2015 6 18

GUYANA

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Guyana to seek better markets for sugar

No. 104224 THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

– as $3.8B released to keep GuySuCo alive

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INCLUDING VAT

Millions from PetroCaribe fund diverted elsewhere Page

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Sugar workers in the field

Specialty Hospital swapped for primary health care improvement

Moses Nagamootoo

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Reduced water level in EDWC – discharge continues

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Joseph Harmon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Specialty Hospital swapped for primary health care improvement

By Tajeram Mohabir

THE controversial Specialty Hospital is likely to go into a deep coma. With the current poor and inadequate health services, the Government says focus will be placed on improving the primary health care system.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said this is more important than pushing medical tourism at this stage of the country’s development.

The previous Administration late last year terminated the services and sued for fraud Surendra

Engineering Company Limited (SECL), the company contracted to build the hospital. The Government won the case.

The award included: US$4.3 million–sums that were lost in its contract with the company for the design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital; costs in the sum of US$10,714.50; and interest at the rate of six percent per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgment and at the rate of four percent until fully paid.

However, no representative of the company was present

An artist’s impression of the Specialty Hospital. The APNU+AFC Administration says focus will be placed on improving primary health care, not on medical tourism at this point in time

Millions from PetroCaribe fund diverted elsewhere – PM Nagamootoo OVER a period of time, money was transferred by the previous Administration from the PetroCaribe Fund to other entities, for the financing of various projects, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo highlighted Tuesday evening as he delivered an address at the ceremony to commemorate Enmore Martyrs’ Day. “We also have a very difficult situation facing rice, because as you know, we were doing a good trade with Venezuela and we insist on continuing our good relationship with Venezuela with regard to trading,” the Prime Minister explained to the residents, Government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps gathered at the Enmore Martyrs’ monument site, East Coast Demerara.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted that not only is the sugar industry in trouble, but Government

recently discovered money is missing from the PetroCaribe fund.

Under the Guyana/Venezuela PetroCaribe deal, Guyana trades rice with the neighbouring country in exchange for fuel on concessionary terms.

According to Prime Minister Nagamootoo, US$115 M was transferred to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), while US$10 M was transferred to the Ministry of Housing for various housing projects, and US$16 M was used for the Hope Canal project.

This, the Prime Minister said, was never disclosed by the previous Administration, as they always peddled information suggesting that funding for the Hope Canal was being taken from the Treasury.

The transfers have left the PetroCaribe Fund practically bankrupt, as the Government is now seeking ways to aid the rice industry. “…As I left Cabinet, (on Tuesday) President Granger

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

was continuing the discussion with my colleagues to find money so that we can pay rice farmers when crops come up, and for rice they had sold and (for which they) did not receive money.”

It was pointed out by the Prime Minister that the previous Administration not only brought down the sugar industry, but the rice industry is now tethering on the verge of “real danger.”

The Prime Minister said that after years of bad governance, the new Administration needs cooperation and support in going forward. (GINA)

during the hearing and from reports, not a cent has been repaid.

Under the contract, it was agreed that the company would provide services in relation to designing, building, equipping, testing, delivering, installing, completing and commissioning certain facilities for the Surgical Specialty hospital in Turkeyen, Georgetown.

As agreed in the contract, on December 27, 2012, SECL was given an advanced payment of 20 percent of the contract sum – US$3.64 million.

On November 18, 2013, an additional payment of US$649,440 was made.

Subsequently, SECL failed to submit payment receipts to account for the total advanced payments of

US$4.3 million – the second sum claimed in the lawsuit.

Instead, SECL submitted fabricated, unsigned and inflated invoices with no evidence of actual payments made to support the expenditure claimed.

The hospital, a US$18 million project was being funded through a loan from Exim Bank of India. The David Granger-led Administration is now looking at spending the balance of the US$18 million on improving primary health care services.

Minister Harmon told reporters at a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday that Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has been mandated

by Cabinet to enter into and continue the conversation that had been started with the Exim Bank.

He said a comprehensive

report on the status of the project will be prepared by a consultancy group, and based on the recommendations, the Government will decide on the way forward.

“The current thinking of the Administration is once those sums of monies are available, that it would prefer that the monies be spent in other areas that have to do with primary health care.”

Minister Harmon noted that there are hospitals that are in need of funding, pointing to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (Region 3) and the Mabaruma Hospital (Region 1).

Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton on a recent visit to a number of public health facilities, also found several of them wanting in standard of service.

Foreign Affairs Minister meets U.S. officials VICE-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Carl Greenidge has agreed with his U.S. counterparts to intensify bilateral cooperation with a renewed emphasis on deepening Guyana’s democratic processes, improving governance and fighting crime and insecurity, including the drug trade.

At a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Roberta Jacobson, the Guyanese Foreign Minister underscored the new Administration’s determination to improve the climate for business and investment, as well as to pursue cooperation initiatives with the United States in the areas of energy and security.

The two officials also pledged to work to promote regional peace, and stability in the wake of a new territorial claim by Venezuela following the recent discovery of oil in Guyana’s maritime area by the ExxonMobil Corporation.

The Guyanese Foreign Minister expressed his belief that the two countries are poised to embark on a much more cooperative and productive phase in their bilateral relationship.

Vice-President Greenidge was on his own maiden visit to the U.S. capital, Washington DC, in his capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting with Assistant Secretary Jacobson was the first high-level contact between the two countries since the

Foreign Affairs Mr. Carl Greenidge

change of Government in Guyana last month.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Guyana to seek better markets for sugar – as $3.8b released to keep GuySuCo alive

By Tajeram Mohabir CABINET has approved the release of $3.8 billion from a sum of $16 billion earmarked for GuySuCo this year to keep the ailing sugar industry alive and help it to return to a state of viability.

The Government is expecting that production returns from the corporation will remain steady and at least 60 percent of the total sum invested will be repaid to the national coffers.

Speaking at his weekly Cabinet briefing, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder has been mandated to lead a drive that will ensure Guyana finds better markets for its sugar.

“Cabinet was briefed on a number of countries to which our sugar is sold but we need to have a better and deeper appreciation of those particular markets that we can get a better price for our sugar,” Minister Harmon told reporters.

Some 60 percent of local sugar is sold to the European Union (EU) market where the decline in prices has been acute.

Guyana is facing a sit-

Cabinet has approved the release of $3.8 billion from a sum of $16 billion earmarked for GuySuCo this year to keep the ailing industry alive

uation where the cost of production of sugar outstrips the returns on sales of the commodity. In this light, there have been calls from some sections of society for the Government to seriously review investments in the sugar industry.

The Minister of State said the Government has asked for a full-fledged inquiry into the continuous failure of the sugar industry, pointing out that the out-

come will determine the way forward.

be pouring money down a dark hole.

NO EASY DECISION “It is not something you wake up (and) easily make a decision that will affect the lives of so many thousands of Guyanese people. Sugar is like the mother of the trade union and labour movement in this country,” he said, contending that once the weaknesses are corrected, then Government would not

CORRECTIVE STEPS And the new Administration has already begun to take corrective steps. The Board and Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo have been removed and an Interim Board installed, an inquiry will be launched into the industry and through mopping up of unnecessary services the corporation has already

been able to save US$14,000 per month.

According to Harmon, Minister Holder has presented to Cabinet some of the measures being taken

by GuySuCo to ensure the actual expenses of the corporation are brought down significantly.

In the request for funds, GuySuCo has taken into consideration the need to pay wages and salaries, current outstanding payments to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Aside from these, there is also the need to release monies for purchase of fertiliser to secure the first crop in 2016 cane, the purchase of critical spares for factories to secure the production of the second crop, and the purchase of fuel and lubricants and to meet outstanding payments to suppliers.

Minister Harmon reported that the corporation is already late in the application of fertiliser, and pointed out that given the current financial state of GuySuCo, limited payments will be made to suppliers. The corporation, therefore, has been negotiating with suppliers in this regard.

For the period August to December, GuySuCo is expecting an income of US$13.056 million and

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

expenditure of US$19.511 million, a shortfall of about US$6.455 million.

“This shortfall is attributed mainly to declining prices being received for sugar, which is more acute in the European Market, where 60 percent of local sugar is sold,” Minister Harmon said, noting that income and expenditure for this period is currently being reviewed to determine whether income should be increased and expenditure reduced, with further trimming of cost.

Rohee claims ‘witch-hunting’ as PPP/C rejects shared governance talks THE Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has declared that they “are not prepared to sit and talk with the Government on any issue of unity and shared governance if they continue to witchhunt their supporters in what they believe is political headhunting and forensic sleuthing.”

During the party’s weekly press conference held at Freedom House, General Secretary, Clement Rohee said that the party believes that the “unity Government” is attacking its members and supporters to prove allegations of corruption and other wrongdoings by the former PPP/C Government as was touted on their election campaign trail.

“The party would not be

duped into entering into such an engagement at a time when its members and supporters are under attack by the political hierarchy of the coalition and its underlings,” Rohee stressed.

According to the former Home Affairs Minister, the Government’s action in firing state workers believed to be connected or sympathetic to the PPP/C, “openly contradicts the call by the Coalition for the PPP/C to enter into talks with the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change) on the issue of national unity and shared governance.”

The Coalition, the General Secretary noted, has embarked on a “big masquerade that suggests massive investigations to put right, wrong doing by

the PPP/C while they were in Government.”

Rohee made reference to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and other Government Ministers who have already indicated very grey areas in their particular ministries where wrongdoing may have taken place. “It was widely publicised that the new Government is scrutinising specifically the State’s finances to ascertain what they believe was rampant corruption involving the former Government,” he stated.

“All these highly publicised actions are being taken without any just cause; any investigations, neither any involvement of the Auditor General or the relevant constitutional body nor the production of incontrovertible

evidence,” Rohee complained.

He said these actions in essence are “arbitrary, vindictive, malicious and politically motivated.”

Rohee suggested that the new Government has failed miserably to prove their election campaign claims of corruption and has now opted for a highly publicised campaign about investigating wrongdoings and corrupt practices.

DENIAL Responding to the question when he was asked about the removal of supporters of the then People’s National Congress (PNC) when the PPP/C came into power in 1992, Rohee denied that the party had done the same thing.

He said witch-hunting is the “reckless and whimsical, political motive - just dismiss

people without any reason or without an explanation whatsoever simply because you feel that they can’t be trusted because they spoke on a political platform and therefore their services must be terminated.”

Moreover, Rohee contended “that did not occur in the 1992/1993 period” when the PPP/C would have taken power.

The General Secretary was also asked to respond to the question whether as a politician he would be comfortable working with people who openly sought support for the opposing party, for example, Permanent Secretaries who would have been on the party’s list of candidates.

And Rohee responded, “I see no reason why those per-

Clement Rohee

sons should not have been retained by Government.”

He said unless there is incontrovertible evidence that the persons were unlawful in carrying out their tasks, “then should action be taken against them.” (Rebecca Ganesh)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Greece ‘headed for painful euro/EU exit’ GREECE’S central bank has warned for the first time that the country could be on a “painful course” to default and exit from both the eurozone and the EU. It comes as the Greek government and its international creditors blame each other for failing to reach a deal over economic reforms. That failure is holding up the release of €7.2bn (£5.2bn) in bailout funds.

About €30bn was withdrawn from Greek bank deposits between October and April, the central bank added. The central bank also warned that the country’s economic slowdown would accelerate without a deal. “Failure to reach an agreement would... mark the beginning of a painful course that would lead, initially, to a Greek default and ultimately to the country’s exit from the euro area and, most likely, from the European Union,” the Bank of Greece said in a report. “Striking an agreement with our partners is a historical imperative that we cannot afford to ignore.”

Despite the warning, Greek shares rose 0.8% in mid-morning trade on the Greek stock exchange. The Athens benchmark index has fallen 11% since last Friday, with bank shares worst affected.

‘SOLIDARITY’ Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann was in Athens last Wednesday in a last-ditch bid to end the standoff.

“For Europe to be stronger, it must show solidarity and support to any country which needs it,” he said during a meeting with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

That came ahead of a meeting of euro zone finance ministers on Thursday, although officials have played down expectations of a make-or-break decision being reached.The Austrian chancellor’s comments followed a harsher critique from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who on Tuesday accused the Greek government of misleading voters, as Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras accused the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) of trying to “humiliate” his country.

