2015 6 3

GUYANA No. 104209

WEDNESDAY JUNE 3, 2015

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Weather watch...

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

Gov’t interventions bring significant relief Page

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––see flood waters recede in most areas

Honouring a tradition: At the ceremonial opening of the June Criminal Session yesterday. See story on Page 5 (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Some schools to remain closed today

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––in anticipation of more rains over next few days

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GECOM to gazette election results names of Coalition MPs today Page 4

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Some schools to remain ––in anticipation of more closed today rains over next few days

SOME public schools still remain closed following the torrential rainfalls on Sunday which left areas in Georgetown flooded for some time.

The Ministry of Education has announced in a release that most schools which were closed on Monday and yesterday due to flooding caused by persistent rainfall will be opened today.

However, parents and guardians of the following schools are asked to note that these schools will remain closed today (Wednesday, June 3, 2015) to allow for floodwaters to recede, and for the cleaning and sanitisation of those facilities.

GEORGETOWN: * South Road Nursery EAST COAST DEMERARA: * Prince Williams Street Nursery * Vryheid’s Lust North Nursery * Chateau Margot Primary * Vryheid’s Lust Primary * Montrose Primary WEATHER UPDATE Citizens are advised that Coastal Regions 1 and 2 can expect mostly cloudy skies with showers during the morning hours. Conditions are, however, expected to improve during the afternoon.

All other coastal regions can expect partly cloudy conditions with scattered showers during the morning and generally fair weather during the afternoon.

As for rainfall, it is expected to be trace and 15 mm (0.590551) with the maximum over Regions 1 and 2. All the other Regions can expect mostly cloudy conditions with showers. Region 7 and parts of Regions 8 and 10 are also likely to experience thundershowers during the afternoon.

Rainfall is forecast to range between 5 mm (0.590551) and 35 mm (35 mm) with the maximum over areas with thundershowers.

Where the temperature is concerned, the minimum observed at Timehri last night was 23.7 ºC. Today’s temperature is expected to range between 28.0°C to 35.0°C. It is also likely to be mostly breezy with a north-easterly wind of between 05 m/s (1.118468 mph) and 10 m/s (22.36936 mph), becoming gusty over areas with thundershowers.

Persons near the sea should note that the tide was at its lowest height of 0.49 m (1.60761) at 09:57 hrs. The tide is expected to be at its highest at 2.78 m (9.12073491) at 16:10 hrs.

Small craft operators, marine users and sea bathers are advised that moderate seas can be expected with waves reaching a height of 2.0 m (6.56167979) to 2.5 m (8.20209974) in open waters.

Citizens are advised that above the normal high tide advisory is in effect and residents of low lying, riverine and flood prone areas are advised to take necessary precautions against possible flooding.

Scenes from Sunday’s inundation (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Burrowes takes issue with ‘soup drinker’ slurs on social media ––prepared to work with any gov’t in country’s best interest

By Tajeram Mohabir

GO-INVEST Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Burrowes has taken issue with him being referred as a political panderer on social media, contending that the suggestions are malicious and disturbing.

A dedicated public servant, Burrowes said he had worked under both the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administrations and is prepared to work with any Government as long as his services are in the best interest of his country.

The Go-Invest CEO who held several portfolios under the PPP/C Administration told the Guyana Chronicle that he never at any time requested to serve but was asked to by the former Presidents and he responded to their calls.

But there were a few instances where he turned down job offers, he said, due to pressing commitments. Recalling one such instance, he said several years ago he was asked by then President Bharrat Jagdeo to take over the position of CEO of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) but was

unable to do so, and indicated that to him.

Burrowes also pointed out that most of his work with the former Administration has been on a voluntary basis, and while he is by no means rich, he never took fees for serving on boards of state agencies.

In fact, he said, these sums he donated towards training and development of staff members of those organisations where he sat as a board member.

“I never position myself for any job; I never lobbied for any position. This can be verified by checking with my former employers,” a visibly annoyed Burrowes said in response to claims that he is a “soup drinker”.

PRUDENT MANAGER Burrowes over the years has developed a reputation as a prudent and efficient public sector manager and a positive agent of change.

It was under his leadership of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU) that the Basic Nutrition Programme, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), was recognised by

Go-Invest CEO, Mr Keith Burrowes the US Government.

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

Burrowes said that under the new Government, he is prepared to accept

whatever change the coalition Administration sees fit for Go-Invest.

He told this publication that he has no qualms working with the new Administration, and even if he is not retained as chairman of Go-Invest, he is more than willing to lend his expertise, honed from years of service to Guyana and working with international agencies, to the Government. This will be in the area of management and investment.

Burrowes has an interest in working closely with the diaspora to promote Guyana as an investment destination.

