2015 5 21

GUYANA

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

PM, several Cabinet members sworn in No. 104196 THURSDAY MAY 21, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

The Honourable Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo receiving the Instruments of Office as Prime Minister of Guyana from His Excellency President David Arthur Granger, yesterday.

Also in photo is Chief of Protocol Mr Vic Persaud

2, 9, 10, 11 & 12

Pages

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with newly sworn in Ministers of the APNU+AFC Government (Adrian Narine photos)

ExxonMobil makes significant oil discovery

Page 3

IN LIGHT OF RIGGED ELECTIONS CLAIM…

PPP/C to mount protest action today

Brain tumour girl succumbs Page 15

Page 13

Colleacia Harcourt

GT&T’s CEO RESIGNS RK Sharma

Page 15

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Prime Minister Nagamootoo responsible for Information – also VP, Cabinet Chairman

Honourable Prime Minister Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo during yesterday’s swearing in ceremony

MR. MOSES Nagamootoo has been sworn in as Prime Minister of the APNU+AFC coali-

tion Government with responsibilities for Information and Chairman of the Cabinet. He was

The Honourable Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo takes the Oath as Prime Minister of Guyana in the presence of His Excellency President David Arthur Granger, yesterday (Adrian Narine photos)

also sworn in as a First Vice President and is also responsible for Constitutional reform.

During a short interview, after the swearing in yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency (formerly Office of the President), he pointed out that with regard

to Constitutional reform which was promised, a start would be made “on humbling the powers of the President, the excessive powers of the Executive, and to see how we could bring about greater inclusion within the governing system.”

Mr Nagamootoo observed that the constitutional reform process would include a full range of issues which will affect the operation of Guyana’s democracy.

He also pointed out that as Prime Minister he would begin by taking down all

the elections banners, and then cleaning up the City.

He declared, “let’s see how we could send a message to the Guyanese people that elections are behind us, and we have to now work together.”

He noted that his functions as Prime Minister would place him as Chairman of the Cabinet. This would mean that he would be holding a liaison and supervisory role of the entire Cabinet “to see that we bring together the legislative agenda.”

PM Nagamootoo pointed out that being Leader of the House in the National Assembly would keep him busy, “but I will pay special attention within my ministerial outfit, to Information and Constitutional reform, those are two big areas because we had promised the Guyanese people that we will have Constitutional reform, so I will pay special attention to that area.”

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

ExxonMobil makes significant oil discovery THE Exxon Mobil Corporation has announced a significant oil discovery on the Stabroek Block, located approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana.

The well was drilled

by ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, and encountered more than 295 feet (90 metres) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs.

According to a release, it was safely drilled to 17,825 feet (5,433 meters) in 5,719 feet (1,743 meters) of water.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers).

“I am encouraged by the results of the first well on the Stabroek Block,” said Stephen Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company.

“Over the coming months, we will work to determine the commercial

viability of the discovered resource, as well as evaluate other resource potential on the block.”

The well was spud on March 5, 2015 and the well data will be analysed in the coming months to better determine the full resource potential.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited holds 45 per cent interest, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent.

Two weeks ago, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry had announced that ESSO exploration well, the Liza-1 on the Stabroek Block, using the drill-ship, “Deepwater Champion,” located approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana, had encountered hydrocarbons.

In 2012, the United

ExxonMobil Corporation has announced a significant oil discovery on the Stabroek Block, located approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana

States Geological Survey ranked Guyana as having the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world, with a potential of 15.2 billion barrels of oil and, were a discovery to be made, production targets would be estimated at 50 million barrels per year, which would be equivalent to 140,000 barrels per day.

At a deep-water explo-

ration and energy governance and capacity initiative workshop held recently, then Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud noted that Guyana has started a very elaborate and comprehensive process in preparing for the oil and gas economy.

He had also commended the US Government for its continued technical and

other forms of assistance in this regard, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

“I want to commend the US Government and the staff for their abiding support over the years in facilitating workshops in building capacity as we prepare our oil and gas sector in all of its aspects in terms of how do we manage reve-

nues and ensure transparency, and also how do we look at safety and technology and very critically how do we reach out for investment,” the minister had pointed out.

In addition, he emphasised that the US has been an important ally in ensuring that Guyana mobilise the investment and undertake efforts to develop the country’s natural resources even in the face of some unjustified and unwarranted attempts by some external forces, who seek to push back Government’s efforts in developing the natural resources both off and onshore.

In January this year, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry launched a policy on upstream oil and gas at a national stakeholders’ forum at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.

Independence fighters will be honoured on May 26 THE Independence Eve customary flag-raising will now take the form of a wreath laying ceremony to honour those who have been deemed instrumental in the fight for Guyana’s Independence. This was announced Tuesday

by Bobby Vieira, who, along with Col. Larry London, was appointed by the Head of State to plan this grand event.

This Remembrance Observance will be conducted at the Independence Arch, Brickdam, as explained during a press briefing at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Main Street office and in the presence of Permanent Secretary Alfred King.

Vieira explained that this event, which will commence at 8:00 hrs is part of the President’s objective of paying homage to the valiant men and women who have struggled for Guyana’s Independence.

Following the President’s arrival at the dais, there will be two minutes of silence, followed by a military reveille, and the laying of eight wreaths. These wreaths, Vieira said, will be laid by the Head of State and representatives of the Trade Union Movement, and also from women, youths and political parties.

Wreaths will be laid each for such honourees as Former Presidents L.F.S Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, and

Peter D’Aguiar.

The laying of the wreaths will be followed by a speech from the president, then there will be the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead and the Presidential Standard, as this will be reintroduced. A universal prayer by a young child, followed by the reciting of the National Pledge, then a mass choir performance of “My Native Land,” and the customary meet and greet.

Tents will be set up across Brickdam in line with the Girl Guides pavilion, and these will provide seating for the invited guests, who are expected to include the Heads of State of several Caribbean countries.

The Ministry of

Health and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) compounds will provide parking for the guests.

To f a c i l i t a t e t h i s event, there is an on-going clean-up activity in the vicinity of the arch. There is also the restoration of the Independence Arch, currently being done with assistance from the Mayor and City Council, the Guyana Prison Service, BK International, Harris Paints and Cummings Electronics.

These works are being voluntarily done.

The remembrance ceremony is part of a three-episode event set for what is expected to be a grand 49th Independence Day celebration. (GINA)

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Climate change a serious security threat PRESIDENT Obama has called climate change “a serious threat to global security”, and heavily criticised climate change deniers.

In his strongest remarks on the issue yet, Mr Obama said climate change would “impact every country on the planet”.

The US President made his comments in a speech to students at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.

He has previously identified climate change as a central issue for the remainder of his time in office.

Faced with strong opposition on the issue from Republicans and industry, Mr Obama used his speech to frame the threat in terms of national security.

He said: “I’m here today to say that climate change constitutes a serious threat to global security, an immediate risk to our national security and make no mistake: it will impact how our military de-

President Obama at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut where he made his climate change observation mines the readiness of our weather conditions.

“Around Norfolk, high forces.”

Mr Obama warned the fends our country. tides and storms increasingly He went on to list spe- students that their generation “Denying it or refusing flood parts of our Navy base to deal with it endangers our cific military facilities seen would be affected by global and an air base. In Alaska, national security. It under- as under threat from adverse warning. thawing permafrost is dam-

France ‘kills key jihadists’ in Mali combating terrorism.

The other leader killed was named as Ibrahim Ag Inawalen, from another al-Qaeda linked militant group, Ansar Dine.

Aside from the murders of Radio France International journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, Amada Ag Hama was also said to be involved in the death of aid worker Michel Germaneau and the abduction of four French nationals in Niger, both in 2010.

“France has a long memory,” said Foreign Min-

FRENCH special forces have killed four jihadists, including two leaders, in a raid in north Mali, the French defence ministry says.

One of those killed was Amada Ag Hama, suspected of the kidnapping and murder of two French journalists in 2013.

He is said to be a commander in al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

France sent troops into Mali two years ago when Islamist militants threatened the capital Bamako. Some 3,000 remain in the Region

K

North Korea claims progress on nuclear ‘miniaturisation’ NORTH Korea has repeated its claim to be able to make nuclear warheads small enough to fit on a missile.

A defence official said in a statement yesterday that its nuclear programme had “long been in the full-fledged stage of miniaturisation.”

However, analysts say while there is evidence the programme is advancing, it is difficult to assess its true extent.

The claim comes hours after North Korea cancelled a planned visit by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Mr Ban was due to visit an industrial complex in the Kaesong economic zone, run jointly by the North and South,

ister Laurent Fabius.

Mali suffered a coup in 2012. In the chaos that followed, Tuareg rebels seized control of the north, declaring independence, before being supplanted by Islamist militants.

Instability remains, despite the French intervention and the presence of the 11,000-strong UN peacekeeping force known as Minusma.

An attacker opened fire yesterday on a UN residence in Bamako, injuring a guard. (BBC)

DATE: 20/05/2015 19 01 03 17 16 24 18

20/05/2015

25

26

18

aging military facilities. “ O u t We s t , d e e p e r droughts and longer wildfires could threaten training areas our troops depend on.”

He told the Coast Guard Academy students: “You are part of the first generation of officers to begin your service in a world where the effects of climate change are so clearly upon us.

“Climate change will shape how every one of our services plan, operate, train, equip, and protect their infrastructure, today and for the long term.”

Mr Obama has used executive orders on climate change to circumvent opposition in Congress, issuing one in March ordering federal agencies to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

In China last year, he committed to reducing US carbon emissions by 2628% by 2025, and he will travel to Paris in December for an international summit on greenhouse gases.

(BBC News)

07

02

20/05/2015

7

and would have been the first UN chief to visit North Korea in more than 20 years.

Speaking at a forum in Seoul, he said the move was “deeply regrettable”, and that no explanation was given.

North Korea previously claimed it had miniaturised a device for the nuclear test it conducted in 2013, but experts have continued to debate how far along that process it is.

Dr John Swenson-Wright, head of the Asia programme at the Chatham House thinktank, said that while there was “growing evidence of the North’s increasing technical sophistication,” caution was necessary in interpreting North Korea’s latest statement.

6

0

20/05/2015

WHAT LIES BEHIND THE LATEST CLAIMS? Some have interpreted the latest moves, together with some recent high-profile executions, as attempts by leader Kim Jong-un to assert his authority.

The latest announcement on nuclear advances follows the publication earlier this month of pictures apparently showing a missile being launched from a submarine.

Some experts have said the images may have been doctored.

The US dismissed the latest claims but voiced concern that Pyongyang was developing long-range missiles.

14 13 12 04 06 09 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21

5

, 2015

Colombia landslide...

Hope fades of finding survivors RESCUERS in Colombia are continuing to search for victims of a landslide which hit the town of Salgar on Monday, but hopes are fading for more survivors.

The number of bodies retrieved from the debris in north-western Antioquia province rose to 78.

Locals and fire-fighters are searching a 40km-long (25-mile) stretch of land on the banks of the Liboriana River.

The landslide was triggered by the river bursting its banks after heavy rain had fallen overnight.

SWEPT AWAY Most of the residents were asleep when the landslide hit at 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT).

The neighbourhood of Las Margaritas was almost entirely swept away by a river of mud and debris.

Gildardo Parra, 70, told the AFP news agency he had helped pull nine bodies out of the mud.

“That area over there by

Rescuers using dogs in their search for victims the school was full of little houses. All that disappeared,” he said.

A river of mud and debris

washed through the town in the early hours of Monday.

Rescuers are using dogs in their search for victims of

Ramesh: ‘Not so fast, Kamla’

FORMER Attorney-General and senior counsel Ramesh Lawerence Maharaj yesterday issued a statement related to the position taken by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that she has been vindicated by the letter issued by the Integrity Commission, which terminated its investigation into emailgate. Maharaj’s position is that the letter is not a vindication, and it was premature of her to make such a determination.

1. a) The statements made by the Integrity Commission do not vindicate the Prime Minister and the actions of her government in respect of emailgate. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions through the Director of Public Prosecutions, cited a police report sent by the lead investigator Superintendent Baldeo Nanan to the Deputy Commissioner of Police Glen Hacket which according to the Deputy D.P.P. show that neither the Prime Minister nor the former Attorney General Mr. Anand Ramlogan has been cleared in respect of allegations of emailgate. b) The Deputy DPP went further and stated that the police investigations did not so far result in any finding that the emails were or were not sent and that the investigations were not limited to whether the emails

emanated from the service providers from the named individuals or whether they were sent in September 2012 as stated on the face of the emails. c) She made it clear that a wider investigation was in progress which included Investigations whether: “There may have been acts by particular persons which amount to misconduct in office. The investigation necessarily includes an examination of events outside the four corners of the purported email correspondence.” d) The Deputy D.P.P. informed us that the USA Department of Justice was assisting in the investigations and referred to a letter dated the 29th January 2015 from the Acting Director of the USA Department of Justice sent to the Central Authority at the Office of the Attorney General.

The US Department of Justice took steps under the Mutual Legal Assistance. In Criminal Matters Treaty which it entered into with Trinidad and Tobago for it to get information to assist with determining the authenticity of the emails and also whether the contents of the Emails were true.

2. a) It is clear therefore that serious police investigations are in progress into

emailgate which are supported by the Office of the D.P.P. and the US Department of Justice.

The Integrity Commission by its statement yesterday has admitted that it does not have the evidence which both the D.P.P. and the police have at this time. b) This is understandable because both the D.P.P. and the Police Service have wider powers and better investigative machinery to get the evidence they have at this time. The D.P.P. has the power under Section 90 of the Consitution to commence any prosecution in this country. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service also has widespread powers under Part V111 of the Police Service Act to investigate and detect all crime in our country. c) The Integrity Commission however has limited investigative powers as set out in Section (5) of the Integrity in Public Life Act Chapter 22:01. It conducts mainly investigations to verify the accuracy of the declarations made by persons under the Integrity in Public Life Act and in respect of persons falling under the purview of the Commission, to determine whether they are involved in conduct it considers dishonest or corrupt.

the landslide Local resident, Socorro Rincon said she lost 15 relatives in the disaster.

Fire-fighters said hopes of finding anyone alive in the thick mud were dwindling.

Officials said they still had no exact number of how many people were missing.

“We’re doing a sweep, and going house-to-house to verify precisely the number,” said Cesar Uruena of the Red Cross.

Landslides are common in the mountains of Colombia, where heavy rain often sweeps away poorly built houses clinging to the hillsides.

President Juan Manuel Santos, who visited the area on Tuesday, promised that the survivors would be provided with free housing under a government scheme. (BBC)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

The security dilemma UNDOUBTEDLY one of the most pressing national needs in Guyana is the curtailment and even eradication of criminality in the country, because this scourge has led to a deterrent to many good things happening in Guyana - not least the return of overseas-based Guyanese and a boom in the tourism sector.

