2015 5 26

GUYANA

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

No. 104201 TUESday may 26, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

President's inauguration ceremony

...I don’t have much concern about personal wealth or fame, but I have a mission – President Granger

– will be an event to be remembered

See inside

Former President Jagdeo charged with racial incitement Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

…Nandlall deems case dubious and malicious

Page

2

Mayor sends Sooba Explosive cultural gala 10 on administrative Presidential Pardon for 60 youths 13 leave – convicted for non-violent misdemeanors 18 – to mark Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary Page

Town Clerk Carol Sooba leaves the Council Chamber

Page

Page

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Former President Jagdeo charged with racial incitement …Nandlall deems case dubious and malicious

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

CHARGES of racial incitement were laid against former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, yesterday, when he appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in Berbice.

The case was filed by vocal critic of the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration Mr Christopher Ram in April.

Magistrate Charilyn Artiga, who presided over the matter, read the charge and Dr Jagdeo was not required to plea and he was sent on his own recognisance.

DUBIOUS CHARGE Meanwhile, former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in his capacity as Dr Jagdeo’s legal counsel, dubbed the charge a “dubious” one.

He said, “I resolutely maintain that the charges are completely without merit, malicious and concocted, and further that we will spare no effort in ensuring that justice is done. “…the dubious private criminal charge filed by Christopher Ram against Former President Bharrat Jagdeo was called today at

Whim Magistrates’ Court.

On the last occasion, Attorneys-at-Law representing the Former President made oral and written submissions that the charge was frivolous, vexatious and without any basis in law, and they requested that the same be dismissed by the learned Magistrate. The Attorney-at-Law representing Mr. Ram requested an adjournment to respond to those submissions. Yesterday was specifically fixed only for that purpose.”

According to him, to date, no summons has been served upon the Former President in person, or otherwise, to secure his attendance in person before the court, as is required by law.

“As a result, the Former President was duly advised by his Attorneys-at-Law that his presence before the court is unnecessary, at this point in time of the proceedings,” he said, adding “At today’s (yesterday’s) hearing at 9:05 am, the Attorney-at-Law representing Mr. Ram, laid over his promised submissions (bearing the date May 25, 2015) and served a copy on us.”

Nandlall added that without treating with the submissions, the “learned Magistrate” enquired whether or not our client will be appearing before her.

As such, Dr Jagdeo’s legal counsel submitted that ● The summons was never served; ● Dr Jagdeo advised that as a result his presence was not necessary; ● Yesterday’s hearing was specifically fixed for the Attorney-at-Law of Christopher Ram to respond to our submission; and ● That there should be a ruling from the court before Turn to page 18 ►

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Colonialism made us feel inferior, Granger Gov't will restore National Pride

….I don’t have much concern about personal wealth or fame, but I have a mission – President Granger

They are our future, listen to them

By Gary Eleazar THERE is an almost tangible, renewed sense of respect for the Office of the Presidency. With it, a re-introduced sense of national patriotism has engulfed Guyana, more so Guyanese.

This renewed national patriotism, is reflected aptly in the countrywide clean-up efforts which were spurred mere hours after the swearing in of the 8th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, at the Independence Arch.

Guyana today observes its 49th Anniversary as an Independent and Sovereign Nation. Independent from its colonial masters. The nation commemorates that time in its still young history when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted and fluttered majestically atop the skyline for the first time, and the British Union Jack was forever lowered as a symbol of supreme power in Guyana.

On Sunday, May 17, 2015, literally hours after he was sworn in as Executive

President, Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger, MSS., made his way to the Independence Arch, on Brickdam in Georgetown, Guyana’s Capital City.

He commenced the cleanup and restoration of Guyana’s ambience, beginning at its symbol of nationhood and sovereignty—a monument that was allowed to be overtaken by its surroundings over time, serving almost solely as a resting place for vagrants at night.

HIS EXCELLENCY I sat with His Excellency, the President, this time mere hours before the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted symbolically at the Independence Arch, in observance of Guyana’s 49th Anniversary, to report on his perspective and thoughts of Guyana as a nation state, its Independence Anniversary, its people and of course, their newly elected leader.

Placing this symbol of nationhood back in the public domain, President Granger said he hopes it will contribute in bringing Guyanese together.

He said, “I really hope

Exercising that constitutional right

it will contribute to national unity, that feeling of oneness.”

The President surmised that Guyanese have been “battered over the years, by being treated like pariahs when they travel.”

This sentiment expressed by the President immediately brought to mind the infamous ‘Guyanese Bench’ located at an international airport in one of Guyana’s sister CARICOM countries.

The President spoke too of the many thinking Guyana to be a “rogue state…they feel that we are a nation of migrants, people just looking for work to take away work from other people (in other countries).”

The President said he hopes the initiative which began on Sunday May 17, “regenerates pride in country.”

1966 When Guyana gained its independence 49 years ago today, in 1966, the President said it was a time of euphoria for Guyanese. He said when Guyana gained its independence, Guyanese recognized and truly appreciated what it meant to break free from the colonialists and the concomitant potential that freedom brings to a nation.

While he was not in Guyana on the day Guyana gained its independence, Granger said by the next week he was home and that there was ‘great expectation’ among Guyanese.

Guyanese people, he said were excited. The straight talking former military commander said bluntly, “Gary, colonial society is not nice.”

HUMBER WHISKEY BICYCLES Sitting across from the massive ornate wooden Presidential Desk with the Golden Arrowhead behind him on its staff, the President shifted

An elated President elect

position barely, and with his silvery hair as testimony to speaking from experience, said bluntly that was a time, before 1966 that is, when Guyanese were even restricted in the places they could go.

Providing an example of the era, the President pointed to advertisements at the time.

There were cars of the day, such as Humber, Vauxhall and Hillman, President Granger recalled, but recalled too that these were advertised primarily to the “whites” Black people, President Granger recollected, advertised bicycles.

“It makes an impact on you,” a now impassioned President Granger said, and added, that “the only time you see black people in advertisements (at the time), rum and bicycles.”

White people, according to President Granger, “advertised whiskey and cars.”

Explaining his frank description of colonial society, President Granger said his examples used are “symbiotic

of what society was like.”

It was a time in Guyana, according to the President, where the whites dominated the prestigious positions of Office. He pointed to Offices such as the Governor General, since replaced with Office of the President, now Ministry of the Presidency.

The Governor General of Guyana was the British Emissary and custodian of executive power in the land at the time, a white man, President Granger recalled.

The posts of Chief of Staff, Archbishop, the Vice Chancellor as well as a large percentage of the professional workforce, were all whites.

There was a ‘social ceiling’ in place for Guyanese as against the British living here, according to President Granger.

The President said this brought a feeling of inferiority among Guyanese people.

“You get the feeling, are we an inferior people?”

This was essentially removed with Independence.

Mr and Mrs Granger hand in hand as they field questions from the local media corps

ALOOF? He will, as Head of State, witness the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at the Independence Arch today. He will, God willing, lead Guyana’s Executive Government for the next five years and while a resume can certainly be googled, it was thought best that the Guyana Chronicle, as the State’s newspaper, follow up on its profiles of the new Cabinet published last Sunday, with a personal discourse with the nation’s leader.

He’s been described in some circles as “Aloof” and a “Strict Military Man”, while others have grown to know a more personable individual.

I asked the President if he considered himself aloof? His response, “I really belong to the people.”

The President said he is happy when he is among the ordinary people, either in rural or urban settings.

Turn to page 9 ►

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Islamic State faces battle in Iraq, bombs in Syria The air force leveled Islamic State “hideouts” and killed a large number of its members around Palmyra’s military air base, Syrian state media said.

Islamic State has killed at least 217 people execution-style, including children, since it moved into the Palmyra area 10 days ago, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Another 300 soldiers were killed before the Syrian city

(Reuters) ISLAMIC State poured more fighters into Ramadi as security forces and Shi’ite paramilitaries prepared to retake the Iraqi city that fell to the Islamists a week ago in a major setback for the government.

In Palmyra, the Syrian air force struck at buildings captured by the Sunni militant group, whose arrival has raised fears that the city’s famed Roman ruins will be destroyed.

was captured, the monitoring group said.

The insurgents reinforced Ramadi on Monday, deploying fighters in preparation for battle against security forces and paramilitary groups advancing on the provincial capital, which lies 110 km (70 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

Iraqi forces have regained ground east of Ramadi since launching a counter-offensive on Saturday, a week after it was

controls access to a major Iraqi air base. Islamic State attacked Baghdadi with seven suicide car bombs on Sunday.

In Ramadi, residents said trucks carrying Islamic State fighters arrived on Sunday evening.

Local man Abu Saed heard a commotion outside his house in the city’s southeastern Officers neighborhood. “I saw two trucks pull up outside with dozens of fighters carrying

overrun, and on Monday retook a rural area south of the city.

Police sources said Iraqi forces supported by Iranbacked Shi’ite militia and locally recruited Sunni tribal fighters had retaken parts of al-Tash, 20 km (12 miles) south of Ramadi.

Pro-government Sunni tribal fighters, with the help of the army, laid land mines to reinforce their defensive lines around Baghdadi, a settlement northwest of Ramadi which

arms running quickly into nearby buildings and taking cover.”

Another resident said at least 40 fighters had jumped out of three trucks that arrived in the southern al-Tamim district on Sunday evening.

“They were carrying weapons and wearing mostly khaki dress with ammunition belts wrapped around their chests,” said Abu Mutaz. “They were talking in an Arabic dialect, they were not Iraqis.”

Malaysia finds 139 graves in ‘cruel’ jungle trafficking camps (Reuters) MALAYSIA has found 139 graves, and signs of torture, in more than two dozen squalid human trafficking camps suspected to have been used by gangs smuggling migrants across the border

with Thailand, the country’s police chief said on Monday.

The dense jungles of southern Thailand and northern Malaysia have been a major stop-off point for smugglers bringing people

to Southeast Asia by boat from Myanmar, most of them Rohingya Muslims who say they are fleeing persecution, and Bangladesh.

“It’s a very sad scene...

To us even one is serious and we have found 139 (graves),” Malaysia’s Inspector General of Police, Khalid Abu Bakar, told reporters in the northern state of Perlis. “We

are working closely with our counterparts in Thailand. We will find the people who did this.”

The grisly find follows the discovery of similar shal-

Forensic policemen carry body bags with human remains found at the site of human trafficking camps in the jungle close to the Thailand border after they brought them to a police camp near Wang Kelian in northern Malaysia May 25, 2015. Reuters/Damir Sagolj

DATE: 20/05/2015 K

19 01 03 17 16 24 18

25/05/2015

09

26

25

02

08

25/05/2015

4

2

3

25/05/2015

low graves on the Thai side of the border earlier this month, which helped trigger a regional crisis. After a crackdown on the camps by Thai authorities, traffickers abandoned thousands of migrants in rickety boats in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. “We were shocked by the cruelty,” said Khalid, describing conditions at the 28 abandoned camps, scattered along a 50 km (30 mile) stretch of the Thai border, around which the graves were found in an operation that began on May 11.

Thousands of Rohingya Muslims are ferried by traffickers through southern Thailand each year, and in recent years it has been common for them to be held in remote camps along the rugged border with Malaysia until a ransom is paid for their freedom.

02 09 14 13 07 11 01

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Mexico tornado: Ten dead in Ciudad Acuna

(BBC News) AT least 10 people are reported to have been killed by a tornado that hit the northern Mexico border city of Ciudad Acuna.

Hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed in the city, in Coahuila state, which is just across the border from Del Rio, Texas.

Images from the scene showed cars upended and leaning against buildings.

Dozens of people have been injured and officials warned that the death toll could rise.

City Mayor Evaristo Lenin Perez said a seven-year-

The tornado struck as many people were getting ready to go to work

Attorney: Domestic Violence Act needs to be ammended (Trinidad Express) ATTORNEY Kevin Ratiram is advocating the amendment of the Domestic Violence Act, so that a magistrate can grant a protection order, the very first time a victim is threatened. Ratiram is also questioning the way in which domestic violence reports are handled by police officers.

According to Gender, Youth and Child Development Minister Clifton De Coteau, there were more than 11,000 new cases of domestic violence and child abuse filed in 2013 and 2014, and 541 cases of crimes against children were recorded last year, with nineteen children murdered.

Ratiram said: “Domestic violence is a scourge that we are battling, much like the terrorist group ISIS running rampant over various parts of the world. The

Attorney Kevin Ratiram Domestic Violence Act is a good and useful piece of legislation. However, from my experience practising in the Courts with the Act, there are some changes I think are necessary. The Act provides that the Court can grant a protection Order where the respondent has engaged in, “emotional or psychological abuse”, and it defines this as, “a pattern of behavior of any kind, the purpose of which

is to undermine the emotional/mental well-being of any person, including interfering with/damaging the property of the person, and the forced confinement of the person.

Ratiram said there was no definition of the word “pattern” in the Act, with some magistrates interpreting the word to mean “a few times”. He said : “The practical result of this therefore is that if the offender destroys your property on one occasion, let’s say he smashes windows and breaks furniture in your house, you can’t get a Protection Order against him, since the Act requires a “pattern” of behaviour.

Similarly, if he locks you up in a room for a whole day or whole night, you can’t get an Order since the Act requires a pattern of behaviour”.

Rev Teelucksingh: Outlaw racism ( Tr i n i d a d G u a r d i a n ) -PRESBYTERIAN minister and former independent Senator Rev Daniel Teelucksingh Sunday called for laws to be passed in T&T to make racism illegal.

Speaking at the Independent Liberal Party’s interfaith service at the Passage of Asia Restaurant in Chaguanas, Teeluck-

singh said as the general election approaches he is astonished at the level of racism in the country. He said on May 13 at 10:30 am he was listening to a radio programme and was appalled to hear the announcer making racially insensitive remarks.

“There will never be social cohesion and trust between the two races if we don’t take action now.

I think we need laws immediately to stop such treachery on the nation’s air waves. Anyone making remarks that are socially inflammatory, politically treacherous and anti-national should be charged for sedition. It should be a criminal offense to incite racism. That is the one kind of freedom people should not be allowed,”

old boy was missing.

“Most of the dead are people who were outside, not people who were inside their homes,” he said.

Witnesses said a bus has also been flipped over by the tornado.

“There are cars on top of houses, there are dead people lying in the street, it is total chaos,” said local resident Maria del Rosario Ramirez, quoted by Mexican newspaper La Jornada.

Victor Zamora, Coahuila’s interior secretary, said an area of about seven blocks had been “devastated” by

the tornado, which struck at about 06:10 (11:10 GMT).

The interior department said state officials were co-ordinating a response.

Severe weather is also affecting southern US states including Texas.

A dozen people are missing after flash floods struck the Blanco river in central Texas on Sunday.

The floods also damaged hundreds of homes, some of them swept off their foundations.

A tornado damaged a block of flats in Houston over the weekend.