According to reports, he was asked by the new Government to remain as CEO of Go-Invest.

Burrowes, months before the 2015 General and Regional Elections, had resigned from the board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

He is hoping to establish a non-governmental organisation to deal with patient care and education and offer help to persons who suffer from various addictions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

GECOM to gazette election results, names of Coalition MPs today

By Vanessa Narine

THE official results of the May 11 General and Regional Elections will be gazetted today, and with it would be gazetted the names of thirty-three designated Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration.

Legal Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Ms Juanita Barker, made this disclosure when asked by the Guy-

ana Chronicle yesterday.

The officially declared results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, as well as related disclosures, were supposed to have been gazetted since last Tuesday, according to a legal stipulation. However, this was not done because the political parties elected to be represented in the National Assembly -- the APNU+AFC and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) -- had not submitted their lists of designated MPs. APNU+AFC submitted its list on Monday, but the PPP/C is yet to so do.

DATE: 30/05/2015 H

Ms Barker noted that the Commission, at a meeting yesterday, decided to gazette the officially declared results along with the names of the APNU+AFC designated MPs only.

Heading the APNU+AFC list of candidates -- the Representative of the List -- is Professor Harold Lutchman, a constitutional lawyer and academic; while former president Mr Donald Ramotar heads the PPP/C list of candidates.

The submission of these names is part of the disclosures that must be made in gazetting the election results, according to Section 99 of the Representation of the People Act. The law states that: “As soon as possible, but no later than 15 days after Election Day, the Commission shall publicly declare the results of the election, and shall cause to be published in the Gazette a notification thereof, specifying the number of votes cast for each list of candidates; the number of rejected ballot papers; the number of seats allocated to each list of candidates; and the names of the persons who, as a result of the election, have become members of the National Assembly.”

Relative to the delay on GECOM’s part,

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legal provisions also allow the Commission (GECOM) to extend the 15-day deadline, which ended last Tuesday.

Section Five of the Representation of the People Act states that: “Where, under this Act, any act is required to be done not later than a specified number of days before election day, the Commission may, by direction under its hand, if it deems it requisite or desirable so to do, extend the time allowed by reducing the number of days so specified, and the following provisions shall have effect in relation to that power…(c) the Commission shall, as soon as practicable after any exercise of the power, publish in the Gazette a notification thereof, which shall include a brief statement of the reason for, and the effect of, that exercise.”

The current APNU+AFC Administration scored a close victory in the General and Regional Elections with 207,200 votes, while the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured 202,694 votes. Given the results of the elections, APNU+AFC secured a representation of 33 MPs in the 65-seat National Assembly, while the PPP/C secured 32 seats.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

No leads yet in shooting death of Mocha electrician

UP TO late yesterday, police had not yet come up with any leads to the lone gunman who shot Mocha Arcadia electrician Terrence Lanferman on Monday evening at his home.

Lanferman, 23, was shot dead at his home at 37 Nelson Street, Mocha where he lived with his mother and operated a bottom-house electrician establishment.

The young man was said to be easy-going, although his mother said that there were many persons who would from time to time have issues with her son.

On Monday, persons in the community recalled hearing two explosions which sounded like gunshots before seeing the suspected assailant fleeing the yard.

Speaking with this news-

paper, the dead man’s mother, Ulice Lanferman said that she was at work when she received a call informing her to visit the hospital. The woman who works at one of the Guyoil Service Stations raced down to the Diamond Hospital where she was informed that her son was shot and had passed away.

According to her, the information she received

suggested that her son may have been in the house and was shot through the window or he was sitting in the yard.

The man was at home alone while his fiancée was upstairs at a neighbour’s house when the incident occurred.

Terrence is in the business of installing music system in minibuses and other vehicles while also doing some amount of servicing to motorcycles.

Lanferman leaves to mourn his mother, and two siblings ages 15 and 14.

Persons said that after the shooting they saw a motorcycle without number plate speeding out of the community in a very unusual manner but they were not yet aware that a villager had been gunned down.

They concluded that the person who shot the man

might have been a stranger since the manner in which he was riding the motorcycle suggested that he was not familiar with the road.

One person at the hospital was heard commenting that the shooter seems to fit the description of someone who frequents Mocha.

Meanwhile, the police are continuing their investigations.

Septic tank murder trial voir dires near end

By George Barclay THREE accused said to be involved in the septic tank murder trial have denied giving caution statements to the police.

As a consequence of the objection being made by the defence on the grounds that the statements were not obtained in accordance with the judges’ rules, the presiding judge decided to hold three

voir dires in the absence of the jury.