Mr Juncker said the Greek government had not told the truth about its latest reform proposals. “I am blaming the Greeks [for telling] things to the Greek public which are not consistent with what I’ve told the Greek prime minister,” Mr Juncker said.

Mr Tsipras has said that the lenders wanted to raise VAT on electricity. Other Greek ministers have criticised suggestions to increase sales tax on medicines.

But Mr Juncker said: “I’m not in favour, and the prime minister knows that, of increasing VAT on medicaments and electricity. This would be a major mistake.”

“The debate in Greece and outside Greece would be easier if the Greek government would tell exactly what the Commission... really proposing,” he added.

Greek finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis claimed that EU proposals did include VAT increases: “Juncker either hadn’t read the document he gave Tsipras, or he read it and forgot about it,” he said.

Elsewhere in the eurozone, Portugal’s short-term borrowing costs rose sharply on Wednesday, with yields on sixmonth treasury bills jumping from minus 0.002% to 0.044% at the country’s latest debt auction.

The rise came despite an assurance to investors from Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho that Portugal would not be “the next to fall” in the event of a Greek default.

(BBC)

Escaped tiger kills man in flood-hit Georgia A TIGER that killed a man and wounded another after escaping from a flooded zoo in Georgia has been shot dead, the Georgian interior ministry says.

The animal was one of several to break free from enclosures at Tbilisi Zoo last weekend following severe flooding.

Police said they tracked the tiger to a disused warehouse, but could not sedate it because it was too aggressive.

The flash floods devastated parts of Tbilisi, claiming the lives of 13 people, including three zoo-keepers.

There was uncertainty yesterday about the number of dangerous animals still on the loose, with reports on

Twitter of another tiger being cornered in a city centre cafe after the first was shot dead.

The zoo had said on Tuesday that all of the missing lions and tigers had been found dead, with one jaguar unaccounted for, sparking confusion when news of the tiger attack on the two men emerged.

TIGER ‘LIQUIDATED’ Internal Affairs Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri told the press that the animal was found “hiding in an unused storeroom.”

“We tried our best to sedate the tiger, but it was not possible, because the animal was too aggressive.

So, unfortunately, we had to liquidate it,” he said.

A ‘hippo’ on the loose on the streets of Georgia yesterday. Thankfully, he was eventually sedated and taken back to the safety of the zoo Special police units drafted in to deal with the threat posed by dangerous animals have faced criticism, with zoo workers alleging that animals have been killed unnecessarily.

Hundreds of volunteers took to the streets yesterday

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to help clear up the mess left by the floodwater.

“It is hard work, yes, but we should do it; it is our job,” one volunteer told the BBC. “We do not work for the zoo; we are just citizens helping to arrange everything. It’s the only zoo we

have.”

The volunteers, many dressed in trainers and ordinary clothes and armed only with shovels, helped dig animals from the mud and carry them away.

Hundreds of creatures drowned when the zoo was

swamped by floodwater, while many others escaped.

Lions, hippos and bears were pictured roaming the streets, with residents urged to stay indoors and avoid contact with any of the animals. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

PM ‘horrified’ at marijuana-like find on her premise

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she is “horrified” at reports that “five grammes of a ‘plantlike material’ resembling that of marijuana” had been found at a gazebo on her premises two years ago.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had on Monday denied a statement by her former national security minister Austin Jack Warner that a quantity of marijuana had been found at her home in April 2013.

“More lies and distractions which I have placed in the hands of my lawyers.

Should Mr. Warner have any information about any wrongdoing, he should take it to the police and the FBI,” Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said then.

But Police initially, after denying the report also, in a late statement on Tuesday night said the Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams had “ordered an investigation into the matter,” after he was informed of the discovery.

In her statement, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said that the police have commented on “a substance they reportedly found on the common grounds outside of my residence more than two years ago.”

She said that “these grounds are under the control of State security services, including the army, special branch and the police. Many staff, workmen and other individuals are allowed by security services onto the property each day.

Prime MInister Kamla PersadBissessar “I was out of the country when security services are reported to have made this discovery. Needless to say, I am horrified and disturbed to hear these reports.

“While the timing of this disclosure is clearly political, I have faith in the police to investigate their own conduct, and that of all the law enforcement professionals involved,” she said in the brief statement.

On Sunday, the Trinidad Express newspaper carried a front page story in which Warner is quoted as saying that on Friday April 12, 2013, former deputy Commissioner of Police Mervyn Richardson came to the Parliament and informed him that a packet containing four ounces of marijuana was found outside a window of Persad-Bissessar’s private residence at Phillipine, south east of here.

Warner has since submitted a statement, dated June 6, 2015, to Justice of the Peace Anthony Soulette with the

allegation.

He said after he was approached by the former senior police officer, he summoned Leader of Government Business, Dr. Roodal Moonilal who advised him to contact the Prime Minister who was in New York at the time.

Warner claimed when he contacted the Prime Minister, she was surprised, and enquired whether she should return home immediately and resign.

He claimed further that he advised Persad-Bissessar to not resign, as he, Richardson, Moonilal and former national security adviser Gary Griffith would cover up the ganja matter.

All three men had denied any knowledge of the incident.

But Warner, at a news conference Tuesday, told reporters that Richardson had shown him a picture of the drugs on his cellphone, and he also played a phone conversation he had with Griffith, where the alleged discovery was discussed.

On Monday, Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, speaking with reporters in Tobago, said there was no station diary report on any marijuana find, and that he was not informed of any such discovery back in April 2013.

But in the statement issued late Tuesday night, Williams said he had since received a report from head of the special branch in which the marijuana claim was verified. (CMC)

Eyes of the world on Jamaica --Diaspora consultant

DESPITE Jamaica’s high crime rate and the high cost of energy, Diaspora consultant Denis St Bernard sees Jamaica as an attractive option to investors in the global marketplace, but he thinks the Government is not utilising the wealth of resources available among Jamaican expatriates.

“Jamaica does not have a monopoly on crime and violence,” said St Bernard.

“People who see an opportunity and want to seriously invest will do so. Crime and violence is a problem all over the world.”

He added: “Despite all that is happening, Jamaica continues to be an attractive option.”

In speaking to Jamaica’s global attractiveness, which St Bernard thinks could spur investment, the businessman said the way outsiders perceive Jamaica is far different from how locals see the island.

“The eyes that people from other countries see Jamaica through are far different from what those who live here see,” said St Bernard. “If you are lost in the middle of an African jungle and you say Bob Marley or Usain Bolt, everybody knows where you are from.” (JamaicaGleaner)

OAS to observe elections in Haiti WASHINGTON – The Organisation of American States (OAS) says it will send an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to the presidential, legislative, municipal and local elections to be held in Haiti later this year.

OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro and Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lener Renauld have signed the agreement paving the way for the EOM to visit Port au Prince.

Almagro said that, despite the difficulties, the setting of the dates for the elections “is a show of the democratic vocation of Haiti that serves to impel us to work closely to offer the maximum guarantees at the counting of OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro votes, something that lies at the very and Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lener Renauld essence of democracy.”

Foreign Minister Renauld said the signing of the agreement is an expression of the will of the President, Michel Martelly, of his country to accompany the work of the Provisional Electoral Council, the body charged with carrying out the elections.

“I wish to recall that the government of Haiti accompanies the Council, but does not intervene in its work. Therefore, the signing of this agreement shows the will of the President not to intervene in its labours,” he said.

The first round of legislative elections will take place on August 9, and the first round of presidential and municipal and local elections will take place on October 25. The second round of the presidential election will be held on December 27.

(CMC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thuesday June 18 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Expediting house-lots applications HOPE deferred maketh the heart sick, and there have been many sick hearts from the deferred hope of acquiring a house lot after years of being given the royal run-around by officers of the former housing ministry.

One young man, after his son was born in 2001, applied for a house lot to build a home for himself, spouse, son and stepdaughter. It is now 2015, and he still has not acquired a house lot.

Initially, he was promised a low-income house lot in the new Eccles housing scheme. When he went to pay for the land,

he was told that all the lots had already been distributed, although he knew persons who were still acquiring house lots at that site through ‘friends’ in the system.

He works as a fabrication engineer, constructing dredges for mining firms, and is hardly ever in town; so, after running endlessly to the ministry whenever he is in town, he was eventually, almost a decade later, promised a half-a-million-dollar lot in Herstelling.

He only had $200,000 in savings, and the housing ministry refused it, saying they would only accept a quarter-million dollars for the initial payment. He bor-

rowed the rest of the money from his sister and asked his mother, who was his Power-of-Attorney, to pay it the next day because it was already late in the day (he had spent almost all day trying to see the officious and very rude housing official), and he was due to fly to an interior location early the next morning.

The housing official rudely told the young man’s mother that the ministry does not enter into transactions with holders of Power-of-Attorney, even though this woman was a well-known public figure who was paying money where there could be no

possible fraud.

The official had given the young man a date; the 16th of one month three months hence, to pay the money. He returned one day before, and went to pay the money on the 16th, whereby he was informed that the lot he had been assigned was re-allocated to someone else since the 13th during a onestop-shop exercise.

He was informed that the only house lots available then were million-dollar lots. The young man had, on that occasion, an approximate $400,000 in his possession. Of course, they would not accept that amount; and although he could have bor-

ECHO calls for close look at how toxic gases, chemicals are stored THE Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO) is calling on the competent authority to pay serious attention to the way potentially toxic chemicals and gases are stored in local communities, as these gases pose various risks to public health and the natural environment.

Last week a chlorine leak at the Guyana Water Inc.’s Water Treatment Facility at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, affected residents in that area.

Many days after, there has been no official report on what caused the leak. No one for sure knows what is the real effect of the leak on the health of the residents in areas contiguous to that facility.

We believe that GWI has an obligation to answer the following:-

5. What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in assisting to prevent such accidents?

In this modern time, ECHO is of the view that using, storing, and managing such gases and chemicals should be in strict compliance to a written hazard communication programme.

Information should be provided on the action to be taken in the event of an accidental release of the gas. This should include: - environmental precaution: keeping away from drain, need to alert the emergency services and possibly need to alert the immediate communities in the event of risk.

Therefore, we are asking GWI to provide information on what is really happening at these facilities across Guyana. It is not enough for that agency to say that the 1. How is the gas used, stored and managed by that leak has been contained. More needs to be said about agency? the management of such gases and chemicals, in neigh2. What are the current monitoring and maintenance plan bourhoods that are very vulnerable to the effects of such for those gases and allied chemicals, in facilities in that and leaks and spills. other areas?

3. What residents should do in the event of such a leak?

ROYSTON KING 4. What are the general and specific policies in place to Executive Director deal with such incidents and accidents?

Environment Community Health Organisation

rowed the rest of the money, he gave up in frustration and disgust, because he recognised that until he had forked out a bribe, he would never acquire a house lot from the ministry.

Yes! Tens of thousands acquired Government house lots, but there are many more stories like that of the aforementioned young man. His son was a baby when he first applied for a house lot. This month, his son turned fourteen, and he still has not acquired one.

Minister Ronald Bulkan of the Ministry of Communities has said that his Ministry is in the process of expediting all applications for house lots in the wake of a recent land-grabbing exercise staged by disgruntled residents along the East Coast and East Bank Demerara.

In acknowledging that a recent short-lived land-grabbing exercise of State and privately-owned lands by some members of the public highlighted the urgent need for assisting citizens who are in dire need of land for housing, the Minister is responding to a dire need for many who have been sidelined by the system to own their own homes at affordable considerations.

His disclosure that an in-depth review of past applications is currently ongoing, with the intent that all applicants who qualify are given house lots to build their own homes, heralds the righting of wrongs, and addressing injustices done to many who were forestalled in accessing Government houselots.

Unoccupied house lots should be reclaimed by the Government

I PREVIOUSLY read with dismay about the number of existing land applications that have to be looked at by the new Housing officials and want to suggest the following which can help to alleviate this issue.

The Housing Ministry must immediately start repossessing house lots and lands that have been granted to people who have not occupied them for many donkey years and re-distribute these to the many people who really need them.

One just have to take a stroll along many of the villages to see overgrown bushes and dilapidated structures have taken over many of these precious lands which have been granted to these people for many years and they have just abandoned them.

