2015 6 13

GUYANA

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No. 104219 SATURDAY JUNE 13, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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President welcomes UK support for Guyana’s development efforts – at celebration to mark Queen’s 89th birthday

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PM Nagamootoo performing duties of President Page

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PM Moses Nagamootoo

Burrowes remains CEO of Go-Invest

Mrs. Wendy Quinn, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and President David Granger cutting a Union Jack themed cake at the celebration to mark the 89th birthday of Queen Elizabeth 11

Overhaul of foreign policy, utilising diaspora on agenda

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– Foreign Affairs Minister

Minister Carl Greenidge

Keith Burrowes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

President welcomes UK’s support for Guyana’s development efforts – at celebration to mark Queen’s 89th birthday

President David Granger addressing guests at the celebration to mark the 89th birthday of Queen Elizabeth 11 at the British High Commissioner’s residence

THE birthday of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 saw President David Granger offering congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana at a reception to mark the occasion at the residence of the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Greg Quinn.

President Granger stated that on the occasion of the Queen’s 89th birth anniversary, the Guyana Government stood ready to work with its international partners for the development of all Guyanese in pursuit of common goals.

“Our longstanding relations with the United Kingdom have evolved considerably

over the years. Our two countries have developed fruitful cooperation at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, including through the successful biennial United Kingdom Caribbean Forum and the Commonwealth.”

The Guyanese Head of State also thanked the United Kingdom for its support for this country’s development efforts and, “more recently, for its advocacy of good governance and respect for the rule of law.” He said that Guyana also welcomes the United Kingdom’s continued collaboration in addressing global challenges which confront both developed and developing countries.

“The United Nations will be adopting and pursuing a new development paradigm in the post-2015 development Agenda, and this will provide a sound basis for our future cooperation, especially in the area of sustainable development”.

The United Kingdom’s support for Guyana’s position on the claims being generated by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela over previously settled borders was also welcomed by President Granger.

“Guyana-Venezuela relations, since the independence of Guyana in 1966, have been affected by intermittent and aggressive claims by Venezuela on Guyana’s territory. Venezuela’s President

Nicolas Maduro, on May 27, 2015, issued Decree No. 1.787 extending Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s waters which include the exploration site of ExxonMobil. It has become increasingly clear that Venezuela intends to put Guyana under pressure and stymie its development by its unfriendly actions.”

The President then called on all states, particularly the United Kingdom during the regime of which the territorial issue arose and was resolved peacefully by international arbitral tribunal, to demonstrate solidarity with Guyana, “and to condemn the use, or threat of the use, of force in the settlement of international disputes.”

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn addressing guests at the celebration to mark the 89th birthday of Queen Elizabeth 11

Before proposing a toast on his country’s behalf, UK High Commissioner Gregory Quinn noted the difference that a few weeks had made in the local political landscape, and reiterated that the recently concluded elections were free and fair. He said that the important thing now is to move forward, “for us all to help develop and grow Guyana in the way its peoples want, and its peoples' desire”.

He reiterated that the UK stands ready to help with that process. “We are a friend of Guyana. There are no doubt challenges (and) much work have to be done in many areas”. He listed the exam-

ple of abuse against women which continues to be a concern for him, describing this as unacceptable and disgraceful. He added that it should bring shame on those who perpetrate it and that, “It has no place in a modern democratic Guyana”.

High Commissioner Quinn commended the new Government for its work on reconciliation and national unity, urging that everyone work for this common goal. He added that those who work “so tirelessly and passionately for that independence would join him in seeking that unity”. (GINA)

Education Minister happy with NGSA results …but believes we can do better

By Ravin Singh WHILE declaration of the results of the highly anticipated 2015 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) would have constructed elated spirits among pupils who sat the examination in early April, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine Thursday revealed at a press briefing that he was “not pleased” with the

results.

With the lack of statistical analysis to compare the performance of this year’s examination to that of last year, the media was told by Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam that improvements were made in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, while a “decrease” was recorded in English Language this year.

Last year, then Education Minister, Priya Man-

ickchand had revealed that overall improvements for that year were recorded in English, Science and Social Studies, with a decline being recorded in Mathematics.

Manickchand had explained that in 2013, 43.94 percent of the candidates secured 50 percent or more in Mathematics, as compared to 31.52 percent in 2014.

But when pressed by the media for statistical data on the “pass rate” for these subject areas by the media, the CEO noted that the examinations were not done to determine who “passed” and those who “failed” but rather it was a “placement examination” to allocate students into the secondary level of education.

Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

The ter, for that he to have

Education Minishis part, disclosed was “very happy” achieved what was

achieved by the candidates.

“Frankly there is more to be done” he said, adding however, “No I am not satisfied and it’s not simply to say that I’m complaining,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of education to the development of any country, the minister charged that, “We can find all the oil or gold in the world...but if we don’t educate our citizens, we won’t go anywhere…we have to ensure that teachers have the best facilities and are amply rewarded.”

According to him, he believes that there is room for improvement and as such, the ministry will continue to exploit their efforts in making sure that improvement is achieved.

Gaining the top position, at this year’s NGSA with a score of 530 marks was Solomon Cherai of Success Elementary. Second position was gained by Shania Eastman also of Success Elementary with 529 marks.

The third position with a score of 526 marks was shared by Celine Farinha of Peter ’s Hall Primary, Shreya Persaud of Academy of Excellence (Region 3) and Isabella Hussain of Academy of Excellence (Region 3).

The highest possible standardised scores obtainable were Mathematics –138, English - 132, Social Studies- 132, and Science - 133.The highest possible total score obtainable was 535.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Overhaul of foreign policy, utilising diaspora on agenda – Foreign Affairs Minister

By Derwayne Wills THERE will be a major overhaul of Guyana’s foreign policy. This was the conclusion drawn from the Guyana Chronicle’s re c e n t i n t e r v i e w w i t h Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, during which he laid out his plans for this country’s future.

That future, according to the minister, will involve utilising Guyanese living abroad.

Minister Greenidge, who recently assumed office, told this publication that a Foreign Policy Advisory Group will be established to deliberate on the mandate for his ministry with regard to the agency’s foreign policy.

“It takes time to get there, and that is what we are in the process of doing. We have put together the Foreign Policy Advisory Group, and that group has started.”

The names of persons within that group remain unclear, but Greenidge expressed full confidence that the soon-to-be-convened body represents “our most informed persons in the area of foreign relations, both in

Government service, and in civil society.” He said too that the terms of reference and parameters are yet to be announced.

That group is guided, according to the Foreign Minister, by a clear vision.

“As is usual with all of these things, you have an idea, a vision of where you want to get. You craft it, but when you get in office, you now have to anchor that vision in the specific circumstances,” he added.

Furthering on the role of the Foreign Policy Advisory Group, Minister Greenidge said the body “is going to be a forum in which foreign policy is chewed over, developed, and refined.” He said this while cautioning against speculation on what the mandate of the advisory group will be, since new ideas tend to surface when structures are set in motion.

“You’ve got to explore many fronts, but start off by recognising where you are, what is in place, and then you can see how we can move forward,” he added.

The minister remains optimistic that Guyana’s foreign policy will include

Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge in his office, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive

utilisation of this country’s diaspora. “These people are more than an element of the Guyanese humanity living abroad, they are a basket of resources,” he reasoned.

“You [have to] recognise the role that the diaspora can play and how the foreign policy can be fashioned to take advantage of that, as well as, to create a synergy with those Guyanese groups abroad,” Minister Greenidge

explained further.

Greenidge spoke of countries such as Jamaica and Bangladesh, which have large pools of overseas-based nationals that not only capitalise on the technical expertise from these overseas units, but also investments into those countries development.

Delving into his intentions, he noted that the legislative and institutional

frameworks have to be set to welcome investments of Guyana’s diaspora into the country’s development.

“Guyana’s remittances are very high, but what happens to it?” Greenidge questioned.

He noted that such remittances are often spent on purchasing material items for consumption, rather than for generating greater wealth. The Foreign Minister called for greater invest-

ment into housing outside of Georgetown, especially in areas where infrastructural development is lacking.

He noted similar investments could be made in apartments, condominiums, or flats for middle and lower-middle income groups.

On this note, the minister called for greater legislative support to protect the assets of Guyanese living in the diaspora, who have chosen to invest in infrastructural development in this country.

In an effort to explain the link between foreign policy and diasporic relations, the minister alluded to the need for ensuring that Guyanese in the diaspora could come home and enjoy the assets they have acquired through investments in Guyana while they lived abroad.

“In terms of putting together the legislation that stops estate agents from doing nonsense with other people’s properties; that stops tenants from abusing a market [while] being in a rented property [and] not paying for it [or] destroying it without any sanctions, we will have provided an opportunity for Guyana to take advantage of its massive diaspora outside.”

Burrowes remains CEO of Go-Invest

By Tajeram Mohabir

GO-INVEST Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Keith Burrowes, will retain his portfolio even as the Government moves to appoint an interim board to guide the operations of the investment agency.

He had initially resigned following criticism of Go-Invest from some sections of the business community, but has put his resignation on hold following a meeting with Minister of Business, Mr Dominic Gaskin on Thursday.

Mr. Burrowes, who had suggested that his critics should have furnished him with their suggestions before laying blame, said the meeting with Minister Gaskin was cordial and fruitful.

Mr. Burrowes had resigned as a Director of GuySuCo in October last year, and from all indications, his resignation was accepted by the former Donald Ramotar administration.

The APNU+AFC Administration recently asked the Board of Directors to resign in the light of poor performance by GuySuCo. Mr. Burrowes will continue to serve Go-Invest and has undertaken to improve the reach, image and output of the country’s principal investment agency.

He was reluctant to go into details of the meeting, but pointed out that a number of issues raised by Minister Gaskin to take the agency forward are already part of a current plan he had developed for Go-Invest.

These include working closely with other government and private sector agencies to improve services, development of a six-month plan for the year and examine areas of priority interest in keeping with the vision and mandate of President David Granger.

Mr. Burrowes pledged to work with the new Government to develop and build

Go-Invest CEO Keith Burrowes

capacity of the investment agency to provide efficient and quality service to potential investors.

The Go-Invest CEO over the years has developed a reputation as a prudent and efficient public sector manager and a positive agent of

change.

Under his leadership of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU), and the Basic Nutrition Programme supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), he was recognised by the US Government.

The programme was commended for the impact it had in making a genuine difference here in the area of nutrition.

Intent on building on successes achieved in 2014, Go-Invest will be establishing a Research and Development Department to further strengthen the work of the agency as it moves to forge closer relations with the private sector and to more aggressively promote investment opportunities in Guyana abroad.

The Research and Development department will serve both as an intelligence unit and an advisory arm of the agency.

The primary task of the

department will be to collect information from the various Government ministries and agencies, analyse project proposals, examine market trends in the Region and farther afield, and provide up-todate information to potential investors.

In addition, to promote its work locally, more particularly among the youths of the population, Go-Invest will be reaching out to students of the University of Guyana and students leaving secondary school. Those outreaches, the Go-Invest CEO said, are to stimulate students’ interest

in business, and to inform them of areas of investment available and concessions to be had.