The voir dires, which are being conducted by Judge Roxanne George in the absence of the jury to decide the admissibility of the statements,

Highlights of opening of June criminal session

Justice Navindra Singh elegantly inspects the Guard of Honour. It was one of his duties to mark the opening of the session. (Photo by Samuel Maughn) opening address, told the THE highlights of the openmurdered his wife Latoya jury about that fateful day ing of the June criminal Woolford. when the accused at his session in Demerara yesterThe hearing, which is a home, is alleged to have day were the inspection of a retrial, continues today.

Guard of Honour, and the taking of the salute during the march past of the parade by Justice Navindra Singh.

Justice Singh, who is seen inspecting the Guard of Honour drawn from 60 ranks of the Tactical Services Unit, is one of the three judges assigned to the session.

The other two are Justice Roxanne George and Justice Brassington Reynolds.

Justice Reynolds later empanelled a jury to hear the murder case of Charles Anthony Woolford, allegedly committed on February 8, 2009.

The prosecutor, in his

will soon be known when she delivers her ruling shortly.

The accused Ralph Tyndal also called “Nick,” Anthony De Paul Hope, also called “Papa”, and Kevin O’ Neil are charged with having, between December

27, 2007 and January 6, 2008 in the County of Demerara, murdered Colleen Forrester.

Attorneys-at-Law, Madan Kissoon, Melvin Duke and George Thomas are appearing for Tyndal, Hope and O’Neil

respectively.

At the conclusion of the voir dires, the prosecution hopes to call 17 witnesses.

Lead counsel for the prosecution is Miss Diana Kaulesar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Re-introduction of a National Cadet Corps

T

HE Guyana National Service gained much infamy because of the lawlessness of some of its administrators. However, there are many who attest to the fact that, notwithstanding this blot, they gained tremendously from character-building activities conducted by the GNS. Today, no-one can gainsay the fact that there is need for some urgent intervention in youth development, where discipline is paramount. The youths of today, even young children, are exposed to many ills through the various media, and act up, unconscious of the harm they are doing to their future.

It takes a strong family unit to guide a child in the right pathway, where a moral compass is inculcated as a natural progression of family life; but, oftentimes Guyanese fathers, and sometimes mothers, are derelict in proper parenting of their children, and those children are left to fend for themselves in a society not conducive to proper guidance in the development of pre-adolescent and adolescent children.

Many single-parents are overwhelmed by the sheer weight of their responsibilities, and sometimes the provision of the requisite amenities for the fulfillment of the basic needs of their children are so onerous that they override the imperative of the necessary quality time spent in supervisory and/or recreational modes that

can uplift a child’s morale, and enhance their sense of self-worth and self-discipline, so necessary to characterbuilding, whereby a child can withstand the pressure by their peers to engage in self-destructive actions.

Many parents are oftentimes unaware of the activities engaged in by their children, even sometimes during school hours and are many times shocked to discover the proclivities of their children to unsavoury conduct, even during school hours.

Violent confrontations, even in schools, among the youth population have become the norm rather than the exception; and it is not unusual to the current trend for even students to be carrying some type of weapon in their haversacks. Some students have become so confrontational that their indiscipline also extends to the point of aggression against their teachers. Unfortunately, the conduct of some parents is contributory factors to this dangerous trend of disrespecting elders, authority figures such as teachers, oftentimes with dire consequences.

The introduction of a cadet corps is therefore not an unwelcome development, but it should be on a voluntary basis; not enforced like the mandatory service in order to pursue a tertiary education, as the GNS was.

There should also be a rehabilitative component, as many of the ills of current society are caused by the usage of illicit substances that are detrimentally impacting behav-

iourial patterns in every strata of the societal construct.

Many of the parents of children caught up in these destructive habits are despairing of finding a solution, because addiction is not easily curable; and it paves the way to the eventual decimation of a child’s entire educational and consequential career path.

Thus the aim of the current government to establish a cadet corps is commendable, if managed and conducted within the prerequisites of discipline and adherence to proper conduct within societal spheres, in addition to providing youths with basic leadership skills and affording them the opportunity to travel their country.

The Queen’s College Cadet Corps has produced many fine and exceptional achievers within the landscape of national endeavours, and if the President’s intention are not premised on militarisation, but in the provision of a disciplined environment that can guide Guyana’s young population in making right choices, and in character-building exercises, then the establishment of a national cadet corps would be a welcome initiative in the educational and social synergies of the country’s youth population.

The continuous exploitation of Guyanese travellers THE exploitation of Guyanese travellers with Dynamic Airways continues.

Unabated! What a shame that I’ve had a nightmare experience with this airline from the very inception, and I blame myself because they lured me with cheap fares.

They had a series of delays in January, with flights being postponed one after the other. I needed to travel.