The crime wave has continued unabated, even as the new President was being sworn in to office.

On May 19 this newspaper reported that overseas-based Ramesh Puran, who succumbed to gunshot injuries he sustained when four masked and armed bandits invaded the Belvedere, Corentyne home at which he was a guest on May 14,

died from shock and haemorrhage, according to a post-mortem conducted on his body by Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan at the Port Mourant Hospital.

Eight pellets have been extracted from his body, and investigators say a pistol was used during the attack. Puran, resident in the United States of America, arrived in his homeland on May 8, and was expected to return to the USA on May 22; but on May 14, at 21:15 hrs, his cousin Devika Ramotar was in the kitchen, housed in the lower flat of the two-storey building, when four masked men invaded the premises through an open door.

One of the men was armed with a cutlass, while each of the other accomplices had a handgun.

Ramotar was forcefully taken to the upper flat, where Pooran was relaxing.

There the cutlass wielding bandit inflicted a chop to the left side of the visitor’s neck and another on his shoulder, as demands were made for jewels.

Ten gold finger rings were removed from Puran’s fingers as screams for help emanated from Ramotar.

The attackers then inflicted two chops to her head before firing a warning shot to dissuade persons from attempting to come to her rescue.

This is a recurring tragedy, and many Guyanese domiciled in other countries, who long to come home, either to remain permanently, or for visits, are extremely fearful of becoming victims of the bandit fraternity, who

commit their thieving and murderous acts with impunity, leaving much loss and grief in the wake of their atrocities.

Many times when apprehended after much effort by the police, sometimes at great risk to their own lives, incautious magistrates and judges send them back on the streets on bail, and more often than not statistics have proven that they continue their predatory actions.

While high crime is a long-entrenched scourge in the nation’s psyche, there has of recent times been an upsurge in armed robberies, often leading to the ultimate tragedy, where lives are lost.

The perpetrators are often very young men, many in their teens.

Eradicating this tendency of the youths to turn to

criminal activities in getrich-quick attempts would need a holistic approach by all stakeholders in Government, communities and families because, apart from their victims, their own lives are also at risk and many times become forfeited when caught by law-enforcement officers.

Most Guyanese, regardless of their religious orientation and choices, are God-fearing people, and there is need for the youths to heed to the adjuration in Proverbs 1: 10-19, which advises: “My child, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, ‘come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us wantonly ambush the innocent; let us swallow them alive and whole; we shall find all

kinds of costly things; we will fill our houses with booty. Throw in your lot among us – we will share one purse.’

“My child, do not walk in their way, keep your foot from their paths; for their feet run to evil, and they hurry to shed blood. For in vain is the net baited, while the bird is looking on; yet they lie in wait – to kill themselves; and set an ambush for their own lives!

Such is the end of all those who are greedy for gain; it takes away the lives of its possessors.”

Guyana’s landscape is littered with the corpses of those who followed the way of the Godless and lawless, but it is also engulfed in the grief and loss of the victims.

Significant wage increases without corresponding growth in productivity is inflationary APNU/AFC campaigned on significant increases for Public Sector workers and although politically expedient, would have an inflationary effect when implemented unless there is a corresponding increase in worker productivity.

Significant increases to Public Service wages will lead to pressure on other Unions to get similar increases for their Work-

ers just to keep pace. This would involve not only quasi-government Organisations such as GPL and GuySuco, but the entire Private Sector. These wage increases will be inflationary.

Inflation is the increase in general prices in the economy.

It erodes consumer purchasing power and results in them buying fewer goods and services, the onset of a recession. There are two sources of pressures

on price levels, ‘Demand Pull’ and ‘Supply Push’. Demand Pull occurs when supply is constrained and increases in demand from say, increases in wages, competes for that limited supply in the marketplace.

The winners are those willing to pay higher prices for the supply.

In Guyana, due to constant GDP growth over the last decade, it is safe to conclude that surplus capacity does not exist

and supply cannot be readily increased in the short-term.

Supply Push comes about from increases in the cost of the factors of production such as labour from say again, increases in wages, and in the absence of improvements in productivity. Such improvements are attained by companies changing their labour to capital ratios and once more this cannot take place in the

UN stands ready to support Guyana to promote respect for diversity and national unity I REFER to the letter titled “UN doesn’t view racial identity as divisive” published in the Guyana Chronicle Letters Column dated

Monday 18 May, 2015.

I would like to reaffirm that I believe that cultural heritage is very important to a plural society like

Guyana’s. However, Guyanese should not allow their ethnic identity to divide the nation. It is evident from current conflicts around

the world, the devastation such divisions can lead to, examples of which can be seen today in the Middle East and Ukraine. Succes-

short term.

Competition from outside the area not subjected to the wage increases would temper the magnitude of the increase, but prices will increase.

The previous Government managed inflation by increasing Public Sector wages roughly equal to the growth in GDP and had success in keeping the level under caps. The new Government has indicated a

different approach but needs to manage the impacts from their proposed wage increases.

This can be accomplished through measures to increase workers’ productivity – either increasing workers’ output or reducing the number of workers required to produce the same level of output, or some combination thereof.

sive Governments in Guyana have invited the UN to support national efforts to enhance social cohesion and unity.

In this regard, the UN in Guyana stands ready to work with all the people of this country to support the promotion of respect for diversity, intercultural dialogue and understanding,

and national unity.

Hence, my message is that it is important for political leaders and citizens alike to advocate to unite the country, while celebrating its beautiful cultural diversity.

LOUIS HOLDER

KHADIJA MUSA UN Resident Coordinator

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21

7

, 2015

China and Latin America: Diversification is the Key Word THE visit that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang begins this week to Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru marks a new milestone in the deepening of economic, political and cooperation ties between Latin America and the Caribbean and China.

Premier Li’s visit and the speech he will give to the Region from ECLAC’s headquarters on May 25th are part of China’s sustained effort to forge a joint path since that country recognised in 2008 the strategic nature of relations with our Region in its White Paper (the formal document where it states official policy in that regard).

These bilateral economic relations face many chal-

lenges, but there is a key word: diversification. In the last 15 years, ties have been highly dynamic. The value of bilateral trade grew 22 times greater between 2000 and 2014, and China is already the Region’s second most important trading partner.

Foreign Direct Investment flows, and overall Chinese capital coming into Latin America and the Caribbean, have also expanded significantly. This process took place in a context in which the Chinese economy grew 10% annually between 2000 and 2011, stoking a commodities “supercycle” that benefited much of the region, particularly South American countries.

But since 2012, during an economic slowdown that has also affected the Region, China has sought to grow at a pace that is compatible with its ambitious reform plan while trying to prevent a negative impact on job creation.

For now, its annual growth is expected to be between 6% and 7% during the remainder of the current decade, meaning it will still have one of the world’s best rates. Meanwhile, in Latin America and the Caribbean, growth has fallen abruptly, due to internal factors - such as the stagnation of investment and weakening consumption and external causes, including low growth in the euro zone and the deceleration

of China itself, with the resulting decline in demand for commodities.

From a Latin American perspective, export diversification and increased productivity constitute the main pending issues: just five single products, all of them commodities, represented 75% of the value of regional shipments to China in 2013. Chinese investment in the Region reinforces this pattern, considering that between 2010 and 2013 almost 90% of it was directed at extractive activities, particularly mining and hydrocarbons.

To advance towards more prosperous and less unequal societies, the Region must overcome its excessive dependence

on commodities exports.

Therefore, while the expansion of trade and investment flows with China is key, it is equally important to develop actions aimed at modifying their structure.

If Chinese investment grows and diversifies in the coming years, it will be possible to promote not only export diversification towards that country, but also productive integration within the Region. Additionally, if cooperation with China helps bridge our well-known gaps in infrastructure, logistics and connectivity, we can stimulate intraregional trade and the development of regional value chains.

Our countries’ rich accumulated experience with

innovative social policies, urbanisation, environmental protection and other matters can be useful for China as it addresses the major challenges that lie along its path to development.

The China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Cooperation Plan 2015-2019, launched last January in Beijing, provides an appropriate institutional framework for advancing in all of these areas. Now both parties must agree to mutually beneficial actions to make that cooperation a concrete reality.

I MUST begin by commending the vision President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo have for ‘our deal land of Guyana’.

If unity is realised, I am most optimistic that Guyana could reach new heights.

But before I digress further, the focus of this narrative is a response to an op-ed written by Dr David Hinds, “I salute the African Guyanese

Sistren and brederen.”

As an Afro-Guyanese living abroad, I am utterly disgusted that the local media provides Dr Hinds with an avenue to try and pollute the minds of the people with his hate-filled babble – which is often based on racial insensitivity and bias.

Moreover, he makes general accusations that appear to come from a place of racial intolerance. If that is

correct, he should not be given a podium to speak to the masses. Although I am in favour of free speech, it is my firm belief that his persistent, racially charged opinions will have serious long-term consequences on a nation in healing. However, I see my fellow Guyanese as wise individuals and resilient. So I have no doubt they will be able to read his opinions and determine for themselves if they deserve merit. But for someone that is considered an intellectual and has garnered some respect, I am appalled that he has stooped so low to often write his often baseless articles.

It is interesting, because he is a part of the WPA, which is now in the ANPU+AFC coalition. This coalition was established on the basis of racial unity, yet his views seem to oppose what the coalition stands for.

In his article, he salutes and “big up” Afro-Guyanese, yet failed to properly

acknowledge the significant role Indo-Guyanese, multi-ethnics and other minorities played in the outcome of the election.

This was some indication that there is less racial polarisation now compared to years past. Therefore, it is imperative that we also salute Indo-Guyanese and other minorities that may have voted for the PPP in the past for making this truly monumental and symbolic stand. They represent unity, as well, because their stance has created a much needed spark that should ignite further unification that we so need and crave.

Dr Hinds mentions “mutual respect”, yet he fails to properly recognise non-Afro Guyanese and engages in tit-for-tat tactics with the PPP. This leads me to believe that he may not fully comprehend what that concept means. Furthermore, he mentions “unity”, yet he continually instigate matters that could poten-

tially lead to racial conflicts and retribution.

Moreover, many of the matters that he chooses to shed light on appear to be accusations void of facts.

I believe that Dr. Hinds is suffering from issues that are synonymous with tunnel vision syndrome whereby he sees only what he chooses to see. However, I am not surprised, because controversy is not new to him. It seems to follow him everywhere he goes – from his Buxton days under the Burnham era to present day Guyana and even in the U.S. where he currently teaches.

I sincerely commend Dr Hinds for what he has done for Guyana in the past, but the time has come for him and all Guyanese to accept that both major parties should be held responsible for the dire conditions in Guyana. That said, what we should be focusing on is trying to devise pragmatic plans aimed at nation building. Dr Hinds’ messages are

built on racial division, and that is not a way to achieve progress and unity. His sentiments should not even be entertained anymore. There is a difference between trying to intellectually stimulate the minds of the people and instigating. He is doing the latter – even though he may argue otherwise.

We’ve just had a pivotal moment in our country’s history. Thus, it is a time for us all to reflect on our past, not lay blame, but to remind ourselves of the many mistakes we’ve made as a people.

We should look at the present to recognise and rejoice for the obstacles we’ve managed to overcome and what this recent victory represents. And we should look to the future for the potential greatness that we as a people and country could become.

Blessing to my country! And blessing to my fellow Guyanese at home and abroad!

ALICIA BÁRCENA Executive Secretary,

In response to Dr David Hinds

What happened to the JFAP party?

CONGRATULATIONS to the Justice For All Party (JFAP) for being part of the victorious change in our beautiful country.

The Justice For All Party played a significant role in the change of governance in our country fighting for the ‘poor and the voiceless’ since I could remember, this was done with great opposition from the PPP Government for over 20 years.

In light of this, which Government Ministry do you think the Justice For All Party should be suitable for?

LAKERAJ SHARMA

NERO THOMAS

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

President puts to rest ‘micro-managing Police Force’ claims

By Leroy Smith PRESIDENT David Granger told media operatives yesterday morning that contrary to popular belief, he is not usurping the authority of Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, since it is the “top cop” who has the power to effect transfers in the organisation.

President Granger, however, confirmed that he did speak with Commissioner Persaud personally, asking him to put a hold on the transfers of some named senior police ranks until

the minister designate is appointed.

On Monday, several senior police officers received letters informing them that they would be taking up posts in other divisions with immediate effect. The move followed the removal of Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph from ‘B’ Division to head the Presidential Guard Service, with the aid of Senior Superintendent Linden Alves.

“What I asked him to do is to give us a few hours to allow the designated minister for public security to

take office; that’s all. I did not give an instruction; I said in all fairness to the incoming minister, he should be aware of the changes which are taking place,” President Granger told journalists yesterday.

Among those who received letters to shift from various posts to others within the Force are Assistant Commissioners Christopher Griffith, Marlon Chapman and Leslie James, along with Senior Superintendents Errol Watts, Whitney Bacchus, Wendell Blanhum and Steven Mansell.

Mr. Granger confirmed that the post of Minister of Public Security is one that will be filled by a nominee from the Alliance For Change (AFC), and that person would be sworn in this afternoon.

Already, speculation is rife that Attorney-at-Law, Khemraj Ramjattan will be taking up the Home Affairs portfolio, which has now been renamed the Ministry of Public Security.

“It is just a matter of a day or two until the new minister comes in, because there are significant chang-

es in the highest levels of the Guyana Police Force. I am not intruding; I am not attempting to intrude into the realm of responsibility of the Police Commissioner,” the President assured reporters.

He also reminded the media, and made it clear, that the decisions to effect transfers of officers within the Guyana Police Force to various departments are functions that the Commissioner has the authority to carry out.

As he reiterated: “All I asked when I spoke with him

personally, ‘I said please wait until the minister comes in so the minister can be aware of what is taking place; the minister ought to know.’ It was not an instruction; I asked him to reconsider.”

His Excellency addressed the issue after he was approached by journalists moments after meeting with permanent secretaries and heads of key government agencies yesterday at the Guyana International Convention Centre, which, according to him, will be renamed ‘The Arthur Chung Convention Centre’.

President believes Hope teen who attempted suicide recovering miraculously ‘someone’ instigated land grabbing saga

By Shirley Thomas

PRESIDENT David Granger is of the view that the decision by some sections of society to illegally occupy State and private land in several parts of the country was at the instigation of someone who is well placed.

Asked late Tuesday what he thought of the matter, the President said that while he is not sure who is behind it, he is convinced that the move was a well-orchestrated one.

With respect to the enforcement of the laws of Guyana which speak to the issue of trespassing, the President said that once the laws are being broken, he would expect that the police will take action.

“As far as I am aware,” he said, “the Guyana Police Force will enforce the law to prevent the illegal occupation of lands which don’t belong to the persons who are going on those lands.”

He said that seeing that the issue at hand is a police matter, and that they would know what to do, he sees no need to remind them how to do their job.

