana Chronicle that the appeal for his client has not yet been filed, but that will be done soon.

According to him, Small’s defence team is current finalising grounds for the appeal.

The other attorneys-at-law representing Small are Glen Hanoman, Bernard De Santos SC, and Zanna Frank.

Bibi Shareema Gopaul is represented by Attor-

Convicted: Bibi Shareema Gopaul, aka Naree

ney-at-Law, George Thomas, who, when the ruling was handed down, gave an oral notice of appeal in the matter.

Bibi Gopaul’s parents confirmed yesterday that work on the appeal is underway.

On March 5, both convicts had expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment passed by Justice Navendra Singh. “I did not have a fair trial in this court,” Small had said, adding that prejudicial evidence had been entered in the case, and the judgment had been for political purposes.

According to Small, there was no evidence to convict him or anyone of the murder of Neesa Gopaul, and the judge was being unfair because he was a politician by nature.

That sentiment was rubbished by Justice Singh, who responded emphatically, “I don’t have any political ambitions.”

Bibi Gopaul’s sentiments were similar to Small’s. She contended that the judge could have done more in her favour.

The 12-member jury panel had consulted for some

three hours before delivering a guilty verdict.

The sentencing of Bibi Gopaul, also called Naree, was detailed as: 60 years for the capital offence; 10 years for premeditation; 10 years because it was a child; 10 years for brutality; another 10 years because it is her daughter and she did not protect her; and six years for domestic violence.

The sentencing of Small, on the other hand, was detailed as: 60 years for the offence of murder, with 10 years added for premeditation; another 10 years for bru-

Convicted: Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small

tality; an additional 10 years because the victim was a child; and finally another six years for domestic violence.

On October 2, 2010, the headless remains of Neesa Gopaul were discovered at a location along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway tucked inside a suitcase that was partially submerged in a creek.

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

Besides the body, a passport bearing the name Neesa

Lalita Gopaul had also been found. The teenager was reported missing just days before the gruesome discovery was made.

Subsequent to the discovery of the body, Bibi Gopaul and her ex-paramour, Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small, were arrested and charged for the murder.

Members of the public, who had gathered outside of the High Court on March 5 with placards demanding justice, were vocal in expressing their satisfaction with the verdict that was handed down.

Revised List of Electors names 570,786 voters THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has completed the fingerprint cross-matching exercise, necessary for the preparation of the Revised List of Electors (RLE), and is now in the process of posting the List at locations across the country, according to a senior GECOM official.

The list includes the names of 570,786 eligible voters, and GECOM is ex-

pected to complete its posting by March 23. Once that has been completed, the list will remain in public view for 21 days, as is the statutory requirement, during which time members of the Guyanese public and eligible voters are invited to review the list to ensure the details are correct.

According to the GEOCM official, any inaccuracies can be communicated to the Commission, and

the Chief Elections Officer, (CEO) Mr. Keith Lowenfield, has the authority to make the corrections.

Once that review period comes to an end, the CEO is then expected to certify the RLE and, from this, produce the Official List of Elections, which will facilitate voting at the upcoming May 11 general and regional elections.

It was indicated that this could be done by April 16.

However, new information

from the GECOM official suggests that the OLE may be available before then.

Additionally, GECOM has made public its guidelines for the composition of the necessary lists by political parties, which need to be submitted on April 7 – Nomination Day. Contesting parties are permitted to submit three separate lists on Nomination Day. These lists of candidates are in respect to:

Geographical Constituencies Lists, National Top-up Lists, and Regional Democratic Council Lists.

In accordance with the Proportional Representation Electoral System, in order to qualify for a seat in the National Assembly, contesting parties must contest for a minimum of six (6) of the Geographical Constituencies -- totalling at least 13 seats for eligibility to contest and submit Geographical Con-

stituencies list and National Top-up List. This arrangement will provide for 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 ten Regional Democratic Councils. For this purpose, a List of Candidates must be submitted on Nomination Day. (Vanessa Narine)

‘History’ cannot be changed to ‘his-story’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

President dismantles Nagamootoo’s defence of APNU + AFC alliance

By Vanessa Narine A coalition has worked in the past and will work going forward – a contention held by prime ministerial candidate of the Alliance of the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), Moses Nagamootoo.

It was also a contention that was rubbished by the leadership of the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), since the ‘past 1964 coalition’ proposal he referred to pointed in the direction of the PPP/C itself.

In an effort to stress the political weight of the Alliance, Nagamootoo, at the Alliance Saturday rally in Linden, highlighted that, in 1964, Dr Cheddi Jagan invited Burnham to have the PPP and People’s National Congress (PNC) form a coalition government.

According to him, if a coalition was a good idea then, it is a good idea now.

Nagamootoo’s comments considered, the leadership of the ruling Party, with similar emphatic undertones, is now stressing the misinformation being peddled via Nagamootoo’s reasoning of successful coalition governments.

None other than the PPP/C presidential candidate and incumbent, President Donald Ramotar, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, concluded that Nagamootoo’s account of history is most definitely affected by the fact that he

is a matter of “history” and facts cannot be changed to reflect ‘his-story’ (Nagamootoo’s story).

Records from Red House, touted as a credible source of the political history, indicate that, like the PPP/C presidential candidate said on June

sentation as the new electoral system. The British also decided that independence would be delayed and that elections would be held in 1964.

In the same year, 1963, the Police raided the headquarters of the PNC and found a great deal of arms and ammunition and documents detailing assassination plans for PPP leaders. One of the documents was the infamous X-13 Plan, which detailed the plans of violence by the PNC against the PPP. During May, PPP leaders were attacked by Opposi-

President Donald Ramotar was not a member of the Party in 1964.

“He was not with us in 1964 and in that year the question of a coalition, when the PPP proposed it, was pushed as a means of bringing some stability to the country and having a united front in the fight for independence,” he said.

Mr Ramotar added that the Opposition rejected the notion, despite the fact that it was one that was premised on a meritorious base.

“The coalition that the APNU+AFC is proposing now will destroy the country because it is based on a grab for power,” he said.

The President underscored the fact that weeks of negotiating an Alliance only resulted in the details of who gets what position being hammered out, as opposed to policies, programmes and a legislative agenda to improve the lives of the Guyanese people.

“It was nothing to do with the welfare of the Guyanese people,” he posited.

HISTORY NOT HIS-STORY President Ramotar maintained that the course of events that characterised Guyana’s journey to independence, peace and progress

Clement Rohee 6 of 1964, a coalition was proposed by Dr Jagan, in an effort to bring peace. He proposed a PPP-PNC coalition government with an equal number of ministries. However, the then PNC leader, Forbes Burnham, rejected the invitation.

In the previous year, the Constitutional Conference opened in London and all the demands of the PPP were rejected by the British which, influenced by the USA’s Kennedy Administration, imposed Proportional Repre-

Moses Nagamootoo tion supporters while leaving the Legislative Assembly. On June 10, Dr. Jagan himself was attacked by a vicious PNC mob while he was leaving the Assembly.