I enquired if I booked oneway with ‘Caribbean’, if I could put my one-way ticket with Dynamic on hold. I

was advised by their agent at Travel Span in January that due to my need to travel, my one-way would be granted through a voucher. So I went ahead and left Guyana with Caribbean and returned with Dynamic. That was a nightmare — the return that is.

I wrote about it in these columns whereby the plane spent nearly three hours waiting on the tarmac - a hot, cramped plane. Disgraceful.

We weren’t lucky enough to get pizza from the captain as was the case in such a situation in a U.S. Airline

flight last week. But America values their passengers; we in Guyana do not!

So I finally got ‘something’ from Dynamic a few days ago — a one-way fare that was put on hold by the agent costs more than US$300! I was robbed and I had no say in it since the remittance was more or less imposed on me whether I wanted it or not.

That’s only the beginning. I can only use the discount US$100 code to purchase a ticket on their website. The agents at Travel

Span in Georgetown, who originally started to sell Dynamic Airways tickets, no longer sells for that company. They directed me to Roraima Airways.

The official there told me to take the voucher in and they would see what they can do. I have to leave my home in Berbice to visit that office — take an entire day off work. Do you think I would care to go through all that for US$100 and then when the ticket is bought — if it can be purchased — the flights would

Who is Burrowes trying to fool?

KEITH Burrowes recently made the following public statements to the media: “I am not politically aligned; Governments over the years thought that I was competent for the job, and I have succeeded always.”

Mr. Burrowes was appointed Advisor to President Ramotar in 2012; his service was pro bono, and he remained in that post. He was Chairman of the Guyana Chronicle, Director at GuySuCo, and headed the tender committee. These appointments will never be given to someone who is not politically

aligned to the PPP. Now, if you consider these appointments and the performance of the Chronicle, Go Invest and GuySuCo, you the readers must decide whether or not Burrowes is politically aligned and competent.

My reason for this public outburst is that it seems as if witch-hunting is synonymous with masking justice to the oppressed and wronged, defending incompetence, condoning corruption, and allowing the wizards or witches to find new brooms to fly on in the new Administration.

In 2012, Burrowes was the Chairman of the GuySuCo

be delayed, etc?

There seems to be no authority or agency for Dynamic Airways any longer, or no rational or concerned person one can speak with.

The agency has no proper presence in Guyana.

Fares for the summer are averaging over US$700 with Dynamic, and around US$900 with Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica. It’s best if travellers use the latter two, for reliability and to avoid such occurrences which I went through.

Caribbean Airlines is by

far the most reliable and ontime airlines at the moment.

I experienced Dynamic to be late, lame and the service is terrible, yet many flock because of the cheapness.

I t ’s s a d t h e m e d i a doesn’t expose these things.

It’s sadder the Government (in the past) did little or nothing too. I hope this Government can regulate such injustices on Guyanese travellers who pay some of the highest airfares in the world. It’s disgraceful and exploitative to the highest.

LEON SUSERAN

Tender Board; he subverted the tendering process on instructions from then Minister Robert Persaud to not award a contract legitimately evaluated in ECI’s favour.

The contract was awarded to a supplier that did not bid nor meet the tender requirements. This contract was more than one year late, with no penalty to See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

The prohibition of under-age drinking in Guyana KINDLY permit me space in your newspaper to voice my concern regarding a particular issue I hope the new Government will address and which I feel for too long has been ignored: Underage Drinking.

While countries overseas, such as the United States of America and Canada have strict laws governing underage drinking, and Guyana has similar laws, it is evident that the laws here are not being maintained.

Our laws state that the legal age limit for alcohol consumption in Guyana is 18 years and children under the age of 16 are not allowed to be in the bar of any licensed premises, or even purchase alcohol unless they are above 18 years. Additionally, a child should never be asked to go to any licensed premises to buy alcohol.

Upon entering a bar or club overseas, regardless of how old a person appears to be, he/she must submit an Identification Card (ID) to the bouncer to see his/her correct age; if a person is underage or does not have their ID Card, they are not allowed entry into the es-

tablishment.

On the other hand, in Guyana, once a person pays the entrance fee into a bar or club, that person is admitted entry, without him/her being asked to submit an ID Card and sold alcohol regardless how old he/she is.

Liquor shops in Guyana are among those establishments guilty of selling alcohol to minors. It appears as if proprietors are more concerned about making a profit than anything else.

While parents should be held accountable, I do think we as a nation should also be held accountable for ignoring this issue. I strongly believe that the legal age limit for alcohol consumption should be increased from 18 to 21 years, and that it should be strictly enforced.

I do hope this is something the new Administration will review and clamp down on.

