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GUYANA

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

PPP/C secures 7 of 10 Regions

No. 104189 THURSDAY MAY 14, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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– 400+ SOPs still to be counted – GECOM rejects PPP/C’s request for recount in Region 4 Page

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Elections Day Sophia arson victim relives carnage

…says conflagration erupted after Granger departed

…salvages belongings under heavy police guard

Centre Page

A wrecker removes one of the badly damaged vehicles spared by the fire as yet another relative salvages whatever household items remain

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Recount about democracy, not a mere win – PPP/C members point to evidence of infractions

By Vanessa Narine

APPROVAL for a recount of votes cast at several polling stations in the 10 electoral districts, as requested by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), was granted late yesterday afternoon by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The ruling party made the request for recounts at approximately 90 polling stations in three regions late Tuesday night and a further request for recounts in the remaining seven regions was made yesterday after additional discrepancies in the electoral process were brought to light.

Party member, Priya Manickchand, at a news conference held at Freedom House yesterday made it clear that the issue at hand is not one of merely winning the 2015 General and Regional Elections, but guarding against the threats to democracy.

NOT FREE FROM FEAR She stressed that while many stakeholders in the electoral process have pub-

Priya Manickchand

Anil Nandlall

licly judged the process as free and fair; in reality it was not “free from F-E-A-R.” While the leadership of the PPP/C remains confident of a win in these elections, Manickchand stressed that allowing the electoral discrepancies to pass, for the sake of a ‘win,’ will find Guyana back into the abyss from which the Guyanese people have struggled to climb over the last two decades.

She contends that PPP/C officials were prevented from doing their jobs during the counting, election day staffers did not do their jobs in a professional manner

as required and reports of these, as well as other infractions made by the party were not given the attention they deserved by GECOM. “These reports were not made for the sake of reporting,” Manickchand said.

Other problems, according to the PPP/C, which were documented and forwarded to GECOM include: misdirection by some GECOM staffers who advised voters, damaged stamps that saw some ballots not being properly stamped, the fact that persons without identification cards were allowed to vote even though their images did not match

those in the files of GECOM staff and the denial of proxy holders to use their proxies, among others.

According to Manickchand, tactics of fear, intimidation and bullyism were employed on Monday, May 11, to disrupt the electoral process.

When questioned on how widespread the infractions were, she explained that several reports from party agents have come to the party leadership’s attention.

On this basis, the PPP/ C member added a question of her own, “Should we accept this?” she said, adding that any count of votes done in an atmosphere of “fear” ought not to be accepted by the Guyanese people.

“Fear was created,” Manickchand said, adding that she personally made a report to a Carter Centre observer whom she met while moving around Region 5 (Demerara/ Mahaica) in her capacity as an Assistant Election Agent (AEA).

Relative to the query of whether or not acts of intimidation were reported to the Guyana Police Force (GPF),

the PPP/C executive member explained that reports were not made because the offending persons could not be identified and, since the priority was to ensure that persons turned out to vote, there was no push to stop the task at hand to make a report to the police.

WITHIN THE LAW Meanwhile, another PPP/C member, Anil Nandlall, was emphatic that the ruling party’s request was made within legal and constitutional frameworks.

He cited Section 84 of Chapter 103 of the Representation of the People Act as one such example and stated that recounts can be requested as late as noon on the day after the returning officers have made their declarations of a final tally.

“The time for a recount has not passed,” he said, while rubbishing what he termed “misinformation” being peddled on this matter.

According to him, the discrepancies in the electoral process have resulted in one major problem: the rejection of ballots.

“We have seen an unusually high number of rejected ballots,” he said.

Nandlall said that the electoral process is a threepronged one that involves voting, counting and the verification of those counts – a process that has not yet been concluded in its entirety.

He also debunked claims that legal action is being advanced to prevent the legal declaration of the results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

“We do not want to delay the results…we are executing our legal rights,” Nandlall said.

He, like Manickchand, also appealed to the Guyanese people to maintain peace and order and await the official results from the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Both PPP/C members made it clear that the results of the 2015 polls must reflect the will of the Guyanese people. Out of a total of 570,787 registered voters and some 2,299 polling stations, with the voter turnout standing at 70 per cent.

Police divisional commanders report post-election calm COMMISSIONER of Police Seelall Persaud yesterday said that their security posture during this election period concentrates on securing GECOM offices and election materials and the preservation of law

and order via intelligencegathering and a system of patrols with the cooperation of the Joint Services.

Meanwhile, all the divisions of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) last night up to press time reported that

it was basically quiet, with most folk staying indoors with little or no commerce as they stayed glued to their television sets awaiting the announcement of the final results for the Regional and General Elections.

Divisional Commanders - Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken said so far all is relatively incident-free but they remain vigilant.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph added that Ber-

bice is as “quiet as a lamb,” but they are working around the clock.

Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith stated that the East Coast is calm and everything is quite normal.

Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman noted that the West Coast of Demerara is almost normal, except that things are a bit slow and dismal.

Senior Superintendent

Calvin Brutus pointed out that everybody is going about their business as per normal.

Senior Superintendent Courtney Ramsey told this publication that nothing much is happening in terms of reports of crimes, but ranks are in place.

Superintendent Kevin Adonis said it is rainy and just quiet in that division, with no incidents of anything extraordinary.

Crime Chief Leslie James told this publication that their priority at this time is to safeguard the lives and properties of Guyanese and maintain law and order during this time.

He stated that they have roving Joint Services patrols countrywide and they are fulfilling their mandate as usual on a 24hour basis and their presence is being felt to keep the peace.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

PPP/C secures support in 7 of 10 regions A SECOND round of preliminary results of the 2015 General and Regional elections released by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), yesterday, saw the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) slipping behind A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), which has a marginal lead of 43 votes in the General elections.

From the 2,299 polling stations, the 1809 Statements of Polls (SoPs) that have been reviewed by GECOM indicate that the PPP/C has amassed 157, 304 votes, while APNU+AFC secured 157,347 votes in the General election.

Some 490 SoPs are still to be reviewed by officials of GECOM. At the Regional polls, 1,753 SoPs reflect that the ruling PPP/C secured seven of the 10 regions – Regions 1 (Barima/ Waini), 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo/ Islands), 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice), 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne), Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper and 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice). The PPP/C has 146,804 votes, while APNU+AFC has some 146, 250. A total of 546 SoPs are still to be reviewed by GECOM. Additionally, the six other political parties secured smaller proportions of support, with The United Force (TUF) being the only party that crossed the 1,000-mark.

The other seven political contenders in the running – out of the 11 parties that initially expressed their interest in contesting – are the Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNT); the United Republican Party (URP); the Independent Party (IP); the Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP); and the National Independence Party (NIP).

These preliminary numbers, reflected in the Statements of Polls that have been acknowledged by GECOM Commissioners and then processed for release, reflect the most recent tallies, which was released to the media yesterday.

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, noted that the verification of the count is “largely completed” but not yet over. “We will not be making any declarations,” he stressed.

Once this is done, the official election results, he assured, will be declared.

Both, Surujbally and the

Chief Elections Officer have committed to a significant declaration by today.

The results are contained in the table below:

– 400+ statements of polls still to be checked

Regional split from 1809 SOPS

Regional split from 1753 SOPS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Gunmen kill 43 in bus attack in Pakistan’s Karachi (Reuters) GUNMEN on motorcycles boarded a bus and opened fire on commuters in Pakistan’s volatile southern city of Karachi on Wednesday, killing at least 43, police said, and militants affiliated with Islamic State claimed responsibility.

The pink bus was pockmarked with bullet holes and blood saturated the seats and dripped out of the doors on to the concrete.

“As the gunmen climbed on to the bus, one of them shouted, ‘Kill them all!’ Then they started indiscriminately firing at everyone they saw,” a wounded woman told a television channel by phone.

Police Superintendent Najib Khan told Reuters there were six gunmen and that all the passengers were Ismailis, a minority Shi’ite Muslim sect. Pakistan is mostly Sunni.

Militant group Jundullah, which has attacked Muslim

Ambulances and people gather outside the hospital after an attack on a bus in Karachi, Pakistan, May 13, 2015. Gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a bus in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi on Wednesday, killing at least 43 people, police said, in the latest attack directed against religious minorities this year. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro

minorities before, claimed responsibility. The group has links with the Pakistani Taliban and pledged allegiance to Islamic State in November.

“These killed people were Ismaili and we consider them kafir (non-Muslim).

We had four attackers. In the coming days we will attack Ismailis, Shi’ites and Christians,” spokesman Ahmed Marwat told Reuters.

Later a Twitter account from militants identifying themselves as Islamic State claimed responsibility. It was not possible to verify their claims and they did not provide details of the attack.

“Thanks to God 43 apostates were killed and close to 30 others were wounded in an attack by the soldiers of Islamic State on a bus carrying people of the Shi’ite Ismaili sect ... in Karachi,” said a statement distributed on Twitter by a group calling itself Khorasan Province Islamic State.

Vatican says has agreed first treaty with State of Palestine (Reuters) THE Vatican concluded its first treaty that formally recognises the State of Palestine, with an agreement on Catholic Church activities in areas controlled by

the Palestinian Authority, the Holy See said on Wednesday.

The agreement “aims to enhance the life and activities of the Catholic Church and its recognition at the judicial

level,” said Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, the Vatican’s deputy foreign minister who led its six-person delegation in the talks.

The text of the treaty has been concluded and will be officially signed by the respective authorities “in the near future,” a joint statement released by the Vatican said.

Vatican officials stressed that although the agreement was significant, it certainly did not constitute the Holy See’s first recognition of the State of Palestine.

“We have recognised the State of Palestine ever since it was given recognition by the United Nations and it is

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already listed as the State of Palestine in our official yearbook,” Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.

On November 29, 2012, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution recognising Palestine as an observer non-member state. This was welcomed at the time by the Vatican, which has the same observer non-member status at the UN. The treaty announcement comes days before Francis is to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who plans to attend a Mass on Sunday that will make saints of two Palestinian-born nuns who lived in the 19th and early

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20th centuries.

During a three-day visit to the Middle East a year ago, Pope Francis delighted his Palestinian hosts by referring to the “state of Palestine”, giving support for their bid for full statehood recognition, and the new treaty further solidifies the relationship between the Vatican and Palestinians.

European Jewish Congress President Moshe Kantor called the treaty “unfortunate”, saying it would “diminish the chances of a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict and embolden extremists”.

Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League said

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the treaty was “premature” and said it would undermine a negotiated, two-state solution to the conflict.

In an interview with the Vatican’s official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s deputy foreign minister Camilleri said he hoped the agreement would indirectly help the Palestinian State in its relations with Israel.

“It would be positive if the accord could in some way help with the establishment and recognition of an independent, sovereign and democratic State of Palestine which lives in peace and security with Israel and its neighbours,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

French President Hollande pledges Haiti investment (BBC News) THE French president has pledged investment to Haiti, but steered clear of the reparations some in the former colony are demanding from Paris.

In the capital Port-auPrince, Francois Hollande said France would spend $145m (£93m) on development projects.

It is the first official visit by a French head of state since Haiti won independence in 1804.

The Caribbean country was forced to pay millions of gold francs to compensate slave owners.

‘Independence debt’ “We can’t change history, but we can change the future,” President Hollande

Mr Hollande, pictured with Haitian President Michel Martelly, acknowledged France’s historic role in the Atlantic slave trade

PAHO wants more trained nurses in the C’bean WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) –THE Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling for more nurses in the Caribbean and the Americas to be trained to provide skilled care.

PAHO said it is also urging that steps be taken to address what it described as inequities in nurse distribution and the problem of out-migration.

“Many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean currently face shortages of nursing personnel, presenting an obstacle to achieving the goal of universal health access

and coverage for all people in the Americas,” PAHO said.

PAHO”s regional advisor on nursing and health technicians, Silvia Cassiani, said nurses are “an important human resource for health”.

He said that nursing personnel make up 60 per cent of the health workforce and cover 80 per cent of health care needs.

“We have to do much more to train more professionals, to make sure they are distributed equitably according to the needs of the population, and to retain them in their workplaces,” she urged.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 23 doctors, nurses and midwives are needed for every 10,000 inhabitants to provide essential health services.

In the Americas, WHO said about 70 per cent of countries have the number of personnel they need, or even more, “but they face challenges in their distribution and training”.

It said out-migration has a “major impact on nursing human resources”, and that the number of nurses from the English-speaking Caribbean

Fines for forest fires may rise

(Trinidad Guardian) FACED with a large number of wild fires, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is considering amending the Agriculture Fires Act to increase the fines for setting fires.

Minister of State in the Ministry, Ramona Ramdial, said Tuesday that the ministry was considering an increase of fines from the current $1,500 to $10,000.

She was speaking during a joint press conference held by the Ministries of the Environment and Water Resources and National Security. The conference was held at the Knowsley Building, Queen’s Park South, Port-of-Spain.

“I want to reiterate to the

public, that the severe consequences resulting from these forest fires will be witnessed very soon and I make reference to flooding, land slips, landslides, loss of wildlife, and even loss of human life during the rainy season [because] of these forest fires and the impact of the dry season,” she said.

However, Ramdial said, to date there was yet to be an arrest made for setting fire to the land.

According to records from the Forestry Division, there have been a total of 268 wild fires that destroyed 908.85 hectares of vegetation—227.59 hectares belonging to private land and 663.31 hectares belonging to state land.

