2015 5 30

GUYANA

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

No. 104205 SATURDAY MAY 30, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Remain steadfast to Army’s core values – Commander-in-Chief Granger urges

ranks on Standard Officers’ Course #48 Page

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Commander-in-Chief, President David Granger and senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force, along with participating officers of the Standard Officers’ Course #48

President announces re-introduction of a National Cadet Corps

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Carter Center declares Naming of new local gov’t elections townships likely before key to development Guyana turns 50 Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Remain steadfast to Army’s core values

– Commander-in-Chief Granger urges ranks on Standard Officers’ Course #48

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Major Eon Murray give Commander-in-Chief President David Granger a tour of the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officers’ Cadet School’s accommodation building at Camp Stephenson, Timehri

OFFICERS currently participating in the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Standard Officers’ Course #48 were yesterday encouraged to uphold the maxims of loyalty, honesty, trust, honour, courage and discipline, and remain steadfast to the core values of the Force as they continue to serve the nation.

The call came from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger as he declared the course open at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri.

The officers were told

that the experience to be had from the course will be one that should last them a lifetime, as the school was opened out of a need to produce officers of the highest calibre.

The school, which was opened 34 years ago, President Granger said, was done at a time when Guyana was under threat and remains under threat even today.

Reflecting on an incident which is still fresh in his mind, the Head of State reminded the officers of the attack on an exploration vessel in Guyana’s waters in 2013.

To this end, the President said, “The need to

have well-trained officers has never been diminished.”

However, he sought to point out that while there is need for trained officers, he underscored the need for officers to uphold the maxims, all of which, he said, would be expounded on during the training.

Reference was also

made of the 2009 incident where several army ranks were charged with the murder of a gold miner, an incident, which the President said, will always remain difficult for him.

Speaking specifically to the incident, the President said, “This is not the GDF I joined and commanded, and not the GDF that Guy-

ana wanted.”

It was after that incident, the Head of State said, he penned a book, which encapsulates the core values of the army, the five core values, and the five core standards by which all ranks should live and serve.

He noted that while it is imperative for the army to be equipped with the necessary military equipment, it is equally important to be equipped morally.

“You are here to use these arms and weapons to protect the territorial integrity of this country. While the material factor is needed, what is more important are the moral forces.”

The President reminded the officers that defence is conducted by human beings, and it is the attitudes, beliefs, conduct, determination and the education of all ranks that will determine the outcome of any military operation, in addition to the material forces.

“In my view the moral forces, the non-material forces are more important, so I want you to remember that it’s not what’s on your shoulder, but it’s what is in your head that will determine the outcome of any

military operation.”

The officers were reminded that their mission would not be accomplished individually, but collectively, as a platoon or a force.

However, the President pointed out that these forces will always need leaders, and it is for this reason training is vital.

“That is why we have institutions like CUPOC, the Officers’ Cadet School, this is where we train our future commanders, our future leaders, the task of command is given to officers, is given to people who hold office and official position.”

The need for leaders to be highly qualified and have expertise knowledge while carrying out their functions was also stressed.

In congratulating the officers on their participation in the course, they were all urged to remember their motto at all times.

Forty-five officer cadets, including two each from Belize and St. Kitts, commenced training on April 1.

Areas to be covered include open country warfare, to be conducted at Tacama Battle School, and overland patrol to the top of Kaieteur. (GINA)

President David Granger addresses officers participating in the Standard Officers’ Course #48 at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Carter Center declares local gov’t elections key to development

– President Granger commits to assenting bills passed in 10th Parliament

– GECOM engaged in preparations

By Vanessa Narine REPERCUSSIONS for development and the ability of Government to serve its people, as a result of the absence of local government elections, are visible at the local level throughout the coastal region, according to the Carter Center.

In its preliminary report released on Thursday, the group noted that the current A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government should ensure that Guyanese are able to head to the polls to elect local leaders.

“The Government should recommit to holding local government elections utilising the legislation that was approved in the last parliament as the foundation for a new consensus law,” the Carter Center said.

The legislation at reference are those that were passed in the 10th Parliament by a majority vote supported by APNU and the AFC – then the two political parties that constituted Guyana’s political Opposition.

BILLS PASSED The bills included: The Fiscal Transfer Act; the Municipal and District Council Amendment Act; the Local Government Commission Act; and the Local Government (Amendment) (Elections) Bill 2014.

However, only three – the Fiscal Transfers Bill, the Mu-

nicipals and District Councils (Amendment) Bill and the Local Government Commission Bill - were assented to by former President Donald Ramotar in November 2013 and became law.

Also, the Local Authorities (Amendment) (Elections) Bill 2014 vested financial and administrative powers in the Local Government Commission, removing them from the subject minister, which was

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

President David Granger

Using their one-seat majority, APNU and the AFC approved an amendment to the Local Authorities (Amendment) (Elections) Bill 2014 for the holding of local government polls on or before August 1, 2014.

When the Bill was debated, the then Local Government Minister, Mr Norman Whittaker, had argued that December 1, 2014 would be a better date.

Of consideration too was the fact that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) workplan spans 180 days to ensure the proper conduct of local government polls.

another point of contention.

All considered, the former president defended his position of not signing the bill into law by reasoning that it was unconstitutional.

In November, after assenting to the other three bills, Mr Ramotar said, “Before this Parliament [the 10th Parliament)] came into existence, we had an agreement with the PNC; we had a full agreement with the Opposition, the PNC then.

“In this Parliament, they have decided to change it [agreement]. Not only have they changed it, which in my view is unprincipled, but they

have also made it unconstitutional. They have tried to take the authority of the minister and invest it into a commission. That goes against the Constitution, that’s why I didn’t assent to it.”

Additionally, current Head of State, President David Granger, in his first days in of-

closed to the Guyana Chronicle that the Commission already has a workplan in place to facilitate the hosting of local government elections, once they are called.

However, it was reiterated that GECOM would need six months notice to operationalise that plan.

However, according to the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally, the Commission is being careful to ensure that the necessary laws are in place, with which it will comply to deliver local government elections.

“There are several lacunas in the law that will have

Former president Donald Ramotar

Former Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan

fice committed to assenting to all the bills that were passed in the 10th Parliament. Notably, the current Administration in its 2015 manifesto committed to the Guyanese people that a date for local government elections will be named within its first 100 days in office.

Altogether, the bills are touted by APNU+AFC as the framework that would ensure full local government reform and ensure that local government elections are held.

In July 2014, in a detailed statement, GECOM made it clear that the 180-day timeframe has nothing to do with GECOM’s “preparedness,” as this timeframe is largely a result of the sequential statutory requirements and other prerequisites for conduct of the elections.

to be addressed if we are going to have it this year…. it has nothing to do with GECOM, it has to do with the laws being passed in parliament…you can go into local government elections with a format that has no legal basis,” he said.

Local government elections have not been held in Guyana since 1994; prior to that, the elections were last held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because they had coincided with the general and regional elections of 1997.

WORKPLAN As early as January 2014, GECOM officials had dis-

CURRENT PREPARATIONS Given the indications of a move towards the naming of a date for the hosting of local government elections, GECOM has already commenced preparations.

India to assist Guyana’s agriculture sector – High Commissioner pays courtesy call on PM Nagamootoo INDIAN High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. PM Nagamootoo took the opportunity to invite Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder to be present at the meeting.

The PM explained that the meeting was a “very fruitful exchange of views”, and focused on some of the existing arrangements between the Indian and Guyanese Governments.

He said talks focused on “a variety and wide field

of assistance that could be rendered, technically and otherwise, to the sugar industry in Guyana.”

Mr Mahalingam noted that during the friendly meeting, most of the discussions centred on what assistance India could offer Guyana in terms of agriculture, specifically in the rice and sugar industries.

He said he was looking forward to working together with the PM and the Minister of Agriculture in “furthering relations between India and Guyana, particularly in the field of agriculture.” (GINA)

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, and an officer of the Indian High Commission to Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Islamic State suicide bomber in women’s garb kills three in Saudi Arabia (Reuters) AN Islamist militant suicide bomber disguised as a woman blew himself up outside a Shi’ite mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia on Friday, killing himself and three other people, the second attack of its kind in the world’s top oil exporter in one week.

The bombing, which was claimed by Islamic State, could further escalate sectarian strife in the kingdom, where anti-Shi’ite sentiment has been stoked by a military campaign against Iranian-allied Houthi militias in neighboring Yemen since March.

The Interior Ministry said a suicide bomber disguised in women’s clothes blew himself up outside the al-Anoud mosque’s entrance in the city of Dammam during noon prayers.

Witnesses said a suicide bomber, who wore an Abaya used by women in Saudi Arabia, blew himself up in the mosque’s parking lot when guards searching worshippers became suspicious of him.

The ministry said four people, including the bomber, were killed in the blast, which also set several cars ablaze.

Residents circulated pictures of the body of a man believed to be the suicide

Abu Jandal al-Jizrawi and said he had managed to reach his target despite heightened security.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing last week at a Shi’ite mosque in al-Qadeeh village, near al-Qatif city, that killed 21 and wounded nearly 100 in the bloodiest militant attack in the kingdom in years.

Saudi Arabia, which is leading an Arab coalition in a campaign against the Houthis who have seized power from Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, had sought to calm sectarian tensions.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has denounced the al-Qadeeh bombing and promised to punish anyone linked to it.

King Salman also sent Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef to convey condolences to the families.

Policemen inspect a site where a car exploded near a Shi’ite mosque in Saudi Arabia’s Dammam May 29, 2015.

Reuters/Faisal Alnasser bomber as well as pictures of black clouds of smoke billowing over a parking lot outside the mosque.

Video posted on social media showed the congregation inside the mosque reacting with shock and alarm to the noise of the explosion outside the building.

An Islamic State statement named the suicide bomber as

U.S. says China has placed mobile artillery on reclaimed island

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Brent Colburn, a Pentagon spokesman traveling with Defense Secretary Ash Carter, said the United States was aware of the weapons.

McCain, chairman of the Senate’s Armed Services Committee, said the move would escalate tensions but

(Reuters) THE United States said on Friday that China had placed mobile artillery weapon systems on a reclaimed island in the disputed South China Sea, a development that Republican Sen. John McCain called “disturbing and escalatory.”

DATE: 27/05/2015 M

SECTARIAN CONFRONTATION Members of Saudi’s Shi’ite minority staged separate protest in Dammam and in the village of al-Qadeeh on Friday evening, demanding an end to sectarianism, witnesses said.

Islamic State openly acknowledges it is trying to stir sectarian confrontation as a way of hastening the overthrow of the ruling Al Saud family, and has urged young Saudi Sunnis in the kingdom to attack targets including Shi’ites.

Some commentators in Saudi Arabia discussing the Qadeeh bombing have said the kingdom has not done enough to crack down on online abuse of Shi’ites, a discourse which Shi’ites say provides an incubator for violence against the minority sect.

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not lead to conflict.

“It is a disturbing development and escalatory development, one which heightens our need to make the Chinese understand that their actions are in violation of international law and their actions are going to be condemned by everyone in the world,” he said at a news conference in Ho Chi Minh City.

“We are not going to have a conflict with China but we can take certain measures which will be a disincentive to China to continue these kinds of activities,” he said.

In Beijing, China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information on the weapons.

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U.S. officials say Chinese dredging work has added some 2,000 acres to five outposts in the resource-rich Spratly islands in the South China Sea, including 1,500 acres this year.

It has released surveillance plane footage showing dredgers and other ships busily turning remote outcrops into islands with runways and harbours.

Carter called on Wednesday for an immediate halt to land reclamation in the South China Sea and was expected to touch on the issue of maritime security and freedom of navigation again on Saturday in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

U.S. removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terror (BBC News) THE United States has removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The move eliminates a major obstacle toward restoring diplomatic ties.

The change allows Cuba to conduct banking in the United States, among other activities.

President Barack Obama announced a historic thaw with Cuba in December, but the U.S. trade embargo against the country remains, and may only be ended by Congress.

The removal has been one of Cuba’s key demands,

Despite the changes, the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba remains in place

Jack leaves jail in ambulance (Trinidad Guardian) INDEPENDENT Liberal Party (ILP) leader Jack Warner was released from the Portof-Spain State Prison yesterday after posting bail .

Warner, who was indicted in the United States on Wednesday for eight corruption charges arising out of his two decade career in FIFA, spent 24 hours at the Frederick Street, Port-ofSpain, before his friends and supporters managed to get approval for the $2.5 million in bail he was granted

by Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar.

The T&T Guardian was reliably informed that the deed for a property being used for his bail was rejected three times by the Clerk of the Peace 3 at the Port-of-Spain Magis-

nel and ILP supporters who had gathered since early Thursday morning to catch a glimpse of Warner leaving were left disappointed as he was driven away around 5 pm in a heavily tinted ambulance.