The investment agency is also working to develop a website which, apart from English, would be available in Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and French. A standard application is being developed so that investors could express their interest online.

Staffers of Go-Invest are also being trained in these languages so as to ensure that the agency’s operation is not affected by the language barrier.

APOLOGY

On page 9 of our yesterday issue of the Guyana Chronicle, in the story headlined ‘Social Cohesion Summit for late August ‘, we inadvertently placed a photograph of Bishop Francis Alleyne instead of Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally.

The Chronicle sincerely regrets the error and apologises to Bishop Alleyne and Minister Ally for the embarrassment this might have caused them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Iran says concerned over cyber-security of nuclear talks: Fars (REUTERS) IRAN expressed concern on Friday over cyber-security of nuclear talks with six world powers after reported cyber-attacks on venues linked to the negotiations on its disputed nuclear program, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Russian computer security company Kaspersky Lab said on Wednesday that a computer virus was used to hack into sites including three luxury hotels that have

hosted the nuclear negotiations in Austria and Switzerland.

Fars said the Iranian Foreign Ministry had written to the Austrian and Swiss governments expressing “serious concern”.

“Tehran has also asked to be informed about the results of investigations over the issue,” it said.

Switzerland and Austria are investigating the allegations.

“Iran wants all neces-

sary measures ... taken to secure the talks, including cyber security, as soon as possible,” Fars cited the ministry’s letter to Austria as saying.

Iran and the six world powers - the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - are trying to clinch a deal by June 30 under which Tehran would curb its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of Western sanctions.

Iran denies any ambition

World’s first penis transplant patient to father a child (REUTERS) A young South African man who had the world’s first successful penis transplant last December has impregnated his girlfriend, the doctor who led the surgery said on Friday.

The 22-year-old man, who has not been named, is among around 250 South Africans who lose their penises each year in botched traditional circumcisions.

The nine-hour transplant operation formed part of a pilot study by Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch.

The patient was sexually active five weeks later.

“To us it means we are ticking most of the boxes where this guy can stand and urinate normally, can have sexual intercourse and his penis function has recovered completely,” Andre van der Merwe, who led the surgical team, told Reuters.

“Now to have children is the last thing we wanted.”

He said that independent pregnancy or paternity tests have not been done to verify it was indeed the patient’s child but he had no reason to disbelieve the young man, who was employed and lived in Cape Town.

“I know that he can ejaculate normally and there is no reason for him to be infertile. I was expecting a pregnancy at some stage, even though I didn’t expect it this early,” he said.

Each year, hundreds of young South African men, mainly from the Xhosa tribe, lose their penises after coming-of-age rituals go wrong. It is hoped Van der Merwe’s pioneering surgery will help them overcome the physical and psychological trauma.

Announcing the successful transplant in March, Van der Merwe’s team said the procedure could eventually be offered to men who have lost their penis to cancer or as a last resort for severe erectile dysfunction.

Van der Merwe has received requests for penis transplants from as far afield as the United States, Colombia and Russia.

“I do believe we will transplant again before the end of the year,” he said.

security company Symantec said the virus shared some programming with previously discovered espionage software called Duqu, which security experts believe to have been developed by Israelis.

Israel, widely believed to be the Middle East’s only nuclear power, has rejected as baseless reports on its possible link to the computer virus.

On Friday, Russian news agency TASS quoted

Negotiators of Iran and six world powers face each other at a table in the historic basement of Palais Coburg hotel in Vienna April 24, 2015. Reuters/Heinz-Peter Bader a diplomatic source as saying the nuclear talks had virtually stalled and the deadline for a final deal may have to be postponed.

to develop nuclear weapons and says its program is for generating electricity and other peaceful purposes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Street dwellers fined for loitering

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) KEVIN “Saucy Pow” Darlington was among 17 people arrested and charged for loitering on the San Fernando Promenade on Tuesday night.

All but one of the 17 accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

They were ordered to pay a fine of $200 or face one month in jail when they appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington in the San Fernando Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

One of the accused, Vidya Ramlogan, pleaded not guilty and told Wellington family problems had landed her on the streets.

Vidya Ramlogan, in foreground, Althea King and Lisa Dhalbarry are escorted by police officers from the San Fernando Magistrates Court on Wednesday, after appearing on charges of loitering. Photo: RISHI RAGOONATH She was granted $400 bail and the matter was adjourned to July 8.

According to reports, Darlington was seen lying on a cardboard box, covered in sheets of newspaper around 11.30 pm on Tuesday. Darlington is a well-known cross dresser.

When he was approached by officers of the San Fernando Police Station and questioned as to why he was lying on the pavement, Darlington replied: “I here, because I here.”

When asked by Wellington where he lives, Darlington said Tarouba Heights.

Wellington asked him to be more specific, but Darlington said he could not remember the name of the street where he lived.

The magistrate told him he would not be given time to pay the fine as he had not satisfied the court that he had a fixed place of residence.

Also among the prisoners was a 60-year-old man who told Wellington he went to collect medication for a stroke at the San Fernando General Hospital on Tuesday but he decided to spend the night on the promenade because he could not get transport to get home.

David James, who was found lying on a cardboard box, covered with a white sheet, told the court he lives at Ste Madeleine.

Wellington gave him four days to pay the $200 fine or face one month in jail.

Althea King, one of the three women charged, told Wellington she was only on the streets because she had been evicted from her Tunapuna home last week.

King said since then she had been searching for a place to live without success. She told Wellington she had over a $1,000 in cash which she said was confiscated by police.

She said she would use some of the money to pay the fine immediately.

Wellington wished her well in her search for a home.

Five shot in downtown Kingston mayhem (JAMAICA OBSERVER) CRIMINALS toting high-powered weapons yesterday shot and injured at least five people in a series of brazen daylight attacks in downtown Kingston.

The Jamaica Observer was told that in the first incident, which took place at around 10:30 am, thugs went into Coronation Market where hundreds of vendors ply their trade.

The unthinkable then occurred.

“The armed thugs opened fire at people in the market,” a source claiming to be an eyewitness told the Observer.

According to the source, the shooting took place just metres away from where a police armoured vehicle was parked.

When the shooting subsided three people were left with gunshot wounds.

Shortly after that incident gunfire again erupted, this time in nearby Tivoli Gardens, where hoodlums chased and shot a man.

Police yesterday were trying to piece together clues to ascertain if the second attack was in any way linked to the first.

“What we know, however, is that minutes after three persons were shot, gunmen went over to Tivoli Gardens and opened fire on a group of people in the area,” a police source said.

Police said that while they were carrying out a count of the victims, other people turned up at hospitals nursing gunshot wounds,

bringing to five the total number injured.

The series of attacks left downtown Kingston vendors and residents on edge.

“Right now this thing

Road close to the Tivoli Gardens community.

“Some of the police them want to get draw-up, especially those in the armoured vehicle,” another

and quiet. These latest attacks are in retaliation to a recent incident where the wholesale of a well-known businessman was robbed,” the senior cop added.

The scene inside Coronation Market, downtown Kingston where at least five people were shot and injured yesterday. (PHOTO: LIONEL ROOKWOOD) get serious, nobody no safe again. I wonder what next,” a woman whispered to the Observer news team.

Yesterday’s incidents drew a large contingent of police to the area.

The shootings also drew a large group of residents who said they were not satisfied with the reaction of the police.

“Right now some of the police are working but there are others dragging their feet,” a woman said as she stood along Spanish Town

woman shouted. “As far as we know a pure girl them a bring over there at nighttime and not doing them work.”

Meanwhile, head of the Kingston Western Police Division Senior Superintendent Cornwall ‘Bigga’ Ford warned that police would be pulling out all the stops to capture those responsible.

“I just want to use the opportunity to let Jamaica know what is happening in the area,” said Ford.

“In the last five weeks the division was peaceful

Police said more than $1 million worth of items were stolen from the business.

“Since this incident there have been a series of attacks, which have so far claimed the life of one person,” Ford told the Observer.

He said that in response to the developments police have not only increased their presence in the area but have also identified some of the individuals who they believe are key players in the ongoing feud.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Editorial

Guyana

A nation’s sovereignty

O

NCE again the sovereignty of the Republic of Guyana is under threat by a neighbouring country, the leader of which has made utterances and pronouncements against Guyana’s rights to oil explorations in its own maritime and other territories that are anything but neighbourly.

Venezuela encompasses a huge land mass and already produces oil that should have made that country a highly-developed nation-state in the South American continent; but profligacy and mismanagement have squandered its bounties and left large swaths of its society living in dolorous poverty; so it has once again turned its covetous eye on Guyana’s richest county – the Essequibo, and is also laying claim to maritime territories that hold much promise of abundant oil deposits. Because of an undefined western boundary, the British had commissioned Robert Schomburgk, a surveyor and naturalist, to delineate

that boundary. His 1835 survey resulted in what came to be known as the Schomburgk Line.

However, Venezuela disputed the British delineation, claiming instead that its borders extended as far east as the Essequibo River, which was an approximate two-thirds of British Guiana’s territory.

Lord Salisbury’s government submitted the dispute to the American boundary commission and Venezuela submitted to arbitration, but rejected a binding decision handed down on October 3, 1899, which directed that the border follow the Schomburgk Line.

Nevertheless, despite agreeing to submission to the commission’s decision, Venezuela still keeps, like a festering wound on the psyche of the Guyanese people, making intermittent pronouncements on its rights to the Essequibo and its maritime territories.

The Maduro government has once again attempted to annex Guyana’s maritime space, according to local

media reports, and has accused the Granger Administration of a disrespectful response to this illegal claim.

However, the Guyana Government has deemed sacrosanct to Guyana its offshore jurisdiction and any of its Essequibo territories. In this the Opposition has thrown its full weight behind the Government’s decree of non-submission to Venezuela’s bullyism.

Guyana’s Government has stated, unequivocally, that Venezuela’s claim “… cannot be applicable to any part of Guyana’s territory”.

Venezuela contends that the Arbitration Award of 1899 is null and void, and is giving credence only to the regulatory framework of the Geneva Convention.

However, the land boundary established between Guyana and Venezuela as defined by the Arbitral Award of 1899 is internationally accepted as final and indisputable, and renders any claim by Venezuela to the disputed

territory as without legal merit.

Venezuela has also recognised, over its decades’ long existence, the 1905 demarcation of this boundary; thus Guyana is contending that Maduro’s recent pronouncement is a violation of international law.

The sovereignty of Guyana is unquestionable since independence was granted to this nation by Great Britain; and it is despicable for a more powerful neighbour to covet and threaten to wrest, with force, Guyana’s resource-rich territories.

The threat by Venezuela is like a dark cloud forever looming over Guyana. It is real and extant, because there have been many forays by Venezuelan troops into Guyana’s territory.

Guyana may have internal disputes and problems, but in the matter of our sovereignty as a nation, Guyanese stand as one as we refute Venezuela’s nefarious claims and together let them know that we will never yield ‘… a blade of grass.’