To date, the Forestry Di-

vision has suppressed fires at the Caura Hospital, the Hillview Secondary School, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, San Fernando Hill, Nariva Wetlands, Mt St Benedict, Lady Chancellor Hill, Lopinot, Quinam, and Blue Range, Diego Martin.

Ramdial noted that most of the lands along the foothills of the Northern Range were privately owned, and she called on private land owners to also be cognisant of the environment.

She asked them to not intentionally set fires to clear land during the dry season because these fires were escaping and hundreds of hectares were being burnt in the end.

who are working abroad is estimated to be three times the number of those working in the countries where they were trained.

PAHO lamented that about 42 per cent of nursing positions in the English-speaking Caribbean are vacant due to out-migration.

said on Tuesday.

He added that French investments in development projects - including education - should be seen as an appropriate effort for “a moral debt that exists”.

Mr Hollande’s visit provoked small-scale protests with demonstrators demanding France pay damages for its legacy in Haiti.

Meanwhile, Haitian President Michel Martelly said: “No negotiation, no compensation can repair the wounds of history that still mark us today.

“Haiti has not forgotten, but Haiti is not stubborn,” he added, referring to the debate in Haiti about whether the country can rebuild relations with its former colonial power without demanding reparations.

By declaring independence in 1804, Haiti became the first black republic in the world.

But France demanded that Haiti pay damages and compensation to slave holders for the loss of their profits. Paris warned the new regime that it would face invasion and a return to slavery.

Known as the “independence debt” it was later reduced to 90 million gold

francs ($18.9bn; £12bn) which Haiti continued to pay into the 1940s.

In 2004 during Haiti’s bicentenary celebrations, the then Haitian President, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, demanded compensation from France.

Last year, the 15-member Caribbean Community announced a 10-point plan for seeking reparations from France and other slave-holding European nations on behalf of Haiti and other former colonies.

French administrations have acknowledged the historic wrong of slavery in Haiti and other former colonies but have avoided any real discussion over whether they would return the “independence debt”.

But in 2010 after Haiti’s devastating earthquake, the then French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, spoke about the “wounds of colonisation” and during his administration, France cancelled all of Haiti’s $77m debt.

On Sunday, Mr Hollande acknowledged his country’s historic role in the Atlantic slave trade as he helped inaugurate a $93m slavery memorial in Guadeloupe.

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EDITORIAL

A House divided

A country’s Legislative Assembly is the guardian of the nation. Wikepedia defines Parliament thus: “A Parliament is a legislature. More specifically, “Parliament” may refer only to a democratic government’s legislature.

“The term is derived from the French parlement, the action of parler (“to speak”): A parlement is a discussion. In around 1300 the term came to mean a meeting at which such a discussion took place. It acquired its modern meaning in the mid-14th Century, as it came to be used for the body of people (in an institutional sense) who would meet to discuss matters of State.

“Generally, a Parliament has three functions: Representation, Legislation and Parliamentary control (i.e., hearings, inquiries).”

Therefore, the Parliament of nations is the forum where political parties make representation for the rights of their constituents.

The Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana, embodied in the Schedule of the Guyana Independence Order, made pursuant to the Guyana Independence Act, 1966.

The Guyana Independence Act was passed on May 12, 1966 and came into force on May 26, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana was held on May 26, 1966. While the law enacting Guyana’s Parliament came into force on May 26, 1966, it would be misleading to conclude that Guyana’s Parliamentary system was created at Independence.

In 1831, the three Colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united, and the Colony of British Guiana was formed. From the years 1831 to 1928, the Law-making Body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy.

The Court of Policy consisted of the Governor, seven official members, and eight elected members. The Governor presided in the Court of Policy as its President.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

GUYANA

In 1928, a new Constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony. A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953, a new Constitution was promulgated, and a bicameral legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly, was introduced. The State Council consisted of nine members. The House of Assembly consisted of a Speaker, three ex-officio Members, and twenty-four Elected Members. The Speaker was appointed by the governor. A new and separate department, which was called the Office of the Legislature, was established with a Clerk of the Legislature as its head, to serve the new bicameral Legislature. Also in 1953, a Ministerial system of Government and universal adult suffrage were introduced.

The Legislature that came into effect in May 1953 was short-lived as in October 1953, the British suspended the Constitution and an Interim Government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council 1953. A Legislative Council consisting of a Speaker, three ex-officio Members and not more than twenty-four Nominated Members was created by this Order on December 22, 1953.

The Speaker, who was not an ex-officio member or nominated member of the Legislative Council, was appointed by the Governor.

In 1956, the British Guiana (Constitutional Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from June 29, 1957.

In 1957, general elections were held, and the PPP, under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, won the elections. A second Legislative Council, constituted under the (British Guiana Constitution Temporary Provisions) Orders in Council 1953 and 1956 was appointed. The Legislative Council consisted of the Speaker, three ex– offcio members, fourteen elected members, and eleven nominated members.

In 1961, a new Constitution was established and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of

thirteen members, who were appointed by the Governor. Of the thirteen members, eight were appointed by the Governor in accordance with the advice of the Premier; three were appointed by the Governor, acting in consultation with such persons as, in his discretion, he considered could have spoken for the political points of view of groups represented in the Legislative Assembly by members constituting the minority, and two were appointed by the Governor acting in his discretion.

The Legislative Assembly consisted of thirty-five members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post. Elections were held in May 1961, and the Peoples Progressive Party won 21 of the 35 seats in the Legislative Assembly. A Council of Ministers, consisting of a Premier and nine other Ministers was also created. The Council of Ministers had general direction and control of the country, and was collectively responsible to the Legislature.

The Council of Ministers and the Premier were all members of the Legislative Assembly. The Premier was appointed by the Governor as a Member of the Legislative Assembly who was best able to command the confidence of a majority of members of the Legislative Assembly.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan was appointed Guyana’s first Premier on October 6, 1961. Guyana’s Parliament is therefore an emblem of this nation’s freedom from serfdom under colonial rule. Thus, one wonders why our leaders have made this august House a circus, whereby everyone tries to score political points instead of putting it to effective usage of looking after the people’s business, with the good of the nation taking priority over all other considerations.

Whatever the configuration of the 11th Parliament, it is to be hoped that leaders display a level of maturity, and cooperate in the interests of the people who elected them to serve their interests in that assemblage specially designed to discuss and debate policies that will determine a nation’s developmental paradigm and fiscal affairs.

When the PPP/C won the elections in 2011, newly-elected President Donald Ramotar tried everything within his power to run the country with consensual positions, partnering with the Opposition in efforts to heal the nation and create a harmonious ambience for his Government that he hoped would redound to the benefit of the people. However, he was met with strong resistance and lack of co-operation from both the APNU and the AFC. At every step of the way, he reached out to stakeholders in the land, including the joint Opposition, because he recognised that consensual positions in formulating policy decisions was imperative to nation-building.

It is to be hoped that the 11th Parliament would not replicate the 10th Parliament, in that unnecessary impasses will not be created that consequences impeded economic growth and social development in the nation.

The 10th Parliament proved that if the House is divided, the nation suffers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Royal Commonwealth Society forms youth network to prevent child marriage YOUNG gender specialists and advocates from 22 countries and every Region of the Commonwealth have gathered in Malta to form the first youth-led, Commonwealth network to campaign on gender equality issues: the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network. A key subject for discussion and action is child marriage: a human rights violation, a consequence and a cause of gender inequality, and a major barrier to economic growth and development in many Commonwealth countries.

Opening the conference, the President of Malta, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca welcomed the delegates and stressed the importance of their objectives in feeding into the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.

President of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Rt. Hon Lord Howell of Guildford, said that there

can be no prosperity without equality: “Women’s equality is not just a matter of fairness, and not just an ethical and social concern. It is the high road to sustainable economic progress and development… millions of women and girls are still oppressed, abused, forced into marriages, degraded, barred from a full life.”

Child marriage not only affects maternal health, but it also means that many Commonwealth countries are missing out on opportunities for development by denying half of their workforce the opportunity to continue their education and make decisions about their futures. Despite clear political will to end child marriage, there is a long way to go: 43% of women age 20-14 in the Commonwealth were married as children.

The Royal Commonwealth Society and Plan UK today presented the interim findings of their report, The

President Carter Calls for Release of Guyana’s Election Results

Jimmy FORMER U.S. President Jimmy Carter has urged Guyana’s election commission to release election results and called on political leaders to act responsibly.

“I call on GECOM to urgently publicize all of the results that it has received and reviewed in Georgetown. Political leaders should act responsibly and allow GECOM to continue its work,” Carter said. “The law provides for recounts,

Carter and the submission of election petitions following the declaration of results by GECOM.” “All sides should avoid taking unnecessary actions that could contribute to a climate of fear or threaten peace. I urge the Guyanese people to remain patient and to reflect the dignity and integrity of what took place on election day. The voters have spoken and the results will be available soon.”

Role of Education in Preventing Child Marriage in the Commonwealth, to H.E the President of Malta. The full report will be launched at the June 2015 Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers (CCEM) to highlight the need for further action from Commonwealth Governments to end child marriage.

Both within the Commonwealth and internationally, pressure is mounting on governments to act to end child marriage. At the 2013

CHOGM in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Heads ‘mandated the Commonwealth Secretariat, within the scope of its strategic plan, to continue with this area of work, including the sharing of best practices, challenges, achievements, and to address implementation gaps to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage.’

It is hoped that this report, the work of the Network, and the on-going work of the RCS, will also feed into the Women’s and

1,408 to benefit

PM promises HDC houses at $100 (Trinidad Express) MORE than 1,400 Housing Development Corporation (HDC) tenants are set to benefit from the Government’s proposed $100 home purchase plan announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The initiative is being called “Developing a Homeowning Democracy.”

During the United National Congress’ (UNC) Monday Night Forum in Diego Martin, Persad-Bissessar promised that, if re-elected, the People’s Partnership Government would ensure that citizens who have been renting HDC units for more than 30 years would be allowed to purchase those homes for just $100.

Previously, you did not have a piece of paper to say this is mine. When you get your piece of paper now, this home will be your home, she said.

Speaking to the Express yesterday, HDC’s corporate communications and consultant manager Maurisa Findlay said 1,408 people have been renting HDC homes for 30-plus years.

She said these tenants are spread across 51 communities and 402 units.

These buildings start from Independence Square, Port of Spain, to communi-

ties in Laventille, Beetham Gardens, Morvant. In San Fernando there are communities in Lady Hailes Avenue, Pleasantville, Roy Joseph Street, Point Lisas and also there is the Maloney housing communities,” she said.

Noting that one of the HDC’s mandates is to respond to Government policy and directives, Findlay said the corporation is up to the task with respect to the initiative announced by the Prime Minister.

“We work from Sunday to Sunday so we will get the job done,” she said.

Asked about how this new arrangement will affect the HDC’s income stream, Housing Minister, Dr. Roodal Moonilal said it will not result in significant loss of earnings.

“Of course it will affect HDC’s income stream because we will stop collecting rent. We don’t have a magnitude as to how it will affect the income but we don’t expect a very significant effect on our income,” he said.

He added: “This initiative will give more independence to persons in what we call the bondage of rental and it is meant to liberate them to home ownership.”

Youth Forums, to be held at the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Malta in November.

The Royal Commonwealth Society and Plan UK’s report reveals that:

• Around 375 million women alive today were married or entered into union before their 18th birthday - this is over 16 per cent of the Commonwealth’s population, and amounts to 52 per

cent of women aged over 18 years old in the Commonwealth.

• At current rates, 43 per cent of women in the Commonwealth are married before they reach 18. This is indicative that prevalence is reducing. However, the number still amounts to over 44 million 20-24 yearolds who were married as children.

• Over 2 in every five girls in the Commonwealth will be married before age 18 at current rates.

Agriculture Ministry to work with CIB to replant coffee trees

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (JIS) –THE Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), will be working with the Coffee Industry Board (CIB) to ensure the replanting of coffee plants in the Blue Mountain region damaged by recent fires.

In a Statement to the House of Representatives on May 12, portfolio Minister Derrick Kellier said the Ministry has already identified the source for some 100,000 seedlings for replanting in the fall crop, starting in September.

He further noted that the Ministry will be assisting with the provision of some inputs to assist with the replanting programme.

The Minister said that members of extension support team remain on full alert on the ground to provide the necessary advice and extension services.

Kellier informed that the Coffee Industry Board has advised that to date, some 120 hectares of coffee valued at $60 million have been destroyed.

However, the Minister pointed out that so far, over 90 per cent of the current coffee crop was already reaped prior to the fires.

Kellier said that it is estimated that the loss over a three-year period will be some $100 million and an

additional $100 million will be required to assist with the replanting programme.

For communities, such as Mavis Bank, Flamstead and Content, preliminary estimates indicate that some 500 acres of agricultural lands have been destroyed by the fires, resulting in the loss of crops valued at $200 million.

“Given that the majority of our small farmers are located on marginal hillside lands, it is of paramount importance that we continue to implement and maintain the practice of climate-smart agriculture, to include the construction of hillside ditches, trenches and stone and contour barriers,” Kellier said.

Meanwhile, the Minister is appealing to farmers to desist from the slash and burn method to clear lands.