S. DANIELS

Can the PPP rise from the proverbial ashes?

EVER since his assumption to the highest office in the land, President Granger, in realpolitik form, has moved swiftly to provide effective leadership and institutional changes. As a historian, author of several books on Guyana and the Caribbean, as well as the publisher of the Guyana Review magazine, he understands the history of the country very well, and he is not shy about using power to effectuate the necessary changes that coincide with his vision for a new Guyana. If current trends continue, Granger will in effect transform the course of Guyana’s history, and he will have a lasting and pervasive impact on the political culture and Guyanese ethos.

While the Granger Administration enjoys its honeymoon period, some hard facts should not go unnoticed.

ONE: The governing coalition is not your typical coalition. In general, coalition Governments, as they exist in other countries, tend to capture much more than a mere 51% of the electorate, and, coalitions are composed of parties where the smaller of the coalition partners can barter their support to exact concessions from the larger partner. The bargaining

power of the AFC has been reduced by a constitutional provision preventing postelection coalitions, as well as the Cummingsburg Accord, signed by both coalition partners.

TWO: Despite what the enthusiasts now proclaim, the APNU/AFC is not a Government of “national unity” (neither was the PPP/C). The fact remains that the PPP/C is still the largest political party in Guyana (with 32 parliamentary seats). And, as the election clearly demonstrates, the electorate/nation remains ethnically divided, probably more so than in previous elections.

The new Government has a unique opportunity to expand on the coalition support by cutting into the PPP’s base before the 2020 elections.

Granger, however, will have to control the partisan scrum by keeping the old PNC rear-guards at bay while making genuine overtures to the supporters of the PPP. He will have a greater impact on the Guyanese political landscape, if he can bridge the racial gap between the two major ethnic communities, and move the needle closer to a Government of national unity.

A central feature of any democracy is reflected in periodic changes in Gov-

Who is Burrowes trying ...

From page 6

the supplier, while the cane harvest suffered.

Having worked 23 years with contracts for GuySuCo, it was one of the few tender processes in the PPP Administration that was not corrupted; this came to an end with Robert Persaud as Minister, and Burrowes as Chairman of the Tender Board.

In 2013, we were requested to attend a meeting with Burrowes by GuySuCo. The first appointment was a no-show by him.

We met to discuss an engagement with GuySuCo to build a critical component of the Skekdon 2 factory Punt Dumper in order to start the next grinding for sugar production.

Burrowes’s involvement was the authority, as Chairman of GuySuCo Tender Board, to negotiate and award the contract.

This was necessary, since the contractor GuySuCo selected in the previous tender process was unable to do the project.

The project was completed and worked successfully; GuySuCo accepted. We were informed that all payments in this project were suspended; then our Bank informed us that GuySuCo is demanding the 10% Performance Bond. We successfully obtained injunctions against the Bank, preventing them from paying the bond, and against GuySuCo from

using the equipment they acquired by false pretense, which constituted a fraud. GuySuCo settled by requesting the litigation suspended, and made full payment to us.

About that time, I had a letter published in the press about Alexie Ramotar and the massive failure of the E- Governance and the Fibre Optics project. Mind you, this was in 2013; Keith Burrowes was Advisor to The President.

I was reliably informed that instructions by GuySuCo Chairman Raj Singh were given to the Board of GuySuCo, Tender Committee Chairman, and Board member, Burrowes, and management on the non-payment, and calling the Performance Bond. The reason was victimisation for writing the letter about the failed Fibre Optics project and Alexie Ramotar, the President‘s son, and the plans for Burrowes to turn a blind eye on projects that are required to be handled by this agency.

This is my reason to witch-hunt Keith Burrowes; he is a very public person with unlimited access to the Chronicle. This Administration must decide whether he could have done all this without alliance to the PPP Administration.

SAMUEL BARAKAT

ernment through transparently free and fair elections. An equally important characteristic of a functioning democratic system is the presence of a Political Opposition that operates within the ambit of the rules of engagement to support, critique or reshape public policy. Whether the PPP can become an effective Opposition Party depends on a number of basic factors, all of which centre around its ability to fully recover from its recent electoral defeat.

Reasons, among others, for the PPP’s electoral loss include, but are not limited to: Arrogance on the part of the PPP leadership; the undemocratic nature of its party apparatus; long-standing accusations of corruption; a well-oiled Opposition force that exploited the PPP/C’s weaknesses and placed the party on the defensive; an effective anti-PPP social media campaign; as well as its antagonistic relations with the USA, a country already weary of the antics of the nearby Nicolas Maduro Government in Venezuela.

However, there are two overriding characteristics defining the nature of what the PPP/C has become internally since its origin as a mass-based party that has contributed to its overall image of a spent party, leading to its electoral defeat at the polls.