It all began last Wednesday when it became apparent that the APNU+AFC coalition was going to win the elections. By Saturday, when the coalition was officially declared the winner, residents from several communities across the country began taking up State lands, claiming that they had a right to do so, as it was they who voted for David Granger to become President.

Some reportedly told media operatives that they were encouraged to take up the land by very senior operatives of the Peoples Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C).

Such a move is being seen in some quarters as a deliberate attempt to test the mettle of the newly-elected President and his Administration.

On Monday, the situation escalated with residents of Success, on the East Coast Demerara, blocking the main carriageway on the Railway Embankment with debris and other obstacles.

Among other areas where persons were grabbing land are the communities of Lusignan, also on the East Coast, and the upper and lower Mahaica. (Leroy Smith)

RELATIVES and friends of an eighteen-year-old lad who had ingested a dangerous substance on May 11 last had prayed in earnest for his miraculous recovery; and, to God be the glory, their prayers have been answered! The lad has made a dramatic recovery.

Today, Rameshwar Samaroo of Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara, who had ingested an undetermined quantity of gramoxone while on

his father’s farm at Hope Backdam, has recovered favourably and was, on Monday, discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He is now happily reunited with his parents, Dasraj and Vidya Samaroo, and siblings: Navin, Bissoondai and Basmattie.

Family members, which had spent sleepless nights during Rameshwar’s period of hospitalisation at the GPHC following the ordeal, are overjoyed and are giving thanks to God

and the doctors and staff at the GPHC for making his recovery possible. They had been in deep anguish as they huddled around his hospital bed and feared the worst, having been told that gramoxone has no antidote.

I n i t i a l l y, R a m e s h war was vomiting up a black substance and was weak, listless and unable to speak, eat or drink. He was being f e d i n t r a - v e i n o u s l y.

But as prayers continued to go up for him, the doctors acted through ‘divine in-

spiration’ and worked round the clock.

Within a few days, doctors began seeing visible signs of recovery. He was able to sit up in bed and begin communicating with persons around him, and gradually began taking fluids and a bland diet.

By the end of the week, he was doing better, and was discharged o n Tu e s d a y ; b u t h e would be carefully monitored for the first 21 days of the date of his ingesting the poisonous substance.

Historical monuments to be restored by new Government AS has been evident, w o r k h a s a l re a d y commenced on restoring the Independence Arch to its former glory, and this is one of many to come, according to Assistant Events coordinator for the series of Independence Day events, Bobby Vieira.

The arch, he noted, is being restored so that the indepen-

Rehabilitation works being done on the Independence Arch prior to Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary

dence flag-raising ceremony set for May 26 could be done in a proper environment.

Apart from the Independence Arch, Vieira disclosed that a number of other monuments, both in and out of Georgetown, will be restored soon, as he also called on the general public to respect and care for these pieces of history.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Joseph Harmon sworn in as Minister of State PRESIDENT David Granger, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, yesterday morning swore in Retired Army Colonel Joseph Harmon as the Minister of State of the Ministry of the Presidency.

President Granger explained that Harmon’s official position will be that of Minister of State with duties similar to those that were carried out by Former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. He explained that the difference will be that this position will now be a political appointment.

This change is in line with the whole thrust of the new Administration, of bringing stronger cooperation and coordination among the different agencies and partners of the Government and the regions, the President explained. “We do not want an overbearing central Government, but we want a high level of coordination,” he said.

He explained that the role of the Cabinet Secretary will now be separate. Under the previous Administration, the roles of the HPS and the

President David Granger as he swore in Retired Army Colonel Joseph Harmon as the Minister of State of the Ministry of the Presidency

Cabinet Secretary were carried out by one individual, Dr. Roger Luncheon.

The President said that he expects that the Cabinet Secretary will be a public servant post. He reminded

all though, that under the Cummingsburg Accord, this position can go to the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Harmon completed his law degree at Cave Hill in Barbados before attending

the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad. On completion of his law studies, he served for some time in the army’s legal services department, where he was the Commanding Officer and he

did some prosecution work.

A f t e r t w e n t y - t h re e years in the Guyana Defence Force, and another 15 years as a lawyer in private practice, Harmon became an “active politi-

cian”, eventually becoming a face in the 10th Sitting of the National Assembly as the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.

U.S. Department of State congratulates Guyanese …looks forward to working with President Granger, expresses appreciation to outgoing President Ramotar

Marie Elizabeth Harf is the spokeswoman for the United States Department of State and a former spokeswoman for the Central Intelligence Agency. She worked on the 2012 Obama campaign

THE United States of America has congratulated the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on holding successful elections on May 11.

Spokeswoman for the United States Department of State and a former spokeswoman for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Marie Elizabeth Harf, said: “We look forward to working with newly-elected President David Granger and all those who were also elected to office. We also look forward to supporting President

Granger’s efforts to promote inclusive governance and national development.”

“We wish to express appreciation to outgoing President Donald Ramotar and the members of his Government for their service to the people of Guyana. President Ramotar is to be congratulated for the numerous achievements that his Government made under his leadership,” Ms Harf said in an official statement yesterday that was disseminated to the Media via the Georgetown-based U.S. Embassy in Guyana.

“We would like to commend the Guyana Elections Commission for conducting a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Moving forward, we urge all parties and their supporters to work together to focus their collective efforts on addressing the issues that are important to the Guyanese people, including economic development, citizen security, broader social inclusion, and the protection and effective management of the nation’s vast resources,” Ms Harf urged.

PM, several Cabinet members sworn in

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Hon. Amna Ally, Minister of Social Cohesion being sworn in HIS Excellency Brigadier (rtd) David Granger yesterday administered the Oath of Office to 15 Cabinet Members to serve in the Executive Government’s Council of Ministers with appointed Ministerial Portfolios at the helm of a number of the Government Ministries.

The modest swearing in ceremony was held at the renamed Ministry of the Presidency, formerly the complex known as Office of the President (OP), where Moses Nagamootoo, was sworn in as Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Head of State, President Granger, as had intimated

earlier, also indicated a number of sweeping name changes and a consolidation of portfolios coming under the various ministries of government.

Former Finance Minister Carl Greenidge was sworn in officially as Minister with responsibility for Foreign Affairs with a special focus on economic diplomacy, according to Head of State Granger, while Economist and Former Budget Director, Winston Jordon, was sworn in as Finance Minister.

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett held the post with Ministerial responsibility for Foreign Affairs, while Dr Ashni Singh served as Finance Minister under the previous

Administration.

Many speculated that Dr Rupert Roopnarine would be appointed Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE), but this portfolio has been subsumed under Ministry of the Presidency (formerly OP), with Lieutenant Colonel (rtd), Joseph Harmon, sworn in as Minister of State.

The Presidential Secretariat and its functions will also be subsumed under the Ministry of the Presidency, under the political control of the Minister of State.

Dr Rupert Roopnarine, has since been sworn in as Minister of Education, with Nicolette Odella Henry, being appointed and sworn Min-

ister within the Ministry of Education.

Among some of the surprise announcements by His Excellency President Granger, Volda Lawrence has been sworn in as Minister of Social Protection with the posts of Human Services and Social Security being incorporated under this Ministry.

Internationally recognised Women Miners’ activist, Simona Broomes, has been appointed and sworn to serve as Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection.

David Patterson has been sworn in as Minister of Public Infrastructure while Annette Ferguson will serve, having been appointed and sworn as the Minister within

the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Dr George Norton, who has held the post of Shadow Minister with responsibility for the Health Sector, was yesterday sworn in by His Excellence, President Granger, as the Substantive Minister appointed to the post.

Dr Karen Cummings, has also been appointed to serve as Minister within the now renamed Ministry of Public Health.

Having held the portfolio with Shadow responsibility for Local Government and Regional Development, while in Opposition, Ronald Bulkan, was yesterday appointed Minister of Communities.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the Ministries of Local Government and Regional Development as well as Housing and Water, will all be subsumed under the Ministry of Communities.

Former Deputy Speaker, Basil Williams, who would have also held the shadow portfolio for the legal sector for a number of years, was yesterday sworn in by His Excellency President Granger, as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. He now assumes the portfolio formerly held by Mr Anil Nandlall.

Amna Ally has been appointed and sworn as Minister of Social Cohesion.

President Granger further

called on his ministers to work towards ensuring Guyana becomes less divided and less a poor country. He added that their main aim should be to deliver on the promises of ‘change’ that were made leading up to the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Meanwhile, others Members of the new Cabinet are expected to be sworn in at a later date.

The President told reporters the other appointees are expected to take their oath of office in the near future.

These posts will include a renamed Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to that of Ministry of Indigenous People, a post to be assumed by Sydney Allicock.

Other posts still vacant include the Ministry of Agriculture and two other Vice Presidents, one of which would be Khemraj Ramjattan.

Ramjattan, is also named to be sworn in as Minister of National Security.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has been renamed to the Ministry of Investment and Business; this will be headed

by AFC’s Dominic Gaskin while Cathy Hughes has been appointed as the Substantive Minister of Tourism, a portfolio held

by Irfaan Ali, under the previous Administration.

Hon. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities (this Ministry brings together Housing, Water and Local Government) during yesterday’s swearing in ceremony

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Hon. Carl Barrington Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Hon. Annette Natasha Ferguson was sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure

Hon. Winston Jordan was sworn in as Minister of Finance, yesterday

Hon. Volda Ann Lawrence was sworn in as Minister of Social Protection (formerly Ministry of Human Services)

Hon. Dr. George Aubrey Norton was sworn in as Minister of Public Health (formerly Ministry of Health)

Hon. David Anthony Patterson was sworn in as Minister of Public Infrastructure

Hon. Dr. Rupert Roopnarine was sworn in as Minister of Education

Hon. Nicolette Odella Henry was sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Education

Hon. Simona Broomes was sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection

Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings was sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Public Health

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Hon. Catherine Andrea Hughes was sworn in as the new Minister of Tourism

Hon. Basil Williams was sworn in as Guyana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs by His Excellency President David Granger, yesterday

Newly sworn in members of the Cabinet with President David Granger in the compound of the Ministry of the Presidency (formerly Office of the President), yesterday

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

IN LIGHT OF RIGGED ELECTIONS CLAIM…

PPP/C to mount protest action today

By Vanessa Narine

MAINTAINING its contention that the 2015 General and Regional Elections were rigged, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is expected to mount protest action outside offices of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) today.

“Protest actions are also planned at all GECOM offices throughout the country to demand a total recount of all votes cast,” the party said in a statement.

The discovery of falsified Statements of Polls (SoPs); the refusal of GECOM to have public vetting of polling day staffers, many of whom were discovered to be activists of the political Opposition; 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, are among the irregularities the party will be protesting.

DUPED According to the PPP/C,

‘The main aspect of the electoral process which was to observe the counting of ballots and the verification of statements of poll was left entirely in the hands of the GECOM officials, many of whom are activists and supporters of the APNU+AFC.’ – PPP/C

Donald Ramotar

Clement Rohee

Dr. Steve Surujbally

electoral observer missions were “duped into believing that the elections were free and fair,” when the irregularities flagged in the electoral process tell a different story.

“The main aspect of the electoral process which was to observe the counting of ballots and the verification of Statements of Poll was left entirely in the hands of the GECOM officials, many of whom are activists and supporters of the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change),” it said.

Five international election observer missions and 10 local observer groups were on the ground on Elections Day. The Organisation of American States (OAS), Carter Centre,

Commonwealth, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Union of South American Nations had fielded close to 100 observers.

The 10 local groups accredited by GECOM include: The United States of America Embassy; the British High Commission; the Canadian High Commission; the European Union (EU) country office; the Private Sector Commission (PSC; the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); Blue Caps; the International Republic Institute (IRI); the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); and the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB).

The day after voting was completed, several of the international observer missions

pronounced that the elections were free and fair. Some of the local observer groups followed suit soon after. The PPP/C has argued that the electoral process spans voting, counting and verification of the votes cast and, as such, the determination of whether the polls were free and fair could not be determined by the voting process alone.

INTEGRITY OF ELECTIONS Additionally, the protest action by the PPP/C is expected to send a message regarding the integrity of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

“The Central Committee remains convinced that

based on feedback received from its Polling Agents and Statements of Poll received, it won the majority of the votes in both National and Regional Elections,” the PPP/C said.

The party had called for a recount of votes before the final declaration was made, but this was not granted. A second request for a country-wide recount was also rejected. The PPP/C leader, Mr. Donald Ramotar, then appealed for a recount of 22 ballot boxes where discrepancies were noticed, however, this was not done.

In a prior comment, Mr. Ramotar said, “We believe that these elections were seriously flawed, enough to change the outcome of the results. We believe that the data used by GECOM when they announced the numbers in their possession were numbers that did not reflect the vote in the boxes.”

He added, “I am talking about the integrity of our elections….we were asked about proof…they were saying that they did not have reasonable enough proof, but this cannot be regarded as unreasonable.

Our view is that the evidence is enough to do a full recount, but if they don’t want to do that, let’s do Region 4.”

Mr. Ramotar stressed that there is evidence enough to justify a recount.

The PPP/C also maintains that, notwithstanding that support, the results of the election as declared by GECOM failed to reflect the true will of the Guyanese people.

APNU+AFC scored a close victory in the General and Regional Elections with 207,200 votes, while the PPP/C secured the support of 202,694 Guyanese who cast their votes in support of the party.

PPP/C demands Surujbally’s resignation CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally, has been called on by the Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), to immediately tender his resignation, in light of the brouhaha surrounding the legitimacy of the election results declaration.

“Protest actions are also planned at all GECOM offices throughout the country to demand a total recount of all votes cast and the resignation of the GECOM

Chairman,” the party said in a statement.

It added that work continues on the compilation of evidence to file an election petition with representation from local and international lawyers. “[The] Central Committee deliberated on ways to strengthen and re-brand the party in order to be better positioned to defend the masses against the undemocratic imposition of the APNU+ AFC coalition to the seat of Government,” the

Party said.

It added that the PPP/C remains convinced that based on feedback received from its Polling Agents and Statements of Poll received, it won the majority of the votes in both National and Regional Elections.

“Notwithstanding that support, the results of the

election as declared by GECOM failed to reflect the true will of the Guyanese people,” the PPP/C said.

The party’s Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party met on Tuesday, its first meeting since the declaration of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

PPP to GECOM: Release SoPs, tally sheets, breakdown of count

By Vanessa Narine THE will of the Guyanese people was not accurately reflected in the results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections that were declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), according to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

“Even before these results were declared, we unearthed numerous differences in numbers from our Statements of Poll and more importantly, from a verification exercise carried out by the returning officers in the various polling districts at which representatives from all the political parties were present,” the party said.

The PPP/C charged that its counting agents have evidence to show that while the GECOM Chairman claims that the PPP/C and GECOM SoPs are the same, the deputy returning officers (DROs) have different numbers.

Consequently, the Com-

from each polling division or ballot box. To date, we have received no reply to our request.”