PM tells supporters: PP will wipe PNM off the map (Trinidad Guardian) PRIME INISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar was in full elections mode Sunday as she declared: “No retreat, no surrender.” She told thousands of supporters gathered at Constantine Park, Macoya, for the People’s Partnership anniversary rally that she is ready to do battle. She also used the event, which was broadcast live on three local television channels, to join hands with the leaders of the other parties in the ruling coalition and renew the pledge they made five years ago.

This time, however, Persad-Bissessar acknowledged the times her government faltered and declared that her government would grow from such experiences. In a wide

ranging fifth anniversary address, the Prime Minister recalled the times the opposition and citizens at large said her coalition government would collapse.

“We have proven them wrong. We will wipe the opposition off the map of T&T and we will be a partnership that will take you forward into the future of T&T,” she said. “We made a promise. Always remember, no retreat, no surrender. We will be like soldiers in the winter night. Blood brothers and sisters in the stormy night ready to defend.

“We are ready to do battle, to keep great the country on the path of success, progress and equality. Do not be deterred by all the negative forces and malicious reports

coming from the other side.

They are desperate because they cannot contest our achievements.” Persad-Bissessar also announced several projects the PP will undertake if given that second term in office.

“The highways from San Fernando to Mayaro.

This will begin now and will continue until completion.

The access on the ocean front to Chaguaramas. We will establish dry docking facilities in La Brea which will bring us thousands of sustainable jobs in a traditionally depressed area.

A national transport and traffic strategy, a medical tourism hospital.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Independence Day plea to let’s work together to build Guyana TODAY, Guyana is observing its 49th year of nationhood, with what is expected to be observances that will reflect the theme of unity and working together as a nation.

It is no co-incidence, that such an auspicious occasion is celebrated in the almost immediate aftermath of a change of Government, when during the recent election campaign, one of two main contesting parties, the coalition of APNU+AFC made the unity call, one of their major platforms.

If the announcement by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did result in an uproar of joy and jubilation by those who supported the APNU+AFC coalition, then the historic swearing in of its leader as the country’s Eight Executive President, can be said to have ushered in a feeling

of euphoria, and a sense of something new beginning to occur, as far as this nation’s affairs are concerned.

President David Granger’s address, to the thousands gathered around Parliament Building, is one that has echoed a plea for ALL of us, as Guyanese, to unite, and work together for a better life and country.

Immediately, there has been an overwhelming response, as manifest by the print media Letter columns, from Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora, endorsing the Coalition’s success, at the May 11 polls and offering their support in whatever manner, possible.

We do agree that on the basis of the final official results that it was an intense contest that resulted in a very narrow win. Moreover, it also brings home the disappointingly sad reality of a divided nation, still wounded by the odious historical

peculiarities of race and ethnicity. It is precisely this schism that the APNU+AFC coalition has sought to confront when it effected the Cummingsburg Accord – to chart a new understanding of national cohesiveness, with the clear and unambiguous understanding that Guyana is our own, where we live, and that this should be done without apprehension and fear of each other.

It is time that we as a nation, begin to put the divisive past that continues to hinder our progress as a people, behind us.

Already, as an example, the new administration, led by President Granger has let it be known to State workers that dedication and professionalism in their daily employment functions is what are desired, among other relevant attributes, to fulfil his Government’s vision of a better life for all.

So, however very narrow the win, it has lighted a spark of willingness in the heart of the nation to make Guyana the desired land of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. An example of this, is the current exercise now underway to renew our capital city, that highlights the restoration of the Independence Arch and its site, at Brickdam, where today’s Independence Day flag raising ceremony will take place.

Of course, it is an endeavour initiated and commenced by the coalition Government; but the many agencies that have since willingly answered this call, thereby pooling resources for its eventual successful completion, is overwhelmingly encouraging with regard to a city that has descended to abysmal depths relative to its sanitation and care for its national monuments.

It is a meaningful example of what working together can achieve for the common good.

It would be a great disservice to our children and their children, should we, of this generation, bequeath a future nation that is still driven by the deep and dangerous division of race, and all its known poisonous condiments. Those descendents would be within their rights to damn us, for having failed them!

It is time that we all, as Guyanese, understand that whatever the cultural differences, that such does not have to mean separatism and hatred because of differences of race and ethnicity; for such narrow, and dangerous distortions does not allow for mutual respect.

In fact, racism must not be allowed to continue to germinate, thereby raising its ugly and divisive head, in a nation where our motto is still ‘ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY’.

Therefore, let our

homes become the starting point for nurturing especially our young, about the need to continue to live in harmony with their fellow youths, irrespective of race; our places of worship, preaching the gospel of love and respect for each other, rather than sow the sinful seeds of divisiveness, which can only lead to national tragedy, that can consume all of us, as Guyanese.

Finally, there is an unchallenged recognition that now resonates nationally - that another opportunity once again beckons, to begin to chart an entirely new understanding of ourselves as Guyanese, and the urgent need to work together for unity.

Let us grasp its outstretched hands, and never let go, until we achieve this worthy goal that has been eluding our grasp, for so long.

This is our plea, for country and people.

An Open Letter to President David Arthur Granger

ON behalf of the National Directorate of Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP), our members and supporters, I offer you, and the APNU+AFC coalition heartfelt congratulations on your victory and your ascendency to the highest office in our homeland.

OVP looks forward to working with you and your Government in or-

der to achieve the best for our people and country.

I can assure you of our support for policies and programmes that will unite our people and advance the well-being of all, especially the majority – the poor and neglected sectors of our society.

As patriots and nationalists, we put Guyana and its people before partisan interests. Political parties come and go but the nation

lives on. I have been active in politics, both nationally and internationally, since my teens, and I have realised, as I am sure you have, that politics is a very complex phenomenon. I know that where you now stand requires a great number of compromises.

Knowing you personally and publicly, assures me that you are a man of the highest integrity and that you genuinely wish to

take this nation forward on every level. Nelson Mandela certainly shared those same qualities. However, if we look at South Africa today we feel a real sense of grief to see a liberation movement like the ANC in the position they find themselves in. Many are still asking the question, how did they get there? If you understand the nature of neo-colonialism, as explained by the great African

revolutionary leader, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and the neo-liberal arrangement that accompanies it in 2015, then the answer becomes clear.

We urge you and your Government to defend the sovereignty and independence of Guyana and assert your right, OUR RIGHT, to adopt policies and programmes that will truly lift our people out of under-development and grinding poverty. I can assure

you that OVP will stand with you, and defend the courageous decisions that you will be forced to make, in order to realise a truly independent, just and prosperous society.

The victory of the people is inevitable!

In Unity and Struggle, GERALD A. PERREIRA Leader, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

We have the chance to chart our own development AS a young person, there are many things I wish to see from the newly elected government: a better education system, reduced corruption, an end to winnertakes-all politics, reduced poverty, empowerment of women, and the list goes on. I am mindful, however, of the fact that there are severe limitations to how much can actually be done within a short period of time and with our current resources. Remember we are the 3rd poorest country in the western hemisphere, a position which took two decades to get promoted to (from being the 2nd in

the western hemisphere in 1992). In spite of claims of massive development, comparatively speaking, we were always several steps behind everyone else.

While one must be mindful of the status quo and all the hurdles that need to be overcome, it will help if we remind ourselves that there are issues at hand which will not bear sympathy towards our cause and circumstances and which we must address as if we are one cohesive unit with a clear path towards development (which we are not). Climate change is an issue which overshadows all economic and social realities.

Fortunately for us, our underdevelopment allows us an opportunity that some developing countries either don’t have or will take greater effort to attain. We have the chance to chart our own development in a manner that will not take us on a collision course with the need for adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Mind you, I am not speaking only of economic development. I am referring also to social and environmentally-friendly development.

The opportunity is rife for us to smartly and efficiently utilise sustainable and low carbon development

to mend a society whose deep wounds are constantly reopened to satisfy narrow political gains. A society that emerges from the firm grasps of poverty, with a developmental trajectory that takes into consideration the effect every action has on the environment and its people, is one that will not allow race and social stratification to anchor it. Such a vision will collectively realign our attention to major issues and challenges as opposed to petty and antiquated feuds.

The new government can take the lead in this type of development by trying to build a more environmen-

tally conscious society. One that reminds us of why we work best when we work together and why it is imperative that we do so. If we continue to think that the planet is going to wait on us to realise that we are all one and the same, irrespective of ancestry and economic status, then we are sadly mistaken.

I encourage the new Government to develop policies that are inclusive and cater for the needs of our children and their children. Let us start by ensuring that our commitments to the world, such as the Intended Na-

tionally Determined Contributions (INDCs), receive input from a society that is made aware of and has an appreciation of its importance to this planet.

Let May 11th, 2015 be the day that marks the beginning of a journey which does not seek to exploit climate change for mere economic gains, but seeks to use climate change as a beacon, guiding us towards the future, burying divisions and birthing unity with sustainability at its core.

MAHENDRA DORAISAMI

I want reassurance from our leaders that they will care and protect us WITHOUT any intention whatsoever of being disrespectful, this is my response to a question raised as to who will speak for the Indians in Guyana.

I can only speak for myself and this is my truth.

Prior to 1992, this Hindu woman felt as if she did not belong in the country of her birth. When Dr Jagan was President, I had some hope, even though I never saw or felt that he cared for me as a Hindu in particular and I will explain now why those hopes were shattered.

I was asked to help out at the then GTV, as the then General Manager felt that their programmes should reflect on/appeal to the general population and he felt that there were very few programmes for Indians, especially Hindus.

So we started several programmes to address that issue. One day, said manager and Milton Drepaul were very upset and they related that they received a call from Dr. Jagan asking them if they think they are running a Hindu station and that they should cut that out.

Mr Taylor and Mr Drepaul both migrated to Suriname soon afterwards. (Dr Jagan had requested Mr Taylor to return home and serve his country after he became President.)

Dr Jagan loved my music and encouraged me at every

time he met me; but as for Hinduness.... I never felt his interest. I can remember when my dad hosted a reception at our home to celebrate Dr Jagan’s 40th year in Parliament...in his speech, he made a reference to his mother being a devout Hindu and that she influenced him.

Afterwards, I heard Uncle Chach Rambarran saying to my dad, and Pandit Reep, and others, that it was the first time that he has ever heard Dr Jagan refer to his Hindu roots.

After his death, I lost all hope. Neither Mrs Jagan, Mr Jagdeo nor Mr Ramotar used a Gita at their swearing in ceremonies whilst Mr Hinds did not have a problem using his Bible.

Throughout my life in the Dharmic Sabha....prior to 1992, Dr and Mrs Jagan only attended the big functions...Holi especially and sometimes the senior PPP members would turn up at the stage programmes at either Queen’s College, St. Rose’s or Farnum Ground.... at cultural programmes; never at the religious ones.

I know for a fact that the Dharmic Sabha was the instrument to keep Hindus within the PPP, as the Hindus were not pleased that Dr Jagan did not identify himself as Hindu. I can attest to this again...a cultural programme was also organised to observe Dr Jagan’s 40th year as a parliamentarian. My father

organised it and held it at the LBI mandir. The business community were not interested in participating, only the Communist diplomats attended, the only Indian professionals that came were Uncle Prem Persaud and his brother, Uncle Vidyanand Persaud.

The temples on the East Coast attended because they were all under my father’s chairmanship. I can remember people did not even want to sing for the programme and I just told my dad...don’t worry if no one shows up, I alone can and will sing for the whole programme. The Indian representatives said they will not attend and the teachers at the Indian Cultural Centre were not allowed to perform either.

However, because of my dad’s close relationship with the dance teacher, he sent his daughter to dance.

During the rulership of the supposedly Indian Government, I felt extremely unsafe, unprotected and neglected. It is because of them I came to the stark realisation that not because they look like me means that they will automatically represent me.

There are so many, many incidents that will fill a booklet should I start writing now.

I do know who will represent me and my welfare in this present Government, and his name is Mr Raphael Trotman. I listened to him

and watched him after he and Mr Ramjattan formed the AFC. It was just before Raksha Bandhan and when this day came, I went and tied a Rakhi and did the ceremony with him in the AFC’s office.

I explained why I came to him...that I felt no one in the Government cared about my safety and welfare.

Safety and protection are two of the most essential necessities in the life of a Hindu woman. And under the PPP Government, we were subjected to some of the most atrocious and acrimonious crimes. I sat with Swami Aksharananda Ji several times, outside Parliament, when he was on his hunger fast protesting against the PPP. I was also there at the programme that GIHA organised at Lusignan, for the people who were butchered, and I stood beside him when he performed a cremation at the said programme.

This was an Indian Government in power when GIFT documented the crimes committed against people of Indian descent on January 12th, 1998, after the elections for Mrs Jagan. They presented their findings at a function at the Pegasus Hotel. The then Prime Minister said he was unaware of those incidents. Swami Aksharnanda Ji was one of the persons who did the documentation.

I have learnt the hard

way that I do not need someone looking like me to represent me. And that all that is needed is goodness, honesty and integrity. I have learnt that being Hindu in particular and Indian in general does not automatically make one a good or better person.

I have learnt that race and ethnicity have no copyright on goodness and integrity.

From the moment I tied a Rakhi on Mr Trotman’s wrist, I had another loving caring brother. When our youngest sibling passed

away, he was there for our family and on the day of the cremation, he hugged each of us and reassured us to never hesitate to call on him.

And he kept his word in so many ways. This is what I and anyone should want from our leaders; reassurance that they will be there for us, that they care and they will protect us.

N. SAHADEO Queens, New York

We are pleased to have again a leader who is a Statesman

HOW truly magnanimous of President David Granger to extend a formal and personal invitation to former Presidents Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo to attend the Independence Day celebrations. In keeping with the spirit of reconciliation and nation building, President Granger is leading by example.

We, the Guyanese people, are most pleased to again have a leader who conducts himself like a Statesman. A quality once lost, but now regained through the new coalition. May God bless our new President.

Happy Independence Anniversary, Guyana!

BERKELEY VAN BOWEN

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

We have to call ‘a spade a spade’ IT’S been quite a first week for Guyana’s new coalition Government.

They are still basking in the sunlight of an unexpected victory. Their supporters, including this writer, are still celebrating. In such a situation, any criticism of the Government is not likely to go down well with the supporters.

The new rulers initial missteps - and there have been some of them - would be excused. It is always tempting after the ousting of a discredited Government, to go easy on the successor.

Such is the nature of politics in a complex country like Guyana. But we have to call a spade a spade, even if it offends friends and supporters. There should be a place for critical analysis and support too.

By the end of the week, we learned that there are 26 Ministers in the Cabinet - quite large by Caribbean standards. It was always going to be a tough job to put together a Cabinet that represents six parties, while at the same time satisfying ethnic, gender and generational quotas. But my own initial response is that the Cabinet could have been more balanced. With some more consultations and strategic thinking, they could have put together a Cabinet that better combined party representation, gender, ethnicity and the expertise available to the Coalition.