How can we have so many abandoned land for over ten, fifteen and twenty years and no one from the housing ministry followed up to ensure that houses were built on these lots. This is shameful. I have just returned from the USA after seventeen years and near my home there are over nine house lots that were granted to people who never occupied them.

I sincerely ask our new Government to please start sending notices of repossession to these people in an effort to ensure that these are enforced if they cannot meet the deadline.

SAM RONVI

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Sugar impacts every community on the coastland, from Parika to Crabwood Creek - an address delivered on the occasion of Enmore Martyrs Day

WE gather again not only to remember the Enmore Martyrs - Lallabaggie, Dookie, Rambarran, Harry and Pooran - but to deepen our resolve and straighten our backs to boldly move forward the cause that led to their martyrdom. The tragedy of 16th June, 1948 is at times circumscribed and described as an act of cutand-load that led to workers’ deaths at the hands of the State police.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) wishes to contextualise this issue and lay bare the underlying factor of the cut-and-load matter which was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The struggle of sugar workers in 1948 was one that was in pursuit of creating a just society, which includes the right to self-determination through joining a trade union of choice, that is, the right to freedom of association that would see workers’ involvement through their organisation in management and decision-making on matters that impact their wellbeing in the workplace and their communities. These freedoms and rights are enshrined in ILO conventions, United Nations Declarations and the Guyana Constitution.

1948 was the period when the trade union was the sole vanguard movement representing the masses’ desire for change in the political system in this country. In fact, there was no mass-based political party and the trade union carried the fight for workers and citizens to be treated justly by the employer and the Crown.

This 20th century struggle which began in 1905 was led

by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. Notably, the 1948 incident energised the establishment of the Political Affairs Committee in 1949 and in 1950 the People’s Progressive Party, Guyana’s first massbased political party.

From the time of these martyrs this nation has seen the realisation of universal adult suffrage, that is one man one vote in time for the 1953 elections; has achieved the right to political self-determination with Independence on 26th May 1966 and Republican status on 23rd February 1970. Our country is named the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and so it must be recorded on all state documents.

According to the Guyana

Constitution only a referendum can change the country’s name and this Administration is called on to ensure this country returns to the days when all official documents, including our passport, are inscribed the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Laws are sacred and the disregard for these during the Bharrat Jadgeo and Donald Ramotar Administrations must be in the past.

Ours is now the responsibility to make sure that we preserve and build on the martyrs’ legacy. We have laid wreaths in honour of these fallen comrades since 1976 through the initiative of the Guyana Trades Union Congress and a responsive Government under the leadership of Forbes Burnham. The establishment of this monument, which had the input of two of Guyana’s great sons, Dennis Williams and Stanley Greaves and commissioned in 1977, serves as a covenant to the workers and citizens of this country that never again this nation shall experience the state turning its guns on us in our pursuit of influencing and creating better working and living conditions.

In 1999 the state broke this covenant when Police turned their guns on striking public servants at John Fernandes Wharf. In 2012 the state repeated this heinous act on citizens in Linden. After being absent from this ceremony for 13 years, through no fault of ours, the Guyana Trades Union Congress has returned and this opportunity is taken to urge this Administration to hold this covenant in esteem.

For it not only serves as reminder of a heinous act but also marks a timeline in our history that saw the emergence of a political organisation whose leaders were elected by the people to represent and govern in the people’s interests. It also marks the representation of the people in the Executive and Legislature and cemented the conjoined relations of elected officials and trade union collaborating in the people’s interests.

And so here we are todayliving in an era of representative democracy. As such the Guyana Trades Union Congress desires national policies be conceptualised, developed and implemented with the input of the people and representation of their interests.

We have arrived at a critical juncture where the society finds acceptance in embracing concepts such as national unity, shared governance, inclusionary democracy and power sharing; the consequence of the desire to live in peace and harmony. However many still search for answers and need assurance that these systems are realisable and can work in their lifetime.

Inclusionary democracy is ensconced in the Guyana Constitution at Article 13 which is the result of the post 1997 elections struggles. Article 13 expressly states: -“The principal objective of the system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

Also enshrined are Articles 149C and 38 outlining the place for and role of the trade union. The trade union is accordingly required to be involved in the management and decision-making processes of this nation, partner with Government and other socioeconomic organisations through sustained and disciplined endeavours to achieve the highest possible levels of production and productivity and to develop the economy.

Obviously, when the framers were drafting these articles they did not lose sight of the historical development of this country and the role of the labour movement in advancing the struggles for equal rights and justice.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress wishes to have it recorded that we shall not abrogate our responsibility.

We shall continue to take our place at the nation’s table. As Government and Opposition come and go, rest assured, like a fixed star, we shall be here.

We shall continue to work with our members to optimise their performance and ensure they are justly treated; to agitate, advocate, overlook, partner with and hold public officials and employers accountable in our pursuit of a just society.

The fight started by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow in 1905 is not over. The need to preserve gains, ward against erosion of gains, deepen and

strengthen rights and the rule of law requires eternal vigilance and sacrifices.

On the matter of ministerial re-naming let me say publicly what was written to President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo: it is of concern to us the absence of the name “Labour” in the renaming of ministries. This is the first time in Guyana’s history of self-government Labour is not referenced, is apparently relegated. Further, Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean, probably the Western Hemisphere that does not have a ministry that carries the designated name “Labour.”

This country has the distinction of establishing the first trade union in the British Commonwealth and is home to the Father of Trade Unionism in Commonwealth, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. The important role Labour played in nation-building from 1905, including shaping the political landscape in 1926 among which included the struggles for self-government, the right of one man to one vote which opened doors for politicians to emerge from among the rank and file, the masses voting for them and thereby influencing the formation and management of their Government, none which can be denied.

Without a doubt, Labour has blazed the trail for modern Guyana, paved the way for the politicians of today, earning its indelible place in our society, and as such the GTUC wishes to have this grave anomaly corrected.

With reference to shared governance it needs to be said that the Constitution in its present form makes provision for us to work towards achieving same. Since the promulgation of the constitution in 1980 there has been provision for a regional system of Government. Thirty-five years later Regional Government awaits legislations to strengthen its function and empower the people in the respective regions with the needed authority and autonomy to make decisions and implement them on their behalf in building their communities.

Local Government, this third tier of shared governance, gives authority to the people in villages, districts and towns to come together and elect their representatives and develop their communities, but this right has been denied since 1997. The GTUC looks

forward to this injustice being corrected soonest.

Consistent with the constitutionally protected right to self-determination, it is time the people at the Regional and Local Government levels be allowed to identify and elect their leaders, and Central Government partner with them to ensure that programmes are developed consistent with indigenous needs, inherent resources and the laws of the land. No more excuses from central authority to impose its will on the people in their districts. This abuse of power must end. It is time to advance the ball another step closer to the creation of a just society.

As we voted on 11th May on the promise of realising a Government of national unity and honouring inclusionary democracy, it is time Central Government work with the regions, inclusive of those won by the PPP in ensuring programmes to meet the people’s respective needs and aspirations. The realisation of these must come now, not held hostage to promise of constitutional reform, especially given that Articles 76 and 77 allow for action. Guyana’s only hindrance remains that of political will.

The argument to have all the political parties in the Executive is yet to be buttressed by assurance of who will stand with the people when their rights are being transgressed by the Government.

The results of the 2015 elections have indicated that the PPP’s place is to take the seats on the Opposition side in the National Assembly.

Their present role is to constructively propose, oppose, support and keep the Executive accountable based on the constitution, laws, international charters and time-honoured principles. The PPP is called on to fulfil its responsibility to its supporters and society.

Democracy works better when the system of checks and balance is functioning.

In the desire to have a society where all are treated justly, within recent time the call for a Bill of Rights to be placed in our Constitution is gaining currency. I suspect this call is informed by the first ten amendments in the USA Constitution which attends to Rights and Protections of the Individual. This opportunity is taken to remind Guyanese that our Constitu-

tion at Title I enshrines the “Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual.” What these 27 articles await are legislations to strengthen and safeguard them. In this regard Guyana can learn valuable lessons from the USA as to how they created laws, structures and institutions to protect the individual.

In closing, attention is turned to the sugar industry from whence the martyrs came and to whom today we pay homage. Sugar impacts every community on the coastland, from Parika to Crabwood Creek. This industry belongs to the people of this country and its present state requires non-partisan action at the Parliamentary level. We have a number of studies, writings and propositions by eminent citizens knowledgeable of the industry’s workings. It is time that action be taken.

This nation cannot wait another six months for ‘new’ findings through a Commission of Inquiry that would invariably confirm what is already known, while billions of taxpayers’ money are being pumped into this ailing institution at the expense of improving health, education, other needed infrastructures and the working conditions of public servants and teachers.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress believes that sugar must be tackled in a holistic manner taking into consideration the International Labour Organisation’s Core Labour Standards and the laws of the land. In fact, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) must be invited to be meaningfully involved in this process. And it is for this reason the Guyana Trades Union Congress has written to both organisations suggesting to them that we meet to discuss the industry and other matters pertaining to workers and citizens. If as a people we fail to do so we would be failing the martyrs.

Thank you and may God bless us all.

LINCOLN LEWIS General Secretary, GTUC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Reduced water level in EDWC – discharge continues SINCE the discharge of water via the eight-door sluice of the Northern Relief Channel recommenced on Tuesday morning, the operation has continued non-stop to reduce the level of water in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC).

Last evening the level was recorded at 58.15 Georgetown Datum (GD) having dropped from the 58.25 GD that was recorded previously.

The operation became necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the conservancy’s earthen embankments due to the high water level within. Water had reached the threatening level of 58.25GD in the conservancy which has a height of 59 GD. There were 52 millimetres (about two inches) of rainfall recorded at Flagstaff at the EDWC, Head of the National Drainage and Ir-

rigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, told the Government Information Agency last evening.

Temporary lighting was installed on Tuesday evening at the northern relief channel of the Hope -Dochfour outlet and at the head regulator to facilitate water discharge all night. Today the discharge will continue, Wordsworth said.

For the first time the $3.6B Hope Canal project was tested on Saturday in the wake of excessive rainfall that resulted in the level of the EDWC rising to 58.25 GD. “It has impacted positively in reducing the conservancy’s level over the past 24 hours and the operation will continue until the required level is achieved,” Wordsworth said.

The northern relief channel became the first option over the use of the Maduni and Lama sluices because

those could have worsened flood conditions in the upper reaches of the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers, Wordsworth had told GINA on Monday.

Water is also being discharged from the EDWC through the Kofi, Cunha and Land of Canaan relief sluices into the Demerara River.

Meanwhile, in the upper reaches of the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers, the water level is high due to rainfall in the upper catchment areas over the past week, Wordsworth said.

Gravity drainage from the farmlands is therefore not possible. In the areas where there are outlets closer to the discharge points in the rivers, drainage is possible.

Wordsworth said that the new pump station built at Pine Ground, Mahaicony, was activated on Saturday to bring relief to farmlands in Pine Ground on the right bank of the Mahaicony river.

There is a pump functioning as well at Biaboo on the right bank of the Mahaica River. (GINA)

Lights installed at the head regulator to facilitate workers monitoring the release from the East Demerara Water Conservancy into the Northern Relief Channel

World Blood Donor Day 2015

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

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

“The best way to guarantee a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products for transfusion is to have a good supply of regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors, said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. The WHO is also encouraging all Member States to obtain all their blood

supplies from such donors.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION Transfusion of blood and blood products help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions to live longer and to maintain a higher quality of life, and it supports complex medical and surgical procedures. Transfusion has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and childcare and during man-made and natural disasters, such as the recent earthquakes in Nepal.

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

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

BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED The release further noted that the need for blood and

blood products is increasing every year and in many countries, particularly low and middle income countries, where demand exceeds supply. In those countries also blood services find it hard to make sufficient blood available, while also ensuring its quality and safety.

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

WHO estimates that a minimum of 10 donations of blood per 1000 population indicates there is general availability of blood in a country for transfusion.

Yet, in the organisation’s most recent survey on blood safety and availability, 75 countries reported collecting fewer donations than this.