Donald Ramotar

Keith Lowenfield

Dr Steve Surujbally

mission has been called to release copies of the Statements of Poll (SoPs), tally sheets and a breakdown of the results for each polling division – the second such call made since the party raised objections to irregularities that were flagged in the electoral process.

“We hereby demand that

GECOM furnish us with copies of these Statements of Poll, Tally Sheets and a breakdown of results of each polling division or ballot boxes forthwith. The longer they take to do so the darker the clouds will become which loom over the integrity of the electoral machinery and indeed the results which

it produced,” the PPP/C said in a statement.

The party added, “… significantly, after the declaration of the results, we had made a request in writing for the copies of Statements of Poll and Tally Sheets which were used to tabulate the results of these elections and a breakdown of the results

OBJECTIONS IGNORED The PPP/C underscored the fact that despite its objections, calls for a recount were ignored by GECOM. “We requested a final, general count as we are entitled to at law. The returning officers have no discretion to refuse this request. Yet this request was refused.

Therefore, this integral procedural step legally provided for and designed to ensure the integrity of the results for these elections was deliberately omitted,” the statement said.

The PPP/C expressed the view that the information requested ought to have been made public “contemporaneously” with the declaration of the results.

“We fear that this delay is another machination which is being used to alter

Statements of Poll and Tally Sheets, as a result of the discrepancies which we have identified and in the face of a public pronouncement that we will launch a legal challenge to these elections,” the party stressed.

Initial concerns cited by 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.

Meanwhile, several attempts by the Guyana Chronicle to contact both Chief Elections Officer (CEO) and the Chairman of GECOM for a comment on the matter proved futile, up to press time.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2015

– Message from Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO SEVENTY years ago, U N E S C O ’s f o u n d e r s voiced a simple conviction: just as ignorance of each other’s ways and lives exacerbated mistrust and misunderstanding between peoples, the search for peace calls for mutual knowledge of cultures and peoples to be strengthened, so as to

promote a better understanding of each other.

Cultural diversity is our shared heritage and the greatest opportunity before humanity. It holds the promise of renewal and dynamism, and an engine of innovation and development. It is also an invitation to dialogue, discovery and cooperation. In a diverse world, the destruction of cultures is a crime, and uniformity is a dead-end: our aim must be to enhance, in one movement, the diversity that enriches us and the human rights that bring us together.

This indivisible link between cultural diversity and human rights was recalled with the adoption in 2001, just after the destruction of the Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. This

Irina Bokova

text provides us with a compass for living together in a globalised world, confirming that respect for cultural diversity and respect for human rights are inseparable.

Today again, cultural diversity is under attack by violent extremists who lay waste to the heritage and persecute minorities. These crimes confirm still further our conviction that the enemies of human dignity will always seek to destroy cultural diversity, because it is the symbol of free

thought and the infinite creativity of the human being. It is this link that we must defend. We must respond to all those who seek t o p r o s c r i b e d i ff e r e n c e and the plurality of ideas, opinions and beliefs by protecting freedom through the wealth of our cultures and creative expressions.

This is what the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development means. It is an opportunity to unl e a s h t h e c re a t i v e p otential of our different languages and traditions – and to ensure that these differences enrich and strengthen us, instead of dividing us. The words of UNESCO’s Constitution, drafted 70 years ago, have not aged a day: dialogue can vanquish all misunderstanding and open up an infinite horizon of possibilities for peace and development.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Brain tumour …one body yet to be recovered girl succumbs Two more bodies recovered from collapsed Konawaruk mine

By Clifford Stanley

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Colleacia Harcourt, for whom there had been an outpouring of public support for medical attention overseas, died at her home yesterday afternoon.

The child, from Lichfield Village, West Coast Berbice, passed away in the midst of significant progress being made by her parents in getting funds necessary for overseas medical treatment for a malignant brain tumour detected in late March this year.

Colleacia’s story was featured prominently on the front page of the Guyana Chronicle on Monday last, in a bid by this newspaper to whip up interest in her plight and boost donations for the $7M required for her surgery.

In that article, the mother, Shonetta Harcourt, said that

Deceased: Colleacia Harcourt

the deadline for such a surgery would have been May 23, failing which the child would have been at risk of developing complications with catastrophic consequences.

She had also stated that

the experts consulted had said that the expertise for such a medical intervention was not available in Guyana.

On Wednesday, Mrs. Harcourt called the Chronicle and said that although the story had been published and aired in other local media, the publication by the Chronicle had been followed by an upsurge in donations.

She had expressed her gratitude to this newspaper saying that the outpouring of support had greatly increased chances of getting the child overseas for specialist medical attention.

The child, however, succumbed after two and a half months of suffering.

The child is survived by her mother, her father Travis Harcourt, and three siblings.

GT&T’s RK SHARMA RESIGNS CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, R.K Sharma, has tendered his resignation, effective June 18.

Sharma’s resignation letter stated that he is taking a hiatus from the corporate world to explore “other interests.”

“My experience with GT&T has been not only exciting and challenging, but one of personal growth and development,” he noted.

The CEO started working with Barclays Bank in 1980, and over the past 22 years, functioned as the CEO of Demerara Bank Limited, CEO of GBTI and as CEO for the telephone giant for the past two years.

In the interim, GT&T has appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Justin Nedd as CEO. The telephone company noted that Nedd has served as CFO since 2013 and has an extensive background in finance, administration and technology.

The Board of Directors of the company has lauded Sharma’s accomplishments during his tenure as CEO. “The company benefited greatly from Mr Sharma’s leadership and we thank him for his many contributions during a period of organisational transformation. He served GT&T with the highest levels of professionalism and integrity and we extend [to] him warm wishes for his future success.”

According to the board, they are confident to entrust such a position to Justin Nedd.

They noted that “over the last two years, Justin has made a strong mark and earned the trust and support of his colleagues. He rapidly assumed significant responsibilities and has shown an ability to get

GT&T’s CEO RK Sharma

CFO Justin Nedd

things done. We are pleased to entrust him with the Interim CEO role and are confident in his ability to lead GT&T forward.”

CFO Justin Nedd stated: “I am thrilled to take on this expanded role at a truly exciting time at GT&T. We are innovating for customers across all aspects of the business, and we intend to lead the way in a new, more competitive environment, from our new, blazing fast

broadband speeds, to customer service upgrades, to better mobile plans and devices.”

He concluded by stressing that “GT&T is on the move.

We are, and will be continually providing more value and greater capabilities to our customers.”

The company noted that Mr Sharma will continue to serve as CEO through the middle of June and will assist with the transition process.

TWO more bodies were yesterday recovered from the collapsed gold mine at Pepper Creek, Konawaruk, near Mowasi, Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), bringing the total recovered to nine men, but identification of the dead continues to pose a challenge to investigators.

Efforts to recover the body of the tenth miner were ongoing up to late yesterday afternoon.

Sources involved said that the recovery efforts had been dogged by intermittent rainfall, and that to date information on the status of the operations had not been speedily available due to the remoteness of the location.

They hope to locate the body of the tenth missing miner sometime today.

Of the nine bodies recovered, only three have been positively identified.

They are Brian Brittlebank, 46, of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar; Raymond

August, 17, of 229 Bent Street, Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast; and Michael Gardener Moore, 26, of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Of the nine bodies recovered, five are in Georgetown at the Lyken Funeral Home, including the three identified.

Investigators are hoping that relatives will show up to identify the six other men who have been unidentified to date.

Seventeen miners were assigned to two dredges working in the pit on Sunday last when the walls caved in.

Seven of them made it out alive but ten were trapped under the mud and rubble.

Both the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) described the tragedy to be due to a fatal combination of circumstances.

The GGDMA disclosed that the accident was due to “criminal negligence” on the

part of the operator.

GGDMA Engineer Colin Sparman disclosed that his determination was that the mining face and pit walls were too high and too steep, were almost vertical and that the operation was too close to the face and walls.

He said that with the rains and with water jetting from two dredges, the ground became saturated and the soil became unconsolidated.

The surrounding material became very fluid “like porridge” and suddenly avalanched into the lowest parts of the pit where the men were working.

Commissioner of the GGMC, Mr. Rickford Vieira, said that a Court Injunction had prevented the Commission from carrying out its lawful functions of monitoring and inspecting the ill-fated mining operation.

Investigations into the disaster, described as the worst ever in the history of mining in Guyana, are continuing.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

More aggressive– CDB business-friendly president renews call reforms needed for Global Partnerships PRESIDENT of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Warren Smith, is urging regional governments to set aggressive timelines for implementing reforms that create more “business-friendly” environments.

Speaking at the official opening of the 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the CDB in Basseterre, St. Kitts, Dr. Smith said fiscal rules, backed by tough legislation, must become the norm rather than the exception, adding that the building of fiscal buffers should also become an integral component of every national sustainability strategy.

In his overview of the CDB performance over the

past year, Dr. Smith noted that the CDB had continued its own internal reforms to aid BMCs address longstanding social and economic challenges. Among them, modernisation and strengthening of the Bank’s governance framework were key areas for reform.

“Such institutional arrangements are already a pre-condition for access to certain types of financing… and are likely to become a standard pre-condition for access to all development financing. Should this prove to be the case, CDB will be in a very favourable position,” he said.

Also in an assessment of the CDB’s operational performance and some internal

Dr Warren Smith

reforms undertaken over the past four years, he said CDB worked hard to maintain a strong presence in BMCs. “Approvals grew by US$770 million, lower than

had been anticipated. This was mainly attributable to our inability to engage in policy-based lending because we had reached our lending limit for this product,” Dr. Smith told the Governors and delegates.

Despite these challenges, the Bank exceeded target approvals of US$320 million for the concessionary window by some US$28 million.

“This is a testament to our BMCs’ resolve to maintain their social programmes and to provide adequate social safety nets to the most disadvantaged groups in the society”, Dr. Smith added.

He also reiterated a call for the forging of a new Global Partnership. According to Dr. Smith, if the shared

vision is the eradication of extreme poverty, then the Caribbean context must be objectively examined. Uniformly ambitious, rather than piecemeal solutions need to be embraced, he suggested.

In 2013 at the Bank’s 43rd Annual Meeting in Castries, St. Lucia, he had appealed for a broad-based “Compact of Co-Operation” between Caribbean countries and the wider international community to deal with the issue of sovereign indebtedness in the region.

He noted that, at the time, he had asked for a re-examination of the strongly-held view that middle-income countries, like those in the Region, did not qualify for debt relief.

“In 2014, I raised the issue

of debt again in Jamaica at a High Level Caribbean Forum sponsored by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In that forum, I challenged the large multilateral institutions to use their balance sheets creatively, as CDB had done in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2011, to address this country’s debt problem.

Borrowing member countries that adhere strictly to adjustment programmes supported by the IMF and other financial institutions would be ideal candidates for such support.”

Dr. Smith said he was putting the issue on the table again at this meeting. “The sentiments expressed in St. Lucia and in Jamaica remain just as relevant today, and are in urgent need of a solution.”

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield faces legal called on to release results of each ballot box, action for inaction –every statement of poll REQUESTS made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) leader, Mr Donald Ramotar to have the results of each ballot box and each Statement of Poll (SoPs) released were shored up yesterday by a legal advance.

Former Attorney General

and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, yesterday wrote to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, demanding that this be done.

“I am instructed that on the 18th day of May 2015, my client wrote to you request-

ing the results in respect to each Ballot Box of the votes cast, both valid and invalid, at those elections. My client further requested a copy of every Statement of Poll that was used in the tabulation of the declared results for the aforesaid elections….To date, you have failed, omitted, and/

or refused to comply with my client’s aforesaid requests,” he wrote.

Nandlall added that, given the circumstances, acting on the instruction of his client, Mr Ramotar, Lowenfield is being asked to comply with the requests for the disclosures to be made, or face legal pro-

ceedings.

“In the circumstances, I am instructed to demand, as I hereby do, that you comply with my client’s requests forthwith. I sincerely hope that I do not have to resort to legal proceedings to compel you to do so,” he said.

The former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs made it clear that time is of the essence. “As my client did, I reiterate that time is of the essence,” he stressed.

RIGGED ELECTIONS As GECOM released preliminary results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, Ramotar emphatically stated that the process was “rigged” in favour of the political Opposition.

“We are convinced that these elections were rigged,” he said at a news conference held last week at Freedom House, Robb Street.

He also stridently called out GECOM on the question of collusion with the political Opposition, even as he acknowledged that not all of the polling day staff acted in a manner that undermined the democratic process of May 11.

“We think that these are serious issues that deserve to be investigated, and done before a final pronouncement on these elections is made,” Mr. Ramotar had said; and on that basis, he called for a total recount of the votes. This was not done.

“We should have a total recount of votes; it won’t take a long time…to recount the whole election process, to give this election credibility and integrity. We think that it is essential to have a total recount of the votes,” he contends.

MANY DISCREPANCIES Mr Ramotar has said there are many glaring discrepancies. “We have evidence!” he stressed.

One major issue Mr Ramotar highlighted is the Chief Elections Officer’s own admission that falsified Statements of Polls detailing the outcomes of votes cast had been submitted to GECOM. Last Wednesday night, Lowenfield held back results for 490 polling stations out of the total 2,299 stations for this reason. It was disclosed that these fake SOPs had layouts and formats that were different from the authentic ones earlier distributed by GECOM for use

by Polling Agents. Additionally, these fake SoPs did not carry the GECOM endorsement which had been applied to all the SoPs purchased from Canada.

It was also observed that SoPs submitted to GECOM from the Electoral Districts had aggregate numbers of voters exceeding the voting population allocated to the polling stations.

The myriad of problems identified by the PPP/C included: misdirection by some GECOM staffers who advised voters; damaged stamps, which 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.

Three requests -- a total recount, investigation of discrepancies and implementation of remedies -– were communicated to GECOM. (Vanessa Narine)

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Parts of city inundated after 24-hour rainfall PARTS of Georgetown yesterday were under water due to rainfall over a 24hour period, but many businesses were prepared for the rise in the water level.

The Guyana Chronicle early on Wednesday toured

Regent Street, Water Street, Avenue of the Republic and the Bourda Market where some of the vendors expressed dissatisfaction about the situation.

According to one vendor, Thomas (only name given),

“This situation is bad, the rain fall for about two hours yesterday, by the time we put down our foot you surprised to see the height of the water, so I am asking whoever is in charge to come and look into this, as soon as lil rain fall,

A car navigating its way on Main Street in Georgetown (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Citizens try their best to avoid the rise in water on Avenue of the Republic

this whole place flood out.”

Another vendor, whose name was only given as Cheryl, said she was forced to close her stall early.“Well I had planned to work throughout the night, because you know that everyone would do their late market shopping.”

This minor flood came just one month after various

sections in and around the capital city were severely inundated following heavy downpours. This resulted in the closure of some city schools and some businesses.

