2015 6 17 2

GUYANA No. 104223

WEDNESDAY JUNE 17, 2015

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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President, fellow parishioners bid farewell

INCLUDING VAT

centre Page

––to late Anglican Bishop

Prime Minister assures...

Every effort will be made to revive sugar industry Page

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President Granger in Holy Communion at Bishop Moss’ Memorial Service.

Awaiting his turn at left is Agriculture Minister Noel Holder (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being swarmed as he was about to leave Enmore (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Foreign Minister reports sovereignty 9 threats to OAS Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Minister Lawrence concedes...

Better working conditions make for a better workforce ––as Guyana observes annual Enmore Martyrs Day

The Guyana Police Force band leading the procession from the Square of the Revolution to Le Repentir Cemetery yesterday morning

By Leroy Smith MINISTER of Social Protection Volda Lawrence and several union leaders and representatives yesterday morning braved the drizzles as they marched from the Square of the Revolution to Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown to honor the five Enmore Martyrs.

The group, which numbered less than fifty, proceeded to the cem-

etery and arrived at the graveside of the martyrs to musical accompaniment by the Guyana Police Force band which led the procession.

The memorial programme saw remarks by representatives of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Government of Guyana.

Wreaths were laid at the graveside of the fallen workers by representatives of several trade unions and the Government and relatives of the Enmore Martyrs.

In her address to the gathering, Minister Lawrence reminded that the lives of the five workers were snuffed out while fighting for better working conditions and better rights for workers all across Guyana.

She added that while it is fitting that the State and other citizens remember the fallen heroes at this time of the year, it is also important to note their contribusee page 7

Social Protection Minister, Ms Volda Lawrence laying a wreath yesterday at the graveside of the Enmore Martyrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Prime Minister assures...

Every effort will be made to revive sugar industry

––Gov’t to make billions available to ease GuySuCo’s woes

By Tajeram Mohabir PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has assured sugar workers that the government will always stay at their side and do all it can to ensure the sugar industry returns to economic viability.

The prime minister made the solemn promise yesterday at the honouring of the five Enmore Martyrs who were brutally gunned down by British officers some 67 years ago.

On June 16, 1948, Lallabagee Kissoon, Pooran, Rambarran, Dookhie and Harry were slaughtered while fighting for better conditions and recognition of a union of their choice.

Nagamootoo, a former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) executive, said many had come before and many had died, but the Enmore Five stood out as they took a stand that eventually paved the way for all workers to be represented by their union at the bargaining table.

Nagamootoo was at

the forefront of the struggle for recognition of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union ( G AW U ) , w h i c h w a s eventually achieved in 1976 after martyrdom, violence and imprisonment.

This struggle, he said, is deep within his veins, pointing out that in 2010 he cared less when former President Bharrat Jagdeo and then PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar threatened to expel him from the Party for a letter he wrote in the press after the two had threatened to de-recognise GAWU. When GAWU was threatened, not even Komal Chand, the President of the Union, stood up in its defence, a passionate Nagamootoo recalled.

BETRAYERS “Those who claim to be friends of sugar workers have betrayed them; it is because I feel it deeply in my veins that I can tell you this today,” he said.

In the latter years of the

PPP in power, the sugar industry was on a downward spiral, and just a few days after assuming power, the APNU+AFC Administration learned that GuySuCo had money remaining to pay workers only for a week.

“I could not believe they had bankrupted the sugar industry, and placed the lives of 16,000 sugar workers at risk. They had borrowed billions of dollars; they had stolen the pension [NIS pension] of sugar workers; not paid it into NIS, $1.2 billion, that even if the factories closed there would have been nothing for sugar workers and just recently [they] deducted $225 million from sugar workers’ pay to be given to their credit union and did not pay the money,” Nagamootoo revealed.

He said GAWU was silent when the industry was going under, but disclosed that the Government will halt the downward slide.

It has made a decision to inject billions of dollars to bail the industry out.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addressing the occasion to honour the slain Enmore Martyrs yesterday “Th is G o v er n men t under President David Granger will do everything possible to bring the sugar industry back on its feet,” the prime minister said to resounding applause.

The Government will

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis lays a wreath at the monument of the Enmore Martyrs

today hold talks with officials from India, Cuba and the United Kingdom, all of whom have indicated an interest in reviving the sugar indus-

try. Talks are also slated to be held with the European Union to discuss the cooperation agreement see page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17 2015

Trump jumps in: The Donald’s latest White House run is officially on New York (CNN) DONALD TRUMP finally took the plunge. The real estate mogul and TV reality star launched his presidential campaign Tuesday, ending more than two decades of persistent flirtation with the idea of running for the Oval Office.

“So, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially running for president of the United States, and we are going to make our country great again,” Trump told the crowd in a lengthy and meandering 45-minute speech that hit on his signature issues like currency manipulation from China and job creation, while also taking shots at the president and his competitors on the Republican side.

“Sadly the American dream is dead,” Trump said at the end of his speech. “But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before.”

Just over four years after he came closer than ever to launching a campaign before bowing out, Trump made his announcement at the lavish Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York, laying out a vision to match his incoming campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.”

The 68-story tower venue Trump used Tuesday was more than just the backdrop to Trump’s presidential announcement, instead becoming a physical embodiment of what Trump is bringing to the table and the challenges he’ll face as he formally enters politics:

Donald Trump it’s both a sign of his overwhelming success in business and, as the site of the famous “Apprentice” boardroom, a symbol of the reality TV label he’ll struggle to shake off.

The Tower, also home to “The Apprentice” television shows, crystallised the challenge Trump faces as he looks to win over voters.

Many Americans now view him primarily as a reality TV star after 14 seasons of his “Apprentice” series, and his numerous flirtations with a presidential run -- first in 1987, then 1999 and again in 2004, 2008 and most recently in 2011 -- have left voters eye-rolling as he prompted yet another round of will-he or won’t-he speculation.

Trump has already billed himself as the “most successful person ever to run for the

presidency, by far,” pointing out even that he owns a “Gucci store that’s worth more than Romney.”

That Gucci store wasn’t far as Trump made his announcement -- it’s located in the lobby of the Trump Tower.

But Trump showed Tuesday that he won’t shy away from the out-of-reach luxury and opulence that makes up his day-to-day lifestyle.

Instead, he flaunted his wealth and success in business as a centerpiece of his presidential platform, and he began that officially on Tuesday, trumpeting his whopping $8.7 billion net worth during his announcement speech. Trump’s net worth was previously estimated at roughly $4 billion.

“That’s the kind of think-

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ing our country needs,” Trump said after reading off his net worth, to the thousandth dollar.

He pointed out that his wealth and successful business career not only qualified him to be president -- “I will be the greatest jobs president that God ever created.” -- but that it would allow him to rid himself of the special interests that he said control American politics.

That’s because the billionaire said he would self-fund his presidential campaign, not only ridding himself of some outside influences, but also freeing up more time to campaign as candidates can often spend about half their time raising funds to keep their campaign coffers from depleting.

“I’m really rich,” Trump said, adding that his confident attitude is what the country needs after having “losers” run the country.

Trump’s press aide released a one-page summary of his assets and liabilities on Tuesday and Trump pledged to release the full financial disclosure, including income tax returns, required by the Federal Election Commission before the first debate.

Trump’s wealth and results-driven success in business is part of what he hopes will be his appeal to voters as he looks to set himself apart from career politicians.

“I’ve watched the politicians, I’ve dealt with them all my life,” Trump said. “They will never make America great

again. They don’t even have a chance.”

It’s his confidence that business associates say has made him the successful mogul he is today.

“He has the guts and the balls,” said Roberto Bezjon, a Trump Organization board member and owner of a high-end New York hair salon located in a Trump building.

“He’s a straight shooter.”

Supporters gathered for the announcement had the same impression. Many of them were either several-time supporters of Trump’s past flirtations with elected office or small business owners in New York who said they were confident Trump would be a boon for the economy.

France, Italy, Germany act to defuse spat over allocation of migrants (Reuters) FRANCE, Italy and Germany agreed on Tuesday to join forces to identify migrants arriving by sea and to swiftly relocate them across the European Union or send them back to their home countries if their claims for asylum in Europe are rejected.

Ministers from the three countries put on a show of unity after the arrival in Europe of thousands of migrants,

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who make perilous Mediterranean crossings from Libya, strained the resources of Italy and Greece and raised tension with northern European states that are the destinations of many migrants.

“You have three friends in front of you,” French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said at a joint press conference with his Italian and German counterparts in a gesture to defuse the simmering spat.

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ADVERTISING “France, together with Germany and Italy, supports a relocation and readmission mechanism,” Cazeneuve said during a break from a meetings of EU interior ministers in Luxembourg to discuss a plan to tackle the migrant emergency.

As they deliberated, police began removing mainly African migrants from makeshift seaside camps on the

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Italian-French border. Around 300 had collected on the Italian side in hopes of proceeding into France and onwards to northern Europe where relatives live and job chances might be better.

France and Austria have stepped up border controls on migrants coming from Italy, turning back hundreds and leaving growing numbers camped out in railway stations in Rome and Milan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Rowley is using Warner, says Moonilal ( Tr i n i d a d G u a r d i a n ) HOUSING Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has accused his former Cabinet colleague Jack Warner of being a spoiler and an agent of the People’s National Movement (PNM).

Training his guns on Warner at the United National Congress’s (UNC) Monday Night Forum in Couva, Moonilal told the audience that the embattled former National Security Minister, who is facing extradition to the United States over allegations that he committed

fraud during his tenure as vice president of Fifa, was no longer interested in winning power or a seat in the September 7 general election.

He said because of his legal troubles, his goal was to remove his former leader Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at all costs, and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley was using him to fight his battles.

He said Rowley was staying quiet but was using Warner to divide the vote.

“He is using Jack Warner to fight his battle. Rowley is

using him to divide the vote, to be a spoiler in this election.

“Jack Warner has committed every muscle in his body, every drop of blood to remove Kamla Persad-Bissessar. His goal is to remove Kamla Persad-Bissessar, but he cannot score that goal because he got ban from football,” he told the cheering yellow-clothed audience.

He also condemned Warner whom he said was taking two supporters and 40 members of the foreign media to socially distressed places in the country. “He

(Warner) could walk in Beetham and he could walk in Marabella, but he can’t walk in America,” with reference to his Fifa troubles and ability to travel abroad.

At the first gathering of faithfuls at the United National Congress’ home base in Rienzi Complex, Moonilal made reference to the avalanche of files Warner was purported to have against him, the Prime Minister and Attorney General Garvin Nicholas, including files about marijuana being found at the PM’s private home.

“He say he has a file on Garvin, he has a file on Kamla, he has a file on Moonilal. Well, the people of Oropouche East tell me to come here and tell him is only one file he need.

It is called the Nicholson file.”

Producing a tool, he explained to the audience, “Tonight I bring a gift for Jack Warner. This is the only file that he need. It is a Nicholson 12-inch file and this is a file he need to saw his way out of an American jail.”

Moonilal also took a swipe at the Trinidad Express, accusing that newspa-

per of bias.

“We have to take note of the role of the Express and we have to take note of what I call the Mack/Jack combo, where it is alleged that persons involved in the Trinidad Express have been fingered by the FBI in money laundering.”