In 1962, the PNC, The United Force (TUF) and oth-

er groups mounted a protest against the budget which was presented by the PPP Government. In the process, rioters supportive of these organisations burned a large portion of the business district of Georgetown.

In an atmosphere of strikes, riots and racial disturbances, as well as agitations for independence, Mr Ramotar made it clear that a united band of Guyanese was viewed as the best option to move the country forward – a move made under very different circumstances as those under which the Cummingsburg Accord was inked.

The PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, also added his voice to the fray.

“What he is talking about from the 1961 to 1964 period has no relevance to what is taking place now, which is a marriage of convenience for the sake of political power. What Dr Jagan was speaking about was a coalition to bring about peace and stability in the country in light of racial violence and turmoil. At the same time, we were dealing with the challenges of moving towards independence,” he said.

Rohee was firm in making clear that Nagamootoo’s comments reflect a level of “political degeneration” that is unacceptable, particularly as they evidence a distortion of historical facts.

Cattle farmer arrested for possession of ‘crossbow’

A cattle farmer of Larima Cabra, Hubu Backdam, Parika East Bank Demerara was on Sunday afternoon arrested by the police for being in possession of a dangerous weapon.

Acting on information, the police went to the home of the cattle farmer and carried out a search, thus discovering the weapon, which appears to be a crossbow gun.

Information reaching the Guyana Chronicle detailed that at time of his arrest, the man told

investigators that he had obtained the weapon from a friend who was visiting from the United Kingdom.

The friend, he told investigators, had served in the British army, and when he came into the country with the weapon, he did not take it back with him.

Asked if he had ever used the weapon, the man responded in the negative, as he told investigators that the weapon is useless without the string which discharges the arrow.

The police have not yet laid any charges against the man as they are still conducting their investigations to ascertain if the weapon is indeed a crossbow gun, although the weapon was not found with a bow.

One police source told this publication that the man is now on $20,000 station bail, but he canThe cross on the head of the weapon suggests it is a crossbow gun not just yet be charged

for being in possession of a crossbow, since all features consistent with a crossbow gun have to be established on the weapon, which is now in police custody.

The cattle farmer does not have a licence to carry a weapon, but another relative from the household is a licensed firearm holder, this newspaper was told.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

REMEMBERING DR. CHEDDI JAGAN…

Two-week photo exhibition launched at National Library

Dr. Jagan addressing the United Nations General Assembly

A two-week photographic exhibition to commemorate the birth and death anniversary of the late President of Guyana and founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Cheddi Jagan was yesterday launched in the foyer of the National Library, Church and Avenue of the Republic.

Dr. Jagan was born on

March 22, 1918, and died on March 6, 1997, at the age of 79. His wife, Mrs. Janet Jagan, also a former President of Guyana died in the month of March as well. She died on March 28.

Meanwhile, there was a concurrent launch of a similar exhibition at the national library in New Amsterdam, Berbice, which will also run for two weeks and members

of the public are invited to attend and view the exhibits.

The exhibitions, which feature scores of photographs highlighting the work and life of Dr. Jagan in various settings, also have on display several works written by Dr. Jagan.

Launched in Georgetown

by Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC), Mr. Hydar Ally, the

exhibition is an initiative of the CJRC. Also officiating was Administrative Assistant, Ms. Yashomatie Rampersaud.

In brief remarks, Mr. Ally outlined that the CJRC was officially opened on Dr. Jagan’s 82nd birth anniversary on March 22, 2000, and was established to promote the ideas and works of the veteran politician who entered into the political arena in the 1940s and founded the PPP on January 1, 1950.

Having entered the political arena, Dr. Jagan never gave up his struggles for a democratic free and independent Guyana. “One can therefore say that he had dedicated his entire life to the cause of the Guyanese people, for which he is aptly regarded as the father of this nation,” Ally said.

In extending a warm welcome to one and all to visit and view the exhibition, Ally added that the CJRC is dedicated to making available to Guyana and the world the very rich collection of material which captures the visionary thoughts and revolutionary ideas of the late Dr. Jagan.

Noting that the late Mrs. Janet Jagan also died in the month of March, Mr. Ally added that it is a good time

Hydar Ally

for the Guyanese people to reflect on the work and teachings of both of them, since she also served as president of this nation.

Said Ally, “It is very remarkable that between the two of them, they gave over 100 years of sterling service to the people of Guyana, and we felt that this is something that we need to validate, and we want to encourage all Guyanese to visit the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre where lots of his works and collections are accessible.”

Reflecting on the life of the political icon, Ally remarked: “Dr. Jagan was such an extraordinary person, not only in his political pursuit, but was also a very prolif-

ic writer.” Commenting on some of the many books Dr. Jagan wrote, he cited “The West on Trial; Forbidden Freedom; A New Global Human order; the USA in South America; Selected Speeches; 1992-1994: My fight for Guyana’s Freedom…among others.”

For persons interested in knowing and reading more about Dr. Jagan’s life and writings, the CJRC extends a warm welcome to the facility at High Street, Kingston.

It says: “The centre houses a large archival collection of papers, documents, photographs, audio and DVDs related to Dr. Jagan’s long and enduring involvement in leading the political struggle in Guyana and at the global level. Dr. Jagan is a renowned and respected statesman. His immense stature in Guyana and the Caribbean and the world at large, stems from his ground-breaking contributions in numerous stages of the struggle for a better life for the people of Guyana and the world at large.

The Chairman of the CJRC said that the centre is currently putting on display some photographs and exhibits to give viewers a sketch of his life over the years.

Every vote must count – is message at one of series of PPP/C public meetings THE achievements of the incumbent party, comparisons with former regime and plans for the future constituted the subject of discussion at the most recent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) public meeting.

At Old Road Eccles, East Bank Demerara, last evening, the meeting attracted a sizeable gathering that was addressed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, and Director of Sport Neil Kumar.

Advances in Government’s social programmes, particularly those in the areas of education and health, as well as the sustained economic progress managed by the Administration, were underscored by the speakers.

There must be no “return

Paying keen attention at the PPP’s public meeting at Old Road Eccles last evening (Photo by Delano Williams)

to the dark days” of the People’s National Congress (PNC), now the majority partner of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – a notion that was welcomed by the cheers of those at the meeting.

Progress, peace and prosperity moving forward, the speakers highlighted, will be advanced by the transformational projects envisioned by the PPP/C, including the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project that will deliver cheaper energy and jobs to the Guyanese people; a more robust tourism industry with the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA); and other opportunities for progress.

The message before the end of the meeting was clear, every vote must count and the Guyanese people

are being called on to return the PPP/C to office, this time with a majority.

Last evening’s meeting was one of seven similar outreaches held in Regions 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara), 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica), 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice) and 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

On Sunday, meetings were also held at Wash Clothes and Cotton Tree villages in Region 5 and Bangladesh, Cumberland and Miss Phoebe villages in Region 6.