ONE: The party apparatus has been taken over by a small group of unprofessional “lumpen” elements associated with its “working class” philosophy, truncating over the years the intellectual core that once guided the direction of the party.

The lack of a professional intellectual leadership placed the party in the hands of individuals who became vindictive against its opponents, oftentimes treated as though they were enemies of the State. The Nandlall/Kaieteur News and Bheri Ramsaran episodes come to mind.

TWO: The Marxist principles of democratic centralism, by which the PPP governed itself stifled criticism of its internal policy and leadership creating an environment whereby few individuals at the hierarchical top dictated policies and

exercised control, leaving little room for reforms based on constructive criticisms.

Ironically, the current crop of PPP leaders strayed away from the virtues of its founder/leader (honesty, incorruptible, humility, etc) while adherence to the core ideological values of the Jagans have placed the party in decline, and in jeopardy. The demons which the post-Jagan leaders have nurtured internally have now engulfed the party, including a younger generation that has been inculcated within its ranks over the years. From all appearances, the PPP has reached a point where there does not seem to exist the critical mass necessary to pull the party out of the Gordian knot in which it is embedded. The party is in dire need of new leadership, organisation, and ideology if it is to emerge as a credible Opposition force, and eventually, be seen as a Government-in-waiting. It runs the risk of becoming left out in the corridors of power, as it will likely face criticism from every corner of Guyanese society in its attempt to reinvent itself.

The PPP/C may do well to hastily begin to reconstruct its image, internally and externally, and allow credible leaders to emerge in a democratic manner.

Its salvation may also lie with its ability to reduce the powers of the executive, and promote constitutional reforms, which the Granger Government has agreed to do. If coalition politics is the way forward, a renewed PPP/C should seek to build alliance with other parties, the AFC or APNU not excluded. Regardless, while opportunities exist for APNU/AFC to expand upon its support base, the PPP/C faces a lengthy and arduous road ahead.

BAYTORAM RAMHARACK

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Cabinet to assess Council of Legal Education, UG Law students’ dilemma

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Basil Williams

––AG Williams

By Derwayne Wills ATTORNEY-General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams will inherit a number of issues spilling over from the office held by his predecessor, former Attorney-General Anil Nandlall.

One such issue is the admission of University of Guyana Law students to the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS).

Speaking to this publication on the night of May 26, AG Williams gave assurance that the batch of 25 University of Guyana law students will be admitted to the HWLS without impediments.

“As I understand it from my predecessor, the 25 students certainly this year will be admitted,” he commented briefly.

Williams, who took the oath of office on Monday as AG and Legal Affairs Minister, was keen to note that the David Granger Administration would have to “look for a long-term solution” so as to ensure the continuation of Guyana’s legal industry.

The Council of Legal Education (CLE), which is the authoritative body for legal training in the Commonwealth Caribbean, had threatened since 2009 to cease the automatic yearly admission of 25 University of Guyana Law graduates to the HWLS in Trinidad and Tobago.

The CLE has been calling for the Guyana Government to pay an

economic cost for Guyanese students attending the Trinidad-based law school.

Former Attorney-General in the Donald Ramotar Administration, Anil Nandlall, said in June 2014 during a symposium on the future of Caribbean legal education that the economic cost paid by regional governments amounts to half of the total tuition fees for students coming from the respective countries.

The then Attorney-General defended this decision which had seen Guyanese students paying in excess of $2M per academic year for their legal education training which runs for two years.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Williams was asked whether the David Granger Administration would consider paying the economic cost to the CLE to ensure a long-term solution to the issue of Guyanese students admitted to the school. The newly-appointed Attorney-General responded that he does not want to anticipate what decision Cabinet will make [but] we will have to look at the whole issue in time.”

Williams could not say how soon Cabinet will deliberate on that issue, but the issue remains a priority for his office since “the semester has ended and the question of them (UG Law graduates) going to Trinidad would arise.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Weather watch...

Gov’t interventions bring significant relief ––see flood waters recede in most areas

ENGINEER of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mr Walter Willis yesterday reported that water has receded from most of the areas of Georgetown, which had been inundated following heavy rainfall on Sunday.

Willis noted the three pumps which have been repaired and were put into operation on Monday are: One on Sussex Street; another at John Fernandes Ltd, repaired by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA); and a third at Caneview Avenue in South Ruimveldt.

Willis also pointed out that all sluices are operational, except the one at Lamaha Street, which is being repaired, as is a privately-owned one at Meadow Bank South, both of which had been completely blocked.

The engineer observed that all the other 11 sluices are working, and are discharging flood water. They were closed only until the tide turned back, and necessitated their reactivation.