Justice of the Peace Ibrahim Ali escorted to his car by police officers after approving ILP leader Jack Warner’s bail at the Port-ofSpain State Prison yesterday trates’ Court between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.

Around 3 pm yesterday , Warner’s lawyers went to

the prison with Justice of the Peace Ibrahim Ali, who approved Warner’s bail.

Scores of media person-

Latin Americans open their own Fifa enquiries

(BBC News) BRAZIL’S federal police has begun investigations into possible Fifa corruption in the country.

Justice Minister Eduardo Cardozo said they were looking at possible tax evasion and money laundering within Brazil.

Costa Rica has opened an enquiry into US accusations against Eduardo Li, head of Costa Rica’s football association.

In Argentina, a judge has issued warrants for three local businessmen wanted

by the US. Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff said football in her country “will only benefit” from the US corruption investigation of Fifa and other top officials of the sport.

In the meantime, the Brazilian Football Confederation has removed the name of Jose Maria Marin from the facade of its Rio de Janeiro headquarters after the former president was arrested in Switzerland on corruption charges.

A Congressional enquiry into corruption in the CBF

may also be on the agenda.

O n We d n e s d a y, t h e Brazilian senator and former football player Romario made a formal application for an enquiry to be opened.

Mr Marin, who faces extradition to the US, was head of the CBF from 2012 to April 2015 and headed the local committee for the organisation of the 2014 World Cup. Up to his arrest, he was part of a Fifa committee organizing the Olympic football tournaments.

as leaders from both countries have repeatedly met to negotiate the details of restoring diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies in Washington and Havana.

The action comes as signs of difficulty were seen in recent talks between U.S. and Cuban diplomats.

Last week, diplomats met in Washington, but failed to come to an agreement on opening embassies.

The BBC’s State Department Correspondent Barbara Plett Usher says the removal will give Cuba greater access to sources of international financing that were previously denied.

“The United States has significant concerns and disagreements with a wide range of Cuba’s policies and actions,” the State Department said in a statement. But those concerns, it said “fall outside the criteria relevant to the rescission of a State Sponsor of Terrorism designation”.

Mr Obama ordered a review

of Cuba’s presence on the list as part of his major policy shift announced on 17 December.

The department said that Mr Obama notified the U.S. Congress of his intent to remove Cuba from the list on 14 April.Lawmakers had 45 days to take issue with his decision - a period that lapsed on Friday.

The U.S. government had maintained that Cuba has sheltered members of the Basque separatist group ETA and the Farc guerrilla group in Colombia, according to a government report.

The Caribbean nation has frequently rejected its presence on the list, describing it as unfounded.

The country - which lies 90 miles off the coast of Florida - was on the list since 1982. The current list includes Syria, Iran and Sudan.

Stonegate Bank of Florida has agreed to allow members of the Cuban government to open an account, according to U.S. media reports.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Sugar is too big to fail

THE various interventions in and subsidies made to the sugar industry over recent years have bolstered somewhat the criticality in the sector as the struggle to restore its viability and profitability continues.

The Government and GuySuCo have managed to avert an impending wages and salaries crisis, even as it was revealed that the company is unable to account for $154M of employees’ savings, impelling the instruction of a cease/ desist order on deductions by the representative union until this situation could be resolved.

The crisis that threat-

ened a shut-down in the nation’s sugar belt has been averted in the shortterm following a meeting yesterday with newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Dr Rajendra Singh, over the possible failure to pay wages in the near future, with a compromise that has to soon be resolved in order to establish long-term solutions.

The explanations provided by GuySuCo to Agriculture Minister Holder seem, at first glance, to

have credibility, according to the minister. However, a more durable solution would have to be realised at Cabinet level after more detailed information is provided to the Government by the company.

But the reality is that, in a developing country where jobs are already in short supply, it is improbable that any responsible government would not seek to sustain an industry that directly provides in excess of 30,000 jobs - and scores more indirectly, because even the humble sugar cake vendor owes her living to the sugar industry.

This newspaper report-

ed that, as an adjunct to the deleterious situation in the industry, it was revealed that the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Co-operative Credit Union Society Limited also announced to its members that it has requested GuySuCo to cease deductions from workers’ earnings and credit union savings, effective yesterday.

The report stated that, “The Society’s regrettable, but unavoidable, decision is occasioned by GuySuCo not remitting workers’ savings to the credit union, contrary to the extant agreement between the credit union and

the corporation,” according to GAWU, which claimed that GuySuCo is now unable to account for in excess of $154M According to the union body, as at the end of April, 2015, the corporation failed to provide the sum of$154,410,525, which it says “represents workers’ savings for five months.

As such, the credit union is now unable to continue to facilitate savers’ withdrawals in light of the non-payment of the workers’ savings by the corporation in accordance with the relevant agreement.

“Additionally, the credit union has taken consideration of the fact that it is now unable to secure further loans to satisfy savers’ withdrawals.”

Workers should not have to pay penalties for mistakes made by incompetent managers, especial-

ly in the sugar industry, where employees already are at a disadvantage in terms of their wages and conditions of work – occasioned by years-long deterioration in the viability of the sector.

If this impasse is not resolved earliest then, the looming threat of closure of this vital sector would actualise involuntarily, sending the nation’s economy in a tailspin.

It is to be hoped that the powers-that-be recognise that sugar is too big to fail and avert the impending disaster. However, this consideration needs to be balanced against the extant state of the nation’s economy, because infusing the billions needed to subsidise the sector could also become counter-productive and a severely unsustainable drain on the country’s fiscal wherewithal.

Outcome of election shows that ethnic voting could create a multi-ethnic Government -with a genuinely multi-ethnic platform

THE evidence shows that Guyana’s ethnic voting pattern has remained constant with each passing election. This recent election was no different.

I have come to the conclusion that the over-emphasis on the need for cross-over voting as the solution to our ethnic polarisation is not a very sound approach.

When parties talk about cross-over voting, they mean

voters crossing over to them from the opposite group, but not the other way around.

For example, while the APNU-AFC coalition craved Indian Guyanese voters going over to the Coalition, they obviously were not counting on African Guyanese voters going over to the PPP. If 5% of African Guyanese had voted for the PPP, it would have looked good for the advocates of crossover voting, but the Coali-

tion would have lost.

I think more emphasis should be placed on how to produce a positive outcome from a seemingly negative political behaviour. The evolution of Partnership Politics from 2011 based on a genuine commitment to jointness may have provided us with more than a glimmer of hope. If we can add to that development, mechanisms for power sharing governance, we could make some headway.

The results of the 2015 elections show that African and Indian Guyanese voted in traditional ways with Africans generally voting for the APNU-AFC coalition and East Indians voting for the PPP. The Amerindians, as they have been doing in recent elections, divided their votes between the two entities, with the bigger share going to the PPP. While more Africans and Amerindians voted for

the Coalition, it is clear that a small percentage of East Indians gave their vote to the Coalition. It also seems that the PPP’s share of the African vote was miniscule.

So what are the preliminary conclusions? First, while the support for both parties was dominated by one ethnic group, the APNU/ AFC’s support seems to be more broad-based and representative of Guyana.

Second, since the AP-

NU-AFC put before the electorate a National Unity platform and the prospect of an ethnically inclusive government, one can reasonably conclude that the Coalition voters voted for an Inclusive government. Finally, the outcome of the election shows that ethnic voting could create a multi-ethnic government with a genuinely multi-ethnic platform.

DAVID HINDS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Date for LGE still expected to be named within 100 days –Communities Minister

By Ravin Singh

AS was promised by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition prior to the hosting of General and Regional elections, a date for the holding of the long overdue Local Government Elections is still expected to be named within the first 100 days since its ascension to office.

Hopeful that all things remain “equal,” which will pave the way for the timely announcement of the elections, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan explained that his ministry which now has this responsibility will

-if plans fail, date will be before May 26, 2016

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan remain loyal to the people of Guyana by fulfilling the promise made for the holding of local government elections, as detailed in the APNU+AFC manifesto.

According to the manifesto, “One of the most despicable practices of the PPP/C

regime has been its tendency to make agreements and unilaterally refuse to implement them. Despite its solemn 2011 promise to the people of Guyana for the holding of Local Government Elections, they have failed to hold them.”

It was against this backdrop, that the APNU+AFC committed to meaningful local government reforms and to holding these elections shortly after assuming office.

Outlined in their ‘First 100 days’ plan, the coalition explained that within 100 days they will, “set the date

for the early holding of Local Government Elections.”

Furthermore, under the reformed local government system, this date will be set, subject to consultations with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Featured in their manifesto, was also the promise to, “Return the Local Government Bills which were not assented to by the President, to the National Assembly – for approval and presidential assent in preparation for the long overdue Local Government Elections.”

Additionally, the AP-

NU+AFC coalition will be aiming to operationalise the Local Government Commission Act of 2013, passed by the National Assembly on August 7, 2013 and assented to by the then President on November 6, 2013.

Although hopeful, the minister explained that this ‘100 days’ naming of a date for the elections to be held, is still a “preferred date.”

However, the possibility of events “conspiring” against this plan was not ruled out.

To this end, Mr. Bulkan disclosed that an “outside

date” for this election to be held, should the ‘100 days’ plan fail, is before Guyana celebrates its 50th independence anniversary next year.

Prior to the change in Guyana’s Government on May 12, Local Government Elections had attracted the attention of the diplomatic corps, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and civil society, who had all staged protests against the then Government’s failure to hold these elections.

Local government elections have not been held since 1994.

MMA/ADA disregards Ombudsman, GHRA

THE appointment of the Ombudsman in the person of the Honourable Justice Moore in December 2013, has been a breath of fresh air for all Guyana, especially those who feel their rights have been violated by those in authority. This notion has been vindicated when the Ombudsman pronounced that the three NBS managers who

had been implicated in a $69m fraud, suffered” grave injustice.”

The No. 40 Coop Society LTD Reg. No. 1513 submitted a complaint to the Ombudsman and the Guyana Human Rights Association on January 8, 2015, detailing the outrageous and evil injustice done to the Co-op Society by the MMA/ADA. A let-

Poor customer service at Suddie Supreme Court

I WISH to state that poor supervision currently exists at the Suddie Supreme Court on the Essequibo Coast.

First and foremost, it takes a great amount of time to leave one’s home or workplace to serve as a Juror when summonsed. I am fully aware of the laws surrounding same and I am not annoyed with this. What is currently aggravating for a Juror is when you have to claim for transportation only to be told that there is no money at hand to make the payment.

This is quite disturbing as persons have to leave their daily tasks, sometimes for an entire day and this is the ‘quality of service’ we are being rewarded with in the end.

Additionally, I am totally disappointed with the behaviour of the Supervisor; she lacks morale and displays poor Customer Service. Speaking to customers in a harsh manner is highly unacceptable anywhere in the world.

Something needs to be done to have these situations corrected.

NAME WITHHELD

ter to the Stabroek News on the same matter was published on January 3, 2015. Astonishingly, the MMA/ADA disregarded all! What is ominous, is that a constitutional office established under Article 192(1) of the constitution, with powers to investigate actions taken even by the Head of State, has been treated with disdain by the MMA/ADA. The gist of our complaint is that MMA/ADA, spearheaded by Mr Gajraj,

Chairman of the MMA, 1) repossessed and reallocated the lands of our functioning Co-op that has been occupying these lands since January 17, 1972 – a period of 43 years. The Coop had owed the MMA $ 4,241,458 and paid $ 3,353,000 representing 79% of the dept. Further, the MMA dispossessed 50% of the members.

2)The MMA has shown double standard in dealing with Co-ops – dismantling some and creating

others at its whim and fancy.

(Re: Letter published in Stabroek News Jan. 3, 2015: MMA repossessed Co-op lands after debts already paid) 3)The MMA has shown disregard for ministerial pronouncement on Co-ops (Co-operatives, friendly societies been investigated: Guyana Times December 18, 2013 ) 4)The MMA is fostering communal conflict by taking lands from one set of villagers and giving to

another set. (In this light the Ministry of Social Cohesion is welcome) 5) There is enough land in the MMA scheme for all; but the land distribution system needs urgent review.

We shall be grateful for the new Government to look into this matter with a view to bring about a justifiable closure.

P. HAMILTON Chairman No. 40 Co-op

Achieving Economic Unity AS the emotional aspects of an election wears off and where there are still significant contentions on the results, we must concurrently be thinking of the Economics of our Nation.

None of the Ministries proposed addresses in any detail which entity or person is the belly button for these activities and the nation seem to be running on auto-pilot in these areas.

A strong economic foundation has been built

under the PPP/C Government with a stable economy thus allowing key aspects of common economic pillars to be achieved.

The proposed paving of the Road to Brazil and the Deep Water Harbour are two key ingredients to pivoting our economy upwards while we await the production of Oil. This is in addition to other programmes such as Ethanol production which should be of high priority as proposed by the PPP/C.