These meetings, commonly referred to as ‘bottom-house’ outreaches, have been the tactic employed by the incumbent PPP for decades as a means of maintaining and nurturing support at the grassroots level.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Sacked Magistrate endorses APNU/AFC elections campaign

By Leroy Smith DISMISSED city magistrate Geeta Chand-Edmond on Saturday arrived to resounding applause, tassa drumming and huge crowd approval when she showed up at the coalition rally organised by A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change in Linden, Region 10.

The former magistrate was

accompanied by her husband, Attorney-at-Law Joel Edmond who did not hesitate to sport the colors of the coalition.

Magistrate Edmond was fired from the bench by the Judicial Service Commission in what the commission said was a number of infractions committed by the then serving magistrate.

Chand-Edmond for her part had told reporters that her dismissal was on baseless grounds

Taurus You're a sensitive and caring person. Today you feel especially connected to your group, even those you don't know well. Your kind nature brings healing to others and many benefits to you whether you're aware of it or not. You should be feeling happy and upbeat. You're physically fit, you look great, and you will be happy to spend the day socialising.

City Magistrate, Geeta Chand-Edmond

Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Thursday, March 19, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

Aries Your inspiration and imagination are at their peak. You may want to try some kind of an artistic project. You're sure to be pleasantly surprised by the results. You're especially tuned in to the feelings of others, so don't hesitate to act on your intuition. Logic takes a back seat to gut instinct today!

and said that she was dismissed after serving her country in a manner that was above board.

She has since moved to appeal her dismissal.

Early last year, the magistrate had indicated to this newspaper that while she was on leave, her minutes books were secured and when she returned from leave she discovered that the books were missing. She was then forced to commence retrial of all the matters which were logged in those books, many of which she was at final stage of giving her ruling when the books disappeared.

Also appearing at the rally in Linden on Saturday was former Opposition Leader and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform Robert Corbin who has been away from the public stage ever since he left office.

The rally was attended by a very large gathering. The event saw the coming together of executives and supporters of the AFC and APNU in a unified rally which was widely publicised. The two parties joined forces a few weeks ago and will be contesting the poll as one body in an effort to win the upcoming National and Regional Elections set for May 11.

Gemini There's a chance you will receive an early morning visitor. While it's a surprise, it turns out to be a welcome one. This visitor is likely to come bearing gifts of some kind, either in the form of interesting news or encouraging words. Listen carefully, but beware of idle gossip. Take care not to spread rumours that you don't know to be true.

Cancer A letter, call, or visit from a lover or close friend is likely to bring interesting news your way. Your creative energies are at their peak, so why not try writing, music, drawing, or painting? You will have to squeeze this creativity in between many errands, because the planets indicate you will take many short trips today.

Leo Your attractiveness and sociability are at a peak today. Don't hesitate to put both to good use. You will shine brightly at any social occasion, whether you're the host or guest. You radiate warmth and enthusiasm.

You draw people to you like a magnet. You may have some important news to share, so don't be surprised if you can't move for all the people gathered around you.

Virgo All matters related to romance, love, and marriage should go well today.

You should feel especially warm and supportive. Intimate conversations will come easily and naturally. Be sure to think before you speak. There's some danger of misunderstanding, and you don't want any arguments to upset this glorious day.

Libra A group gathering you attend today could have long-term beneficial ramifications. Perhaps you will strike up a conversation with a stranger who turns out to be an expert in a field you're interested in. Or you may deepen a relationship with a casual acquaintance, who ends up a friend for life. Keep your heart open to whatever and whomever this day brings!

Scorpio Your imagination is flying high today. Whatever challenges come up, you will find ingenious solutions to them. Love matters and the creative arts could come to the forefront. This is definitely a good day to indulge your interests, whatever they are. You've worked hard and deserve some time to simply sit back and enjoy yourself. Have a great day!

Sagittarius There is considerable grumpiness in the air today. Everyone you know seems to be in a bad mood. However, you have the charm and persistence to pull them out from under that black cloud. Pay attention to any social invitations you receive, as you're likely to make some important professional contacts if you go.

Capricorn A recent windfall or good news regarding money could turn your thoughts to home renovation and decorating. You might do some painting or add decorative touches to the house. Even if you don't have a fortune to spend, fresh flowers, plants, and pillows or area rugs can perk up a room. You might even shop for some new furniture. Have fun with your projects today!

Aquarius Some misunderstandings could cause confusion at home today. Your natural tact and diplomacy will certainly come in handy. Artistically, you may be inspired to work on a painting or short story that's been in your head for a while. Even though you don't pay much attention to your artistic abilities, they may be responsible for some new career opportunities coming your way.

Pisces You're looking better than ever. Don't think your mate hasn't noticed!

Even though communication may have been a bit strained lately, all that is forgotten as you delight in each other's company. You may feel adventurous, so why not plan something a bit different for the day? Take a canoe trip down a local river or go see the new comedian in town. You will have a great time!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

From back page

Guinness Greatest ...

The moment SA’s 1999 World Cup campaign ends.

Proteas tarred with same brush of failure, says Jacques Kallis

… No easy way to shed ‘chokers’ tag IF there was an answer to South Africa’s horrible record in World Cups then I wouldn’t be writing about it, I would be helping to solve it.

Actually, it wouldn’t be an issue because it would have been solved already.

was positive – we absolutely believed we could win. I was a very junior player and said very little, but I shared in the air of confidence.

The semi-final tie against Australia four years later was a nightmare, and remains so.

One run to win off the last

India in the first run-chase of this tournament. They conceded too many runs and then messed up the run chase.

Massive totals of 400+ then followed in the next two games and you can’t help wondering if they contributed to a feeling of over-confidence

Under the Petra Organisation, the tournament, which is in its third year, will not only ignite and unite villages on the East Coast but will also bring about camaraderie among the players and their supporters, according to Troy Mendonca, one of the directors of the entity, He said Petra Organisation is pleased to once again team up with Banks DIH to stage the tournament and expects to see the players display the same passion as in

previous years.

Apart from the home side (Haslington), the other competing teams are Ann’s Grove Punters, Buxton, BV A&B, Church Yard United, Golden Grove Superstars, Mahaica, Melanie A&B, Nabaclis, Plaisance A&B, Victoria and Vryheid’s Lust.

The teams will be placed in four groups of four and will first play each other with the top two teams from each group heading into the knockout stage.

ICC Annual Conference ...

CEO of the BTM William ‘Billy’ Griffith added: “It is a great honour that this event will be coming to our island – the home of some of cricket’s greatest ever players. We look forward to welcoming the delegates from around the work and introducing them to our impressive

cricket heritage and the spirit of the West Indies region.”

Barbados will join a prestigious list of hosts of the Conference which in recent years has included Melbourne (Australia), London (England), Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore and Dubai.

Matthew Briggs ...

Shaun Pollock ponders the end of their 2003 campaign. (Getty Images) But there is no easy way out. The weight of the reputation catches up with you.

You enter a World Cup with no baggage, nothing weighing you down, convinced that every game will feel the same as the last.

And for a while, that’s exactly how it is.

The ‘reputation’ begins to catch up, however.

It has nothing to do with many of the current squad.