He said the Express had been unfair to the UNC and accused it of having eight commentators dedicated every week to attacking the PP Government.

Moonilal called on supporters to reject Rowley, dubbing him an angry and clueless politician.

Ganja making more youths psychotic (Jamaica Gleaner) WITH an alarmingly high percentage of youth having psychotic episodes from ganja abuse, the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) is now rolling out a national public education strategy specifically targeting the younger population.

In fact, Jamaica’s leading addiction psychiatrist, Dr Winston De La Haye, said he was seeing an increasing number of young patients experiencing ganja-related health problems following February’s passing of the Dangerous Drugs (Amend-

ment) Act 2015 (also referred to as the Ganja Reform Law), which took effect on April 15.

“Part of what we (NCDA) are doing now is a study to measure the usage to get an exact number for a comparative following the relaxation of the laws. However anecdotally, I am having more young patients coming to me with their parents saying that their children believe the new laws give them the right to smoke ganja, so that’s what they are doing,” De La Haye, deputy chairman of NCDA, told The Gleaner.

“The reality is that I am coming across some very

serious cases of the negative effects of smoking cannabis, and at a higher rate than before. Although I am treating adults with this problem, a significant percentage are youth, and a lot are under 18.

In fact, I am getting patients as young as 10 years old.”

He added: “I’m seeing patients every day, even on a Sunday, from morning till evening. So I am seeing the dangers upfront, first hand.

When you test them for what is causing this psychotic episode, we get a positive result for cannabis. Smoking pure cannabis can make you psy-

chotic, that’s just the fact.”

Under the new legislation, the personal use of marijuana is now decriminalised.

Persons are now allowed to legally inhale the drug in the privacy of their residence if it is not being used for commercial purposes. Additionally, members of the Rastafarian faith are allowed to smoke ganja for religious purposes in locations registered as places of Rastafarian worship. The smoking of marijuana is also legally permitted in places licensed for the smoking of the substance for medical and therapeutic purposes.

SERIOUS PENALTIES However, under the Child Care and Protection Act, youth under the age of 18 are prohibited from partaking in the use of anything dangerous to their well-being, and an adult guilty of facilitating that can face serious penalties.

N C D A’s m u l t i - t i e r public education strategy, which kicks into full gear this week, will not only seek to delay and reduce the use of ganja among young persons, but educate the public and stakeholders on the boundaries of the

legislation and an individual’s rights and liabilities under the law.

The user-friendly public education campaign, which will be specifically aimed at addressing ganja use among youth under the age of 18, will seek to simplify what decriminalisation of ganja now means and the limitations that the law allows.

De La Haye, who has spent the past 12 years as a trained addiction psychiatrist, said he was not surprised at the increased usage of ganja following the amended law.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Welcome assurance

by Assistant Commissioner Hicken

WHEN Commander of the police ‘A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken, issued an invitation to members of the public to call him directly on telephone numbers +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, it sent a reassuring message to the populace that maybe – just maybe, the police are moving in the right direction toward building trust between themselves and the public.

According to a report in this publication, 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 character.

Hicken divulged to the reporter, “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.”

The fractured relations between members of the public, who have grown increasingly disillusioned and wary of police ranks, so much so that many incidents of crime go unreported because of the customary slow or altogether lack of police response; or even worse, the justifiable suspicion that some ranks are complicit in some criminal forays has been a festering sore in the socio-psychological dynamics of the nation.

Many police ranks have been accused of not only being lax in their response to reports of criminal activity, but also of ineffectual action when they eventually condescend to address the complaint.

Courtesy or the lack thereof, is another factor that has

made decent citizens shun the law enforcement body, which has developed a reputation converse to its mandate guaranteeing service and protection to law-abiding citizens of the land.

The fear of complicity between criminal gangs and police ranks has often deterred those willing to provide police with information that could possibly solve outstanding or cold cases; so Hicken’s reassurance to members of the public who may have valuable information on criminal activity may further enhance the crime-fighting abilities of the police.

The ‘A’ Division Commander is also guaranteeing that 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. This is no small thing, because rogue cops have been the bane of law-enforcement in the country and have mostly contributed to the ethos of deep distrust in the police force.

One of the main excuses for untimely or non-responses by police ranks is the lack of mobility, when police vehicles are seen all over the country engaged in activities not related to police work, so the information that, last Saturday, the division had held a meeting with all drivers who are entrusted vehicles of the state that are being used by the Guyana Police Force ‘A’ Division on how they execute their duties is another welcome initiative.

Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is a prerequisite to effective and efficient police work, and the dereliction of ranks from these procedures has oftentimes stymied and brought into disrepute the work and reputation of the force, so it is envisaged that this pro-active approach by the administrative construct of the law-enforcement body would, over time, restore the professionalism and consequently the efficiency of the Guyana Police Force.

The GECOM Chairman must stay where he is EVER since the declaration of the General and Regional Elections 2015, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been agitating for a “general recount” of all the ballot boxes, and the resignation of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally. Protests have been organized and carried out in front the Guyana Elections Commission offices countrywide, numerous press conferences have been called, letters have been sent to the press, and slanderous statements are being made on at least one radio station, all calling for the resignation of the GECOM Chairman, Dr.

Steve Surujbally.

In refusing to accept the results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, the PPP has taken to creating myths and legends about why it lost power after 23 years in office. Resurrecting the dark past about rigged elections seems to be the only game in town for the PPP – or at least some members of the PPP – who seem bent on misleading their supporters into believing the absurdity that the 2015 General and Regional Elections were rigged by GECOM, in collusion with the APNU+AFC. All stakeholders, including the PPP, know that the 2015 General and Regional Elections were conducted in a free, fair and transparent

manner. The International Observer Missions that the then PPP-led Government invited to observe the elections, all reported positively on the professional manner with which GECOM conducted and managed Elections 2015. Yet, amidst all of the positive reactions to GECOM by these credible and longstanding international observer teams, the PPP obstinately thinks that the 2015 General and Regional Elections were somehow rigged by GECOM. Now it seems as if the PPP has decided in a very bizarre manner, that the reason for its 2015 electoral loss lies squarely at the feet of the GECOM Chairman. This quantum leap in reasoning is

inexplicable.

Dr. Steve Surujbally has presided over three Elections in Guyana (2006, 2011 and 2015); all of which have been peaceful. He is also the longest serving Head of an Election Management Body (EMB) in this hemisphere, and is well known and respected throughout the international electoral management fraternity. Dr. Surujbally himself being the consummate professional has presided over the growth and development of GECOM, and is responsible for shaping it into the professional and efficient agency it is today.

To try to besmirch the professional character of the GECOM Chairman, and by extension the hard working

staff at GECOM by making spurious claims about rigged elections, is not only imprudent, but demonstrates an inane disrespect for professionalism and the free, fair and transparent functioning of a democratic process – Elections.

GECOM granted the PPP all the recounts it requested that were within reason.

Those recounts yielded no numerical changes to the final results declared by GECOM. And the GECOM Chairman had absolutely nothing to do with the tabulation of results, or any of the other technical aspects of the conduct and management of Elections 2015.

Dr. Surujbally has served this nation with uncompromised profes-

sionalism and integrity, and should be allowed the dignity and respect he has earned throughout his long and accomplished professional career. That known pedophiles, belligerent alcoholics and career cinema ruffians can shout for the resignation of the GECOM Chairman because of some misguided and unproven suspicions, then I strongly believe that equally, the GECOM Chairman should remain steadfast at the helm of GECOM and his proven track record of astute management, and further shape the Agency into becoming a world-class Electoral Management Body.

K. WILLIAMS

Better working conditions ...

From page 2 tions, as their sacrifices would all be in vain if the rights of the workers of today and their contributions are not honored and respected.

Minister Lawrence also pointed out that she would be one of the first to admit that the working conditions across Guyana need to be improved in the general sense, and other areas which will see the workforce being a satisfied and comfortable one. She stressed that the improvement needs to be done urgently, and it should not only be restricted to emoluments but places of work and the services offered to the workers.

“Employees have an obligation to ensure that their workers are comfortable, safe and protected,” Minister Lawrence stated while noting the number of hours that persons spend at a workplace as compared to their own home.

“We cannot continue to demand higher levels of productivity and excellent performance if we do not match the demands with the conducive environments and necessary resources,” Lawrence added, while noting the need for proper work ethics as being critical to improving workers’ productivity.

Speaking specifically to union leaders, the Social Protection Minister also noted that it is important for workers to be happy whenever they leave home to go to work, and they should not just see the job as a tool to satisfy economic needs, but rather be duty-bound to perform to the best of their ability.

That, however, will only be achieved when workers are given the best, and they themselves will ensure that the best is given in return.

In closing, Minister Lawrence made reference to the numerous complaints coming to the ministry about the violations of the rights of workers every day, and while the Government does not believe in the “big-stick” approach, strict measures and methods need to be adopted.

Relatives of the fallen pay their respects with the laying of wreaths (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Jamaican remanded I urge PPP/C to take up over shooting of ex-cop in Berbice role of Opposition Party JAMAICAN national, Ralvin Mickey Mc Lean, who allegedly attempted to execute ex-policeman Ravi Outar at Rose Hall Town, appeared Monday at the Albion Court before Magistrate Marisa Mittelholzer and was remanded to prison.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Particulars of the charge stated that on June 10th at Rose Hall Town, in the Berbice Magisterial District, Mc Clean unlawfully and maliciously wounded Ravi Outar with intent to murder.

Police Sergeant Orin Joseph, prosecuting, said that on the day in question, at about 20:00 hrs, Ravi Outar, and Meschell Outar, were sitting around a table in front their shop when two men approached the ex-cop and one of them who was armed with a small handgun opened fire at him.

The injured man was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hos-

pital Corporation (GPHC), where he remains a patient.

Following the incident, the scene was searched and four .32 spent shells were found. A report was made and the suspect was contacted and cautioned and he denied the allegations.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with the offence.

However, Defence Counsel Mursuline Bacchus in an application for bail noted that the prosecution was unaware of the status of the victim.

He reasoned that being a patient at the Intensive Care Unit, does not mean that one is critical.

However, Joseph objected to pretrial liberty on the grounds that the victim is indeed critical but stable and the defendant was positively identified and he being a Jamaican is a flight risk.

The court upheld the submissions of the prosecution, and remanded the defendant to the New Amsterdam Prison until June 29.

KINDLY allow me space in your newspaper to comment on the PPP’s non-participation in the official political processes in Guyana since the May 2015 national elections.

We have a new Government in Guyana.

I firmly believe there is no gain for Guyana with the continued non-participation of the PPP/C in the national affairs of the country.

Issuing strong press releases do not carry the same cogent effects as taking on the formal responsibility as an Opposition party and participating in Parliament and other arenas.

Nor is there any wisdom in not contesting the up-coming regional elections. With respect to this latter, it is not enough to seek the resignation of Dr. Surujbally. What produced the election results in Guyana was an institutional process, not an individual, irrespective of his/her designation. But for the record, much of the election results should be credited to the PPP/C’s narrow vision of development and attendant unimpressive socio-economic performance over 22 years in Government.