In clearing flood water from other areas, Willis noted that for Queenstown, a pump was used to move water over Irving Street, from Queenstown into the Vlissengen Road Canal.

This pump, being operated by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, is responsible for most of the water receding. He noted that whilst the pump has ceased operating for now, it is on standby in case the weather changes.

To help residents in the Princes Street area, Willis said, another pump is being installed at the upper end of the street, as there is still some water in that area.

He added that some

Homestretch Avenue, looking west, yesterday

The Kingston koker parts of Albouystown were still under water yesterday, due to the level of the tide, which had allowed six hours of drainage from 07.30 hrs.

Draining continued in the upper North and South Ruimveldt areas, which were also affected.

Head of the NDIA, Mr Lionel Wordsworth, concurred with Willis’s update, noting that the pump at the Lamaha Canal has been dismantled and is in the workshop undergoing repairs. He added that this pump is expected to be reinstalled tomorrow.

Wordsworth also said that the NDIA has begun work on the Cummings Canal, and excavators are working in Middleton Street.

Minister of Public Infra-

structure, Mr David Patterson, following his inspection of several key drainage structures in the city on Monday, deemed the neglect of the pumps and outfalls criminal. This assessment reveals the shocking state of the drainage system, including the fact that several of the city’s pumps had been down for a while and that the outfall sluices had been heavily silted.

Chief Engineer (acting), Mr Ron Eastman explained that six pumps were down for in excess of one year, for reasons including mechanical, to facilitate repairs to the discharge pipes, and for engine-related issues.

Minister Patterson has said that, at present, sourcing funds directly from the Ministries of Infrastruc-

ture or Agriculture for the interventions cannot be done. The ministries are hamstrung by the current expenditure restriction of one-twelfth of the last budget until a new budget has been approved.

Numerous other areas were affected by flooding, including the East Coast, West Coast and West Bank of Demerara, following several hours of rainfall.

Pumps belonging to the Guyana Sugar Corporation were used to assist in discharging flood water from those areas. Water was discharged through the Cunha, Kofi, and Land of Canaan outfalls; while the East Demerara Water Conservancy is being closely monitored since the rise in water level. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

First-crop paddy production stands at 550,000 tonnes ––Sowing of second crop already underway

SOME 98 per cent of the 97,000 hectares of rice lands under cultivation for the first crop of 2015 has been harvested to date; and production stands at 550,000 tonnes of paddy, from which 360,000 tonnes of rice have been processed. The two per cent of rice lands still to be harvested are in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

Head of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), Mr Dharamkumar Seeraj, in an invited comment yesterday, told the Guyana

Chronicle that the average yield to date is 5.7 tonnes of paddy per hectare, and that this is a record high. He said that prices being paid to farmers are as follows: the extra A-grade quality rice is attracting sums of between $3,200 and $3,300 per bag, while the lowest graded quality of rice is being sold at prices of between $2,400 and $2,600 per bag. Rice that has been graded at A, B and C are priced at between $2,800 and $3,300 per bag.

Last year was another record-breaking year for the rice industry. Production

was recorded at 635,238 tonnes, of which 501,208 tonnes were exported. Production in the final crop of 2014 surpassed that of the first crop, which recorded just over 300,000 tonnes. Comparatively, the first crop of 2015 has been significantly better.

SECOND CROP UNDERWAY Seeraj noted that, with only two per cent of the rice crop left to be harvested, land preparation for the second rice crop of 2015 has been completed in most of the rice producing regions. “Land preparation continues in Regions 5 and 6,” he said.

He also said that sowing has commenced in Regions 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica). “So far, we have sown 1,900 hectares in Region 2; another 2,100 hectares in Region 3; and 3,700 hectares in Region 4. In Regions Five and Six, 27,200 hectares and 4,000 hectares has been sown respectively,” Seeraj said.

The RPA Head noted that, given the weather conditions, the high levels of rainfall, “minor” losses of rice is expected in Region 2, which traditionally starts and ends its rice

crop earlier than the other regions.

“We will lose some rice -- not much -- in Region 2. It will be the early rice,” he said.

EXPORTS On the question of exports, Seeraj disclosed that hiccups with shipping, in particular the discharge process, has somewhat slowed exports to Venezuela; but exports to that country are otherwise on track. As per the most recent agreement, exports to that neighbouring country will include 120,000 tonnes of paddy and 74,000 tonnes of rice.

He added that private rice exporters have also sent off shipments to Panama. Guyana currently has export agreements with several countries in the Caribbean.

Also, given the continuous success of the rice industry, efforts are being made to secure a greater foothold in Nicaragua and other Central American countries, including Belize and Panama. Markets in Africa are also being courted.