They arrived in Australia convinced that they were unscarred by what had happened before, only to discover that they are tarred with the same brush of failure that their predecessors felt.

There is no ‘right’ way to go about things. There is no ‘right’ way of making things better.

In five World Cup campaigns we spoke about playing games as though they were ‘normal matches’, and the first few always felt that way.

But the closer we got to the knockout games, the more different it felt.

The atmosphere in 1996

four balls. We were the better side on the day but we lost out amidst a lottery of tangled nerves.

People love to say we ‘choked’, and I can’t be bothered to argue. But look at the highlights. It was a festival of choking on both sides.

Australia were all over the place. I’d say Lance Klusener looked the calmest man on the field until the fateful moment.

2003 was, perhaps, the worst of all.

Wonderful team, full of good players! And Mark Boucher did everything we had been accused of failing to do.

He smashed Murali for six on the penultimate ball of the over, ‘safe’ in the knowledge that the required score had been reached. And blocked the last ball.

We cried together after that.

It was also the night my father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, which put a cricket match into context.

It was understandable that South Africa stumbled against

against Pakistan when they only needed 230 to win.

When batsmen are caught on the boundary hooking, with around four runs per over required, you know there’s a problem of some sort.

It seemed like the obvious time to absorb some pressure from a rampant attack and try to draw their sting.

Sometimes, as batsmen, you need to recognise when the bowlers are at their best, running in with a force you’ve rarely seen before. Like when their whole World Cup is at stake.

The Proteas’ counterattack, which was admirable, and would have earned much praise if it had worked, but instead it backfired and we lost.

Yes, it is absolutely possible that South Africa can win the World Cup. And it is equally possible that India can win it.

But Australia and New Zealand remain the favourites in my book.

Fortunately, as I know from experience, being favourites isn’t always the best place to be.

Following his release from Fulham in the summer of 2014, Briggs signed for Millwall in the English Football second tier on a one-year deal following a successful trial.

In early 2009, Briggs received a call-up to the England Under-19 squad for the 2009 European Championships. He was then also selected as part of the England Under-20 squad for the 2009 Youth World Cup. He was capped by the Under-21 team for the first time after starting in a 6–0 victory at home to Azerbaijan in September 2001.

Chanderpaul hits unbeaten ...

From page 27

After lunch, both Chanderpaul and Singh got boundaries off Khan, while Chanderpaul posted his 50 by cutting Marlon Richards to the vacant third man position for his sixth four and followed it with another four through extra cover off the next delivery, before he was given a life off Mohammed

by Kjorn Ottley.

Wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo gave the 40-year-old Chanderpaul another life, this time off Richards when he was on 59 at 235 for 5, before the Guyanese declared at 14:09hrs, setting their visitors 218 to win.

At tea they had reached 23 without loss with Khan on 14 and Jeremy Solozano 7 and after the break, Khan eased Barnwell through the vacant cover region for four, before Solozano 21 (3x4), who survived a confident shout for a catch at leg slip off Bishoo, was lbw to Deonarine at 49 for 1

by Deonarine.

Khan took the attack to Deonarine by hitting him for a hat-trick of fours in his next over, but lost Kjorn Ottley (1) lbw to Permaul, followed

by Khan who was caught at slip by Johnson off Permaul for 40 (7x4) at 68 for 3.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Starc difference in Australia’s World Cup campaign

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Publicly labelled ‘soft’ by former Test bowler Shane Warne only a few months ago, paceman Mitchell Starc has come of age at the Cricket World Cup (CWC) and could prove key to Australia’s hopes of winning a fifth trophy.

The 25-year-old left-armer currently leads the wickets tally at the tournament with 16 scalps at the end of the pool phase, one ahead of a clutch of bowlers with 15, but with an eye-popping average of 8.50.

Once known as the ‘lesser Mitchell’, Starc has put Australia’s most feared strike bowler Mitchell Johnson firmly in the shade, the fellow left-armer taking a modest nine wickets at an average of 22.66.

“The ball’s coming out nicely. I can’t complain. It’s coming out consistently well, but more importantly we’re winning games,” Starc said in comments published by The Australian newspaper.

“That’s all that matters.

“I’ve been working on different plans, whether that be in training or in a game, and it’s nice to see them coming off.”

Starc’s form at cricket’s global showpiece has elevated him to the most lethal wicket-taker in the one-day

Morkel.

Only a few months ago, however, Starc was making headlines after outspoken pundit Warne remarked that he looked “a bit soft” when struggling for line and length on a baking, hot day during a Test match against India in Brisbane.

For a sporting country that values toughness above all qualities in elite sport, there are fewer criticisms more scathing than the ‘S-word’ and Warne was moved to clarify his comment after a subsequent media storm.

Competing with a bullAustralia Mitchell Starc (C) celebrates with teammates Aaron Finch (R) and Glenn Maxwell after bowling out New Zealand’s Grant Elliott during their CWC match in Auckland, February 28. (Credit: Reuters/Nigel Marple) game.

The Adelaide Oval has one of Australia’s slowest pitches, particularly since its redevelopment as a venue for Australian Rules football matches, but Starc’s pace, bounce and variation could prove a handful for Pakistan when the teams clash in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Starc has set the tone for Australia’s campaign, capturing the team’s first World Cup wicket in the opener against England when a flustered Moeen Ali tried to pull a short ball only to be beaten for pace and caught at mid-on.

He all but bowled out New Zealand with a six-wick-

et haul that dragged his team into the match after they were skittled for 151 in Auckland and appeared ripe for humiliation.

His ability to swing the ball both ways and into right-handed batsmen has prompted comparisons with Pakistan great Wasim Akram.

SOFT EFFORT Straight-shooter George Bailey, who led Australia against England before making way for regular captain Michael Clarke, said Starc was “more feared” as a ‘death bowler’ in the final overs than either of South Africa pace duo Dale Steyn and Morne

Pakistan’s Irfan doubtful for Australia game

KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Irfan is doubtful for the World Cup quarter-final against hosts Australia on Friday after suffering a recurrence of a hip injury.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said yesterday that Irfan had gone for MRI scans in Adelaide after experiencing pain in his right hip.

“Late yesterday afternoon, Irfan underwent an MRI scan. According to Team Pakistan physiotherapist Brad Robinson, the detailed report from the radiologists would be available today,” the PCB statement said.

“A decision will then be taken on his availability for the forthcoming quarter-final against Australia,” Robinson said.

A board official told Reuters that initial reports on Irfan were not encouraging

Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan stretches to field a ball during the Cricket World Cup match against Zimbabwe at the Gabba in Brisbane . (Credit: Reuters/Jason Reed) and Irfan could miss the rest of the World Cup. The rangy Irfan has been Pakistan’s most dangerous bowler in the World Cup but had to miss the game against Ireland on Sunday due to the injury.

Irfan, 32, has largely been confined to playing limitedovers cricket due to injury

problems and has made just four Test appearances compared to 45 ODIs and nine Twenty20 matches.