To note, both parties agree on the Road to Brazil and the economic benefits of trade with one of the world’s largest economies.

I see no reason why this cannot be started as soon as Parliament convenes.

The Deep Water Harbour will be contentious as the PPP/C study proposes it at the mouth of the Berbice River given infrastructure access (Roads) versus the Essequibo River which would require more infrastructure development.

This all makes for a good debate but at the end, a Deep Water Harbour must be built within the next few years.

Our focus on achieving economic unity should take precedence over political ideology and differences. The 10th Parliament failed at achieving this and there cannot be any payback motives in the 11th Parliament.

PETER R. RAMSAROOP

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

President announces ‘Champion of the Earth’ Dr. re-introduction of a Bharrat Jagdeo National Cadet Corps

can leave Guyana to attend duties, but…

WITH the aim of providing youths with basic leadership skills and affording them the opportunity to travel their country, President David Granger yesterday announced that he would be re-introducing the National Cadet Corps.

A product of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps himself, the President said his intention is not militarisation, but giving youths an opportunity to explore their country.

“I do believe that in secondary school youngsters should be exposed to leadership skills, team work, to sport, (and) to travel.”

All these, the President said, could prepare them for

President David Granger

a military or civilian career in the future, as the experience they would have gained will take them through life.

The corps will also provide recreational and learn-

ing opportunities for youths between the ages of 12 and 18 during the August holidays.

President Granger added that the corps would also play up the importance of teamwork, and the good traits that come with public service.

President Granger however, noted that the National Cadet Corps will not be compulsory, but will be open to all youths.

Over the years, at least three Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Company, the Queen’s College Cadet Company and the National Cadet Corps were formed, but all had been dissolved.

(GINA)

Two Permanent Secretaries reportedly sent packing FORMER Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government (now the Ministry of Communities) Mr Colin Croal, as well as Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (now Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry) Mr Nigel Dharamlall, have reportedly been sent home until further notice.

The Chronicle newspaper was informed that both men have been “off the job” for a few days now but there has been no official word from the respective Ministries, Government Information Services or the Ministers who recently took over the ministries at which the two worked.

While the details surrounding the sending home of the Permanent Secretaries are unclear, the two men have been reluctant to comment on the issues.

Contacted last evening, Colin Croal told this newspaper that he does wish to comment on the issue but was awaiting an official or public pronouncement on the decision from either the Minister or Ministry of Communities.

Croal has been serving as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Govern-

DR Bharrat Jagdeo, “Champion of the Earth” and former President of Guyana petitioned the High Court yesterday pointing out that because of his international obligations, he was obliged to travel overseas regularly, but was now confronted with a dilemma.

That, he said was brought about through a Whim Magistrate before whom he appeared on a private criminal indictable charge filed by Lawyer Christopher Ram. On the 25th day of May, the magistrate placed him on his own recognisance and told the petitioner, “bail was granted on the condition that your petitioner is not to leave the jurisdiction without the permission of the court.”

Attorney-at-Law Mr.

Bharrat Jagdeo

Murseline Bacchus who is representing the petitioner, gave him certain advice.

The condition would cause an onerous duty and grave hardship on your petitioner, since he resides over 75 miles from Whim Magistrates' Court and he can only seek permission to leave the jurisdiction on the days that the case would be called .

Your petitioner is aware of his legal responsibility to appear in court on whatever dates the case may be fixed for and he has no intention of absconding.

Wherefore Your Petitioner humbly prays that this Honourable Court would be pleased to remove the condition that he seeks the magistrate’s permission before he leaves or can leave the jurisdiction.

A t t o r n e y - a t - l a w M r.

Trenton Lake, who represented the plaintiff Mr. Christopher Ram when the matter was called before the Acting Chief Justice yesterday, offered no objection to the suggestions put forward by the ‘Champion of the Earth,’ in his petition.

The Chief justice was inclined to agree with Mr. Murseline Bacchus.

STAY AWAY!

TCI finance minister levels broadside against Jamaicans, other foreigners

Nigel Dharamlall

Colin Croal

ment for a number of years after being transferred from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs where he also served as a PS. Nigel Dharamlall also served as a PS at the Ministry of Local Government for some time and was then transferred to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry where he and Croal swapped places.

Last evening, a source close to the Government declined to comment directly on the issue regarding the reported sending home of the Permanent Secretaries.

There were also reports

that three staff members from the Ministry of the Presidency were sent packing. Again the source claimed that the information was not concrete to them and as such could not confirm definitively on the matter.

This newspaper was, however, told that the Government of President David Granger has no intentions on going on witch hunts but there are some things that need to be addressed in order for the smooth and uninterrupted execution of the Government’s business.

(Leroy Smith)

(Jamaica Observer) TURKS and Caicos Islands Finance Minister Washington Misick last week launched a blistering attack on foreigners, including Jamaicans, bluntly telling them to stay out of his country if they want to engage in public celebration of their cultures.

“We have something coming up here called Haitian Flag Day. We have got Haitian Flag Day. We got Jamaica Day. We have got Bahamas Day. When the hell we going to have Turks and Caicos Day?” Misick, the former chief minister, was reported as saying by the TCI Sun newspaper.

According to the article, Misick said that the best places that expatriates can

practise their respective cultures are their homes, not the Turks and Caicos.

“If these people want to be part of us we cannot encourage, we can’t support them with all these days. If you are going to be in this country, be in this country, part of this country. If you want to be in Jamaica, if you want to be in Haiti or The Bahamas, stay there,” the TCI Sun story quoted Misick.

According to the newspaper, the finance minister was making his contribution in the House of Assembly to a private member’s motion tabled by Opposition member Edwin Astwood, who lobbied for more environmental laws to be enacted and enforced.

But Misick, the TCI Sun said, “veered off course into

chastising immigrants for celebrating culture publicly”.

He lashed out at persons in the private sector who, he said, are colluding with expatriates to observe and celebrate their countries’ milestones.

“And that’s part of the problem, it is being encouraged by a lot of these different groups who are in senior positions in the private sector, who encourage this kind of stuff. So we have to send a strong message while we, as a people, have to make sure that we do the right thing by our country. And by the same token, we have to make sure that people who come here do the right thing by our country,” the TCI Sun quoted Misick.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Changes, additions to budget agencies to be gazetted

– Finance Minister assures budget preparation continues apace

By Vanessa Narine WORK on Budget 2015 will accelerate once the names of new ministries and the renaming of old ministries, as well as their responsibilities, are entered into the Official Gazette, according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

“Some preliminary work has already been done. We will have to make a few adjustments in keeping with our [the new Administration’s] priorities,” he said, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.

The minister had previously indicated that he inherited some of the groundwork which was already laid out by the previous sector minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Jordan added that once the legal stipulations are complied with, staffers from the Finance Ministry will assist the management of the budget agencies to “put together their programmes [budgets].”

“The naming of new min-

istries and changes will not delay the presentation of the budget,” he said, when asked.

Relative to the budget agencies that remain unaffected by the change of Government, the newly appointed Finance Minister explained that the ministry is currently engaged in updating the budget information for these bodies.

“We are working on getting the latest figures, up to the end of May,” he said.

Jordan disclosed that a meeting of budget agencies head and other officials is expected to be called soon to have the revenue and expenditure profiles revised for inclusion in Budget 2015.

“We will meet to see what is possible for the remaining months of 2015 and we will have to revise their budget profiles,” he said.

CHANGES Asked about expected changes, the Finance Minister noted that there will be some changes to reflect the

Winston Jordan

commitments made in the 100-day plan of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration.

“We have other work to be done in line with the 100- day plan, which will see revenues affected in terms of the plan for VAT (Valued Added Tax),” he said.

APNU+AFC had promised a reduction in the tax on

certain items. The tax currently stands at 16 per cent.

Jordan noted too that apart from changes to VAT, discussions are to be held on other matters that may affect Government’s revenue stream.

The same, he stated, applies to expenditures.“The 2015 Budget will reflect increases in pensions and the 10 per cent salary increases for the public service, at a minimum,” the subject minister said.

He added, “Everything will not be done in 2015.

Currently, everything is a consideration, but we don’t want to raise people’s expectations so I will not make pronouncements on what else may be done.”

However, Jordan highlighted that after the 2015 Budget is presented and approved by the National Assembly, the 2016 Budget will be a few months away from being presented to the Parliament and could include other incentives to bolster the quality of life for the Guya-

nese people.

BEFORE SEPTEMBER Assuming that the 11th Parliament is convened in June, as indicated by President David Granger, Jordan has three months to table the 2015 Estimates of Revenues and Expenditures in the National Assembly.

“I expect to be able to do that before then, before September [the three months]” he assured.

Last July, a budget call circular was issued to various Government ministries and agencies requesting the commencement of compilation of their budget submissions.

When submissions were received, they were reviewed through several rounds of meetings, after which analyses were done and they were consolidated into the national budget.

Submissions from ministries and agencies routinely include information on policy recommendations, detailed articulations of various programmes and proj-

ects the ministries would like to implement in 2015, and some articulation of the expected impacts and outcomes that would arise from the implementation of these programmes and projects.

Additionally, there was a meeting between the Director of Budget and all Permanent Secretaries to facilitate discussion of requirements articulated in the budget circular in August.

Cuts to the 2014 national budget totalled a whopping $37.4B, reducing the $220B National Budget to $182.6B – which represented the largest national budget to date. The cuts to the budget totalled $31B in 2013 and $21B in 2014.

The ministry’s Budget Office facilitates the preparation of the country’s annual revenues and expenditure estimates, effective and efficient management and monitoring of resource allocation and utilisation, combined with the formulation of constructive and effective economic policy.

Naming of new townships likely before Guyana turns 50

By Ravin Singh ATTEMPTS to upgrade Bartica, Charity, Parika, Supenaam, Rosignol and possibly Lethem into towns are likely to take effect before Guyana celebrates its 50th independence anniversary, next year.

This was according to Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who explained that this is a mere “outside date,” given that his ministry will be working assiduously to fulfil the promises made by President David Granger during their campaign in the lead- up to the recently concluded general and regional elections.

The initiative of having several secondary towns upgraded to township status has been in the pipeline for several years, and had seemed to be coming closer to fruition when the former

Government had placed advertisements in the local newspapers inviting tenders to provide consultancy services for the revaluing of properties and the strengthening of urban management and administration in these four communities.

The advertisement detailed that funding for these projects was provided by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through a Technical Assistance Grant to the country.

H o w e v e r, f o l l o w i n g this report, articles appeared coming from the then minister that while the “soft” part of this project – including the training of officials – was currently ongoing, there were significant implications in commissioning new towns before local government elections were held.

Additional reports on February 8, 2008 indicated

that the Government of Guyana and the CDB had signed a contract amounting to US$16.1 million to have these four communities – Bartica, Charity, Parika and Supenaam converted to towns as part of the Community Services Enhancement Project (CSEP).

It was further disclosed that the CDB had provided the sum of US$200,000 as a grant for the project, while the balance was in the form of a loan. The timeline given for the completion of this project was three years.

This agreement was intended to allow for the provision of technical assistance for services provided in the targeted communities, particularly the infrastructure and the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), with the intention that this would lead to their eventual elevation

to towns.

Since this development, attempts have been made to enhance infrastructure in the regions, including repairing roads in the communities, improving administrative buildings and constructing new markets.

Additionally, resources were also allocated for designing programmes to address issues such as solid waste management, community awareness and participation, strengthening urban management and a town-transition plan to enhance financial and infrastructural management.

In January 2007, a contract to the tune of $29M was inked with the Jamaican company Trevor Hamilton Associates for them to engage in work to bring institutional strengthening to the four towns.

Plans to increase the number of Guyanese towns

was said to be on the Government’s agenda for several years. Presently, six towns exist in Guyana: Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Corriverton, Linden and Georgetown. During the 2003 budget debate, then Local Government Minister Clinton Collymore had announced that $1 billion of that year’s $72.9 billion budget had been set aside for upgrading Parika, Bartica, Lethem and Rosignol to townships during the course of the year, but these plans never materialised.

Against this eventful backdrop and inconsistent developments, the Communities Minister assured this publication that the current Administration will do everything in its will to ensure that these promises are transformed into reality.

However, Bulkan posited that an “outside date”

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

for the Guyanese people to expect these towns to attain township status will be before Guyana celebrates its 50th Independence anniversary next year.

These six towns currently existing in Guyana are all incorporated, with each having a Mayor and Town Council which is responsible for maintenance of the municipality.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

MINISTER BROOMES TO SUGAR WORKERS...

No padlocks will be placed on factory gates

Workers listen attentively as Minister Broomes assures them there will be no closure of the sugar industry

By Leroy Smith WORKERS of the Enmore Sugar Factory and Enmore Packaging Plant were on Friday reassured that there is no truth in rumours that the factory or the sugar industry would be closed down by the David Granger Administration.