Given the pressures that I am sure he was faced with, I sympathise with Mr Granger.

But in the end, he has to bear responsibility for the finished product, if he, as reported by some, did not properly consult

his partners in the APNU and the AFC. So it’s his Cabinet. In this regard, WPA’s Tacuma Ogunseye’s revelations that the APNU leadership is yet to meet following the elections should not be brushed aside. You can’t be too busy with Government business to meet with the parties that are forming the Government.

That should not be comforting news for the country.

Accountability was not part of the PPP’s culture. This Government should avoid that road.

As it stands, the Cabinet resembles a thrown together group of individuals rather than a team that reflects a sense of collective purpose.

It’s hard to escape the criticism that the Cabinet seems more like a “job for the boys and girls” situation. Twenty six ministers are about six too

many. One can hardly make sense of some of the portfolios and their functions. Some ministries seem more like departments of a ministry.

Cabinet is the nerve centre of the Government and one would expect a fair bit of thought to be put into its composition. It is not just about putting individuals together, but more importantly it is about making sure that people are placed in the correct departments. It is also about making sure that where there are clusters of departments under one ministry, those departments are in some way related.

On the issue of the large number of ‘Junior Ministers’ I hear you Mr President; but Cabinet is not a place for apprenticeship. A Junior Ministers in a big Ministry is not a bad idea, but to have such Ministers in so many

Proper Pardon, Papa President!

PERMIT me the opportunity to foremostly express salutations to all Guyanese on this 49th Independence Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to congratulate President David Arthur Granger and the Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition for the recent victory at the May 11, 2015 polls.

This was a victory by the majority of voting Guyanese for all Guyanese. In the history of Guyana’s transition and evolution, this victory was timely. Guyanese are now ready to work with the Government to unite all the races, and provide the kinetic energy to move this nation from potential to actual; from vision to reality.

This letter is essentially dedicated to the presidential pardon President Granger is set to exercise, forgiving 60 young persons between the ages of 18 and 24 serving sentences for misdemeanour and minor offences. This act of Executive forgiveness is laudable, and it sets in motion the pursuit of national healing, for forgiveness is a critical precursor to healing and change.

It returns to those pardoned their freedom and independence on Independence Day, 2015. It affords those pardoned an opportunity to turn their lives around, and reintegrate into mainstream society to become citizens who can work toward developing themselves, families, communities and the country by extension.

Positioning itself as the truly transformational organ for every man, reMAN Guyana is a non-partisan nongovernmental organisation that aims at repositioning the man to embrace leadership and responsibility, focussing primarily on boys 11 to 17, and men older. This organisation is mandated to effect behavioural change and ‘transforMENtion’ through: * The conduct of nationwide consultation and robust sociological research on issues that affect men, contributing to their behaviours; * The formulation of policies that cater to the redemption, re-education, re-establishment, reformation, rehabilitation, reinstatement, reinstitution, rejuvenation, reorientation, repatriation, reposition, and or restoration of the man; * Mentorship programmes for boys in schools and other institutions; * Workshops and seminars that seek to inspire the man

to appreciate and embrace leadership and responsibility, and be convicted that he is the architect of all things good and acceptable, upon whom a favourable human existence depends; * Facilitation of governmental and international donor agencies interested in providing intervention; * The establishment of: an Outreach Council for Prisoners and Prison Warders, an Ex-Cons Re-integration Programme, a Single Fathers Foundation and a Men’s Corps * Initiatives that seek to reduce or eradicate crime, and positively shape the image of Guyana; * Sporting and recreational activities that cater to the all-round development of the man; * Representing the interest of the man at the appropriate stakeholder levels; * All other activities complementary to the fulfilment of the aforementioned objectives.

It is reMAN Guyana’s sincere hope that these 60 young Guyanese given a chance to ‘go and sin no more’ will become model citizens, lead exemplary lives and help to build our country, vindicating President Granger’s decision. Their motto should read: “You pardoned us, we partner you.”

Unlike the unpardonable pardon of a convicted child killer by former President Donald Ramotar, this pardon by President Granger – by virtue of criteria and intent - is symbolic of the forgiveness of a caring father exonerating his errant children of their past misdeeds. And has this nation been in dire need of a caring father!

Mr President, this nation embraces you and your Administration, and reMAN Guyana looks forward to partnering with its Government to transform manhood in Guyana. In order for there to be true development, we men will have to do justice to our purpose, and honour our civic and moral duties to our women, children and to nation-building.

ALVIN A. DORIS Founder/Executive President reMAN Guyana

Ministries make the Cabinet somewhat unwieldy. This is in no way a criticism of the men and women chosen -- all of whom are accomplished individuals. But you want a Cabinet to collectively manage the state and not merely a group of people cobbled together, however talented they may be.

Let me end with this. I have a lot of sympathy for those who will say that I am being negative and that the new Government should be given a chance, a honeymoon.

I voted for this Government too, and I want to see it succeed. But I do not want to be part of an uncritical nation; it is not healthy. Cheerleading for a Government is not the only way to demonstrate ones support and loyalty.

Our support for a Government should not blind us to its shortcomings or mistakes

- even minor ones. It’s a tragic flaw in our political culture that has in the past hurt our nation. What we often see as Government over-reach is the end product when it’s too late to reverse it. The way to prevent Government over-reach is to identify it early and nip it in the bud. Sometimes our honest love and protection of a party and Government become fertile ground for intolerance and non-accountability. I do not want to see this Government go down that road.

To those who may say that critique of this Government gives comfort to the PPP, I say there may be some truth in that. But the bigger truth is that critique could help to prevent this Government from becoming a disaster like the PPP did.

DAVID HINDS

Great contributions to Guyana from Burnham, Jagan should not be forgotten

THE Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club welcomes the move by Guyana’s President David Arthur Granger to host the country’s 49th Independence Anniversary celebrations at the Independence Arch on Brickdam, and also to honour some of the main players who led the struggle for the country’s Independence after 152 years of British rule.

We would also like to honour some of the country’s outstanding journalists who also contributed to our long struggle for Independence and National Sovereignty and some of these are Clarence Kirton, Editor of the Daily Argosy; George Willock, Editor of the Daily Chronicle; A. H. Thorne, Editor of the Guyana Graphic; Percy Armstrong, Jake Crocker, Connie Theobald, Carl Blackman, among others.

The celebration of the 49th Independence Anniversary of that historic event, May 26, 1966, must be regarded as a Red Letter Day in the country’s history, for since that day, the country has made great strides in every sphere of national life.

Over the years, moreover after May 11th, 2015, when President David Granger and the APNU/AFC coalition took over the leadership of this great land of Guyana, there has been a deep sense of patriotism and pride developing in all Guyanese as they will now press on to accomplish the task of nation building.

But no contemplation or reflection upon this great day would be complete without appropriate reference to our two great leaders, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan, whose contributions mapped out the strategy for the country’s achievements, including our international image.

Commemorating the achievements since that historic day, May 26th 1966, glorious as it has been, will be little more than an exercise in complacency if it does not inspire the future and the successful completion of the essential task needed.

CAVALIERS SPORTS & TOUR CLUB

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Colonialism made us feel...

9

From page 3

On the campaign trail

Congratulations in order for His Excellency

“I am not aloof in any way,” the President added.

He said persons that would have observed him on the campaign trail would be able to attest to this.

The President said he is warmly received by many when he visits places and he does not shun people.

“In fact I say to my security let the people come.”

BLACK SHIRT-JACK With the eradication of poverty and the elimination of racial discrimination guiding his actions as Executive President, I was interested in what moulded our Head of State into the man he is, what his life experiences were that prepared him for the job. He did after all drive himself to Church on his first morning as the country’s Head of State.

He was born on July 15, 1954, which would make his Zodiac Sigil, ‘Cancer’ for those interested. With a smile softening the sober creases on his stern, stately profile, he straightened his neatly pressed

black shirt-jack, reminisced as it were for a moment, and said as a boy growing up, “I was always conscious of the differences in the three main places in which I grew up, Bartica in the Essequibo, Whim on the Corentyne, and Georgetown in Demerara….I became aware of the diversity, of course, among the people.”

He was speaking to the various ethnicities making up Guyana and said too “I became aware of the diversity in religion too.”

He chuckled at religious confusion as a lad, raised as an Anglican, starting off formal education at an Anglican school, then moving to a Catholic school.

Bartica for a young David Granger “was the greatest place on earth.”

Looking upwards to the ceiling of his no longer frigid office, as if to visualize what he was saying, the President spoke of waking up in the mornings to the mist rising off of the mighty Essequibo River.

Corentyne also contribut-

ed to Granger’s growth as an individual, which he recalled for its rice, sugar and fishing. while there was the hustle and bustle in the Capital City.

Living life as a young man split across the three diverse communities in each of Guyana’s counties, President Granger said, “I think it contributed to my broad mindedness…I was able to see different sides of Guyana.”

Understanding Guyana’s diversity is a credit, Granger surmised, and reminded that on May 16, when he was sworn in as Head of State, he said “I am a president for all the people….maybe people didn’t understand what I meant, but I can’t think purely in terms of PNC any more, I have to think in terms of the nation.”

CLASSICAL ARTS Some complain that school hardly ever teaches lessons needed for real life, while others disagree; whatever your supposition, there is little doubt that in school young

men and women tend to hone in on their interest.

He attended the prestigious Queen’s College. According to the President, while there, he leaned towards what was called the Classics Stream, which entailed modern languages, history and such like.

The President said, “That is where my interest was, although many of my friends were going into science, I stayed with History and English and Literature.”

Pondering on his response to my question, President Granger said his upbringing ahead of high school would no doubt be responsible for direction of study in school.

“If I had been the child of a doctor or an engineer, I might very well have gone into a different field,” the President said as he spoke proudly of his books at home that he read at the time.

As a school child, Guyana was still a colony and a great deal of the teachers were foreigners, whites, British citizens. But the cork helmets worn (at Q.C.) were among the fond memories.

A stickler for discipline, seemingly encoded in his DNA, the President said as a young man in high school he enlisted in the Cadets in his mid-teens and also credits this aspect of his upbringing to helping mould the man he would become.

Learning, he said, seemed easier in those days, and of course there was ‘caning’ executed by the headmaster from time to time.

He said, Potter, whom the Cyril Potter College of Education is named after, and E.R. Burrowes, after whom the Burrowes School of Art is named, were among his teachers, “real gentlemen,” he said, adding “I am proud to have been taught by them.”

6 OF THE BEST Asked about ‘caning’ and his appointments if any with the Headmaster wielding the cane, President Granger, with

President Granger drives himself to church his first Sunday on the job

an ear to ear grin said, “We took what they called six of the best, normally it was six strokes of the cane for misdemeanors; but we took it in our stride.”

He said the occasional six strokes of the cane were not regarded as any form of cruel or corporal punishment.

“I don’t think we were psychologically damaged because of that,” said President Granger.

Regarded today as a respected historian and academic, Granger said he does not think he performed that admirably in school, in fact he said he only did “adequately” in school “because those were the years of the disturbances and our education, particularly between 1962 and 1964, was disturbed because of what was taking place in politics.”

This reality, President Granger said, affected not just him, but his colleagues as well, pointing out that at one stage even the teachers were on strike.

He said the political friction between the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

Campaigning in the Diaspora

► Government, the Peoples National Congress (PNC) and The United Force (TUF)—a significant political force at the time—led him to feeling that there was literally a threat to the way of life.

Political inclination, even at that time, told President Granger, “There was a threat in the sense some things were said and some things were being done which were pulling society apart.”

The President was adamant however, leaving Guyana permanently was never an option, one that had been exercised by many, almost in a mini exodus of the time.

Brigadier Granger, now Executive President of Guyana, said he was never attracted to go live “in not a single foreign country.”

GUYANA HOME The President said while he would have had to travel and live for some time overseas, be it in Nigeria or neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, to further his studies, he did not have any desire to take up Turn to page 10 ►

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Colonialism made us feel...

From page 10

residence, to live permanently in any of them.

The greater part of his life at home has been spent in the Guyana Defence Force, ascending to and retiring with the rank of Brigadier, Commander of the Army at the time.

While upward mobility professionally was recognized, such a rank was the least of his concerns as he made what he calls a smooth transition into the Military, five decades ago.

By this time Granger had already ascended the ranks of the Cadets at Queen’s College to that of Sergeant, and he formally enlisted in the Army shortly after its creation.

Being in the Cadets, according to Granger, ‘was fun rather than rigid. While in the classroom, learning some history, he reminisced, “it was fun, we go on camps, we go on marches…the person sitting next to you in class could be a Corporal and you could be a Private, but we were friends, it was not rigid.”

NEW & EXCITING He joked, “We know that when we went on parade he could give you orders, it was giggles, we weren’t enemies, we weren’t adversaries, so it wasn’t ever a problem for me going in the Army.

She stood by his side for 45 years and campaigned fiercely with him ahead of the 2015 polls

Coming out of High School at Queen’s College, a young Granger attended University in the same compound he recalled, as the current edifice at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara had not yet been built by the Forbes Burnham Administration.

“I had already made up my mind I was going to settle in Guyana and I was not going to migrate,” said President Granger. He was speaking to 1965 when he formally enlisted in the GDF. The Army was formally constituted on November 1, 1965, and by December,

the following month, he joined up.

“It was new, it was exciting, we were becoming independent…we didn’t have any prospect about becoming Brigadier or Chief of Staff,” he said, interrupted by a well-earned yet seemingly blushing chortle.

Earning his first promotion by 1969, President Granger said, “In a way it was expected,” as long as there wasn’t the commission of any grave sins, of course.

LAST BRITS “We were expected to advance,” he said. According to the former Military

Commander, now Executive President, he and his colleagues were well aware of the fact that the plethora of British Officers in the GDF would have to leave. The last of the British Officers left the GDF in 1969, he recalled.

“So we knew that there would be upward mobility sooner or later…People knew that in time you would be given higher responsibilities and you would be given higher ranks”” I asked if he considered himself as always being an ambitious person, even at that age, to which he replied, “It is difficult to expect a person not to be ambitious.

You want to do better, you want to get higher training; you want to achieve a higher rank, I think that is normal.

According to President Granger, it would be good to be wary of persons content with living a mediocre life.

45 YEARS OF MARRIAGE Though cliché sounding, there seems to be some truth in the saying that speaks to the woman behind every great man.

Married 45 years to Sandra (née Chan-A-Sue), the two, before tying the knot, lived in Queenstown,

Georgetown, a couple of blocks apart from each other.

She was a friend of the family, and according to the president, the two first met at his father’s house.

“It was natural in a way,” the two getting together and eventually getting married. He said it was not a case where “I didn’t go out looking for a girlfriend and she didn’t go out looking for a boyfriend, there we were, together and we’ve been together ever since.”

He said it was her decency that solidified his decision to marry the woman, now First Lady.