He has taken 65 ODI wickets and played a leading role in Pakistan’s World Cup comeback after losing their first two matches to India and West Indies.

pen of fast bowlers for the third seamer spot behind Johnson and Ryan Harris, Starc has struggled to cement his place in Tests, being picked for one match then tossed out on a number of occasions.

His 15 matches have yielded 50 wickets at a modest average of 35.44.

He was dropped after the ‘soft’ effort in Brisbane, but returned for the final Test against India in Sydney and took five wickets for the match.

Before the Test he said he wasn’t “losing sleep” over

Warne’s criticism.

But in a neat piece of symmetry, his first wicket in the Sydney match - having India opener Murali Vijay nicking behind - happened with Warne behind the microphone for the host broadcaster.

Warne praised the bowler and has since jokingly claimed credit for his brilliant form.

Starc has since let his work on the pitch do the talking. ‘Soft’ won’t be the first word thrown around when Pakistan’s brain trust convene to prepare for Friday’s match.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Thomas narrowly misses century but Leewards win to break drought BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Captain Devon Thomas agonisingly missed out on three figures as bottom-of-thetable Leeward Islands Hurricanes broke their eight-game losing slump to beat Jamaica Franchise by four wickets here yesterday.

Scoreboard JAMAICA 1st innings 175 Leewards 1st innings 285 Jamaica 2nd innings 274 LEEWARDS 2nd innings (target: 165 runs) (o/n 139 for six) L. Richardson lbw b Dawes 1 S. Peters c Lambert b Mindley 10 M. Hodge lbw b Jacobs 13 D. Thomas not out 99 J. Hamilton b Jacobs 0 J. Taylor lbw b Campbell 10 R. Cornwall stp. Walton b Jacobs 4 J. Louis not out 18 Extras: (b-9, lb-2, nb-2) 13 Total: (6 wkts, 51.3 overs) 168 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-11, 3-40, 4-40, 5-103, 6-108.

Bowling: Mindley 10-4-21-1, Dawes 6-1-19-1, Jacobs 17-3-563, Brown 11.3-0-42-0, Campbell 5-2-8-1, Bernard 2-0-11-0.

Captain Devon Thomas finishes on 99 not out to take Leewards to victory.

Resuming the final day of their ninth round WICB PCL contest on 139 for six and requiring only a further 26 for victory, the Leewards needed just 45 balls to complete victory at Warner Park.

Fittingly, they were led by their captain Devon Thomas who finished on 99 not out, narrowly falling short of his second first class century.

He, along with Jeremiah Louis, who finished on 18 not out, carried their seventh-wicket stand to 60, to see the Hurricanes over the line.

All told, the right-handed Thomas struck nine fours and two sixes, in an innings spanning 159 balls in a shade under three hours at the crease.

Louis, spent just over three-quarters of an hour at the crease and faced 39 balls.

Resuming on 78, Thomas kept the scoreboard ticking over and the Hurricanes reached the 150-run mark in the fourth over of the day.

The pair brought up their 50-run stand with eight more runs added and Jamaica captain Tamar Lambert recalled leg-spinner Odean Brown in one last attempt to break the stand.

However, with victory in sight, Thomas lofted the bowler for a six and a four, to end the game in style.

Reddy hits helmet-trick for Chase Academy in Milo U-20 c’ships … Former champs sent packing ON an eventful day blessed with glorious sunshine for football, fans who thronged the Ministry of Education, Carifesta Avenue-based ground last Sunday witnessed Isaiah Reddy hit a helmet-trick for Chase Academy, even as former champions St George’s Secondary were issued marching orders.

It all occurred in the final round-of-16 fixtures in this year’s Petra Organisation/ Milo-sponsored Under-20 Inter-secondary School Football Championships, underlining the status of play displayed so far in this year’s tournament.

In the first match of the day, Morgan Learning Centre disposed of Queen’s College 5-1, with a double from Ronaldo Dover scored in the 49th and 51st minutes, backed by solitary strikes from Keyron Solomon who opened the scoring in the 7th minute, Wayne Murray (57th) and Randy Layne (62nd), with Lloyd Anderson pulling one back for QC in the 41st minute.

Queenstown Secondary defeated East Ruimveldt Secondary 3-0, thanks to goals from Kelsey Benjamin (34th), Wallison DeSantos (43rd) and Cordell Charles (78th). St George’s who lost out in last

year’s final to Lodge Secondary took on St Joseph in the day’s third fixture.

Orin Moore, known more for his goal-keeping abilities, scored first for St George’s when he found the back of the net in the 44th minute, a lead they held until the break and a further 28 minutes in the second half, before Dwight Ferguson got the equaliser for St Joseph in the 72nd minute.

It was a goal that brought life to St Joseph, as two minutes later, Lemar Williams added his name to the score sheet for the eventual victors, who came away with a shocking 2-1 victory, to advance to the quarterfinals.

In the final game of the day, Chase Academy rode on the back of Reddy’s helmet-trick to blank out Richard Ishmael 7-0, with Reddy scoring his four goals in the (29th, 30th, 51st & 58th), backed by a Marlon Nedd brace scored in the 35th and 49th minutes, with Kareem Knights scoring the other goal in the 12th minute.

Meanwhile, the fixtures for the quarterfinals will see Queenstown face Chase Academy, St Joseph High clash with Morgan Learning Centre, Dolphin go head-to-head with North Ruimveldt Multilateral and Lodge put their title on the line against St Mary’s High.

(Calvin Roberts)

Boxer Pacquiao given random drug test last Saturday LOS ANGELES, California (AFP) -Manny Pacquiao was given a random drug test last Saturday, only two days after the U.S. AntiDoping Agency revealed the Filipino boxing icon and future foe Floyd Mayweather agreed to Olympic-style testing.

A report on GMA News in Pacquiao’s homeland detailed that he had given blood and urine samples to a medical technician that made an unannounced visit to Pacquiao’s training area in Los Angeles.

Pacquiao agreed to the extra doping protocol as part of the contract signed to fight unbeaten U.S.

Manny Pacquiao

rival Floyd Mayweather on May 2 in Las Vegas in a long-awaited bout that figures to shatter boxing revenue records.

Both Mayweather and

Pacquiao must make themselves available for random blood and urine tests and provide U.S. antidoping officials with travel itineraries. They will also be tested after the fight.

Samples will be examined for human growth hormone (HGH), erythropoietin (EPO) and other substances.

Drug-testing was an issue in 2010 when talks for a MayweatherPacquiao showdown failed.

Mayweather accused Pacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs. Pacquiao denied the claim and sued Mayweather - a dispute the two settled out of court.

Jamaica go down on penalties … miss out on World Cup spot

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (CMC) – Jamaica missed out on a spot in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup later this year when they suffered a heart-breaking defeat to United States in a nerveracking penalty shootout here Sunday.

Playing at the Estadio Francisco Morazan in the playoff match of the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship, Jamaica went down 5-4 on spot kicks after regular and

extra time finished nil-all.

It was Alex Marshall, a second half substitute, who sent the vital kick wide to seal Jamaica’s fate.