The PPP/C was given a mandate by over 200,000 electors who believed that they and their families’ interests would be best represented by that party. By excluding themselves from the accepted official space for national debates and dialogue and resorting to issuing press releases, the PPP/C reminds me of my

three year old grandson who, when he realises he cannot get his way, will mutter “I don’t talk to you!”. This infantile behaviour does bring joy to parents and grandparents, but for a political party that has done so much for Guyana, this attitude is pure silliness, lacks strategy, reflects inflexibility and stubbornness, and is most unintelligent.

There is a long history of processes called ‘negotiation’, ‘dialogue’, ‘compromise’, ‘bipartisanship’, ‘engagement’, etc., in the corporate and political world.

These have produced some of the best ‘win-win’ results. They should be at the very core of any portfolio of assets aimed at producing real change in Guyana. Not stubbornness, exclusion, inflexibility, or a sense of having a ‘monopoly of what is good or right’. These have been antithetical to real development in Guyana over the past 49 years and both the PPP/C and APNU/AFC must depart from this failure in public policy.

I therefore urge the PPP/C to re-strategise its position and officially take on the role of Opposition Party for the benefit of Guyana and the families who supported it in the last general election.

BALLAYRAM

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Haiti all set to roll out the red carpet ––as countdown to CARIFESTA XII begins

By Derwayne Wills

THE theme for the 12th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XII) is “Our roots, our culture, our common future”, and Haiti will welcome both CARICOM sister countries and international invitees as the Region collectively displays its prowess in the creative arts.

CARIFESTA, the brainchild of Guyana’s late Executive President Forbes Burnham, started in 1972.

The idea of a cultural gathering for Caribbean artistes came out of the desire to bridge the cultural gap in the anglophone Caribbean as a step toward Regional integration.

This is an opportunity not only for Haiti to re-engage CARICOM integration, but also for CARICOM sister countries to delve into the culture of Haiti that has long been misunderstood, under-appreciated, and under-represented through western eyes.

While formal institutions such as the West Indian Federation and CARIFTA have been outlived, CARIFESTA, through the sharing of culture, has withstood the test of time.

“Culture is a unifying force and a cornerstone in our integration movement,” according to Dr. Hilary Brown, Director of the Culture Department at the CARICOM Secretariat.

Brown told reporters at an afternoon press conference at the CARICOM Secretariat, Liliendaal, that the event’s 1972 conception came “in response to requests from artistes in the Region to celebrate the arts, foster a vision of Caribbean unity, and positively advance Caribbean culture” at both the regional and international levels.

“In its original design, this multi-dis-

ciplinary, mega event that showcases the cultural expressions of artistes in over 30 countries in the Caribbean was to be held, and to date, we have had 11 CARIFESTAS staged in seven countries,” Brown continued.

The rights of a CARICOM country to host CARIFESTA is not a bidding process, but is based on consensus at the level of the CARICOM Heads of Government. At the same time, hosting CARIFESTA is not limited to CARICOM countries, since Cuba hosted the third CARIFESTA (CARIFESTA III) in 1979.

While Brown noted that there is some pressure for the introduction of a competi-

tive bidding process, the decision remains an effort of consensus between the CARICOM Heads of Government and the countries interested in hosting the event. Barbados will host CARIFESTA XIII in 2019.

Representing the interest of the CARIFESTA XII host country, Haiti’s Ambassador

Not this Raj Singh

to CARICOM, Peterson Noel said, via conference call from Haiti, the festival is to be held across five cities in Haiti.

He noted this decision comes out of respect for the peculiarities of each city.

Port-Au-Prince, which is the centre of Haiti’s political and economic life, will share the spotlight with cities like Jacmel, and Les Cayes in southern Haiti, and Cap-Haïtien and Gonaïves in the north.

The budget for the mega event stands at some US$7M, but the Haitian envoy said that the organising committee is looking to collaborate with the private sector to balance any expenditure that may go over the stipulated budget.

Since its conception some 43 years ago, CARIFESTA has been subject to a major overhaul in 2004, which saw the re-designing of the entire structure. That overhaul came out of consultations with CARICOM’s Ministers of Culture; Council for Human and Social Development; and later endorsed by the CARICOM Heads of Government.

“The new CARIFESTA model that we are pursuing seeks to ensure that CARIFESTA is more dynamic, economically viable, and meets the expectations of regional and international audiences,”Dr Brown said, while explaining the need for greater media coverage of the opening, closing ceremonies, and other aspects.

The event is not limited to participation

by CARICOM member countries. According to Haiti’s CARICOM Ambassador, Peterson Noel, invitations were sent to all foreign missions in Haiti to attend the event.

Acting on the point of CARIFESTA’s role of promoting integration, and the involvement of non-CARICOM nations, Noel was

Bert Whyte murder…

‘Bert is my friend; I am sorry I killed him’

By George Barclay

Hotel manager Mr Raj Singh

GuySuCo CEO Mr Raj Singh

THE Chronicle, last week, inadvertently published the above photo of hotel manager Mr Raj Singh, instead of the photo of GuySuCo CEO Mr Raj Singh. We regret the error and sincerely apologise for the mix-up in photos of these two gentlemen who share the same name.

asked whether Haiti’s neighbour to the east, The Dominican Republic (DR), has been invited, and if so, whether it had accepted the invitation.

Although Haiti and the DR share one land mass, the two countries have long disagreed on issues relating to free movement. More recently, the DR has come under fire from the international community for arbitrarily removing Dominicans born of Haitian parentage from the DR. So far, some 500,000 Dominicans have been expelled from the DR to Haiti, where many of them have no familial relations.

Responding to whether the DR has responded to Haiti’s invitation, Ambassador Noel said the DR has given an “informal acceptance” to CARIFESTA XII. He did not specify however, what was meant by an “informal acceptance.” Countries outside of CARICOM such as the United States, Canada, India, and Mexico have expressed their willingness to be part of the festivities.

Caribbean integration continues to fall prey to restrictions within the Region, however. Ambassador Noel alluded to the cost of intra-regional travel as one such restriction, since travel between CARICOM countries remains expensive, due to the lack of direct flights.

On that note, Ambassador Noel, who is also the vice-chairman of Haiti’s CARIFESTA Committee, said the body was exploring the option for the Haitian Government to waive fees for chartered flights to Haiti from Caribbean destinations.

Such a plan would see the reduction of individual airfares by US$125 to US$150.

Noel said there should be a response from Haiti’s Ministry of Finance by next week.

THIS was the alleged confession by Clive Knights to Assistant Supt. of Police, Joel David, who was investigating the killing of 44-year-old Bert Whyte, on May 14th, 2012.

Earlier that afternoon, Whyte had taken his niece to lessons at the Concord Academy, New Market Street and had returned for her at 5:15 pm, when he dropped her at Stabroek as she lived on West Demerara.

The girl disclosed that when her uncle returned for her, she observed that he was accompanied by another man who was in the front seat of his vehicle.

ASP David said that he was on duty at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), at Brickdam Police Station, when he received certain information. Consequently, he proceeded to Palm Court on Middle Street, where he made contact with Philip Dundas.

As a result of a conversation, he

checked a fire hydrant west and east of Palm Court. About three to four feet from the fire hydrant, he said he saw two spots of what appeared to be blood about two to three inches apart from each other.

He added: “ I then proceeded north of Main Street and west into Bentick Street, where I checked for any weapon or object that might have resulted in the stabbing of Bert Whyte. I found nothing. I later contacted Gary Vandeburg called “Red Man” of Queen Street, South Cummingsburg, Tiger Bay. I then interviewed him and took a statement.

“On 16th May, I contacted one Rishawn Whyte at Brickdam, CID and interviewed her and as a consequence of what she said, I invited her to take a look at the police photographic album. There she pointed out among other photographs, the accused to be the person she last saw with her uncle. I then took a statement from her.

“On 5th August, 2012, I contacted

the accused Clive Knights at the CID office at around 4:45 pm. I told him I was in receipt of information that he on 14th May, 2012, wounded Bert Whyte in Bentick Street, South Cummingsburg resulting in his death. I cautioned him in compliance with the Judges Rules that he was not obliged to say anything unless he wishes to do so and that anything that he says may be put into writing and given in evidence. I also told him of his right for a friend, relative or attorney to be present. He said he understood and he told me: “Bert was my friend and I am sorry I killed him.”

Witness said that the accused later decided to put what he told him into writing, and that was done.

Prosecuting in the matter are Mrs. Judith Mursalin and Miss Narissa Leander.

Attorney-at-Law, Mrs. Konyo Thompson is defence counsel.

Justice Navindra Singh is presiding in the matter, which continues today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Guyana’s Foreign Minister reports sovereignty threats to OAS ––calls on member states to uphold obligations of intl. treaties/law

By Gary Eleazar

GUYANA continues to press its case internationally against aggressive and illegal actions which affect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, moreso those measures involving the threat or use of force.

Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, yesterday led Guyana’s delegation to the 45th Regular Session of the Organisation of American States (OAS) General Assembly, and while not naming the recent decree issued by Venezuela and its President, Nicolás Maduro, purporting to annex swaths of Guyana’s territory as its own, called on the body of nations to pay heed to its vital function in preserving regional security.

GUYANA COMMITTED In his inaugural

ership of President David Granger, is strongly and unequivocally committed to the goals and ideals of the OAS. He said, “We join you colleagues in the efforts aimed at ensuring that the essential purposes and ideals of the Organisation remain consistent and undiminished.”

Minister Greenidge used the opportunity to emphasise thus: “The vital function which this Organisation must exercise in order to ensure the preservation of regional peace, security and stability is unequivocal.”

He stressed that stability, security and peace in “our hemisphere cannot be maintained, nor can integral development be achieved, unless ALL nations observe International Law, and faithfully adhere to their treaty obligations.”

Minister Greenidge used his inaugural address to the OAS Regular

He further said Guyana calls “attention to the principles that underlie the OAS Charter relating to the settlement of differences between states by peaceful means, and (urges) all member states to honour the provisions of the charter which uphold these basic

Session to say, “Guyana strongly rejects all aggressive and illegal actions which affect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and moreso those measures that involve the threat or use of force.”

delegation takes its place at this historic Assembly.” He then qualified his statement by saying, “That satisfaction is due to the fact that the Assembly is being convened following the reaffirmation of our democracy, reflected in national elections.”

Minister Greenidge

Addressing the inaugural session of the 45th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, Secretary-General Almagro told those gathered: “We want the OAS to be recognised as the hemisphere’s political forum, in which all the countries play an equal part

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge (third right) engaging those at the Breakfast Meeting of Secretary-General Luis Almagro and CARICOM ambassadors (Photo courtesy Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS)

The official photograph of the OAS 45th Regular Session (Photo courtesy Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS) address to the OAS in his capacity as Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice-President Greenidge told the gathering of plenipotentiary representatives that the new Government of Guyana, under the lead-

support for the OAS, and offered congratulations to Ambassador Luis Almagro on his installation as Secretary-General of the Organisation.

He said, “Our national agenda mirrors those very commitments articulated

by Secretary-General Almagro during his installa-

principles of International Law and which are in our collective interest.”

CONGRATULATIONS Minister Greenidge also used the opportunity to place on record the Guyana Government’s

tion ceremony on May 26 last, when he undertook to improve democracy and good governance, create better conditions for development, reduce inequality, advance human rights, and fight corruption.