Jobs for youths, new social contract, revision of labour laws on agenda -President Granger

THE fight against poverty cannot be won through charitable handouts, neither through trickle-down economics, rather it is only through the provision of jobs, particularly for young people, can the ‘panacea for pauperisation and privation be realised’, and as such youth employment will be a priority of the new Government.

This was President David Granger’s assertion as he addressed the opening of the 11th Parliament on June 10, during which he outlined that the provision of jobs for youths, the development of a social contract, and the revision of labour legislation will all be addressed, “in order to reduce poverty, improve productivity, strengthen democracy, and enhancing the people’s quality of life...”

More importantly, he said, is that

a vibrant labour movement and sector in Guyana be realised. “Today, in our country, there is a crisis of youth unemployment. Many of our young people are leaving school and university, but are unable to find jobs. Without jobs they cannot escape from the cycle of poverty.” He said that the new Government will be introducing measures to establish young people’s economic independence and to improve their livelihood by promoting micro-enterprise development.

“Our policy will be geared to finding ways to increase wealth to give people a good life,” the President said, noting that, “Everyone, both rich and poor, stands to benefit if poverty is eradicated. It is not our intention to deprive the rich in order to help the poor. We shall involve all classes in the fight against

poverty.”

He said that Government is set to wage war against poverty under a social contract characterised by an inclusionary process, since “such an approach would boost national confidence, and allow for the mobilisation of the material and human resources needed for the tasks at hand, which is the elimination of poverty.”

The President outlined, among the measures that will be undertaken in this fight, the development of a social contract that will guide the economy for the next five years until 2020.

He explained that he had met the leaders of the private sector and they will organise a forum that will bring together businesses, the trade unions, the political parties and civil society, towards the development of this contract.

“We feel that a vibrant labour movement is essential for social security, a fairer society, effective governance and

national development,” the President said, as he explained that Government will revise relevant labour legislation to support all legally constituted and functioning trade unions to enable them to better represent the needs of workers.

“We shall, towards this end, give effect to the Motion passed in the 10th Parliament to restore the annual subvention to the Critchlow Labour College,” the President said.

He added that Government will introduce measures to promote social cohesion and protect vulnerable groups, and shall work towards healing the rifts between social groups in the country.

“We shall re-establish cordial relationships with civil society, religious organisations and trade unions. We have the responsibility to restore the integrity and viability of working people and non-governmental organisations which have all been gravely undermined,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Functions of Tourism, Business Ministries discussed with senior staff PERMANENT Secretary Derrick Cummings Thursday met with senior officers of the Ministries of Tourism and Business, when he urged the staff to put aside their political sentiments and professionally execute the mandate of the respective agencies.

The meeting, held at the Tourism Ministry’s South Road Office, sought to discuss budgeting and what is likely to be the functions, roles, and demands of the ministries.

“Once you sign on to perform the duty within the ministry, you are automatically part of the implementation of the Government’s policy. Regardless of what political sentiments one may have, the interest of the Government ought to be conducted,” Cummings told the staff.

He explained that the ministry is on the verge of finalising the reconfiguration of how the Ministries of Tourism and Business will operate. Cummings pointed out that these agencies will function with their respective Permanent Secretaries and

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Derrick Cummings meeting with senior officers of the Ministries of Tourism and Business other support staff.

However, while some things are very clear, others are still to be finalised, regarding some agencies and departments as to where they will be placed within the respective ministries. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Consumer and Competition Affairs and the National Exhibition Centre are awaiting placement.

The Commerce, Industrial Development and Guyana Office for Investment will fall under the purview of the Ministry of Business, while the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre (ACICC) will be under Tourism.

The Permanent Secretary also sought to clear the air on reports accusing the Ministry of mas-

sive lay-off of staff, and which targets a certain ethnic group. Cummings explained that that Ministry would have issued a statement on the matter, referring to a driver who was asked to take his leave, because the tool he used to execute his job was out of commission for two weeks.

Cummings reported that the driver is back on the job.

Cabinet approves interim management board for Go-Invest FOLLOWING a request by Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin to the Cabinet approval has been granted for the setting up of an interim management board to conduct the Guyana Office for Investment’s (Go-Invest) affairs.

This was reported to the media

by Minister of State Joseph Harmon who informed that the move resulted after the life of the previous board expired in 2014.

The board will formulate guiding and directing policy for the organisation, “for the next six months, until such time that

things could be considered properly and a board is established”.

The interim board will comprise representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Private Sector, the diaspora, the political Opposition and the Ministries of Tourism and Business.

It was also pointed out that approval was given for the Business Minister to add more persons to the board as he sees fit, Minister Harmon explained, “based on the realities of Guyana”.

The agencies and stakeholders

will recommend their representative and approval will be given by the Cabinet.

GO-Invest was established under the Public Corporations Act (1994) in 1994 as a semi-autonomous body, and comes under the direct purview of the Office of the President. The CEO answers to a Board of Directors which is composed of representatives of both the private and public sectors. GO-Invest is divided into two divisions, one responsible for Investment Facilitation and Promotion and the other for Export Promotion. (GINA)

Future of infrastructure projects to be determined after review -Minister Harmon

COMPREHENSIVE reviews will determine if major infrastructure projects, such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion, will continue, according to Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon.

Addressing the media at his post-Cabinet briefing at the Ministry, Thursday, the minister explained that these projects will be reviewed in their entirety to determine if their continuation is in the best interest of Guyana.

“What we are doing is to have a full brief on everything that has to do with these projects,” Minister Harmon explained. He pointed out that as the Opposition, “we complained that we did not have all of the information, that the then Government was not giving us the information in a very systematic way. They were actually giving you a little bit here and a little bit there; now that we are in Government, we have the ability to find all of it (information), and we will make the determination after we have a full review,” he said.

Minister Harmon pointed out that the review will not only be involving the Government, but other entities and stakeholders in the country, whose views on these projects were ignored by the previous Administration.

“Huge sums of money have been spent, they are not our money, they are the people’s money, belonging to all of Guyana, and so in crafting the way forward for these projects, we are going to engage other stakeholders,” the Minister said.

Minister Harmon and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson will begin the review of the CJIA project immediately. Minister Harmon explained that they will be meeting with the management team and the contractors to chart the way forward on the project.(GINA)

Saturday June 13, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Sunday June 14, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Monday June 15, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

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Carter Center committed to staying engaged with Guyana Gov’t

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Education Minister pledges accreditation assistance to local aeronautical school

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine with officials of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School at Wednesday’s meeting President David Granger during his meeting with Field Office Director of the Carter Center, Jason Calder, at the Ministry of the Presidency

FOLLOWING a meeting with President David Granger, Field Office Director of the Carter Center, Jason Calder, said the Center is looking forward to continued efforts with the Administration in some critical areas.

Calder paid a visit to the Head of State Thursday, at the Ministry of the Presidency, where discussions were

held on the Center’s preliminary statement on the recently concluded May 11 General and Regional Elections.

According to Calder, during the meeting, which he described as positive, the President reflected on the electoral process and outlined his hopes going forward for Guyanese. “We also had the opportunity to talk about some areas where the Carter

Center may be interested in doing some continuing work in Guyana, including on electoral reform, social cohesion, and reconciliation and the question of inclusive governance,” Calder stated.

The Carter Center was among several international observer missions that participated in the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

MINISTER of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, M.P, met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, Capt. Malcolm G. Chan-a-Sue and the Executive Manager, Mrs.Nalini Chanderban on Wednesday to discuss the accreditation status of the school’s Ab-Initio programme.

The Minister of Education indicated his willingness to assist in the facilitation of the institution’s accredi-

tation process and as such, has committed to having the National Accreditation Council of Guyana work with the Aeronautical Engineering School to have its Completion Certificate made equivalent to an Associate Degree.

This school, under the leadership of Capt. Chana-Sue and management of Mrs Chanderban is certified and approved by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the Trinidad & Tobago Civil Aviation Authority, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, the

Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Suriname, and the CARICOM arm of Aviation, the Caribbean Aviation Safety & Security Oversight Systems. It is also certified under the ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management Systems of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards.

The school will continue to work with the University of Guyana and the National Accreditation Council to have its programme used as a prerequisite for a Degree in Aviation Maintenance.

Police record 10% increase in serious crimes INFORMATION released by the Police Force has reflected an increase in serious crimes during January to the end of May 2015, when compared to the corresponding period for 2014.

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

In a press release issued yesterday, the police stated that 66 murders were recorded at the end of May 2015, in comparison to 59 murders at the end of May 2014, an increase of 12%.

Unto to June 11, 2015, eight murders have been recorded compared to 6 for the same period in June 2014.

At the end of May, 2015, robbery under arms overall decreased by 8% in comparison to the same period in 2014.

The statistics indicate a decrease of 9% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; and a 6% decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

Further, at the end of May this year, a total of 50 illegal firearms were recovered by the police, comprising 31 pistols, 10 revolvers, 3 shotguns, 5 rifles and 1 pen-gun.

In this light, the police are advising members of the public to be vigilant and to report to the police any suspicious person or persons who they may observe to be lurking in their neighbourhood, during the day or night.

The police reported that while serious crimes are increasing, their investigations are leading to the perpetrators being caught and placed before the court.

Investigations were conducted into the murder of taxi-driver Dennis Narine that occurred at his home at Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara, on May 31, 2015, resulting in Ravindra Ramdat, 20 years, of Grove, EBD, being charged with murder.

He appeared at the Wales Magistrate Court yesterday, when he was remanded to prison until July 31, 2015.

There has been no arrest as yet as investigations continue into the murder of Alicia McPherson, 17, who was fatally stabbed at ‘B’ Field, Sophia, on April 19, 2015.

A wanted bulletin has been issued for the prime suspect

in this matter.

In addition, investigations are continuing into the murder of Shawn Anys of Turkeyen, ECD, who was shot and killed during an armed robbery at his home on May 1, 2015.

However, in relation to the murder of Sherwin Barrow, 19, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who was shot and killed during an argument with two men at Warlock, East Ruimveldt, on May 06, 2015, a suspect was arrested and subsequently released.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the murder of Indian national Amendria Singh, which occurred at his home at D’Aguiar Park, EBD, on May 26, 2015, remains hospitalised and under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Even as these and other investigations continue, the police say they are in the process of re-intensifying efforts aimed at crime prevention through their police-community partnership programme, along with social crime prevention interventions in the Policing Divisions with special emphasis on empowering youths.

There was a lull in activities in this regard during May, 2015, owing to security preparations for the General Elections.

However, members of Youth Clubs in 'E' Division (Linden) benefited from Information Technology Classes and First Aid Training during the month.

In addition, officers and other ranks of 'B' Division (Berbice) assisted in the cleaning up of New Amster-

dam and were also involved in the enhancing of the environment at St. Theresa’s Primary School.

During the month of May also there were three interventions supported by the religious community in the Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN) which treats with juvenile first offenders for minor crimes as a pre-emptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps.

Since the launch of the CFCN and unto May 31, 2015, there has been a total of 156 such interventions.