“I am beseeching our farmers to resist the temptation to light fires. I urge you to speak to your RADA officers about alternative means of clearing lands. I further appeal to the general citizenry to be more conscious about the impact that our burning practices can have on life, property and production. Desist, therefore, from indiscriminately throwing your cigarette butts, or lighting fires to get rid of your solid waste,” Kellier urged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

High standard in management of voting process, Commonwealth observers say

By Tajeram Mohabir THE Commonwealth Observer Group has reported that from its assessment, all aspects of the opening of polls, voting and counting of results were conducted to a high standard, and for this the polling staff and GECOM are to be commended.

Chairman of the Commonwealth Group, Kate Wilkinson said polling stations opened on time, were appropriately laid out and were supplied with adequate materials.

“The need to protect the secrecy of the ballot was clearly well thought-out, and the layout of most polling stations more than adequately provided for it.

“Polling staff appeared to be knowledgeable, methodical and diligent in following the laid out voting and vote counting procedure. We saw a high number of all-female polling staff teams. Political party agents and domestic observers appeared to be satisfied with the transparency of the process at all of its stages,” Wilkinson told reporters at a press briefing at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, yesterday.

She said it was evident that polling officials were ready to assist elderly and disabled voters, but the location and layout of polling stations were in several cases not designed to facilitate those with limited or different physical or other needs.

“Security presence at polling stations appeared to be adequate and non-intrusive. The preparedness of the police and defence forces to maintain peace throughout is to be commended,” Wilkinson noted.

But it was pointed out that the portraits of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Education were in full and prominent view in a significant number of primary and nursery schools that served as polling stations.

In most instances, polling staff were not aware of instructions from GECOM to cover or remove them, Wilkinson said.

ISOLATED INCIDENTS It was also observed by the Observer Group that isolated incidents of unrest took place across the country on Election Day, including an incident at the St Sidwell School polling station, which

Chairman of the Commonwealth Group, Kate Wilkinson

was responsibly contained by the leadership of a contesting political alliance, the police and polling staff.

“We note that the legal framework sufficiently provides for the conduct of credible elections, and key stakeholders appear to have confidence in GECOM’s ability to manage the administrative aspects of the elections process,” Wilkinson related.

From the Commonwealth Group’s observation, polling officials appeared to be adequately trained to undertake their duties on Elections Day and were sufficiently familiar with their responsibilities.

Concerns were raised about the margin of increase in the Voters’ Register since the last General and Regional Elections in 2011.

“We noted the official response by GECOM. This issue did not result in any political party or alliance abstaining from participating in the election,” Wilkinson said.

The group also observed a competitive and lively election campaign environment in the country. Large public rallies were held and were well attended. Election campaign materials were seen displayed across the country.

It noted the concerns raised about the inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks by elements of political leadership during the campaign period.

This was especially disappointing, the group said, pointing out that it violated the voluntary code of conduct agreed by political parties, which is aimed at guarding against malicious and confrontational campaigning.

ALLEGATIONS OF VOTE BUYING “We note with concern a number of allegations of direct vote buying and the misuse of state resources to induce voters,” Wilkinson also reported.

It was clear to the observer group that Guyana has an active media sector, and this election period was extensively reported in print and on TV, radio and online.

The role of social media in this campaign, including social networking sites and blogs, appears to have increased in comparison to the last election, the Group observed.

“The Media Monitoring Unit has highlighted incidents of biased reporting.

We note the domination of state owned media. We are concerned about the lack of fair access to all parties.

These issues are especially concerning considering the fact that all major media outlets are also signatories to a code of conduct which binds them to balanced, fair and accurate coverage in election periods,” Wilkinson said.

Meanwhile, Wilkinson said the smooth transmission of Statements of Polls to returning officers and the Chief Election Officer is vital to the timely announcement of results.

“We urge political parties, citizens and other stakeholders to continue to display the admirable restraint and patience they have so

far exercised as they wait for the official results from GECOM. “Before our departure from Georgetown on 17 May, we will prepare a final report of our detailed findings and assessment on these National and Regional Elections. Our report will contain a set of recommendations that will improve Guyana’s electoral processes.”

The Commonwealth, if requested, will provide the technical expertise required to implement these recommendations, Wilkinson said, adding that: “We urge Guyana’s authorities to seriously consider them and to commit to their implementation.”

The report of the Commonwealth Observer Group will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary General, who will in turn release it to GECOM, political parties, Commonwealth governments, and ultimately the public.

The Commonwealth team was deployed to six of the 10 regions. Prior to Election Day, team members met election officials, members of the police, other observer groups, and members of the public to understand election preparations in these areas.

GECOM says no to 267 requested – still no green light for recounts in Region 4 recounts in seven regions RECOUNTING is ongoing at polling stations in Regions 1 (Barima/ Waini) and 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) – two of the 10 regions where recounts were requested by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, yesterday disclosed that the Returning Officers, in whose hands the decision lies, are yet to grant approval for the recounts in seven regions – Regions 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

“The Regional Offi-

Keith Lowenfield

cers have not responded to the PPP/C, to say if they will or will not entertain the request,” he said at a

news conference, held at GECOM’s Command Centre, High Street.

Lowenfield explained that all the Regional Officers are in receipt of correspondence from the PPP/C detailing their request for recounts and have deliberated with him “fully” regarding the move forward.

“When the letters were received by Returning Officers, they engaged me and we deliberated… action or inaction is to be decided and is within the hands of the Returning Officers,” he said, adding that they

understand the legal parameters, within which they work.

Meanwhile, the GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, made it clear that the Returning Officers are not subjected to instructions by the Commission, rather are independent and told to work within the law.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle was informed last evening that the Returning Officer in Region 4 has denied the PPP/C requests to have 267 recounts, out of many others

made.

The letter from the GECOM official, seen by this newspaper, however, cites no reason for the denial of the request.

This newspaper was informed that recounting efforts in Regions 1 and 2 were suspended before midnight. With an assurance by GECOM that additional preliminary results will be released today, questions are being asked about whether or not the completion of the process will be facilitated.

The PPP/C has charged

that there are a number of serious irregularities in the electoral process, for example the issue of broken stamps, which resulted in a high number of ballots being rejected for want of an official mark.

Other problems, according to the PPP/C, which were documented and forwarded to GECOM include misdirection by some GECOM staffers who advised voters, and the denial of proxy holders to use their proxies, among others.

(Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Over 130 charged since ‘anti-gang legislation’ passed KINGSTON, Jamaica – SINCE the passing of the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) Act or the ‘anti-gang legislation’ just over a year ago, more than 130 people have been charged.

This is according to a news release from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit, which said that along with the work of the National Strategic Anti-Gang Unit (NSAGU) – based at the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch (C-TOC) – it has seen the capture of seven of Jamaica’s

most wanted men.

The release said that among those captured are Aston ‘Daley Boy’ Daley, who was arrested in March of this year, and Ryan Brembridge, otherwise called ‘Little Blacks’, who was captured in an operation in Westmoreland in 2014.

Both men, the police report, have since been charged, with the Brembridge being collared under the Criminal Suppression Act for leading a criminal organisation.

However, the police say although they have seen some successes, more can be

achieved with the support of citizens.

“Residents are being encouraged to take note of happenings in their communities, and to report any suspicious activity promptly,” the CCU said. “In addition, parents who suspect gangs are influencing their children may contact the Unit (NSAGU) directly by calling 967-1389.

The police say people may also contact Crime Stop at 311, 811 or 119 as well as use the Stay Alert app, which is available for download free from the Google Play store, to report gang activity.

Four children killed in rocket attack in Libya’s Benghazi city: officials (Reuters) FOUR children were killed in rocket attack on an area of the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi where Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a mortar attack, officials said on Wednesday.

The children were killed on Tuesday when a rocket hit their neighborhood, near an area where army forces and Islamist brigades have been fighting, Libya’s internationally recognized government said in a statement.

“Four innocent children were killed by an extremist terrorist group in one of the ugliest crimes,” the government of Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni said in a statement.

Militants claiming loyalty to Islamic State said on Twitter they had fired mortar rockets into the dis-

trict where the children were killed. They posted pictures purportedly showing their fighters loading and firing mortars, without mentioning the children.

Benghazi has been a battlefield for a year between army forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, Thinni’s general, and Islamist groups, dividing Libya’s second-largest city.

The army flew air strikes against the Islamist groups in the port area on Wednesday, a military source said. There was no immediate word on casualties.

The battle is part of wider conflict between former rebels groups who helped topple Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 but have now fallen out along tribal, regional and political lines.

Islamic State militants have exploited the security

vacuum as two governments fight each other, with neither side dominating the other.

The militants have killed dozens of foreign Christians and attacked oil fields and a luxury hotel in Tripoli.

Thinni was forced to flee the capital, Tripoli, in August when a rival group seized it and set up a rival administration backing the Benghazi-based Islamist groups.

Army forces have regained some areas in Benghazi lost last year, but the port area and several districts are still dominated by Majlis al-Shura, the umbrella of Islamist brigades.

Islamic State militants posted in a separate Twitter message pictures purportedly showing its fighters digging tunnels to gain access to the central port area.

No sign of missing U.S. aid helicopter after second Nepal quake (Reuters) A DAYLONG search failed to find a missing U.S. Marine helicopter on Wednesday, a day after the second Nepal earthquake in less than three weeks killed scores and triggered landslides across the Himalayan nation.

Nepal is still reeling from last month’s devastating quake, which killed more than 8,000 people and injured close to 20,000.

The U.S. helicopter was delivering aid in Dolakha, one of the districts hit hardest by both quakes, on Tuesday when it went missing with six Marines and two Nepali soldiers on board.

Six Nepali helicopters and about 400 soldiers found no sign of the Ma-

rine Corps UH-1Y Huey in forested and rugged terrain.

“There is no positive confirmation of any sighting of the aircraft, and we have no communication with them at this moment,” said Marines spokeswoman Captain Cassandra Gesecki. She said there was no evidence to indicate a crash.

Roads in Dolakha were cracked and littered with large boulders, a Reuters witness said. In the village of Suspa Kshamawati, 80 percent of the houses were destroyed.

Krishna Budhathoki, 40, now lives in his cattle pen. “We want to be able to build a new home before the monsoon, but there’s not enough time to do so now, and how can we build

during the rainy season?” he said.

The Canadian Red Cross pulled a nine-member medical team out of Tatopani, which is on the road from Kathmandu to Tibet and was close to the epicenter of Tuesday’s earthquake, citing the danger of landslides.

“When the earthquake happened, big blocks of mountain came down that took away houses,” team leader Cyril Stein told Reuters from Kathmandu. “I heard the top of a mountain collapse while I was on the telephone with my team.”

The field clinic, which had been treating more than 50 patients a day, was threatened by a mountain block that looked like it might break loose, he said.

North Korea executes defense chief with an anti-aircraft gun: South Korea agency (Reuters) NORTH KOREA executed its defense chief by putting him in front of an anti-aircraft gun at a firing range, Seoul’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers, which would be the latest in a series of high-level purges since Kim Jong Un took charge.

Hyon Yong Chol, who headed the isolated nuclear-capable country’s military, was charged with treason, including disobeying Kim and falling asleep during an event at which North Korea’s young leader was present, according to South Korean lawmakers briefed in a closed-door meeting with the spy agency on Wednesday.

His execution was watched by hundreds of people, according to NIS intelligence shared with law-

makers.

It was not clear how the NIS obtained the information and it is not possible to independently verify such reports from within secretive North Korea.

“The NIS official said it had been confirmed by multiple sources. It is still just intelligence, but he said they were confident,” Shin Kyoung-min, a lawmaker and member of the opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, who attended the briefing, told Reuters.

Experts on North Korea said there was no sign of instability in Pyongyang, but there could be if purges continued.

Kim had previously ordered the execution of 15 senior officials this year as punishment for challenging

his authority, according to the NIS. In all, some 70 officials have been executed since Kim took over after his father’s death in 2011, Yonhap news agency cited the NIS as saying.

“There is no clear or present danger to Kim Jong Un’s leadership or regime stability, but if this continues to happen into next year, then we should seriously start to think about revising our scenarios on North Korea,” said Michael Madden, an expert on the country’s leadership who contributes to the 38 North think tank in Washington.

Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korea specialist at Dongguk University in Seoul, said the regime could “reach its limit” if Kim’s purges continued.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

$84.5M Moleson Caricom Observer Creek Bridge to be Mission extends completed by August stay in Guyana – says elections process was free, fair and transparent

By Tajeram Mohabir

Moleson Creek Bridge under construction

A SECOND bridge in Moleson Creek, Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), costing $84.5M, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed

by August.

The construction of the bridge under the aegis of the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) began on February 27, 2015 by B & J Civil Works and is expected to be completed by August month-end. The bridge under construction will be 150 feet in length.

According to Sherod Parkinson, the Ministry of Public Works Engineer overseeing the project, works to be carried out include the replacement of structural steel and driving surface and widening of support piers.

He noted that “due to the heavy traffic to and from the Moleson Creek Stelling, the Ministry initiated the expansion of two bridges, allowing for wider shoulders

to alleviate traffic flow.”

Meanwhile, the other bridge was completed in October 2014.

Recently the Public Works Ministry related that repairs to the Old Mahaica Bridge were completed and is now opened to restricted vehicular traffic as of April 29, 2015. The restrictions are as follows: maximum height 9 feet (3.7m) and maximum load 4 tonnes per axle. All vehicles exceeding these limits MUST use the bridge along the Mahaica/Rosignol roadway which is approximately 2,500 feet (800m) from the Mahaica old bridge.