With the victory, the U.S. joined eventual champions Mexico, losing finalists Honduras and Costa Rica, as the CONCACAF representatives at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup In Sunday’s final, Mexico came away with a 3-0 victory over the hosts, after leading 2-0 at halftime.

Jamaica, meanwhile,

once again produced a disciplined defensive performance to keep the Americans at bay in regular time.

Buoyed by their 1-0 win over the U.S. in the group stage meeting, Jamaica soaked up pressure and looked to hit on the counter, but also failed to land that decisive blow.

The game, however, produced very few clearcut opportunities and penalties were the only way to decide the winner.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

RHTYSC Silver Jubilee 1990-2015

OP, Jumbo Jet and Buddy’s Fitness Express donate to anniversary celebration THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s yearlong Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration continues to receive the support of the corporate sector and the Government of Guyana.

The club, which was formed in 1990 by three-time Guyana and Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, the St Francis Community Developers, is widely regarded as Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation with an unmatched list of activities and achievements.

The Office of the President (OP) last week donated a set of trophies to the club for its ‘Tribute to RHTYSC Heroes’ programmes which would be held in April while Jumbo Jet of Smyth Street, Georgetown, Fitness Express and Buddy’s Pool Hall of Sheriff Street, Georgetown made financial donations to the club’s cricket development programme.

Secretary/CEO of the club Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to the donors and specially mentioned the Permanent

Managing Director of Fitness Express J. McDonald hands over donation to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster.

Secretary of the Office of the President Omar Shariff, Mr Buddy Shivraj of Buddy’s, Nazar Mohamed Jr of Jumbo Jet and Mr Jameel McDonald of Fitness Express.

Foster stated that the financial donations were used to purchase cricket balls and gear for the cricket developmental programme which is being organised by coach Delbert Hicks. Under

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this programme, junior cricketers (Under-13 and Under-15) are coached as the club prepares them for the future.

The long-serving Secretary/CEO stated that the RHTYSC intends to make the year 2015 a memorable one and noted that the support of corporate Guyana and the Government of Guyana has been overwhelming and this

would allow the club to fulfil its target of 200 programmes/ activities for the year.

Foster also disclosed that the RHTYSC would also be unveiling several one-day 5-overs cricket tournaments for second division teams shortly.

Twelve clubs, who have genuine interest in the development of Berbice Cricket, would be invited to be part of the tournament.

Windies must be smarter, claims Holding MICHAEL Holding, the West Indies bowling legend turned analyst, has implored members of the current team to play smart cricket.

Speaking after the West Indies won their last group match to advance to the quarter-finals, Holding was not impressed with the team’s approach despite winning.

The Windies, after dismissing the UAE for 175, reached their victory target in 30.3 overs, with half-centuries from Johnson Charles (55) and Jonathan Carter (50). But Holding believes the team still employed a poor strategy.

“You may get the endresult that you want but there has to be the correct process,” he said.

“I’m not too sure what the thought-process was to send in Andre Russell when they sent him out to bat. What for? They started out needing five runs an over, and in modern One-Day cricket, that’s not difficult.

When Andre Russell went out to bat, they needed about four runs per over or a little bit less. What was the purpose of sending Russell out to hit fours and sixes? Bat sensibly!”

Holding also chastised the team for their approach while

Windwards survive scare to earn draw with Pride BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Windward Islands Volcanoes survived a scare as their ninth round match against Barbados Pride finished in a draw on the final day at Kensington Oval here yesterday.

Chasing 232 for victory, the Windwards stumbled to 29 for three before recovering to finish on 101 for six, and steal a share of the points from the contest.

They were undermined by left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican who grabbed five for 29.

However, Dalton Polius top-scored with 32 and added 41 for the fourth wicket with Romel Currency who stroked 18 in a partnership that repaired the damage.

Polius faced 88 balls in 97 minutes and counted four fours, before he was fifth out with the score on 73, lbw to Warrican.

Captain Liam Sebastien perished soon after, bowled behind his legs by Warrican for five, to leave the Windwards in a spin at 85 for six.

But wicketkeeper Denis Smith, in only his second first class game, occupied the crease 49 minutes for his unbeaten 17 to quell Barbados’ quest for victory.

Earlier, the Windwards had been bowled out for 416 after resuming the day on 394 for eight, handing Barbados a first-innings lead of 64.

Fast bowler Miguel Cummins picked up the last two wickets to end with three for 83 while off-spinner Ashley Nurse did not add to his tally of four for 98.

The hosts then rattled up 167 for five in their second innings before declaring, with Roston Chase top-scoring with 65 off 97 balls

Shai Hope is named man-of-the-match for his 211 in Barbados’ first innings. with five fours and two sixes.

Shane Dowrich struck an unbeaten 33 from 51 balls while Kevin Stoute hit 29 and Kraigg Brathwaite, 25.

Stoute and Brathwaite put on 52 for the first wicket before Barbados lost four quick wickets for 21 runs to slump to 73 for four.

However, Chase and Dowrich put on 94 for the fifth wicket to tilt the balance back in Barbados’ favour.

Left-arm spinner Alston Bobb claimed three for 55 and Shane Shillingford 2 for 65.

Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding bowling during the UAE’s innings. The West Indies had their associate opponents struggling at 26 for 5 and mainly through the efforts of Jason Holder’s 4 for 27 and Jerome Taylor’s 3 for 36.

However, the UAE recovered and put on a 107run partnership for the seventh wicket.

“They got four early wickets, had UAE 46-6, which was a fantastic position, and then when (Amjad) Javed and (Nasir) Aziz had that partnership going they sort of lost interest.

They were just waiting on things to just happen instead of going out there and making them happen,” he said.

SCOREBOARD BARBADOS 1st innings 480 WINDWARDS 1st innings (o/n 394 for eight) D. Smith c Chase b Stoute 151 T. Theophile b Cummins 125 K. Lesporis lbw b Nurse 12 D. Polius lbw b Nurse 5 R. Currency c Brathwaite b Stoute 10 L. Sebastian c wkp. Dowrich b Nurse 14 Denis Smith lbw b Cummins 30 S. Shillingford c wkp. Dowrich b Nurse 1 A. Bobb c Brooks b Best 18 M. Matthew not out 10 D. Johnson b Cummins 1 Extras: (b-4, lb-9, w-1, nb-25) 39 Total: (all out, 130.2 overs) 416 Fall of wickets: 1-269, 2-305, 3-309, 4-326, 5-330, 6-352, 7-354, 8-390, 9-413.

Bowling: Best 15-3-54-1, Cummins 23.25-83-3, Stoute 21-6-66-2, Nurse 36-5-984, Warrican 22-6-56-0, Chase 8-0-31-0, Brathwaite 4-0-7-0, Brooks 1-0-8-0.

BARBADOS 2nd innings K. Brathwaite c Shillingford b Bobb 25 K. Stoute stp. Denis Smith b Bobb 29 S. Hope lbw b Shillingford 13 S. Brooks c Bobb b Shillingford 2 R. Chase c Shillingford b Bobb 65 S. Dowrich not out 33 Total: (5 wkts decl., 45.1 overs) 167 Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-57, 3-60, 4-73, 5-167.