The percentage of blood

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

However, more progress is needed, with 72 countries (8 high-income countries, 48 middle-income countries and 16 low-income countries) still collecting more than 50% of their blood supply from paid donors or replacement donors, which affects safety and adequate supply of blood and blood products. Replacement donors are often family members or friends who replenish blood used from a blood bank by a particular patient.

“Blood collection from voluntary, unpaid donors, whose blood is screened for infections, is the cornerstone of a safe and sufficient blood supply in all countries,” says Dr. Hernan

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

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

“Safe blood transfusion is one of the key life-saving interventions that should be available for patients in need,” says Dr. Edward Kelley, Director of Ser-

vice Delivery and Safety at WHO. “Yet, equitable access to safe blood still remains a major challenge in many countries. Providing safe and adequate supplies of blood and blood products should be an essential part of every country’s national health care policy and infrastructure.”

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

EU ambassador visits PM, gives assurance of continued support AMBASSADOR Robert Kopecký of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Guyana paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo assuring him that the EU will continue to support Guyana in every way possible.

Speaking briefly at the Prime Minister ’s Office located within the Ministry of the Presidency, Ambassador Kopecký explained that the EU has been assisting the country in many ways for decades and assured the Prime Minister and his ministers that the EU will continue to do so.

“We have always supported the ACP (Africa Caribbean and Pacific) countries in their time of need or just when they would have need [for] some moral support,” the Ambassador stated. He related also that the first EU meeting was held in Georgetown on 6th June, 1975 and “only recently we celebrated 40 years of cooperation with the ACP

Pictured above are Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and EU Ambassador Robert Kopecký and his delegation, along with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder

countries.”

The Ambassador stated that his delegation will be discussing many areas where the EU could be of assistance and the sugar sector is high on their list of issues to be discussed. “We will be discussing sugar which is high on our agenda; we will be delivering

from the call that was made during the Prime Minister’s recent speech at the Enmore Martyrs’ day commemoration.”

Kopecký also mentioned that he will be discussing the present condition of the seawall and Guyana’s sea defences and “all possible infrastructures that the EU can be of assistance to.”

The EU Ambassador also spoke of the disadvantages of the prorogation of the 10th Parliament and how much it has affected

Guyana’s economy. “I was honoured to have been invited to the convening of the 11th Parliament. The country was placed on hold for long enough and we are seeing clear commitment of the new Government; they are looking to improve the well-being of the country.”

Lastly, he related that the EU will be looking to help in the restoration of as many of Guyana’s heritage buildings as possible. “How we will be able to help to restore the unique and in-

credibly beautiful cultural buildings of Guyana, this is a step to have Guyana enlisted in the World UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) heritage site.”

The Prime Minister for his part thanked the Ambassador for his visit and noted that “this [was a] visit to say hello, but it seems as though you have come with some goodies.”

Nagamootoo explained that he is looking to have

a fruitful discussion and as such, he has also invited his subject ministers to be involved in the discussion.

“We are all looking for a fruitful discussion.”

Also attending the meeting were Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder.

company of his mother turned himself over to the police at Port Kaituma, after the police had launched a manhunt for him on Tuesday.

The businessman however denied shooting the young man, despite statements and recounts of the incident which were proffered to the police by eyewitnesses.

The employer was taken into police custody and is expected to appear in court sometime today. The police, who were able to recover two spent shells from the scene, were up to yesterday making moves to have the

man’s hands dusted for gunpowder residue to see if he had indeed fired a gun.

It is unclear if the man is a licensed firearm holder, although this publication was told that he operates an establishment in the area.

Meanwhile, Abrams who was air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Tuesday, was subsequently discharged and the police investigation into the matter is underway. The police have also been unable to recover any weapon that might have been used to inflict the injury on the young man.

(Leroy Smith)

Taxi driver robbed at gunpoint, Employer reportedly shoots one arrested employee in NWD ZAHEER Khaleel, a 22-year-old taxi driver of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, is now thanking his lucky stars after he was held up at gunpoint by two men and robbed of cash and a mobile phone, after the men hired his taxi.

Information received suggested that only one of the men was carrying the firearm, based on what was reported to the police.

The incident took place around 21:00 hrs. The men reportedly robbed the male driver of his mobile phone and $10,000 before making good their escape.

An alarm was raised and the police quickly responded to the report and captured

one of the suspects after he was confronted by the lawmen. The second suspect managed to escape from the police.

The fleeing bandit reportedly discharged rounds at the police who returned fire, but no one was injured in that exchange. The police managed to recover the taxi driver’s mobile phone on the captured suspect’s person, but there has not been any report on the recovery of the weapon, which was used to exchange fire with the police.

The matter is continuing to engage the attention of the police in ‘A’ Division, as well as the Criminal Investigation Department at Eve Leary.

UP to late yesterday afternoon Quincy Abrams was recovering from a gunshot wound to the back, which he reportedly sustained when his employer (name withheld) opened fire at him following a misunderstanding at Wallabaca Backdam, North West District.

Abrams, 25 years old of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, has been working with the suspect for some time and on Tuesday; they reportedly got involved in an argument. Unconfirmed reports state that the in-

cident stemmed from the non-payment of wages by the suspect to Abrams, which caused the young man to ask for his money resulting in the argument.

The suspect reportedly whipped out a firearm and discharged two rounds at the young man, one of which struck him to the back. The young man fell to the ground and as the shooter made good his escape, Abrams was picked up and rushed for medical attention.

The incident occurred on Tuesday and yesterday morning the suspect in the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Argentina pledges to foster closer ties with Guyana – particularly in the area of agriculture EFFORTS are underway to ensure that closer ties are established between Guyana and Argentina, as Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder learnt yesterday when he met Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Luiz Alberto Martino at his Regent and Vlissengen

Roads office.

During the meeting, Ambassador Alberto Martino reaffirmed his country’s support to ensure continued cooperation with Guyana, since the re-establishment of the foreign mission in 2011.

Among possible areas

for collaboration are soil and post-harvest management, animal husbandry, research – agriculture biotechnology, value-added and marketing.

“We (Argentine Government) look forward to stronger relations, especially in agriculture as we move for-

ward in pushing the development of the sector…agriculture remains an important sector to any economy, and we stand committed to working together to ensure a stronger sector,” Ambassador Alberto Martino told Minister Holder.

A Memorandum of Un-

Agriculture Minister, Mr. Noel Holder and Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Luis Alberta Marino during their meeting yesterday

derstanding (MOU) is expected to be concluded and signed shortly between the two countries, thereby reaffirming their common interest to strengthen ties within the framework of the Argentine South/South Cooperation Programme.

A joint cooperation programme is also expected to

be established.

Argentina and Guyana have, over the years, shared fruitful bilateral relations. The two countries have collaborated on several areas of common interest since the reestablishment of an Embassy in Guyana in 2011. (Ministry of Agriculture)

GRPA offers special Fathers' Day health-care package FOR the period June 1526, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) will offer a special health-care package to the public, especially in observance of Fathers’ Day. The GRPA will conduct screening for prostate cancer, blood pressure, testing of blood sugar/group, VDRL and HIV, along with testicular examination, etc.

“Enjoy 50 % discount

plus free counselling and an additional free service. This Father’s Day, give your dad the gift of health,” a statement from GRPA said, adding, “Kindly circulate [this message] to all your family, friends, co-workers, and anyone who may be able to benefit from this offer.”

The GRPA is located at Lot 70 Quamina Street, Georgetown and can be contacted on telephone number 225 6493.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Murder accused says was defending himself against being sodomised – jury hears

By George Barclay WHEN the murder trial of Clive Knights continued at the Demerara Assizes yesterday, Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury heard that the accused was defending himself against a man who was forcefully sodomising him.

This claim was made

in the caution statement by the murder accused, which was found by the judge to have been given freely and voluntarily to the police.

The judge gave that ruling after he had conducted a voir dire (a trial within a trial ) to determine the admissibility of the statement.

Following the killing of Bert Whyte on May 14th 2012, Knights was arrested

and charged with murder.

The charge is said to have resulted from a caution statement which the accused gave to Detective Constable Kester Cosbert.

The statement to the detective constable read: “Keste , I reach Whyte while I was working at PHG and we became friends and started hanging out together with other friends. On

Man accused of killing wife to know fate Friday -

Defence witness tells of killer named ‘Andy’

DEFENCE witness Winifrede Archibald from Texas, USA who had been expected to testify via Skype, surprised spectators when she turned up in person to testify at the Demerara Assizes yesterday.

Charles Anthony Woolford is on trial for the murder of his wife Latoya on February 8, 2009.

But the witness who has migrated to the USA testified that she had once lived in the upper flat of a home in Festival City near to the Woolfords and disclosed that ‘Andy’ was the man behind the scene

who could have committed the crime.

According to her although she once rented her car to ‘Andy’, she could not remember his surname.

The witness, however, rejected a suggestion

by State Prosecutrix, Miss Mercedes Thompson that the reason why she could not remember the man’s surname was because ‘Andy’ does not exist.

Both the defence and the prosecution lawyers made their final addresses to the jury yesterday.

The defence requested a

verdict of not guilty while the prosecution called for a verdict in keeping with the evidence and the oath they had taken.

Justice Brassington Reynolds said that he would sum up the evidence to the jury on Friday morning at ten o’clock.

Attorneys-at-Law Peter Hugh and Latchmi Rahamat are the defence counsel.

The accused will know his fate on Friday.

Prosecuting are Mercedes Thompson, Orinthea Schmidt and Michael Shahoud from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Rice harvesters stumble on decaying body

WORKERS heading to work in a rice field at the No. 61 Village Middle Walk backdam area stumbled on the partly decomposed remains of a man who is known to them.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, the man was found face down in a canal by the passersby and they immediately raised an alarm and informed the police.

Once the police were

informed and arrived on the scene, the man’s body was retrieved from the canal and it was found that aquatic creatures apparently had already began eating away at his face.

The man at the time of the discovery was clad in a short pants, jersey and vest, according to sources who showed up at the location.

The man’s brother was also present on the scene and confirmed to law-enforcement officers that the remains were indeed

that of his brother. It was not clear if the man had gone missing prior to the discovery of his body and if a missing person report was made at any police station.

The identity of the man was not reported to this newspaper, as relatives sought privacy at this time of grief. The police brought the body out of the area via boat and an investigation to determine how the man met his demise is under way.

one evening that we went drinking he said that he was a homosexual and wanted us to start a relationship. I told him no, but we can still be friends and that his way of life had nothing to do with me.

Whyte said that it was okay and we continued to go out and drink. Both of us left the job at the hospital and started working different places but would call each other.

“On Monday 14th May 2012, I travelled to Georgetown from Berbice very early to do some business and finished late. I was very tired but Whyte and I talked over the phone and decided to have a drink.

We went to a bar in William Street, Campbellville.

“I drank a couple of beers and he drank liquor. I fell asleep about two hours on the table because I was tired and high.”

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According to the accused, “The next thing I recognized that I was being sodomised. I grabbed an ice pick and stabbed away at Whyte. I did not intend to kill Whyte. I am sorry, he was my friend.”

Prosecuting in the matter are Mrs. Judith Mursalin and Miss Narissa Leander. Attorney-at-Law Miss Konyo Thompson is defending.

The hearing is continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Indian High Commission to host

Int’l Day of Yoga on Sunday age groups and will be an interesting event, being its first year since its approval in 2014. There will be 177 countries sponsoring the events in the three countries who have all gathered together in making the event possible.

The ancient art and science of yoga has been

Mr. V. Mahalingam, High Commissioner of India to Guyana

By Shivanie Sugrim THE High Commission of India will be observing its first ever “International Day of Yoga” on Sunday in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris with t h e a i m o f p ro m o t i n g yoga, the ancient Indian art and science that has been in silent existence for decades.

During a press briefing at the office of the Indian High Commission yesterday, Mr. V. Mahalingam, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, declared that the High Commission will be observing the occasion by way of a public event on Sunday at the Kalyan Shopping Plaza on Lamaha Street, Georgetown at 5:00 pm.

This event is expected to see leading personalities voicing their perspectives on yoga and its benefits, and this will be the highlight of the event.

In addition, the Brahma Kumaris will be hosting a special guest from their spiritual headquarters in India, Mr. Mohan Singhal, who will be here on a mission to address the International Day of Yoga event.