The Ministry has indicated that signs have been placed along the roadway approaching the bridge in both directions to indicate these restrictions. The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) is therefore advising drivers to adhere to the restrictions.

Rehabilitation works included the removal and

replacement of damaged steel components, reinforced concrete deck, new revetments on both ends of the 175 feet long structure, new galvanized pipe hand rails, placing of restriction barriers with signs, and chipping, cleaning and painting of the existing girders.

“Pedestrians, vehicle drivers, commuters and residents expressed their gratitude to the Ministry for the project, and promised to report any vehicles trying to violate these restrictions that have been implemented,” the Ministry stated.

The $33.9M rehabilitation of the landmark bridge, which connects Regions 4 and 5, started in September 2014 but faced a delay due to unforeseen structural decay. Works on the 118- year-old bridge were carried out by KB & B Contractors. Khiraj Bisesar, a MPW engineer, monitored the project.

GPHC hosts activities in honour of Int’l Nurses Day 2015 IN observance of International Nurses Day 2015 the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has planned a number of activities to recognise the hard work of nurses at the health care institution.

The activities which kicked off with a church service on Sunday, May 10

will conclude on Saturday, May 23 with a social evening of games, poetry, singing, modeling and mother and daughter fashion show.

Some of the other activities include the presentation of tokens to nurses at the hospital, Nurses Day Lunch, Panel Discussion and Education Day.

This year’s Nurses Day is being celebrated under the theme: “Nurses: A Force for Change: Care Effective, Cost Effective”.

Meanwhile, the management of GPHC expressed gratitude to its nurses for their dedication in ensuring that quality service is provided to patients.

THE Caricom Election Observation Mission has extended its stay in Guyana but not before declaring that the elections process of the 2015 Regional and General Elections was free, fair and transparent.

Chairman of the Caricom Observer Mission, Earl Simpson told reporters yesterday that the regional team was scheduled to depart Guyana on May 12 and 13 but Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque requested that they stay on until the transmission and announcement of the official results, and they complied.

The mission reported that the procedures and orders of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) were observed, and all places of poll were opened on time.

The Caricom team observed voting at over 224 polling stations within 87 polling places. It also noted that polling staff were conversant with the counting process and they all executed their duties in a professional manner.

“We believe that the elections process was free, fair and transparent. The secrecy of the ballot was protected at all times and respected.

The conduct of the poll should result in the expression of the will of the people of Guyana.

We urged the people of Guyana to await the of-

Chairman of the Caricom Observer Mission, Earl Simpson

ficial announcement of the results and accept the decision regardless of the winner,” Simpson said.

The Caricom team focused on the administration side of the voting process on Monday, and Simpson reported that his team was impressed with GECOM. On a different note, he said, the various issues that affect the electoral process in Guyana are systemic in nature. He suggested that in order to solve these issues, it would require whoever wins the elections and forms the next Government to work with the Opposition to address them.

It will require the two parties to be bold, brave and transformational, putting their country first and their party second and making comprehensive legislative changes to the constitution and electoral laws of Guyana.

“This process has to

be led by the leader of the ruling party and the Leader of the Opposition party for it to garner the support of their political party members,” he said, pointing out: “We believe that after the legislative changes are enacted, then Caricom can be approached to provide experience and technical expertise from member states within Caricom who have the capacity to assist in the transformation of the electoral process.”

Simpson underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, and for it to have the support of political stakeholders.

“We stand ready to support our brothers in the Caribbean community in ensuring that the electoral process that emerged from any change to the laws of Guyana are acceptable and embraced,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

La Jalousie businessman remanded over frozen shrimp cocaine shipment

THE La Jalousie businessman who is accused of masterminding the attempt to smuggle cocaine overseas concealed in a shipment of frozen shrimp appeared yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and was remanded to prison.

Mohamed Ali, 51 years, resides at Lot 11 La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara with his wife and three children, and is engaged in the business of shipping seafood overseas.

It is alleged that on May 10 at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, Ali had in his possession 51.63 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The businessman strongly denied the allegation, and his lawyer Mr. Bernard Da Silva in his application for

reasonable bail argued that the drug was not found in his client’s possession or was he around where the alleged drug was found by the police.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that on the day in question the businessman dispatched a shipment of 48 boxes of seafood to be taken to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by his driver to be loaded onto a Caribbean Airlines flight when it is alleged that he made contact with the said driver at the airport and requested him to cancel the shipment and return back to base.

Mangru explained that ranks of the Guyana Police Force Narcotics Branch became suspicious and conducted a search on the boxes when the drug was found.

The driver was questioned and when the shipment was

examined ranks found a total of 48 parcels of cocaine lying in eight different boxes beneath the frozen shrimp.

After interrogation the businessman was arrested in connection with the drug find. However, the lawyer argued that his client is a man of ordinary means and does not possess the money to have financed the quantum of cocaine intercepted which would attract a $51million investment.

The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that while the drug was not found in the actual possession of the defendant, he had knowledge and control over the drug found.

The businessman was remanded to prison until May 28 when he will make his appearance at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Miner jailed for scalding sister with hot rice A miner who scalded his sister with hot rice after a family spat was yesterday sentenced to three years imprisonment after being found guilty of the offence.

Daniel Young, 28, of Lot 49 East La Penitence, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in early March charged with unlawfully assaulting his sister with intent to maim, disfigure or cause her grievous bodily harm.

D a n i e l Yo u n g w a s yesterday found guilty as charged for the offence, which stated that on March 15 at East La Penitence, with intent to maim, disfigure or to cause grievous bodily harm, he unlawfully assaulted Natasha Young.

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

The VC was rushed to the

Georgetown Hospital, where she was said to be in critical condition.

The matter was prosecuted by Police Corporal Shawn Gonzales while the man was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Clyde Forde.

The defendant in open court told the magistrate that he was remorseful for what happened to his sister. The magistrate explained to him that his sister had suffered from 15% of her body being severely burnt from his cruel action, causing her to undergo surgery.

The magistrate in sentencing him considered the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the VC received second and third degree burns to her face, chest and back.

Black Miss Japan fights for race revolution ARIANA Miyamoto entered the Miss Universe Japan beauty contest after a mixed-race friend committed suicide. And she endured abuse after winning the crown because of her skin colour.

Far from being put off by the backlash, Miyamoto resolved to use her new-found fame to help fight racial prejudice, in much the same way British supermodel Naomi Campbell broke down cultural barriers in the fashion industry a generation ago.

“I’m stubborn,” said Miyamoto, the daughter of a Japanese mother and black American father, who turned 21 on Tuesday.

“I was prepared for the criticism; I’d be lying to say it didn’t hurt at all. I’m Japanese; I stand up and bow when I answer the phone.

But that criticism did give me extra motivation,” she told AFP in an interview.

“I didn’t feel any added pressure, because the reason I took part in the pageant was my friend’s death. My goal was to raise awareness of racial discrimination,” added Miyamoto, who was bullied as a schoolgirl growing up in the port town of Sasebo, near Nagasaki.

“Now I have a great platform to deliver that message as the first black Miss Universe Japan. It’s always hard to be the first, so in that respect, what Naomi Campbell did was really amazing,” she said.

Social media lit up after Miyamoto’s victory in March, with many critics complaining the title should have gone to what they called a “pure” Japanese, rather than a “haafu” (the Japanese pronunciation of “half”, a word used to describe mixed race).

Miyamoto, who turns heads in Japan with her caramel skin and height of 1.73 m (5 ft 8 ins), admitted she has had to toughen up.

“I used to get bullied as a kid, but I’ve gotten mentally stronger, to protect myself,” said the model, whose first language is Japanese, screwing up her nose in mock horror when handed an English menu by a waitress.

“When I was small, I stood out and always felt I had to fit in with everyone. I’d try not to bring attention to myself, but now I say what I feel; I do things my own way.

“I want to start a revolution,” Miyamoto added with a laugh. “I can’t change things overnight, but in 100-200 years, there will be very few pure Japanese left, so we have to start changing the way we think.”

‘SHOCK OF THE NEW’ The hostility Miyamoto faced sits at odds with a government-sponsored drive to promote the country overseas as “Cool Japan”, and entice foreign tourists for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Some point to the success of mixed-race celebrities such as Rola, a model of Bengali, Japanese and Russian descent, and half-British singer and actress, Becky, as proof of Japan’s openness to change.

“It’s possible that some conservative people might feel Ariana Miyamoto doesn’t fit the traditional Japanese image to represent the country,” said psychologist Yoko Haruka, a regular on Japanese TV. “It’s just the shock of the new. But she certainly has the chance to be a pioneer, and it’s an excellent opportunity for Japan to become

Ariana Miyamoto

more globally aware.”

Miyamoto argues that any shift still favours Caucasian or Eurasian lineage in an overwhelmingly homogenous country, where multi-racial children make up just two per cent of those born annually.

“In Japan, there are hardly any black models or TV personalities,” she said. “Most celebrities are like Rola or Becky. Hopefully, I can help create a Japan where anyone can make things happen.”

Should Miyamoto win the Miss Universe finals later this year, she would spend a year living in splendour at New York’s Trump Towers, and her influence over issues close to her heart, which also include gender identity disorder, would be greatly enhanced.

But despite her noble intentions, Miyamoto has no plans to run for political office just yet.

“I’d like to use my position to become a leader,” she smiled. “I’m like a sponge, always absorbing new things. But I haven’t thought too deeply about politics yet. It’s still a bit early to think about becoming Prime Minister!” (AFP)

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‘Voice of Faith’ adds voice to calls for peace

– prays God keep watch over Guyana AS Guyanese countrywide await the announcement of the elections results, the Voice of Faith Miracle Ministries church on the Essequibo Coast is praying that peace will prevail in the country, and that God will keep watch over Guyana.

A release from the church said all Guyanese should be involved in prayers at this time, and respect the results that will be announced by GECOM. The church is praying that Guyanese, especially those in the capital, respect each other, fear God, and live in harmony so God can continue to bless this great land of ours.

The church said prayers will continue for God’s intervention in the affairs of Guyana and for love and peace to prevail over the nation. The church is also calling on all Guyanese to respect the laws of the country, and to see each other with love and brotherhood, and not to let politics divide them. God is the answer to every problem, they say.

Meanwhile on the Essequibo Coast, residents have started to be become a bit restless about the announcement of the election results. Several persons have questioned the sloth of GECOM staff in tabulating the results. They say it’s terribly frustrating, and is

causing Essequibians to become unsure about what is happening with the results.

Reports are that many persons are seen discussing the matter of the election results in groups at roadsides, bridges or at liquor shops.

The announcement of the election results has also become a burning issue among housewives, young people, rice farmers, fishermen, teachers, nurses and even the elderly folks. Every person seems to have their own pronouncement on the election results.

The Region continues to enjoy peace, while everything is back to normalcy after the election.

(Rajendra Prabhulall)

Essequibians form new fishing organisation

– in bid to make industry more vibrant A NEW fishing organisation has been formed on the Essequibo Coast to represent all fishermen, and develop the industry in the Supenaam-Pomeroon Region.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Alli Baksh, and Minister of Labour with responsibility for cooperatives, Dr. Nanda Gopaul met recently with more than 80 fishermen in the Regional Boardroom at Anna Regina and discussed several issues affecting the fishing industry in Region 2.

FUNDING Minister Baksh, who interacted with the fishermen, suggested that they form themselves into a broadbased organisation so they can apply for funding to develop the fishing industry.

He said that doing so will be a step forward in moving

the industry towards adding value to fish and shrimp. He also reminded fishermen that they can apply for duty-free concessions for outboard engines in specified sizes for the fishing industry, and also for export licenses for shrimp. The Minister, however, warned that certain specifications must be met.

The new broad-based committee will represent twelve areas, namely Cotton Field, Lima, Devonshire Castle, Paradise, Cullen, Sparta, Hampton Court, Golden Fleece, Anna Regina, Lima Sands, Better Success and Charity.

Members representing their respective villages on the committee are: Dhaniram (Lima); Garbaran Baychu (Better Success); Govinda Charran (Deveonshire Castle- Paradise); Ram Khemraj Allan (Cullen); Kumar Lallbachan (Charity);

Deonarine Singh (Sparta); Dyal Singh (Lima Sands); Deochan Narine (Hampton Court); Sepersaud (Golden Fleece); and Aaron Singh (Cotton Field/Anna Regina).

S p a r t a ’s D e o n a r i n e Singh will chair the new committee, while Charity’s Kumar Lallbachan is the elected secretary.

Minister Baksh said the new organisation will represent all fishermen on the Essequibo Coast, while Minister Gopaul said he will prepare a draft set of rules and pass it onto the Chairman and Secretary for discussion with members before it is adopted and registered.

The Minister also promised to fast-track the registration of the new organisation through the Co-operatives Department of his Ministry. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

CARICOM accredits new Mexican envoy THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Mexican States on Wednesday solidified diplomatic relations with the accreditation of His Excellency, Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel, at the Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat here in Georgetown.

According to a release from the Secretariat, in accepting the new envoy’s credentials, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque reflected on the longstanding relationship between CARICOM and Mexico. That relationship, the release says, goes back to 1974 when the Spanish-speaking country became the first with which CARICOM established a Joint Commission that facilitated the promotion of economic, cultural and technological cooperation.