This assurance was given to senior managers

and workers at the Enmore facility by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, The Honourable Simona Broomes during a site visit.

The minister was accompanied by Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle and other senior officials from the labour department of the Ministry of Social Protection.

During interaction with the junior workers at

Police shoot bandit dead Leslie Semple an habitual break and enter suspect was yesterday morning shot and killed by the police after he attempted to attack a police rank with a chopper.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that Semple and an accomplice were caught by the police who responded to a call; and while the accomplice was arrested, Leslie, who was attempting to make his way over a fence, menaced the police with a chopper.

He received a single gunshot to the neck and collapsed on Robb Street. where police ranks picked him up and rushed him to

Leslie Semple

the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Ye s t e r d a y p o l i c e sources confirmed that Leslie was arrested more than eight times for breaking and entering other people’s premises and was passed through the courts on several occasions.

the factory and the packaging plant, there was one burning issue that they needed to have addressed and clarified: rumour that the Government will on Monday close the factory down.

The workers told Minister Broomes that they were informed that there were plans to have locks placed on the gates this coming Monday, so that workers would not be able to enter the factory; those rumours were rubbished by the minister, who said that such “news” serves better in the back of a Cevon’s Waste Management Truck as it is trash.

Workers could not say who or from what source the “news” kept coming, but since the week started there has been much unease at the location, with workers constantly asking managers to come clean with them. According to Broomes, the rumours were spread by persons who were bent on creating mischief.

Once the issue of the closure was out of the way, the workers then began expressing their concerns over the conditions under which they

Minister Broomes greets a female engineer at the Enmore Sugar Factory on Friday

were being forced to work at the factory.

They spoke of protective gear which are of very poor quality, leaking roofs, the absence of durable face and dusk masks, overalls for men working in the boiling room and salaries as well as remittances to the credit union.

Asked specifically about the issue of the Occupational Health and Safety aspect of the workers, the minister was quick to point out what may have been responsible for the build-up of all the little problems at the factory.

She pointed to a decision by her predecessor who had placed a halt on all inspections and site visits by the staff of the labour department.

According to Minister Broomes, when the workers heard that she was willing to inspect the conditions under which the staff at the factory were working, they were very elated since they were eager to also see for themselves what was going on in the fields.

The staff of the labour section were reportedly barred from doing in-

spections and submitting reports not only at sugar factories, but at all other establishments across the country, something that has been described as a breach of the responsibilities of the labour office which ought to keep up to speed with the conditions under which workers were working.

At present, both Minister Volda Lawrence and Simona Broomes are inspecting various arms of the state that fall under the Ministry of Social Protection and according to Minister Broomes, there is practically no foundation to build on and most of the work now has to begin from scratch.

Among those present with the minister as she interacted with the workers were the Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, managers of the Enmore Sugar Factory and other senior officers from the labour department.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the two ministers with the Social Protection Ministry would be travelling to the rest of the country to meet with workers in the mining, rice, sugar and other

sectors to get first- hand experience of the conditions under which they are working.

The minister related too that the visits would not just be introductory ones but rather frequent, as they were tasked by President Granger to ensure that they have much contact with the people as possible to hear directly from them.

Minister Broomes did however admit that based on her deliberations with the workers and management of the factory, she is convinced that they were trying to address certain issues with the workers.

The workers were assured that all the issues which were raised would be addressed, but there would be some degree of priority given to those which the ministry considers very critical for the smooth functioning of the factory and the comfort of the works.

Last evening, efforts to contact the Former Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul for comments and clarifications on his reported instructions to halt all inspections by labour officers, were futile.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Minister Trotman takes up appointment HON. Minister Raphael Trotman, recently sworn in as the Minister of Governance within the Ministry of the Presidency, took up his appointment earlier in the week.

Apart from responsibility for governance issues, the Minister is also responsible for oversight of the management of the nation’s natural resources which form part of the patrimony of Guyana.

He now occupies offices on Upper Brickdam, and has already met with the staff of his Ministry.

The Minister has commenced scheduled familiarisation meetings and visits to

Minister Raphael Trotman

the several agencies under his portfolio. During the coming weeks, the minister also intends to meet with international, donor, private sector organisations, other development partners and stakeholders of the governance and natural resources sectors.

World Environment Day will be observed in Guyana and around the world on June 5, 2015, and it is expected that the minister will be out and about supporting the efforts at restoring the image of Georgetown, our “Garden City”, and that of communities outside of the city.

Brazilian accused of attempting murder A BRAZILIAN national, Thursday, found himself in hot water when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates Court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, charged with attempted murder.

Ivor Nascimento DaCos-

ta was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that on May 27 at Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, he wounded Rondel Wellington with intent to commit murder.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru while not relating facts to the court, objected

to bail on the ground that the defendant poses a flight risk, since he has no ties to Guyana. Consequently, bail was refused.

The man was remanded to prison and his matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrates' Court for June 15.

Plucked chicken thief to serve one-year jail sentence SATESH Persaud, called ‘Ghandi’, of Belvedere Village, Corentyne, was sentenced to one year's imprisonment after being found guilty of stealing twenty-five pounds of chicken from Arjune’s Chicken Outlet in his home village.

When he made his first court appearance, the seventeen-year-old told Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus that he had found the chicken in a bucket along the roadway.

“I did not trouble his chicken. I saw the chicken

on the road (and) I picked it up. I told persons around that if anyone enquired about the plucked birds, tell them I get it,” Satesh Persaud had said.

The charges he faces detail that between March 10/11, at Belvedere, he broke and entered the chicken outlet of Deonarine Arjune and stole four trays of eggs and the chicken, totalling $14,000.

Police Sergeant Phillip Sherriff said the defendant cut the chain that secured the back door of the outlet,

before entering the premises and removing the articles.

Following information received, Arjune went to the house where Persaud stayed and recovered a bucket in which the poultry meat was discovered. Persaud reportedly told the complainant that he had committed the act because he was hungry.

The matter was subsequently transferred before Albion Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, who imposed the sentence on Persaud.

Teenage boat captain perishes in mishap in Akawani Creek, Region 2 NINETEEN-YEARO L D Tr e v o n B e n n o f Grant Burnt Bush, Lower Pomeroon River, was killed at about 22:00 hrs last Monday night when the boat he was piloting and which was outfitted with a 40hp outboard engine, crashed into a tree

in the Akawani Creek.

Reports are that the teenager and a friend were on their way to Akawani for a joyride when Benn, who was reportedly captaining the boat, allegedly lost control while navigating some floating weeds. The boat report-

edly slammed into a tree and pinned the captain to death.

Benn’s friend, who reportedly escaped with minor injuries, used his cellphone to summon help.

Police are investigating the accident. (Rajendra Prabhulalll in E/bo)

SAGA OF THE MISSING GRANDMOTHER…

Dentures found under bed THE children of missing pensioner Esther Ramotar are pleading with the general public to assist them in locating their mother, who was last seen on April 1 at her Lot 17 Vryheid Village, West Canje home in East Berbice.

Her youngest daughter, Stay Davidson, who lives in the United Kingdom, returned to Guyana on Saturday, May 23, after her Facebook page became flooded with reports that her mother had not been seen by neighbours.

Several telephone calls were also made to Ramotar’s relatives in Suriname, as was also done to relatives in Black Bush Polder; various parts of Demerara, including Soesdyke; and in other areas in Berbice, but none of those relatives has seen her.

However, a pair of the missing woman’s dentures have been discovered, and that development has left the children believing that something may have gone horribly wrong with their mother, who had lived with her two grandchildren -Anthony Mohamed, called

Esther Ramotar

Terry, and Jerry Hawker, both unemployed.

Anthony said he was in the bush (hinterland) while Jerry said the woman had left for Black Bush Polder, on the Corentyne.

Neighbours say the grandchildren would bully and shake the woman to have their own way. They are currently remanded at the New Amsterdam Prison, as they have jointly been charged with simple larceny, having taken the washing machine and television from the house and sold them.

“My sister had bought the items after she had built

the house last year for our mother. Our mother was accompanied by a neighbour to collect her old age pension on April 1. She returned home, and was never seen since. We found her dentures under her bed in a cup. It was a usual practice for her to put her false teeth in a cup of water before retiring to bed. But she does not go anywhere without wearing it. Persons do not know she wore dentures. We did not find her identification card nor her pension book……,” a daughter disclosed.

Ms. Davidson said checks were also made to the geriatric homes in the region, and another visit was made to the New Amsterdam Post Office, but a representative said the month of May pension was not cashed at that location.

Ms Ramotar’s daughters are seeking the public’s involvement in finding their mother. Anyone having information that could lead to locating the woman is very kindly asked to call Stay Davidson on telephone number 662-6315, or 663-3691.

Attempted murder accused refused bail for alleged witness tampering LEON Thomas of Lot 15 Manchester Village, Corentyne is alleged to have unlawfully wounded Meena Crawford Morrisson with intent to murder her.

Reappearing before Albion Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on Friday, Thomas was granted bail in the sum of $250,000, and pleaded for its reduction to $200,000.

But Police Sergeant Orin Joseph, prosecuting, objected to Thomas being granted bail on ground that the defendant was tampering with the witness. Further, the alleged victim told the court that the defendant threatened to kill her as soon as he is given liberty.

Thomas, standing in the dock and listening to the statements, said: “Is people like you all does make people do things!”

Consequently, the magistrate withdrew the bail appli-

Leon Thomas

cation and remanded Thomas to prison until June 9.

When the case was initially called, Thomas was not required to plead to the indictable charge of attempted murder. However, on the second charge of wounding, allegedly committed on Glen Martin Morrison, the defendant was required to plead, and he pleaded not guilty.

He was initially refused bail after the court had been informed of the prevalence of the offence and that the

complainant Meena Morrison remained a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, and that the defendant has other matters pending in the lower court.

Thomas told the court that he also had sustained injuries to his hand, but he had not been taken to see a doctor. Further, he told the court that he and the married woman had been involved in a relationship, and that it was during their relationship that she had stolen his money and jewellery, over two months ago.

Thomas alleged that on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, the married woman had telephoned him to advise that he could collect his money.

Incidentally, he said, he was travelling in a minibus when the complainants joined the vehicle; and it was they, he said, who had started the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

EU, Guyana commit to further strengthening cooperation – covering the full spectrum of activities ranging from foreign policy to development assistance

Head of the EU Delegation to Guyana, Ambassador Robert Kopecký meeting new Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice President Mr Carl Greenidge

HEAD of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Ambassador Robert Kopecký, Thursday, met with new Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice President, Mr Carl Greenidge at his office where the two discussed a number of

areas of mutual interest between the EU and Guyana.

According to a statement from the EU Delegation office in Georgetown, Ambassador Kopecký took the opportunity to congratulate Minister Greenidge

on his appointment and to express his gratitude for good cooperation with previous Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

Both parties welcomed the up-coming Summit between the European Union

and Caribbean and Latin American Countries (CELAC) to be held on 10-11 June 2015 in Brussels, Belgium, as an occasion to further reinforce cooperation at the bi-regional level.

They also confirmed their commitment to fur-

ther strengthening cooperation covering the full spectrum of activities ranging from foreign policy to development assistance.

Views were exchanged on some of the main international challenges, EU-CARIFORUM coop-

eration and some specifics of bilateral relations in the areas of support to the sea defences and broader coastal management, sugar sector, civil society programmes and cultural heritage, among others.

Mon Repos woman accused of $5M cash, jewellery theft A FORTY-year-old housemaid accused of stealing $5M in jewellery and cash from her employer while he was away on vacation, Thursday, was placed on $100,000 bail after appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to answer a charge of larceny.

Yvette Sookraj of 330 Martyrsville, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and denied the charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that between March 13 to 25 at Lamaha Gardens, she stole $2.9 million, US$400 along with a quantity gold jewellery valued at $130,000, property of Basil Dial.

Sookraj’s lawyer Mr. Bernard De Santos told the court that his client is a

mother of two, who worked with the Dial’s family as a maid for eight years and that she has denied any knowledge of the missing articles.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru explained that Mr. Dial on May 13 prepared his family to depart the country and secured the missing articles in a safe in his bedroom.

Mangru noted that upon the man’s return, he noticed a large quantity of money missing and subsequently, the matter was reported to the police; a search was carried out on Sookraj’s bag and $100,000 fell out. The jewellery, however, was not recovered.

The prosecutor did not object to bail being granted and the mother of two will return to court on June 19 for statements.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Health Minister bares plans to improve health sector – calls for increase in health budget

By Navendra Seoraj NEWLY appointed Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, has unveiled his plans for improving the public health sector, while positing that an increase in the health budget is needed for further development of the sector.

Speaking in an exclusive interview yesterday with the Guyana Chronicle in his office at the Ministry of Health, Brickdam, Minister Norton highlighted some of the strategies which will be undertaken, so that gaps within the health sector could be filled and further development could take place under the new administration.