He will also address the launch of a countrywide initiative called “Awakening Inner Peace”, pro-

moting the benefits of the ancient art of Raja Yoga meditation.

This initiative is in observance of the 40th anniversary of the Brahma Kumaris in Guyana, which began here in December 1975.

The 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11th, 2014 approved the proposal of Prime Minister Modi of India, by consensus with a record of 177 co-sponsoring countries, to establish the 21st June as “International Day of Yoga”.

This day will be celebrated in over 190 countries by the Indian High Commissions/Embassies/ Consulates in collaboration with various institutions. It will also be celebrated at the Multipurpose Centre, Perry Bay, St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda and Tiranga Restaurant, Royal St. Kitts Hotel, Frigate Bay in St. Kitts. The Indian High Commission i n G e o rg e t o w n a n d t h e Brahma Kumaris will collaborate with other entities to host the event on Sunday in all three countries - Guyana, St. Kitts and Antigua and Barbuda.

H.E. Mr. V. Mahalingam has noted that the event will cater for all

practised for decades and traces its origin to the Vedas written in Sanskrit language. The practice of yoga leads to the union of individual and universal consciousness. It offers immense benefits in uniting the body, mind and breath.

Yoga has become one

of the world’s favourite holistic health practices and also, one of the most practised forms of exercise and therapy. Globally, millions of persons practise some form of yoga in their quest for holistic health. Swami Vivekananda is credited for introducing and

creating a special place for yoga in the hearts of global citizens, where he penned books on all four f o r m s o f Yo g a - K a r m a Yoga (Yoga of Action), J n a n a Yo g a ( Yo g a o f Knowledge), Raja Yoga (Yoga of Meditation) and Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thuesday June 18 2015

Commander Hicken reads act’ during station inspect

By Leroy Smith

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police and ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken read the “riot act” to ranks of the police ‘A’ Division during his manda-

tory half-yearly commander’s inspection of all police stations and outposts within the respective divisions.

Commander Hicken addressed police officers on the following issues: mode of dress; their manner of communication

with members of the public; conformity with the Standing Orders of the Force; punctuality; rogue cops; records management; unauthorised dissemination of information; domestic violence; the care of state assets and corruption,

Commander Hicken greets a member of the Ministry of Home Affairs, at the North Ruimveldt Outpost, during a visit there on Tuesday among others.

The inspections began last week and will conclude today with the final inspection being the Brickdam Police Station, ‘A’ Division headquarters. Among the other stations inspected were those at Diamond, Grove, East Ruimveldt, East La Penitence, Kitty, Alberttown and Timehri.

Inspections were also done at the North Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Timehri and Madewini Outposts, as well as the Highway Base on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Having completed his inspections, Commander Hicken told this publication that while he has seen room for improvement in the way certain things are done at some stations, he was pleased with the efforts put in by the ranks given the

limited resources at their disposal and which were in all cases put to good use.

He stressed that the workload for police ranks is something that members of the public may not always understand, but was quick to point out that in an organisation such as the Guyana Police Force, members of the public could not care less about what resources are available and what are not, since their main concern is ensuring that the police force provides a service to them in keeping with their oath of office.

While addressing the ranks, Assistant Commissioner Hicken mentioned the observation that in most cases at the junior level, they neglect the poor and focus on the rich, because of the expectation of personal gains.

Inspector Marshall examines financial records at Ruimveldt (Photos By Delano Williams)

“You are neglecting the poor and focusing on the rich because you want gains and my take on that is that it is corruption, and if you are found culpable you will go before the courts and you will have your full share of the criminal justice system, because we are not going to sacrifice the majority for the minority, it’s the other way around,” Commander Hicken made clear.

Ranks were told that the Force is seeing an increase in the number of domestic violence cases and as a law- enforcement body; they are expected to investigate thoroughly each reported case and take the appropriate action. Mr. Hicken stressed that all ranks need to be equipped with knowledge of dealing with the issue of domestic violence and ignorance will not be accepted as an answer.

They were reminded too that each time they face a member of the public they do so as ambassadors of the sub-divisional officers, commanders, commissioner of police and by extension, the Guyana Police Force. Against that backdrop, they ought be cognisant of the fact that the force is always under the scrutiny of their paymasters, who are the taxpayers of this country.

The issue of traffic ranks who are bringing the police force into disrepute was also mentioned by Hicken, who noted that the few who are behaving dishonourably will be weeded out.

“As of now, no minibus is to be emptied unless there is an accident or some emergency in terms of drugs or guns found inside the vehicle. Do not inconvenience the members of the public because you have the authority to do so; minibus drivers and conductors can be summoned, summon them to court; success rate

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

s ‘riot tions is not by the number of people at stations, it’s counted by the number of successful prosecutions you have at the courts,” Hicken informed ranks.

There is often the claim by members of the public that whenever they visit certain police stations, not only in ‘A’ Division, but across the country, police ranks would usually instruct them to leave and return before their reports are entertained.

In most cases the excuses by the ranks are that the officer to deal with the matter is absent, or that the police do not have vehicles or manpower to act on reports, “that nonsense better stop and it better stop now,” said Hicken.

“You have no authority to tell members of the public that you do not have transportation and [it] is only one police [officer who is] working because as of now, I am making it clear: there will be no one police officer working by night or by day; and there is a Standard Operating Procedure in the division where you come to the duty officer and the duty officer will send the closest patrol, because we always have patrols out in the communities and station districts.

So for you to tell members of the public that you do not have resources and vehicles are very disrespectful to them and it is laziness; so we will deal with you, we will send you on the road because you are embarrassing members of the Guyana Police Force.”

The issue of records management was also a point of discussion during the inspection, as ranks were reminded of the importance of proper management of records which often have to be referred to in future. It was noted that if the police force does not take records management seriously, then it has the potential to embarrass the organisation since any developing organisation must have a proper records system.

Police ranks that endanger the lives of their colleagues were also sternly warned against engaging in activities which have the potential to cause loss of lives and bring the Force into disrepute.

Hicken remarked that members of the public are afraid to share information with the junior ranks of the Force because some of them are collecting the information and re-channelling it for personal gain. Hence the decision of the Force to share the phone

15

A police constable from the Ruimveldt Police Station gets his head-dress fixed by Commander Hicken during an inspection numbers of senior police officers, so that members of the public may have direct contact with them.

The Assistant Commissioner, while addressing the ranks stated: “While you are seeing your personal gains you are not seeing the dangers that you are putting your colleagues in, because information, if it is not properly shared, processed and filtered and transformed into the intelligence can hurt people.”

He further stated: “We have all these policemen and women here and you realise that people around you are doing illegal things, but you are not telling the police because you know that you are getting a drawback; it does not augur well for the Force.

Because of your dishonesty, the whole Force is being stained because persons of questionable character are saying if you can take, then others can take too.”

The senior police officer emphasised that those caught in this practice will be investigated by the decentralised offices of the F o r c e ’s O f f i c e o f P r o fessional Responsibility (OPR), as he stressed too that no rank should be selling information to anyone.

The police force, he added, will share information with the media through the channels that are provided for doing so, but that will not be done prematurely, since it can have an impact on the outcome of investigations and does have the potential to jeopardise the work of investigating ranks.

During the inspections, station compounds, sanitary blocks, barrack rooms, kitchen facilities, log books, property room and other facilities which fall under the ambit of the respective stations, come under the commander’s microscope.

Commander Hicken was accompanied on his visits by his divisional crime officer, traffic officer and head of the firearm section as well as the sub-divisional officers.

Ranks of the East La Penitence Police Station listen attentively as they are addressed by their Commander

The Station Sergeant of the Timehri Police Station and an inspector look on as Hicken inspects some of the station records

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Beverage company driver jailed for causing death of 73-yr-old pedestrian FORMER Guyana Beverage Inc. driver, Ravin Singh, 27, of Lot 46 North East Grove, East Bank Demerara, was yesterday sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by City Magistrate Judy Latchman on a causing death by dangerous driving charge.

He was found guilty after a trial on the charge which alleged that on July 14, 2014 at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown he drove motor

vehicle GNN 3876 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Rajmattie Ram. Singh made his first court appearance before City Magistrate Judy Latchman on September 1, 2014 and was placed on $1 million bail after denying the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The matter was prosecuted by Police Inspector Vishnu Hunt from the Chambers of

the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The defence was led by Attorney-at-Law Debra Kumar.

During the trial, a number of witnesses had been called to testify, including police witnesses and civilians.

During her ruling, Magistrate Latchman took into consideration the mitigating factors that Singh was the sole breadwinner of his family, a point which was raised by the defence counsel. However,

The accused Ravin Singh

The deceased Rajmattie Ram

before handing down the jail term, the magistrate also

considered the prevalence of road fatalities.

According to reports, Ram, a pedestrian, was struck down by a motor lorry at the Robb Street junction, around 14:30 hrs on July 14, 2014.

At the time of the accident, the elderly woman was holding onto her grandson’s hand as they attempted to cross to the other side of the busy roadway.

She reportedly sustained severe head and bodily injuries when she was dragged a short distance before the truck came to a halt.

The 73-year-old woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Annna Regina drainage to be improved

– as municipality gets new mini-excavator THE Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Anna Regina Town council has acquired a new mini-excavator to boost the desilting of drains within the Walton Hall to Three Friends district.

Town Clerk, Ms. Diana Critchlow said that the council is preparing a workplan for the machine.

She said the machine has to get a special slush bucket and a steel grill to protect the glass in front before it is put into operation.

Councillor of the IMC, Mr. Rajendra Prabhulall, said one of the main problems in the municipality is drainage and the maintenance of drains. He said

The new mini-excavator in the compound of the Anna Regina Town Council

the drains within the town were recently desilted by excavators under the previous Government’s Clean Up My Country project, but because of no maintenance work, all the drains were quickly taken over by grass and weeds. He

said the council is aiming to have all the drains within the town in perfect and clean condition and residents will be asked to cooperate and help maintain the drains in front of their yards. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

Deaf Association to host fund-raising Bar-b-Que,Fish Fry THE Deaf Association of Guyana will host a fund-raising Bar-B-Que and Fish Fry on Sunday, July 12, to support their community-based work with persons with special education needs.

The event will begin from 1:00 pm and end at 5:00 pm at the Carifesta Sports Complex, in Georgetown and tickets cost $1,000.

Tickets can be bought at the activity or from the Deaf Association of Guyana

office, 48 Second Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is encouraging the public to make every effort to support the initiative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Education Minister signals more money, better qualified lecturers for UG MINISTER of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine recently acknowledged that the state of affairs at the University of Guyana is appalling, speaking at a recent event held by the Guyana National Youth Council.

The Education Minister noted that students, lectur-

ers and concerned Guyanese have been calling for more focus to be placed on the development of the University of Guyana over a number of years.

Having been a member of the University of Guyana’s Council, Dr. Roopnaraine said that UG is in a ‘mess’. He told the gathering

For Thursday June 18, 2015: 05:00hrs For Friday June 19, 2015: 05:00hrs For Saturday June 20, 2015: 05:30hrs

of young people that the Government will work to ensure that more money is allocated to the University.

NO FIRST DEGREE LECTURERS Turning his attention to the quality of the lecturers, the minister stated that he does not want persons with first degrees to be lecturing at UG. “I want to ensure that we have people there with academic and professional experience,” he added.

For the University to have the best cadre of lecturers and teachers to deliver the best education possible to students, the institution has to compete internationally to attract the type of well trained and experienced persons needed to lift the quality of education at that level. “We must settle for nothing less,” he emphasised.

The Education Minister also reiterated his desire to transform the system from as early as nursery to ensure that the nourishment is provided so that all students can have a rich and rewarding experience.

To lend to the rich and rewarding experience, Dr. Roopnaraine said, he is currently in talks with a group of local musicians regarding the inclusion of music in the classroom.

The Education Minister maintained that the objective is that the education provided for Guyanese citizens must become the envy of the Caribbean.

(Rebecca Ganesh)

Aries You may have recently built fanciful scenarios in your head regarding how you think things should be, in either a romantic, business, or family situation. It’s likely these images will conflict with reality as you discover that you need to take a much more analytical approach to what you have going.

Taurus The place you arrive at today may not be quite what you expected. Once you get there, you will find that there is sudden opposition in your camp. Things may not always be exactly what they seem, so check your facts before you make any major decisions. It’s better to get the information right from the source rather than depend on what you hear through the grapevine.