“Given that the agenda of the OAS so closely parallels that of Guyana, the incoming Secretary-General and his Administration consequently enjoy Guyana’s full support and solidarity in their leadership of this Organisation and in their efforts to better manage and rapidly modernise it.”

He also used the forum to publicly express gratitude to the OAS for fielding the recent electoral observer mission before, during and after the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections locally, which led to a change in Government, the first in 23 years.

He said, “It is with much satisfaction that my

said the observer mission fielded by the OAS is but an example of the tangible worth of the Organisation.

“The elections and their outcome have energised our society,” he reported to the OAS Assembly.

He said also that “the electorate has bestowed on the new Administration a mandate for political and social reform, and has set the stage for a much-needed national democratic renewal.”

WASHINGTON D.C. The two-day OAS Regular Assembly, which was initially slated to be held in Haiti last week, wrapped up in Washington DC yesterday.

The regular General Assembly served as the first occasion in which new OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro participated in an official meeting with the foreign ministers of the member countries.

in addressing our responsibilities as a partnership of nations, based on the foundations and principles that we defend: democracy, human rights, security, development.”

He called on the current members and leaders represented from across the myriad of delegations to “use our positions to break from the logic of talking in abstract terms about this Organisation; we must tackle real problems.

“If not,” he said, “we will also be dodging the real problems that affect people, the real problems of protection of human rights, promotion of democracy, protecting our peoples’ vote throughout the Region…

“We must also tackle global issues such as climate change… Our hemisphere must be part of the solution and contribute in that direction,” he offered.

Every effort will be made ...

From page 3 with Guyana to support the sugar industry and other sectors.

TURNED UPSIDE DOWN The prime minister added: “No one would have told me that we could have spent $47 billion on a single sugar factory that could not produce what the factory produced when the Enmore Martyrs were alive… and so when we asked where the money went, we were told that it was to restructure the industry.

How much the former leaders loved Guyana that they were turning the industry around, they turned it upside down!”

The prime minister also revealed that Parliament gave $17 billion to bail the industry out, but to no avail, and when the question was asked ‘How many went to sugar workers,’ there was no answer.

This is why, he said, the Government felt rightly that the GuySuCo Board should be fired, and did just that.

A forensic audit has also been ordered to find out where all the money went.

Nagamootoo also said it was disappointing to hear that when Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Raj Singh was given marching orders, GAWU found the move disturbing.

“They were not disturbed by the billions of dollars that went down the drain; they were disturbed when we tell Raj Singh you must go. And so today, as we remember the struggle of our fallen heroes, as we pay tribute to the relatives and descendants that they are proud heirs of great fighters whose names have gone down the annals of history. They will forever raise their heads in pride and in honour knowing that their relatives and their foreparents have struggled to make sugar an industry on which so much depend. And because so much depends on sugar, my

Government and the Government of David Granger will leave no stone unturned to find answers as to where we go from here,” the prime minister said.

Sugar workers were also slaughtered in 1896, 1903, 1905, 1913 and 1939 while fighting for better pay and better working conditions.

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) Carvil Duncan, said that in 1948 they (sugar workers) again paid the ultimate sacrifice.

But he said it happened so that all can enjoy better living conditions today, pointing out that while sugar is sweet, the history has been bitter.

GAWU International Affairs Secretary, Aslim Singh said the blood of the martyred workers has fertilised the struggles of the working people, as he paid tribute to late founders of the PPP and Presidents of Guyana Dr Cheddi Jagan and his wife Janet Jagan for their roles in leading the charge.

He called for unity among the working class, and urged that the sugar industry should not be privatised.

Some 16,000 persons benefit directly from the industry and thousands more

indirectly.

Singh contended that with prudent management, the sugar industry can be revived again as it did in the early 1990s. He also called for the rights of workers to be respected.

General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, who returned to the annual remembrance ceremony of the martyrs at Enmore after more than a decade, said the struggle of the workers was part of a wider struggle to free Guyana from colonial rule.

The GTUC, he also pointed out, made the case for construction of the monument to remember the martyrs, and it happened under the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham.

The Enmore Martyrs Monument was designed by Dennis Williams and erected by the Zenith Industrial and Construction Co-operative Society. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Burnham on June 16, 1977, the 29th anniversary of the death of the five martyrs.

The remembrance yesterday was attended by Government ministers, representatives of a number of trade unions, the diplomatic corps, relatives of the martyrs, sugar workers and residents.

India offers to help boost security sector

––in areas such as training, crime scene management INDIA has quite a lot to offer the security sector here in Guyana. This view was expressed by Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, after a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who paid him a courtesy call at his office in Brickdam Monday.

Following the meeting, Minister Ramjattan told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that discussions were centred on support that India can offer to the Guyana Government in the area of security. “It is quite a long list,” the Minister said, noting things like scholarship for the training of policemen, and capacity support for the Forensic Laboratory as some of the areas identified for possible collaboration.

“He had indicated that they have some good quality labs in India… the training from those and also

the materials that we can acquire,” the Minister said, were discussed in relation to the Forensic Lab. Also discussed was collaboration with regard

ed Guyana’s interest in programmes and policies related to mending community policing relationship, and that the High Commissioner had

Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr.Venkatachalam Mahalingam during discussions Monday to provision of instructors for classes in crime scene management.

Minister Ramjattan also said he had indicat-

expressed his willingness to network with the Minister on some of the case studies that India has done in this area. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Community worker Man on $50,000 bail for facing multiple charges break and enter, larceny

TREVOR James, a resident of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a series of charges, which all started after he stole a bag of rice.

The man, who is a community worker, appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

It is alleged that on Monday, May 25, 2015 at Bourda Green, James stole a bag of rice valued at $2,500 from Chandrowtie Baldeo. It was further alleged that on the same day he behaved threateningly towards her.

The defendant however denied stealing the bag of rice, but pleaded guilty to threatening the woman. Additionally, he explained that the woman owes him money, so he took the bag of rice instead.

James was also charged for resisting

arrest, disorderly behaviour and having an offensive weapon -a knife- without any valid reason on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at the Bourda Green. He also denied those charges.

The man, in his defence, explained that he had only the knife in his possession, because of his job and became annoyed and resisted arrest, because he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

The magistrate reprimanded James, explaining to him that it was wrong to threaten the woman. Adams agreed to leave the woman alone.

He was fined $5,000 for the threatening behaviour charge, failing to pay which he will have to serve 20 days in prison. Adams elected to serve the sentence instead of paying the fine.

The other matter was adjourned until tomorrow for Court One.

DEVON Rodney, 39, of Lot 177 Thomas Street, Georgetown,was arraigned before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, charged with break and enter and larceny.

Rodney, a porter, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that between June 13 and 15, in Georgetown, he broke and entered the shop of

11

Shazam Abraham and stole five DVD players, four Blackberry phone cases and cash, a total of $59,440.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne did not object to bail for the defendant, who was unrepresented by counsel. Bail was granted in the sum of $50,000 and Rodney will return to court tomorrow before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17 2015

Deputy Mayor...

Haags Bosch landfill site in need of urgent attention

A section of the Haags Bosch landfill site

DEPUTY Mayor Patricia Chase-Green believes that the Haags Bosch sanitary landfill site is in urgent need of attention, so that it could render a more efficient service to the public.

It is a burning issue, and it [Haags Bosch] must be looked at seriously,” ChaseGreen told the Chronicle in an invited comment yesterday.

The Haags Bosch sanitary landfill site, located aback Eccles, on the East Bank of Demerara, had replaced the Mandela dumpsite in Le Repentir Cemetery and was a project funded by an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) US$18M loan.

It was intended to serve 15 surrounding Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), and accommodate the possible disposal of health-care discards and other hazardous materials.

With the site recently coming in for strong criticism from many quarters, Chase-Green said proposals for recycling and difficulties faced by the City Council must be taken to the new minister under whose ambit

ECHO Executive Director Royston King the project falls. This would be Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan.

“Our recycling plan and the future of Haags Bosch have to be discussed with him,” Chase-Green said, as she noted that Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green will have to meet with Minister Bulkan at the earliest possible date on the issue.

Chase-Green acknowledged, though, that the min-

Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green ister is new and ought to be given time to settle in, so that he could become thoroughly familiar with the issues.

Chase-Green said to her knowledge, the site at Haags Bosch was not constructed with the intended design that was proposed many years ago.

It was supposed to be a stateof the-art facility. “Whatever happened to the money for Haags Bosch I can’t say. But it must be seriously looked at,” she said.

Chase-Green said she would love to see an incinerator back in action, as she could recall the days when “Old Smokey” did a good job with regard to the garbage in the city.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of City Hall and Executive Director of the Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO), Royston King, recently said in a statement that the issue of solid waste remains a sore one, not only in the city, but throughout Guyana.

“One sanitary landfill site nearly eight miles from the city of Georgetown; no holding area or facility; no continuous environmental and public health education programme and an abundance of non-biodegradable materials, all facilitate mini dump sites in every ward of the city. The landfill site is very defective and needs urgent attention,” King observed.

He said efficient collection is a challenge to the city and the indiscipline of some citizens signals the need for greater enforcement of compliance with litter laws.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

13

Liliendaal Bridge re-opened to traffic

TRAFFIC began flowing again late Monday afternoon on the Liliendaal/Pattensen Bridge following a weeklong closure to carry out extensive works to fortify the structure.

The works, which began last Tuesday, saw the closing off of the Railway Embankment Road, between Conversation Tree to the west, and the University of Guyana Road to the east.

The refurbished Liliendaal/Pattensen Bridge on the Railway Embankment Road on the lower East Coast

G’town mayor urges vendors, officers to comply with city GEORGETOWN Mayor Hamilton Green yesterday met with top officials of the City Constabulary, other senior officers, councillors and vendors and reminded them of the need to do their jobs in accordance with the law.

“Improve the way you ply your trade,” was the call made by Green at the meeting,” a statement from Public Relations Officer of the City Council Royston King said.

At the meeting, the Mayor charged the vendors to ply their trade within the ambit of the law. “The vendors were encouraged to keep their environment clean…to have a refuse receptacle to deposit waste. They were asked not to block the entrances of businesses and not to hang their items for sale on the showcases of these businesses.”

Green observed that some vendors have established mini-stores on pub-

lic thoroughfares that have encumbered the pavements and stressed that this cannot be condoned by the Council.

The vendors were further asked not to give monies to the officers of the City Constabulary.

According to the Mayor, it cannot be business as usual. “The vendors must improve the manner in which they ply their trade. He encouraged the officers of the Constabulary to uphold the laws, noting that some vendors conduct themselves in an undignified manner; many of them abuse officers of the City Constabulary. He asserted that this would not be tolerated,” the statement said.

The Public Health Department has expressed public health concerns as there has been an increase in barbering, manicuring and pedicuring on public thoroughfares. “These operations do not confirm to public health standards. It [sic] may put the health of citizens at risk.”

According to a release from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the bridge was officially reopened at around 17:00 hr.

Repairs to the bridge’s structure were executed by the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), while the surfacing was done by the Ministry’s Force Account Unit (FAU).