The previous Government had made provisions for the rainy season by cleaning and clearing drains in around the city, while vendors along Re-

gent Street had cleaned drains to ward off flood waters from the anticipated rainy season.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had also acquired mobile pumps to remove excess water from the land, but some persons claimed that the preparations were inadequate.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Granger says public s the ‘engine of execu

---assures that corruption, bribery will be roo ---promises training, increased salaries, collec

By Vanessa Narine GUYANA’S public service is the engine of the exec-

utive that will ensure the delivery of services to the nation’s people and, by extension, guarantee them

a good life.

“It is my view that the public service is the engine of the executive, it is es-

sential to have an efficient public service if we are to have services such as education, housing, law and order infrastructure, roads to drive on. I don’t believe that these can be possible without an efficient public service. It is essential also to create the environment in which our citizens can enjoy what I call a good life,” charged the new Head of State, David Granger.

He met with heads of the public service and budget agencies at the newly renamed Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, yesterday, to detail his expectations of a reformed public service.

“The public servants must live by different rules, the politicians are the representatives who will go to Parliament and speak in the interest of their constituency, but the public servants must not try to be politicians, they must give those politicians

their best advice without fear or favour,” the Head of State said.

PROFESSIONALISM According to him, professionalism, to be bolstered by a new Public Service Staff College, will have to be the order of the day.

“Everyone entering the Guyana public service must do a course at the Public Service Staff College, so they learn to read and spell properly and to count,” he said.

Granger added, “I do not care about who you voted for last Monday, what I care about is that when the political ministers enter the ministries…the public servants they find there will forget who they voted for and work with devotion and dedication to ensure that the ministry succeeds.”

The Head of State explained that the vision for the public service is: one

that responds to the needs of the Guyanese people in a manner that advances the development of all Guyanese, not only on the Coast; one that is resourceful enough to take advantage of the ability of individual regions to make inroads into improved and efficient management; one that is reliable; and one that is able to capitalise on the digital advances being made by tapping into Information Communication and Technology (ICT) mechanisms.

On these bases, he called on members of the public service to be “prepared” to work with his Administration for its success, as well as the success of the Guyanese people, by being ready to “implement” the decisions of the executive, irrespective of whether or not the decision contradicts their “advice” on matters.

MERIT-BASED The Head of State also touted the principle of merit-based advancement, making clear that

The heads of the public service and budget agencies who me

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21

19

, 2015

service utive’

oted out ctive bargaining the public service is no place for “ignoramuses,” rather it is one for intelligent and professional Guyanese who can envision their efforts in a particular area of public service as a profitable career path. “Career officials will not be selected on the basis of non-merit principles,” Granger stressed.

Corruption and bribery, he added, have no place in the public service; instead the public service must be characterised by persons of integrity, impartiality and intelligence.

“People guilty of corruption will not have a place in the public service….in the months to come, when we have a reformed public service, people will regard the public servant as un-bribable,” Granger said.

Any other method of operation, the Head of State said, only serves to turn the system “upside down” and result in diminished public

service.

“It doesn’t serve the purpose of good administration for a politician to be elected, selected or appointed as a Permanent Secretary, and his or her subordinates know more about how the ministry is run than he or she,” he said, adding that “administrative neutrality” acknowledges some form of bias, but demands professionalism.

ASSURANCE In return, the Head of State assured of a move to increase wages to a “living wage” and the return of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

He said, “We have accepted, as a matter of principle, to respect the Collective Bargaining Agreements we have with the State or Government on one hand, and the representatives

‘The public service is the engine of the Executive’, declares Head of State David Granger of the public servants on the other hand… I am not interested in working with a disgruntled public service… we have to solve that problem in a consensual manner.”

Granger assured too that contract workers will not be “thrown out the window,” rather the conditions of their engagement will be reviewed.

“Put Guyana first,” the Head of State concluded. Also at the forum were Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other Government officials.

et with President David Granger (Photos by Adrian Narine)

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

GICC to be renamed Arthur Chung Convention Centre

Late President Arthur Chung

THE Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) will be renamed the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

This was announced by President David Granger during a high-level meeting he had at the Centre yesterday, with senior public servants, including permanent secretaries.

According to President Granger, the late Arthur Chung – who served as

The Guyana International Conference Centre will now be called the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

Guyana’s first President – “needs to be remembered”.

Mr Chung served as a ceremonial President between 1970 and 1980.

The late President Chung was born on January 10, 1918 at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara. He was educated at Windsor Forest, Blankenburg, and Modern High School. In the early 1940s,

Chung entered the Middle Temple of London, England, and qualified as a Barrister in 1947. He returned to Guyana and was later appointed an acting Magistrate. In 1954, he became a Magistrate and in 1960, a Senior Magistrate. He also served as Registrar of Deeds and of the Supreme Court. He then became a Puisne Judge and

finally an Appeal Court Judge in 1963.

When Guyana became a Republic under the leadership of Forbes Burnham in 1970, the National Assembly elected Chung as the country's first President of Guyana. He held the position of President from March 17, 1970 to October 06, 1980 when a constitutional revision transformed the Presidency into an Executive position, and Mr Burnham succeeded Chung as President.

Arthur Chung was married in 1954 to Ms. Doreen Pamela Ng-See-Quan, with whom he had one daughter and one son.

Following his death on June 23, 2008 he was laid

to rest at the Place of Heroes, Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens.

The People’s Republic of China on February 16, 2006 delivered the multi-million-dollar, stateof-the-art Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) to the Government and people of Guyana, bringing a landmark to the country.

It also brought Guyana into the modern orbit where conference centres are concerned, by creating a hub that would allow Guyana to become a fine destination for the hosting of international conferences and meetings.

The project was requested by the Government

of Guyana in September 2002, and in January 2003, Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, H.E. Ma Xiuhong and then Minister Clement Rohee signed the ‘Exchange of Notes’ on the construction of the project in Guyana, during the State visit of State Counsellor of China, Madame Wu Yi. The GICC, which was funded by a grant provided by the Government of the People's Republic of China, was constructed at a cost of approximately US$8M. It has a main conference hall with a seating capacity of 372, five smaller conference rooms, a business centre and a restaurant.

M&CC appeals to citizens to clean up their comunities THE Mayor and City Council is appealing to all citizens, to organise themselves into groups and clean up their communities now for the independence celebrations.

In a press statement yesterday, the M&CC said this should include cleaning parapets and frontages, cleaning of surface drains, and sprucing up their immediate surroundings.

Council believes that

this should be a community effort, and that all residents should participate in it. With only a few days left before Guyana celebrates its 49th Independence Anniversary, citizens must work together now to make Georgetown clean and tidy.

Council anticipates that this collective effort would improve the general aesthetics of the city.

In the meantime, Coun-

cil is working on a short— term plan to do substantial works in all communities in the city. This would facilitate community and other stake-holders meetings, establishing community development groups, environmental awareness and education, and awards to model neighbourhoods.

"Let us work together to advance our capital with pride and glory," the statement concluded.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

McPherson Police awaiting Allisia murder probe at DPP advice on dead end – Jessemy MFK murder file

CRIME Chief Leslie James yesterday said that the Guyana Police Force is awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Hack-Ali, pertaining to the murder of MFK Trading boss, Mohamed Khan, in which a remanded prisoner has implicated a retired senior officer and a serving member of the force.

The senior officer stated that a file was submitted to the DPP and they are seeking advice on how to proceed.

He said that the Tactical Services Unit Sergeant David Lindo and retired Assistant Commissioner, Steve Merai, both of whom were arrested for questioning last week, were released after statements were taken and a confrontation was held with Lennox “Two Colours” Wayne at the Criminal Investigations Department.

Wayne is at present on remand for murdering Lusignan cosmetologist Ashmini Harriram last year. He began his revelation in prison, after which he was taken to CID Headquarters and gave a detailed statement to sleuths of a plan in which he was the contracted hit man to “bump off” Mohamed Khan, following a row over the sale of his Hadfield Street property.

He had claimed that on August 9 last year, one month after the first execution attempt, he received a telephone call from the police sergeant who informed him that Khan was seen at his lawyer’s office on Hadfield Street among other revelations highlighting a detailed plan to murder Khan.

The remains of Mohamed Khan was found on September 23, 2014 aback of Cummings Lodge, East

Coast Demerara. Khan had gone missing following a trip from Venezuela to Guyana to conduct business.

DNA results have confirmed that the remains were that of the businessman.

The skull, which was wrapped in a plastic bag, was located several feet from the body which was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Khan, who had fled to neighbouring Venezuela after selling his business place on Hadfield Street, had talked about death threats he received on numerous occasions.

Khan, 54, had escaped execution in July, 2014, at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, when a man shot him in his abdomen shortly after he returned to Guyana on a brief holiday.

He was last heard from on August 21, 2014.

Customers frustrated over no upgraded internet speeds …GT&T in full exertion mode FOLLOWING its inauguration of upgraded internet speeds in early April, the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) is in full exertion mode to ensure their customers receive the services by the end of 2015.

This was underscored by GT&T officials after several complaints were made by customers who expressed their frustration over not receiving the upgraded internet services as yet, while other areas/communities have already received theirs.

The services have thus far reached Diamond/Grove, Nandy Park, Providence, and Houston communities on the East Bank of Demerara, and Enterprise on the East Coast, as of late March.

The officials have noted that each month throughout the year, they will imple-

ment the service in communities on a monthly basis.

Lastly, the company stated that they will soon notify the communities that will receive the service as of May. In relation to the development, modernisation and expansion of networks and systems, GT&T has invested in excess of $58B. As such, this upgraded internet speed is aimed at developing Guyana’s telecommunications sector.

The services/upgraded internet speeds entail that current GT&T internet subscribers will experience speeds of up to five times that of which they are currently getting at the same prices. Both residential and business customers will receive the services which will be sold in packages of Bronze, Silver and Gold, within the range of 1Mbps

to 10 Mbps.

Customers who do not qualify for higher speeds because of their locations, will receive price reductions of almost 50% on their existing speeds.

GT&T’s commitment to the people of Guyana is to continually provide faster and better services at competitive prices and to continually earn its position as the best and logical choice for customers. They hope that their customers will be “blown away” by the new internet speed increases arising from their investments.

As part of an ongoing and increasing investment programme by GT&T, their employees are energised by this commitment and hope to share this excitement with their current customers, as well as those new customers who will join them in the future.

LEAD Detective Hugh Jessemy of ‘C’ Division yesterday told this publication that even though a wanted bulletin has been issued for 19-year-old Shivanand Roopnarine, called “Shiv” or “Tuck”, for questioning into the murder of Allisia Mc Pherson which occurred on April 19, 2015 at ‘B’ Field, Sophia, they are yet to make headway in the case.

He is optimistic, however, that it is only a matter of time before he is recognised wherever he is and he will be apprehended by the police or even public-spirited citizens.

Jessemy is of the view that the teen may have fled to the interior to escape the police, but stated that the arm of the law is very long.

It is alleged that Roopnarine stabbed 18-year-old Allisia McPherson, of Lot 612 ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown, 41 times about the body at a party at ‘B’ Field, Sophia, during a lovers’ quarrel.

Mc Pherson had been a victim of abuse at the hands of Roopnarine, her construction worker boyfriend. A section of the print media had reported that the suspect fled the scene in panic after the murder, and has denied having anything to do with it; but the police, questioning why he is running if he did not commit the crime, are optimistic of locating him soon.

The teen’s mother, Ms Denise McPherson, told this publication that she had once observed a bite mark on her daughter’s hand and had asked her about it, but she said she had injured her hand.

Ms Mc Pherson described Allisia as the kind of girl who kept her troubles to herself, even though she had questioned the teen several times

as to whether she was being abused. She said Allisia had refused to talk about it.

The grieving woman added that Allisia and Shiv had been together for two years, during which he had been a regular visitor to her home.

She said he had approached her and told her of his interest in her daughter, and she had reasoned that before they have to meet on the road, she would give him permission to visit Allisia at home.

Mrs. McPherson said “Shiv” had been respectful, with a quiet demeanour, and her daughter seemed happy with him; but deep down in her mind she knew all was not well, but whenever she brought up the subject Allisia would refuse to talk about it.

The mother of four told the Guyana Chronicle that on Saturday afternoon, her daughter had announced that she was going to a party at Cappy’s Place, and she would reach her boyfriend at the location. She had left home in company of a male neighbour.

It is believed that is what had angered the jealous “Shiv,” who met her at the gate of the venue and upon seeing her with the young

man, with whom she had grown up, started to quarrel with her. Persons at the party had observed him slapping her.

Allisia’s bloodied body was found around 04:00 hrs on Sunday morning aback the property where the party was held. Her body was found in the washroom area by a patron who had gone to use the toilet. That patron alerted others to the tragedy.

The mortally injured teen was placed in a taxi and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she succumbed.

A post-mortem had revealed that the teen’s body bore 41 stab wounds, and gave the cause of death as haemorrhage and shock due to multiple stab wounds and punctured lungs, relatives said.

Mrs. McPherson said that when she reached the hospital, after getting a telephone call alerting her that her daughter had been stabbed, she was unable to see her until after an hour, but her daughter was unresponsive and was covered in blood.

Allisia had met “Shiv” through a friend when she was not unemployed. They began going out regularly, but Mrs Mc Pherson had noticed that Shiv was a jealous person who policed Allisia’s movements via cellphone on a daily basis.

Following the murder, Roopnarine was observed in a minibus heading to Mahdia. It was also reported that after the incident, he had told the disc jockey to stop the music because somebody “get stab up.” This had happened before he fled the scene.

RESIDENTS of Bartica are currently experiencing interruptions in their power supply due to technical difficulties being experienced on the No. 6 and 10 Generating Sets. As a result of this, available capacity has been reduced, thereby necessitating the current load shedding

which started Monday, a statement from GPL said last evening.

Efforts were underway to return both engines into service by last evening. In the unlikely event this does not materialise, load shedding will remain in effect for the evening and a guide will be published.

“Our company appeals for patience and understanding from the residents of Bartica as every effort is being made to restore reliable power supply. Residents are advised to check TARZIE television station or GPL’s Facebook page (GPL Inc.) for updates,” the statement concluded.

Murdered: Allisia Mc Pherson

Bartica power interruptions

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

IAC extends monetary assistance to Sophia families affected by elections related violence FOLLOWING the establishment of a hotline (2235161) to receive complaints and concerns from persons affected by 2015 post-elections incidents of violence, the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) yesterday handed over tangible contributions to two Sophia families that suffered tremendously.

At a simple handing over ceremony at the IAC Office on Quamina Street, Georgetown, representatives from the families, Mrs Farida Prasad and Mrs Pooladai Khublall, received financial contributions and expressed their thanks to the organisation.

During the ceremony, they expressed the pains and suffering they endured during that period as well as significant losses which have severely affected their everyday lives.