Mexico’s advancement, the Secretary-General said, provided the opportunity for the exchange of valuable best practices and cooperation with CARICOM in areas such as climate change, disaster management, health, food security, transnational security, and marine management.

As he told the newly-accredited envoy, “CARICOM embraces the opportunity to continue collaborating with you, especially in the context of our strategic objectives as outlined in the

Mr. Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel presenting his letter of credence to CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Region’s recently adopted Community Strategic Plan.

Working together, we can do much to overcome the challenges posed in these areas by building resilience to reduce our vulnerabilities.”

Ambassador LaRocque further noted that the recently signed Memorandum of Agreement between Mexico and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) was yet another example of the country’s commitment to forging stronger relations with the Region.

Cooperation at the international level, he said, is an extension of the friendship with CARICOM welcoming Mexico’s support and advocacy on critical issues.

“In fora such as the G20, where small states like ours are excluded, Mexico’s membership provides an important platform for your

country to put forward our views on issues such as those related to “graduation” and access to concessionary development financing,” Ambassador LaRocque said, adding that C A R I C O M l o o k e d f o rward to Mexico’s support during the three imminent international conferences: The Third International Conference on Financing for Development; the UN Summit on the Post-2015 Development Agenda; and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in December, COP 21, which all have a bearing on the future global agenda and the development of the Region.

“For us, like other small developing states,” he said, “the outcome of these conferences must take into account our vulnerabilities and special needs.”

Licensed firearm holder charged with murder after shooting outside Palm Court A LICENCED firearm holder who discharged rounds outside the Palm Court night club last Sunday morning was yesterday charged for the murder of Nigel Isaacs who was shot in the head.

Andre Gomes, called ‘Zip’, was not required to plead to the indictable offence which alleged that on January May 10 at Middle Street, Cummingsburg he murdered forty-nine-year-old Isaacs.

Police prosecutor Bharat

Mangru stated that the defendant was arrested after the spent shell which was recovered from the crime scene matched the defendant’s gun.

However, Gomes’ lawyer, Mr. Mark Waldron, said that there is no evidence which stated that someone tried to rob his client and discharged rounds at him. The man was remanded until June 01 when he will make his second court appearance.

The allegations surrounding his arrest stated that at approximately 00:25 hrs on

Sunday, May 10, the driver of HB 4024 accidentally collided with motor car PPP 7994 that was parked in Main Street, Georgetown.

A licensed firearm holder who was in the vicinity confronted the driver and discharged several rounds in his direction. The rounds missed the driver and Isaacs of Guyhoc Gardens, Georgetown was struck to his head.

The injured man was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Georgetown ‘on pause’ while awaiting election results ALTHOUGH activities in parts of Georgetown appeared to be picking up yesterday, the pace was still not yet back to normal as Guyanese were seemingly ‘on pause’ as they eagerly awaited the results of the General and Regional Elections.

Yesterday most of the business entities around Georgetown remained closed or were opened for a short period.

Apart from the businesses, some schools still remained closed to the majority of the student population, apart from those who are writing the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) exams. (Navendra Seoraj)

A few businesses on Regent Street can be seen closed

The streets still seem fairly clear as persons await the election results

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Elections Day Sophia arso GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

…says conflagration erupted after Granger departe

By Gary Eleazar

They, the trained “would represent the PPP/C’s interest in th He told the Guya er of the duties of th staff recruited and t mand Centre, would comrades with task names on the Offic and assigning pollin among other frequen The Command also served as the cen provision of ancilla polling day staff, suc

PASTOR Narine Kubhlall, the key victim of the carnage in ‘C’ Field Sophia, following the close of polls on Monday last, yesterday along with his wife, children and relatives returned to the Lot 588 premises under heavy police guard to salvage whatever household items remained.

The Guyana Chronicle was at the scene when the Khublalls arrived during the afternoon, by which time a small group had already been assembled for some time outside of the premises where burnt-out shells of a number of vehicles also lay waste.

POLICE GUARD The platoon of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks that had been manning a perimeter cordon around Pastor Kubhlall’s badly damaged property was by this time removed, while a few ranks of the Guyana Police Force remained on the premises.

Despite a brief exchange of words with those gathered at the scene, the Khublalls managed to recover whatever household items remained following the looting and fires on Monday evening.

Pastor Narine, a long standing member of the People’s Progressive Party/

Pastor Narine Khublall taking a photograph of some of the burnt-out vehicles outside of his home yesterday

On Monday last, following rumours that his house was being used as an illegal polling station, an angry mob descended on the location eventually torching a number of vehicles leading to a standoff with ranks of the Security Services.

UNITY/PEACE During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the still somewhat distraught Pastor Narine, did express hope that he could one day return to the place he once called home.

Returning yesterday for the first time since the mayhem on Monday evening, Pastor Khublall told the Guyana Chron-

“I still love the people in Sophia and I pray for unity and peace, whoever wins these elections, we can work together for peace because that’s the change that we need, people must respect the rule of law and be obedient,” Pastor Khublall Civic (PPP/C), has since February of this year, allowed his property to be transformed into the party’s Command Centre for the district.

The scene outside of the PPP/C’s ‘C’ Field Sophia Command Centre yesterday

icle, “I really want to go back to live [in Sophia].”

According to Pastor Khublall, “I still love the people in Sophia and I pray for unity and peace.”

He urged restraint and calm on the part of all, saying despite “whoever wins these elections, we can work together for peace because that’s the change that we need.”

He said people must respect the rule of law and be obedient.

Recounting the events that led to Monday night’s carnage, Pastor Khublall said he has lived at the same place for the past 18 years and currently live there with his wife, adopted son and daughter.

The staunch PPP/C supporter said over the years he has never had a dispute with any of his neighbours over his or

their political affiliation.

“During the time I lived there for 18 years my neighbours and I, we had a very good relationship,” said Pastor Khublall.

COMMAND CENTRE The Elections Command Centre, according to Khublall,was established at the beginning of February, a fact known to all the residents in the community, “that my office there will be used for constituency number five.”

The purpose of the PPP/C Sophia Command Centre was to recruit and train party polling agents, he explained.

Pastor Khublall said, persons recruited and trained at the Command Centre were responsible for party work on Election Day at some 30 polling stations across the constituency.

15

on victim relives carnage GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

ed …salvages belongings under heavy police guard

d polling day staff, e party’s interest, the he elections.” ana Chronicle anothhe polling-day party trained at the Comd be assisting party ks such as verifying cial List of Electors ng station locations, ntly asked questions.

Centre would have ntral location for the ary services for the ch as the provision of

meals and snacks and other refreshments.

PINK & WHITE MINIBUS On Election Day, Pastor Khublall, recalled for the Guyana Chronicle, “things were going very smoothly at all polling stations across the constituency.”

This changed for the worse from about 16:00hrs, he said. According to Pastor Khublall, a pink and white minibus stopped outside of the residence and the person exiting the vehicle “said this house here has ballot boxes.”

PPP/C member, Joseph Hamilton, who also served as Member of Parlia-

ment and Parliamentary Secretary during the course of the 10th Parliament, was at the scene at the time, given his responsibility for the constituency.

Pastor Khublall, reported that the individual who pulled up with the pink and white minibus is known to Hamilton as an ex-policeman, who was told the premises did not house any ballot boxes.

He said approximately 15 minutes later another minibus pulled up, this time with a load of persons that disembarked and joined in querying whether ballot boxes were being housed at the location.

According to the Pastor, a group of

Salvaging under police guard whatever household items remained

high- profile Opposition members made their way to the location and interacted with the crowd before making their way into the building.

Pastor Khublall identified Jerome Khan and Nigel Hughes as among the high- profile Opposition members visiting the location Khublall said the men also enquired whether the building was being used as a command centre to which he responded in the affirmative.

CHRISTIAN TRUTH Pastor Khublall said he told the men, “I am a Christian and I deal with the truth.” He said, he allowed the men to search the entire property to satisfy themselves that there were no ballot boxes on the premises.

“They were satisfied that nothing was found as was claimed, that ballot boxes were not being stored there and they were also satisfied also that the Command Centre was never used as an illegal polling station.”

The representatives, he said, reported back to the converging group of persons outside the building that there were no ballot boxes being stored on the location and they should disperse.

“They refused to vacate the premises,” according to Pastor Khublall. He said too, around the close of poll around 18:00hrs, the Opposition Leader Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, “came and Granger left within 20 minutes.”

Pastor Khublall, has since claimed that it was shortly after Granger left the location “there is where the problem start.”

BRICKS & BOTTLES He said it was at this time that bottles began to be hurled at his house and he has since heard that bottles were being

brought to the location, along with stones, in the trunks of cars.

“The pelting came as a storm,” Pastor Khublall said. He described volleys of glass missiles being rained on his home.

“From east to west to north to south, right around they were bricks and bottles, bricks and bottles, bricks and bottles,” said a still visibly shaken Pastor Khublall.

When the commotion began, he said, “what we did, we try to put everyone at the back of the building hiding under the shed.”

Pastor Khublall said he then secured his wife and family in his office.

CHANNA BOMBS & GUNSHOTS He said “when they finish at the front, they came at the back and start pelting.”

It was at this time, Khublall recalled that three ‘channa bombs’ (Molotov Cocktails) were hurled.

“When they throw the three channa bombs I took my firearm and discharged two rounds in the air and I believe that is what kept them from throwing more channa bombs,” said Khublall.

Khublall, said things quickly escalated from bad to worse as he heard “gunshots start surround de place.”

He said the looting then began and his building was ransacked by identifiable persons and he has since provided the police with the names.

According to Khublall, by this time the vehicles that had been parked outside of his home were set ablaze.

MORE FIRE “The fire tender was coming in to help us but what they did they turn back the fire tender, they broke the fire tender glass, they became rebellious, they stop the fire tender from coming in, they even Turn to page 16 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Elections Day Sophia arson... threaten the fire officers if they come into Sophia what they gonna do them,” he recalled.

Recounting the horrific events of Monday night, Pastor Khublall told the Guyana Chronicle, while the vehicles were burning, they also observed a young child, not yet a teenager, pouring an accelerant, kerosene on the utility pole outside of his home.

“He even asked and say

I done soak, where is de match,” Khublall recounted.

The Pastor said by this time they had managed to connect a water pump and started to douse the pole, saving it in the process.

The angry mob, he said, then turned on his neighbour and proceeded to destroy their fence, “they pull down the fence.”

He recalled that at this point there was another vol-

Removing whatever is possible as police ranks stand guard

ley of “bricks and bottles.”

His neighbour’s home was also looted and had to return under police protection yesterday to salvage whatever remained.

10 NAMES “I supplied to the police 10 names of persons that if they get these 10 names they will solve all the issues,” said Khublall, as he insisted the carnage was perpetrated by

persons known to him in the community.

He said by the time the police arrived on Monday evening, the crowd had already numbered in the hundreds and proved to be too much for the ranks.

CONTEMPLATING Khublall, told the Guyana Chronicle, at about 01:30hrs the Tuesday morning, Tactical Service Unit

From centre

(TSU) ranks arrived on the scene along with a number of soldiers, but when they attempted to disperse the crowd, “they [the crowd] became rebellious.”

He said the ranks were forced to discharge a number of rounds in the air “and keep them [crowd] at bay from the building [PPP/C Command Centre].”

The police ranks did

A wrecker removes one of the badly damaged vehicles spared by the fire as yet another relative salvages whatever household items remain

manage to arrest a number of persons following the carnage in ‘C’ Sophia, i n t h e e l e c t i o n s - r e l a ted violence that erupted, some of whom have been charged and placed before the courts.

Khublall said he had to be escorted by police ranks away from the scene, seeking refuge at a relative, now left to contemplate his next move.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Coalition condemns GECOM selective announcement of results – excluded Region 4 SoPs A statement issued late last evening by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) sought to express the “immense disappointment” of the party at the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) “selective announcement of results” at its press conference held last evening.

According to APNU+AFC, from the results announced it is obvious to the coalition that GECOM is “cherry picking Statements of Poll” to report on.

This, they said, is an attempt at creating an illusion of a close race.

“This is being specifically done by excluding Statements of Poll from Re-

gion 4 where the Coalition has established a significant lead,” they further added.

Of a total of 891 Statement of Polls (SoPs) in Region 4, the coalition charged that “GECOM deliberately chose to report on only 474”, leaving 417 unreported. “We can find no acceptable reason for excluding such a large num-

ber of SoPs from Region 4 in the announced results” APNU+AFC said in their statement.

Labelling it as “irresponsible, reckless and provocative”, the coalition related that the announcement made by GECOM last evening appears to have been designed to “cause confusion and discord among Guyanese who are already in a state of anxiety and unease.”

“Further APNU+AFC is particularly appalled that GECOM reneged on a solemn commitment to announce 94% of the results this evening. This commitment was made by the GECOM commissioners to an APNU+AFC delegation led by the Presidential Candidate Brigadier David Granger. Instead, GECOM announced 78% of the results while deliberately excluding large numbers of

SoPs from Region 4” APNU reiterated.

As such, the coalition made a call for all supporters and the Guyanese public to remain calm and not be provoked by these “irresponsible announcements” from GECOM. “We remain confident that the Coalition has established an unassailable lead and will form the next Government of Guyana” the statement concluded.