The President did slip in, “She’s a beautiful girl, but sheer decency, you know.”

He said of his spouse, “we have a family and she is a good mother to our children, she is a good wife to me.”

It’s been a quality life with his wife, according to President Granger. He divulged, “I can spend time with her and family without having to really go out and carouse.”

His wife, he said, is a hard worker, “and she expects me to work hard too.”

When the two met, President Granger had by that time already earned for himself the rank of Lieutenant

David Arthur Granger, MSS

and by the time the two got married, he was a Captain in the Army, and according to Granger, both worked hard to raise their children.

The President is of the view family is the foundation of communities and communities are the foundation of the nation.

According to Grange r, a t t h e t i m e h e re alized he was elected president of Guyana, he also knew, “it gives me an opportunity to fulfill a vision for Guyana, I don’t have much concern about personal wealth or fame, but I have a mission.”

Explosive cultural gala to mark Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary TODAY marks 49 years since Guyana’s struggle for independence from Great Britain ended successfully with the lowering of the Union Jack, and the hoisting of the Golden Arrow Head. This monumental achievement which was won through many failed attempts lives on as a traditional trademark through which Guyanese

foster a sense of nationalism and patriotism.

The first flag raising ceremony was scheduled for the National Park, but similar activities were also held in other parts of the country, with major ceremonies in Essequibo, McKenzie/ Wismar/Christianburg (now Linden) and New Amsterdam. Adrian Thompson and team also raised a flag at

Mount Ayanganna.

Immediately preceding the ceremony at the National Park was the Grand State Banquet at Queen’s College.

As the country now celebrates its 49th Independence anniversary, Head of State, David Granger, a former Brigadier, has placed high on his agenda since his assumption to office, the revitalisation of traditional

The Guyana Defense Force getting it right yesterday at the grand rehearsal

practices.

Shifting the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead from the National Park, the President, following the rehabilitation of the symbolic Independence Arch, has indicated that today’s flag raising ceremony will be held at this location at 8:00hrs to mark the celebration.

Scheduled for later in the day is an inauguration

ceremony which is expected to attract thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life, who will assemble at the Providence Stadium to witness what has been described as an “explosive” cultural gala.

With the grand rehearsals held last evening, hundreds of performers lined the inner circle of the country’s national stadium with a

grand dress rehearsal.

Among the groups present at last evening’s rehearsals were several schools, the Joint Services, the Guyana National School of Dance, several choirs; dance groups and a number of local artistes.

Then there will be the highlight of the evening, the traditional fireworks display.

This dance group will deliver the performance of their lives

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

PPP extends best Let our democratic wishes to Guyanese culture prevail …while calling on them to intensify struggle to protect democracy

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) salutes the people of Guyana on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the attainment of independence from Great Britain.

The PPP is proud of the role it has played in the struggle for a free and independent Guyana. Indeed, it was the PPP that led the struggle for a free and independent Guyana under the charismatic and dynamic leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

Regrettably, the celebrations are taking place in an environment in which the democratic rights of the Guyanese people to elect a Government of their choice are once again trampled upon by the de facto Granger-led APNU+AFC regime which has been foisted on this nation by

way of electoral fraud.

The PPP is also concerned over the attempts that are being made to divert the true meaning and significance of independence by meaningless fanfare and extravaganza in order to lend legitimacy to the fraud which took place on May 11. This day will be remembered with shame down the corridors of time.

The PPP takes this opportunity to reiterate its unwavering determination to protect our hard won democracy and the democratic and constitutional gains scored by the Party over the decades.

The right to vote which we all take for granted today was fought for and won by the PPP in the early 1950’s.

It remains a lasting scar on our national psyche that this

right was stolen by the PNC for 28 years (from 1968 to 1992) and has once again reared its head in the recent elections which coincides with our Independence Day celebrations.

To add salt to the injury, David Granger is now using Independence Day to inaugurate himself as President with great pomp and fanfare at taxpayers’ expense.

Be that as it may, the PPP extends best wishes to the Guyanese people on this important milestone. The PPP takes this opportunity to call on all Guyanese to intensify the struggle to protect our democracy which is under threat.

PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY

AS Guyana nears half a century as an independent state, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to join with all Guyanese to celebrate this exciting and landmark anniversary in our history.

We need to recall, at this time, that there was near absolute consensus amongst our then leaders that we needed to shed the constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped. Independence brought us and we joyfully welcomed our new status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities for a free and prosperous future. The onus was now ours to chart our own course and it was recognised it needed to be strengthened by economic independence and social justice. Those objectives

had to be attained and sustained.

GAWU feels certain that the attainment of Independence, which we fought for, made us proud as a people. Since independence, we have moved forward. There are successes in several fields nationally, and at the international level our country has earned recognition and respect. Our democratic culture which resurfaced over twenty years ago, still, today faces new challenges and threats. Notwithstanding the trials and setbacks the nation experienced, and will face, there are also very many significant achievements as we overcome the negative legacy of colonialism.

The GAWU is aware that several key objectives are yet to be reached. One of these is our economic sovereignty which we see as crucial to safeguard our political independence, es-

pecially in the context and circumstances that we see unfolding in today’s world.

The prospects for our country to grow and develop remain encouraging and we need to tackle the various tasks before us in a collective and united spirit.

In this respect, our people, especially our working people, need to be encouraged and become involved in the decision-making levels of our society.

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, GAWU urges that we all recognise that we have a responsibility to let our democratic culture prevail. It is one of the strong strands that bind our nation and make it united and free.

Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!

GUYANA AGRICULTURAL WORKERS UNION

Happy Independence Day GTUC congratulates nation on independence and new leadership AS Guyana celebrates its 49th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, the spirit of freedom and cooperation that hallmarked our original struggles, feelings of joy and liberation, has once again been properly re-ignited.

Independence for Guyana also speaks to several significant developments in our nation’s history, apart from the symbolic date when it was granted. It speaks to a period of united struggles against a colonial master.

It also speaks to a fractured period of our political history, when those who were united became divided by different ideological perspectives for nation building that led to a separation and colonial preference of one over another.

The struggle for independence, while arduous, does not come anywhere close in comparison to the task that followed after independence was granted. This then became the prime responsibility of the Forbes Burnham led PNC Government. For they were the ones entrusted by the colonial masters with the stewardship of the newly

independent British colony.

Theirs was the task to mould a nation, to lay the building blocks, the foundation upon which our nation would grow and develop socially, economically, culturally and politically.

And it is with this recognition that our motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” becomes relevant.

A young nation with six peoples of diverse heritage, values and culture influenced by experiences of slavery, indenture-ship, the entrepreneurs of human cargo had to find common ground upon which they could unite, peacefully co-exist and work in harmony to build a nation, where all can enjoy fundamental liberties of freedom, justice and democracy.

While independence is a landmark, the gains of independence are best preserved in the advancement of our political maturation and democratic growth. The independence gained on 26th May, 1966, is best protected by advancement of socio-economic and political structures and cultures in our environment to safeguard and further develop our freedoms.

Independence requires good governance-accountability, inclusion, cohesion, people being able to work together to advance national interest, preserve and create laws that would protect the people of this nation.

In retrospect, the elections could not have occurred at a better time.

The initial response of the people to this newly elected Government says it all.

Freedom, free at last, thank God Almighty we are free at last. GTUC congratulates the nation on independence and the new Government that was elected on May 11th. The GTUC looks forward to ushering a period of deepening our democracy and nation building, and in this regard, is prepared to offer strategic support and continue its impartial and critical review of the management of the nation’s affairs. May the spirit and freedom of this period transcend our growth and development as One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

GUYANA TRADES UNION CONGRESS

ALTHOUGH it has been more than a week since His Excellency President David A. Granger has sat on the Presidency’s seat, heartiest congratulations from Al-­M ustafa Islamic Trust (AMIT) still pour in. AMIT, a Shia Muslim Trust based in Guyana that serves to promote a peaceful, harmonious yet religious society, acknowledges that President Granger is a principled yet hon-

ourable President for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and expects humble goodness resulting in the indiscriminate benefit of all the communities nation-wide. Gracious happy wishes also from AMIT to the country’s population as they celebrate their 49th Independence Anniversary.

We sincerely acknowledge that it was indeed a great relief to take breaths of our own hard work resulting

in our own benefit and to escort ourselves from the ‘British Oppression’ to the whole nation.

We hoped and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant His Excellency and all the hard working individuals in his Government great success and a leading role in the world.

AL-­MUSTAFA ISLAMIC TRUST (AMIT)

All set for President Granger’s inauguration – National Awards to be announced THE official Inauguration Ceremony of the eighth Executive President of Guyana, His Excellency David Arthur Granger, will take place today, Independence Day, at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

There are expected to be thousands of Guyanese in attendance, some foreign leaders, Ministers of the newly formed A Partnership For National Unity /Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, and the military.

After the arrival of President Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger, there will be a military fanfare, followed by the 21gun salute. The inspection of the Guard of Honour will then take place before other

aspects of the programme begin.

There will be singing by the Woodside and Joint Schools’ choirs along with a display by hundreds of students, and prayers from religious leaders.

President Granger is expected to address the nation and this will be followed by the announcement of the National Awards.

The programme will end with a display by the military bands and fireworks, and an interlude by the National Steel Orchestra.

President Granger officially took the oath of office on May 16, at Parliament Building, just after the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) announced the final results of the May 16, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Guyana’s national Independence monument – the independence Arch M O N U M E N T S a re o f many kinds, since they are built to commemorate either a person or an important event in the historical life of a nation. In reality, they are a sum total of a nation’s past, and stand as a reminder of this, for those present, and those to come.

Guyana’s National Independence Monument, more

commonly described as the Independence Arch can be described as one of the nation’s most important national symbols. It was presented to Guyana, by the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) as an Independence gift, and symbolised the end of an era, while ushering in a new phase of Guyana’s history - that of becoming a nation.

Built entirely from Guy-

ana’s mineral resources, bauxite that was processed into aluminium, and quartz from the Mazaruni River, this arch was designed by Canadian architect Mr Eric Flack. Its construction was spearheaded by another Canadian, Mr A. Beck.

Majestically standing from a common base, it consists of three tubes that represent the counties of

Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara.

On May 22, 1966, before a distinguished gathering, this majestic reminder of Guyana becoming a sovereign nation, was presented to Guyana’s first Prime Minister, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, by Mr J. G. Campbell, at the time managing director of DEMBA. He described the Arch, as “truly Guyanese”.

Receiving it from Prime Minister Burnham, Mayor of the City of Georgetown, Mr

Workers using the Guyana Fire Service Truck to apply finishing touches to the Independence Arch

Rahaman B. Gajraj, said that the citizens would “treasure the monument”.

Its location, at the Eastern end of Brickdam, according to Mr Aubrey Barker, Chairperson of the Arch Committee, had been premised at the time on two factors: first because of plans to build a civic and cultural centre on the lands of D’Urban Park, with the “Arch becoming a gateway” to such a centre; and, second, due to Brickdam being located in the oldest section of the

City of Stabroek, described as “one of the finest streets in Georgetown”.

Mr Barker went on to opine that it was a ‘fitting location for such a monument, since it “linked our turbulent past, with our exciting future”.

O n S u n d a y, n e w l y sworn in President, Mr David Granger initiated the restoration of the Independence Arch. It has now become an attractive feature on upper Brickdam, equipped with lights.

The restored Independence Arch

President swears in Minister within Ministry of Communities, two Vice Presidents

Mrs Dawn Hastings is the newest minister to be appointed to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration.

She was sworn in yesterday

by President David Granger, at the Ministry of the Presidency, as Minister within the Ministry of Communities, before other Government ministers.

Also taking the oath of office, as Vice Presidents, were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was sworn in as First Vice President and Minister of National Security, and Khemraj Ramjattan was appointed second Vice President.

Only fifteen of the ministers sworn in will serve in the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge receiving his instrument of office Cabinet. after being sworn in by President David Granger as a Vice President

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock receiving his instrument of office after being sworn in by President David Granger as a Vice President

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Mrs. Dawn Hastings being sworn in by President David Granger

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Mayor Green sends Town Clerk Carol Sooba on administrative leave …as she tells him he’s out of order

By Telesha Ramnarine NO one could tell where the scores of people who gathered around City Hall came from so quickly, but citizens wasted no time in getting in on the juicy ‘tekkups’ surrounding Carol Ryan Sooba who was ousted from her office as Town Clerk yesterday.

Cheers and applause greeted Sooba as she made her way out of City Hall; some shouted “we had enough,” “time to go” and “get out the place.” This was minutes after she was asked

by Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green to pack up and leave the statutory meeting, or as an alternative, be escorted out by police.

According to Mayor Green, “a well-oiled” machinery is necessary if the council is to successfully work along with the new Administration.

This statement preceded his announcement that Sooba will have to proceed on administrative leave and that the person next in line, Ms. Sharon Harry-Munroe, will have to take up the Town Clerk mantle.

The mayor had initially asked that Sooba re-

officers began to take action. Upon seeing this, Sooba decided to get up on her own and leave the room.

Sooba told the Mayor: “You are out of order,” and reminded him that it was she that he called when he wanted her to disregard the $30M that he owed the council in

can’t force her to go on leave,” Sattan told the meeting. But his remarks were met with criticism by the majority of those listening.

Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Green observed that Sooba did not take leave for quite some time and has no reason why this is the case. He observed that oftentimes, decisions taken by council have been ignored or

have seen the light turn to green,” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, as soon as word got out on the street that Sooba was being “kicked out” of City Hall, scores of persons gathered at the Regent Street entrance to get a glimpse of what was taking place.

Everyone could see Sooba removing her things out of the council vehicle which was assigned to her personally,

Town Clerk Carol Sooba leaves the Council Chamber

spect the decision of the council and proceed posthaste so that by the next working day, the assistant town clerk could have assumed those duties.

But Councillor Ranwell Jordan stood up to recommend that Sooba be instructed to leave immediately.

Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green similarly commented that Sooba should move along so that Harry-Munroe can take up the vacant chair and yesterday’s meeting could have moved forward with an administrative officer in place.

The Deputy Mayor also recommended that

Sooba attend to her office and conduct the necessary ‘handing over’, while reminding Sooba that if she fails to cooperate, a female officer of the City Constabulary Department will have to take it from there.

Once approached, Sooba told the female constabulary officers that should they touch her, they would in effect be assaulting her, causing somewhat of a standstill on the officers’ part.

Eventually, though, with encouragement from councillors that they would merely be doing their job if they were to remove her, the

An officer of the Constabulary assists Sooba in clearing her desk

Carol Sooba entering a council vehicle to be taken home

rates and taxes. “You cannot move the town clerk,” she maintained.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Prabhudial Sattan attempted to venture to Sooba’s side arguing that there is currently an order in court on the same issue and that no one can remove Sooba until its determination. “You are breaking the law. You

over-turned and monies were being expended without the knowledge of council, etc.