Both Mrs Prasad and Mrs Khublall have informed the IAC that they are unsure of living in their current homes in the future and are contemplating relocating for the sake of peace, security and avoidance of such incidents which now seems routine with elections. They pointed out

Mrs Poonadai Khublall collecting her donation from IAC member, Safiya Gafoor yesterday

IAC Secretary Yvette Rambarack handing over the donation to Mrs Farida Prasad yesterday (Delano Williams photo)

that the relocation would be costly, hence making it even more challenging on them.

According to the IAC, “many incidents of intimidation and humiliation have been received since the hotline was established”.

The IAC said it is in the process of compiling a comprehensive report for submission to both local and international authorities.

Executive members of the IAC, Raymond Azeez and

Persaud.

Adding to that, Azeez noted that the recent ‘Hamara Guyana Concerts’ have proven successful although it was a free event. He disclosed that all three events were well-attended and has nonetheless boosted the IAC’s finances, which will enable them to render assistance to persons in need.

Aditya Persaud noted that since the IAC’s formation in 2003, they have been targeting persons and communities that are in dire need of assistance.

They stated that even though the committee is a non-commercial body, they would still lend support to persons in whatever little way they could.

“The IAC is not here to just promote culture, but also to render assistance to persons in need across Guyana,” said

THE VICTIMS Speaking with the Guyana

Chronicle in tears, Prasad expressed her appreciation to the IAC for their support and was thankful that they assisted her family in such a time of need.

She reflected on the incident when her home was looted on the evening of elections day during the fiery unrest.

“They broke down my fence during the fire and broke down my windows and doors.

Everything they took, even the mattress. The police were unable to control them,” said

Prasad in tears.

Prasad also recalled that during past elections persons would threaten her and the family, adding that she is deeply hurt over the situation and believed that better could have been done.

Meanwhile, Mrs Khublall also expressed similar sentiments to that of Prasad’s. She boldly said her family was not involved in any illegal work during polling day 2015. Like Prasad, Khublall also reflected on the incident and stated with tears in her eyes that she is deeply saddened by the behaviour of the residents in Sophia.

Finally, both the Prasad and Khublall families are urging the public and private sectors to help in restoring their homes in whatever way they could.

The IAC is a non-profit organisation that operates under a mandate to preserve and promote Indian Cultural activities, traditions and heritage while at the same time deal with social issues that affects Indo-Guyanese and to an extent, Guyanese of all ethnic and religious background. (Shivanie Sugrim)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Motor cyclist dies after colliding with minibus THE police are probing a fatal accident which claimed the life of Ogle Kirton, 57, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday at Lusignan Public Road.

The accident occurred around 19:45 hrs when as Kirton was driving a motor cycle along the roadway, it is alleged that he turned across the road and in so doing col-

lided with an oncoming minibus.

Kirton received injuries and was taken to the GPHC where he died while receiving medical treatment.

The driver of the minibus is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident around 18:30hrs on May 19, 2015, Mark Simon, 29,

of Liverpool, Corentyne, was involved in an argument with another man at Liverpool over the alleged larceny of cattle, during which he was shot to his back and right foot and was also chopped to his right foot. He was admitted to hospital.

The suspect fled the scene and has not been arrested as yet. An investigation is in progress.

Carpenter bailed for wounding

Below rates for May 20, 2015

A THIRTY-ONE-yearold carpenter charged with wounding was yesterday granted $20,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Darrel Sinclair, who resides at Lot 1998 Meadow Brook Squatting Area, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge during his arraignment.

Particulars of the charge said on Monday, May 11 at Meadow Brook Gardens, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded 32-year-old Desmond McPherson.

S i n c l a i r, a f a t h e r of two, was unrepresented by an attorney, however, he offered to c o m p e n s a t e M c P h e rson. When asked by the chief magistrate whether he would accept compensation, McPherson responded in the negative.

The prosecution’s facts were not revealed to the court as to how the incident occurred.

With no objection to bail by Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, statements were ordered to be filed and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Annette Singh, for report and fixtures on June 3.

Currency G$/US$ G$/GBP G$/CAD$ G$/euro BDOS$ G$/EC$ G$/TT$

Buying 205.98625 320.07815 168.66651 229.21872 101.86969 75.45903 32.39254

Selling 208.43594 324.09704 170.61857 232.15595 102.89094 76.21551 32.71728

Aries Your light, breezy spirit may have some trouble harmonising with today’s prevailing mood. Usually when you’re cornered, you’re able to find a way to squirm to safety. Today you may run out of clever manoeuvers.

Even though you face the day’s challenges alone and unaided, you survive them the same way. Good for you!

Taurus What a day. Whether at work or at home, you may find yourself choosing between two options, both of which stem from anxiety! You may decide to vanquish your doubts by burying yourself in your work. If so, you can expect to expend a great deal of energy. Or you may react with indifference, and the apathy will cost you just as much. The situation will improve in a few days.

Gemini It’s often said that your energy feeds on strong emotions. Situations that require some daring are an excellent source of such excitement. This is the key to understanding the day ahead. True, you can expect some hair-raising encounters, but how better to show off your skills as either an employee or passionate partner?

Cancer You will have to rely on your analytical skills and steely self-control to navigate the stormy seas you find yourself in today. And there’s no way to escape the stress. The worst pitfall facing you in your career or studies would be to doubt in your abilities. This is an opportunity to put your confidence to the test. Just make sure you pass it.

Leo The astral configuration indicates that you may be interested in pursuing some kind of training. Assess where you are in your professional life. Are you up to persuading people with your expertise? Don’t think that you have to know more in order to be a good teacher. In fact, it’s often by teaching that the teacher learns the subject.

Virgo Do you have some drawings in a drawer? Since last month, or possibly before, you’ve been thinking about your creative ability. You have a habit of turning your back on your skills, whether in drawing, photography, or writing, but they’re in you nonetheless. People will expect more of you!

All you have to do is take out a brush or pen and you will be on your way.

Libra One last, concerted effort and you will be able to get to the root of a problem that has been on your mind for a while now. The answer to the question concerning your identity isn’t entirely to be found in your family history. You’re part of a generation as well as a family. Both influence your responses.

Scorpio You’ve been doing a lot of cleaning up and clearing out. Since this project has been going on for several years now, you must be doing a particularly thorough job. Finally, it seems as if you’re getting things straight with your karma. Today will be a big day. You may be able to leave part of your childhood behind, as at last you understand that it’s ancient history.

Sagittarius Sometimes you have to go back to square one if you want a situation to get better. This can be frustrating or even humiliating, but if the goal is to have a solid foundation on which to rebuild, it’s well worth it! Don’t get too attached to your professional past. You have to advance and you’re too weighed down now. Let go!

For Thursday May 21, 2015: 05:00hrs For Friday May 22, 2015: 05:00:00hrs For Saturday May 23, 2015: 08:30hrs

Capricorn A moment will come when you can no longer fight against the current transformation you’re going through in your professional life. The system that you live in will soon put you at a kind of impasse, but this won’t necessarily be unpleasant. However, you will be obliged to change paths whether you like it or not. You will probably want to!

Aquarius You won’t allow yourself to get sidetracked by minor things today. You will get straight to the heart of the matter. There’s some likelihood that you haven’t considered your working conditions and instead you’re concentrating on the goal you’ve set for yourself. When you set a goal, you’re a force to be reckoned with!

Pisces About two weeks ago, it may have occurred to you that you should be making more of an effort to advance your career. If so, it will be easier for you to accept today’s constraints, as there is some probability that you will need to perform at your highest level. Be careful not to lose yourself in the attempt!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Land ... Kumar breaks silence ...

From Backpage

said without an appropriate pitch, it’s hard to develop the sport …so “we need the pitch to have top class hockey players and teams to play here”.

Asked by a member of another media house if it is because of Guyana’s recent performance regionally and internationally that the two top ranking officials visited Guyana, Budeisky was quick to point out that the main reason for the visit is to press the authorities to give the GFHB a piece of land so that they (GHB) can get on with their business of having an artificial pitch and thereby developing the sport locally.

“We hope that in another few weeks we’ll have word from the local authorities about the land,”. Budeisky stated.

Negre said in the past the FIH was paying much attention to the more developed countries but since his ascension to office, much emphasis has been placed and will continue to be placed on the less developed countries.

Windies ...

From Backpage

following the reports made; Inews Guyana, an online news network was able to get a response from the long-standing Director of Sport.

According ‘Inews’, Kumar said that while it was being perceived that it was a ‘one-man show’ at the NSC, as Director, he ran an inclusive organisation where everyone was able to run their respective areas without disruption.

Chronicle Sport had reported that “crucial documents” with regard to financial records of the NSC were missing, despite being under Kumar’s care, but according to the Inews report, the long-serving Director of Sport said: “ We ( t h e N S C ) h a v e a Chairman of the Commission (Conrad Plummer) and an accounts department and all our paper work is in order, you can check that because I have nothing to hide, I don’t deal with that stuff”.

“My office was broken into about two months ago and the police had a fullscale investigation done in here, you can ask Mr

(Gervy) Harry,” Kumar said.

It was Chronicle Sport who first reported that millions in sport equipment were missing from the bond at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall which, according to the facility’s manager, were taken by Kumar for a function at the Palms; something the geriatric home has since distanced itself from.

Kumar said that “as the Director of Sport I have the right to share out the gear and I wasn’t doing it ‘willy-nilly’, so there was a lot of gear left back,” However, no one knows where or when these ‘sport gear/equipment’ were distributed and to whom, and Kumar never denied that he removed them for personal gain.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King recently noted that an investigation will be launched into the missing documents.

King, who is responsible for the Commission in the absence of a Minister, made it clear that removal of public documents is a criminal offence and any instance of such will be investigated.

From Backpage

Hansika got 21 but the hosts lost their last seven wickets for 58 runs after coasting at 67 for three in the 25th over at one stage.

The victory gave West Indies a 3-1 win in the series and more importantly, saw them pick up another two ICC Championship points, following a similar win on Monday.

West Indies Women started poorly, losing Kycia Knight for eight with the score on 16 in the third over but recovered slightly through a 28-run, second-wicket stand between opener Matthews and Stafanie Taylor.

Matthews, the gutsy 17-year-old Barbadian, hit 24 off 23 balls with three fours while Taylor made just eight.

Both fell within the space of four deliveries with the score on 44 and when the usually dependable Deandra Dottin perished for 13 and captain Merissa Aguilleira, 12, West Indies Women were reeling at 82 for five in the 20th over.

Cooper stepped up to rally the innings, hammering four fours and two sixes off 65 deliveries before being eighth out in the 35th over.

Smartt then knocked over Yasoda Mendis (13) and Prasadani Weerakkody (10) as Sri Lanka Women slumped to 34 for three in the 15th over, in reply.

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Icy Avalanche 08:55 hrs Uncle Tommy 09:30 hrs Royal Trip 10:05 hrs Twilight Tiger 10:45 hrs Cristal Arrow French Racing Tips Chantilly 08:50 hrs Projected 09:20 hrs Parkori 09:55 hrs Acteur Secret 10:25 hrs Sandy’s Choice English Racing Tips Wetherby 09:00 hrs Kayf Willow 09:30 hrs Barney’s Honour 10:05 hrs Hotgrove Boy 10:40 hrs Unanimite 11:15 hrs Go Odee Go 11:50 hrs Sedgemoor Express 12:20 hrs Azure Glamour Goodwood 09:10 hrs Captainthunderbolt 09:40 hrs Fiftyshadesofgrey 10:15 hrs Gavlar 10:50 hrs Resonant 11:25 hrs Lady Of Dubai

12:00 hrs Journey 12:35 hrs Lead A Merry Dance Sandown 12:55 hrs Kassia 13:25 hrs Critical Risk 14:00 hrs Yorkidding 14:35 hrs Richard Of Yorke 15:05 hrs Dark Deed 15:35 hrs Sequester Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 12:40 hrs Kala Brandy 13:15 hrs Full Cry 13:50 hrs Teoleena 14:25 hrs Lucky Pat 14:55 hrs Redclue 15:25 hrs Mallards In Flight 15:55 hrs Henry’s Girl American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Uncle Vinny Race 2 Dominic’s Smile Race 3 General Ann Race 4 Invasion Point Race 5 Don’t Blame Her Race 6 Ogermeister Race 7 Secret Fortune Race 8 No Surrender Race 9 Hushhushmushmush

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21

31

, 2015

‘I’ve never believed in the switch hit’ … Garry Sobers talks about batting innovations and what T20 does to young players GARRY SOBERS has always been one to call it as he sees it. “If there was a ball to hit, you hit it.” Perhaps surprisingly, the greatest all-rounder of all-time, and one of the most thrilling, attacking batsmen of his age, is not overly fond of T20 cricket - particularly the kind of impact it can have on young players.

What effect has the Caribbean Premier League had on West Indies cricket?

It has helped in certain areas. It has given a lot of people an opportunity to play at that level against or with some of the top players in the world. It is a good innovation for West Indies cricket because not only does it bring new players in but it also goes into various islands so that people in those places can see cricket.

And it is bringing people back through the turnstiles who one day might start coming in for Test cricket too.

What has been the impact of T20 at large on West Indies players?

You will find in most countries here, the selectors from various islands will try to keep the young and upcoming player from T20 until he develops his skills at the top level and then he can handle both. We are trying to build Test players for the future. And you can’t build Test players through T20, not if they are in the age group of 19-21. We don’t really want to start pushing them into T20 where they have to face five or six overs and they know they have to get on with it and they have to play all different kinds of shots, and then hold their technique for the level of Test cricket.

You might have one or two players who at a young age can adapt themselves to both first-class and T20, but you can’t expose them until you know that they are capable. You have to play them in the four-day games and see how they play, and then you will have an idea whether they can do it in both formats.

At the present moment you want to build Test players because we need them in the West Indies. You just can’t take the youngsters that have that ability and stick them into the CPL, where every ball you have to probably hit a boundary.

So (the CPL) does help in the sense that it gives a

Sir Garry Sobers: “The CPL helps in the sense that it gives a youngster an opportunity to watch the cricket and see how players play” (Getty Images) in the same way - a reverse youngster an opportunity to sweep, up over the top, flick watch the cricket and see how it up over their head.

Do you think you would players play - you do have cricketers like Kallis, Ten- have enjoyed playing T20?

I enjoyed playing any dulkar and those players who developed through Test cricket type of cricket. Didn’t matter but can go into T20 and still what type it was because I did play that class of cricket that not want to change my game. they played in Test matches My game was built on one and still score quickly. So it type of cricket: if there was a ball to hit, you hit it, whether helps in those categories.

“If you are going to raise it was Test matches, whatyoungsters for Test cricket ever it was. But T20 gives that don’t have the experi- you freer choice because you ence, you can’t stick them only have a limited amount into T20. You’ve got to teach of overs and there are certain them first how to play Test times I want to change my game and play as I normally cricket” Do you enjoy watching wouldn’t play.

What shots have you been T20 cricket?

I enjoy watching it be- impressed by?