Age of consent debate continues (Barbados Advocate) THERE is still some confusion as it relates to the age of consent and head of the local agency charged with promoting children’s rights, is advising children that even though the law states that they can have sex at 16, it does not mean they should.

Director of the Child Care Board, Joan Crawford, was speaking yesterday morning following the opening ceremony of the Child Care Board’s Youth Seminar at Solidarity House, held under the theme ‘Being a Lady in Today’s World: Know Your Worth, My Body, My

Choice’.

“The age of consent is always a problem, in that the law says that you can give consent at the age of 16. However, you are still a minor; you are not an adult until the age of 18. So the disconnect comes between what happens between the age of 16 and 18, but the age should not be an issue when it comes to having sexual intercourse. It is your level of maturity; your ability to have you complete school because having sexual intercourse has implications for you mentally, emotionally [and] physically, and many times persons are not

aware of what is involved in actually having sex,” she lamented.

The director explained that while the act may feel good and be enticing, there are consequences for these children including unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. To that end, she maintained that the discussion on consent needs to move from just a discussion on age. Her comments came as she contended that sexual activity should be deferred as long as possible, so as to ensure that they are ready, responsible and in a committed relationship and should definitely

not occur when they are in school.

She noted that the seminar, which brought together girls from First to Sixth forms from most of the secondary schools, provided an opportunity to hear from them their thoughts on issues such as sexual abuse, their understanding of their bodies and what their bodies are worth.

During the opening session, each student was given a questionnaire to complete about what they understood to be abuse and following that there was an interactive session to discuss the answers. Reflecting on that ses-

sion, Crawford said she was quite pleased to see that the students knew the answers to the majority of questions, although she noted that there are some areas that will need to be better explained and reinforced as it relates to the rights of children.

“The whole issue of consent was not clear so we would have to have more work on educating children about what consent means.

Also the issue of taking money, not in favour of sex, but taking money from someone, from your boyfriend and you are still underage… There were some things coming out of this

exercise that we need to reinforce when it comes to the rights of children, and Barbados is celebrating 25 years of signing the CRC [Convention on the Rights of the Child]; so this today, as the Minister said, is the opportunity for Article 13 to be operationalised,” she said.

With that in mind, she said among the things she believes needs to be emphasised are personal and parental responsibility; and as it relates to child abuse, she is of the firm belief that children need to be fully engaged in those discussions as they are the ones affected. (JRT)

U.S. House votes to ban most abortions after 20 weeks (Reuters) THE U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill on Wednesday that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks, a measure strongly opposed by the White House.

The Republican-led House approved the bill by a largely party-line vote of 242-184. An earlier version was pulled by House Republican leaders in January after a revolt by some Republican women in the chamber.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte called Wednesday’s vote “a victory for the most innocent and defenseless

among us, our children.”

“Extensive medical research shows that unborn children begin to feel pain by 20 weeks post fertilization, and probably earlier,” the Virginia Republican said.

The bill, called the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, faces an uncertain fate in the Senate. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Wednesday the Obama administration continued to strongly oppose the bill.

“It’s disgraceful that House Republicans would be considering a party-line vote on a piece of legisla-

tion that would continue to impose even additional harsh burdens on survivors of sexual assault, rape and incest,” Earnest told a White House briefing before Wednesday’s vote.

The Center for Reproductive Rights called the bill “cruel and unconstitutional,” saying it contained exceptions only for women with life-threatening conditions, rape survivors who have gotten medical care or counseling at least 48 hours before seeking an abortion, and minors who reported rape or incest to law enforcement or child protection agencies.

File photo of protesters carrying signs during an abortion rights march that originated at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, July 8, 2013 (Reuters/Mike Stone)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Former world champion ...

From Backpage

‘Six Head’ Lewis fought American James Page for the vacant WBA Welterweight title.

Known as the ‘Mighty Quinn’, Page defeated Andrei Pestriaev in 1998 to capture the vacant WBA welterweight title and defended it three times until he was stripped in 2000, for failing to turn up for a mandatory title defence.

‘Six Head’ Lewis at the time was the number one welterweight contender in the WBA rankings and was undefeated in 20 professional fights, knocking out 18 of his

opponents.

With an entire nation behind him, Lewis went on to win via TKO against Page in 7th of their 12-round contest.

T h e b o y f ro m A l bouystown turned ‘Pro’ in 1993, first stepping into the ring against Fitzroy Davidson and eight years later he sat on top of the world, immortalised

by Guyanese home and abroad.

Lewis’ next fight, a defence against Larry Marks, was not as incisive as his world title win but nevertheless, the pundits were

satisfied that he exited the ring with his crown firmly on his head.

His second defence against the much heralded Nicaraguan, Ricardo Mayorga, ended in a no-contest after a clash of heads early in the bout.

Unknowingly, the writing was on the wall for Lewis who surrendered his title after suffering a humiliating defeat to Mayorga – a second-round TKO. Several attempts to climb back to the top failed dismally after Lewis was also knocked out by

Antonio Margarito for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) welterweight title.

His subsequent return to the local ring saw him suffer defeats to Denny Dalton, but while the former world champion managed to avenge the Dalton defeat, he slipped into oblivion after losing to Howard Eastman in 2008.

That was the last time Guyana and the rest of the world got to see the man that brought the country more recognition that any athlete can imagine.

Dottin guides stuttering Windies ...

From Backpage lya was the best bowler with two wickets for four runs, off three overs.

It was she who rocked the West Indies Women top order, prising out opener Kycia Knight for six and the dangerous Stafanie Taylor for one, within three deliveries of the third over of the innings.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 149 off the penultimate delivery of the innings, after opting to bat first.

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They were undermined by 17-year-old off-spinner Hayley Matthews who grabbed three for 17 and fellow off-break bowler Anisa Mohammed who was brilliant in taking two for 15 from her full ten overs.

A collapse was far from the imagination, however, when Sri Lanka cruised to 79 without loss with Prasadani Weerakkody stroking 42 and Lasanthi Madushani, 23.

Once Mohammed claimed Prasadani caught

and bowled in the 21st over and had Madushani run-out two balls later in the same over, the innings went into decline as the hosts lost ten wickets for 70 runs.

Prasadani faced 70 balls and counted four fours while Madushani lasted 52 deliveries and hit one four.

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Sripali Weerakkody finished unbeaten on 23 from 38 deliveries with one six, to hold the innings together.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

United director hits back at fans’ criticism of Glazers

By Martyn Herman

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Manchester United’s “one-year experiment” without Champions League football has not seriously harmed profitability although it was painful, the club’s group managing director Richard Arnold said yesterday.

United’s worst Premier League finish in 2013-14 meant they were absent from Europe’s blue-riband club competition this year, giving further ammunition to critics of the Glazer family who bought the club 10 years ago.

Marking the anniversary of the Glazers’ takeover of England’s biggest club, the Independent Manchester United Supporters Trust

Richard Arnold, Commercial Director of Manchester United (MUST) this week issued a statement accusing the Americans of “ownership crime” saying they had saddled the club with debt.

However, Arnold said the owners’ “long-term

vision” meant the threetime European champions remained strong, on and off the pitch, and were still competing for the world’s top players.

“Yesterday was the 10year anniversary of the our current owners and that longterm approach they’ve taken, the vision they’ve shown and the decisions they’ve made have borne out on and off the pitch and they’ve been strong,” Arnold said at the Daily Telegraph Business of Sport forum in London. “(MUST) would have their view. I wouldn’t agree with it.

“It’s a unique position to be in, the way that fans feel about a club and that is at the heart of everything we do.

U.S. relay team stripped of 2012 silver medals NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - The members of the U.S. men’s 4x100 metres relay team that won silver at the 2012 Olympics have been stripped of their medals following the doping conviction of sprinter Tyson Gay, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said yesterday.

Trell Kimmons, Justin Gatlin and Ryan Bailey as

well as Jeffery Demps and Darvis Patton, who ran a preliminary heat, will lose their medals after Gay was banned last year following a positive test for an anabolic steroid.

“As expected, following USADA’s decision in the Tyson Gay case, the IOC today confirmed that the U.S. team has been disqualified from the 4x100-me-

tres race that was part of the athletics competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games,” P a t r i c k S a n d u s k y, USOC chief communications and public affairs officer, said in a statement.

“We will begin efforts to have the medals returned, and support all measures to protect clean athletes.”

Silver medalists (L-R) Trell Kimmons, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey of United States react on the podium before receiving their medals for the men’s 4x100m relay during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium August 11, 2012. (Reuters/Eddie Keogh)

You can’t take that for granted.”

United are virtually assured a top-four finish in the Premier League, after slipping to seventh last season, meaning a return to the Champions League, albeit probably via a playoff.

Arnold said the real pain of not rubbing shoulders with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich was felt by the players and fans rather than the club’s bean counters.

“Whatever you call the

competition, not being at the top table that you can be in is a matter of pride, it’s where the players want to play, it’s what the fans want to see, not being there hurts; it’s a key achievement milestone for us.

“In taking the longterm vision, structuring the business to be profitable and having a diversified income stream, it’s a much smaller number than people expect in how it’s affected our profitability and our ability to compete economically for the best

players.

“But the fact we manage our finances to make sure that in the long term we are sustainable and solid doesn’t take away from the fact that not being in it was really painful.

“We have only had a one-year experiment and it’s not our plan to make it a longer one so, dear God, let’s not try that experiment again!”

United will announce their third-quarter earnings today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Zimbabwe’s Whatmore confident of successful Pakistan tour

By Nick Said CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Zimbabwe coach Dav Whatmore expects their tour of Pakistan later this month to be a “tremendous success” and said he would not travel if he thought lives were in danger.

Zimbabwe will be the first country to tour Pakistan since a gun attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 left seven players injured and six policemen plus two civilians dead.

The team will leave on Sunday to play two T20

Charles Coventry returns after four years. matches, starting on May 22, and a three-match oneday International series that begins four days later.

“I’m fully behind the

tour and I believe it’s going to be a tremendous success,” Sri Lankan-born Whatmore, who coached Pakistan for two years from 2012, told Reuters via telephone from Harare.

“I understand others feel differently, but I would never put anybody else in an unsafe environment. I understand the significance of this tour to Pakistan and I’m very happy to go.

“To have a full member nation play international cricket in Lahore and the state of Punjab is hugely important for Pakistan and

transcends cricket.”

A delegation including Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Alistair Campbell travelled to Lahore last week and was satisfied with the security measures to be put in place by local authorities.

The Zimbabwe squad announced on Tuesday sees the return of a number of experienced players.

Aggressive middle-order batsman Charles Coventry returns after four years away from the team, having turned down the opportunity to participate at the 2014 Twenty20

Dallaglio says England right to turn back on Pietersen

By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - Dressing room harmony is crucial if England are to have a chance of reclaiming the Ashes even if it means discarding the country’s most d es tru ctive b atsman, according to former England rugby skipper Lawrence Dallaglio.

As the fall-out over Kevin Pietersen’s failed bid to return to the international fold continues, Dallaglio offered his support to England’s new director of cricket and former Ashes-winning captain An-

drew Strauss.

“I think culture is really important in a team, particularly in a sport like cricket,” Dallaglio, 42, said yesterday at the Daily Telegraph Business of Sport event in London.

“These guys spend a huge amount of time together and trusting each other is very important.

“I know from my own experience both at club level with Wasps and with England that we spent an enormous amount of time putting together a culture and certain values and certain ways of behaving, both together and

outside of the team environment.”

Dallaglio, a key member of the team that won the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2003, said current England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster had been faced with dressing room issues when he took over but had worked hard to establish a new team ethos.

He said it was the way forward for English cricket.

“When Stuart took over he had to reconnect the players with their responsibilities and what it means to play for England,” said Dallaglio.

“He had to relocate the mor-

al compass of the team and the identity of the team; that was the first criterion.

“That took about 18 months, then he could start focusing on performance and we are seeing the benefit now.

Strauss said on Tuesday that Pietersen was not in his plans because of a complete breakdown of trust.

“I wasn’t surprised to hear the comments made yesterday about Pietersen,” added Dallaglio. “It’s a great shame because he has been a fantastic cricket player and scored lots of runs and still is, but the team should come before the individual.

Kings XI Punjab find elusive win; RCB slip to fifth KINGS XI Punjab secured a 22-run consolation victory, after their bowlers trussed up an explosive Royal Challengers Bangalore top order, in a rain-curtailed 10-overs-aside contest in Mohali.

Axar Patel played impactful hands with bat and ball, holding together the back end of the Kings XI innings, before claiming two wickets and conceding only 11 runs from his two overs. Seamers Beuran Hendricks and Anureet Singh also helped defend 106 for 6, which was kick-started by Wriddhiman Saha’s 31 from

12 balls.

Kings XI began their innings at full pelt, as Saha swiped Mitchell Starc to the leg-side boundary off successive balls in the first over, before carting three fours and a six over long-on to loot 20 from Sreenath Aravind in the second.

His dismissal bought Royal Challengers some cheaper overs, followed by two more wickets. Manan Vohra holed out to long-off for 11 in the fifth over, before Glenn Maxwell picked out deep midwicket two balls later, off Harshal Patel.

David Miller would help the hosts briefly regain impetus, slamming two towering sixes off the leg-spin of Yuzvendra Chahal, but got himself stumped off a wide soon after. Axar saw the innings to its conclusion hitting a six and a four in his 15-ball 20, while George Bailey hit 13 from 9.