The entire project cost an estimated G$12M.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Windsor Forest man to know fate Friday ––for causing death by dangerous driving

A FIFTY-nine-year-old truck driver of Windsor Forest Railway Embankment, West Coast Demerara, is soon to know his fate on a causing death by dangerous driving charge.

Winston Felix is accused of causing the death of Fatima Jamal by dangerous driving, alleged to have occured on November 28 at Agrico-

la Public Road, East Bank Demerara, where he drove motor lorry GKK 8663 in a manner dangerous to the public.

Yesterday, both the defence and the prosecution made their respective submissions and the matter was adjourned by presiding Magistrate Ann McLennan to Friday, June 19, 2015, for

decision.

Felix pleaded not guilty to the charge on his first appearance in court and was granted bail in the sum of $800,000.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, Jamal was crossing the street on the pedestrian crossing, whilst Felix was driving the said lorry. Felix admitted

that he saw Jamal crossing the road, and his right front bumper collided with her.

Felix is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Mr. Rabindra Rooplall. The defendant has been a driver for more than 14 years and has no prior convictions or pending matters.

Defence counsel in his submission stated that his client swerved and there is no evidence of speeding or tyre impressions. He argued that it is the duty of the

prosecution to provide all evidence beyond reasonable doubt.

He noted that from the evidence before the court, it cannot be found that his client on the day in question drove dangerously or recklessly. He further noted that on the day of the accident, Jamal was looking in the wrong direction when she commenced crossing the three-way lane.

However, submission made by the prosecution was delivered by Police Sergeant Neville Jeffers. The prosecutor emphasised that the case was proved by the requisite standard against Felix for the manner in which he drove that day.

However, the court heard that from the evidence adduced, the defendant showed no careful attention to road users and applied no safety precaution on that day.

According to Jeffers, a driver should when driving

adhere to a safety rule which is to watch out for pedestrians who may emerge suddenly from behind stationary vehicles or obstructions. Also, drivers should be careful when approaching schools, bus stops and pedestrian crossings.

The prosecutor brought to the attention of the court that the defendant in his caution statement mentioned that he first saw the deceased when she was 25 feet away which could have given Felix enough time to stop the vehicle if he was driving at a normal rate of speed. He argued that, instead of applying brakes, Felix swerved to avoid the collision, and ended up hitting Jamal.

Hence, the police prosecutor asked the court to find the defendant guilty as charged for the offence; meanwhile, defence counsel asked that Felix be found not guilty.

Porter charged with stealing $200,000 gold chain AN East La Penitence father of five was yesterday jailed for 18 months by Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a larceny from the person charge.

Noland Forde, a porter at Stabroek Market, pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he stole from Higinno Rosalen, one gold chain worth $200,000.

The matter was prosecuted by Police Corporal Simone Payne and Forde was unrepresented in court.

Plaisance resident accused of stealing bicycle A PLAISANCE block-maker accused of stealing another man’s bicycle and inflicting on him actual bodily harm, yesterday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

The allegation is that on Monday, June 15, 2015, at Alberttown, Georgetown, Rawl Adams stole one bicycle valued $18,000, property of Wolford Watson.

It was further alleged that on the said day, he unlawfully assaulted Curt Anthony to cause him actual bodily harm.

Adams denied both charges when they were read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. However Watson, whose bike was returned to him, explained to the court that he wished to drop the charge.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne did not object to bail for the defendant, who had no legal representation.

The defendant had the matter against him for stealing the bicycle dismissed and was released on $25,000 bail for the assault charge. The matter was adjourned until tomorrow when the defendant will re-appear before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Road upgrade fiasco…

OPM dismisses Guyana Times ‘special treatment’ report ––as ‘mean, dirty and unwarranted’

THE Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) yesterday issued a statement dismissing a recent Guyana Times newspaper report that “special treatment” had been awarded to the Prime Minister in the form of his access road being upgraded upon his assumption of office.

Carried in the June 14 edition of the Guyana Times, the report detailed that criticisms had been mounted in response to the alleged “special treatment” being practised by the current Government, which, prior to assuming office, had accused the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration of practising favouritism.

The Guyana Times report said criticisms had been levelled because “the streets where the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, resided in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, (were) being repaired and upgraded so as to ensure that he travelled in comfort, while one section of the railway embankment at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, not far from where he lives, was in an atrocious state of disrepair and (was) causing great discomfort to commuters.”

The OPM statement at reference denounced the contents of the article, describing it as “mischievous.”

Providing some details on the circumstances surrounding the situation, the statement revealed that upon his assumption to office as Guyana’s Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Mr. Nagamootoo “opted to live in his own house in North Sophia.” It added that the PM’s official residence

is uninhabitable in its present state, and the PM and his family have resided in their personal Sophia home since 1985, and continued to do so even after he became, for many continuous years, under four past presidents, a Senior Government Minister.

As it relates to the street just outside the PM’s house, which was previously known as “Sand Road”, the statement described the condition as “almost impassable” prior to its rehabilitation.

“Facing these conditions on a daily basis, Mr. Nagamootoo had made repeated representation to former Works Minister Mr. Robeson Benn, and had submitted a residents’ petition to him for repairs to the bridge and the street.”

It was, however, reported that last year the bridge was renovated, and workmen had commenced repairs on the street. The OPM statement further alleged that “upon learning that Mr. Nagamootoo lived there, the workmen dug up the street and left hurriedly; they never came back.

“A complaint was then made to the then Minister, and an invitation was extended to have him visit the street. Both were acknowledged, and upon his visit, Mr. Benn had “personally assured” that completion of the works would be done as soon as the rains held up.”

Additionally, the statement disclosed that “on several occasions, Mr. Nagamootoo had sent photographs to Minister Benn, showing that the condition of the street had further deteriorated.

He also protested against

the spite and vindictiveness of the former regime in damaging the street just outside his home.

“The street was left in its deplorable condition even after Mr. Nagamootoo became Prime Minister and had started to use his home as the Official Residence of the Prime Minister of Guyana,” the OPM statement said.

The OPM statement additionally rebutted a Guyana Times assertion that “(the Prime Minister) never once requested that the repairs be completed after he became Prime Minister.”

The OMP response condemned the Guyana Times report as “mean, dirty and unwarranted,” and labelled it “a blatant attempt at tarnishing the image of the Prime Minister”.

It was also revealed that many prominent citizens use this street, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, a personal aide of the former Attorney General, a high ranking Guyana Defence Force officer, and the vice-president of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association.

(Ravin Singh)

The condition of the street before and after repairs

16

At St George’s Cathedral...

President jo guests in Ho GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17 2015

By Gary Eleazar

THE late Bishop Cornell Jerome Moss was yesterday acknowledged for his life’s contributions at a special memorial service held at the St George’s Cathedral, Georgetown.

President David Granger, himself a devout Anglican, was among the hundreds from across the Region to gather at the world-renowned Cathedral as tributes were paid to the late Moss.

He last served as the XII Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Guyana and Suriname, having been appointed by the House of Bishops.

Described as dedicated, a man of selfless service who believed in his God, and credited also with the reinvigoration of the Anglican Diocese across Relatives of the Late Bishop Cornell Moss con the Guianas (Guyana, Su- Memorial Service riname, French Guiana), President, Leila Austin, on the late Bishop Moss was gathered for the mid-morning Corinthian’s take on death, consecrated in December start of the ‘Solemn Eucharist mortality and God’s place in 2009, after which he was of the Resurrection’ in memit, led to a sermon by ‘The enthroned in ‘The Cathedral ory of the ‘Right Reverend Most Reverend and Dr. the Cornell Jerome Moss, DD.’ of St George.’

Honourable John Holder.’

President Granger arrived promptly at the Cathedral for the 10:00 hrs start before The Late Bishop Cornell Jerome Moss (Photos by Adrian Narine) personally offering his condolences to Dr Moss’ widow, Carol.

The formal programme got underway with a procession of Thurifer, Crucifer, Accolytes, Lay Ministers of the Diocese, Deans, Provincial Chancellors, Regional Bishops and a number of other provincial top brass.

Incense permeated the ‘tallest wooden building in the world’, as altar boys and girls, sashed and gowned, led the procession with plumes of the aromatic smoke billowing out of each of their ‘thuribles’. The congregation joined in with the hymn ‘For all the Saints’, each in unison during the chorus, ‘Alleluia, Alleluia’.

Provincial Secretary, Eleanor Lawrence led the congregation in prayer in remembrance of the late Bishop.

This, along with a contriPresident David Granger and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder join with relatives of the Late Bishop Cornell Moss in the front pews, as aromatic incense billows from the Thurible bution from immediate past Provincial Mother’s Union ahead of yesterday’s memorial service SOLEMN EUCHARIST Rain did little to dissuade the hundreds that

BIBLICAL CONVICTIONS The Reverend, in his transfixing take on death, humanity, mortality and the life of the late Bishop Moss, told the congregation, “Not even death falls outside of God’s embracing love.”

He said that as such, in recalling the life of the late Bishop Moss, it must be stressed that he lived a life according to his biblical convictions.

According to Reverend Holder, the late Bishop had a passion for his Ministry and fervently believed that through the church positive ideals can be realised.

Bishop Moss was said to be a man who loved his God, his Lord and his church.

Speaking to those who may be grieving at the loss, since, according to the elders, this is human, Reverend Holder urged that they take solace in the life lived by the late Bishop, and know “that with the Lord, all labour is not in vain.”

oins fellow parishioners, --as Anglican Diocese oly Eucharist bids late Bishop farewell

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

nsole one another at the

RENOVATION FUND Vicar-General, Oscar Bazil, also joined in paying tribute to the late Bishop Moss. In fact, according to Vicar-General Bazil, under Moss’ stewardship, the Church has seen marked improvements.

He pointed to the fact that perhaps the final act of the Bishop was ensuring the establishment of the St George’s Cathedral Renovation Fund.

Another to join in praise of the accomplishments of Bishop Moss was the Right Reverend Laish Z. Boyd, who also provided testimony as it relates to the endeavours of the man in whose memory they had gathered.

According to Reverend Boyd, with the death of Bishop Moss, the Diocese of Guyana has suffered a tremendous loss.

He said some may even be tempted to feel that with the loss of the late Bishop, there is also a loss of the forward thrust and momentum that had been gaining traction under his watch.

It was observed that under Bishop Moss, the Guyana Anglican Diocese managed to have trained

The Choir provides melodious configuration for the congregation to join in on the Hymns

and ordained a number of priests, something that had not happened locally for a number of years.

Stressing service and dedication as Bishop Moss’s hallmarks, he recalled that the man had been called to leave the only place he had known as home, Nassau, Bahamas at the age of 50, with his family to take up the charge at the helm of the Guyana Diocese, a new land, a new culture, yet something he reportedly embraced.

Bishop Moss’ memorial service was richly punctuated with Anglican ritualistic tradition, supported by haunting notes of the organ and steel pan ensemble and choir.

President Granger also joined in the communion, a mark of remembrance of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Saviour, according to the belief of Anglican Christians.

BISHOP CORNELL MOSS Born December 1959 in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, the late Bishop Cornell Moss entered the seminary in 1978.

By 1982, he graduated earning a Bachelor of Arts

Degree in Theology with Second Class Honours and a Diploma in Theological Studies.