There are a plenty of shots cause it comes at the right time, especially when it is that I have been amazed by, being played in India, South but a lot of these shots are Africa or Australia. I can lie played because you have down in bed and look at it. worn an iron mask. Take As a cricketer you see some away the protection and let shots played in T20 that you me see if they play them. do admire, but that is why Don’t forget that the past you don’t want too many players did not have any youngsters to get into it be- protection. So they probably cause they might start trying would not have played shots all these different kinds of like trying to flick the ball things without being devel- over their head, because if oped in the game to be able they mistimed it, it would be trouble. But with the helmet to do them.

They might try them and on, the face guard and all that, that might take away their you can now afford to play natural flair. But you have all those kinds of shots. Now players of experience who you have no real problem. No play at the level of Test crick- real fear.

As a fan, which shot you et but can improvise to play these kinds of shots. And it would pick?

The reverse sweep can be is nice to see some of them being played. But sometimes most effective. I don’t think some of them go overboard, the ordinary player or playgo beyond. The odd one here ers who are just learning the and there is fine but some of game, they’ll want to do it. them want to play every ball There are some who are ca-

pable enough of executing it.

It is a good shot, the reverse sweep, because you can keep it on the ground. You don’t have to hit it in the air, and it has got to be well timed. That is one of the shots I would recommend. But all the other ones like flicking over the head are a bit far-fetched.

What about the switch hit?

The switch hit - I never believed in that because you are changing the position completely. I don’t think you should be allowed to change from left-handed to right-handed.

You get a bowler that is bowling round the wicket and all of a sudden he doesn’t tell the umpire he is bowling over the wicket. So what you are going to do with him - you are going to call it a no-ball? The same way you have the switch hit, where I can turn from right to left and there is no call or no stopping him.

You set a field for a right-handed batsman. So what happens if he turns around and you have three fielders behind?

And you are only allowed two men behind square, so you have

two slips and a backward point for a left-hander and he turns around to a right-hander. Now you have three men behind square. So what are you going to do then? So think about it: when he changed the position, he has changed the field position.

How do you redress the balance of the situation in favour of the bowler?

Well, that is the rules.

They set the rules. But it is a different game completely to what it used to be. It is a modern game, because when you tell a bowler that he can only bowl two bouncers an over and he can only bowl with two men behind square, and yet the batsman can do all these different things with his helmet, arm guards, pads … you limit me (bowler) but you don’t limit the batsman. So it is a one-sided game - that is my view. That is my belief.

What advice would you give to young bowlers these days?

If I am talking to a youngster, I coach him what I feel is best for him to bowl, how to hold the ball, how to bowl

certain things and how to bowl to certain batsmen, how to position himself. I never talk to them about the rules.

How heavy was your bat?

Two pounds two. I don’t know what today’s batsmen use and how much they weigh. I know what they look like. I can see how thick they are. Some people say they are 2.10, 2.12, three pounds.

You spoke about how the CPL has had a positive impact in terms of bringing fans back to grounds. In terms of leadership, have West Indies players like Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin grown into able leaders?

You must remember they first played Test cricket (except Pollard) and they were not too bad at Test cricket. I don’t think they would have learned a lot from IPL or whatever T20 they have played. They can only learn a lot of bad habits from it and take those into Test cricket. If you are going to raise youngsters for Test cricket that don’t have the experience, you can’t stick them into T20.

England rebuilding tarnished reputation, says Cook LONDON, England (Reuters) - English cricket’s reputation has taken a “hammering” over the last 18 months but better times lie in wait following some big changes, captain Alastair Cook said yesterday.

England have hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons following a string of poor performances, the sacking of coach Peter Moores, and the fallout from the decision not to recall batsman Kevin Pietersen.

But with a new cricket director, coach and chairman in place, Cook believes England head into a twoTest series against New Zealand in a much healthier state.

“I absolutely understand that cricket has taken hammering over the past 18 months,” Cook told a news conference ahead of today’s opening Test match at Lord’s.

“There has been a real

big change, but we’re now focusing on play ing. It’s a really exciting time.

“Everyone who follows the England cricket team wants us to be successful.

We know the pressure but it’s a great pressure.”

New cricket director Andrew Strauss sacked coach Moores earlier this month and Paul Farbrace will lead England against the Kiwis before a permanent coach is appointed.

“It was a tough call and we all feel for Peter Moores,” Cook said. “He was a players’ coach, a guy who right on the pulse.

“Getting the best out of people was his real strength.

As a player and captain I loved my time with Mooresy.”

Former Ashes-winning captain Strauss also decided that Pietersen, who was sacked 15 months ago following the 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia, would not be

recalled despite scoring a career-best 355 not out for Surrey.

Pietersen’s hopes of returning to the international arena had been raised after new English Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves suggested in March that the South African-born batsman would be considered if he scored a lot of runs in county cricket.

Cook denied media reports that he had issued the ECB with an ultimatum that he would resign as captain if Pietersen was recalled.

“There was no ultimatum,” he said. “Over 15 months, the story hasn’t gone away.

“The decision was made without the players, we just have to play. The players weren’t consulted on Pietersen.

“The story has been put to bed by the ECB. I’m responsible for the team on the field. We have to focus on that.”

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Curry sparks Warriors to Game One victory over Houston (REUTERS) - Stephen Curry won his personal duel with James Harden as the Golden State Warriors overcame an early deficit and survived a late scare to edge the Houston Rockets 110-106 in Game One of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday.

Curry poured in 34 points, six rebounds and five assists and added key buckets in the closing stages to give the top-seeded Warriors a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series in front of a raucous home crowd.

The Golden State fans were nervous early, however, when their team fell 16 points behind in the second quarter but the

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots a layup against Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) during the fourth quarter in game one of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena.

Warriors responded with a 16-2 run to seize control by halftime.

Harden, who finished runner-up to Curry for

the regular season MVP award, nearly delivered a triple-double with 28 points 11 rebounds and nine assists, and caught fire in

the second half to rally the Rockets.

Houston have already proved capable of comebacks in overcoming a 3-1 deficit to oust the Los Angeles Clippers in the last round and used a late 7-0 run to pull within 108-106 with 14 seconds remaining.

Curry, however, settled the nerves by making two free throws to seal things for Golden State, who got 18 points off the bench from Shaun Livingston.

Houston centre Dwight Howard suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, returned for a while but left for good in the fourth.

Golden State will host Game Two today.

Fletcher’s replacement not decided yet

THE BCCI is yet to decide on the replacement of Duncan Fletcher, the India coach whose tenure ended after the World Cup. Anurag Thakur, the board secretary, revealed that the BCCI was considering changes in all positions “whether it’s the coach or the support staff”.

The time-frame for the appointments has not been set, though, nor was it made clear if Ravi Shastri, the India team director since the tour of England, would continue. “Good things come to those who wait,” Thakur said. “We are in the process of finalising that in the cricket advisory committee and also short-listing the name of the coaches who are available for the interview. Once that process is completed we will be in a position to take a final call to select the coach.”

Asked about what coaching and support staff would travel to Bangladesh, Thakur re-

There is still no clarity on Duncan Fletcher’s replacement, and if Ravi Shastri will continue as team director. (Getty Images)

mained vague and said it would be finalised next week.

However, ESPNcricinfo understands that Shastri in not likely to accompany the team to Bangladesh and his tenure is all but over. India’s tour to Bangladesh starts with the only Test in Fatullah on June 10, and in case the board fails to make a decision

by then, the team is likely to leave with the assistant coaches - Sanjay Bangar, B Arun and R Sridhar - in charge.

It is also understood that Sourav Ganguly’s name is being discussed as either the team director or the High Performance Manager for the National Cricket Academy.

Rahul Dravid is also

likely to be approached for a coaching job for India A. However, no formal approach has been made yet to either of the two.

Dravid, in the past, had indicated his interest in coaching before adding “there is a time and place for everything”.

Speaking at the Dilip Sardesai lecture last September, he had said, “I would love at some stage to work with young cricketers. Whether that’s with the Indian coach, I don’t know. It could be as a coach of a Ranji team at some stage.”

Without naming anyone, Thakur said the board was keen on utilising the services of former cricketers. “They can share ideas, they can be advisers to the board and we want to involve them to improve our domestic cricket, to improve our performances overseas, in the overall interest of Indian cricket,” he said. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Timberwolves win lottery for top draft pick

By Larry Fine NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - The Minnesota Timberwolves won the National Basketball Association’s draft lottery on Tuesday, giving them the first selection in the NBA draft for the first time.

The Timberwolves had a 25 percent chance -- the best odds among the 14 non-playoff teams in the draw -- at winning the weighted lottery after finishing with the worst record in the 2014-15 regular season.

For the first time since 2004, the team in best position actually claimed the top pick, giving Minnesota reason to rejoice after their lowly 16-66 mark in the regular season.

“We just want a young man with a great heart and a great mind,” said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, who attended the lottery at a midtown Manhattan hotel ballroom.

Centres Karl-Anthony Towns from the University of Kentucky and Jahlil Okafor from Duke are widely considered the prizes of the draft to be held on June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Other highly touted candidates include point guards D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State) and Emmanuel Mudiay, who played professionally this year in China, and Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who played in Spain’s professional league.

One surprise shook up the selection order as the Los Angeles Lakers leapfrogged from the presumed fourth pick to the second spot, changing places with the New York Knicks.

“I just know right now there are a lot of happy people in Los Angeles,” said Lakers coach Byron Scott.

“This is a big step for us in the process of rebuilding our team and getting back to ... playoff championship basketball.”

The Philadelphia 76ers will select third and the Orlando Magic fifth.

The Timberwolves’ draft choice will join last year’s top pick Andrew Wiggins on Minnesota’s roster as he was obtained from the Cavaliers before the 2014-15 season as part of a deal that sent Kevin Love to Cleveland.

Wolves president Flip Saunders was thrilled.

“This is a great day for our franchise and our fans,” said Saunders in a statement. “The No.1 pick is a fantastic asset to have as we look to add more talent to our team.”

A loud groan resounded in the ballroom when the Knicks were announced in the fourth slot.

“There’s a little disappointment. We would have liked to get a higher pick,” Knicks general manager Steve Mills said. “But we know that any one of the top five picks will give us a very good player.”

Karl-Anthony Towns

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21

33

, 2015

England contacts Gillespie - reports F R O N T- r u n n e r J a s o n Gillespie is one of a clutch of candidates thought to have been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board about the vacant position as coach of the national team.

The governing body issued no comment yesterday - the eve of the first Investec Test against New Zealand at Lord’s - in response to reports that ECB cricket director Andrew Strauss has spoken to Gillespie and fur-

Jason Gillespie remains the front-runner to be England’s new coach.

NOTABLE DATES RAUL Frank won the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Latino junior middleweight title on May 21, 2004. Frank, 24 years old at the time won a unanimous decision over Mohamad Said of Syria. The fight was held at the Riehle Brothers Pavilion in Lafayette, Indiana, USA. Judges Blake Allen, Victor Kakone and Nathan Palmer all scored it 117-111 in favour of Frank who improved to 26-4-1. Earlier in his career Frank had twice challenged the now deceased Vernon `The Viper’ Forrest for the vacant International Boxing Federation welterweight title.

The first contest between the two was held in August 2000 and ended in a No-Contest folRaul Frank lowing a clash of heads.

The next year Forrest won the other by unanimous decision. After taking up permanent residence in the USA, Frank returned to Guyana in 1992 for two epic encounters with Michael Benjamin.

He lost both fights on points. Frank took the vacant USBA welterweight title in October 1997 with a split decision victory over Purcell Miller.

He had his last fight in November 2010 and fittingly, did it on home soil.

Ending on a successful note, he won a unanimous decision over `Deadly’ Denny Dalton at the Princess Hotel and Casino. His pro career has produced 29 victories (14 KOs), five defeats and three draws.

WAYNE BRAITHWAITE was 13-0 with 10 knockouts when he tackled Trinidadian Michael Augustine in Port of Spain on May 21, 2000. The Guyanese southpaw cruiserweight left the ring with his unbeaten record intact after stopping Augustine in the second round.

Braithwaite was given the pseudonym `Big Truck’ by promoter Odinga Lumumba for his devastating punching power. He became the second Guyanese to win a world title. In October 2002 he ended the hope of Italian Vincenzo Cantatore to grab the vacant World Boxing Council cruiserweight crown.

Cantatore was TKOed at two minutes and six seconds of round 10. Braithwaite made three successful defences of the title before meeting with an equally ‘big truck’ in the name of Jean Marc Mormeck.

The Frenchman won by unanimous decision to add Braithwaite’s WBC title to the World Boxing Association crown he had already owned.

The lost to Mormeck signalled a dent in Braithwaite’s career as he lost five of the following eight fights - the last being a unanimous decision to Shawn Corbin in October 2012.

ther talks are in the offing over the next 24 hours.

England are in the hands of caretaker coach Paul Farbrace for the two-Test series against the Black Caps, and he is another feasible contender to replace the sacked Peter Moores.

Captain Alastair Cook admitted at his pre-match press conference that England would ideally like to have a new head coach in place in time for the start

of this summer’s Ashes on July 8.

But he insisted it is more important Strauss identifies, and appoints, the right man - even if that process takes longer than initially hoped.

“The thing is that we get the right man for the job,” said Cook.

“If that takes a little bit longer ... we have Farby, a very fine man.

“He has won at international level as well. In an absolutely ideal world, of

course we would all agree we want him (new coach) in place before the Ashes starts.

“Everyone agrees on that. But if that isn’t the case ... Straussy has to make sure he gets the right man.”

Ex-Australia fast bowler Gillespie will be locking horns with former teammate Darren Lehmann, as his opposite number, and against his native country of course should he take the reins for England this summer. (PA Sport)

Hamilton staying at Mercedes until 2018

By Alan Baldwin MONACO, (Reuters) Double Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has agreed a new threeyear contract that will keep him at Mercedes until the end of 2018, the team announced yesterday.

Although no financial details were given, media reports have suggested the Briton is in line for a bumper pay packet amounting to more than $40 million (£26 million) a year.

“Mercedes is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be staying here for another three years,” the 30-year-old Briton said in a statement that ended any talk of a move to rivals Ferrari in the near future.

Hamilton, who has a 20-point lead over team mate Nico Rosberg in the current championship after five races, is already one of the highest earners in the sport along with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and McLaren’s Fernando Alonso.

German driver Rosberg, who is chasing a third successive Monaco Grand Prix win this weekend, agreed his own multi-year contract extension last July.

Hamilton’s new deal ends months of uncertainty about the driver’s future, with speculation swirling since the middle of last year and increasing despite repeated assurances that all was on track.

The champion has dispensed with the services of

Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain waves as he celebrates his victory on the podium after the Chinese F1 Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, April 12, 2015. (Reuters/Aly Song)

a manager and has been conducting much of the negotiations, and reading through contracts, himself.

VERY PROUD The Briton, who won his first title with McLaren in 2008, has been backed by Mercedes since his teenage years and all of his 36 grand prix wins have been with the German manufacturer’s engines.