Kings XI still had enough batsmen to finish more violently, but were curbed

by Harshal and Starc, who conceded five and six runs from their final two overs respectively.

The fall of the first wicket dampened Royal Chal-

lengers’ advance too; Kohli played Anureet onto his stumps after adding 33 off 17 balls with Chris Gayle.

Sandeep Sharma had Gayle caught behind soon after, before AB de Villiers also failed to move the chase along falling for 10 from 9 balls.

Mandeep Singh gave the visitors some hope, cracking his first ball to the cover fence, then reverse-sweeping Axar for four two overs later. But wickets continued to fall at the other end, and boundary attempts were repeatedly thwarted.

World Cup. Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer quit cricket for golf last year but is now back with ball in hand having failed to further his career with the clubs, while there is a first selection for batting all-rounder Roy Kaia.

HUGE BLOW “All these boys have been brought in because of their performances. Kaia was the top run-scorer in the domestic Pro50 competition and had an average of 70,” Whatmore said.

“Coventry is back specifically for the T20 team and has been playing really well, and Graeme Cremer can be a big value add and has settled in beautifully.”

This will be a first tour without stalwart batsman Brendan Taylor, who retired from international cricket after the 50-over World Cup earlier this year.

Whatmore is concerned about who can fill his boots.

“It’s a huge blow to lose him ... a huge blow. It’s difficult to cover for someone like that in a short space of time, but we can only try the best we can.”

The tour to Pakistan will be a first for Whatmore since he signed a new four-year contract to coach Zimbabwe after his short-term deal lapsed at the end of the World Cup. He is excited by the potential he sees in Zimbabwe cricket and his short-term target is to help improve their ODI ranking.

“I really think it’s a challenge, a different type of challenge to most places,” the former Australia batsman said.

“Zimbabwe are ranked at number 11 in ODI cricket and that is unacceptable and something that has to change.

“But there is real potential here to move ahead, I would not have signed on if I did not believe that. But it is something that needs time.”

Bangladesh plans to revive scandal-hit T20 league

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Reuters)- The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to revive a controversial Twenty20 league which was shut down two years ago following a match-fixing scandal.

Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful was slapped with an eight-year ban in the wake of the scandal that led to the postponement of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after its second edition in early 2013.

The troubled tournament faced further scrutiny from the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) last year, the organisation advising players to avoid future editions over claims of unpaid salaries.

“We are looking at a window in December to hold the third edition of the BPL if everything goes to plan and the international schedule is sorted out,” Ismail Haider Mallick, the BPL’s governing council member-secretary, was quoted as saying by www.espncricinfo.com.

Though modelled on the Indian Premier League, the new-look league would be a much more modest tournament, he said.

“The financial structure of the next tournament will have big changes, so that we can hold the tournament every year. We are trying to keep it reasonable and realistic.”

Mallick added that 90 percent of player payments had been made and the BCB would welcome new franchises after all seven teams defaulted, leading to their termination.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Pietersen makes front and back pages after England snub

By Mike Collett LONDON, England (Reuters) - Kevin Pietersen dominated the front and back pages of Britain’s newspapers yesterday with many sympathising with the controversial batsman whose England comeback bid has been thwarted by new cricket director Andrew Strauss.

The flamboyant South African-born right-hander, who hit a career-best 355 not out for Surrey at The Oval on Tuesday, has said the snub has left him “absolutely devastated”.

His former captain

Strauss, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new director of cricket, said there was a “massive distrust” between them but Pietersen had not been banned.

The Guardian’s front page was dominated by a huge photograph of the maverick batsman under the headline “Kevin Pietersen 355 not out. Except he is.”

The Sun’s back page had the headline ‘Traitors’ with a double page spread headlined ‘Retired ... Hurt’ while the Daily Mirror back page screamed ‘Betrayal’, highlighting Pietersen’s remarks ‘They

say they don’t trust me, but how can anyone trust them?’

The incident has also dominated social media discussions.

“Anyone else struggling to explain to their nine-yearold that Pietersen isn’t allowed to play for England?” tweeted former England captain Michael Vaughan.

Another former captain Nasser Hussain said: “The ECB have shot themselves in the foot again. After the appalling way Peter Moores’ sacking (as coach) was handled, they need to get their act together.”

Former South Afri-

ca captain Graeme Smith also joined the debate and tweeted “I see the head boy (Strauss) is making English cricket a laughing stock again.”

Somerset all-rounder Peter Trego said: “Has “trust” ever won a game of cricket? I thought it was runs and wickets. Is there a new World Cup of trust England are hoping to win.”

The fallout went beyond cricket with former England soccer skipper Gary Lineker saying “Strauss’s decision seems extraordinarily petty.

I have never been in a dressing room where I have liked or even respected everyone.

Guptill ready to restate Test case NEW Zealand have not lost a Test series in the last two years, since their last visit to the UK. Martin Guptill has not played a Test in the last two years, having featured on that tour, but he is in line for a recall at Lord’s next week.

Like the rest of Brendon McCullum’s side, he is quietly confident of acquitting himself. Guptill has struggled to adapt his belligerent limited-overs hitting for Test cricket, averaging less than 30 from 31 matches, but he played a full part in New Zealand’s romp to the World Cup final two months ago, hammering 237 not out, the highest-ever score at the tournament, during a quarter-final win over West Indies.

He carried that form into a short stint with Derbyshire, hitting 227 off 176 balls in a Championship match at Bristol, ahead of joining up with New Zealand’s touring squad.

Such was the ferocity of that innings that Guptill suffered a side strain that kept him out of the warmup match in Taunton. He is, however, expected to be fit for the game against Worcestershire, starting today.

“I guess playing here in England before the Test series was the best preparation I could have asked for.

So pretty thankful for Derbyshire having me there and

Martin Guptill is in line for a first Test appearance since 2013. getting a couple of games under my belt,” Guptill said.

“If I get the chance in the Test matches then I’ll look to play how I can play and take it from there. I’m preparing as if I’ll play at the moment and if I’m not then I’ll try and get in there for the second Test.”

Guptill is likely to be in competition with Hamish Rutherford to partner Tom Latham at the top of the order but all three will play at New Road - weather permitting, that it, with persistent rainfall forecast for today.

An extra day of rest might not do Guptill any harm but New Zealand will be keen to continue their good form after starting the tour with an efficient win.

“The team played a great game down in Somerset, unfortunately I couldn’t play,” he said. “There’s a lot of confidence in the guys at the moment - some young guys being drip fed into the team and they’ve done very well so far.”

New Zealand will not be quite so reliant on the rookies in their squad for this match, with Guptill returning and pace bowler Matt Henry having been released early by his IPL franchise.

The other five members of New Zealand’s IPL contingent should begin to arrive at the weekend and could be substituted straight into the action, with the Worcestershire match no longer having first-class status. While

England’s preparations are being overshadowed by offfield issues, New Zealand are gearing up nicely.

“We’ve come over here to win, not to compete,” Guptill said. “If we can do our things well and prepare well and go out and show our skills like we have done over the past couple of years, then we’re going to get the results we want.

“The guys have played some great cricket over the last couple of years.

The way that Brendon’s leading us from the front, showing confidence in every player in the squad, it’s helping each individual be able to perform on the international stage.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

You deal with it.”

Broadcaster Piers Morgan, a friend of Pietersen’s, added: “Trust? Trust?

I wouldn’t trust Andrew Strauss to run a bath let alone English cricket.”

ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED In his column Pietersen, 34, wrote: “I am absolutely devastated that it looks like my hopes of an England recall have been brought to a close, especially given everything that has been said and asked of me.”

“They have used the word trust to justify not selecting me, well, trust is a

two-way thing.”

Pietersen will fly to join Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

Strauss, who fired England coach Peter Moores on Saturday to raise Pietersen’s hopes of a return to the team, explained his thinking at a news conference at Lord’s on Tuesday.

“The truth about Kevin is that he is a phenomenal cricketer. But over months and years trust has eroded between Kevin Pietersen and the ECB,” Strauss said.

“There is a massive trust issue between me and Kevin.”

Pietersen’s IPL return ended by injury

BATSMAN Kevin Pietersen will not play in this year’s Indian Premier League because of calf and Achilles injuries.

Pietersen, 34, had been due to fly to India tomorrow to fulfil his IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He was told he would not be selected for England on Monday, despite making 355 not out for Surrey against Leicestershire.

Pietersen sustained the injuries during that County Championship match, and is expected to be out for two weeks.

The South African-born batsman, who has not represented England since he was sacked in February 2014, was bought at the IPL auction by Hyderabad for £205 000 (20M rupees) in February.

However, incoming England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves had said Pietersen could be in contention for an international recall if he joined an English county and scored enough runs.

Kevin Pietersen will not play in this year’s IPL.

As a result, the righthander pulled out of a deal with Hyderabad and signed for Surrey, although he would still be contracted to play in the later stages of the IPL. But, despite Pietersen’s highest score of his career, England’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss has again blocked him from returning to the national side because of “massive trust issues”.

Pietersen said he was “angry and hurt” at being told he will not be considered for selection

by England, accusing the ECB of being “deceitful”.

(BBC Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

Real-reject Morata fires Juve into Champions League final

By Iain Rogers MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Juventus shattered Real Madrid’s dream of a record-extending 11th European crown when Alvaro Morata scored against his former club to secure a 1-1 Champions League draw with the holders yesterday and send Juve into the final 3-2 on aggregate.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted a 23rd-minute penalty to give Real the upper hand before Morata stunned the Bernabeu when he rifled a shot into the roof of the net off goalkeeper Iker Casillas 12 minutes into the second half.

Spain forward Morata, a Real academy graduate considered surplus to re-

Juventus’ Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring their first goal with Arturo Vidal and team mates. (Reuters/Sergio Perez) quirements, also scored in the Italian champions’ 2-1 win in the first leg in Turin and Juve will bid for their third triumph in Europe’s elite club competition

when they face Barcelona in Berlin on June 6.

Real pushed desperately for the goal that would have taken the game to extra time but squandered a host of

chances and Juve remained on course for a treble of European and domestic league and Cup titles.

“Many people said Juve were not a team that deserved to be here and we have proved them wrong game after game,” Juve midfielder Arturo Vidal told reporters.

“They (Real) have some spectacular players but we are a very united team,” added the Chile international.

“We all know what Barcelona are; they have an incredible side, but we will see who are the best and we will put our lives on the line.”

After Ronaldo’s penalty following a clumsy Giorgio Chiellini foul on James Rodriguez, Real could have been further ahead at the

break.

Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema all wasted chances on a warm night in the Spanish capital with Real dominating as expected.

The match opened up in the second half and Juve were rewarded when forward Morata found space in the area after a clever layoff from Paul Pogba.

MISSED CHANCE Chances came thick and fast at both ends and Rodriguez powered a shot narrowly over the crossbar, Real keeper Iker Casillas saved brilliantly from Claudio Marchisio and Bale nodded over when well placed.

“Juventus deserve to be in the final while we missed

our chance,” Real defender Sergio Ramos told Spanish television.

“After the first goal it seemed like the tie was won but that wasn’t the case at all,” added the Spain international, whose side now face the prospect of ending the season without winning any of the Champions League or Spanish league and Cup. Ronaldo, level with Barca forward Lionel Messi at the top of the 2014-15 scoring charts, became the first player to score at least 10 goals in four different Champions League campaigns.

He jointly holds the all-time goals record for the competition of 77 with Messi.

‘No England approach for Yorkshire coach’ - Jason Gillespie ENGLAND have not made an approach to appoint Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie as Peter Moores’ successor, insists the coun-

ty’s chief Martyn Moxon.

Andrew Strauss, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s director of cricket, named the ex-Australia

NOTABLE DATES

FRESH off from winning the Commonwealth lightweight title, sublime counter-puncher Lennox Blackmoore roughed up Jamaican Desmond `The Destroyer’ Thompson on May 14, 1978 at the National Sports Hall.

Blackmoore was 14-1 heading into the match with the Jamaican, and improved to 15 victories following a fifthround knockout.

Blackmoore won the Commonwealth title in October of the previous year after pounding out a 15-round knockout Jonathan Dele in Nigeria. He lost the title in October 1978 following a fifth-round KO at the hands of Hogan Jimoh, another Nigerian.

Moving up one division, Blackmoore challenged World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight champion Aaron `The Hawk’ Pryor in June 1981. `The Hawk’ aka the `Cincinnati Cyclone’ ruled the division with a stern hand having knocked out both opponents in the two defences he made.

Once considered one of the best counter-punchers in the business, Blackmoore found himself in early trouble as Pryor swarmed from the opening bell and knocked him down several times in the brief encounter.

Pryor won the bout by a TKO in round two, in the process denying Guyana a chance of claiming its first world title.

Blackmoore lost his next two fights and hung up his gloves after defeating Wayne Harris in June 1986. He is now a sought-after trainer in New York and piloted `Vicious’ Vivian Harris to a world title in 2002.

Later this month he will accompany Gwendolyn `The Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil to St Maarten, where she will restart her career.

Jason Gillespie (right) and director of cricket Moxon led Yorkshire to a record 31st outright County Championship.

fast bowler as a potential England coach on Tuesday.

“At the moment it is purely what Andrew said and nothing more,” said Moxon, 55. “It is all speculation.”