Too young for ordination, the late Moss was at the time appointed Lay Assistant at Christ the King, Ridgeland Park, where he waited for six months to be ordained to the Order of Deacons in January 1983.

A year later, he was ordained to the Sacred

Priesthood in Christ Church Cathedral, Nassau.

He married in 1986 to the now widowed Carol Lisa Thompson, after which he took up his first appointment as Priest-in-Charge of St John the Baptiste Parish, Southern Abaco.

Over the years, he ascended the ranks of the Anglican province, and by 2009 was ordained and enthroned as the Bishop of the Angli-

can Diocese of Guyana in December 2009.

While in Guyana, he introduced the tithing system throughout the Diocese, which is said to have strengthened its financial operations.

He also presided over the remodelling and refurbishment of Austin House, the century-old residence of all Diocesan Bishops of Guyana, and last month he

launched the remodelling of the St George’s Cathedral.

Following three hospital stints last year, he underwent in May this year an aortic valve replacement surgery, but died soon after.

“Bishop Cornell Jerome Moss was a breath of fresh air to the Anglicans of Guyana,” according to President Granger.

Deacon Raymond Cummings, the last ordained by the Late Bishop Moss, leads the Congregation in prayer

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

IAC calls on PPP to give support to Government

UNDESCORING its contributions to the struggle for political, economic, social and national development in Guyana, the Indian Arrival Committee yesterday called on the People’s Progressive Party

(PPP) to give critical support to the APNU+AFC Coalition Government as it seeks to further develop Guyana.

The IAC’s call was issued through a statement yesterday, and was preceded

by the IAC declaring its vision that the PPP would always have a role to play in development of Guyana. The IAC therefore advises that the PPP should continue to address its origins, which are steeped in foundations of the

rice and sugar industries in particular, and the working people in general.

The IAC statement said the PPP, established in 1950, has throughout its history pioneered and has been in the forefront for develop-

ment across the country.

As a result, IAC members believe that, in 2015, “the PPP should not embark upon a policy of non-cooperation and civil disobedience” following the recently held general and regional elections, but should pursue a policy of offering critical support to the new Administration.

“The IAC believes that the PPP should give critical support to the APNU+AFC Coalition Government for any progressive measure related to those activities, programmes and policies that would achieve national cohesion under the “One Nation” rubric of national development; but opposes any reactionary moves, and criticises all shortcomings” the IAC statement declared.

Accordingly, the IAC called on the PPP to “pursue

these initiatives immediately” in an effort to defend the national interest, as defined in terms of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against the threat of external interference by Venezuela.

Furthermore, the IAC has said it recognises that at this critical juncture in the history of Guyana, the PPP must take up its thirty-two (32) seats in the National Assembly, and present a united front with the coalition Government against the brazenly immoral claims of “belligerent Venezuela.”

“The IAC urges the PPP to understand that the destabilisation of the APNU+AFC coalition Government by external forces would automatically lead to the demise of the former itself,” the statement concluded.

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Aries

You are radiant and glowing with happiness today! This is a refreshing change after the gloom of the past few weeks. Apparently, the decisions you made worked out for the best. Or even better, perhaps you’re in love? In any case, it will be even easier than usual for you to communicate with others and share your joy. Let the good times roll!

Taurus

Your goal for today is to enchant your mate. There’s no reason not to try. Indeed, it’s an excellent day for love. But don’t exaggerate your seductive wiles.

Since the day’s aspects tend to distort your perception of things, you may be deceived by what you see in the mirror. Be careful about what you do and how you do it!

Gemini

You’re in splendid shape today! Did a fairy godmother brandish a magic wand to dispel all the little difficulties of the past few weeks? Enjoy this moment of relief from worries. As for your love life, some exciting opportunities may arise. Be on the lookout for them. Whatever you do, don’t let them pass you by!

Cancer

It’s certainly clear that you have faith in your actions! You feel no fear or doubt as you progress toward your goals at a fast clip, cruising along on calm seas under clear skies. This new atmosphere is likely the product of your renewed commitment. Reward yourself for your accomplishments, but you should wait a few days before launching an all-out celebration.

Leo

This is a moment to start being creative and stop worrying that you don’t have talent. Who’s to say what “talent” is? In the romance department, the love of your life might be right under your nose. Try lifting your eyes from the romance novels and look around. The perfect mate could be any number of people in your daily life. You just have to open your eyes.

Virgo Exchange rates for June 16, 2015

CURRENCY USD/GYD GBP/GYD CDN/GYD EUR/GYD BBD/GYD XCD/GYD TTD/GYD

BUYING 205.98375 321.60243 166.95629 321.13437 101.86969 75.45903 32.27299

SELLING 208.43594 325.63947 168.88911 234.09440 102.89094 76.21551 32.59653

You may be a bit unclear about your professional direction today. Your motivation has disappeared without warning. What happened? It may be that you need to become involved in projects that have more universal resonance.

Projects that concern only your interests or that are of narrow scope no longer hold your attention.

Libra

You could be seeing mirages at the moment, most notably in the environment around you. You may have the impression that people are lying to you or that they’re hiding something from you. Or it may be that you’re the one who lies about certain things or hides what you do. Why are you making it all so complicated? Don’t be afraid to express your feelings.

Scorpio Hold on to your wallet, because you may have some strange (though noble) im

pulses to give away your money or spend a large amount on something useless.

You should think about spending your money in a better way or not at all. Why not consider donating some of your time rather than money to those in need?

Sagittarius

Today isn’t a good day to sign contracts or make any substantial purchases. Go to the grocery store, by all means, but buy hamburger, not tenderloin. Keep your money at home and safeguard your reserves. Don’t negotiate about anything.

No matter how good the offer sounds or how compelling the deal, walk away.

Capricorn Are you certain you can’t modify your current situation? Are you a prisoner of Wednesday June 17, 2015 ––– 05:00 hrs Thursday June 18, 2015 ––– 05:00 hrs

a lifestyle that isn’t of your own making or is a throwback to the past? People have been asking you to take on too many responsibilities and this is weighing you down. Don’t be afraid to distance yourself from these situations. Learn to say no.

Aquarius

The forecast for you is excellent. You can rely on today’s aspects to restore your self-confidence, which has been sorely tried during the past few days. The charismatic seducer in you can swagger forth, certain of conquest. However, don’t go too far. Wait a while for reality to dispel the cloud of ecstasy and you will be able to see the future more clearly.

Pisces

You may have some trouble communicating today. It’s as though something is distorting your perception. Don’t be surprised if once evening comes you feel like forgetting about everything and travelling to the other side of the world.

Tomorrow you will see clearly again. Without a doubt, there are adventures in store for you!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Lehmann wrestles with GSSF pays Australia’s positive pace dilemma courtesy call SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia coach Darren Lehmann is delighted to be wrestling with a dilemma over which three of five pace bowlers will start the Ashes series against England in Cardiff next month.

The tourists left the Caribbean for Britain last night charged with confidence after completing a convincing 2-0 sweep of West Indies with a 277-run victory in the second Test.

Right-arm quick Josh Hazlewood was named Australia’s man-of-the-series after taking 12 wickets at 8.83 over the two matches, including his second five-wicket haul in just five Tests for his country.

Left-armer Mitch Starc continued where he left off with the white ball at the World Cup, where he was named man-of-the-tournament, by taking 10 wickets at 16 apiece against West Indies.

Reigning ICC Cricketer-of-the-Year Mitchell Johnson (seven wickets at 18.62 in the series) and stalwart Peter Siddle are also in the party and the injury-prone but often brilliant Ryan Harris is set to join the squad in England.

“Those guys have given us a massive headache - albeit a good one - and we have a really tough decision to make when it comes to picking

JOSH HAZLEWOOD the side for the first Test in Cardiff,” Lehmann wrote in a column on the Cricket Australia website.

“Two of those five guys are going to be unbelievably unlucky to miss out, but that’s what happens when you’re playing good cricket. You have to make those hard decisions.

“We just have to pick the right three fast bowlers to take the 20 wickets in that first Test.

“And that’s not to say we’ll play those three all

series, but we’ll just pick the XI for that match and go from there.”

Hazlewood has never bowled a red ball in anger in English conditions and will be keen to prove he can generate pace and bounce on the grassy pitches there as he did on the sluggish Caribbean tracks.

The 24-year-old will have his chance when Australia play four-day tour matches against Kent and Essex in the run-up to the first Test on July 8.

“The two tour matches leading into the series will play a big part in our thinking,” Lehmann added.

“We need to see how the bowlers pull up and how they bowl in the different conditions, on different pitches and with the different ball.”

Overall, there is no doubt Australia are in much better shape than when Lehmann led them to England for the first time in 2013 after a 4-0 humiliation in India and the sacking of Mickey Arthur.

They lost 3-0.

“We’re not far off but we know we have to raise the bar to win over there,” Lehmann said. “We haven’t done it for 14 years and that’s our goal.”

NOTABLE DATES DONALD Allison started his professional career on June 17, 1988 at the Meadowlands Hilton in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Allison was 24 years old at the time and a resident of the USA, when he won by decision a four-round bout against Jose Nieves.

Allison secured his first defeat in bout number seven. Puerto Rican Jake Rodriguez won the six-round bout by unanimous decision. Allison secured his 10th professional victory on April 13, 1990 when he won the eight-round contest against Honduran Jose Avila by unanimous decision.

The contest was held at the Gleason Arena in Brooklyn, New York, Allison’s adopted home city. He had another try

at Avila three months later. This time, the New York State junior welterweight title was at stake, and at the end of 10 rounds the Honduran was again left without a victory.

Judges Jack DeFares and Al Reid scored the bout 96-90 while Harold Lederman saw it 96-93 all in favour of Allison. In July 1992 Allison had his only fight in Guyana. He won the 10-rounder against an experienced Barrington Cambridge on points. Allison quit the sport in 1994 after losing three of four fights that year and returned to Guyana.

He later opened a gym in Agricola. Allison died in September 2005 after being gunned down. He won 14 fights, lost six and drew one.

TRINIDADIAN Michael Drayton became Patrick Ford’s fourth knockout victim on June 17, 1978, in Georgetown, Guyana. Drayton was stopped in the fifth round by the top Guyanese featherweight who remained unbeaten in seven fights.

The Trinidadian was used to being in the ring against Guyanese opponents having fought Terrence Alli, Michael Reid, `Tiger’ Green and Lennox Blackmoore among others. Ford was just off defeating Green for the national featherweight title when he met Drayton.

He was 16-0 when coming up against

Mexican Salvador Sanchez. The Mexican was the holder of the World Boxing Council featherweight title. On September 13, 1980 Ford had the distinction of being the first Guyanese to challenge for a world title when he battled Sanchez.

The lanky Guyanese troubled the shorter Mexican for the first seven rounds of the scheduled 15-rounder, but Sanchez used his experience in the latter part of the fight to be adjudged winner by a majority decision. Ford ended an 11-year career in 1987 following a victory over Albert Browne. He died in the USA in November 2011 at age 55.

on MoE, Department of Culture ...

From back page

Association, the Amateur Trapshooting Association and more recently the World Archery Federation.