“This council has determined that this officer should proceed on leave so that a proper investigation could be conducted,” he noted, adding that this would facilitate a process that would move along with alacrity.

“We are all fired up. We

and being given a ride from an officer of the council. She was heard telling the officers who were escorting her out: “The same hands that feed you?”

She also made several accusations against officers who were gathered around her, reminding them of illegal activities that they were involved in.

A woman voices her approval at the Town Clerk being sent home

14

Police to recommence social crime prevention programmes NOW that the Elections are over and things are returning to normalcy, the Guyana Police Force will also be returning to its community-related initiatives aimed at building

partnerships with members of the public.

'A' Division Commander Clifton Hicken, in an invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle that, for the remain-

der of the year, the Force -especially the 'A' Division under his stewardship -- will be establishing additional youth clubs and groups.

He said focus will remain the same; that is, engaging young people in skills training, and helping them reintegrate into society while staying away from a life of crime.

Commander Hicken reminded that youth groups in the communities of Grove, Mocha, Agricola, Leopold Street, Albouystown and Tiger Bay will continue to receive support from the police, and any other assistance that comes the way of the Police Force to be channelled to its social crime prevention programme.

Asked to recap the achievements and strides the police were able to see with establishment of the youth groups, Assistant Commissioner Hicken spoke of the improved relationship between the police and members of the community in which they have a presence, certification of several young people in the communities of Agricola, Grove and Albouystown for programmes they would have completed; and general cooperation and information sharing by the residents with the police.

In Albouystown, the young people have been given the opportunity to create a block-building establishment, and be exposed to sewing and pedicure and manicure training.

In Agricola, the young people have been through tie-dyeing and fabric painting, while another group has been exposed to training in Food and Nutrition, all compliments of the Guyana Police Force and members of the business community.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said since taking over as commissioner, he has been pushing for a social crime prevention approach to policing, and members of the communities and faith-based and other organisations were invited to come on board the initiative, and they have all been lending their support.

In a review of the approach he had taken, at the Annual Officers Conference of senior police ranks and members of civil society, Persaud recalled that evidence has shown that implementation of the various community-related projects and involvement of the stakeholders have contributed to decreasing criminal activities in some areas in a very significant way, while other communities are still working to get their figures down by a wider margin.

The Social Crime Prevention approach to policing is not confined to 'A' Division, but applies also in Berbice, Linden, West Coast and Banks of Demerara, and to some extent Essequibo.

(Leroy Smith)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Ministers of State and Business to address Guyana-China Business Council meeting

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon

Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin are now slated to address the Guyana-China Business Council (GCBC) at its first meeting for 2015 on Thursday May 28, at the Arthur Chung Convention Center, Liliendaal.

According to Chairman of the GCBC, Clinton Williams, the primary purpose of this special meeting is to facilitate the exchange of ideas that will craft a way forward, as well as to discuss issues specific to the conduct of business in the various sectors of the economy in which Chinese investors and immigrants are involved.

The Guyana-China Business Council has been operating under the umbrella of the Private Sector Commission for more than 10 years. It went into abeyance for a while and was revived in 2012.

Chinese entrepreneurs resident or who invested

in Guyana are expected to attend this special meeting on Thursday.

This newspaper understands that Mr. Zhang Limin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, has also been invited to the meeting. He is expected to speak about the bilateral trade relations and social contracts between Guyana and China which he recently said have been maintained on a sound and stable developmental footing since diplomatic ties were first established between our two countries over 160 years ago.

The GCBC expects that a wide cross section of Chinese entrepreneurs will seize this opportunity to discuss the hot-button trade and social issues that concern them with the recently appointed Ministers of Government and their country’s Ambassador to Guyana.

The meeting will commence at 2:30 pm (14:30 hrs).

Traffic flow to be restricted to accommodate Inauguration Ceremony THE Guyana Police Force has reported that due to the inauguration ceremony for His Excellency, President David Granger, which will be held today at the Guyana National Stadium, the flow of road traffic would be restricted and delays are expected along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, and the East Bank Demerara Public Road between midday and 20:00 hrs.

Traffic flow along the western carriageway of the East Bank Demerara Public Road, between Houston and Providence, would be

interrupted from 16:30 hrs to 17:00 hrs to allow for the movement of visiting Heads of State and other VIPs. Motor lorries and container trucks are prohibited from parking along Mandela Avenue and the East Bank Public Road, between Houston and Providence, during the same period.

Meanwhile, members of the public attending the ceremony are advised to car pool, as parking is limited in the parking lot outside of the Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Global Shapers of Georgetown Hub extends congratulations to Guyana’s new Government ly known for their ‘Head Start! Stationery Drive’ micro-project where over 500 students in Regions 1, 8 and 9 have benefited throughout the past years. This initiative was intended to provide students in remote communities in Guyana’s hinterland with stationery supplies for the new academic year.

Members of the Global Shapers Georgetown Hub

By Shivanie Sugrim THE Global Shapers Community of the Georgetown Hub has extended congratulations to President David Granger and the APNU+AFC Coalition on their victory at the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

The committee in a statement underscored that they wish the parties success as they prepare to take up challenges in their new office. They noted that the coalition campaign trail was one of peace and unity and resounded well with voters as it was evidenced by their victory.

“As you embark on the great responsibilities that public office bestows, we implore you to let your leadership continue to espouse the message of peace and unity,” said the Committee.

Thereafter, the com-

mittee noted that it looks forward to supporting the newly elected Government in the fulfilment of the development promises made in their manifesto.

The Global Shapers Community is a worldwide network of more than 350 city-based Hubs developed and led by promising young leaders between the ages of 20 and 30, who want to build on their achievements and entrepreneurial drive to make a positive contribution to their communities.

Currently, the group is focused on a new initiative dubbed “Save the Libraries”, which aims to increase access to reading materials and basic literacy services among the youth population of the Sophia community. Creation of the library would be coupled with provision of literacy and reading classes.

The committee is wide-

Voir dire continuing in Campbelville septic tank murder

By George Barclay A MIXED jury empanelled in the trial of the three men who are accused of the Campbellville septic tank murder of Colleen Forrester in 2007 has been spending most of their time in the jury room while a voir dire is being conducted in their absence.

Presiding judge, Madame Justice Roxanne George, is conducting a voir dire, (a trial within a trial) to determine the admissibility of three alleged caution statements by the accused.

The accused Ralph Tyndal, also called ‘Nick’, Anthony De Paul Hope, also called ‘Papa’, and Kevin

O’Neil are charged with having between the 27th day of December 2007 and the 6th day of January 2008 in the county of Demerara, murdered Colleen Forrester.

Their lawyers complained that the alleged statements were not obtained in accordance with the Judges’ Rules, hence the judge decided to conduct a voir dire in the absence of the jury to determine the issue.

Lawyers representing the accused are Messrs George Thomas, Madan Kissoon and Melvyn Duke.

Prosecuting in the matter are Miss Stacy Goodings and Miss Diana Kaulesar.

The hearing is continuing.

Together, they embody the “community of the future”, bringing together empowered youth in a community that is diverse, decentralised, and digitally hyper connected. The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum and is independent, neutral, non-political and not for profit.

Additionally, the group is the first, truly global youth network that is focused on improving the state of the world. It is an initiative of the World Economic Forum.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organisation committed to improving the state of the world by

engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Incorporated as a notfor-profit foundation in 1971 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum is not tied to political, partisan or national interests.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Chronicle distributes Sunday edition to – to sensitise students to new Ministers of Government EMPLOYEES of the Guyana Chronicle yesterday distributed 40 c o p i e s o f t h e S u n d a y, May 24 edition to four primary schools across Georgetown, in an effort to make students aware of the newly-appointed Ministers of Government.

The initiative initial-

ly aimed at distributing 100 copies to ten schools but was reduced to four because of unexpected circumstances, but the remaining schools are expected to receive copies on Thursday.

Meanwhile, so far the schools which benefited from this initiative were

S t . G a b r i e l ’s P r i m a r y School, Stella Maris Primary, North Georgetown Primary School and the St. Margaret’s Primary School.

The teachers at the schools thanked the Guyana Chronicle for the newspapers, and noted that it will come in handy for students at all levels.

Research and Verification Officer from the Guyana Chronicle, Wanda Agdomar hands over the newspapers to a student of Stella Maris in the presence of a teacher

Chronic Samuel to teach

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

o four primary schools in Georgetown

cle’s Production Superintendent, l Bynoe distributes the newspapers hers of St. Gabriel’s Primary School

Chronicle Reporter, Navendra Seoraj hands over copies of the May 24 edition of the Sunday Chronicle to students of St. Margaret's Primary School in the presence of two teachers

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Presidential Pardon for 60 youths convicted for non-violent misdemeanors PRESIDENT David A. Granger has announced that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government intends to, on an annual basis, grant presidential pardons to prisoners, who were sentenced for minor misdemeanors (non-violent crimes.)

During a special interview at the Ministry of the Presidency with a section of the media yesterday, President Granger disclosed that today, Indepen-

dence Day, the new Administration will begin pardoning of 60 convicts, between the ages of 18 to 25.

“I believe that young people should be in school, not in jail, and I have asked that emphasis be placed on young persons, and for petty non-violent offences, and sentences of short duration,” the President said.

“Sometimes a man (is) in jail for stealing a cell phone, go your way and sin no more…,” he said, adding that the offences

are ‘really petty’, and the offenders ‘pretty young.’

“I hope they get back in school, get work, and get on with their lives. They do not belong in jail. They belong in school, at home with their families, be happy,” the President said.

He clarified that at first he particularly asked for pardons for especially female convicts, “but apparently the females have not been misbehaving at the same rate as the males.”

The President also explained that “it turns out that there is a small number of females too who had actually committed minor offences.”

Questions about concerns that will be raised over why no reintegration programme for those who will be pardoned, President Granger said, “Most of them are young, most of them are misdemeanors, which are non-violent, and I do hope that we can reintegrate them by ensuring that we get them

training programmes.” He noted however, “…the longer they stay in prison, the more difficult it would be to rehabilitate them.”

President Granger was also asked about Former President Donald Ramotar’s pardon of Ravindra Deo, who was convicted for the murder of a child, Vishnu Bhim, which was committed 21 years ago at La Bonne Intention (LBI). His

response was, “There is nothing in the constitution that prevents him, but there should be something in his conscience which should have told him that this is not the way to go.”

He noted that with the new APNU+AFC Administration’s annual amnesty, consideration will not be given to persons who have been convicted for crimes of violence. (GINA)

Former President Jagdeo charged...

From page 2

any further steps are taken in the proceedings.

“The learned Magistrate then announced, for the first time that she is over-ruling the preliminary objections and submissions made and that the defendant must appear before her,” Nandlall said.

BASIS Ram’s move followed pronouncements of the Guyana Elections’ Commission (GECOM) Media Monitoring Unit (MMU). He contends that Section 139 D of the Representation of the People Act was violated.

The first report, since its resuscitation was released early April, and stated that at an event at Babu John, in March, Dr Jagdeo said: “They shout about racism of the PPP, but they practise racism. The whisper campaigns. In the last elections they went to some of the Afro-Guyanese villages and beat some drums at 6 o’clock in the morning and say let us throw out these coolie people. Get up, go out and vote, throw out the coolie people.

That’s the kind of language they use. Anybody from our party who uses that sort of language, we will kick them out. This is our approach.”

The MMU concluded that his comments were “racially divisive” – although the Unit did say that this was “probably” not intentional.

The Unit said: “Taking into consideration the historically and politically influenced divisions that persist up to now between Africans and East Indians in this country, and which are usually more pronounced during elections periods, the Unit came to the conclusion that the anecdotal illustration used by Dr. Jagdeo to make his point about racism, boomeranged disastrously, since it came over as a calculated exploitation, for political purposes, of the known fears and insecurities of one section of the population – East Indians.

“It is within the foregoing

context that the Unit verily concluded that the remarks made by Dr. Jagdeo were racially divisive, [though] probably, not intentionally.”

TRUMPED UP CHARGE Meanwhile, the youth arm of Dr Jagdeo’s party, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), yesterday, in a statement, lamented the fact that the charges against him are “trumped up” for the purpose of political mileage.

The group said, “The PYO expressed its full support for former President and Executive Member of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, as he faces a trumped-up and politically motivated charge following a passionate, frank and factual speech delivered at Babu John back in March this year.”

According to the PYO, Dr Jagdeo will be vindicated at the end of this matter because the “spurious charge brought against him by embattled Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram lacks both substance and form, merit and legal soundness.”

The group said, “The PYO holds the view that the charge is just another attempt to embarrass Comrade Jagdeo and is part of Ram’s revenge plan against the Guyanese leader. The travel restrictions imposed on this international figure in our view is extreme and unwarranted. In our view, this can undermine the personal, political and international commitment of the former President. It is public knowledge that the former President has many international responsibilities and commitments. “…our youth leaders will be monitoring this matter in the days ahead and call on all members of the judiciary to act impartially and independently in the discharge of their duties in this case. If this is done, the scale of justice will no doubt favour Comrade Jagdeo.”

A preliminary inquiry into the matter is set for Monday, June 22.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Rice farmers and millers conference urgently needed – says retired CEO of Alesie Rice Group

By Clifford Stanley RETIRED Chief Executive Officer of Alesie Rice Group, Dr. Turhane Doerga has said that he and other millers on the Essequibo Coast are looking forward to the speedy establishment of a national rice farmers and rice millers conference as promised by the APNU-AFC Coalition Government.

He said that with 300,000 tonnes of rice left over from the spring crop and another 500,000 tonnes expected in the autumn crop, he was afraid that the farmers would find themselves in serious financial difficulties if no

urgent action is taken to acquire new markets for their produce.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Dr. Doerga refuted suggestions that the marketing problems facing farmers were due to a glut on the world market.

He said: “Some farmers are saying that it is best that they plant only one crop per year due to recurrent problems of low prices and late payments but this is not necessary.”

He clarified that the demand for rice on the world market exceeds supply.

Last week Doerga asked rhetorically: “So are we in the right business in Guyana

with rice? The answer is yes!

There is no glut. The problem is that they, the former Administration, had failed to position Guyana’s rice properly.” Dr. Doerga charged that the former Administration had effectively run the industry into the ground.

“Demand is not a problem. What is needed is the efficient management of the industry.”

During the harvesting of the spring crop earlier this year farmers on the Essequibo Coast in particular had staged numerous protests against late payments and low payments for paddy.

The farmers had complained that labour costs

were relatively high, and at the same time the expenses involved in purchasing agricultural inputs were a heavy burden when payments were not made on time.

They had said too that they typically hire machinery from private sources, and given the high costs of cultivation and reaping and the modest yield levels, the price of paddy had become an important determinant of profitability.

The APNU+AFC Coalition had said that it intended to hold a rice farmers and rice millers conference within 100 days of its election to office to engage stakeholders in a thorough analysis of

the state of the industry and charting of a way forward.