In all cases, youths were counselled by religious leaders, and following the involvement of parents/ guardians, and the victims where necessary, the majority of them were warned and sent away, the police stated. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Foreign Minister Greenidge says…

Ambassadors have two months to return, four-year Foreign Service rotation needed

By Derwayne Wills VICE-PRESIDENT and Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Carl Greenidge has proposed a mandatory four-year rotation period for ambassadors and high commissioners in Guyana’s Foreign Service.

He has disclosed that current ambassadors have two months to conclude their service.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Minister lamented that political appointees in the previous Administration were allowed to serve for over 20 years in Guyana’s Foreign Service. He reasoned that, in most countries, diplomats serve for a period of two or four years before rotation, and asserted, “We will restore that.”

And Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell, told this publication

via telephone interview yesterday that Guyana currently has 17 missions. More specifically, she said, there are 12 embassies and high commissions, and 5 consulates.

Either an ambassador or a high commissioner heads 12 of Guyana’s 17 overseas missions, but the official title of any of the 12 heads depends on the customs of the country in which they are serving.

Explaining the process for recalling ambassadors, Ms Waddell explained that ambassadors are deployed to countries to represent the interests of the sending country’s president. The receiving country receives notice when the tour of duty of an ambassador has ended.

“When (a person is) appointed as an ambassador or high commissioner, the person would be granted a particular status as an envoy of the president of the sending country, and would have a right to conduct business on

Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Carl Greenidge

behalf of the sending country,” Waddell explained.

Concerns have been raised over the years that some envoys who served former presidents of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Governments have established families while serving their missions. Asked what measures the Ministry would take to recall an ambassador

ensnared in such an extreme case, the Director-General said those envoys each make a personal decision whether or not to return to Guyana, but the reality is unchanged that they would no longer represent the interests of the sending country.

For his part, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge weighed in on the situation of polit-

ical appointees, as against those of career diplomats.

“The practice is for career diplomats to be rotated; but for politicians, who are not career diplomats [and] have been brought in by the president, the president has to bring the term to an end when that president leaves office,” Greenidge recounted, as he affirmed that this should be Guyana’s principle.

He even called for heads of missions appointed by former presidents to step down from their posts. “There is nothing special about the PPP politicians who are wearing the hat of diplomats today.

They have to recognise that they served the president that appointed them to serve him, and (they must) step down.”

Director-General Waddell has confirmed that, so far, no Head of Mission has returned to Guyana. Minister Greenidge is not bothered by this reality, since, according to him, the two-month period

has not yet passed.

There have been reports that since the swearing-in of the David Granger Administration, heads of missions have begun returning to Guyana, but the Director-General has since denied this claim.

Waddell was further asked if Guyana’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mr Ronald Gajraj, had returned to this country. Gajraj served for some time under the Jagdeo Administration as Home Affairs Minister, before being deployed to India, and later to Bangladesh. Gajraj is expected to tender his resignation within the stipulated two-month period.

Ambassador Waddell explained there are mechanisms to ensure that ambassadors comply with the request of the President to surrender their missions in worst-case scenarios, but she is hopeful that such measures would not have to be leveraged.

Ministries of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Tourism to promote local tourism product

By Rebecca Ganesh MINISTER Sydney Allicock of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs has asserted that that ministry and the Ministry of Tourism would be working collaboratively to assist hinterland communities to realise their true potential relative to community-based tourism.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle at his office, Minister Allicock explained that his ministry’s primary focus would be on the academic and economic aspects that would achieve social upliftment.

He noted that opportunities that have not been looked at exist in all the interior com-

munities, and he said what the people need is assistance to identify the possibilities within their areas.

The Minister said: “The reality is (that) people take things for granted, and I am speaking from personal experience. I would look away from myself, or the community or environment, and look for other opportunities elsewhere.”

He noted that, through different mediums, persons are taught that the ‘city’ is where all opportunities exist.

“We always believed everything that came from abroad is the best, and that was sort of built into (us) because of the teachings we had. We need to educate the indigenous people that we

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock

have something valuable, and have them move away from this sort of thinking”, the minister stressed.

He said that, after much

research, he can easily say that “today people are looking for organic foods; experiencing a real forest; experiencing fresh air; experiencing different cultures; and most of all, tourists want to still find the people that have the understanding of the value of nature.

“Tourism would be the umbrella, since most activities done would be related to this sector,” he disclosed.

He also said that for the country to achieve any form of community-based sustainable development, many things are presently needed, the most important of which is education of the people.

“For eco- or community-based tourism (to flourish), you need transport, education,

health facilities, guides, caterers (and) builders among others. Persons want to experience the new dimensions, but we have to focus on the identity of our hinterland communities, so that they can be able to sell their product,” he opined.

He emphasised that development of community-based tourism is much needed within our communities, noting that it was revealed that many tourists now prefer eco-tourism, which Guyana possesses much of.

He explained that the understanding garnered from the world market is that the areas that had previously drawn large amounts of tourists are no longer attracting those numbers because tourists are

now looking for new destinations and new interests.

The Minister noted that many tourists now want to move away from the sun, sand and sea aspect of tourism into a new type of product.

“Tourists are now visiting places for the love of nature, and we have it from Region 1 to Region 10. The beauty of our country is within the interior locations,” he explained.

“Now that we have a Ministry of Tourism, we would be working very closely with them so that we can help the communities. Some of them are ready to take up the challenge, and others are now gearing themselves for this challenge,” he concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Foreign envoys approve of President’s address to 11th Parliament

By Derwayne Wills WHILE Guyana has run the risk of being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the western missions in Guyana are satisfied with President Granger’s commitment for the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill in the 11th Parliament.

In his address to the 11th Parliament on Wednesday, President Granger spoke to the plans of his Government to bring about the development of the Guyanese people.

The President highlighted as priorities the passage of the

British High Commissioner, Mr Gregory Quinn

Canadian High Commissioner, Dr. Nicole Giles

Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation, as well as the Local Government (Amendment) Bill which will see Local Government elections being

held early next year.

High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Dr. Nicole Giles called the President’s legislative agenda “ambitious” but expressed her Government’s pleasure

Head of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Robert Kopecky

“to see that the overdue AML/CFT legislation is going to be tabled and brought forward as well as a date being set for the Local Government elections through the

passage of the last LGE bill.”

Head of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Robert Kopecky expressed the European Union’s satisfaction at seeing Guyana advance towards public finance management by passing the AML/CFT legislation.

He recalled the response of the EU in suspending funds to Guyana in the absence of effective fiscal management and parliamentary oversight since the prorogation of Parliament by former President Donald Ramotar.

RETURN TO NORMALCY Kopecky noted that the opening of the 11th Parliament signals the return to normalcy in Guyana in terms of financial management, accountability and transparency. He further commended the other ideas listed in the President’s address in

terms of the eradication of poverty and inequality.

Meanwhile, UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn said that the President has laid out a “comprehensive schedule of legislation for Parliament.” Like his colleagues, Quinn championed President Granger’s mention of passing legislation against money laundering and financing of terrorism.

The UK envoy cautioned, however, that the workload for this parliamentary session is heavy but achievable. “I think it’s gonna be hard work because there’s a lot to cram into a very short period of time,” he said, while adding jokingly, “But it’s good to make parliamentarians work; we make our parliamentarians in the UK work, so parliamentarians everywhere should work.”

Minister Trotman attends high-level energy governance meetings Education Ministry – as Guyana prepares to be oil, gas producer MINISTER of Governance and National Patrimony within the Ministry of the Presidency, Hon. Raphael Trotman, recently attended a series of high-level meetings in Washington D.C on Ener-

gy Governance and Capacity Initiative.

The Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI) is a U. S. Department of State – led, U. S. inter-agency effort to provide a wide range of

technical and capacity- building assistance to the host governments of select countries that are on the verge of becoming the world’s next generation of oil and gas producers.

The countries receiving

EGCI assistance have worldclass hydrocarbon resource potential and are expected to receive sizeable, near-term financial windfalls from the development of their oil and gas resources.

EGCI’s core objective is to help such countries establish the capacity to manage their oil and gas resources responsibly.

Although EGCI’s goals are country-specific in nature, the programme broadly tries to ensure sound and transparent energy-sector governance for the benefit of national economic development.

Managed by the Bureau of Energy Resources at the State Department, EGCI works in four areas of capacity building that include the technical understanding of the resource, through applying the most appropriate technologies.

During the meetings, Minister Trotman was able to have fruitful discussions on issues such as Offshore and Regulatory overview, Lease Sale Planning, Company Bonding, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Analysis and Review of Exploration and Production Plans. Additionally, the meeting facilitated a networking link that will be pivotal as Guyana advances its activities in the oil and gas sector.

investigating corporal punishment of female Rupununi students

THE Ministry of Education is conducting an investigation into an incident in which at least two students, one from the Awarewanau Primary School and the other from Lethem, were given humiliating corporal punishment in the presence of other students.

From a video clip that was first posted on Face Book several months ago and recently re-posted, it appears that the two female students were partially stripped and whipped, whilst being restrained, as other students looked on. According to the post, the girls, who are 13 and 15 years old, were beaten with “broad cow skin belt and hospitalised” subsequently.

According to Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, himself, “[The Ministry of Education] in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Social Protection are investigating the matter, and will take appropriate action.”

The video, which actually surfaced several months ago, was reported to the Education Ministry. A full report on the incident will be made public once completed, according to the Education Minister.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

PM Nagamootoo performing duties of President FIRST Vice President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was yesterday sworn in as Acting President by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Carl Singh.

President David Granger has departed for the United States, and Mr. Nagamootoo will be performing the duties that fall under the purview of the President until His Excellency returns to Guyana.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo taking the oath in the presence of Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Carl Singh. Also in photo is Chief Protocol Officer Vic Persaud

PNCR congratulates successful NGSA students – but regretfully notes outperforming of state schools by private ones THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has congratulated the 15,225 students who were successful at the 2015 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

In a statement, the PNCR said it “wishes to recognise the efforts and sacrifices of the 15, 225 students and their parents as well as the efforts of their teachers to ensure their successful participation in the vital 2015 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination, which represents the foundation for advancement to the secondary school level.”

Additionally, the party offered its congratulations to the Top 100 students and recognised the special efforts and success of the Top 10 students: Solomon Cherai, Shania Eastman, Celine Farinha, Shreya Persaud, Isabella Hussain, Afeefah London, Travis Isaacs, Bhedesh Persaud, Reanna McCurchin, and Timur Singh.

The PNCR said, however, that it noted with regret that national schools continue to be out-performed by private institutions and, additionally, far too many Guyanese children are being failed by our education

system.

The party noted that the new APNU+AFC Government is resolutely committed to ensuring that Guyana becomes once again an “education nation”. Therefore, every effort will be made to radically improve the quality of education being offered to all Guyanese children.

The party concluded by wishing all the students every success as they advance through the secondary schools which they have been awarded and expressed the hope that they will eventually progress to tertiary level institutions.

Office of the Prime Minister new location The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is now located at the Ministry of the Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, Georgetown.