Bowling: Johnson 2-0-13-0, Matthew 2-013-0, Shillingford 19-2-65-2, Bobb 20.1-255-3, Sebastien 2-0-21-0.

WINDWARDS 2nd innings (target: 232 runs) D. Smith b Warrican 11 T. Theophile lbw b Warrican 0 K. Lesporis b Nurse 11 D. Polius lbw b Warrican 32 R. Currency b Warrican 18 Denis Smith not out 17 L. Sebastian b Warrican 5 S. Shillingford not out 6 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (6 wkts, 45 overs) 101 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-13, 3-29, 4-70, 5-73, 6-85.

Bowling: Cummins 2-0-7-0, Warrican 2012-29-5, Nurse 14-2-37-1, Chase 8-3-230, Stoute 1-0-4-0.

Points: Barbados 8, Windwards 8.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Bakewell on board with 25th K&S Football tournament BAKEWELL handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to the organisers of the 25th Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament yesterday.

As simple as the presentation was, the event marked 23 years since the company is behind the tournament, something Rajin Ganga said will continue.

Kashif Muhammad thanked Bakewell for

always believing in their organisation and said that they are looking forward for continued support to help make their tournament a success.

The Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament kicks off on Friday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground and concludes on April 5 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Bakewell’s Rajin Ganga hands over his company’s cheque to Kashif Muhammad while Frank ‘English’ Parris and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major look on.

OMSCL forging ahead with Henderson’s freak goal plans for mini World Cup keeps Liverpool flying high

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada Several of the softball players who will be involved in the fifth edition of the Guyana Softball Cup are set to have a dress rehearsal prior to the staging of the annual event in Guyana if plans by the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket League (OMSCL) bear fruit.

As promised at its annual presentation ceremony in October last year, the OMSCL is forging ahead furiously to make those plans become a reality. Towards this end, the Labour Day weekend of September 4-6 has been earmarked for a grand mini World Cup, preceding the Guyana Softball Cup which will be held on September 30, 31 and October 1.

According to secretary of the OMSCL, Guyanese Azeem Khan, the tournament will be played along similar lines of the Guyana Softball Cup, featuring an Open and a Masters categories. Khan however pointed out that the logistics are still being worked out.

He is also seeking inputs from would-be participants to ensure the competition’s success.

Khan also pointed out that the playing conditions will be similar to those used by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), New York and Florida, “maybe with a little tweaking but nothing significant”.

He also assured that the proposed registration fees will not be

Azeem Khan higher than those charged by the other tournament organisers.

Khan is requesting that teams desirous of participating indicate their intentions to the OMSCL very early since obtaining permits for the grounds in Toronto is a big challenge “so early confirmation to participate in the tournament will be quite helpful to us in securing the grounds”.

He also disclosed that the tournament will be played with the traditional white balls which are being used in Guyana, New York and Florida.

During the OMSCL’s 15th annual presentation, dinner and dance last October, president Jai Singh told those in attendance that the league’s “most exciting initiative plan for 2015 will be to host a Mini World Cup or Americas Cup during the Labour Day holiday weekend.”

Singh had said then that issues pertaining to the ambitious plan would have been further discussed at the annual general meeting with the aim of making the tournament a reality.

Describing softball as a celebration of Guyanese culture, the OMSCL president pointed out that the league was also aiming to introduce a new knockout competition in the coming season but this will also be subject to approval of the board of directors.

Singh had high praise for his executives who he said did an excellent job.

They include vice-president Azeem Khan described as “the face of the league”, statistician Ed Pestano, treasurer Ron Singh and umpires coordinator Suresh Bodhoo while the many sponsors, members and players were also commended for their invaluable support.

LONDON, (Reuters) Midfielder Jordan Henderson’s fluke second-half goal kept Liverpool firmly in contention for a Premier League top-four finish with a 1-0 win at Swansea City yesterday.

Liverpool got lucky on 68 minutes when Jordi Amat slid in ahead of Henderson to try and clear but the ball ricocheted back off the England international and looped over Swansea keeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Victory took in-form Liverpool to within two points of fourth-placed Manchester United, who they host on Sunday. Chelsea lead on 64, ahead of Manchester City (58) and then Arsenal (57) and United (56).

Since losing to United at Old Trafford in mid-December, a defeat which left Liverpool languishing in 11th place, Brendan Rodgers’ side have won 10 and drawn three in the league.

“It was a great pass from Daniel (Sturridge). It was a little bit fortunate, but you’ve got to be in the right positions to score,” Henderson, who scored for a third consecutive league game, told Sky Sports.

“It’s a great result. We were very disappointed with our first half. The gaffer had a few words to say.

I felt we passed the ball a lot better in the second and were solid at the back.”

Liverpool were indebted to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for keeping out Swansea in a first half shaded by the Welsh side and Rodgers praised the Belgian international, who was dropped for poor form earlier in the

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring their first goalReuters / Rebecca NadenLivepic season.

“There’s no doubt Simon Mignolet’s back to his best. We needed him in the first half. He’s been excel-

lent. Clearly now, you see his confidence, along with the team’s, he said.

Mignolet made a fineone-handed save to deny Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis who was cleared to play following his collapse at Tottenham Hotspur in his side’s last league game on March 4.

He was also equal to Gylfi Sigurdsson’s curling effort but Liverpool improved after the break.

Phillipe Coutinho forced Fabianski to keep out his low shot from Raheem Sterling’s cutback and after Henderson had scored Swansea never seriously threatened to equalise.

Sturridge went close to a second goal late on but rolled a shot against the post in stoppage time.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday March 17, 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)

ENG/NZ/SA/BANG/ZIM

(2)

Gary Gilmour (1975)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which Englishman played in three WC finals?

(2) Who is the first man to be dismissed ‘hit wicket’ in a WC game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 17, 2015

Chanderpaul hits unbeaten 68, as game ends in draw

SCOREBOARD GUYANA Jaguars 291 T&T Red Force 1st innings 340 GUYANA Jaguars 2nd innings (o/n 120/3) R. Chandrika lbw b Khan 31 A. Fudadin b Mohammed 50 L. Johnson lbw b Mohammed 28 N. Deonarine lbw b Khan 41 D. Bishoo c K. Ottley b Charles 4 S. Chanderpaul not out 69 V. Singh not out 41 Extras: (b-1, nb-1) 2 Total: (5 wkts decl’d, off 93 overs) 266 Fall of wickets: 1-60, 2-108, 3-111, 4-120, 5-183Bowling: Gabriel 11-1-35-0 (nb-1), Richards 11-1-40-0, Emrit 14-6-35-0, Khan 20-3-67-2, Charles 20-3-50-1, Mohammed 17-5-38-2.

T&T Red Force 2nd innings (Target 218) J. Solozano lbw b Deonarine 21 I. Khan c Johnson b Bishoo 40 K. Ottley lbw b Permaul 1 R. Emrit not out 24 J. Mohammed not out 10 Extras: (w-1, nb-2) 3 Total: (3 wkts, off 32 overs) 99 Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-64, 3-69.