Gemini Your actions might be a bit strained today. People aren’t going to cooperate in the way you might like them to. It could be one of those days in which it’s difficult to get things done simply because other people seem to get in the way. Try not to get angry. Perhaps you need to take a break and relax.

The harder you push, the more resistance you will encounter.

Cancer If you’re prepared and well organised, today should go smoothly and pleasantly. Feel free to indulge in fanciful daydreams and things of a whimsical nature. You’ve earned the right to break from the normal routine. If you’ve been slacking off your tasks, however, you will now need to spend some time catching up and planning ahead.

Leo Don’t feel badly about things you have no control over. Tonight it would be good for you to go out and have a nice time. Put aside your responsibilities and concentrate on fun. It might be difficult to jump-start others to action, but don’t let that concern you. If people don’t want to budge, don’t force them. They will move when they’re ready.

Virgo You may find it hard to sit still today. People may pull your chain right and left in order to get a rise out of you. Whatever seems grounded and solid may end up being flimsy and detached. Beware of where you step. The ground is apt to give way with little warning. Your appetite may be ravenous, but it’s likely there won’t be nearly enough nourishment to satisfy you.

Libra Be careful who you trust today. Instead of venturing out, you might prefer to stick close to home and enjoy the comforts you’ve worked so hard to attain. Don’t entrust just anyone with your secrets. Information is likely to be misinterpreted and what you say might not be taken as seriously as you’d like it to be.

Scorpio What looks like solid ground may be quicksand. Be careful where you step. There’s an element of misunderstanding to the day that might make it difficult to get through to people. The good news is that your emotions are quite solid. Your inner stability should help you keep a healthy frame of mind, regardless of the events that transpire.

Sagittarius You may have your head in the clouds today. At the same time, there’s a need for you to keep your feet on the ground. This contradiction of energies might make it difficult to find peace, but you should find comfort knowing that this will soon end. Deal with conflicting issues the best you can. They will help you find the balance and perspective you need.

Capricorn Your emotions may be playing tricks on you. You may find it hard to deal with reality. Take the day to relax and unwind. Don’t worry about the details. Concentrate more on your general state of mind. Things will go smoothly when you focus on radiating positive energy to others. Don’t worry so much about the consequences. Focus more on the process.

Aquarius You might find it hard to make progress with your projects today, especially if you need others’ help. There’s a stubborn quality to the day that’s causing things to get jammed up. When neither party budges, the result is chaos. You might have to give a little in order to get a little. Be the first one to release your grip and things will run more smoothly.

Pisces This should be a pretty good day. You will find a greater than usual sensitivity to your needs. One thing to be aware of is fast talkers who might make elaborate promises that they have no intention of keeping. Slow and steady wins the race, and you’re the master of this technique. Your patience and sensitivity are invaluable on a day like this.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Swiss FIFA inquiry investigates Warriors in 53 suspicious bank transactions good shape...

By Karolin Schaps and Mark Hosenball BERNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Swiss prosecutors, investigating corruption at global football body FIFA, have identified 53 suspicious bank transactions, the attorney general said yesterday, stressing that a

complex investigation may take a long time to unfold.

Michael Lauber told journalists he would not rule out interviewing FIFA president Sepp Blatter and general secretary Jerome Valcke, although Switzerland had so far targeted no individuals in the scandal that has rocked international

ments of 14 football officials and businessmen.

Two days later, Blatter was re-elected to a fifth term, only to announce the following week that he would step down.

GARCIA REPORT SCRUTINISED

Jerome Valcke

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football.

“We are faced with a complex investigation with many international implications,” he said in his first public comments since his office seized FIFA computer data last month.

“It would not be professional to communicate at this moment a detailed timetable. The world of football needs to be patient.

By its nature, this investigation will take more than the legendary 90 minutes,” he said, referring to the length of a football match.

Also yesterday, Switzerland’s third largest listed bank, Julius Baer, said it had launched its own internal investigation in connection with FIFA. It said it was cooperating with the authorities and did not say when the internal probe had begun.

The attorney general was clear that Blatter and Valcke could be among those summoned for questioning: “There will be formal interviews of all relevant people.

By definition, this does not exclude interviewing the president of FIFA and this does not exclude interviewing the secretary general of FIFA.” Lauber said his team had obtained evidence on 104 relationships between banks and clients, each of which represents several accounts.

Switzerland’s Financial Intelligence Unit anti-money-laundering agency had identified the 53 suspicious transactions flagged up from information supplied by banks.

Switzerland, where FIFA is based, announced its criminal investigation and seized computers at FIFA headquarters last month on the same day that the United States shook the sport with the announcement of indict-

Swiss authorities have said their criminal investigation specifically targets the decisions to stage the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar. Both countries deny wrongdoing and say they are preparing to hold the tournaments on schedule.

Asked whether the Swiss investigation could derail Russia’s plans, Lauber said that decision was not his problem.

Lauber said his work was completely independent of the ongoing U.S. cases. While Switzerland had received and fulfilled a request for legal assistance from the United States, it had not asked for any such help in return, he added.

His investigation was looking closely at material generated by Michael Garcia, an American lawyer hired by FIFA to investigate ethics violations who spent years examining the Russia and Qatar bids.

Garcia’s report has never been published and FIFA has released only a summary which exonerated the Russian and Qatari bids of serious wrongdoing. Garcia quit saying the summary mis-characterised his report. Lauber said the U.S. authorities had not asked for the report.

Lauber said his office had seized nine terabytes of data. By comparison, the U.S. Library of Congress estimates on its website that its entire collection of printed works amounts to 10 terabytes. However, a single personal computer hard drive may hold several terabytes, which can be quickly filled up with material like high definition video.

He said he had no complaints about FIFA’s cooperation to date.”I don’t care about the timetable of FIFA, I only care about my own timetable,” Lauber told journalists.

From backpage

that rotation of the strike was a major concern during the lone practice game, something he has addressed with the players.

He continued, “They’re professionals and let it be known that we can’t hope to do well in the competition and (be) batting in that manner. We probably just got to show a little bit more intent. I’m positive we’ll rectify it.”

One of the positives Hooper mentioned was the progress of the fast bowlers, Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz, who both played on the Guyana Select XI side in a deliberate attempt to get them to be proactive,” Hooper explained.

Meanwhile, Team Operations Manager Omar Khan confirmed that Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is out of the tournament with an injury.

South African speedster Merchant De Lange has been named as Malinga’s replacement and will feature from the start of the competition.

Sri Lankan all-rounders Tillekaratne Dilshan and Thisara Perera will be available for the first four games.

South African, all-rounder David Wiese, and the flamboyant Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal will come in for Dilshan and Perera, when they depart the Caribbean for international duty on July 5.

The South America-based franchise finished runner-up in the first two seasons, losing to the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and the Barbados Tridents last year.

The Warriors departed these shores yesterday for Barbados for their first game against the host franchise and defending champions Barbados Tridents this Saturday.

The local players named in the Warriors line-up are: Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith and Paul Wintz, while Denesh Ramdin, Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons are the regional players.

Guyana will host four games between July 15 and 21.

Guyana Amazon Warriors will feature in all four matches, as the organisers have opted to give each franchise four home games.

On July 15, Guyana Amazon Warriors will play 2013 champions Jamaica Tallawahs at 18:00hrs; on July 17. They will come up against St Lucia Zouks at 20:00hrs; on July 18 they take on defending champions Barbados Tridents at 16:00hrs; and on July 21 they will face Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel from 18:00hrs.

Unlike previous years when Guyana hosted matches earlier in the tournament, the South American nation will now stage the final round before the two eliminators and grand final in Trinidad and Tobago.

The other franchises set to compete in the June 20 to July 26 showpiece are reigning champions Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

5th Digicel schools football ...

From backpage our young footballers on show.”

In yesterday’s fixtures L’Venture beat West Demerara 2-1 with Dan Boston and Andeole Bowman scoring in the 62nd and 69th minutes respectively, while Jeiel Jansen’s lone strike in the 12th represented the losers’ consolation goal. In the second fixture in Linden, New Slivercity overcame hosts Wisburg Secondary 3-2. New Silvercity’s scorers were Tyreke McAllister in

the 25th, Brian Johnson in the 50th and Shane Haynes in the 58th. Wisburg’s scorers were Compton Caesar in the 19th and Jermaine Moore in the 66th.

Play continues today with Mackenzie High taking on Linden Foundation at Wisburg ground, while Tagore Secondary and Manchester Secondary clash at Skeldon Community Centre ground.

Tucville Secondary will host David Rose in game 3 while Grove will host Friendship Secondary.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Group 3 drivers gearing for glory at CMRC Trinidad leg THIS weekend’s Seaboard Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) at the Wallerfield raceway in Trinidad and Tobago is likely to see sparks flying, with several of the country’s top Group 3 drivers expected to be in the Mix. Chronicle Sport caught up with each of them who indicated his plans.

Afraz Allie banking on reliability factor: Afraz Allie says that he is banking on the reliability factor when he races this weekend in Trinidad and Tobago. Looking ahead to the action, Allie indicated that he is looking to podium. “It’s going to be hard, but not impossible. I’m also looking that in recent times with the exception of Jamaica (CMRC 2015 first leg) at the car’s reliability.

“My car is always reliable and I am banking on the reliability factor to come out on top,” Allie also indicated that he has done some upgrades and expects those to be factors as well. “With new upgrades we intend to give the bigger CC cars a tight run. We will rely on the power to weight ratio as higher CC cars have to run higher weights and with the limitation of tyres I expect to overcome them.”

Allie will pilot the number 88 Toyota Starlet sponsored by Mohamed’s En-

Afraz Allie terprise, Prem’s Electrical, Mike’s Copy Centre, Tulshi Machine Shop and Cellphonix and represented Guyana earlier in the year at the first leg at Jamwest Raceway in Jamaica.

Mohammed has nothing to be worried about: Rameez Mohammed says that he is unfazed by the competition in Trinidad and Tobago for this weekend’s race meet. The Group 3 driver indicated that his car is up to scratch and is expected to be a force to be reckoned with. “I don’t think we have anything to worry about.

“I’ve switched my car from the Starlet to a Levin and that is much faster now. We tested prior to loading and shipping and we are very happy with the

Rameez Mohammed results.” He indicated too that he had a look at the Trinidad layout last year as a spectator and has a view as to what is expected “I was there last year, I think the car is going to do pretty good. With the tyres that we have, it would grip better on the new surface.”

He will be driving the B.M Soat Auto Sales-, Prem’s Electrical-, Truck Masters-sponsored White and Blue Toyota Levin. He also toured Jamaica earlier this year.

Deodass looking for good debut performance Chronicle Sport also spoke to CMRC debutant Motilall Deodass, who explained that he is looking at exposure on the regional circuit.

MIDDLEWEIGHT Howard `The Battersea Bomber’ Eastman had his last fight exactly one year ago. On June 18, 2014 in Kingston Jamaica, Eastman lost by unanimous decision to Jamaican Tseti `The Assassin’ Davis in an eight-rounder.

The fight was a part of the Wray and Nephew Con-

Motilall Deodass “I entered this year at the CMRC level because I want to look at getting into the regional circuit and letting the Caribbean know that there are very quick Starlets in Guyana.” He also told Chronicle Sport that this being his and the car’s maiden journey outside Guyana, he is looking to score valuable points at the regional level that will ultimately go to the CMRC overall point standings.

He drives the #56 Motor Trend Auto Spares and Repairs, Rohan Auto Spares/ Red Toyota Starlet.

This weekend’s race at the Wallerfield will take place on a repaved circuit, commencing tomorrow with free practice, qualification on Saturday and Race day on Sunday.

United States top group with nervy win

Abby Wambach

NOTABLE DATES

TWO-time winners United States are into the Women’s World Cup last 16, but looked short of their best in a laboured 1-0 win over Nigeria.

Abby Wambach’s volley just before the break proved enough for the U.S., but they could not add to their lead despite Nigeria’s loss of defender Sarah Nnodim to a second yellow card.

They will play one of four third-placed teams to progress from the pool stages.

Australia secured Group D’s second spot with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.

The Matildas will play Brazil in the next round in Moncton.