RECOMMENDATIONS Dr. Doerga said that he and other concerned millers had come up with several recommendations which they will present at the proposed conference or even earlier at a meeting with the new Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder.

These include among others, the formation of a professional committee of world experienced brokers to market rice at acceptable prices, re-establishment of an Agribank so farmers can borrow at affordable interest rates; the establishment

of an Intervention Fund so farmers are guaranteed a minimum price before planting.

The Alesi Group will also push for the appointment of professionals to find locations to build rice bulk and container terminals since without proper logistics commodity exchange cannot be done professionally.

Dr. Doerga said that there are also concerns among millers about possible illegalities in the Guyana-Venezuela rice deal and these should be thoroughly investigated by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

Gov’t moves swiftly to clear Devonshire Castle outfall channel – to drain flooded rice fields and swollen canals caused by heavy rainfall

Taymouth Manor near the sluice to help pump excess rainfall water into the Atlantic Ocean so resi-

The excavators on a pontoon clearing a silted-up channel on the Essequibo Coast

By Rajendra Prabhulall CHIEF Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA], Mr. Lionel Wordsworth has said that work is in progress to clear the Devonshire Castle outfall channel in order to efficiently drain flood waters from rice fields and swollen canals.

According to the CEO, the APNU/AFC Coalition has responded swiftly to the situation and through the NDIA has dispatched a pontoon with two excavators to clear blocked sluice channels

on the coast.

He said the channel of the La Union sluice was cleared and water is now flowing into the Atlantic Ocean at a much faster rate.

Reports said residents of Queenstown who are experiencing flooding caused by the current heavy rainfall are expected to get relief in light of the sluice channel that is now cleared.

Meanwhile, the sluice channel at Devonshire Castle was cleared several times by the excavators on the pontoon in the Atlantic Ocean through the NDIA

but sling mud always returned quickly and blocked the channel which causes serious flooding of rice fields in the backlands whenever the rainy season starts.

During the last rainy season two mobile pumps were put into operation next to the sluice by NDIA to pump water that had affected the rice crop and residential areas.

However, mobile pumps are in operation at Anna Regina, Devonshire Castle, and La Union.

Another pump is currently being installed at

dents can get relief quickly. Many residents are thanking the Government for its prompt attention to

address the flood situation of rice fields and swollen canals on the Essequibo Coast.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Annual Independence Exhibition opens

– as Guyana celebrates 49th Independence Anniversary

Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, along with Minister within the Ministry, Nicolette Henry, viewing an item on show at the annual Independence Exhibition at the National Museum

AS Guyana today celebrates 49 years as an independent nation, the Department of Culture Youth and Sport, under the purview of the Ministry of Education, is working towards ensuring that citizens become aware of the country’s rich history. And so Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine yesterday officially opened the annual Independence

Exhibition at the Guyana National Museum.

The exhibition, which has now become an official part of the country’s Independence anniversary observances, seeks to inform the public, primarily the youths; about the struggles faced by their ancestors and so enlighten them on their country’s history.

The exhibits include a wide display of posters

depicting Guyana’s historians and their political backgrounds, clippings from old newspapers, sections on former Presidents, models of the Canje Pheasant, the national bird, medals, national symbols, and books, along with many other treasured gems.

A special piece was also added in honour of the country’s eighth Executive President, Brigadier (rtd) David

Granger. This includes a poster with his photograph, along with a brief history of his life.

Further, a section of the exhibition was also dedicated to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Students from various schools in Georgetown participated in the viewing of the exhibits. They were given a tour of the exhibition after sitting in for the formal opening ceremony. This will continue throughout the period of the event.

This exhibition has been held for approximately six consecutive years and serves as an awareness campaign to educate the public on the country’s legacy.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Minister Roopnaraine pointed out that he was delighted to be made aware of the fact that the exhibition will be taken to other regions around the country, allowing more individuals to educate themselves about their country’s history, particularly the struggle for independence.

He also expressed gratitude to the staff of the museum for their dedication over the years and efforts to make the exhibition a success.

Meanwhile, Major Christine Bradford Porter of the GDF gave an overview of the force’s achievements and functions over the years. She pointed out that the force was established in November

Various medals given out by the Guyana Defence Force on show

1965, in anticipation of the country’s rebirth as an independent nation the following year.

The Major added that it was predominantly males who served at that time, but in 1967, women were enlisted in the force and they have since played vital roles in its daily functions.

In addition, Tota Mangar, Member of the National Archives Advisory Committee gave a recap of the evening of May 25, 1966, going down to the dawn of May 26, and the end of slavery for Guyanese as the country’s political freedom was sealed.

Also present at the ceremony was Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, Permanent Secretary of the former Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Alfred King, along with many members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Guyana, then British Guiana, gained its independence on Thursday, May 26, 1966. It was a moment of pride for this beautiful country. This day saw the lowering of the Union Jack and the rising of the Golden Arrow Head.

This precious moment saw the head of the two political Parties Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham embracing in joy, creating another historic moment for the country.

In its 49 years of independence, Guyana has moved to a nation of six peoples and has witnessed great developments, after overcoming hardships, and now the country stands proud as one of the Caribbean’s finest.

This year’s exhibition is held under the theme ‘Reflections of 49 years of achievements’. (GINA)

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Patentia man denies shoplifting at Giftland A T W E N T Y- N I N E YEAR-OLD man accused of shoplifting from Giftland Office Max appeared yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Royden Paddy of Lot 1 Backstreet Patentia, West

Bank Demerara denied the charge that alleged on 20th May at Water Street, Georgetown he stole a body spray, one pack Hanes boxers and a Cadbury chocolate, property of Giftland Office Max. Paddy’s lawyer, Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat, told the court that his client

returned the items after he came home that day from the store and found the items in his bag.

With no objection by the prosecutor, the man was granted self-bail and the matter was transferred to Magistrate Annett Singh for a date and fixtures.

Crabwood Creek man accused of assaulting wife, under investigation for armed robbery – court hears A CRABWOOD Creak man accused of assaulting his spouse was yesterday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after she heard that he was being investigated by the police for an alleged armed robbery.

It is alleged that Ronand George on May 22 at Staff Hill, Kwakwani, unlawfully assaulted Orleana Clestine.

The man denied the charge after it was read to him.

Prosecutor Shawn Gonzales stated that the couple live together and share a

relationship.

Gonzales in his objection noted that the defendant has a pending matter at the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court and he is considered a flight risk since the police

are currently investigating George in connection with an armed robbery.

George was remanded to prison until June 19 when he will appear at the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court.

Aries Working toward goals you share with others could bring you closer together as friends and lovers. The whole is definitely more than the sum of the parts.

You’re likely to produce better results as a group or partnership than you would have otherwise. This is an “all pull together” sort of day. Romantically, you may have an exciting, passionate encounter!

Taurus Today you might face a task that seems as workable as emptying the ocean with a teacup. But with help from others, you will not only be able to handle it but also produce exceptional results. Physically, you’re likely to feel full of strength and stamina, ready to move mountains. Don’t be too surprised if you actually manage to budge a few!

Gemini The desire to travel, perhaps to visit a close friend, may come up today. You may put a lot of energy into exploring the possibilities. You might also want to travel to places where you can get some artistic inspiration for creative projects. Your energy and enthusiasm are high, so you should be able to accomplish this without neglecting your other chores.

Cancer Expect a lot of activity in your home today. A group, perhaps a large one, hosted by you or a family member could meet there and provoke stimulating conversations. You could get caught up in the energy, putting you in touch with a new awareness of your feelings. Tonight, expect vivid dreams of travel, strange places, or flying.

Leo The desire to meet with a romantic partner and look and feel your best could give rise to a lot of short journeys in your area. Perhaps you will want to work out, buy some new clothes, or get a haircut. This might be a good idea.

Passions promise to run high today. Stimulating conversations could bring fascinating information to light.

Virgo It’s time to stop acting like you think others want to see you act. The planetary configuration confirms that it’s time to express yourself - your emotions, desires, and point of view - to take a firmer stand and define more clearly who you are to others and to yourself. Second-guessing potential reactions will ultimately get you nowhere.

Libra Your energy is high and your stamina particularly strong today. Working out or playing sports could appeal to you now. Running or aerobics could offer valuable exercise and clear your head to allow for new ideas. You also should feel particularly passionate. If you’re involved with someone, expect a great evening. If not, don’t be surprised if you get some admiring glances.

Scorpio A reunion with a family member who has been away or out of touch could generate some powerful emotions. Memories could come flooding back, making you both nostalgic and maybe a bit angry. Take care to curb the latter. You don’t want to spoil your reunion. Take a long, objective look at the memories and try to figure out what they mean to you now. Then let them go.

For Tuesday May 26, 2015: 11:00hrs For Wednesday May 27, 2015: 12:30hrs For Thursday May 28, 2015: 13:30hrs

Sagittarius Today your mind is likely to be on travel. You might have to spend a lot of time running errands in the car. You could also be planning a long vacation, perhaps one centred on a group function or seminar of some sort. Your physical energy is high, but there’s still a danger of tiring yourself out. Relax at home this evening.

Capricorn Today you might decide to put in some extra hours on the job or take on an extra project of some sort in order to bring in a little more money. Since you’re feeling strong and energetic enough to move mountains, you need to take care not to overexert yourself. Work hard and earn your money, but pace yourself.

Try to get a little exercise before going to bed.

Aquarius Passion and determination mark today. Your energy should be high, and you should feel strong and powerful. This is the perfect day to give whatever goals you’ve been trying to accomplish that one last push toward completion.

You may surprise yourself with the power and quality of your work and the positive attention your efforts receive.

Pisces Your inner power and awareness should be acute today. Some intense dreams and revelations could come from deep within, allowing you to release old traumas and phobias, and enabling you to move ahead with more confidence.

Physical energy is high, though you may feel you need more sleep than usual.

Your intuition is also sharp, enabling you to be more in touch with others.

Use it!

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Berdych begins title quest, Cornet survives

By Martyn Herman PARIS, France (Reuters) - Tomas Berdych’s long march in search of a maiden grand slam title continued with a straightforward first-round victory at Roland Garros yesterday as the French Open moved up a gear after Sunday’s opening skirmishes.

The 29-year-old Czech powerhouse, boasting a top-four seeding at a major for the first time in his career, brushed aside Japanese qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka 6-0, 7-5, 6-3 -- so avoiding a sixth first-round fall at the French Open.

Women’s defending champion Maria Sharapova was in later action on Court Phillipe Chatrier, as was men’s third seed Andy Murray, but with world number one Serena Williams, men’s nine-time champion Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all scheduled to begin today, there was a sense of calm before the storm.

Nishioka was one of five Japanese men to start

in the main draw, the most since 1967, but only highly-fancied Kei Nishikori remains two days into the claycourt grand slam.

Berdych, a member of the world’s top 10 for five years but with only one grand slam final to his name, at Wimbledon in 2010 when he lost to Nadal, was far too streetwise for Nishioka and was only briefly tested in the second set.

“I’m feeling well. I’m feeling physically, mentally strong, and that’s the best possible start that I can have,” Berdych told reporters. “Just now be patient, keep working for the two weeks, and try to go as far as I can.”

Spain’s Feliciano Lopez, the men’s 11th seed, became the highest casualty so far, losing 6-3, 7-6(9), 6-3 to Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili.

Fourteenth-seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska’s slump also continued as the former world number two succumbed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to Germany’s Annika Beck to become the highest women’s seed to exit so far.

Overcast conditions greeted home favourite Alize Cornet for the start of the action and despite a sparse lunchtime crowd she treated the home fans who had taken their seats to a comeback win against Roberta Vinci.

The French number one, saddled with the pressure of trying to provide a home winner for the first time since Mary Pierce in 2000, looked on course for a fifth consecutive defeat by Vinci before recovering to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

She was relieved to avoid the same fate as her Fed Cup team mate Caroline Garcia who lost in the first round on Sunday.

Garcia had seemed nervous about playing on Chatrier court but not so Cornet.

“I was really glad that this court was chosen for me today,” the 29th seed. “The ambience on this court is amazing.

“I think that’s why I could actually come back in this match, because the people were behind me. It’s just a great atmosphere in this court.”

‘Shiv’ begged to be ...

From Page 29 all the opportunities. It may also be an occasion for the WICB to recognise me for my long and dedicated service. It would be a good send-off after dedicating 21 years of my life to WI cricket,” said Chanderpaul.

But Simmons, in his response, told Chanderpaul that “I did say that, but it was about the final Test in the England series. We had selection before each Test and I did back you for the Barbados Test when it was close between the selectors but it is no longer close for the Australia series.

“I understand how you feel but it is in the hands of the selectors not yourself to decide on a squad for the series so what I was saying to you is that you retiring would make more sense

than you being left out of the squad for the series”.

“You can still thank the WICB and the public for the opportunities in your statement and the WICB will recognise you for your long and dedicated service to cricket,” Simmons said.

However, Chanderpaul was of the view that based on his “very long and dedicated service to West Indies cricket”, he should be given the opportunity to retire on his own terms.

“My request to finish up with the Australian series is not asking too much. It gives me a chance to acknowledge my supporters at home, and the possibility of the WICB properly honouring me for my contribution to WI cricket.

“I should not be pushed into retirement. Here is a situation where I firmly believe

public opinion would be in favour of me being given the opportunity to play in my final Test series at home,” said the 40-year-old Chanderpaul.

The West Indies head coach further added “If public opinion was a criterion for selection then we can agree maybe you would play until you are fifty, Unfortunately, it is not. I am not pushing you into retirement I am as I previously said trying to dignify the situation because Chanderpaul retiring would be more dignified than Chanderpaul being left out by the selectors” Chanderpaul being as adamant as he is at the c re a s e t o l d S i m m o n s , “Since you and the selectors said it is up to me to decide. I have decided to make myself available for the Australian series. I AM NOT RETIRING”

Chanderpaul not...

From Backpage Bangladesh last September without being dismissed.

However, he has managed just 183 runs from his last 11 innings in series against South Africa and England, prompting selectors to overlook him.

Responding to suggestions Chanderpaul had been shabbily treated, Simmons said it was now for the West Indies Cricket Board to properly reward the long-serving batsman for his years of service.

“It depends on what you consider to be shabby. I think players before were not recognized and lauded for their performances. But to say you have to play two Test

matches for me to laud your performances over 164 [Tests] doesn’t make sense,” Simmons argued.

“I think it is a case where we need to acknowledge and laud his performances over the years by acknowledging it.

“There are other ways of acknowledging what he’s done for West Indies cricket and I think that’s in the process now with the Board, of doing things to acknowledge that this is what he’s done for West Indies cricket over the past 20 years.”

West Indies face Australia in two Tests, the first starting at Windsor Park in Dominica on June 3 and the second bowling off at Sabina Park in Jamaica on June 11.