All correspondence for the OPM should be directed to the new address.

The telephone and facsimile numbers for the OPM remain unchanged and are as follows: Telephone: 592- 2273101/2; 592-227-8266

Facsimile: 592-2267573.

Director of Public Information, Office of the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has advised that an OPM website is being developed and will be soon available at www.opm. gov.gy, and in the interim e-mails can be sent to opmguyana@gmail.com Khan further said that OPM social media platforms will also be

aggressively and extensively used to engage and inform the public. These are being developed and will be available as follows: Facebook: www.facebook.com/opmguyana Twitter: @opmguyana Instagram: @opmguyana Yo u t u b e , S o u n d cloud, Flickr and other platforms will be added in due course.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken says, ‘call me’

By Leroy Smith

COMMANDER of the police ‘A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken is calling on members of the public to call him directly on telephone number +592 699 0871 or +592 622 6592 if they believe that they have sensitive information pertaining to illegal activities they are not comfortable sharing with junior police ranks.

The divisional commander made the appeal during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle a few days ago, when he pointed out that since the police have been engaging members of the public at the higher level, the organisation has been able to make headway with some very serious and high-profile cases when information was passed on by

civilians.

According to Hicken, the force noticed that recently it has been able to confiscate high-powered weapons and arrest high-profile criminals without the use of force and in some cases without the exchange of gunfire. He credited this to the intelligence often received from persons who see the need to make their communities safe and free of persons of devious characters.

“We have been able to seize firearms and in large quantities and high-powered ones while having confrontation with members of the public with very minimal force compared to long ago; and that is because we have been getting intelligence and we have been empowered,” Hicken told this newspaper.

On the issue of the holding of the just concluded Na-

tional and Regional Elections, Hicken expressed his appreciation to citizens within his division for cooperating with the staff of the Guyana Elections Commission and the police to make the process in ‘A’ Division one which was free of any major incidents.

At the moment, the police are also embarking on its own environmental, internal and exterior cleaning up and according to Hicken, while citizens are clearing the country of garbage, the force, especially ‘A’ Division is weeding out those ranks who have been acting outside the standard operating procedures and bringing the force into disrepute.

At this point in time, Hicken is engaged in several inspections to various police stations within the division, along with his management

team and the issues of sanitation, record-keeping and adherence to the standard operating procedures are atop the agenda of the visiting senior ranks.

On Saturday last, the division held a meeting with all drivers who are entrusted vehicles of the state that are being used by the Guyana Police Force ‘A’ Division to execute their duties.

At the meeting, the ranks were reminded that the vehicles are assets of the state and as such they should be properly maintained and handled with care by the respective drivers. The need for proper take-over hand-over systems which are already in place must be adhered to, according to Deputy Commander Dion Moore who addressed the police ranks.

Superintendent Moore

also reminded ranks in his discussion with this publication that the force is going through a modernisation process and one of the main issues to ensuring that the process works is the adherence by serving members to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

All police ranks in the division according to Moore, should have in their possession the SOPs and those who do not have, efforts are being made to ensure that they are served with their copies, since they are not expected to claim ignorance whenever they are pulled over the coals for acting outside the SOPs. The senior officer pointed out too that members of the public will only continue to have a good relationship with the force when they see a professional body, since it fosters the atmosphere for dialogue

and communication.

With respect to the issue of patrols, Assistant Superintendent Anthony Austin explained that the mandate of Impact Base with which he is involved, is to conduct rigorous patrols in all areas of the division, especially those high-risk communities.

He pointed out too that the nature of the department sees patrols being done via foot, vehicles and motorcycles. In Albouystown and Agricola there are foot patrols which are complemented by motorcycles and vehicles.

There is a protocol that governs the dispatching of patrols to areas and it also has a lot to do with needs assessment, the ASP noted. A division like all other divisions has a 360 degree posture with respect to patrolling.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Zika virus...

M&CC to release schedule of fogging exercises for public DEPUTY Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has disclosed that a schedule of fogging exercises to be done by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) would be made public soon.

Chase-Green said these exercises will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, especially as they relate to the latest virus to hit the Caribbean, Zika. “A schedule will have to be put out so that citizens in the various areas will be able to prepare.”

She said the M&CC’s Chief Medical Officer will have to engage the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, so as to facilitate a collaborative approach.

The council some time ago

acquired its own fogging machine.

At the council’s most recent statutory meeting, Chase-Green had called for the Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health to be contacted urgently, so that the council would know how best to protect the city from Zika.

Meanwhile, control of the Zika virus which is currently prevalent in countries of the Caribbean, is set to be targeted by Guyana’s Vector Control Unit (VCU). Head of the VCU, Dr. Reyaud Rahaman, has said that they will be increasing their efforts to prevent Zika from becoming an epidemic in Guyana.

“Technically we don’t want to put the population

under risk by putting chemicals into the atmosphere and causing persons any harm, [we] have to be safe in what we’re doing,” Rahaman said.

In the meantime, he disclosed that they have sent out more staff to different high-density populations around the city. So far, the officers have been looking for breeding sites of mosquitoes and sensitising the public on what they should look out for, in terms of diseases. Zika apparently carries symptoms similar to Chikungunya.

Dr. Rahaman also disclosed that there will be a move to a new level from routine activities to a more holistic approach to tackling vector-borne diseases.

Indian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Public Infrastructure Ministers

VENKATACHALAM Mahalingam, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, on Friday paid a courtesy call on the country’s Public Infrastructure Ministers at their Wight’s Lane office.

The visit was to congratulate the Hon. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure and the Hon. Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on their appointments and discuss issues of bilateral interest in the infrastructural sector.

Mr. Mahalingam also updated the ministers on Exim Bank’s Government of India Line of Credit (LOC)

Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam is flanked by Ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson

offer of US$50M for the East Bank/East Coast road linkages.

Mr. Mahalingam said

India was ready to partner with the ministry to develop works which will stimulate growth in the economy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

ARIES This could be a highly productive day for you if you approach it in the right way. You will find that you have an added burst of energy that could help you conquer just about any task you set your mind to. You may feel more aggressive than usual, so use this to your advantage by delegating tasks and moving forward on projects that you’d like to see done.

TAURUS You may feel a bit anxious today, and it may be hard to settle down. You probably have many irons in the fire right now, and they’re all starting to heat up at once. Unfortunately, other people may not be especially sensitive to your needs, so beware. It might be best to put up some sort of psychic shield to protect yourself from other people’s moods.

GEMINI Your heart should feel quite generous today. You’re most likely feeling the need to keep everyone smiling. Spread your radiant sunshine everywhere - it will be appreciated on a day like this. You can’t go wrong with compliments and positive encouragement. Focus on the good in all people and you will find that this attitude helps bring out the best in you.

CANCER You may feel the urge to get up and go today. Follow this instinct and get to work. You’re anxious to get the ball rolling on certain projects. The key for you now is to make sure that the ones that are already started get done before you tackle the others. Don’t let people stand in the way of your progress. Grab hold of the reins if you need to.

LEO You may find that there is some opposition from other people today, especially concerning emotions. You may feel threatened in some way. An aggressive attitude could be making you feel inferior or unworthy of certain attention.

Wanting peace, justice, and harmony doesn’t make you wimpy or inferior, as some people may suggest. These qualities are your strengths, not your weaknesses.

VIRGO You’re terrific at following through with projects, but perhaps not so great at starting them. Today is the perfect time for you to prove this theory wrong.

There’s a great deal of force out there to help you boost your rocket off the launching pad. Take advantage of this energy and get to work on things you’ve been meaning to start but haven’t gotten around to yet.

LIBRA Your self-esteem is apt to be quite high today, and you may feel an extra bit of fire helping you throughout the day. Take the lead on projects that seem to be going nowhere. If you want the job done right, you may have to do it yourself. Don’t be shy. This is the time to stand up and make use of your talent and skills.

SCORPIO There may be a bit of tension and conflict in your world today. Be prepared for mild contention that could turn into an all-out war if you aren’t careful.

Don’t take things too personally. Think of these disputes as challenges that will only make you stronger when you overcome them. Don’t get disgruntled or evasive. Running away won’t do any good.

SAGITTARIUS There may be tension in your heart today that could be difficult to shake. You might find it hard to relate to people or that others aren’t hearing you very well. Keep in mind that you may have to translate your thoughts in order to get your message across. Keep an open mind as you deal with others on a one-to-one basis.

CAPRICORN Try not to be impatient today. This could be one day in which you feel restless, and everything seems to take much longer than you’d like. Try your best to go with the flow. Don’t get so wrapped up in making sure things happen by a certain time. Quality is more important than speed, and a peaceful mind is more efficient and productive than a stressed one.

AQUARIUS To fight or not to fight may be the question of the day. Your sensitive, feminine side is likely to say one thing while your masculine, combative side says another. The key is to not act hastily in any situation. Make sure you proceed from a neutral platform instead of reacting from a point of aggression caused by someone else.

PISCES Be careful that you don’t put your foot in your mouth today. You may have a tendency to jump the gun, so be conscious of how you use your energy. A false start is likely to get you disqualified. Orient yourself to your surroundings before you make any major upheaval. It’s important to have a good, solid footing on the day before you proceed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

80 EMTs benefit from training – approximately 3,000 calls responded to in 2014 THROUGH a collaborative effort between the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Atlantic Emergency Medical Service, 80 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), along with nurses from the GPHC and the West Demerara Regional Hospital benefited from a one-week training programme in emergency medicine.

At a graduation ceremony yesterday at the Project Dawn Medical Centre, Liliendaal, the participants received their certificates.

The training programme focused on trauma and nursing care, along with disaster medicine, Dan Batsie, head of the Atlantic Emergency Medical Service training

explained.

He expressed gratitude for being able to assist Guyana, noting that the occasion also provided a chance for six of his paramedic students who are part of the eight-member visiting team to have a feel of what EMT is like in another country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, Director of Accident and Emergency, GPHC, pointed out that the two collaborating bodies share a long history, since it is not the first time that Guyana benefited from assistance from the Atlantic Emergency Medical Service.

He added that the EMS service is designed to provide emergency medical response for patients who are in need of urgent medical care, be-

fore actually making it to the hospital. It is administered

by EMTs who are specially trained to deliver emergency medical care to patients on scene and en route to the hospital. These individuals are tasked with the responsibility of retrieving patients and delivering them to the emergency room in a safe, efficient and timely manner.

The service, which was established in February 2014, with guidance from Dr Zulfikar Bux at the hospital, has thus far seen the team responding to more than 3,000 emergencies.

According to Dr. Bux, this batch of technicians is the first in a pilot project that aims to have a national emergency medical response service set up at the country’s

Some of the medical professionals who benefited from the training

five main hospitals, and possibly across the country. This pilot initiative will gradually expand in phases to the different regions.

He added that the major goal is to have a national EMS body that controls the daily operations of such services in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer, GPHC, Michael Khan, also expressed gratitude to the visiting team for their undertaking.

Mr. Khan also pointed out that the National EMS body is being housed at Project Dawn, which means that the EMTs will no longer function from the GPHC, but rather from a more independent facility.