The sector he noted is one which needs improvements, therefore, they will be taking different approaches to make such improvements. One of the first factors which the minister emphasised could be worked on is the physical infrastructure of hospitals and health centres.

“Gone are the days when we should talk about wooden buildings; we are in an age where buildings ought to be made from the best materials and concrete so that the physical structure alone could attract persons to utilise the services of the public health care facilities instead of using private ones,” he said.

Some of the infrastructural improvements he stated will include the refurbishing of small health care centres across Guyana, making them more spacious and comfortable for patients, which will in turn unburden the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), because more persons will use these facilities right in their areas instead of travelling from there to the GPHC, unless it is extremely necessary.

Further development of these health-care facilities he stated, will include the procurement of equipment and instruments so that these services can be highly efficient.

He lamented that they will also be improving the ambulance system, so that there can be more ambulances to move from place to place, faster.

While gathering the necessary apparatus is necessary, Dr. Norton made it clear that, “We will also improve our accountability at the ministry, because we receive many donations from Non-Governmental Organisations and sometimes they return and ask to see the stuff that were given to us, therefore, accountability is a major factor which will be improved.”

medical technicians and so forth, flowing.

DRUG SHORTAGES & WASTAGE During the interview, the minister pointed out that a major factor affecting the sector is “expired drugs and near expired drugs.” This, he noted, is a problem which they will look to resolve as soon as possible.

“When drugs were recentMinister of Health Dr. George Norton speaking during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle

TRAINING OF PERSONNEL Meanwhile, apart from that “As we intend to improve the infrastructure and acquire more equipment and such, we must also train the personnel to man these medical centres, not only with their initial duties, but also with proper work ethics so that patients using these facilities can receive proper treatment and hospitality from the staffers, disclosed the minister.

Apart from the basic ethics, he alluded to the fact that there will also be directors of medical services, who will be in charge of the health centres, ensuring that there are fewer or no discrepancies, and patients are treated in the right manner.

Moving away from that aspect of training, he stated that more students will be sent abroad on scholarship programmes to countries who have maintained strong ties with Guyana when it comes to this sector. Some of these countries include, Cuba, China, some parts of Latin America and India, along with other countries.

The minister disclosed that he recently met with the Indonesian ambassador and proposed to him the establishment of a scholarship programme.

The scholarship programmes, he noted, is one of the better initiatives of the past administration which will be retained and will continue to thrive under the current administration, because, “Yes, foreign doctors play a major role in Guyana’s medical sector, but when our own Guyanese are trained they can make their own contributions to the health system and also help in training other local doctors.”

Aside from international training, Dr. Norton made mention to the fact that they will be hosting a number of workshops for health workers, so as to also keep the knowledge of local nurses,

ly purchased from private distributors, they were bought at a cheap price mainly because the drugs were almost expired,” he highlighted.

This practice he noted will be abolished, as they will allocate contracts to distributors so as to have an efficient system when it comes to distribution and purchasing of these medical drugs.

VECTOR AND DISEASE CONTROL As it strives to develop the health sector, the min-

istry will not look past the vector and disease control unit, as the minister announced that they intend to put more funding into these units because the personnel from these departments do all the ground work and so forth, therefore, materials and means of transportation are a “must have” for the staffers.

“The vector-borne diseases such as malaria, filaria and others are under control, as the general public has to be congratulated for their

clean-up efforts over the past few days, because this has been a major contributor to the reduction of these diseases…this initiative is one which I would love to see continue,” said the Health Minister.

With reference to the factors mentioned along with many others, these he noted are reasons why an increase in the budgetary allocations for the health sector is needed, so that development of the health sector could continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

United Women for Special Children increases support for children with special needs AT this month’s annual general meeting, outgoing UWSC President Jennifer Prashad announced increases to

UWSC’s annual funding to Special Needs Schools in Guyana. With annual donations to three special needs schools, individu-

als and groups reaching just over $5 million, the non-profit organisation marks its biggest annual investment yet, toward the

organisation’s mission to help children with special needs meet their highest potential.

This work includes in-

vestment in refurbishment to the New Amsterdam Special Needs School, to increase safety and accessibility for students and stipends to support volunteers. There is also financial assistance for children at The David Rose School for the Handicapped, to enable them to attend Aqua therapy sessions; and there is also a feeding programme.

Moreover, plans are in place to construct a building at the East Bank Special Needs School, which will include a craft/play room.

This work will commence during the upcoming school holiday period.

Incoming President of the organisation, Mrs. Angela Rahaman, said: “In the coming year, UWSC plans

to continue support for these schools, and to continue our partnerships with the Linden Care Foundation, Guyana Public Hospital Foundation’s Language and Speech Therapy Unit, and Deaf-In-Guyana.

We are proud to support each of these foundations as our donations permit.”

Outgoing President Prashad congratulated members on their ongoing fundraising successes. “In our successes of the last several years, I am motivated by the words of educator Robert John Meehan, who writes: “Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning, but also capable of succeeding.”

UWSC is pleased to introduce its new Executive: President, Angela Raha-

man; Vice President, Anya Persaud; Treasurer, Renita Persaud ; Secretary, Cindy Rahaman; Asst. Sec./Treas., Quenita Waldron; Committee Members: Ann Geer, Shellyann Bhagwandin, Tanya Persaud ABOUT UWSC The primary objective of the United Women for Special Children Club (UWSC) is to help children with special needs meet their highest potential by assisting with needed resources i.e., educational, recreation, hearing impaired, life training, or welfare assistance. UWSC is registered with the Friendly Societies as a non-profit organisation.

For more information, contact Ann Geer on cell # 624- 0392

Some members of the UWSC group.

Ministers of Tourism and Business meet sector staff, inspect working conditions AS the new ministers of the Coalition Government take up office, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes, Thursday, conducted a walkaround and met with the staff of various entities at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.

Among facilities in the compound the two ministers inspected were the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). The min-

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin engaging in conversation with a staff of one of the facilities at the National Exhibition Site. Also in photo is Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes

Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes greets a staff of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) isters also met and interacted with the staff from the various departments of the institutions.

They were given a comprehensive tour of the GNBS in which they were able to view the various departments and learn about their functions.

In a brief comment, the Tourism Minister said, “We had a good opportunity of visiting some of the facilities here at the National Exhibition Site, an opportunity to meet the staff who are very very important.”

She added that “it is still early days, but we wanted people to know that we are coming out to get a better Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Minister of Tourism, Cathy understanding… it’s just a start, it’s just the first of Hughes listen keenly as a staff of the Guyana National Bureau of other visits of reaching out and seeing into the future.” A Digital bursting strength tester that is located at the Guyana (GINA) National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Standards explain the use of the equipment at the entity

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

United Women for Spec support for children AT this month’s annual general meeting, outgoing UWSC President Jennifer Prashad announced increases to

UWSC’s annual funding to Special Needs Schools in Guyana. With annual donations to three special needs schools, individu-

als and groups reaching just over $5 million, the non-profit organisation marks its biggest annual investment yet, toward the

organisation’s mission to help children with special needs meet their highest potential.

This work includes in-

vestment in refurbishment to the New Amsterdam Special Needs School, to increase safety and accessibility for students and stipends to support volunteers. There is also financial assistance for children at The David Rose School for the Handicapped, to enable them to attend Aqua therapy sessions; and there is also a feeding programme.

Moreover, plans are in place to construct a building at the East Bank Special Needs School, which will include a craft/play room.

This work will commence during the upcoming school holiday period.

Incoming President of the organisation, Mrs. Angela Rahaman, said: “In the coming year, UWSC plans

to continue support for these schools, and to continue our partnerships with the Linden Care Foundation, Guyana Public Hospital Foundation’s Language and Speech Therapy Unit, and Deaf-In-Guyana.

We are proud to support each of these foundations as our donations permit.”

Outgoing President Prashad congratulated members on their ongoing fundraising successes. “In our successes of the last several years, I am motivated by the words of educator Robert John Meehan, who writes: “Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning, but also capable of succeeding.”

UWSC is pleased to introduce its new Executive: President, Angela Raha-

Ministers of Tou sector staff, insp AS the new ministers of the Coalition Government take up office, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes, Thursday, conducted a walkaround and met with the staff of various entities at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.

Among facilities in the compound the two ministers inspected were the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). The min-

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Mi Hughes listen keenly as a staff of the Guy Standards explain the use of the equipment a

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

cial Children increases n with special needs man; Vice President, Anya Persaud; Treasurer, Renita Persaud ; Secretary, Cindy Rahaman; Asst. Sec./Treas., Quenita Waldron; Committee Members: Ann Geer, Shellyann Bhagwandin, Tanya Persaud ABOUT UWSC The primary objective of the United Women for Special Children Club (UWSC) is to help children with special needs meet their highest potential by assisting with needed resources i.e., educational, recreation, hearing impaired, life training, or welfare assistance. UWSC is registered with the Friendly Societies as a non-profit organisation.

For more information, contact Ann Geer on cell # 624- 0392

Some members of the UWSC group.

urism and Business meet pect working conditions Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin engaging in conversation with a staff of one of the facilities at the National Exhibition Site. Also in photo is Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes

Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes greets a staff of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)

isters also met and interacted with the staff from the various departments of the institutions.

They were given a comprehensive tour of the GNBS in which they were able to view the various departments and learn about their functions.

In a brief comment, the Tourism Minister said, “We had a good opportunity of visiting some of the facilities here at the National Exhibition Site, an opportunity to meet the staff who are very very important.”

She added that “it is still early days, but we wanted people to know that we are coming out to get a better inister of Tourism, Cathy understanding… it’s just a start, it’s just the first of yana National Bureau of other visits of reaching out and seeing into the future.” A Digital bursting strength tester that is located at the Guyana (GINA) National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) at the entity

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

TDF to impact actions, decisions in tourism industry

THE Tourism Development Fund launched in April 2015 was created to allow the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) to make a more impactful contribution to the actions and decisions which affect the tourism industry and

THAG’s membership.

During a recent press conference held at Cara Lodge, President of THAG Shaun McGrath explained: “The fund has been created to allow THAG to make a more impactful contribution to the actions and decisions which affect the private sec-

tor tourism industry and its membership.” Additionally, it will allow THAG to bring something more tangible to the table; to be in a position of greater independence; to have greater control of its members’ destiny. From the funds collected, 60% will be spent on marketing, 20%

on product development and 20% on capacity- building and training.

The Committee Chairman is Dr. Yesu Persaud, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL); Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited and founder of the Institute of

Private Enterprise Development (IPED). Committee members are Indranauth Haralsigh, Director, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA); Shaun McGrath, President, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Mitra Ramkumar Treasurer, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana.

Some of the participating entities currently contributing to the fund are Cara Lodge Hotel, Herdmanston Lodge, Roraima Duke Lodge, Roraima Residence Inn, Regency Suites Hotel and Windjammer Hotel.

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has been created to allow The Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) to make a more impactful contribution to the actions and decisions which affect the private sector tourism industry and our membership; to bring something more tangible to the “table”; to be in a position of greater independence; to have greater control of our destiny “By collecting a small voluntary contribution from our visitors, THAG will be able to implement and finance projects specific to ensuring that Guyana is enjoyable for visitors and residents alike,” the organistaion noted.

According to THAG, hotel, lodges and resort guests will be asked to proudly be part of this exciting initiative and donate US$1 for each night of their stay in Guyana, which will go entirely towards our Tourism Development Fund.

Letters will be provided to guests in their rooms, and/ or at the front desk, which would clearly state that this is a contribution and, if they would prefer, would be removed from their final bill.

Proceeds from the fund will be used on three areas that directly impact the industry. Marketing Guyana both regionally and internationally as required if “we are to compete on the

international stage. While the fund will not come close to raising the amount of marketing dollars required to fund a comprehensive national marketing strategy, it will allow us to target specific marketing efforts that will benefit the members.”

One such initiative is the Booking Engine that allows real- time reservations and confirmations on ExploreGuyana.org. Other initiatives may include “Sales Blitzes” in neighbouring countries or targeted advertising in specialist publications.

“The development and preservation of our tourism product is critical to the future of the industry. The fund will contribute to the preservation and maintenance of sites that are part of our heritage and history.The fund will also allow THAG to make small grants for small/ micro tourism businesses that could benefit from some capital injection.”

To strengthen Guyana’s presence in an ever more competitive international tourism marketplace, the fund will also support training initiatives for our young school-leavers, and re-training to achieve higher standards in the industry with the objective of reinforcing a culture in which tourism is the career of choice. There also will be strong focus on education and hands-on training initiatives for our young people, to give them a better chance of finding employment in our industry.

The TDF will be managed by a special committee comprising representatives from the public and private sectors, who will ensure that projects undertaken by the fund continue to have a strong marketing education, environmental and developmental impact.

THAG will use its existing resources to administer the projects identified for funding, so as to ensure that ALL contributions go directly towards the projects.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 29, 2015

Ansa McAl supports Golden ...