Bowling: Joseph 2-0-22-0 (nb-1), Barnwell 3-1-7-0 (w-1), Permaul 14-6-29-1, Bishoo 10-5-16-1 (nb-1), Deonarine 3-0-25-1.

By Calvin Roberts

HOST GUYANA Jaguars and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force ended their ninth round West Indies Cricket board/ Professional Cricket League Regional four-day fixture in a tame draw at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, yesterday.

The Jaguars resumed the day on 120 for 3 and declared their second innings close at 266 for 5, thanks to an unbeaten 69 from Shivnarine Chanderpaul and 41 not out from Vishaul Singh, setting their guests 218 to win, to which they reached 99 for 3 off 32 overs, when play was called off at 16:30hrs.

The visitors had a successful start to the day’s play after observing

Players and officials from both sides along with the umpires observe a minute’s silence before the start of play yesterday for the late TTCB president Alloy Lequay who passed away Sunday morning. a minute’s silence for the late Alloy Lequay, a former president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCCB), who died early Sunday morning at the age of 90. Brian Charles had Devendra Bishoo taken at first slip by Kjorn

Trophy Stall donates K&S winners’ trophy

Trophy Stall owner Ramesh Sunich (left) making his presentation to K&S official Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major.

TROPHY Stall handed over the winners’ trophy for this year’s Kashif and Shanghai football tournament, which gets under way this Friday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground.

Ramesh Sunich, proprietor of Trophy Stall Bourda Market, recently handed over the first place trophy, marking his long contribution to the tournament.

Ottley without any addition to his or the team’s overnight total of 120 for 4.

Chanderpaul and Narsingh Deonarine repaired the early damage with their 63-run fifthwicket partnership, before the latter was lbw to

Imran Khan 20 minutes before lunch for 41 (86 b, 5x4) at 183 for 5, while the Jaguars reached 198 for 5 at lunch with Chanderpaul on 39 and Vishaul Singh 3.

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Lara: Lequay was ‘sensitive, professional’ FORMER president and chief executive officer of the T&T Cricket Board (T&TCB) Dr Alloy Lequay was yesterday described as a sensitive man, who was very professional and always sought the best interest of what he represented.

Lequay, 90, passed away early Sunday morning.

Former West Indies batting great, Brian Lara said he was deeply saddened to learn of Lequay’s death.

“When I reflect on my coming into Trinidad cricket as a teenager, there are only two faces that come to mind - Joey Carew, who left us four years ago and Alloy Lequay, who left us today (yesterday).”

Lara said that although he retired from cricket seven years ago, every time he thought about Trinidad cricket, the name that comes to mind is Alloy Lequay.

“I think of my advent into the national scene more than 30 years ago and Dr Lequay was there.

When I left, he was still there. He was always the man behind the face of T&T cricket, who always wanted the best,” he said.

Lara said Dr Lequay leaves behind a solid foundation and a legacy of hard work and success.

Dr Alloy Lequay enjoyed a distinguished career in sports administration and politics.

“He changed the fortunes and directions of cricket in the country.

He was sensitive, sensible and a true professional,” Lara said.

Also paying tribute to Lequay was the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee.

In extending condolences to Dr Lequay’s family and friends, the TTOC said he left an indelible mark during his long and meritorious contribution to sport and the history of sport in T&T and the Caribbean.

“He played a key role in the decentralisation of cricket and was influential in table tennis.

“It was the vision of the former cricket administrator to acquire lands for a National Cricket Centre, which houses among other things the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre and an international-size cricket field.”

Dr Lequay enjoyed a distinguished career in both sports administration (cricket and table-tennis) and in politics, serving as Member of Parliament, Government Senator, and Leader of Government Business in the House of Parliament during his colourful career in the public domain.

He is widely regarded as the architect of T&T’s development as a regional and international cricket powerhouse and for transforming the T&TCB into one of the best run organisations in the Caribbean.

Born in Port-of-Spain (Behind the Bridge), Lequay was recognised by the people of T&T with a national award, the Chaconia Gold Medal, in 1988 and also conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of the West Indies.

(Extracted from T&T Guardian)

Sport CHRONICLE

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Chanderpaul hits unbeaten 68, as game ends in draw See story on page 27

Guinness Greatest of the Streets football heads to the East Coast

... kicks off tomorrow

AFTER successfully hosting competitions in Georgetown and on the ‘West Side’, the popular Guinness Greatest of the Streets football tournament now heads to the East Coast of Demerara.

Named the ‘East Coast Edition’, the Guinness Greatest of the Streets will kick off tomorrow at the Haslington Market Square and conclude on April 4 at the same venue.

Sixteen teams will compete for a chance of not only winning the $300 000 first place prize, but also be one of the two teams that will represent the East Coast in the National playoffs later in June and ultimately, a chance to don the colours of the Golden Arrowhead in the Caribbean championship.

The second-place team will go home with $150 000, third-placers $100 000 and fourth-placers $50 000.

Lee Baptiste, Banks DIH’s Guinness brand manager, told the Media in his company’s headquarters, that “Banks DIH under the Guinness brand is very proud and thankful for the overwhelming support we’ve gotten to date and we want to assure all that the Guinness in the Streets tournament is here to stay”.

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Representatives from Banks DIH and Petra Organisation at yesterday’s launch.

ICC Annual Conference 2015 to take place in Barbados

Matthew Briggs to join Golden Jaguars for Grenada encounter FORMER Fulham United defender Matthew Briggs will feature for the ‘Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s senior National football team when they face Grenada on March 29 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Briggs, who at 16 years (and 655 days) old, became the youngest player to feature in an English Premier League game, doing so with Fulham United, according to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), will be part of the country’s national unit heading into the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

The now 24-year-old Briggs played for England at the Under-16 and Under-21 levels and remained eligible to represent both the country of his birth and Guyana at the senior level.

A release sent by the GFF did not detail the deal between the Federation and Briggs, but only spoke of his involvement in the National team in their game this weekend against St Lucia.

After being scouted by Fulham at the age of eight, Briggs signed for Fulham. He attracted interest from Premier League teams such as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Although Briggs is primarily a left back, he can play at centre back or as a left winger.

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Matthew Briggs

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday announced that the ICC Annual Conference 2015 will take place in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 22-26.

This will be the first time the ICC’s annual meetings have taken place in the West Indies and with delegates from over 50 ICC members expected to attend it will be the largest ever gathering of cricket administrators in the Americas region.

ICC chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan said: “We are delighted to be taking the ICC Annual Conference to the West Indies for the first time and I am sure both the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the island of Barbados will prove to be excellent hosts for these important meetings.”

The Conference will be hosted by the WICB with the support of the Barbados Cricket Association and Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI).

WICB president Dave Cameron explained: “The award of this highprofile event to our region demonstrates the significant role West Indies cricket continues to play in the global game. We

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WICB president Dave Cameron look forward to welcoming our friends from around the cricket world and highlighting our passion for cricket’s past, present and future.” Turn to page 22 TUESDAY MARCH 17, 2015