He also thanked all the participants for attending the

training sessions.

Also, communication is a key aspect of any response system, so a dispatch system is currently being developed, and will be a part of the National EMS body’s housing unit.

The current EMS comprises a total of 20 individuals and two ambulances.

Also with efforts being made to expand this system, earlier this year, Dr. Bux had pointed out that medical evacuation is a very important area, especially with regard to response to accidents in the hinterland. Hence, work is being conducted to develop a Medivac (medical evacuation) response system to have a timelier and more efficient evacuation system.

This project has received tremendous support from the Morris Foundation in the United States and the

Vanderbilt Medical Center.

The latter, which is renowned for being one of the best emergency hospitals in the U.S., has been collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and the GPHC to develop emergency medicine in Guyana. They have thus far trained three specialist emergency doctors and are expected to graduate 12 others over the next three years.

These doctors are expected to continue the development of emergency medicine so that specialised emergency medical care will become accessible to Guyanese.

A number of persons have been trained as EMTs under this pilot; these include persons from the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Fire Service, along with medical personnel from across the country.

Dan Batsie, head of the Atlantic Emergency Medical Service, presenting a certificate to one of the participants

GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan, along with Dr. Zulfikar Bux, Director of Accident & Emergency; Dan Batsie, Head, Atlantic Emergency Medical Service training; and the graduating students

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

West Berbice achieves successful clean-up campaign THE Regional Environmental Health Unit (REHU) in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) last week spearheaded a successful clean-up campaign in the West

Berbice area.

A major area of concentration was Burnham Avenue at Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice where several members of the community were

involved.

The group worked under the motto: “Go Green, Keep it Clean” and were supported by the staff of the Neighborhood Democratic

Council (NDC).

A signboard with this reminder was placed in the area after the campaign was finished.

A source at the REHU disclosed that the activi-

REHU clean-up campaign in West Berbice

ties were part of its programme for observance of World Environmental Day on June 5th last.

Other activities included talks given at various schools

throughout the Region under the theme: “ Our h e a l t h , O u r re s p o n sibility”, and a road march starting from F o r t We l l i n g t o n t o Bush Lot.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

World Blood Donor Day 2015

WHO calls for increase in regular blood donations IN honour of World Blood Donor Day 2015 on Sunday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a call for an increase in regular blood donations from voluntary, unpaid donors in order to save millions of lives globally

each year.

According to a statement from the WHO, the theme of this year’s campaign is: “Thank you for saving my life”. It encourages donors all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly with the slogan: “Give

freely, give often. Blood donation matters”.

“The best way to guarantee a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products for transfusion is to have a good supply of regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors,

said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. The WHO is also encouraging all Member States to obtain all their blood supplies from such donors.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION Transfusion of blood and

“Blood collection from voluntary, unpaid donors, whose blood is screened for infections, is the cornerstone of a safe and sufficient blood supply in all countries” - Dr. Hernan Montenegro blood products help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions to live longer and to maintain a higher quality of life, and it supports complex medical and surgical procedures.

Transfusion has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and childcare and during man-made and natural disasters, such as the recent earthquakes in Nepal.

Severe bleeding during pregnancy, delivery or after childbirth is the single biggest cause of maternal death.

Of the 289,000 women who died in childbirth in 2013 due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth, 27% were due to severe bleeding.

BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED The release further noted that the need for blood and blood products is increasing every year and in many countries, particularly low and middle income countries, where demand exceeds supply.In those countries also blood services find it hard to make sufficient blood available, while also ensuring its quality and safety.

In 2012, nearly 108 million blood donations were collected worldwide. Almost half of these were collected in high-income countries, home to just 15% of the world’s population.

WHO estimates that a minimum of 10 donations of blood per 1000 population indicates there is general availability of blood in a country for transfusion. Yet, in the organisation’s most recent survey on blood safety and availability, 75 countries reported collecting fewer donations than this.

The percentage of blood donations from voluntary, unpaid donors has been increasing over the last decade and 73 of the world’s countries now collect over 90% of their blood supply from such donors.

However, more progress is needed, with 72 countries (8 high-income countries, 48

middle-income countries and 16 low-income countries) still collecting more than 50% of their blood supply from paid donors or replacement donors, which affects safety and adequate supply of blood and blood products. Replacement donors are often family members or friends who replenish blood used from a blood bank by a particular patient.

“Blood collection from voluntary, unpaid donors, whose blood is screened for infections, is the cornerstone of a safe and sufficient blood supply in all countries,” says Dr. Hernan Montenegro, Coordinator for Services Organization and Clinical Interventions Unit in the Department of Service Delivery and Safety at WHO. “More voluntary blood donors are needed to meet the increasing needs and to improve access to this life-saving therapy.”

A World Health Assembly resolution adopted in 2010 highlights that a secure supply of safe blood components, based on voluntary, unpaid blood donation, is an important national goal to prevent blood shortages.

“Safe blood transfusion is one of the key life-saving interventions that should be available for patients in need,” says Dr. Edward Kelley, Director of Service Delivery and Safety at WHO. “Yet, equitable access to safe blood still remains a major challenge in many countries.

Providing safe and adequate supplies of blood and blood products should be an essential part of every country’s national health care policy and infrastructure.”

The WHO provides policy guidance and technical assistance to support countries in developing national blood systems based on voluntary, unpaid blood donations, and implementing quality systems to ensure that safe and quality blood and blood products are available and used appropriately for all people who need them.

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‘Vincy Heat’ arrive for English quartet granted citizenship their date with Golden Jaguars tomorrow to represent Guyana ENGLISHMEN Neil Danns, Matthew Briggs, Marcel Barrington and Sam Cox were all granted citizenship and are now eligible to represent

Guyana in Sunday’s return leg of their 2018 World Cup Qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The two CONCACAF

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Nations will collide at the Guyana National Stadium and with the quartet now receiving their documents, head coach Jamaal Shabazz will put forward the best ‘Golden Jaguars’ line-up.

Failing to be granted citizenship prevented the players from representing Guyana in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw in Kingstown at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

“We’re happy that we can now focus on getting the job done on Sunday and not have to worry if we’ll be able to play or not,” said Danns, Bolton Wanderers’ midfield maestro.

Briggs, the youngest player to ever feature in an English Premier League game (16 years and 65 days old with Fulham), stated, “I’m glad that we finally got our documents.

I was worried because we signed on to the programme to help build and push Guyana’s football to the highest level and to not play in the first game was a major disappointment. It’s nice to finally put my mind on tomorrow’s game and get the result we need to advance to the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers.”

The now 24 year-old Briggs also pointed out that he’s happy players like Cox and 19 year-old English Premier League side Leicester’s forward Barrington would be able to get their first international cap.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Marketing and Communications director Rawle Toney said that the Federation is “happy that the Government of Guyana was able to issue the players their documents in a timely manner and the GFF is grateful for their support in helping the Golden Jaguars in their quest to Russia 2018.”

ST Vincent and the Grenadines National football team arrived in Guyana yesterday ahead of their date tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, against the ‘Golden Jaguars.’

The ‘Vincy Heat’ drew 2-2 with the ‘Golden Jaguars’ in their opening match of the 2018 World Cup Qualifier at the Arnos Vale Stadium last Wednesday, putting head coach Cornelius Huggins’ men in a must-win situation.

Should Guyana fail to come up with the ‘W’, the Jamaal Shabazz-led side will need to ensure that the game finishes in either a 0-0 or 1-1 draw to keep their Russia dreams alive.

“The team is ready, we know the job at hand and we have to get a win on Sunday (tomorrow)” Huggins said while speaking to the media at the Ogle International Airport.

“I think in St Vincent we were supposed to win convincingly. Once you get the opportunities you are supposed to make good of them and that’s why the game ended in a draw,” Huggins told reporters.

Guyana, through Brandon Beresford, took the lead until St Vincent star forward Cornelius Stewart equalised in the early minutes of the second half.

Ricky Shakes’ goal then gave the Guyanese the lead until Tevin Slater pulled one back for the Vincentians.

Ansa McAl/Smalta onboard with AAG’s National Youth and Junior Championships ANSA McAl, under its Smalta brand, was unveiled as the title sponsor for the 2015 National Youth and Junior Athletics Championships scheduled for June 20 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yussuf noted that the sponsorship is geared towards the development of the athletes and is grateful that her company can play a part in the Athletic Association of Guyana’s (AAG) efforts for their athletes’ development.

Yussuf’s hope is that the athletes make the best of the Championship, and use it as a stepping stone towards achieving their goals in the world of Track and Field.

President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, thanked Ansa McAl for its timely input, stating, “These athletes are highly ranked at the senior level and we must thank Ansa McAl for the support that will help us to have a good championship and we all know what Smalta can do for athletes.”

AAG president Aubrey Hutson receives the sponsor’s cheque from Ansa McAl’s PRO Darshanie Yussuf. (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Warriors top Cavaliers to tie NBA Finals 2-2

By Frank Pingue CLEVELAND, Ohio (Reuters) - The top-seeded Golden State Warriors rediscovered their scoring touch and tied the NBA Finals at 2-2 with a momentum-stealing 103-83 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in Game Four.

NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry, and Andre Iguodala each had 22 points for Golden State as the Warriors breathed new life into their title hopes by avoiding their first three-game skid of the season.

“We controlled the tempo and rhythm of the game,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “It’s not just about playing hard. It’s about playing every single possession like it’s your last.

“And I thought tonight our effort took a step up and that’s why we were able to win.”

Cleveland’s Timofey Mozgov had a game-high 28 points while LeBron James, who went down hard in the second quarter after slamming his head on a camera, finished with 20 points on 7-of-22 shooting.

Game Five is scheduled for tomorrow in Oakland.

Like the last two games, the Warriors stumbled out of the gate, falling behind 7-0 in the first three minutes before taking an early timeout to regroup. From there, the Warriors found their rhythm.

Curry helped cut the deficit with a pair of three pointers and Golden State closed the quarter with an impressive 14-4 run to build a 31-24 lead that set the tone the rest

gas during the second quarter where they built a 15-point lead with about four minutes to go before the break.

Cleveland then got a scare when James,

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter of game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. of the way.

The Warriors, showing glimpses of the run-and-gun offence that was absent for much of the last two games, kept their foot on the

Barbados, St Lucia grab points MIAMI, United States (CMC) – Barbados used first-half goals to undermine Aruba while St Lucia produced a stirring performance to come from behind and get the better of Antigua and Barbuda in the first leg of second-round matches in the CONCACAF 2018 World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday.

While Barbados ran out easy winners over Aruba in Oranjestad, St Lucia pulled out all the stops to beat Antigua 3-1 in St John’s.

Emmerson Boyce scores the second goal for Barbados.

In other games played, Guyana held St Vincent and the Grenadines to a 2-2 stalemate in Kingstown while in Willemstad, Curacao held Cuba to a nil-all draw.

Facing a difficult tie at the Complejo Deportivo Guillermo Prospero Trinidad, Barbados broke local hearts when they scored twice early on to take control of the contest.