GCB lashes

From Backpage

asking for any repayment or quid pro quo but for decency, fair play and professionalism be exhibited by the selection panel.”

Finally, the Board briefly touched on the issue of the non-selection of two more Guyanese cricketers to the President’s XI team which will oppose the Australians in a three-day warm-up match prior

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:25 hrs Isosha 09:00 hrs Shakaland 09:35 hrs River Run 10:10 hrs Vulcan 10:45 hrs Ermine Street English Racing Tips Lingfield 09:10 hrs Tutu Girl 09:0 hrs Ask The Guru 10:10 hrs Berkelly Vale 10:40 hrs Houdini 11:10 hrs Bertie Blu Boy 11:40 hrs Motion Picture 12:10 hrs Golden Laughter 12:40 hrs Bold Appeal Redcar 09:20 hrs David’s Duchess 09:50 hrs Champagne Ransom 10:20 hrs Rockety Ronnie 10:50 hrs Red Paladin 11:20 hrs Distain 11:50 hrs Rozene 12:20 hrs Approvado 12:55 hrs Slingsby Leicester

to the first Test which begins next Wednesday, June 3.

It said: ‘The Board would like to record its extreme disappointment also over the non-selection of Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin in the WI President’s XI squad just after being good enough to be selected to represent WI against South Africa in South Africa.”

09:30 hrs Stael The Scene 10:00 hrs Little Voice 10:30 hrs Groundworker 11:00 hrs Orlando Rouge 11:30 hrs Three Gracez 12:00 hrs Viren’s Army 12:30 hrs Lagenda 13:05 hrs Retro Valley Irish Racing Tips Ballinrobe 13:00 hrs Off The Mark 13:30 hrs Royal Boru 14:00 hrs The Gatechecker 14:30 hrs Marchese Marconi 15:00 hrs Rock The World 15:30 hrs Urano 16:00 hrs Dromrue American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Solari Island Race 2 Po Mahina Race 3 For God ‘n Country Race 4 Park Avenue Appeal Race 5 Mine o’ Mine Race 6 Wavy Needle Race 7 Spring Flowere Race 8 Quiet Force Race 9 Tsonga

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Celebrating Drogba challenges ‘new Chelsea’ to emulate him

By Clare Lovell LONDON, England (Reuters) - The departing Didier Drogba threw down the gauntlet to the young Chelsea squad on Sunday as he led Premier League celebrations at Stamford Bridge, telling them they had to win more titles to stand comparison with the class of 2005.

Sporting the gold crown from the Premier League trophy, the 37-year-old Ivorian danced in front of a cheering crowd and his jubilant team mates after they finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy three weeks after clinching the title for the first time in five years.

Drogba, who announced just before the final game of the season that he was leaving the club for the second time, launched into an emotional speech amid the blue and silver tickertape of the ceremony, thanking owner

Chelsea’s Didier Drogba celebrates with the trophy as celery is thrown after winning the Barclays Premier League. (Action Images via Reuters/Adam Holt) mier League titles, four mates that they might turn FA Cups and a Champions Roman Abramovich, players into Chelsea’s best-ever League trophy with Chelsea and managers past and presteam: “But you will have to before leaving in 2012, only ent, fans and Jose Mourinho catch us first.” for his Chelsea career. to return this season as a Drogba won three Pre- backup striker in Mourinho’s He told his young team

Second player death in Argentina in 10 days BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Atletico Parana defender Cristian Gomez died on his way to hospital after collapsing on the pitch during a match on Sunday, the second such death to hit Argentine football in 10 days.

Matches in all divisions had resumed this weekend after being suspended last weekend following the death of a 21-year-old player on May 14.

The 27-year-old Gomez stumbled several times before falling unconscious after half an hour of the second-tier Primera B Nacional match against Boca Unidos in the northeastern city of Corrientes.

“It was a case of a syncope (collapse) and sudden death. We tried to revive him and he died on the way to hospital,” Miguel Darre, doctor of home side Boca Unidos, told reporters.

When Gomez collapsed, team mates and opponents immediately took off their shirts to fan him and cried for help.

“He was dead when he arrived ... the doctors told us they couldn’t resuscitate him. This is totally unexpected, unbelievable ... he’d never had anything wrong with him,” match supervisor Ramon Gomez said.

Emanuel Ortega, a defender with San Martin de Burzaco, died in hospital 10 days ago after failing to come out of a coma since sustaining injuries when he smashed his head on a concrete wall surrounding the pitch during a match 11 days earlier.

Mark II squad.

Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland was almost a sideshow on a day of nostalgia and theatre.

Before kickoff, players from the 2005 triumph, including Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho and France’s Claude Makelele and William Gallas, paraded round the pitch to sustained applause.

In another sentimental gesture Drogba, who was recovering from a knee injury, wore the captain’s armband before being substituted after half an hour, and referee Lee Mason turned a blind eye to his lengthy exit as he was carried from the pitch by his team mates to noisy applause.

The Chelsea fans, who have come in for criticism from Mourinho this season for being too quiet, kept up a constant chant lauding players past and present, with goalkeeper Petr Cech, also likely to depart, among their favourites.

“We didn’t want to celebrate without at least a point … when you have the cup in your hands it’s always a great feeling,” a relaxed Mourinho, glass in hand, told reporters.

Mourinho said it had been captain John Terry, another survivor from 2005 who wanted to hand Drogba the arm band and it was the players’ idea to carry the striker off.

“I’m really happy because he was part of the other team and he belongs to this new team. He has been very good for these young people. They have learned from him.”

Mourinho agreed with Drogba that his new team still had something to prove.

“This team is just at the beginning. They have won one Premier League and one Capital One (League) Cup. They have to win more than that to be as good. That’s the difference.”

LeBron carries Cavs to overtime win over Hawks for 3-0 series lead (REUTERS) - LeBron James was exhausted and banged-up, but he came through in the clutch as the Cleveland Cavaliers earned a thrilling overtime 114-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks to take a stranglehold of the Eastern Conference finals.

James missed his first 10 shots in the game, but soon found his range and scored 15 points in the third quarter alone.

“Started out the game just out of character, out of rhythm, but I had to make a difference,” James said in an on-court interview.

He appeared to hit the wall in the fourth, missing shots as he favoured a tender left ankle, and at one point appearing to consider leaving the game.

The Hawks took advantage to tie the game with just over five minutes left and forced overtime.

But James sank a

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during overtime in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. . three-pointer in the final minute of overtime just after Jeff Teague had given the Hawks a twopoint lead with his own three-pointer.

James then all but put it away with a layup with 13 seconds remaining to widen the lead to three points.

The Hawks’ Shelvin Mack then missed two threepoint attempts in the closing seconds.

James finished with 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists, and passed Karl Malone for sixth all-time in playoff scoring.

“Unbelievable. I’ve nev-

er seen a stat line like that in a playoff game,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters. “(He) cramped up and he knew we could not win the game without him. He played through pain and he played through the cramping and he just wouldn’t let us lose.”

Teague led the Hawks with 30 points and seven assists, helping to offset the loss of Al Horford, who committed a flagrant foul in the final minute of the first half and was ejected.

Paul Millsap added 22 points for the Hawks and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.

The win puts the Cavaliers, who were without injured point guard Kyrie Irving for the second successive game due to a knee injury, on the cusp of their second NBA Finals appearance with a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Stokes leads England to dramatic win at Lord’s

By Ed Osmond

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Ben Stokes took two wickets in two balls to inspire England to victory over New Zealand by 124 runs on a pulsating final day of the first Test at Lord’s yesterday.

The fiery all-rounder dismissed Kane Williamson for 27 and Brendon McCullum for a golden duck before a defiant sixth-wicket partnership of 107 between Corey Anderson and BJ Watling gave New Zealand hope of salvaging a draw.

But Mark Wood removed Watling for 59, Anderson was lbw to Joe Root for 67 and England quickly got rid of Mark Craig and Tim Southee.

Last-wicket-pair Matt Henry and Trent Boult survived for eight overs amid mounting tension before the latter was brilliantly caught at third man by a diving Moeen Ali off Stuart Broad

Ben Stokes takes two wickets in two balls to hasten New Zealand’s demise. as the Kiwis were bowled out for 220.

New Zealand, chasing 345 for victory, collapsed to 12 for three before lunch but Williamson and Watling lifted them to 61 for three.

Stokes, who struck the fastest Test century at the home of cricket on Sunday,

had the obdurate Williamson caught by Root in the slips for 27 before bowling captain McCullum with a venomous delivery that cut back sharply.

Anderson survived the hat-trick ball and immediately went on the attack, hitting Stokes for two fours and a six, and he continued to

play positively alongside the more circumspect Watling as New Zealand took tea on 134 for five.

Wood broke the partnership when Watling gloved a fast straight delivery to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and Anderson was trapped by Root.

Stokes returned to bowl Craig for four with a rapid full-pitched delivery and Southee was caught and bowled by Moeen for 20.

James Anderson and Broad had ripped out the top order to give England the scent of victory before lunch.

Martin Guptill edged Anderson’s second ball of the innings to Gary Ballance at third slip.

Broad trapped Tom Latham lbw with his first delivery to reduce the touring side to nought for two and he also dismissed Ross Taylor in the same manner as New Zealand slumped to 12 for three.

Earlier, Kiwi left-armer

Boult picked up the last four wickets in under an hour as England were bowled out for 478.

The hosts resumed on 429 for six and Boult had captain Alastair Cook caught by wicketkeeper Latham for

ENGLAND 1st innings 389 (J. Root 98, B. Stokes 92, J. Buttler 67, M. Ali 58; T. Boult 4-79, M. Henry 4-93) New Zealand 1st innings 523 (K. Williamson 132, M. Guptill 70, R. Taylor 62, B. Watling 61no, T. Latham 59) ENGLAND 2nd innings (o/n 429-6) A. Lyth c Southee b Boult 12 A. Cook c Latham b Boult 162 G. Ballance b Southee 0 I. Bell c Latham b Southee 29 J. Root c Boult b Henry 84 B. Stokes c Taylor b Craig 101 J. Buttler c Latham b Henry 14 M. Ali lbw b Boult 43 S. Broad b Boult 10 M. Wood not out 4 J. Anderson b Boult 0 Extras: (b-2, lb-12, w-5) 19 Total: (all out, 129 overs) 478 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-25, 3-74, 4-232 J. Root, 5-364, 6-389,7-455, 8-467, 9-478, Bowling: T. Boult 34-8-85-5, T. Southee 34-4-162-2 (w-1), M. Henry

162 before bowling Broad for 10.

Moeen was lbw for 43 and Anderson was bowled for nought to give Boult figures of five for 85 in the innings and nine wickets in the match.

29-3-106-2 (w-2), M. Craig 28-3-961 (w-1), C. Anderson 3-0-13-0, K. Williamson 1-0-2-0.

NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings (Target: 345 runs) M. Guptill c Ballance b Anderson 0 T. Latham lbw b Broad 0 K. Williamson c Root b Stokes

27 R. Taylor lbw b Broad 8 B. Watling c Buttler b Wood 59 B. McCullum b Stokes 0 C. Anderson lbw b Root 67 M. Craig b Stokes 4 T. Southee c & b Ali 20 M. Henry not out 10 T. Boult c Ali b Broad 10 Extras: (b-5, lb-7, nb-1, w-2) 15 Total: (all out, 67.3 overs) 220 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0, 3-12, 4-61, 5-61, 6-168, 7-174, 8-198, 9-198.

Bowling: J. Anderson 14-5-31-1 (w-1), S. Broad 16.3-3-50-3 (nb-1), M. Wood 13-3-47-1, B. Stokes 11-338-3 (w-1), M. Ali 8-3-35-1, J. Root 5-3-7-1.

Aussie Trevor Bayliss Williams finishes 6th in second set to become England race of `Tour of Somerville Series’ cricket coach … still in contention for top spot

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Australian Trevor Bayliss is set to become England coach ahead of compatriot Jason Gillespie, British media reported yesterday.

Yorkshire coach Gillespie was widely expected to get the job but new England cricket director Andrew Strauss has opted for the 52-year-old Bayliss who led Sri Lanka to the 2011 World Cup final.

“The ECB have said they’re speaking to their preferred candidate,” the 40-year-old Gillespie told Sky Sports.

“I’ve spoken to Andrew Strauss and I’m not that preferred candidate. So that’s fine.

“It would have been a good job to have, there are exciting times ahead for English cricket and it would have been a great challenge but it’s not to be,” the former Australia fast bowler added.

“As I’ve said I’ve got a wonderful job with Yorkshire and with Adelaide Strikers

GUYANA’S professional cyclist, United States-based Geron Williams managed to place sixth of 84 riders in the second race of the `Tour of Somerville Series’ which ended yesterday in New Jersey, USA. The second race (Bound Brook Cycling Classic) of the three-race series was won by 19-year-old Derek Cote who covered the 40-mile distance in one hour 23 minutes

Trevor Bayliss and I’m looking forward to continuing that work.”

Bayliss has also coached Australian state side New South Wales and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Paul Farbrace, who worked as assistant coach to Bayliss with Sri Lanka, was put in charge of the England team for the current two-Test series against New Zealand after Peter Moores was sacked.

The five-match Ashes series against Australia starts on July 8.

26 seconds on Sunday.

According to Guyana Cycling News facebook page, the event saw a bunch of five cyclists break from the pack and establish a sizeable lead to occupy the top five places.

Williams, riding for Team Champion System/Stan’s No Tubes in the company of his Guyanese counterpart Scott Savory, managed to out-sprint the bunch of 25 riders to place sixth.

Savory finished 17th , while two other Guyanese riders currently based in the U.S., Hamzah Eastman and Alanzo Greaves finished 45th and 57th.

The riders were down to tackle the main event yesterday; the 50-mile Kugler-Anderson Memorial Tour of Somerville, known as the ‘Kentucky Derby of Cycling’.

On Saturday, Williams won the Raritan Cycling Classic which was the first of three races in the series and was a 30-mile criterium

which is raced on a very technical circuit with six corners. Savory placed ninth in the race.

Williams has been showing good form recently. Only last Thursday he won the United’s Rubaik Race Series at the Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY. Savory placed second in that event.

The Tour of Somerville Series is the oldest major bicycle race in the United States and a legend in the lore of bicycle racing.

GABA’s ‘King of the Hard Court’ continues tomorrow THE Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)-organised ‘King of the Hard Court’ League will continue tomorrow, weather permitting, with two matches in two divisions at the Burnham Court.

Tipping off at 18:30hrs, Guardians will oppose Sonics in the Under-23 League then the Knights will battle West

Side in the Open Division from 20:30hrs.

Action continued over the weekend as Colts secured a 76-69 win over Plaisance Guardians at the Plaisance Hard Court.

Colts commanded the game from the start as they ended the first with a seven-point lead (23-16) then kept piling on the pressure

to be ahead by 15 points (62-47) going into the fourth.