In keeping with its objective to promote the growth of sport shooting locally, the members of the Board indicated that they will be starting regulated Amateur Trap Shooting and Archery shortly.

The minister expressed her commitment to working with the federation and said that she also looks forward to introducing Archery as a sport to Guyana with a focus on both indoor and outdoor archery.

She will be giving crucial input in this area especially since it involves two other areas she is passionate about: - youth and education.

The federation is currently in discussion to bring an internationally renowned archer very soon to Guyana.

His years of experience in competing at World Cup events and his technical expertise will aid in establishing Archery on solid foundations.

Minister Henry further indicated she is excited to work with the GSSF in promoting and developing the various Sport Shooting disciplines.

The ministry and the GSSF look forward to working together to build a stronger working relationship to the benefit of all Guyanese as the federation continues to uphold its recognition as a Sporting body promoting sport, specifically in the field of sport shooting locally, regionally and internationally.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

New rules spark fresh interest in player draft ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) - Newly-appointed Leeward Islands head coach Reginald Benjamin will make the first pick when the second Player Draft of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League takes place here tomorrow.

Fortunately, Benjamin earned that right on his team’s misfortune in the 2014-15 Regional four-day tournament.

The selection order for this year’s Draft is the reverse order of the final league position of teams in the last tour-

nament.

The Hurricanes finished at the bottom of the table last season and will be hoping to exploit new rules in the tournament to shore up their batting.

Each franchise will now have to include two players from outside of their home territory in the remaining five players drafted from the Player Pool, unlike last year when there was no stipulation.

The second change reduces the time allocated for each selector to make a pick in the Draft.

They have now been allotted two minutes – one less than last year – to complete their choices.

The new rules have triggered special interest among cricket enthusiasts eager to see how they will impact upon the selection of players on the six franchises.

While some teams will be looking to import batting talent from outside of their home territory to give backbone to their line-ups, others may use the Draft choices to add a bit more edge to their bowling.

The Draft will be conducted over five rounds and has been organised with the goal of achieving an equitable distribution of the available player talent.

The list of pre-selected players and players that will form part of the Draft pool will be released today.

The new PCL draft will be staged at the Accra Beach Hotel in Barbados, starting at 13:00hrs and fans can view the ‘live’ webcast on the WICB’s website, www. windiescricket.com.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Showers fail to dampen spirit of Guyana Festival … softball, soccer tournaments great success

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada -- Intermittent showers failed to dampen the spirit of the hundreds who turned out to witness last Sunday’s Guyana Festival, held to commemorate the country’s 49th Independence anniversary celebrations here.

Organised by the Guyana Consulate and members of the Guyana Festival Committee, the two-day festival featured a trade exposition, cultural show, soccer and softball

overs, Kaieteur reached their target with four deliveries to spare, with an astonishing 36 extras, 27 being wides. Skipper Vish Persaud was the only player to reach double figures (14) before he went via run-out.

Saturday’s contests were highlighted by a blistering undefeated 64 by Kaieteur’s Mahase Richard which earned his team an easy victory and also the Most Valuable Player award. The other MVPs were Mark Moosai and Oriin O’Neil of Jaguars and Avinash Sukhdeo of Kaieteur.

Kaieteur’s skipper Shiv Persaud (left) receives the winning softball trophy from Guyana’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Harry Narine Nawbatt. Others in picture, from right, are OSCL executives Vish Jadunauth, Kim Sue, Albert Ramcharran and Terry Mathura. Consular General Sattie Sawh is at centre. cricket, with the latter two being the main attractions.

On hand to witness most of the activities and Sunday’s culmination were outgoing High Commissioner to Ottawa, Harry Narine Nawbatt and Consular General to Toronto Sattie Sawh.

At Saturday’s opening of the softball tournament, which featured four teams, two under the umbrella of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) and one each from the Canadian Softball Cricket Association (CSCA) and the Canadian Round Arm League, the High

At Sunday’s presentation, OSCL president Albert Ramcharran announced that all the participating players will receive prizes at the association’s annual awards ceremony, set to be held at the end of the season. The winning team and MVPs collected trophies on Sunday.

Ramcharran praised the players for braving the inclement weather and the organisers for ensuring the success of the tournament.

Two players, Shiv Persaud and former Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway of Kaieteur and Jaguars respectively, won return

The winning GYU soccer team pose after their victory over GT Allstars. High Commissioner Nawbatt is second from right (stooping).

Commissioner urged the players and officials to disregard who is in power in Guyana but instead to look at the event as a national one.

He also told them to use this year’s festival as a prelude to next year’s proposed big 50th anniversary celebrations. Nawbatt also declared the proceedings open.

Saturday’s games saw both OSCL sides boot out their counterparts from the CSCA and the Round Arm League in 10-over affairs, setting the stage for Sunday’s final.

The organisers were forced to play the final in consistent drizzles and at times heavy rain which never ceased. In the end, Kaieteur, under the management of Vish Jadunauth upstaged favourites Jaguars whose manager was OSCL vice-president Terry Mathura.

Set 67 for victory in their allotted 10

trips to Guyana, compliments of Caribbean Airlines which also sponsored the tops for all four participating teams.

Another lucky participant at Sunday’s show was Hemraj Heralall who will also travel to and from Guyana at the expense of Caribbean Airlines while softball player Fazil Rasool won a weekend stay at Guyana’s Marriott Hotel.

In the football tournament, which was once again organised by Mark Fanfair, Ghetto Youth United (GYU) edged GT Allstars 4-3 in a cliffhanger with Randy Washington emerging as the Most Valuable Player.

Guyana’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Nawbatt, was also on hand to kick off the game at Mother Teresa School in Scarbor-

ough.

Jamaican-born Weston Wellington, who has been playing for the GT Vets for more than 25 years and is currently the treasurer of the GT Veterans Soccer Club and has made a major contribution to Guyana soccer and the community over the years, gained a free ticket to Guyana, also from Caribbean

Airlines.

Meanwhile, Consul General Sawh disclosed that plans are in train to host the Guyana Pan Am Games contingent prior to the commencement of next month’s games in Toronto. She, however, pointed out that the date for the function is still in limbo but it’s likely to be July 9.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

International Players confirmed as replacements for Hero CPL THE Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots yesterday confirmed changes to their squads for this year’s Hero CPL. Lasith Malinga, who has been ruled out of the competition after picking up an injury, will be replaced by Marchant de Lange for the Amazon Warriors, while Jeevan Mendis will replace Justin Ontong, who requires a knee operation, in the Tridents squad.

Shane Dowrich will replace the injured Nicholas Pooran in the Patriots squad, while international

duty means that Shakib Al Hasan will be replaced by first Eddie Leie, and then Nathan McCullum.

Pakistan international batsman, Umar Akmal, and South African all-rounder, David Wiese, will join the Amazon Warriors as mid-tournament replacem e n t s f o r Ti l l a k a r a t n e Dilshan and Thisara Perera, who have both been called up for international duty. de Lange is a promising South African international fast bowler, who is capable of thundering down 150 kph deliveries, while Wiese, who has featured extensively in this season’s

IPL with Royal Challengers

CPL Director of Cricket Tom Moody

Bangalore, and Akmal, will both bring plenty of T20 experience. de Lange will feature from the start of the competition, while Akmal and Weise will join up with the squad when Dilshan and Perera part company with the Warriors on July 5, to play for Sri Lanka.

Jeevan Mendis, who has represented Sri Lanka in 54 ODIs and 16 T20Is, will replace Justin Ontong in the Tridents squad.

Mendis will return to Barbados for a second year, having helped the Tridents to the CPL title last year. Wicketkeeper-batsman, Dowrich,

for a day’s pay, who will refuse bribes, who will not make up his facts and who has learned his job”.

Budhram said, “The current situation in the GCF has left a lot to be desired and as such dictates that we (cyclists) must all stand together and demand strict adherence to the principles of integrity, fair play, transparency, ethical conduct, and good governance.” He added, “It’s an opportune time to take a closer look at the proposed candidates and examine whether or not their selection is consistent with these values and principles.

Only then can we move forward. Think about it, aren’t

we much more attuned to those who promise “vision” and who come across as “dynamic” than those who simply exhibit personal virtue and have the skills necessary to the task?”

The GCF’s election of office-bearers for the new term will be held later this month and it is unclear if the current president Cheryl Thompson will be vying for re-election.

Efforts to contact Thompson yesterday proved futile.

Veteran cyclist Paul Cho-Wee-Nam has also indicated his intention to run for the presidency of the Federation.

another who won the CPL with Barbados Tridents last year, will be turning out for new boys, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Dowrich is fresh from making his West Indies Test debut, where he scored a composed 70 in the second innings of the first Test against Australia.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, has unfortunately had to pull out of the tournament due to international commitments. His place in the St Lucia Zouks squad will be taken for the first week of the tournament

by South African leg-spinner, Eddie Leie, who will be

available for the Zouks’ four home matches, before experienced New Zealand spinner Nathan McCullum joins the team for the remainder of the competition.

Hero CPL Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, said, “The quality of these replacements demonstrates the strong attraction of playing in the CPL. Injuries and international call-ups are part and parcel of the modern game, but as the competition draws closer, we are confident these five new replacements will enter the competition with a hunger to impress the Caribbean fans.”

Sonaram discloses plans, changes if elected GCF president P R E S I D E N T I A L c a ndidate for the upcoming Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) elections, Malcolm Sonaram has disclosed his plans and changes for the Guyana Cycling Federation, if elected.

According to Guyana Cycle News website, Sonaram, a former cyclist plans to revamp the Constitution of the GCF, so cyclists have a greater say in its operations:- Make it not compulsory for a cyclist to be affiliated to a club before getting a racing licence; ensure mountain bikers be licensed to race and compete overseas; the national teams selected for tours will not

have to pay their passage; categories for cyclists will be addressed properly; provide a stipend for cyclists who travel overseas for competition and training; work with all parties to build a more vibrant and active federation and ensure there is a standardised system in place for prizes for races, depending on distance etc.

I n re s p o n s e t o S o naram’s expression of interest to run for the GCF top post, a former cyclist now residing in the USA quoted from one C.E. Lewis, “Vision is for sale or claims to be for sale everywhere, but give me a man who will do a day’s work

Guyana Select X1 pull off last-ball win THE Guyana Select X 1 s c o re d a t h r i l l i n g four-wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the first practice game on Monday night at the Guyana National Stadium.

The game is the first of two practice matches in preparation for this weekend’s start of the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

Batting first the Amazon Warriors posted 131-6, with veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul making a solid 48 from 54 balls with four boundaries.

The left-hander shared in two vital partnerships after the Warriors lost

openers Lendl Simmons (3) and Trveon Griffith (1) early.

He first added 37 for the third wicket with Australian Brad Hodge, who contributed 16 from 17 balls, included a six and a four.

Chanderpaul and fellow left-hander Assad Fudadin joined forces and together shared 66 for the fourth wicket to take the Amazon Warriors beyond the 100-run mark.

Fudadin remained unbeaten on 37 from 26 balls (3x4s, 1×6), with Shimron Hetmyer the other not-out batsman on ten.

Bowling for the Guyana Select XI, fast bowlers

SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz grabbed 2-18 and 2-28 respectively, while

Raun Johnson had 1-10.