They opened their account though Mario Harte in the 18th minute before doubling their lead ten minutes later through captain Emmerson Boyce, the England-based professional.

Barbados had Akeene Browne sent off in the second half but still managed to seal the result, ahead of tomorrow’s second leg in Bridgetown.

At the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, the hosts went ahead in the 21st minute when Tavaughn Harriette netted.

The lead held for just five minutes, however, when Tremain Paul equalised, leaving the contest an open one at the halftime whistle.

The visitors took command in the second half, however, with David Henry finding the nets in the 61st minute and Troy Greenidge making sure of the points in stoppage time at the end.

the best player of his generation, hit his head on a camera along the baseline after a foul by Andrew Bogut caused him to lose his balance.

James, who suffered a cut to his head on the play, stayed down for a while as the

home crowd went silent but remained in the game.

“I was just trying to regain my composure, and I was holding my head. It was hurting,” said James, who missed three of his next four free throws after the incident. “I was just hoping I wasn’t bleeding. But obviously the camera cut me pretty bad.”

Iguodala made the most out of his first start of the campaign with his best offensive performance of the season along with eight rebounds and a solid job defending James.

Trailing by 12 to start the half, Cleveland got to within three points when James emphatically threw down an impressive alley-oop dunk on a pass from Matthew Dellavedova to cap a 12-2 Cavs run with five minutes to play in the third.

But the Warriors, playing with a sense of desperation, were never tested the rest of the way as they cruised through the fourth quarter and had many fans heading to the exits with five minutes left in the game.

The performance could not have come at a better time for the Warriors as none of the 32 teams who have fallen behind 3-1 in the NBA Finals have come back to win the series.

“Tonight we came in with the mentality that, obviously, like we were saying, we had to win this game,” Curry told reporters. “It was about effort and consistent effort every possession.”

Kiwis beat England by 13 runs in high-scoring game LONDON, England (Reuters) - A resurgent New Zealand beat England by 13 runs on the Duckworth/ Lewis method in a high-scoring second one-day international marred by a late rain interruption at The Oval yesterday to level the five-match series at 1-1.

The tourists responded superbly to their pummelling in the first game by piling up a huge total of 398 for five and England, despite a fine 88 from captain Eoin Morgan, finished on 365 for nine.

Ross Taylor hit 119 not out, Kane Williamson 93 and Martin Guptill 50 as the Kiwis bludgeoned the England attack to all parts of the ground on a sultry day in south London.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who won the toss, smashed 39 off 22 balls to set the tone and Williamson struck a six and 12 fours in a typically fluent knock.

Taylor reached his 13th ODI century, off 87 deliveries, and New Zealand finished 10 runs short of England’s total of 408 for nine in the first game of the series at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

Fast bowler Chris Jordan conceded 97 runs in nine overs, equalling the most expensive figures in a one-day international by an England player.

England made a very decent fist of chasing their enormous target with Jason Roy and Alex Hales adding 85 for the first wicket.

Roy made 39, Hales 54 and Morgan’s 88 off 47 balls, including six sixes and six fours, kept the hosts in the hunt.

But they lost too many wickets and, chasing an improbable target following a rain delay, New Zealand, World Cup runners-up this year, ruthlessly closed out the victory.

The third match of the series is in Southampton tomorrow.

Ross Taylor scores his 13th ODI hundred against England at the Kia Oval, yesterday.

SCOREBOARD NEW Zealand innings M. Guptill c Jordan b Stokes 50 B. McCullum c Stokes b Plunkett 39 K. Williamson c Plunkett b Stokes 93 R. Taylor not out 119 G. Elliott lbw b Jordan 32 L. Ronchi c Buttler b Finn 33 M. Santner not out 15 Extras: (lb-3, nb-2, w-12) 17 Total: (for 5 wickets, 50 overs) 398 Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-114, 3-235, 4-307 G. Elliott, 5-352.

Bowling: S. Finn 10-1-69-1 (nb-1, w-3), C. Jordan 9-0-97-1 (w-4), L. Plunkett 9-0-71-1 (w-2), A. Rashid 10-0-72-0 (nb-1), B. Stokes 9-0-66-2 (w-2), J. Root 3-0-20-0 (w-1).

ENGLAND innings (D/L Target: 379 off 46) J. Roy c Taylor b N. McCullum 39 A. Hales c Boult b Santner 54

J. Root c N. McCullum b Santner 6 E. Morgan c Elliott b McClenaghan 88 B. Stokes c Ronchi b McClenaghan 28 J. Buttler c Ronchi b Boult 41 S. Billings c Guptill b Boult 12 A. Rashid c Boult b N. McCullum 34 L. Plunkett c B. McCullum b N. McCullum 44 C. Jordan not out 3 S. Finn not out 6 Extras: (b-1, lb-2, w-7) 10 Total: (for 9 wickets, 46 overs) 365 Fall of wickets: 1-85, 2-100, 3-100, 4-163, 5-259, 6-274, 7-275, 8-351, 9-355.

Bowling: T. Southee 9-0-68-0 (w-1), T. Boult 10-1-53-2 (w-2), M. McClenaghan 9-0-61-2 (w-1), N. McCullum 9-0-86-3 (w-1), M. Santner 7-0-73-2 (w-2), M. Guptill 1-0-12-0, G. Elliott 1-0-9-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Rain thwarts India after Vijay ton before the entire third session was called off.

Ravichandran Ashwin (two) and Harbhajan Singh (seven) were at the crease when rained forced the players off the ground, virtually killing the prospect of any result in the match.

After India resumed on 239 for no loss, Shakib (4-105) and leg-spinner Jubair Hossain (2-113) took all six wickets between them as the visitors went for quick runs.

Shakib ended India’s 283-run opening stand by dismissing Shikhar Dhawan (173) and also claimed the wickets of Vijay (150), Rohit Sharma (six) and Rahane (98).

Vijay steered left-arm spinner Taijul Islam for a four to bring up his sixth Test hundred in the morning session but his opening partner Dhawan could not better his personal Test best of 187.

The southpaw gave Shakib a soft return catch to depart after a 195-ball knock that included 23 boundaries.

M. Vijay celebrates his hundred against on the 3rd day in Fatullah.

(REUTERS - Murali Vijay struck his sixth Test century while Ajinkya Rahane fell agonisingly short of his, as India reached 462 for six after rain allowed only a little over 47 overs on day three of their one-off

Test against Bangladesh yesterday.

Torrential rain had already washed away 34 overs on day one and the entire second day’s play and India lost six wickets in their bid for quick runs in two stop-start sessions

NOTABLE DATES THE year 1992 started out on a losing note for Anthony `The Pearl’ Andrews.

In a battle against Michael Benjamin for the welterweight title of Guyana, Andrews was surprisingly TKOed in the fourth round at the National Park.

Undaunted, `The Pearl’ was back on Victory Street in his next bout.

On June 13, 1992 Andrews TKOed Trinidadian Steve Asson in round four.

The victory commenced a nine-fight winning streak that was halted in 1995 when he challenged Jorge Castro of Argentina for the World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight title.

Andrews made it into the professional arena on in November 1982 as an 18-yearold. He won the first three fights by TKO but then lost to Michael Parris by decision when challenging for the bantamweight title of Guyana.

In a career that spanned 18 years, Andrews was crowned Guyana bantamweight, welterweight and middleweight champion.

His attempt at the World middleweight title in May 1995 was unsuccessful as Castro won by TKO in the 12th round. `The Pearl’ currently resides in the USA and will turn 51 next Thursday.

SOUTHPAW middleweight Brian Muller had the first of two fights in Guadeloupe on June 13, 1983.

Muller was fresh off a 10-round victory over compatriot Reggie Ford when he clashed with Puerto Rican Edwin Rodriguez. Muller took two rounds to dispatch Rodriguez and improve his record to 12-1-1.

Two months later the stylish Guyanese was back in the French-speaking island to battle Jose Vallejo of the Dominican Republic. Vallejo was knocked out in the seventh round.

Muller would have the next nine fights in the USA. One of the best boxing products coming out of Guyana, Muller had his

first professional fight in February 1979 at the age of 24. On March 25 of the same year he had his second contest and knocked out Trinidadian Selwyn Figarro in round five.

A gem in his time, Muller will be remembered for epic battles against Reggie Ford, Mark Harris, Albert Browne and the legendary Lennox Beckles. He twice faced Harris, Browne and Ford. In 1982 he pounded out back-to-back victories over Browne, while he drew with Ford in December 1979 and won on points in February 1983.

He won a points-decision over Harris in August 1979 but lost the return fight by a split decision in December 1980. Muller now resides in Nevada, USA and will turn 61 later this month.

Shakib struck again in his next over, uprooting the off-stump of Rohit, the only batsman with two 200-plus scores in one-dayers who continues to struggle in Tests.

India skipper Virat Kohli (14) was slightly unlucky as his fluffed drive resulted in an inside edge which hit his pad before rolling onto the stumps to knock off the bail.

Vijay and Rahane, however, had little problem negotiating the hosts’ limited bowling resources and they added 114 runs for the fourth wicket.

Vijay was trapped leg-before by Shakib after a 272-ball knock that included 12 boundaries and the only six of the Indian innings.

Rahane fell two runs short of what could have been his fourth Test hundred, playing aggressively and hitting Shakib for back-to-back boundaries before losing his off-stump to the next ball while attempting a pull shot.

COPA America hosts Chile off to winning start against Ecuador

By Graham Ruthven COPA America hosts Chile started their campaign on Thursday with a win, beating Ecuador 2-0 after goals from Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas.

Jorge Sampaoli’s side struggled to make an impression in the final third for much of the match, with Ecuador causing problems for Chile on the counterattack in front of a somewhat anxious home crowd.

But the hosts edged ahead after 67 minutes, when Vidal was brought down in the penalty area - allowing the Juventus

midfielder to covert the spot kick to give Chile a valuable 1-0 lead in Santiago.

West Ham forward Enner Valencia threatened for Ecuador, hitting the bar with a header minutes before Chile doubled their lead. Alexis Sanchez made the most of a loose pass in midfield, slotting through Vargas - who clipped a neat finish into the far corner.

However, Chile’s opening win was soured by the stoppage-time sending-off of Matias Fernadez, who was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge late in the contest.

Chile’s Arturo Vidal scores on a penalty kick against Ecuador’s goalie Alexander Dominguez during the opening match of the COPA America 2015 soccer tournament in the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Thursday.

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Michael Clarke meets his match

Denesh Ramdin, Clarke and Clarke after the toss on Thursday. (WICB)

National Men’s rugby team complete successful warm-ups … heading to North Carolina

THE National Men’s rugby team successfully completed their warm-up matches in New York with three successful wins and will now head to Carey, North Carolina for the North American Caribbean Rugby Association 7s series and Olympic qualifiers.

The side, according to coach Theodore Henry, were scheduled to practise several new techniques they picked up during the lead-up to the championship. Speaking

THEODORE HENRY prior to his departure Henry indicated that the local players were able to learn the new tactics and that the only thing left to do was to ensure that the overseas-based guys understood the plays, hence the warm-up games.