Fifteen of those victories, including 11 last year, have been for the Mercedes works team.

“Mercedes-Benz began supporting me in 1998 so I am very proud that this contract means I will mark 20 years with Mercedes in

2018,” he said.

Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff said continuity was a key factor in delivering success.

“Lewis enjoyed an historic World Championship season with Mercedes-Benz last year and it was a priority for this season to renew his contract for the next term,” said the Austrian.

“We have taken the right amount of time with the process and not rushed ourselves.

“The result is a strong agreement that will enhance Lewis’ association with the Mercedes-Benz brand, and that recognises and respects the market value of Lewis and of Mercedes in Formula One.”

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21, 2015

Resilient Sunderland secure Premier League safety (Reuters)-Sunderland secured their Premier League survival after manning the barricades to tough out a 0-0 draw at Arsenal, for whom a point was enough to all but seal third place and a spot in th e C h a m p i o n s League group stage yesterday.

goal that the Sunderland keeper did well to keep out.

There was a sense that it was not going to be Arsenal’s evening in front of a largely muted home crowd when Kieran Gibbs had a header well saved, Sanchez had an effort blocked and Sunderland nearly grabbed a breakaway goal as Steven Fletcher failed to beat David Ospina when through on goal.

Fletcher then had arguably the best chance of the night but somehow failed to convert a Patrick van Aanholt cross from six metres out.

LONDON,

The battle to avoid relegation is now a straight shootout between Hull City and 17th-place Newcastle United, who are two points better off heading into Sunday’s final round.

Hull are at home to Manchester United while N e w c a s t l e h o s t We s t Ham. Sunderland needed a point to ensure their top flight status and defended like their lives depended on it to move up to 15th, four points clear of Hull City in

Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher has a shot saved by Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla. Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley Livepic the final relegation place.

It was a frustrating evening for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, who are now unable to catch Manchester City in second, but are three points clear of fourth placed Manchester United with a comfortably superior goal difference.

It was to be expected

that Sunderland would arrive at the Emirates with a gameplan designed to stifle their opponents with bodies behind the ball and it proved to be a remarkably well-executed strategy.

It took 29 minutes for Arsenal to have a sniff of goal as Mesut Ozil latched on to a chipped ball over the

top from Alexis Sanchez but fired high over the bar, before Olivier Giroud flashed a shot wide two minutes later.

The France forward went close again 10 minutes after the break, drawing an excellent save from Costel Pantilimon by darting to the near post and steering a sharp finish back across

DCC congratulates President Granger and New Administration THE president, executive and members of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) join the growing list of sports organisations to congratulate His Excellency, President David Arthur Granger and Prime Minister Hon. Moses Nagamootoo.

“It is with a feeling of reverence, humility and unbridled joy that the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) was

singularly involved, played its part and readily contributed by way of inputs/intervention in hosting the APNU+AFC Youth-Volunteer Election Education Seminar at the Club’s Pavilion whilst making its attendant facilities available,” the DCC said in its release.

According the DCC, the club reiterates its abiding support for the efforts and programmes of the New

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday May 21, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALLBourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230)& AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 259-Glen Turner (NZ vs WI, 1972) SohailTanvir (RR) Today’s Quiz: Who is the first bowler to claim a five-wicket haul at Bourda?

Who is the last man to deliver a ball in an IPL final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Administration – sure in the knowledge that they will resolutely pursue their declared and committed policy of Inclusive Governance – forged in the white heat of Progress for and Unity of all Guyanese Citizens, both at home and across the Diaspora, regardless of political persuasion, affiliation, ethnicity, gender, race, religion or

sexual orientation.

“May the Divine Architect of the Universe guard, protect and guide the New Administration in its deliberations and decisions in moving this Dear Land of Guyana onward, upward and more importantly forward, to take its rightful place among the Comity of Nations,” says the DCC.

A r s e n a l , h o w e v e r, continued to pile forward with Theo Walcott beating Pantilimon only to see his goal-bound effort cleared desperately by a back-tracking Sebastian Coates and Sunderland’s Billy Jones inadvertently directing a cross against his own post as Arsenal pressed in vain.

The final whistle prompted ecstatic celebrations from the Sunderland players as well as manager Dick Advocaat, who masterminded his side’s survival after being appointed in March.

Ahye, Campbell-Brown sweep sprints in Beijing

BEIJNG, China (CMC) – Caribbean athletes took centre stage as they swept both the women’s sprints at the IAAF World Challenge meet here yesterday.

In the marquee 100 metres, Trinidadian Michelle-Lee Ahye raced to 11.05 seconds to take victory, ahead of American Charonda Williams in 11.28, and Jamaican Schillonie Calvert, in 11.42.

Only last Sunday, Ahye finished third in the 100m in the Shanghai Diamond League, clocking 11.13 to finish behind winner Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria.

In the 200 metres yesterday, Jamaican Veronica Campbell-Brown returned to winning ways when she clinched the 200 metres in 22.68 seconds.

The former World champion, who turned 33 last

Michelle-Lee Ahye Friday, finished ahead of American Kaylin Whitney in 23.06 and Calvert who returned for her second bronze of the day, in a time of 23.12.

Campbell-Brown finished fourth in the 100m in Shanghai.

Benjamin appointed Hurricanes coach

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Reginald Benjamin has been appointed head coach of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes on a twoyear contract, the Leeward Islands Cricket Board has announced.

The 54-year-old, who was born in Antigua and played for the Caribbean territory as well as for the United States, will take up the post on June 1.

He was chosen from a shortlist of three candidates and has been now charged with the responsibility of lifting the Leewards from the

New Hurricanes head coach Reginald Benjamin

doldrums of regional cricket.

“LICB is elated with Mr Benjamin’s appointment as there is a definite match between his skill sets, knowledge and behavioural com-

petencies and his role as head coach thereby making him ably qualified for the job,” the board said in a statement.

“Mr Benjamin has not been directly involved in Leeward Islands (LI) cricket in recent times but he has followed developments in LI cricket closely as was confirmed by issue specific responses provided during the interview process.”

The statement added: “He has indicated that he is excited to begin this new chapter of his coaching career and that he is looking forward to the

support of all stakeholders, including past and present LI players.”

Benjamin holds an England and Wales Cricket Board Level Three coaching certificate and is currently based in the United States where he ended a 12-year stint as head coach of the South West Zone, USA Southern California Cricket Association, in 2013.

He has also served as technical adviser, assistant coach and head coach of the USA Under-19 World Cup teams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday May 21

35

, 2015

Passion, confidence ultimate for Windies, says Sir Curtly LONDON, England (CMC) – West Indies bowling consultant Sir Curtly Ambrose says his major aim with the Caribbean side is to help them return to playing with the passion and self-belief, that characterised winning teams of the past.

The legendary fast bowler, who grabbed 405 wickets in 98 Tests, said the current Windies players possessed the skills set for international cricket but needed to add confidence and consistency to their game, if they were to break out of their losing slump.

“The level of respect the guys have for me it makes my job a little easier but

Legendary West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose

AB de Villiers, Mandeep deliver for RCB … to face CSK in final qualifier tomorrow

PUNE, India (CMC) Chris Gayle sparkled but only briefly but half-centuries from South African AB de Villiers and Mandeep Singh helped to fire Royal Challengers one step closer to the final of the Indian Premier League with a commanding 71-run victory over Rajasthan Royals here yesterday.

Opting to bat first in the second playoff game, RCB rallied to 180 for four off their 20 overs, with de Villiers at his brilliant best with 66 off 38 balls and Mandeep Singh stroking 54 not out from 37 deliveries.

The left-handed Gayle blasted 27 while seamer Dhawal Kulkarni finished with two for 28.

In response, Ajinkya Rahane hit 42 at the top of the innings but no other batsman passed 15, as Royals collapsed to 109 all out off 19 overs.

Pacer Harshal Patel, with two for 15, and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, two for 20, were two of four bowlers ending with two wickets each.

With the victory, RCB have qualified for tomorrow’s final qualifier where

I’ve got to get them to play with some passion and keep believing in themselves because when you’ve been losing for so many years it can be difficult to pick yourself up,” Sir Curtly told TalkSport Radio in a live studio interview here where he was promoting his new autobiography, Time To Talk.

“I intend to bring that passion and self-belief that we can win games and that to me is more important because they have the skills and you have seen that from time to time, but the consistency isn’t there and that’s what I’ve been trying to get them to do.”

West Indies are coming off an impressive showing against England, where they managed a 1-1 draw in the three-Test series earlier this

us better,” Sir Curtly explained.

“We all have to play together as a team and forget about big name players.

I’ve tried to drill into the guys that we are better than we are showing and one of the things I keep saying is that we maybe number eight on the ICC rankings list, England are number three but because a team is ranked higher than you, doesn’t mean they are the better team.

“It means they are more consistent, they win more games and they win more series so hence they go up the ladder. We can compete.”

West Indies are preparing to face Australia in a two-Test series starting next month in the Caribbean.

Mings Products sponsors Phillips for Hampton Games MINGS Products & Services Ltd has stepped up to the plate to sponsor young sprint sensation Kenisha Phillips, who is set to represent her country and her club, De Challengers, at the upcoming Hampton Games in the Twin-Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

A press release yesterday related that Phillips in the presence of her coach and uncle, Linden Phillips, was handed over an undisclosed sum by the company’s Human Resources Manager Joy Lewis, to aid in her trip and performance

AB de Villiers unfurls one of his trademark shots in his innings of 66 from 38 balls. they will face Chennai Super striking four fours and a Kings, featuring the West six off 27 balls. He crashed Indies duo of Dwayne Bravo Kulkarni past mid-off for and Dwayne Smith. four in the third over of the Mumbai Indians, with innings before following up Kieron Pollard and Lendl by depositing the fifth ball Simmons, await the winner of the over over the ropes at of this contest in Sunday’s long on. final.

He collected anothPlaying at the Maha- er two boundaries in the rashtra Cricket Association fourth over sent down Stadium, Gayle and captain by South African seamer Virat Kohli (12) gave RCB Chris Morris but perished a measured start of 41 from in the next over bowled 36 balls.

by Kulkarni, bowled after Gayle looked in the rushing down the wicket mood to play a big innings, and missing a swing.

month.

They displayed plenty fight to draw the opening Test in Antigua when they seemed set for defeat and then produced a sterling display in the final Test at Bridgetown, to pull off a shock five-wicket victory inside three days.

In-between, they lost the second Test in Grenada by nine wickets.

Sir Curtly said he had been impressing on the team all along, the importance of playing together in order to get positive results.

“I joined the team a year ago and that’s one of the things I have been preaching to the guys.

When you look at the lineup we don’t have any real superstars like before so I’ve said to the guys that team unity is going to make

at the prestigious Hampton Games, where Phillips will come up against some of the Caribbean’s best.

Phillips is entered to participate in three events: the women’s 100m, 200m and 400m, at the two-day event which begins on May 23 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

However, it was noted that the 14-year-old Phillips may not participate in all the events she has been entered in and “may have to choose which two events she will do depending on how the heats and finals are placed during

the two days of events”.

“In recent local competition, Kenisha has been winning the U-17 sprint events producing times unseen in Guyana for her age and age group. Her CARIFTA Games Trials 200m time was 24.6 seconds and in the absence of Alicia Fortune she won the Women’s Open 100m when the new track, at Leonora was christened last month, in a reported handtimed 11.3 seconds.

She then placed third in the Women’s Open 400m in a time of 59.8 seconds,” the release noted.

Human Resources manager Joy Lewis hands over sponsorship to Kenisha Phillips while director Colin Ming and coach Linden Phillips look on.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Passion, confidence ultimate for Windies, says Sir Curtly See Story on Page 35

Land is paramount for Guyana’s hockey to develop - FIH president See Story on Page 30

By Michael DaSilva FEDERATION International Hockey (FIH) president Leandro Negre of Spain stated categorically that for Guyana’s hockey to develop there must be an Astro Turf surface.

Negre, who along with the Pan American Hockey Federation president Alberto `Coco’ Budeisky, left Guyana yesterday after a two-day visit to the land of many waters stated that for Guyana’s hockey to develop, the country must get an artificial pitch.

This statement was made when Nigre and Budeisky addressed members of the media on Tuesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion after meeting with Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred

FIH president Leandro Negre (centre) makes a point during Tuesday’s press conference at the GCC pavilion. At left is Pan American Hockey Federation president Alberto `Coco’ Budeisky, while at right is GHB president Philip Fernandes. but they (FIH) “are pretty According to Guyana ing a piece of land to develop sure they can source funding King, and Guyana Olympic for the entire project”.

Association president K. Hockey Board (GHB) pres- it into an artificial pitch.

A c c o r d i n g t o F e rNegre, Fernandes said, Juman-Yassin, the GOA’s ident Philip Fernandes, the general secretary Hector meeting with King was cor- stated categorically that the nandes, King said he is not Edwards and its vice-pres- dial, and matters discussed FIH does not normally give in a position at the moment surrounded the GHB acquir- full funding for such things to give a definitive word on ident Deion Nurse.

the piece of land, since his ministry is in a transition process and a Sports minister is still to be identified and appointed.

Fernandes said he also had talks with the GOA and the discussion was the same as with King and the Sports ministry.

He said also, at the meeting that the International hockey officials had with King, the latter raised the question of having local officials trained as certified referees/coaches.

However, Fernandes reminded that the GHB has been benefiting tremendously from Olympic Solidarity programmes over the years and noted that this has been made possible by the GOA. Addressing members of the media on Tuesday, Negre

See Page 30

Windies snatch series win Kumar breaks silence on allegations, says that his despite batting slump

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – West Indies Women were bailed out by their bowlers as they overcame a batting collapse to beat Sri Lanka Women by 31 runs in the final One-Day International and clinch the four-match series here yesterday.

Opting to bat first at the R Premadasa Stadium, West Indies Women stumbled and stuttered from the outset, and required a brave 46 from Britney Cooper to get up to 156 all out off 47.3 overs.

Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera (3-17) and seamer Sripali Weerakkody (3-37) both picked up three wickets apiece.

In reply, Sri Lanka suffered a collapse of their own, crash-

records are intact

By Rawle Toney

West Indies Women pose with the series trophy after beating Sri Lanka Women. career-best three for seven from Mohammed (2-23) supported. ing to 125 all out in the 46th over, with teenaged off-spinner Hayley Matthews snatching a

three overs and two balls.

Pacer Tremayne Smartt (2-28) and off-spinner Anisa

Eshani Kaushalya topscored with 30 and Nipuni

See Page 30

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

Director of Sport Neil Kumar

WITH the National Sports Commission (NSC) continuing to draw much attention following several reports in the various sections of the media, Director of Sport Neil Kumar finally broke his silence and dispel all allegations that were levelled against him.

While Chronicle Sport was unsuccessful in getting a response from Kumar

See Page 30 THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015