In reply the Guyana Select XI responded with 134-6, winning off the final delivery. Royston Crandon scored the final three runs off the last ball off Keemo Paul after the Guyana Select X1 had required four runs off the final over.

Leon Johnson top-scored with 35, while Robin Bacchus made a stroke-filled 31 from 23 balls (6x4s).

Sunil Narine finished with 2-13 from four overs, while Akshaya Persaud (125), Keemo Paul (1-20) and Keon Joseph (1-13) were the other wicket-takers.

The final practice game was played last evening.

Olympic Day five-race cycle programme billed for Saturday THE much-anticipated Olympic Day five-race cycle programme will be held on Saturday around the inner circuit of the National Park commencing at 09:00hrs.

The event, which is being sponsored by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and will be conducted by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, is open to BMX riders as well as junior and juveniles.

The first event is open to BMX boys six to nine years old and this will be a two-lap affair.

BMX boys nine to 12 years old will contest a three-lap race as will BMX boys 12-14 years old.

There will be another three-lap race which is open to anyone, while the feature event will be a 10-lap race for junior and juvenile riders.

A representative from the GOA will be on hand to witness the day’s activity as well as to assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday June 17, 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) WI vs AUST, Brisbane, 1979-80 (2) WI vs AUST, Brisbane, 1979-80

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Name the Chappell brothers that have played Test cricket?

(2)How many times the Waugh brothers-Mark and Steve-played together in Tests?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 17, 2015

Players pay dispute resolved, say WICB, WIPA BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) - The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) say a lingering dispute over the structure of payments to the international players has been resolved following a period of mediation.

WIPA and WICB say resolution was reached during a formal mediation session that ran for five days in Barbados last month before the start of Australia’s short Test tour of the Caribbean.

Agreement was reached on the quantity of sponsorship received by WICB to be passed on to its international players, said a joint statement released late Monday. “ D u r i n g M a y, t h e WICB and WIPA participated by mutual consent in a formal mediation process over a period of five days to consider the question

of what level of sponsorship funds received by the WICB should international players receive and how that amount should be distributed,” the joint statement said.

“In addition to resolving this issue, the WICB and WIPA were able to reach a greater and more consistent understanding of the MOU and CBA by clarifying the underlying agreed principles of player payments for a period of four years.”

The pay dispute led to the West Indies cricketers cutting short their tour of India last October in controversial circumstances and forcing the Indian cricket board to file a compensation claim of nearly US$42M against the WICB. A clear schedule of payments to players has been drawn up and minor amendments have been made to the Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU) and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), said

WIPA president Wavell Hinds the joint statement.

WICB and WIPA have reported that the new arrangements, including the player payment schedule,

Director of Sport working to have maximum utilisation of sports facilities

By Ravin Singh ONE of the cries of many Guyanese under the previous administration was the lack of sports facilities across the country which they claimed had stifled the growth and development of the sector to a great extent.

But while this remains one of the issues that are currently engaging the attention of Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, simultaneously, the underutilisation of some sports facilities, including the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, remains of paramount importance to him.

In an interview yesterday with this publication, Jones expressed his vision for the growth of the sector which he noted is not an “overnight job”.

According to the Sports Director, plans are under way to pin Guyana’s sporting ability among those that are already internationally recognised.

As a result, he noted that since the new government’s assumption to office, those responsible for sports have pursued the option of working along with “in house” coaches to grasp

a collective understanding of where the sports sector is, where it should be, and where they would like it to be.

At the same time, ener-

Director of Sport Christopher Jones gies are being channelled towards the development of sports in communities across the country. Jones related that while it has been acknowledged that there is, in some areas, a lack of basic sports facilities, strategies are being drafted to combat this issue.

Currently, with the ‘August vacation’ slowly creeping up, he detailed that “summer programmes”

for athletes and those wishing to become involved in sports are being examined. Aiding in this regard, he added, are the current facilities, which he has indicated will be made available to support these programmes. “ We a re re a d y t o make available, these facilities, once they are needed, to aid in these programmes to push sporting to another level in Guyana,” the director said.

But while there is a lack of facilities in some regard, the underutilisation of some existing facilities was recorded; particularly the pool at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, Jones added.

The “warm-up pool” which was commissioned earlier this year by the-then President, Donald Ramotar, marked the full completion of the National Aquatic Centre.

Following this, the Leonora Synthetic Track was also commissioned, and was described as “part of government’s investment in community grounds, fields and facilities to bring out the talents of persons regardless of where they live.”

were also discussed with West Indies cricketers during a meeting in Barbados before the start of the Australian tour.

“A clear and unambiguous schedule of all types of anticipated player payments during this period has been drawn up and minor amendments to the MOU and CBA (including the standard player contract) to provide for such compensation has been made,” the statement explained.

“This solution, including the player payment schedule, was also shared and discussed with the players on the weekend of May 23 and 24 in Barbados, prior to the start of the Australia Tour of the West Indies, so that the risk of any future dispute is minimised to the greatest extent possible.”

The outcome was achieved with the assistance of an independent panel that included representatives of the International Cricket Council, the World governing body for the sport, and the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations, the global organisation that coordinates the activities of all the players’ associations that represent professional cricketers.

“We’re all happy to have reached this outcome. It brings greater stability to our relationship with the players and that’s something that we all want and we’re thrilled that we have been able to achieve it,” said chief executive officer of the WICB Michael Muirhead.

“There was a tremendous amount of respect and a great degree of compromise forged by a desire and a willingness to bring

about resolution through mediation. Once both sides understood that we were both looking for the best for West Indies cricket, we got things worked out.”

The mediation panel was chaired by Brian Young, a retired senior partner of Pricewaterhouse Coopers Jamaica, who currently serves on the board of directors of a number of Caribbean firms.

The other members of the panel were Iain Higgins, general counsel of the International Cricket Council, appointed by the WICB, and Ian Smith, a sports governance consultant, appointed by WIPA. “The mediation process went very well,” said president and chief executive officer of WIPA Wavell Hinds.

“This represents the best payment scheme for all players in the present reality of West Indies cricket.”

Golden Jaguars to look at a holistic programme going forward ‘The blows that don’t break our back, will certainly strengthen it’ - Shabazz

By Stephan Sookram COACH of Guyana’s Golden Jaguars football team Jamaal Shabazz says that the team needs a home locally if the players are to be serious about development.

Speaking on Sunday, Shabazz indicated that they have got to get a place where football can utilise a full-time facility.

“We want to be able, as a federation, to get proper facilities, a home. Before we can talk technical errors, I think we’ve got to get a home where the national team could train comfortably, where we will have a full pitch to train on and build the programme like that.” Already, the federation is moving to get such done with the recent signing of a 30-year lease with the Eccles/Ramsburg NDC to build the Providence High Performance Centre.

According to Normalisation Committee (NC) chairman Clinton Urling, Guyana will have an artificial turf and a beach soccer facility.

Shabazz remained positive about the way forward for the Golden Jaguars after their exit from the World Cup qualifiers.

He stated that several

Golden Jaguars coach Jamaal Shabazz on-field developments are set for the coming months.

“We have the Elite league coming, where the players based in Guyana will compete against each other and it’s the only way forward. We can’t say, we have to work on passing, we have to work on shooting, we have to work on defending. No!. We have

got to look at a holistic programme going forward and build.”

The National coach carried on by saying that the team must continue to be active and get as much practice games as possible.

“We have FIFA dates coming up and I think it is necessary for us to play on all those FIFA dates, not let the football do what it did for two and a half years - stay dormant.

Football is to be played and now we’ve got to build a product. When you are down is the time you need the support.” He continued, “It is a very, very difficult situation when you don’t achieve your objective, but Rome wasn’t built in a day and the blows that don’t break our back, will certainly strengthen it” The Jaguars exited the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia last Sunday evening at the hands of St Vincent and the Grenadines (Vincy Heat) after a 4-4 draw saw the touring side progress over the away goal rule.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Players pay dispute resolved, say WICB, WIPA Please see story on page 31

GSSF pays courtesy call on MoE, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport BOARD members of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) on Monday paid a courtesy call on the Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sports Nicolette Henry at the Ministry’s headquarters on Main Street.

According to a release, during the visit GSSF president Vidushi Persaud, vice-president Michael Blake and asst. secretary/ treasurer Ryan McKinnon discussed with the Honourable Minister Henry their plans for the future and gave an update as to the accomplishments so far.

They reported on affiliations, stating that the GSSF is affiliated to three international bodies, the Steel Challenge Shooting

Please see page 27

Minister Nicolette Henry (second right) is with some of the directors of the GSSF in her office on Monday.

Digicel schools football competition kicks off today COMPETITION around Guyana swings into high gear as the fifth annual Digicel Schools Football Championship kicks off today with three matches at different venues.

In the opening fixtures, at Leonora, West Demerara Secondary take on L’Aventure and this encounter is set to commence at 15:30hrs, while at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue, Richard Ishmael tackle GTC, also at 15:30hrs.

In the other fixture, hosts Wisburg Secondary School play New Silvercity.

Play in the competition continues tomorrow with four matches at various venues.

At Wisburg ground, Mackenzie High will battle Linden Foundation while Tagore Secondary and Manchester Secondary clash at Skeldon Community Centre ground.

Tucville Secondary will host David Rose at the Tucville Playfield and

Friendship Secondary will lock horns with Apex Secondary at Grove.

On Friday, five matches are scheduled at different venues around the country.

Soesdyke Secondary will challenge Covent Garden at Grove, while Houston Secondary engage St Mary’s at Tucville.

Stewartville then meet Endeavour at Leonora and Hope Secondary and La Bonne Intention square off at Victoria, while New Amsterdam Technical Institute will face Corentyne at Burnham Park.

Then on Saturday, one game will be played between Kwakwani and Harmony Secondary at Wisburg ground.

All matches on these days are scheduled to commence at 15:30hrs.

The defending champions are Christianburg/Wismar who have won the tournament three times consecutively in its four-year history.

Blazer was FIFA informant from 2011

A CORRUPT FIFA official worked un- 24 years. dercover for investigators for 18 months The 19-page cooperation agreement while on the governing body’s executive was signed in November 2013 - the day committee, it has emerged.

Blazer pleaded guilty - but references Chuck Blazer, 70, struck a deal with written agreements between himself prosecutors in the United States after and the U.S. government dating back pleading guilty to to December 29 charges of bribery, 2011. money-laundering The document and tax evasion. says: “The defenDetails of that dant agrees to fura g re e m e n t h a v e nish to the office been revealed after all documents and a judge agreed to a other material that request by five memay be relevant to dia groups. this investigation The document ... and to particishows Blazer was pate in undercover secretly cooperatactivities pursuing from December ant to the specif2011. ic instructions of The American law enforcement Chuck Blazer was on FIFA’s was on FIFA’s exagents.” executive from 1997 to 2013. ecutive committee The New York from 1997 to 2013.

Daily News reLast month, U.S. prosecutors indicted ported last year that Blazer had bugged 14 FIFA officials on charges of rack- meetings with executives at the London eteering, fraud and money-laundering 2012 Olympics with a wire device coninvolving tens of millions of dollars over cealed in a key fob. (BBC Sport)

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015