Meanwhile, Sweden, ranked fifth in the world, will have to wait to see whether they can claim one of four qualifying spots for teams finishing third in their group.

Australia took the lead after just five minutes as captain Lisa De Vanna sprinted onto a long ball forward and coolly slotted home.

Sofia Jakobsson levelled 10 minutes late with a low shot inside goalkeeper Lydia Williams’ near post.

In Edmonton, the 14th World Cup goal of Wambach’s career - an instinctive far post volley from Megan Rapinoe’s corner - proved enough for the United States.

But Nigeria coach Edwin Okon was left aggrieved by the referee’s decision to issue Nnodim with a second yellow for a challenge on Sydney Leroux that left his side down to 10 players for the final 20 minutes. (BBC Sport)

tender series. Eastman’s career commenced in 1994 when as a 23-year-old he TKOed John Rice in the first round.

He won several titles including the Guyana, European and Commonwealth middleweight titles in a career that is in its 21st year.

The gangly middleweight from New Amsterdam made two unsuccessful attempts at world titles. The first was against American William Joppy for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) crown. The fight was held on November 17, 2001 and the Guyanese was undefeated in 32 bouts.

A close battle ensued and Joppy was dropped in the latter stages of the fight. However, the judges gave the American the victory via majority decision. Eastman was back in the world title hunt four years later when he challenged undisputed champion Bernard `The Executioner’ Hopkins.

He lost that fight by unanimous decision. To date the ageing warrior has battled 414 rounds in 62 fights.

He has won 49 (38 KOs) and lost 13. ***************************************** DENNIS Andries secured his 11th professional victory when he TKOed Chris Lawson on June 18, 1980 at the Adulte Ballroom in Staffordshire, England.

Referee Paul Thomas halted the bout at one minute 14 seconds of the eighth and final round.

Andries was coming off back-to-back defeats, having lost to Mustafa Wasajja and Bunny Johnson in April and February respectively. He turned pro in 1978 and became the European light heavyweight champion, the World Boxing Council light heavyweight champion and later the Commonwealth cruiserweight champion.

The Guyanese won the WBC title following a split decision victory over J. B. Williamson on April 30, 1986 and made one successful defence before meeting the feared Thomas `Hitman’ Hearns in March 1987.

Hearns came out blazing and was able to snatch the crown via a 10th round TKO. However, Andries bounced back and was again named WBC champion when he TKOed Tony Willis on February 21, 1989 to take the vacant title.

Andries comes from a group of fighters, who, though born in Guyana, never fought professionally in their homeland. The group includes Adrian Dodson, Vivian Harris, Steve Frank, Cleveland Denny, Egerton Marcus and Tony Marshall.

He had his last fight on December 14, 1996 and left with a record of 49 victories (30 KOs), 14 defeats and two draws. He will turn 62 in November.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

FIFA’s Blatter hires top U.S. lawyer for corruption probe

By David Ingram NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has hired a high-powered U.S. lawyer to represent him as a corruption probe rocks football’s global governing body, a person familiar with the matter said.

Blatter recently retained Richard Cullen, the chairman of the law firm McGuireWoods and a former U.S. federal prosecutor, said the person, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Blatter, 79, announced on June 2 that he would stand down as FIFA president, only four days after he was reelected to the position, saying he had lost the mandate from the entire world of football.

That followed U.S. au-

thorities’ indictment of nine current and former FIFA officials and five corporate executives for allegedly running a criminal enterprise that involved more than $150M in bribes over 24 years.

U.S. prosecutors have not accused Blatter of wrongdoing.

Among the issues the FBI is examining is Blatter’s stewardship of FIFA, sources have said. Blatter became president in 1998 and remains in the job pending an election that likely will not occur before December.

Investigations by U.S. and Swiss authorities include scrutiny of how FIFA awarded World Cup hosting rights to Russia and Qatar.

Blatter has also retained Lorenz Erni, a top lawyer in Zurich, the source said. Erni declined to comment earlier

this week.

TIES TO COMEY It was unclear whether Blatter’s decision to hire a top U.S. lawyer indicated increased scrutiny of him by U.S. authorities. It is common in the United States for even potential witnesses to seek legal advice if they can afford it in order to protect their rights.

Cullen was not immediately available for comment yesterday.

Prosecutors in Switzerland, where FIFA is based, have identified 53 suspicious bank transactions and could summon Blatter and FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke for questioning, Michael Lauber, the Swiss attorney general, told journalists yesterday.

Cullen has long ties to FBI Director James Comey, whose bureau is conducting much of the FIFA-related investigation. Comey served as a federal prosecutor in Richmond, Virginia, where Cullen is based, and worked as a partner at McGuireWoods.

Cullen spoke positively of Comey’s nomination for FBI director in 2013.

As a lawyer, Cullen has often represented government officials as they tried to fend off indictments in high-profile criminal investigations.

He represented Tom DeLay, a Texas Republican and former majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, during the investigation into corrupt Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. DeLay was not charged.

Another client was Ken

Classy Morgan, Root propel England to record run chase (REUTERS) - Classy centuries from captain Eoin Morgan and Joe Root propelled England to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fourth one-day international in Nottingham yesterday to square the pulsating fivematch series at 2-2.

Chasing a huge target of 350 for victory, Morgan’s swashbuckling 113 off 82 balls and a more measured 106 not out from Root helped England chase it down with six overs to spare.

It was England’s highest successful run chase in one-day internationals.

A battling 90 from Kane Williamson and half-centuries from Grant Elliott and

Martin Guptill had helped the tourists reach 349-7, but Alex Hales got England off to a flying start with a quickfire 67 before Morgan and Root took over.

A remarkably high-scoring series will now be decided in Durham at Chester-leStreet on Saturday.

“It’s certainly up there with one of the best games of cricket I’ve ever played in. The boys showed that aggressive intent right from the get-go,” Morgan told the BBC. Brendon McCullum won the toss and chose to bat with New Zealand making steady progress before Williamson came to the crease at 88 for one.

Melson, who was pushed out of his job as acting director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), but did not face charges, after a botched anti-gun-smuggling operation known as “Fast and Furious.”

Cullen also represented CIA and U.S. Defence Department officials in an investigation into interrogation techniques dating to the George W. Bush administration, according to his law firm biography.

In Richmond, about 110 miles (177 km) south of Washington, D.C., Cullen resides largely outside the political and media spotlights of Washington and New York. McGuireWoods has its home office in the city, and Cullen has worked there with only brief interruptions

since law school.

But he is a powerbroker in Virginia Republican politics. He has worked closely with governors and local lawmakers, according to a 2007 profile in Richmond Law magazine. In February, he helped bring Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush to Richmond for an event, the website Politico reported.

Cullen left his law firm in the early 1990s to serve as the chief federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, which sits just outside Washington.

He pushed New Zealand’s score past 200 in another century partnership with Ross Taylor (42), passing 3 000 ODI runs in the process.

Williamson fell 10 runs short of a second consecutive century after he mistimed a drive and was caught by Adil Rashid.

Mitchell Santner smashed 44 off 19 balls, including 28 off Rashid’s penultimate over, as New Zealand posted an imposing total with a late boundary barrage.

But a new-look England side, enthused with aggressive intent, swiftly set about chipping away at the target.

Hales got the hosts off to a flying start, smashing 67 off 38 balls, before he dragged on trying to heave Matt Henry down the ground and fellow opener Jason Roy

(38) followed soon after to leave the hosts on 111 for two.

Morgan and Root swiftly restored the momentum, however, with the captain racing to his eighth ODI hundred off 73 balls before he was caught by Henry at fine leg with England closing in on victory on 309 for three.

Ben Stokes arrived at the crease to help Root reach three figures, before England swiftly wrapped up proceedings.

It was a dispiriting result for New Zealand captain McCullum, who was confident his side had done enough with their batting.

“It was an incredible run chase,” he said.

“We knew they were going to have to play well to beat us and play well they did. They blew us off the park again.”

Sepp Blatter

Local pedal-pushers continue to do Guyana proud on the American circuit Skipper Eoin Morgan strikes 11 fours and five sixes in a 73-ball century at Trent Bridge.

LOCAL pedal-pushers continue to do Guyana proud on the American circuit as Alanzo Greaves won one of the races which were open to category one and two riders in the I WILL FOUNDATION Tuesday Night Race Series.

According to reports, Hamzah Eastman and Scott Savory, both local riders placed second and fifth respectively.

In the same series, veteran Guyanese national cyclist

James Joelyn Joseph won a category 4 event.

Only last Thursday, Savory won a criterium event in the United States Air Force Association Cycling Classic ahead of Geron Williams (3rd), Greaves (5th) and Eastman (7th).

In winning the event last Tuesday, Greaves registered a time of one hour 02 minutes 43 seconds.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Experienced six headline Player Draft ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Half-dozen players with Test match experience have been included in the list of 90 entered in the Player Draft of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League (PCL).

The Player Draft, which has been organised with the goal of achieving an equitable distribution of the available player talent in the Regional 4-Day and NAGICO Super50 tournaments, takes place today, at the Accra Beach Hotel in Barbados, starting at 13:00hrs.

The WICB announced yesterday the pool of players who will be in the Draft and fast bowler Tino Best, wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh Jr, batsman Kirk Edwards, leftarm spin bowling all-rounder Ryan Hinds, opener Xavier Marshall and left-handed opener Omar Phillips head the list, which also includes five other players with international playing experience.

Tagenarine The other players with Chanderpaul international credentials are openers Miles Bascombe and Nkrumah Bonner, as well as off-spin all-rounder Royston Crandon, batsman Danza Hyatt and left-arm spinner Garey Mathurin.

Each of the six franchises in the PCL will select five play-

ers – including a minimum of two from outside their home territory – to add to the 10 players which they have already retained for a minimum squad complement of 15.

The six franchises in the League shall participate in the Draft through the Chairman of Selectors or Head Coach.

With the selection order for the Player Draft the reverse order of the final league position of the franchise in the 2014-15 WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament, Leeward Islands Hurricanes will make the opening selection.

They will be followed by current NAGICO Super50 champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, then the Jamaica Franchise, Windward Islands Volcanoes, Barbados Pride and reigning Regional 4-Day champions Guyana Jaguars.

This sequence will be repeated for each of the five rounds of draft picks. Each franchise must pick a player in each round and will have two minutes to select the player.

Where a selection is not made within the stipulated time, the offending franchise will miss their turn and must wait until all other franchises have made their selection in that round before making its selection.

A total of 30 players will be drafted. The remaining players will be available for Pay-For-Play contracts at the discretion of the various franchises.

Fans can view the live webcast of the Draft on the WICB’s website, www.windiescricket.com.

Squads: BARBADOS PRIDE Protected players: Carlos Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Kyle Corbin, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Ashley Nurse, Shai Hope, Jomel

Bahamas beat Guyana 89-69 to win again … SVG rebound with victory over Barbados

ROAD TOWN, Tortola (CMC ) – Defending champions Bahamas extended their winning streak to two straight while St Vincent and the Grenadines rebounded from an opening-day loss to trounce Barbados on day two of the Caribbean Basketball Championships here Tuesday.

Playing at the MultiSports Complex, the Bahamians recorded a convincing 89-69 victory over Guyana to follow up Monday’s victory

over Bermuda.

St Vincent followed suit, withstanding a strong second half surge to overcome Barbados 70-63, and make amends for their hammering at the hands of hosts British Virgin Islands on Monday.

In other games played, Antigua and Barbuda cruised past Suriname 85-50 while BVI moved to a 2-0 record with a comfortable 92-78 triumph over Cayman Islands.

With momentum from

NATIONAL footballer Manasseh `Ziggy’ Primo was held in the USA last week for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into that country. Primo, a striker with Alpha United Football Club, was nabbed at the JFK International Airport on June 11.

It has been alleged that Primo tried to smuggle cocaine into the USA in pellets he had swallowed. The stocky forward appeared before Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon and was remanded to prison. Primo is not the first sports figure from Guyana to be nabbed in the USA for drug-trafficking.

Last year May weightlifter Colin `Mr Clean’ Chesney

was busted in the USA for cocaine. Chesney arrived in the U.S on Saturday May 24, 2014 on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Guyana with over 50 cocaine-filled pellets in his stomach.

Several years ago national football goalkeeper Marlon Hendricks was busted in Barbados and died after pellets burst in his stomach.