The men’s team includes captain

Richard Staglon as well as Dwayne Schroeder, Vallon Adams, Claudius Butts, Patrick King, Ronald Mayers, Avery Corbin, Lancelot Adonis, Rickford Cummings, Ryan Gonsalves, Travis Bascom, and Peabo Hamilton. John Lewis is the manager of the team while Henry is the coach and Phillip Browne, the strength and conditioning specialist.

Guyana are drawn in Pool B alongside Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas while the B Pool includes Mexico, the United States, Barbados, Jamaica and St Vincent. The ruggers’ first game is against the Bahamas on June 13 at the Main Stadium.

The ladies, on the other hand, used the time to continue training and internal games.

The ladies named are Carrin Carter as captain, Collette Hope, Sabola Gray, Carren Skeete, Andrea Lashley, Helen Jarvis, Alicia Blackman, Cloetta Dublin, Olana Reece, Alanna Fraser and Ashanti Carrington. Chase is the coach while Petal Adams is the team manager and Abiola Blair is the physiotherapist.

The ladies are in Pool B with the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico while Pool A has the United States, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Barbados. The ladies open their tournament with a game against Trinidad and Tobago at the Koka Booth stadium before they play Mexico later and close off against the Bahamas. (Stephan Sookram).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

THE Australian skipper meets a young cricketer by the same name on day one of the second Test in Jamaica.

During a celebrated career that’s produced 28 Test centuries, four Allan Border Medals and two Ashes triumphs, Australia captain Michael Clarke might have finally met his match.

Well, in namesake at least.

Michael Clarke was introduced to Kingston’s own Michael Clarke - the second Test’s mascot present at the coin toss on the morning of day one at Sabina Park.

A young cricketer from Excelsior School, Clarke shook the visiting captain’s hand and the 110-Test veteran tweeted following the day’s play that he’ll give his new friend his playing shirt at the conclusion of the match.

Cavani apologises for calling Jamaica an ‘African team’

EDINSON CAVANI URUGUAY striker Edinson Cavani has been forced to apologise after describing Copa America opponents Jamaica as an ‘African team’.

Cavani made the gaffe ahead of the Group B opener between the two countries in Chile today.

Jamaica, a CONCACAF nation, are competing as a guest team after Japan turned down an invitation.

But when asked what he thought of the defending champions’ first opponents, Cavani said: “As any other African team, Jamaica are going to be strong.”

The Paris Saint-Germain striker was soon alerted to his mistake and posted an apology on Twitter. (PA Sport)

Jamaica, Bahamas to clash in women’s CBC final ROAD TOWN, Tortola (CMC) – Defending champions Jamaica will clash with the Bahamas in the final of the women’s Caribbean Basketball Championship after securing contrasting victories in their respective semifinals here Thursday night.

While Jamaica held off a late surge from the US Virgin Islands to come away with a 61-52 verdict, the Bahamas were forced to overturn a nine-point, halftime lead before turning back Barbados 57-53 in a close affair at the Multisports Complex.

In the other playoff encounters, Antigua and Barbuda beat Guyana 6857 while St Vincent and the Grenadines defeated British Virgin Islands 71-67.

Jamaica secured their chance to defend their title through the efforts of Yanique Gordon who led with 19 points and Tarita Gordon who finished with 18 points.

Jennifer George was also good for a double-double, putting up ten points and dominating the boards for 14 rebounds.

For the USVI, Britney Matthew chipped in with 13 points.

Jamaica went on a 7-0 run to open the game and led 16-4 at the end of the first quarter. The USVI slowly whittled away at the lead, however, but only got within six points with 7:06 minutes remaining in the contest.

Barbados, meanwhile, were left with only themselves to blame after they squandered a healthy 27-18 lead at halftime, to be out of gold medal contention in the end.

The Bahamas’ resur-

gence was led by Sha-Londa Neely who scored 13 points and pulled down 15 boards, with support from Philicia Kelly who scored ten points and collected four rebounds and four assists.

For the losers, Jamila Studer, Toni Atherley and Dale-Marie Cumberbatch all had 12 points.

Late in the final quarter with everything to play for, the Bahamians made several crucial free throws which got them over the line.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday June 13, 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:

(1) Bobby Simpson-311 (AUST vs ENG, Manchester, 1964) (2) 20 Tests

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which two made their Test debut under Clive Lloyd?

Andy Roberts; Michael Holding; Malcolm Marshall; Winston Davis; Patrick Patterson (2) What was the result of the first ever Test match played by the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 13, 2015

Windies in shambles despite Taylor career-best KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Shambolic batting once again derailed West Indies and left them with a mountain to climb, as Australia stamped their authority on the second Test with an emphatic display yesterday.

Chasing Australia’s

whom grabbed three wickets apiece to cripple the innings.

The tone for the innings was set when West Indies lost debutant opener Rajindra Chandrika without scoring in the third over and wickets then fell steadily, with

overshadowed the brilliance of fast bowler Jerome Taylor, who claimed career-best figures of six for 47 as Australia were dismissed 45 minutes after lunch.

Stroke-maker Steve Smith fell agonising short of his first career dou-

Jerome Taylor took 6 for 47on day two of the second Test West Indies v Australia at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica yesterday. (Photo by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography). carefully constructed 399, West Indies were dreadful in reply and slumped to 143 for eight – still 256 runs adrift at the end of the second day of the lopsided contest at Sabina Park.

Jermaine Blackwood stroked a typically bold top score of 51 and Shai Hope got 26 but no other batsman made it past 14, in yet another lifeless first innings display which has severely compromised their hopes of levelling the series.

They were undermined by seamer Josh Hazlewood (3-15) and off-spinner Nathan Lyon (3-35) both of

Blackwood and captain Denesh Ramdin resisting briefly in a 42-run, sixth-wicket stand – the best of the innings so far.

Blackwood was carrying West Indies’ fight admirably, having struck seven fours and a six off 80 balls in almost two hours at the crease, when he squandered his wicket in the day’s penultimate over.

That was the break the Aussies needed and they promptly had Veerasammy Permaul caught behind on review in the day’s final over, to end the day on a high.

The Windies ineptitude

ble-hundred when he became Taylor’s sixth victim, lbw for 199.

The right-hander faced 361 deliveries, in just over 8-1/2 hours at the crease, and struck 21 fours and two sixes.

Resuming the day on 135 with the Aussies on 258 for four, he lost overnight partner Shane Watson who added just five to his overnight 20 before offering no stroke to Taylor and having his off-stump clipped in the third over of the morning.

Six overs later, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin

missed a drive and was bowled by Taylor for 22 off 23 balls with three fours and a six.

Mitchell Johnson hung around 18 minutes before nicking seamer Kemar Roach to Darren Bravo at slip for five and Mitchell Starc was last to fall before lunch, bowled by seamer Jason Holder (2-64) for six, as Australia reached the interval at 350 for eight.

Smith and Hazlewood, who made 24, added a precious 63 for the ninth before Smith failed to negotiate a fast, full-length delivery and was plumb.

Hazlewood holed out to long-on five balls later in the next over to end the innings.

The Windies carnage started early when Chandrika drove at a wide ball from left-armer Starc and edged a simple catch to wicketkeeper Haddin.

In the eighth over, Kraigg Brathwaite (4) pushed down the wrong line at Lyon in the bowler’s second over and was bowled and Darren Bravo was looking comfortable in making 14 from 23 balls before playing back to Lyon and finding himself palpably lbw.

Once again, Shane Dowrich shaped up well and had counted two fours in 13 in an hour at the crease when he wafted at a wide one from Hazlewood and edged behind at 44 for three.

Blackwood and Hope attempted a repair job in a fifth-wicket stand of 33.

Both batsmen played positively with Hope, dropped

by Watson at first slip off Starc on seven, twice taking boundaries on either side of the wicket off Hazlewood in the next over.

He was eventually out tamely, edging a forward defensive prod at Lyon into Haddin’s lap, after hitting four fours off 63 balls in 79 minutes.

Blackwood, dropped on 22 by captain Michael Clarke at first slip off Lyon, played his natural game. He came down and lifted Lyon over long-on

for six and in the same over, deposited the bowler over mid-off for four.

He lost Ramdin to an uncontestable lbw decision at the hands of Hazlewood but safely made his way to his first Test half-century on home soil. He twice collected off-side boundaries

in the same over from Starc to move to 48 and then waited 13 balls before collecting two to mid-wicket to reach his landmark.

Disappointingly, he was out four balls later, picking out David Warner at mid-off with a loose drive off Hazlewood.

Steven Smith is crestfallen after being dismissed for 199 at Sabina Park on the second day of the second Test.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings (o/n 258 for four) D. Warner c Hope b Taylor 0 S. Marsh lbw b Taylor 11 S. Smith lbw b Taylor 199 M. Clarke c wkp. Ramdin b Holder 47 A. Voges c wkp. Ramdin b Taylor 37 S. Watson b Taylor 25 B. Haddin b Taylor 22 M. Johnson c Bravo b Roach 5 M. Starc b Holder 6 J. Hazlewood c Blackwood b Permaul 24 N. Lyon not out 5 Extras: (b-5, lb-7, nb-6) 18 Total: (all out, 126.5 overs) 399 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-16, 3-134 , 4-210, 5-264, 6-296, 7-306, 8-330, 9-393.

Bowling: Taylor 25-10-47-6 (nb2), Roach 25-2-113-1 (nb-4), Holder 22-3-64-2, Permaul 34.57-124-1, Brathwaite 19-2-39-0, Blackwood 1-1-0-0.

WEST INDIES 1st innings K. Brathwaite b Lyon 4 R. Chandrika c wkp. Haddin b Starc 0 D. Bravo lbw b Lyon 14 S. Dowrich c wkp. Haddin b Hazlewood 13 S. Hope c wkp. Haddin b Lyon 26 J. Blackwood c Warner b Hazlewood 51 D. Ramdin lbw b Hazlewood 8 J. Holder not out 13 V. Permaul c wkp. Haddin b Johnson 0 Extras: (b-6, lb-1, w-1, nb-1, pen5) 14 Total: (8 wkts, 47 overs) 143 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-9, 3-25, 4-44, 5-77, 6-119, 7-142, 8-143.

Bowling: Starc 12-2-33-1 (w1), Hazlewood 11-7-15-3, Lyon 12-4-35-3, Johnson 10-1-38-1 (nb-1), Watson 2-0-10-0.

Position: West Indies trail by 256 runs with two wickets remaining.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Windies in shambles despite Taylor see story career-best on page 31

‘Vincy Heat’ arrive for their date with Golden Jaguars tomorrow

see story on page 27

The St Vincent and the Grenadines National football team after their arrival at the Ogle International Airport yesterday afternoon. (Delano Williams photo)

English quartet granted citizenship to see story on page 27 represent Guyana

(L-R) Matthew Briggs, Neil Danns, Sam Cox and Marcel Barrington proudly display their Guyana Passport

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2015