But he admits Gillespie, 40, will take an international job in the future.

“Jason is a very talented coach, he has got fantastic playing experience, he has a great rapport with the lads and is a great communicator,” added Moxon.

“As far as an international coaching career is concerned, it will be when rather than if.”

Gillespie was appoint-

ed by Yorkshire in 2011 and led the county from Division Two to the County Championship title within three years.

Strauss confirmed the Australian is “one of the candidates” to replace Moores and said he wants someone in place in time for the Ashes, which begin in July.

Moores, 52, was relieved of his duties following a dismal World Cup and the drawn Test series with West Indies.

However, Gillespie’s former Australia teammate Matthew Hayden says anyone applying for the job would be “crazy”.

Moores’ successor will

not be allowed to pick Kevin Pietersen because of what Strauss described as “massive trust issues” with the ECB. And former England opener Moxon believes Gillespie - or any other potential head coach - would need clarification of what exactly their, and Strauss’s, responsibilities entailed.

“If talks happen they would have to get clear roles defined of what the England head coach’s role is now - it is a bit murky from my point of view,” said Moxon, who played 10 Tests for England between 1986 and 1989.

“There needs to be

clarity of where Andrew Strauss’s responsibilities begin and end, and where the coach’s begin and end.”

Former South Africa and ex-Australia coach Mickey Arthur admits he would be interested in talking to the ECB about replacing Moores.

Arthur, 46, was sacked

by Australia 16 days before the 2013 Ashes series against England and has not held a major coaching position since.

“I’d certainly have a conversation around it,” he told BBC Radio 5 live. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.

“I don’t understand what Matthew Hayden is saying. It is the perfect time for someone to make his mark in coaching and take a team from where England are and take them forward in a good way.

“The team’s looking for leadership, the team’s looking for direction, the team’s looking for stability. Any person who can do that right now for England will have a real good chance of success.”

(BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

FIFA bans Temarii for eight years REYNALD Temarii has been banned from all football-related activities for eight years after accepting money from Mohamed bin Hammam.

Former FIFA executive committee member Reynald Temarii has been banned from all football-related activity at national and international level for eight years for accepting a substantial payment from Mohamed bin Hammam.

The adjudicatory chamber of the independent FIFA Ethics Committee ruled that Temarii, the general director of the Tahiti Football Association, took a sum of €305,640 from then FIFA Executive

quested money in exchange for World Cup votes. bin Hamman was banned for life by FIFA in December 2012 after he had resigned from all positions in football due to repeated violations of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

The world governing body said in a statement on yesterday: “The adjudicatory chamber of the independent FIFA Ethics Committee, chaired by Hans-Joachim Former FIFA Executive Committee member Eckert, has decided to ban Reynald Temarii has been banned from all Reynald Temarii, General Director of the Tahiti Footfootball-related activity for eight years. ball Association, from taking Committee member and that Temarii was given the part in any kind of footAFC president bin Ham- money to cover legal costs to ball-related activity at namam in January 2011. challenge a one-year ban imFIFA stated yesterday posed over allegations he re-

Tiger Woods writes to teen being bullied for his stutter FORMER world number one Tiger Woods has written to a young fan being bullied because of his stutter, saying “I know what it is like to be different”.

The 39-year-old American revealed to the teenager, called Dillon, that he too had a stutter as a child.

Woods said he was “proud” of the boy and urged him to “keep fighting”.

The 14-time major winner learned about the boy’s condition through Swedish professional golfer Sophie Gustafson, who has a se-

tional and international level for a period of eight years.

“The decision was taken following a hearing in the presence of the accused and the chairman of the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee, Dr Cornel Borbély.

“The adjudicatory chamber has determined that Mr Temarii’s conduct violated FIFA Code of Ethics Articles 13 (General rules of conduct), 15 (Loyalty), 16 (Confidentiality), 19 (Conflicts of interest) and 20 (Offering and accepting gifts and other benefits) by accepting an amount of EUR 305,640 from Mr Mo-

hamed bin Hammam, who was then a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and the AFC president, to cover the costs of his legal expenses in the context of an appeal against the previous ban imposed by the FIFA Ethics Committee on November 17 2010.

Mr Temarii received the money in January 2011 following a meeting with Mr bin Hammam in November 2010 in Kuala Lumpur.

“The ban is effective as from May 13 2015, the date on which the present decision was notified.”

(Sportsmax)

Rockets soar over Clippers to avoid elimination

THE Sports Xchange) James Harden and Dwight Howard delivered when it mattered most for the Houston Rockets, who averted playoff elimination with a 124-103 home win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference semi-finals on Tuesday.

Harden posted 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, while Howard added 20 points and 15 rebounds as the Rockets forced a return trip to Los Angeles for Game Six today by thriving in the paint and playing with defensive

vigour.

Los Angeles still leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 but if the Rockets can even the series today, Game Seven would be back in Houston on Sunday.

The Rockets matched their Game Three total for points in the paint (36) by halftime and finished with 64 as they took full advantage of DeAndre Jordan’s foul trouble, with the Clippers centre picking up three by the break while logging just nine first-half minutes.

Jordan finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds but

was largely neutralised as a rim protector. Forward Blake Griffin paced the Clippers with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while guard Chris Paul added 22 points and 10 assists.

The guard trio of J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford and Austin Rivers, instrumental in two blowout wins in Los Angeles, shot a combined 8-for-33.

Rockets coach Kevin McHale tweaked his lineup, starting forward Josh Smith in place of Terrence Jones.

Smith finished with nine points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Jones added 12 points and five boards.

Tiger Woods

vere stutter.

Gustafson, who is mentoring the boy, had contacted American golf

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday May 14, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230)& AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 62 Sachin Tendulkar (MI) Today’s Quiz: When and where did Shiv Chanderpaul make his maiden Test hundred?

Which team has played most IPL finals to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

journalist Ron Sirak asking for help and passed him emails from Dillon’s mother about the situation.

Sirak said he would contact Woods who then wrote to Dillon.

“I know what it’s like to be different and to sometimes not fit in,” wrote Woods.

“I also stuttered as a child and I would talk to my dog and he would sit there and listen until he fell asleep.”

Gustafson has since tweeted: “Thanks so much Tiger Woods for sending my friend Dillon a letter. He got so happy!

It’s being framed and hung.” (BBC Sport)

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) and guard Corey Brewer (33) in the second half of game five in the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Rockets won 124 to 103.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 14, 2015

O’Donohoe says CPL making major impact on Caribbean region BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Chief executive of the Caribbean Premier League, Damien O’Donohoe, believes the tournament’s impact on the region will be long-lasting, and says the third edition which bowls off next month will be a special one.

The league’s top official said because of the emergence of the CPL, more and more Caribbean youths were turning to cricket, and this augured well for the growth of the game in the region.

“The CPL has brought a whole new audience. When I was looking at things in the Caribbean when we didn’t have the CPL, kids I used to see were playing basketball and were wearing jerseys with Lebron James on them,” O’Donohoe said.

“And I think now you are seeing kids wearing the Tridents jersey … with the names Pollard and Smith and I think that really shows you the true suc-

Fans celebrate at a CPL match in 2014.

cess. Forty per cent of your audience are women and children and based on that alone the success has been a massive success for me.”

The CPL is set to bowl off on June 20, with six franchises – Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks, St Kitts Patriots

and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel – contesting 33 matches for a spot in the semi-finals.

This year, the Patriots have replaced Antigua Hawksbills, and will play their matches at Warner Park, a venue that proved a successful one last season.

O’Donohoe said he was thrilled with the

growth of the tournament, noting it had exceeded expectations.

“I’m really, really excited. The first two years have been a huge learning curve for all my team at the CPL,” he pointed out.

“When we first started, no one expected us to pull this off in year one but the people came out

in their thousands, there was huge excitement, we played night games and as a result, people in the cricket world suddenly woke up and said, ‘gee, we have to take a look at what they are doing in the Caribbean.’”

After a lukewarm reception to day time games last year, organisers have returned to primarily night fixtures for the third edition, a move O’Donohoe believes will grab the attention of spectators in an even bigger way.

“The people did turn up but you can’t really create that same atmosphere during the day that you can at night,” he explained.

“That is why as a management team we made a decision that although it might cost us in terms of the TV revenue, we couldn’t mess with the special product that we have and that is why for this year we have brought back the night games and that is what I

am really excited about.

“At the end of the day it is a night-time product and I don’t think you can mess with a product this huge.”

S i g n i f i c a n t l y, t h e tournament will open at Kensington Oval here, with a repeat of last year’s final between title-holders Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The grudge match will be one of four matches at the Oval within the space of eight days and organisers are hoping they set the tone for the remainder of the tournament.

“Barbados has always been fantastic to us and has always welcomed the CPL with open arms. Especially with the fact that the heads of the ICC will be there (for a meeting), we thought there was no better place to start than Barbados,” O’Donohoe said.

The CPL winds up with the final at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on July 26.

Pacquiao retirement decision on hold after surgery MANNY Pacquiao says he is close to making a decision on whether to retire from boxing. The Filipino, 36, returned to his home country yesterday following defeat

by Floyd Mayweather in their world welterweight super-fight on May 2.

“I will focus on healing my shoulder. After that, I will announce continuing my career or retirement,” he said.

“I’m not saying I am going to retire, but it’s near. I’m already 36, turning 37 this December.”

Despite a unanimous points defeat in Las Vegas, Pacquiao, a six-weight world champion, was welcomed back to the Philippines by fans as he paraded through the streets of capital Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao waves to the crowd upon arrival city Manila on the back of with his family including his wife Jinkee and youngest son Israel (bottom left) yesterday at the airport in the Philippines. a truck.

Pacquiao, who is also a congressman in his home country, had his arm supported by a sling following surgery on his injured shoulder - a problem he said had hampered him during the fight with Mayweather, the most lucrative in boxing history.

New figures released by American networks Showtime and HBO said the fight shattered the previous record for total pay-per-view buys with 4.4M purchases of the fight in the United States alone.

That generated $400M (£254M) in domestic sales while total revenue is expected to exceed $500M (£318M).

Following the fight, Mayweather, 38, called Pacquiao a “sore loser” and has

ruled out a rematch.

But Pacquiao, who is the subject of a Nevada law suit after being accused of failing to declare his injury prior to the bout, said he would consider fighting the undefeated American again.

“I (would) like that. I want that. But my focus right now is my shoulder, my work as a congressman and my family,” he said.

Pacquiao also said he had accepted his defeat by Mayweather, but that after reviewing the fight on video he still believed he won by a slim margin.

“I reviewed the fight and kept score. I won by two points, but a decision has been made and we have to accept it,” he added.

(BBC

Sport CHRONICLE

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

O’Donohoe says CPL making major impact on Caribbean region See Story on Page 27

Former world champion ‘Six Head’ Lewis to be laid to rest today .. Funeral service set for Cliff Anderson Sports Hall ONE week after having his life snatched from him, Guyana’s first World Champion Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis will be laid to rest today.

The 44-year-old Lewis on Monday May 4, was killed in an accident on the East Bank Highway, in the vicinity of Covent Garden.

Reports state that the former World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight Champion was riding his bicycle, heading to a popular ‘coconut’ spot near his home – somewhere he visits daily - when he was struck from behind by a motor car.

The driver, 33-year-old Mannex Powers appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the causing death by dan-

gerous driving charge and was granted $250 000 bail.

Lewis’ body would be at his home at Hutsonville from 09:15 hrs to 11:00hrs for viewing then the body is scheduled for the tarmac of the Andrew Lewis Gym in Albouystown for a second viewing from 11:45hrs to 12:45 hrs.

This would be followed by the service at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall soon after, where several officials from the Government and the boxing fraternity are expected to pay their tribute to the man many believe was the best ever boxer to come out of Guyana.

On February 17, 2001, Guyana’s Andrew

See Page 21

Flashback! February 17, 2001: Guyana’s Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis celebrates after knocking out James Page in Round 7 to win the WBA welterweight title.

Dottin guides stuttering Windies to victory

Deandra Dottin hits nine fours during her unbeaten 84.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Stroke-maker Deandra Dottin carved out a controlled, unbeaten half-century to haul West Indies Women out of trouble and guide them to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the opening One-Day International of the five-match series here yesterday.

S c o r e s : We s t I n d i e s Women 153 for 5 (Dottin 84*, Aguilleira 30) beat Sri Lanka Women 149 (Prasadani Weerakkody 42, Matthews 3-19) by five wickets.

Tottering on ten for three in the fourth over in pursuit

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of an uncomplicated target of 150 at the R Premadasa Stadium, the Caribbean side were propelled by Dottin’s superb 84 off 113 balls, as they reached home with just under ten overs to spare.

The right-hander put on 31 for the fourth wicket with Shemaine Campbelle (8) but it was her 70-run stand with captain Merissa Aguilleira which put West Indies Women firmly in control.

Dottin counted nine fours while Aguilleira, who entered the game with question marks over her recent form, struck 30 from 48 deliveries

with two fours.

When she perished in the 30th over with West Indies Women still requiring 39 for victory, Dottin kept her head down to add a further 42 in an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership with Stacy-Ann King, who finished 18 not out from 38 balls and two fours.

It was Dottin who fittingly ended the game when she thumped off-spinner Shashikala Siriwardene to the boundary, off the first ball of the 41st over.

Seamer Eshani Kausha-

See Page 21 THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015