From back page drinker in Guyana out there to support the Golden Jaguars.”

The Ansa McAl Managing Director thanked the GFF for giving them the opportunity to sponsor the country’s National side, adding “This Golden Jaguars team is very special to us.

Yes we’re a part of a company that’s Trinidad-based and is all over the Caribbean but the Guyana subsidiary is a company that has been here for 22 years. We’re just as nationalistic as any other company.”

Shabazz lauded Ansa McAl and Stag Beer for not only coming on board but doing so from the beginning of the team’s jour-

ney to Russia.

“Its important to get the support from the start because against St Vincent it’s not going to be a stroll in the park,” Shabazz said.

According to the Golden Jaguars head coach, “It’s not a football team that comes out of the group and advances in the World Cup qualifying, it is a country and for a country to advance all hands

must be put on deck; everybody must put a hand.”

A call was also made to the rest of corporate Guyana to follow Ansa McAl’s lead and support the Golden Jaguars.

Meanwhile, captain Chris Nurse said Ansa McAl’s input will help in allowing the coaching staff to elevate the standard of the team and their preparation in camp and will also allow the

players in the team to focus all their attention on training and the task ahead.

“These sponsors’ coming on board right now is crucial for us if we want to have success as a team.

We promise as a team to go against St Vincent and give our best to make our country proud and to give back to all the people who are giving to us,” Nurse said.

Dr Roopnarine sends off Three-Stage ...

From back page they were/are not in a position to make changes to the time frame.

However, as of yesterday, 51 local cyclists have been registered and will face the starter at 08:00hrs outside the Corriverton Police Station from where they will do battle over 46.6 miles and end at the corner of Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Stage two will get under way also at 14:00hrs from the Rosignol Stelling and the cyclists will travel to Carifesta Avenue for the finish, which should be at approximately 16:20hrs.

Stage three will wheel off at 08:00hrs from Kara Kara, Linden Highway and end on Homestretch Avenue at approximately 10:50hrs.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:30 hrs Mountain Master 09:20 hrs Inara 10:00 hrs Ertijaal 10:40 hrs Quintella 11:15 hrs Call Me Maybe 11:50 hrs Mackdesi ENGLISH RACING TIPS Haydock 09:25 hrs Serene Beauty 09:00 hrs Queen Of Ice 09:35 hrs Breton Rock 10:10 hrs Music Master 10:45 hrs Limato 11;20 hrs Don’t Touch 11:55 hrs Shahdaroba YORK 08:45 hrs Penitent 09:20 hrs Clever Cookie 09:55 hrs Bogart 10:30 hrs Comedy King 11:05 hrs Age Of Empire 11:40 hrs Dreamlike 12:15 hrs Dr Red Eye CHESTER

08:50 hrs Bravebrook 09:25 hrs Ridge Ranger 10:00 hrs Patentar 10:35 hrs Nortron 11:10 hrs Trendsetter 11:45 hrs L’Ingenue 12:20 hrs Ardmay IRISH RACING TIPS Navan 08:55 hrs Waterloo Bridge 09:30 hrs Fort Del Oro 10:05 hrs Calm Bay 10:40 hrs Hurricane Sky 11:15 hrs Coolfighter 11:50 hrs Best Kept Secret 12:25 hrs Cenotaph AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Galroyale Race 2 Eastern Rose Race 3 Caprock Kid Race 4 Boston Strong Race 5 Sea Raven Race 6 Soul House Race 7 Kacy Lauren Race 8 Global Positioning Race 9 Takeover Target

Dowrich, Chase press ...

From page 31

Marsh at gully in the opening over with five runs on the board while Johnson played across a straight one and was lbw.

Brooks, who also failed in the first innings, then played back and across in the fifth over to give Hazlewood his third wicket.

Ty r o n e T h e o p h i l e struck 26, crunching six fours off 34 balls but was bowled by fast bowler Peter Siddle pushing forward, as the President’s XI slumped to 41 for four.

However, Dowrich and Chase arrived to repair the innings, putting on exactly 100 for the fifth wicket, before Chase retired.

The right-handed Chase, who has played 19 first class games, faced 103 balls in nearly two hours at the crease and struck six fours. He made 76 in the first innings.

Dowrich, meanwhile, who top-scored with 78 in the first innings, counted five fours off 126 balls in a knock lasting a shade over 2-1/2 hours.

West Indies selectors are now expected to select a 14-man squad for the first Test against Australia starting next Wednesday, with two players from the President’s XI expected to join the 12 currently in a training camp.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

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Clubs and families remember Heysel victims 30 years on It collapsed causing the death of 39 mostly Juventus fans and injured about 600 others.

BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters) - Services in Brussels, Liv“It’s always painful. Thirty years later, it’s still painful,” erpool and Turin yesterday commemorated the 39 people, said Charline Francois, whose brother Jacques was among mostly Italians, who were those killed. crushed and trampled to “It’s great to organise death after fighting between a commemoration because rival fans before the Euroit’s all about saying that we pean Cup final at the Heysel don’t forget, but for the famStadium 30 years ago. ily it’s tough.”

At the site where a wall Sergio Brio, who played collapsed, under pressure from for Juventus that evening, said Juventus supporters pushed he always felt uneasy returning back by Liverpool supporters, to the ground, which was later a crowd including some vicrevamped and renamed the tims’ families laid wreaths and King Baudouin Stadium. released 39 balloons beside a “How do I feel today? plaque bearing the names of Like I felt during the years those killed. when I was in Belgium and The tragedy in Brussels Juventus soccer club fan Eugenio Isola every time I came back to occurred after rival fans threw takes part in a ceremony at the King Baud- play in this stadium, I always missiles, including stones, in ouin Stadium commemorating the 30th felt odd, weird,” Brio said. the lead-up to the match.

Juventus won the match, anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster A group of Liverpool in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. (Reuters/ which went ahead despite the fans charged into the rival Yves Herman) tragedy, 1-0 thanks to a penalty section, causing the Juventus scored by current UEFA presifans to retreat. dent Michel Platini.

Many were driven to the wall, at the side.

In a statement, the former France captain recalled

By Marine Hass

England FA chairman says World Cup boycott possible LONDON, England (Reuters) - English FA chairman Greg Dyke said England would support a possible boycott of the 2018 World Cup if Sepp Blatter was re-elected president of FIFA. However, his Dutch counterpart Michael van Praag said his federation had never discussed a boycott.

Dyke, speaking to BBC radio before yesterday’s presidential vote in Zurich, said England would not go it alone but would consider joining a wider European boycott.

“If the whole of UEFA said that, and all of the countries were willing to do it I think that is right,” Dyke said.

“There is no point in one or two countries saying we are not going to take part because they will carry on with the tournament without them and that is then pretty unfair on the fans.

“But if UEFA as a group said ‘look unless we get this sorted we are not going to be in the World Cup’ then I think we would join them.”

Dyke’s comments followed a similarly veiled threat from UEFA president Michel Platini after the Frenchman revealed that he personally asked Blatter to stand down for the good of football.

Europe has overwhelmingly spoken out in favour of change and while Platini stopped short of saying a World Cup boycott was inevitable, he did say “all options were open” if Blatter retained

power.

But Blatter has refused to withdraw from the ballot, saying he would stand for a fifth term and pledging to introduce reforms in the wake of the latest corrup-

English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke tion allegations that have engulfed FIFA. “The events of this week are significant,” Dyke said.

“Mr Blatter’s statement yesterday in which he basically said ‘look, leave it to me I will clean this up’, nobody is going to believe that.

“And I think that it is quite ominous for him when the attorney general in America says this is only the beginning

not the end.”

Blatter was strongly favoured to win yesterday’s vote against Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein but Dyke said change was now inevitable regardless of the outcome.

“I think the odds are still on him (Blatter) winning but they are nowhere near where they were. There has certainly been a shift during this week,” Dyke said.

“I think it is all over for Blatter anyway, I don’t think it matters if he wins or not.

“I hope he doesn’t win but if he does I think the events of this week have turned him into a diminished figure and I can’t see him lasting more than a year or two.” van Praag, who pulled out of the presidential race last week and put his support behind Prince Ali, played down the possibility of a boycott as he arrived at the FIFA Congress in Zurich.

“We never talked about pulling out of the World Cup, and we are part of UEFA and we agreed yesterday that if Sepp Blatter wins, we have a new situation,” he told reporters.

“We happen to come together in Berlin for the Champions League final (June 6) so that is a good opportunity to sit and look at the new situation, it’s absolutely no use speculating on that.

“We can do a lot (without boycotting the World Cup).”

the events of May 29, 1985, and said he and colleagues work every day to ensure there will never be a repeat of the horror.

“I continue to play in that final,” said Platini. “It hasn’t left me, just like it hasn’t left anyone else who was there that night, and remains with all those who lost a loved one, for whom everything changed in a few terrible minutes.”

Platini was yesterday at the FIFA Congress in Zurich where special mention was made of the disaster and delegates stood in silence to remember them and other football personalities who have died in the last year.

In Turin, home of Juventus, victims’ families were to attend a church service along with the entire squad and staff of the club.

In Liverpool, the club chaplain held a memorial service yesterday morning, with the 1985 captain Phil Neal placing a floral tribute and Juventus’s sporting director Gianluca Pessotto and former player Massimo Bonini laying 39 white lilies.

English soccer clubs were banned from European competition for five years and Liverpool kept out until 1992 following the tragedy.

Events at Heysel, and the Hillsborough disaster in Sheffield in 1989, when 96 mostly Liverpool fans were crushed to death at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, sparked a review of stadiums and a move to all-seater venues.

GCUSA training commences on Tuesday THE Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCUSA) will commence its annual training for umpires on Tuesday at the Demerara Cricket Club.

Classes will continue on Thursday and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 17:00hrs to 19:00hrs thereafter.

The sessions will be facilitated by former international umpire Eddie Nicholls, Nigel Duguid, Colin Alfred, Shannon Crawford, and Matthew Kissoon.

Both men and women are encouraged to attend and persons who are desirous of writing the preliminary examination must attend at least 80% of the lectures.

Ticket sales for Rugby World Cup hit two-million mark LONDON, England (Reuters)-Ticket sales for the rugby World Cup based in England and Wales this September and October have passed the two million-mark, organisers said yesterday.

The milestone was reached after 100 000 tickets went on general sale on Thursday via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com.

A total of 2.3 million tickets are expected to be sold for the 48 matches in 13 venues during the tournament.

“We are delighted to see such enthusiasm for Rugby World Cup 2015, reaching two million ticket sales with four months still to go,” Stephen Brown, managing director of England Rugby 2015, said in a statement.

“The excitement ahead of the tournament is clear both here in the UK and globally with over 400 000 fans expected to travel to England and Cardiff.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Latham and Ronchi lead New Zealand recovery captain Brendon McCullum made his intentions clear by smashing the same bowler over extra cover for six off the LEEDS, England (Reuters) - Tom Latham and Luke first ball he faced.

Ronchi lifted a New Zealand Latham completed a classy side bristling with attacking fifty, including eight fours, intent to 297 for eight at the while McCullum flayed six close on a rain-disrupted fours to get to the tea interval first day of the second Test on 41 not out off 27 deliveries against England at Headingwith New Zealand on 123 for ley yesterday. three.

Latham made 84 and RonMcCullum drove Ben chi a sublime 88 on his debut, Stokes’s first ball of the fithe pair sharing a sixth-wicket nal session straight to Mark partnership of 120 to help Wood at mid-off and BJ their side recover from a dire Watling was bowled by Wood start after losing the toss. for 14, bringing Ronchi to the England’s James Anderson crease on his Test debut at the had Martin Guptill caught at age of 34. slip by Ian Bell for nought Timing the ball sweetly, he in the third over to claim his raced to his fifty off 37 balls, 400th Test wicket. reaching the milestone with a Two balls later Kane slog sweep for six.

Williamson edged the fast Latham, meanwhile, was bowler to wicketkeeper Jos leading a charmed life and Buttler to leave the touring was dropped twice off successide reeling before Latham sive balls as well as surviving Debutant Luke Ronchi reaches fifty in just and Ross Taylor shared a a huge shout for lbw.

37 balls as he counter-attacks. fluent third-wicket partnerHe was spilled again by ship of 66 in-between the England captain Alastair Cook showers. off Broad and a vibrant sixth-wicket partnership moved past Taylor was lbw to Stuart Broad for 20 but New Zealand 100 off 127 balls.

By Ed Osmond

Pakistan clinch ODI series victory CAPTAIN Azhar Ali led from the front with a century as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in their one-day international series in Lahore Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 100 and Chamu Chibhabha’s 99 helped Zimbabwe set a victory target of 269, but Pakistan had few problems chasing it down as they clinched victory with 16 balls to spare.