However, the Guardians bounced back in the fourth with a few good runs that sliced the lead to single digits but their efforts proved futile.

Forward, Shane Webster and shooting guard Rayon Cummings top-scored for the Colts with 16 points each while National Guard Shelroy

Thomas and Dave Causeway had 13 and 12 points, respectively, to assist the win.

Nikkoloi Smith scored a game-high 20 points for the losing side while Mark Richard chipped in with 14.

In the second scheduled match, Melanie Patriots defeated Georgetown unit Pepsi Sonics via the walkover route.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

SOCIAL POINT with Rawle Toney

EVER so often, the Social Media is used as a medium by many not only to state how their day is going, but also to engage others on matters of interest.

Through Facebook and other forms of social media, I’m connected to thousands of people who usually have lots to say and a lively debate on sports is inevitable.

Starting today, I would be allowing persons I interact with on the social spectrum, in a once a week published column entitled ‘Social Point’, where their thoughts on various

issues will be published.

We start with one of the most discussed topics today - the sacking of Guyana and West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul for the upcoming series against Australia.

Chanderpaul has played 164 Tests – the most by a West Indies player – and has amassed 11 867 at an average of 51. He is 86 runs short of overtaking Brian Lara (11 953) as the all-time run-scorer in West Indies cricket.

LINDEN ALPHONSO: We need to be objective, West Indian fans, not Guyanese fans.

What happens if he is given a chance against Australia and fails again? Then what?

Do the selectors give him yet another chance? At what point do we say enough? Shiv is not the same player. As a Guyanese I would love to see Chanderpaul break Lara’s record but I also think he was given a fair break. Now the selectors have opted for new breed, I don’t see a problem.

This debate is probably only taking place in Guyana just because Chanderpaul is Guyanese. Insularity is playing a major role.

DAVE ROSHUNDATT: In terms of his current situation with him set to surpass Brian Lara’s record of most Test runs it looks bad but in the spirit of any team game you have got to pick the best of the best.

He had a chance against England when they toured recently and he failed and the England bowling is much weaker than the ‘Aussies’.

By being in the team just to break a record to my mind is very selfish and the people who want to see him play would also come across as selfish.

I had said in 2012 when he had a great average and was number one in the Test batting rankings that he should retire with a bang.

COLLIN BENJAMIN: Ignoring emotion and potential, Guyana national bias – yes, he had to be dropped.

Keep hearing talk about giving him grand sendoff and last I checked no sane selector picks a team like that.

His form versus England and South Africa was showing clear signs that age had caught up with him and it would have been very unwise to throw a declining 40-year-old to face an Australian attack lead by Mitchell Johnson.

It’s unfortunate that his

Linden ‘Sancho’ Alphon

Collin Benjamin career ended this way, but not all great cricketers get to go out on their own terms or in perfect circumstances.

MARK HENRY: Yes I think Shiv time is over.

We can’t persist with a failing 41-year-old just because he’s about to pass Lara. He’s played so many innings more than Lara he will not get better at this age. That being said I am thankful for his contribution to West Indies cricket. He will definitely go down as one of the greats.

Dave Roshundatt He has gone on to play for another two years and he looked very different from the Chanderpaul we know as ‘Tiger’.

Mark Henry

ANDREW ROSS: S h i v n a r i n e C h a n d e rpaul has been the bedrock of West Indies’ batting line-up for the better part of a decade and arguably longer. I think it would have been fitting to have him go into retirement being a part of the Test squad facing Australia.

His experience and skill is irreplaceable to the side. Also considering WICD president Dave Cameron’s comments recently that Shivnarine Chanderpaul be given a “grand send-off” for his contributions to cricket in the region, it is only fitting that he should have been included in the side.

REMINGTON NELSON: I agree that his inclusion should not be just so that he could surpass Lara’s record. I think his own reliability, notwithstanding his recent lean returns, warrants selection.

We have recycled a number of consistent failures. He should be in this squad.

Andrew Ross

Remington Nelson

‘Shiv’ begged to be included for ‘Aussies’ series

By Rawle Toney IN A WhatsApp conversation between West Indies head coach Phil Simmons and veteran left- hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul, it was revealed that the Guyanese great begged to play the Australian series as his final ‘hooray’ in the sport he dedicated over two decades of his life to.

Chanderpaul has been

... according to conversation with coach Phil Simmons dumped from the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Australia starting next month, with chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd stating that the rational is that Chanderpaul’s form had declined and selectors had taken the decision to look to the future.

Phil Simmons

“Over a period of time, we have noticed a decline in his form and for the last 11 innings he has been averaging 16 and we thought the time had come to look towards the younger players,” Lloyd told journalists at the Accra Hotel in Barbados at a Press Conference.

Chanderpaul has played 164 Tests – the most by a West Indies player – and has amassed 11 867 at an average of 51. He is 86 runs short of overtaking Brian Lara (11 953) as the all-time run-getter in West Indies cricket.

Meanwhile, a conversation between Chanderpaul

and ‘Windies’ coach revealed the left-handed batsman stated his willingness to play the series as his last in the game.

“I would make myself available for the upcoming Australia series. At the conclusion of the series, it would give me an opportunity to thank the WI public and the board for See Page 26

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

Taylor, Dottin level series for West Indies Women

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Fluent half-centuries from the marquee pair of Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin powered West Indies Women to a crucial eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the second Twenty20 International here yesterday, leaving both teams with all to play for in the third and decisive encounter today.

Chasing a modest 125 for victory at the R Premadasa Stadium, West Indies Women reached their target with seven deliveries left in the contest, to level the series

Opener Stafanie Taylor strokes 59 not out.

Chanderpaul releases Lloyd’s letter of disbandment ON Tuesday May 19, head of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) selection panel, Clive Lloyd, in a letter to Shivnarine Chanderpaul, informed him of his axing from the training squad which is set to oppose Australia in a twoTest series from June 3.

Chanderpaul, a dedicated servant to West Indies Cricket for the past 21 years, released the letter along with a conversation between him and the recently appointed Head Coach of the side, Phil Simmons, about his current situation.

The letter stated that Lloyd made several attempts to contact the left-handed batsman following the final Test against England which ended on May 4, to have discussions with him before he wrote the letter, but that was to no avail.

In the letter, Lloyd said, “Following your meeting with the coach, Mr Simmons on 4th May 2015, and his subsequent Whatsapp conversations with you, I tried to contact you on several occasions but you had already left for Guyana.”

Shivnarine Chanderpaul He continued: “I rang your home telephone number in Guyana and left my details with a male member of the house requesting that you contact me, which he promised to do.

To date, you have not returned my calls and it is rather unfortunate as I did want to have the opportunity to have a discussion with you prior to writing this letter to you.”

“The Coach and the Selectors have studied your stats from the last 6 Test matches to date, 3 against South Africa and 3 against England. You batted 11 innings and had an aggregate of 183 runs at an average of 16.64.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Tuesday May 26, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Lance Gibbs-28 wickets (6 matches) Kolkata, India Today’s Quiz: Who is the first WI player to make a century on Test debut?

Who is the first WI to compile a Test hundred?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

In determining the squad for the series against Australia, the selectors have decided to move on with younger players for the future. I therefore regret to inform you that the coach and selectors have decided to omit you from the squad for that series.”

“You have been a great player for the West Indies and have given excellent service to the game and to West Indies supporters all over the world.

We hope that your skills will be utilised in the future and we wish you all the very best. We also wish to thank you for your contribution to this game which gave us all our upward mobility.”

The final paragraph of the letter could be interpreted as the WICB retiring Chanderpaul themselves as it states, “On behalf of the Selectors and the West Indies Cricket Board we wish you continued success. You have been a tower of strength to W.I. cricket and you will be remembered for being a true icon who has epitomised everything that is great about the wonderful game.”

The move sent waves through the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the entire Caribbean as people are of the view that the cricketer, the last of his generation, should be given a formal send-off as many great cricketers have received.

1-1, following their defeat in Saturday’s first game at the same venue.

The win was orchestrated by the team’s two most experienced batsmen. Taylor, opening the batting, stroked an unbeaten 59 from 49 balls while Dottin, punching at three, hammered 51 off 45 deliveries.

When West Indies Women lost teenager Hayley Matthews for seven at ten for one in the second over, Taylor and Dottin combined to add 101 for the second wicket and steer the Caribbean side over the line.

The right-handed Taylor stroked eight fours in completing her 16th T20I

half-century while Dottin gathered seven boundaries en route to her eighth half-century.

When she eventually fell in the 17th over, victory was just 11 runs away and West Indies Women easily cantered home, with Taylor ending the game with a four off left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani.

Earlier, Taylor set the stage for her fine all-round performance by taking two for 20 with her probing offspin as Sri Lanka Women, opting to bat first, finished on 124 for five off their allotted overs.

Wicketkeeper Dilani Surangika top-scored with

30, captain and opener Chamari Jayangani got 27 while Shashikala Siriwardene chipped in with 26 and Nipuni Hansika, 21.

The hosts lost Yasoda Mendis for two in the second over to be 13 for one but Surangika and Jayangani stitched up the innings in a 47-run second-wicket stand.

Surangika faced 34 balls and counted three fours while Jayangani smashed five fours off 19 balls.

When they both fell in the space of 16 balls, Siriwardene and Hansika put on a further 36 for the fourth wicket to bolster the innings.

Butcher, Harper weigh in on Chanderpaul jettison SEVERAL cricket enthusiasts have weighed on the recent move by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to omit Guyana and West Indies left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul from the Australia two-Test series.

The left-handed batsman, who sits a mere 86 runs away from Trinidadian Brain Lara’s record as the Caribbean’s leading run-scoring Test batsman, was not included as part of regional sides training unit last Sunday night. This has sparked outrage in some sections.

Chronicle sport sought the view of president of the Georgetown Cricket Association Roger Harper, also a former West Indies coach, who indicated that the jettison of the ‘Tiger’ is disappointing. “I think that Shiv (Shivnarine Chanderpaul) has come so close to achieving the record for the most Test runs for the West Indies but has fallen short; he’s had 2 pretty tough Test series, he hasn’t performed the way we know that he is capable of performing and I’m sure that he’d be the first to admit that he’s let himself down; by his own lofty standards,” Harper stated.

“But, I think that we’ll all agree that he’s had an outstanding Test career and will

Shiv (Shivnarine Chanderpaul) go down as one of the best batsmen to have played the game definitely for the West Indies and across the world.”

Harper took the opportunity to wish the left-hander all the best in the future.

Meanwhile, president of the Berbice Cricket Board, Anil Beharry, said that Chanderpaul should have been given the chance to chase his goal. “I am disappointed in the manner that Chanderpaul was sent off. I think to be fair to both he and the board, the board should have said to him that this series can possibly be his last depending on his performance and performance only.

This would have also given Chanderpaul the opportunity to go after whatever goal he set himself. And we all know Chanderpaul record against Australia. It is outstanding,” the BCB boss said.

“Even though the per-

formance of the Test team was encouraging against England, we should not get carried away and think we have arrived. Let us don’t give ourselves that false sense of security. The WICB is answerable to the people and they need to operate in a more professional and transparent manner. Best luck in the future to Shiv!”

Former West Indies Test player Basil Butcher says that people ought not to disagree with the selection panel of the WICB. “The selectors picked a team and you have to accept it; they have had deliberations about Chanderpaul more than anybody else, and they made a decision because they are looking ahead.”

The former righthander who played 44 Tests for the West Indies added that they may not see Chanderpaul as part of their programme for the future and as such may have opted to select a youngster in his place.

Former Chairman of Selectors on the West Indies Cricket Board Clyde Butts when contacted by Chronicle Sport declined to comment on the matter.

Chanderpaul, who averages just over 51 runs is now 40 and has been a guardian of the West Indies middle order for just over 20 years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 26, 2015

31

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Butcher, Harper weigh in on Chanderpaul jettison See Story on Page 30

GCB lashes out at WICB’s selection panel IN A statement to the press, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday lashed out at the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) selection panel’s decision to omit Guyanese batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul from the West Indies Cricket team ahead of their visit by the Mighty Aussies.

It stated: “The President and Executive of the Guyana Cricket Board strongly denounce the ridiculous and senseless selection policies and decisions of the Clive Lloyd-led selection panel.”

“Our Board just cannot believe nor even fathom the thought process behind the wanton dropping of the most senior, reliable and dependable batsman of the West Indies for the past 21 years by the WI selectors.

It is absolutely unbelievable that Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Clive Lloyd: “You’re in awe of the man, he’s given yeoman service. But

has not been selected even in the squad to face one of the sternest opposition that the WI will have to face in the near future.”

“Is this the way that the selectors intend to treat our esteemed cricketers after more than two decades of service to the people of West Indies cricket and to be done by no other than Clive Lloyd who is the current Chairman of the WICB selectors?

We trust that our selectors can find it within themselves to revisit this crucial matter of gross disrespect now being meted out to one of the greatest cricketers to have graced the field of play with this most ungrateful display to Chanderpaul.

Shiv’s record speaks for itself and we are shocked at the manner that this panel is seeking to destroy him.”

“We are aware that the

coach had a recent discussion with Chanderpaul about his future and an appropriate exit strategy would have been worked out by all the parties.

Surely it was imminent on the WICB through its esteemed selectors to have executed any such decision in a decent and fair manner with just and reasonable consideration for the wishes of Chanderpaul.

That is the least we would have expected.”

“The GCB is on record as having nominated Lloyd for the presidency of the WICB a few years ago even though Lloyd headed an IMC created by the previous Government aimed at replacing the GCB. Further, the GCB Directors again boldly supported Lloyd last year for the Chairmanship of the WI selectors. The GCB is not See Page 26

Chanderpaul not treated shabbily, he just didn’t fit, says Simmons BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Newly-installed West Indies head coach Phil Simmons says veteran batsman Shiv Chanderpaul did not “fit in” to the best squad to face Australia in the twoTest series next month, and does not believe that his exclusion means he has been shabbily treated.

The 40-year-old Chanderpaul was on Sunday axed from a 12-man squad named for the Australia series, despite boasting 11 867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 Test centuries.

Simmons said selectors did not see it fitting to pick Chanderpaul simply to offer him a farewell series.

“He has had a long and illustrious career and we know he’s done a lot for West Indies cricket but at the same time when we sit down to select a team, we sit down to select a team to win a game against Australia, and to play the two Tests in the series against Australia,” Simmons told a media conference on Sunday.

“When we went through the process, he didn’t fit in so

it’s not about giving someone two Tests to finish their career, it’s about picking the best team to play the next game.”

Simmons, along with selection chief Clive Lloyd, defended Chanderpaul’s axing, contending the Guyanese left-hander’s form had declined rapidly.

Chanderpaul averaged 48 when New Zealand toured the Caribbean for three Tests last year and then plundered 270 runs in two Tests against See Page 26

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons speaking during Sunday’s media conference.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015