Last October, Primo, along with five other club members was suspended for six months by Alpha United for indiscipline. Primo, Gregory `Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Anthony `Natural’ Benfield were found guilty of abandoning the team just before its final match of the CONCACAF Champions

their opening win, the Bahamas started strongly to lead 27-18 after the first quarter and 53-39 at the half. They relaxed in the third quarter but still led 74-42 heading into the final period of play.

The Bahamas were carried by Kentwan Smith who scored 18 points, Leon Cooper who got 15 points and captain Magnun Rolle who chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds.

National striker held in USA for drug-smuggling National striker Manasseh `Ziggy’ Primo

League in Portland, Oregon in September 2014.

The three players defied instructions given by coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover, left the hotel hours before the game against Portland Timbers, to go shopping.

They could not be found when the team left for the venue of the match but surfaced at the match venue long after the team arrived.

Their absence forced Dover to commence the game without them.

Torrington Cox came off the bench to score 11 points and grab four rebounds.

For Guyana, Dave Causeway was the high man with 19 points while Gordon James also had a huge game with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Barbados’ hopes of making a winning start to the tournament were dashed, when they made a weak start to fall behind 9-27 at the end of the first quarter.

And though they won the remaining three quarters, the early damage had already been done, and they failed to recover in time.

For SVG, captain Sean Baptiste led with 21 points with Alexis Foyle chipping in with 19 points and Shawn King weighing in with ten points and 16 rebounds.

Barbados got a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds from Akeem Marsh while John Jones also got 14 points and Keefe Birkett, 11.

Antigua were also big winners in their game over Suriname, storming to a 5122 lead at half-time before coasting down the stretch.

Kurt Looby led four starters in double figures with 13 points, with Jerome Richardson, Ernest Scott and Sharife Sergeant all scoring 11.

Carlton Baugh Jr

Warrican Draft nominees: Tino Best, Rashidi Boucher, Kirk Edwards, Justin Greaves, Antonio Greenidge, Ryan Hinds, Chaim Holder, Kyle Hope, Jerome Jones, Kyle Mayers, Kevin McClean, Omar Phillips, Javon Searles, Kevin Stoute, Kenroy Williams GUYANA JAGUARS Protected players: Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh Draft nominees: Anthony Adams, Ricardo Adams, Robin Bacchus, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Royston Crandon, Trevon Griffith, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Steven Jacobs, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Raj Nannan, Keemo Paul, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Paul Wintz JAMAICA FRANCHISE Protected players: Dave Bernard Jr, John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Dawes, Nicholson Gordon, Damion Jacobs, Brandon King, Tamar Lambert, Nikita Miller, Marquino Mindley Draft nominees: Carlton Baugh Jr, Nkrumah Bonner, Gavon Brown, Odean Brown, Brian Buchanan, Cassius Burton Jr, Jon-Ross Campbell, Danza Hyatt, Ramaal Lewis, Xavier Marshall, Andre McCarthy, Horace Miller, Paul Palmer Jr, Shacaya Thomas, Keno Wallace LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES Protected players: Quinton Boatswain, Kacey Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Steve Liburd, Orlando Peters, Sherwin Peters, Jacques Taylor, Devon Thomas, Gavin Tonge Draft nominees: Deno Baker, Nelson Bolan, Richard Frederick, Jahmar Hamilton, Colin Hamer, Montcin Hodge, Shane Jeffers, Yannick Leonard, Tevin Osborne, Jaison Peters, Adelvin Phillips, Lyndel Richardson, Akeem Saunders, Rawlston Tuitt, Hayden Walsh Jr. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO RED FORCE Protected players: Yannick Cariah, Kevon Cooper, Rayad Emrit, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Kjorn Ottley, Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Richards Draft nominees: Jahron Alfred, Ancil Bhagan, Brian Charles, Daron Cruickshank, Derone Davis, Mark Deyal, Akeal Hosein, Ricky Jaipaul, Kavesh Kantasingh, Ewart Nicholson, Yannic Ottley, Khary Pierre, Strassack Sankar, Jeremy Solozano, Nicholas Sookdeosingh WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES Protected players: Sunil Ambris, Alston Bobb, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mervin Matthew, Kenroy Peters, Liam Sebastien, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile Draft nominees: Miles Bascombe, Gian Benjamin, Roland Cato, Craig Emmanuel, Tayrick Gabriel, Dawnley Grant, Kevin James, Delorn Johnson, Keddy Lesporis, Garey Mathurin, Preston McSween, Dalton Polius, Jerlani Robinson, Denis Smith, Josh Thomas

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 18, 2015

Warriors win first NBA title in 40 years

By Frank Pingue CLEVELAND, Ohio (Reuters) - The Golden State Warriors capped a brilliant season with a 105-97 victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday to win the NBA Finals for the first time in 40 years.

T h e Wa r r i o r s , t h e top-seeded team in the playoffs after compiling the best record in the regular season, won the best-of-seven championship series 4-2.

NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Andre Iguodala, who had not started all season until Game Four of the Finals, and Stephen Curry each had 25 points for Golden State, while James again led the way for the injury-hit Cavaliers with a game-high 32 points.

“I’ve seen this on TV so many times, dreaming about what it would be like to pour champagne on yourself and when that moment comes and I’m holding the trophy, champagne is falling on my face, that’s when it all sinks in that this is real,” said Curry.

“Best champagne I’ve

Love were too much for the Cavs to overcome.

“We never asked for sympathy when they went down. We never made an excuse, and I certainly won’t do that now,” said Cavs coach David Blatt.

“We played our hearts out. The Warriors were better. Those guys will get healthy, and we’ll come back after it next season.”

Members of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after winning the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, yesterday. ever had in my life.”

Golden State became the first team since the 1991 Chicago Bulls to win the NBA title with a roster absent any previous finals experience.

For James, who averaged 35.8 points per game, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists in

the Finals despite playing with an injury-hit team, the loss dropped the greatest player of his generation to 2-4 all-time in the NBA’s championship series.

“When you fall short, it hurts and it eats at you, and it hurts me to know that I

wish I could have done better and done more and just put a little more effort or whatever the case may be to help us get over the hump,” said James. “But it just wasn’t our time.”

Having trailed by 13 points late, the Cavaliers

the series, but that honor went to Golden State’s Andre Iguodala, who hounded James throughout the matchup.

In the end, effort could not make up for a depleted roster.

The Cavs lost All Star guard Kyrie Irving to a knee injury in the series opener and All Star forward Kevin Love to a shoulder ailment in the first round of the playoffs.

“We never asked for sympathy when they went down,” said coach David Blatt. “We never made an excuse and I certainly won’t

do that now. The Warriors were better.”

The result of losing two key players was that Cleveland had to feed James the ball more, but the increased workload saw him make just 39 percent of his shots.

“I don’t enjoy being as non-efficient as I was. I don’t enjoy dribbling the ball for countless seconds on the shot clock with the team looking at me to make a play,” James said.

“That’s not winning basketball. It was what I had to do, what was needed. We ran out of talent.”

Finals defeats too much to bear for LeBron

(REUTERS)-LeBron James has tasted defeat four times in NBA Finals now but that does not make it any easier to swallow. In fact, losing to Golden State hurt so much he would rather miss out on the playoffs altogether than lose another championship series.

James led the way for Cleveland with 32 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists in Game Six on Tuesday but it was not enough to carry the Cavaliers to victory over the Warriors.

Golden State picked up their first title in 40 years with the 105-97 win

in Cleveland.

“When you fall short it hurts,” James told reporters.

“I’m starting to (think) I’d rather not even make the playoffs than to lose in the Finals. It would hurt a lot (less).”

James finished with averages of 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists for the six games, becoming the first player to lead both teams in total points, rebounds and assists in a Finals series.

There was talk he could follow Jerry West (1969) and become just the second player to win the Finals MVP despite losing

pulled to within four in the final minute, reigniting a home crowd that had been silenced moments earlier, but the Warriors held firm to clinch the title.

In the end, injuries to All Star point guard Kyrie Irving and forward Kevin

COSTLY TURNOVERS Cleveland opened the game with a 7-2 run to whip an anxious home crowd into frenzy but Golden State weathered the storm with a solid finish to the opening quarter to build a 28-15 lead.

After a quiet start to the game, James helped Cleveland narrow the gap with a three-pointer from the corner as part of his team’s 11-4 run to open the second quarter.

Cleveland, despite a slew of turnovers, battled mightily throughout the second before finally cutting the deficit to two points when Tristan Thompson slammed down a put-back dunk as time expired in the first half.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) walks off the court after loosing to the Golden State Warriors in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena.

Cho-Wee-Nam outlines plans for the GCF once elected

VETERAN cyclist Paul Cho-Wee-Nam, one of the presidential candidates for the upcoming Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) election of office-bearers which is to be held later this month outlined his plans to make the federation more viable.

According to Guyana Cycle News Facebook page posted yesterday, Cho-Wee-Nam said firstly he will meet with all the riders and their clubs and listen to their problems and work with them to find suitable solutions.

Among his other plans are to: Make the federation financially viable and accountable for all monies received so that the federation can fund local cyclists when they represent Guyana overseas; Encourage and select capable personnel to serve and develop the sport of cycling in Guyana; Implement

an Insurance Policy to cover all licensed cyclists in the case of accidents and injuries and get medical personnel to attend cycling events; Develop outreach programmes across the country to encourage young cyclists and females to race and get their parents involved in the sport; Develop relationships with cor- Paul Cho-Wee-Nam porate Guyana to assist the financial position of the GCF; Work in close cooperation with the Guyana Cycling North America Association to provide equipment and other support

to Guyanese cyclists; Foster a close relationship with the International Cycling Union (UCI) and COPACI so that local cyclists can benefit from their training programmes and race at international events; Work closely with the new Government so that an outdoor 300m cycling velodrome is built during his tenure; Ensure the rules of gear restriction for juniors and young riders are enforced to help them to develop properly and, finally, Be the best president the GCF has ever seen.

Cho-Wee-Nam’s plans came on the heels of plans outlined by another presidential candidate, Malcolm Sonaram, yesterday.

The current president of the Federation, Cheryl Thompson, is yet to make public whether she will seek re-election.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Warriors win first NBA title in 40 years See story on page 27

5th Digicel schools football tourney kicks off with impressive ceremony

CEO of Digicel Kevin Kelly kicks off the 5th edition of the schools football championship.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Marketing Manager Jacqueline James look on.

T

HE 5th edition of the Digicel schools football tournament kicked off yesterday with several weeks of keen competition expected to take place among the youths.

During an official ceremony held at the football facility at Leonora Synthetic Track, Digicel Marketing Manager Jacqueline James and Director of Sport Christopher Jones met members of the teams before a short march past, after which Digicel Chief Executive Officer Kevin Kelly got the ball rolling.

Speaking after the kickoff, Director of Sport Jones told the media that corporate companies like Digicel help to promote sport at the grassroots.

“In the development of sport, corporate sponsors such as Digicel must be commended. This is a demonstration of exactly what we would want to see - other companies participating and lending their support to the development of sport.

“Of course you can see the participants here this afternoon are quite excited to be a part of today’s play.”

Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope said that this year has seen a renewed effort to push the tournament. “We have seen that there is an increase or improved commitment to the tournament and we anticipate a good tournament.

“I just hope all of Guyana will come out and look at all of the games throughout the country and let us see See page 23

Digicel Marketing Manager Jacqueline James and Director of Sport Christopher Jones meet the the young footballers.(Adrian Narine photos)

Warriors in good shape, says Hooper … Squad departs for Barbados

D

Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach Carl Hooper

By Rajiv Bisnauth

ESPITE inadequate turf practice, head coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors is confident the team is in good shape for this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Hooper’s comments came following the conclusion of the one-week training camp, which was affected tremendously by the rainy weather.

“I’m fairly confident: we’ve prepared well, and we should do well.

The rain interfered a lot. I think the important thing was to get a hit out on Monday, and while it wasn’t the desired result, what it did was to give some key players like Brad Hodge a chance to play at this venue for the first time, and we’ve got four games in six days here so I think that was important and critical,” Hooper said on Tuesday evening.

However, the former Guyana and West Indies captain pointed out See page 23

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015