Azhar’s 102 off 104 balls at the top of the order provided the backbone of Pakistan’s run chase and, once he was fourth man down with the total on 209, Haris Sohail (52 not out) and Shoaib Malik (36no) guided the hosts past the finishing line.

The result means Pakistan have clinched the three-match ODI series having won the first meeting by 41 runs, and they can complete a clean sweep in tomorrow’s final match.

Pakistan also won both Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe as the host nation enjoys a successful return to top-level international cricket in the country following an absence of six years.

Pakistan ran up a formidable 375 for three after batting first in the opening ODI but they decided to give Zimbabwe first use of the track yesterday after winning the toss.

And the visitors made a good start with Chibhabha dominating an open-

ing stand of 83 with Vusi Sibanda and reached his half-century off 51 balls.

Sibanda was on just 11 at the time and added only two more before Mohammad Hafeez turned one through the gate to end a painful 47-ball vigil.

Hamilton Masakadza was more enterprising hitting 18 from 20 balls before gloving Yasir Shah to Hafeez at slip, and Sean Williams chipped a return catch to Yasir after making five.

Chibhabha fell agonisingly short of a maiden ODI century - and became the first Zimbabwean dismissed for 99 in ODIs - when he was adjudged to have got a nick on a leg-side delivery from Malik and was caught behind by Sarfraz Ahmed. He faced 110 balls and hit 11 fours and a six.

Raza took on the baton, accelerating from a slow start to reach 100 off 84 with eight fours and three sixes as Zimbabwe finished on 268 for seven.

That set Pakistan a reasonable total to chase, and the hosts made a good start with Azhar and Sarfraz putting on 46 in 8.4 overs before the latter was trapped lbw by Chibhabha for 22.

Hafeez fell for 15 and Asad Shafiq went for 39 but captain Azhar continued, to his second ODI ton and although he could not see the job through to the end, Sohail and Malik ensured there were no late slip-ups.

(PA Sport)

Latham’s luck finally ran out when he edged Broad to Joe Root at slip with the total on 264 and Ronchi hooked Broad straight to Anderson at long leg.

Ronchi faced 70 balls, hitting three sixes and 13 fours in the second fastest fifty ever scored by a player on his Test debut.

Tim Southee was well caught by Adam Lyth on the mid-wicket boundary off Wood for one but Mark Craig (16 not) and Matt Henry (14 not out) got through to the close unscathed.

The match started 2-1/2 hours late following heavy overnight rain.

England, building up for the Ashes at home, won the first Test in the two-match series by 124 runs at Lord’s.

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st innings M. Guptill c Bell b Anderson 0 T. Latham c Root b Broad 84 K. Williamson c Buttler b Anderson 0 R. Taylor lbw b Broad 20 B. McCullum c Wood b Stokes 41 B. Watling b Wood 14 L. Ronchi c Anderson b Broad 88

M. Craig not out 16 T. Southee c Lyth b Wood 1 M. Henry not out 14 Extras: (b-4, lb-14, nb-1) 19 Total: (for 8 wickets, 65 overs) 297 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-2, 3-68, 4-123, 5-144, 6-264, 7-265, 8-281.

Bowling: J. Anderson 13-3-432, S. Broad 14-0-83-3 (nb-1), M. Wood 14-4-62-2, B. Stokes 134-43-1, M. Ali 11-3-48-0.

GFF announces Elite League … Eight teams invited to play THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) officially announced its inaugural ‘GFF Elite League’ in the presence of CONCACAF Club Licensing Manager, Andres Portabella and FIFA Consultant Michael Gandler last Monday at the Water Chris Hotel.

Gandler spoke to the eight selected local clubs about the vision of CONCACAF and Club Licensing in the region.

He noted CONCACAF’s Mission Statement: “To develop, promote and manage football throughout the region with integrity, transparency and passion in order to inspire participation in the game”. Portabella stated that inspiring participation is key: “So we want to inspire more clubs, we want to inspire more leagues, more administrators, and more coaches to take their organisation to the next level.”

In keeping with the new mandate issued by CONCACAF, the GFF invited applications for Elite Club Licence from all member associations to be submitted by May 12, 2015.

According to the GFF, a total of eleven applications where received.

As per CONCACAF Guidelines, a First Instance Decision Making Body was established to review and pronounce on the applications. It was agreed that no Normalisation Committee Member would sit on this body. Following the review process, all eleven applications were approved for Elite Club Licence.

The Competitions Committee of the GFF then met with the view of choosing eight of the eleven Clubs to participate in the soon-to-belaunched Elite League. The selection process was guided by four criteria that were established long before applications were received.

These criteria were: Elite League Licence’ (which all 11 clubs satisfied), Budget and Financial standing, Competitive Results over a 3 to 5-year period and Geographic proximity of the club.

Following a thorough review based on the criteria outlined, the eight clubs are Alpha United, GDF, Slingerz FC, Pele, Fruta Conquerors, GFC, Buxton United and Monedderlust FC. The GFF congratulates the eight clubs and looks forward to the commencement of the Elite League which is scheduled for August, 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

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Cornet, Monfils raise French hopes in Paris … Federer, Sharapova ease into last 16

By Martyn Herman

PARIS, France (Reuters) - Just after lunch Alize Cornet collapsed on her back in joy and several hours later as dusk arrived Gael Monfils danced a jig of delight as home hopes soared at the French Open tennis yesterday.

In-between there were routine third-round victories for defending women’s champion Maria Sharapova and Swiss great Roger Federer, but day six was a celebratory one for Les Bleus.

Sharapova’s clash against former runner-up Samantha Stosur looked potentially dangerous for the steely Russian but she dominated throughout against the 26th seeded Australian, winning 6-3, 6-4.

“Just getting the job done,” 28-year-old Sharapova, still suffering from a cough, told reporters.

Like 17-time grand slam champion Federer, who beat plucky Bosnian Damir Dzumhur 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 with a display as cool as the Paris weather, the real business starts now for Sharapova.

Indeed, there were certainly no celebrations from two players, for whom surviving until the fourth round is their bread and butter.

For Cornet and Monfils though, with

France’s impatient wait for a home champion weighing more heavily each year, yesterday’s victories really got the pulses racing.

French number one Cornet was ecstatic as she reached the fourth round at her home slam for the first time at the 12th attempt, coming from a set down to beat Croatian former teen sensation Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 on centre court.

CROWD ERUPTED When Lucic-Baroni, now 33, blasted a return out on match point, the crowd erupted and Cornet collapsed to the red dust -- a celebration usually reserved for finals weekend.

“Sometimes I would jump, sometimes I would yell,” 29th seed Cornet said. “It’s not something I think about.

“But after this two-and-a-half-hour fight, I felt so relieved that I fell on the ground. A bit like Rafael (Nadal).”

Any thoughts of becoming France’s first women’s champion here since Mary Pierce in 2000 seem fanciful and her next priority will be Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, the 19th seed.

Yannick Noah’s 1983 triumph is the last time a Frenchman got his hands on La Coupe des Mousquetaires but with Monfils, Jo-Wil-

Wiltshire, Harding continue winning streak SHOMARI Wiltshire and Makeda Harding continued to pick up wins as the Woodpecker Products Junior national squash tournament soared into its second day of matches last Thursday evening at the courts of the Georgetown Club.

The night also saw commanding wins from Wiltshire’s sibling Larissa, as well as Kamir Khan, Michael Alphonso and Mohryan Baksh.

Harding had a not-so-hard time against Adriel Latchmansingh whom she took out 3-0 (11-0, 11-1, 11-1), while Shomari recorded double wins defeating Thursday night’s winner John Phang 3-0 (11-2, 11-2, 11-3), before racking up another straight-set win ending 11-2, 11-2, 11-6 against Nechemiyah Levans For Larissa it was against Rebecca Low that she took a 11-2, 11-2, 11-2 victory.

In a night laden with straight-set wins, Alexander Cheeks and Matthew Phang were the only players to concede a set when they, respectively, turned back the challenge of brothers Anthony and Daniel Islam.

Lucas Jonas briefly challenged Samuel Ince-Carvahal, rallying to a 10-5 lead in the second game before conceding it 12-10 to his unrelenting opponent, who took the match by wrapping up the final game 11-4 for a 3-0 sweep.

Abosaide Cadogan, who showed further improvement from the recently concluded Skill Levels Tournament in April, when she played to defeat against Madison Fernandes, who won the game 3-0 (12-10, 11-3, 11-8).

Matches were expected to continue last night and into the weekend where play in the senior categories are set to get under way, with seniors such as Akeila Wiltshire and Caribbean junior champion Nyron Joseph yet to play.

The tournament, which is being hosted by the Guyana Squash Association, in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel, continued last night at the Georgetown Club.

ROGER FEDERER fried Tsonga and Gilles Simon all through to the fourth round where they could be joined

by Richard Gasquet and Jeremy Chardy today, hope springs eternal.

France have never had more than five survivors to that stage since the professional era began in 1968.

Former semi-finalist Monfils can always be relied upon for drama and he did not disappoint against stubborn Uruguayan claycourter Pablo Cuevas.

Monfils, 28, trailed by two sets to one and 4-1 but suddenly just when all seemed lost he caught fire, turning the match around to win 4-6, 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Blatter wins fifth FIFA term as challenger ...

From page 30

advice of FIFA’s own technical committee.

Many of Blatter’s opponents have spoken of steps they can take against him. English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, who has suggested that England might back a possible boycott of the 2018 World Cup, said FIFA’s crisis was not over.

“This is the beginning, not the end. I think there is a lot more of this to play out,” he told Sky News shortly after Blatter had seen off Ali’s challenge -- the first time he has faced an opponent at a FIFA election since 2002.

Blatter had repeatedly promised not to stand for re-election again, but as his fourth mandate drew to a close he changed his tune and said he needed yet another term to complete his work.

Other European football officials have also alluded to the prospect of a boycott, but that is still seen as unlikely given the tournament’s importance to the global game.

The newly-constituted FIFA executive committee meets for the first time today to discuss slots for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals.

Platini has warned Blatter he will not tolerate losing any of Europe’s 13 places. If Blatter attempts to do that and Europe is outflanked in an Exco vote, international football could be plunged into civil war.

Most of the developing world in Africa, Asia and parts of Central America and the Caribbean are happy that FIFA under Blatter has guaranteed them annual grants and bonus payments in World Cup years.

Addressing the Congress yesterday, Blatter promised to boost the profile of Pacific island football federations grouped in Oceania, and said more had to be done to promote women.

“Let’s go FIFA! Let’s go FIFA!” he said to a standing ovation.

It was his 13th five-set match at the French Open with six of his last 11 going the distance and how he celebrated, screaming at the crowd, dancing around the Suzanne Lenglen court and pumping his fist against his heart.

“I’m a phoenix,” he joked later of his 10th five-set win at the French Open.

Tsonga continued his impressive run to claim a third consecutive straight-sets win when he overpowered unseeded Spaniard Pablo Andujar 7-6, 6-4, 6-3. Next up is fourth seed Tomas Berdych who beat Frenchman Benoit Paire in four sets.

French number one Gilles Simon beat compatriot Nicolas Mahut 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1 and will now take on Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, whose comfortable win over Steve Johnson left Jack Sock as the sole surviving American in the men’s draw.

Simon had his own response to home pressure: “I don’t give a damn,” he said. “It has no impact whatsoever.”

Former women’s champion Ana Ivanovic wasted little time reaching the last 16, hitting top form after two close three-setters to thrash Croatian teenager Donna Vekic 6-0, 6-3.

The Serb has not been beyond the fourth round since she won the title in 2008 and will have to beat ninth seed Ekaterina Makarova if she is to improve on that record.

NOTABLE DATES GUYANESE legend Patrick Ford received his last defeat in professional boxing on May 30, 1982. Ford was challenging American Isidro Perez at the Aladdin in Las Vegas when he injured his hand and was forced to retire in round three, of a fight scheduled for 10.

It was the fourth consecutive loss for Ford. The first came against Mexican Salvador Sanchez in September 1980. After losing to Perez, Ford took a three-year hiatus from the sport and returned in April 1985. The lanky featherweight TKOed Alejandro Garcia of the Dominican Republic in round four, at the National Sports Hall in his return bout.

Ford followed up with a 10-round points-win over Dennis Dalrymple in March 1986 and then brought the curtain down on a rewarding career with a unanimous-decision victory over Albert Brown in May 1987.

Ford then launched into coaching and plied his trade out of the Gleason’s Gym in New York.

The former Commonwealth featherweight champion died on November 13, 2011 at the age of 55.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 30, 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:

Jack Noriega-9/95 (WI vs IND, Trinidad, 1971) Michael Holding-14/149 (WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1979)

Today’s Quiz:

Who is the first WI to cross the 300-wicket mark in Tests?

Which WI played 98 Tests and took 405 wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

Blatter wins fifth FIFA term as challenger concedes

By Mike Collett and Brian Homewood ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Sepp Blatter was re-elected president of FIFA for a fifth term yesterday after his only challenger conceded defeat in an election overshadowed by allegations of rampant corruption in world football.

Blatter’s victory came despite demands that he quit in the face of a major bribery scandal being investigated by U.S., Swiss and other law enforcement agencies that plunged football’s governing body into the worst crisis in its 111-year history.

Yet his mandate, which was far from convincing, raises fresh questions over his leadership with the possibility of civil war in international football, unhappy sponsors demanding reform and prosecutors looking to widen their investigations.

Neither Blatter nor Jordanian opponent Prince Ali bin Al Hussein got the necessary two-thirds of the ballot in the first round, with Blatter securing 133 votes against 73 for Prince Ali. However, Prince Ali swiftly conceded.

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein conceded defeat.

“I congratulate you if you voted for Prince Ali, he was a good candidate, but I am the president now, the president of everybody,” the 79-year-old Blatter said in his victory speech, knowing he faces a barrage of criticism and countless problems.

UEFA, the powerful European confederation, has been staunchly opposed to another term for the Swiss, and their president Michel Platini has even raised the possibility, albeit unlikely, of Europe boycotting the World Cup. There has also been talk of UEFA breaking away from FIFA, which is also unlikely, but nothing can be ruled out.

Blatter’s future could yet depend on the reaction of FIFA’s key sponsors and stakeholders who have been deeply dismayed by recent events after a traumatic week for FIFA. One of its top sponsors Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Budweiser, said after Blatter’s win: “We expect the next FIFA presidency to resolve internal issues, install positive change and adhere to strong ethical standards and transparency.”

FIFA, ruled over by Blatter since 1998, was rocked this week by the arrest of seven senior officials in a pre-dawn police raid at a luxury Swiss hotel as part of an investigation into widespread financial wrongdoing stretching back for years.

Blatter has batted away the furore, relying on his network of friends to hold onto power at FIFA, which he joined in 1975.

Prince Ali, in his pitch for votes, had pledged an open, more democratic FIFA,

saying: “We have heard in recent days, voices which described our FIFA as an avaricious body which feeds on the game that the world loves.

“There are no easy answers. And no blame that can be cast that will wash away the stain that marks us all,” he said.

EMBRACE REFORM While Asian, African and Latin American states had been expected to rally around Blatter, Europe, which accounts for all but three of the countries that have ever made it to the final of the World Cup, had been keen for him to step aside.

European football chiefs said after the vote that FIFA had to embrace reform.

“Change in my opinion is crucial if this organisation is to regain its credibility,” said Platini.

U.S. authorities have accused top FIFA figures and sports executives of corruption, while Switzerland is investigating the award of the next World Cup finals to Russia and Qatar.

The scandal widened yesterday when Britain’s Serious Fraud Office said it was examining possible corruption at FIFA. A judge in Argentina has ordered the arrest of three businessmen accused of using bribery to obtain football media rights, and the Brazilian Senate moved to open a formal inquiry into football bribery allegations.

Marco Polo del Nero, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, dramatically flew back to Brazil from the FIFA Congress shortly before yesterday’s vote. Former Brazilian football chief Jose Maria Marin was also arrested this week in connection with the case. del Nero told a press conference yesterday he did not plan to resign and “had nothing to do” with corruption.

FIFA takes in billions of dollars in revenue from television marketing rights and sponsorships, making it one of the wealthiest and most powerful sport bodies in the world.

It has been dogged by corruption scandals for decades, mostly investigating itself and avoiding scrutiny by criminal courts.

Russia and Qatar deny wrongdoing in their bids to host the Cup in 2018 and 2022 respectively.

When asked after the vote if he could guarantee the next edition would still be staged in Russia, FIFA’s secretary-general Jerome Valcke told reporters: “Yes, yes. I mean now today, if you ask me the question at twenty to eight, yes the World Cup will be played in Russia and Qatar.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of meddling in an effort to force Blatter out.

Russia’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko told state broadcaster Rossiya24 they were happy with the outcome of yesterday’s vote and added that the timing of the arrests had been chosen to complicate Blatter’s re-election.

“In general, of course we are pleased with the result. Russia was backing Blatter.

We also believe ... much needs to be done to change football,” Mutko said.

QATAR’S DEFENCE Qatar yesterday issued a further defence of its bid and said it would carry on with plans to stage the 2022 event.

The decision to host the world’s biggest football tournament in a small desert state where daytime summer temperatures rarely fall below 40 degrees Celsius startled many in global sport, and went against the See page 29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 30, 2015

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Guyana Lottery Company supports Pan American Games qualifiers GBA team THE Guyana Lottery Company yesterday handed over a cheque of an undisclosed sum to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) to aid in their quest to send a team of five boxers and two officials to the Pan Am Qualifiers, scheduled for Tijuana, Mexico from June 4.

The GBA has selected United Statesbased super heavyweight Quincy `Biggy’ Small, middleweight Dennis Thomas, junior welterweight Jason Phillips, lightweight Diwani Lampkin and bantamweight Delon Charles to participate at the tournament.

According to the GBA, manager/coach Sebert Blake and Francisco Roldan will be accompanying the boxers. Those boxers who

win gold, silver or bronze medals in Mexico are automatically qualified for the Pan Am Games due to be held in Canada in July.

At a simple but significant handing-over ceremony yesterday at the GLC’s Lamaha Street head office, Managing Director Tracy Lewis said that it was a pleasure to assist the female team in their quest not only to go to the top of NACRA, but also to become the first team sport in Guyana to qualify for the Olympics.

Keisha Chase, GBA Assistant-Secretary/Treasurer thanked the GLC for its timely intervention and said that the only way the Association can repay them is by the boxers performing well.

Mark Vieira sits fifth in Suzuki Challenge Cup

ONE of Guyana’s top local racers Mark Vieira is currently fifth in the point standings after two rounds of the Suzuki Challenge Series SR3 Cup at the Bushy Park raceway in Barbados.

Vieira has accumulated 75 points as the Maloney brothers dominated at home and currently command the points table.

Stuart Maloney is on top with 120 points with siblings Sean and Mark in second and third on 108 and 96 points, respectively.

Ryan Gonsalves racing out of St Vincent and the Grenadines is tied with Vieira on points but holds the advantage with a ‘-21 Gap’ difference.

Mark Vieira races in his Suzuki Radical SR3 car and sports the Golden Arrowhead.

Rounding out the table are Barbadians David Simpson, Allan Kinch and Barry Gale, and Jim Parr of the US, in that order.

After the third race of the second round Vieira said, starting at the back of the grid was a bit difficult but he got a reasonable start.

Commenting on the blunder which cost him a podium finish he stated, “We were fighting for second coming down into the bowl but I got a little ambitious, touched Mark and I spun. But all-in-all I thought the race was very competitive and I enjoyed it a lot.”

GLC representative makes the presentation to Keisha Chase, GBA Assistant-Secretary/Treasurer yesterday. (Adrian Narine photo)

Vieira, France, Ninvalle excel in GTTA’s David Granger Inauguration tournament MICHAEL Vieira, Colin France and Kaysan Ninvalle excelled in the Guyana Table Tennis Association’s (GTTA) 8th Executive President H.E. David Granger Inauguration Table Tennis Tournament played on Sunday May 24 and Tuesday May 26 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

According to a release from the association, Vieira won the 60 years and over final by defeating Bruce Vieira 11-8, 11-7, 11-5 (3-1).

France defeated Xenophon Goliah at 11-3, 11-6, 11-7 (3-0). Joint third place went to Michael Vieira and Gary Pratt.

The joint third place in the Mini Cadet (11 years-and-under) was shared by Terrence Rausch and Keshon Reece.

In semi-final action, Rausch lost to Romain 9-11, 11-7, 7-11, 9-11 (1-3) and Ninvalle defeated Reece 12-10, 10-12, 11-7, 11-8.

In the quarter-finals, Rausch defeated Yeudistir Persaud 3-1, Vincente Henry lost to

Dowrich, Chase press Windies selectors ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Shane Dowrich and Roston Chase reminded West Indies selectors of their talent with their second half-centuries of the contest, as the three-day game against Australia finished in a tame draw on the final day here yesterday.

Playing at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Dowrich hit 53 not out and Chase, 55 before retiring, as the West Indies President’s XI finished on 161 for four.

They had earlier secured a lead of 132 on first innings after producing a top effort to claim the last four Australian wickets for 45 runs, and dismiss the tourists for 250.

The effort was inspired by fast bowler Marquino Mindley who picked up two of the wickets to fall to finish with two for 42 while seamer Carlos Brathwaite accounted for

opener Shaun Marsh before he added to his overnight 118 not out, to claim three for 39.

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican did not add to his three-wicket tally from day two, and ended with three for 93.

As the wickets fell, number 10 Josh Hazlewood resisted 1-1/2 hours for an unbeaten 31 with five fours, to rally the lower order.

Seamer Hazlewood then blew away top order of the President’s XI, accounting for opener Rajindra Chandrika, captain Leon Johnson and Shamarh Brooks, all without scoring, to leave the hosts in tatters at 25 for three.

Chandrika, who got a half-century in the first innings, sliced a drive to Mitchell See page 26

Prize-winners of the various categories of the GTTA’s 8th Executive President David Granger’s Table Tennis Tournament show off their hardware.

The 55 years-and-over final was won

by Colin France who defeated Xenophon Goliah 11-5, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7 (3-1), while Ninvalle won the `C’ Class Mini Cadet (11 years and under) title with a 13-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory over Nicholus Romain.

The joint third place in the 55 years-and-over category was won by Patrick Triumph and Shazam Amzah (Enmore).

In the 50 years-and-over final Colin

Romain 1-3, Ninvalle defeated Brandon Hutson 3-1 and Isaiah Layne lost to Reece 1-3.

In the `’B’ Class Open final, Devon Richmond defeated Xenophon Goliah at 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 (3-0). Joint third place went to Priscilla Greaves and Gibran Sarfaraz (Corriverton) In the semi-final of this category, Goliah defeated Greaves 11-4, 11-8, 11-9 (3-0) and Richmond defeated Sarfaraz 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (3-0).

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Mark Vieira sits fifth in Suzuki Challenge Cup see story on page 31

Ansa McAl supports Golden Jaguars World Cup bid

By Rawle Toney

THE Golden Jaguars – Guyana’s senior national men’s football team – yesterday received what head coach Jamaal Shabazz is calling a “timely and much needed financial intervention” from the distributing giant Ansa McAl ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifier campaign.

Ansa McAl, under their Stag Beer brand, signed a deal which, Managing Director Beverly Harper said, is of an undisclosed sum, at their Beterverwagting (BV) headquarters.

Harper pointed out that the company’s monetary ties to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will stretch past the June 10

All hands on deck! Ansa McAl’s staff and members of the Golden Jaguars after the signing yesterday.

(Adrian Narine photo)

and 14 World Cup Qualifying matches and would also be given on a performance basis.

Guyana will play St Vincent and the Grenadines in a home-and-away format. The Golden Jaguars will travel to face the ‘Vincy Heat’ on June 10 and would then return home where they will play the second leg at the Guyana National Stadium on June 14.

Harper said that as a company “all we can ever ask for is for the team to do their best and I’m calling on the entire Guyana to lift these guys. They’ve worked hard to get here and while St Vincent is a tough team, I want every single Stag See page 26

Dr Roopnarine sends off Three-Stage Blatter elected for gruelling 171-mile road race for a fifth term cyclists … urges clean competition, wishes them well as FIFA president

By Michael DaSilva

see story on page 30

FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures after he was re-elected at the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland,yesterday. See story on Page 30. (Reuters/ Arnd Wiegmann)

MINISTER of Education Dr Rupert Roopnarine yesterday sent off some participants for this year’s 33rd Annual Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race on an encouraging note from the Ministry of Sport head office, located on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

Addressing the few cyclists and parents who turned up at the office before leaving for Corentyne, Berbice, Dr Roopnarine, who assumed the post of Minister of Education after the Coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/Alliance For Change (AFC) won the May 11 General and Regional Elections, told those present that his ministry, under which sports now falls, will be very supportive to the sport of cycling once it (Ministry) is approached.

The minister noted that in the absence of regional and international cyclists gracing this year’s event with

Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnarine their presence, the local pedal-pushers this year have an opportunity to compete among themselves for top honours.

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He said that while it would have been good to have regional and international riders to compete against and probably beat them, it is still good that the locals, participating in this year’s event would be able to have fun among themselves.

The Independence race was originally planned for May 16 and 17, but because of the May 11 Elections, it had to be rescheduled for this weekend.

According to national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, invitations were sent to several Regional and International Federations affiliated to the International Cycling Union and responses were received, but because the cyclists who had planned coming to Guyana for the May 16 and 17 dates had already applied for leave from their jobs and soon after learnt that the event had to be rescheduled, See page 27 SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015