The target for rice exports in 2015 is some 514,000 tonnes, while the target for rice production is 618,000 tonnes. (Vanessa Narine)

ACP’s 40th birthday focus LEADING international personalities have started arriving in Brussels for the historic two-day 40th birthday anniversary of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states that gets underway in the Belgium capital to-

New ACP Secretary-General, Dr Pactrick Gomes morrow, June 4.

The keynote address at the ceremonial opening session will focus on the theme, “The ACP Group in the Multi-Polar World of the 21st Century”, says Guyana-born Dr Patrick Gomes, the recently elected new Secretary-General.

The English-speaking Caribbean had played a key role in the inauguration of the ACP, which currently comprises 79 nations with a combined population of

some 980 million people.

And among expected “birthday” messages would be those from two former architects from the Caribbean Community region, Jamaica’s former long-serving Prime Minister, P.J.Patterson, and former three-term Secretary- General of the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath Ramphal.

Among listed keynote speakers for the two-day event are the President of the United Nations General Assembly (Sam Kutesa), with symposia and other working sessions Including issues such as: SouthSouth and Triangular Co-operation: Sharing experiences of India, Brazil and South Africa; and also a focus on “Beyond Trade: The nexus between Culture, Democracy and Development.”

A special session has also been planned on utilisation of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union as “a development tool”, with a special focus on “successful regional and ACP cooperation.”

Meanwhile, it was also announced yesterday by the ACP Secretariat that a week-long programme between the ACP and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will get underway on Saturday.

The theme of the programme, which coincides with the 39th Session of the FAO Conference, is the “FAO and Small Island Developing States” (SIDS).

Fey issues for the occasion will include: Priorities for SIDS and FAO; climate change, food security and nutrition. (R. SINGH)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Local entrepreneur gets Action COACH franchise for business re-education

By Clifford Stanley

“Once we determine what its needs are we workout with the owner/manager an anA LOCAL entrepreneur has introduced nual plan or a suitable plan which we break to Guyana the work of Action COACH, down into a weekly format with all the activsaid to be the world’s number one business ities that are required for success.” coaching firm which he says is ideally suit “Action COACH will after this be there ed for owners of small and medium- size with the client, like a true coach, helping businesses who want to dramatically im- every step of the way - guiding, supporting prove the viability and profitability of and motivating the client to achieve his or their enterprises. her goals up to the requested period of The entrepreneur is Vishnu Doerga, Senior Vice-President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce who in 2011 was given the Chamber’s Young Business Executive Award for Demonstrated Vision and tangible Business Success.

Doerga has filled roles as President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber, as a member of the Private Sector Commission and the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce.

Action COACH, founded in Australia, is said to be the world’s number one business and executive coaching firm with close to a 1000 offices in 50+ countries including Trinidad, Jamaica and Suriname and other countries in the Caribbean.

The Action COACH specialises in coaching small to medium size business as well as executive teams and group coaching.

Its vision is: “World abundance through Business re-education business re-education”.

Action COACH Vishnu Doerga.

Doerga who has the local franchise revealed that Action COACH is different assistance.” from regular business consultancies and All of this, he added, with complete contraining institutions since the COACH fidentiality. will do more than merely investigate, offer He stressed: “Action COACH guarantees advice and then leave the client on his or clients a “business re-education” that shows her own. them how business really works and how to successfully grow their company…as well BUSINESS RE-EDUCATION as how to apply their new knowledge to any “It’s all about business re-educa- business situation.” tion. We aim at eliminating stagnation or Doerga, who is a trained mechanical failure in any business.” engineer and holds an MBA degree, told He said that once requested, the coaching Chronicle last week that he had stumprocess begins with a free health check of the bled upon the work of Action COACH in business.

2009 while looking for strategies to run

his personal business enterprise more effectively.

He found the soundness of the business development systems elaborated by Action COACH to be impressive to the extent that he utilised those principles in the development of his enterprise.

“The Action COACH strategies worked for me,” he said adding that he eventually took the additional step of applying for and receiving training from Action COACH to become a coach in Guyana.

He recently received the franchise and said last week: “The journey to a growing, thriving business is simple but not always easy. Now, I’m in a fantastic position to help other entrepreneurs and small business owners identify, address and overcome the challenges to achieving their business goals and vision.”

Action COACH, he said, is a team of committed, positive and successful people who are always striving to be balanced, integral and honest.

He added: “We work within a “14 Points

of Culture” to make sure that everyone who touches, or is touched by the ActionCOACH team, will benefit greatly and in some way move closer to becoming the person they want to be or achieve the goals they want to achieve.

Doerga held a ‘6 steps to a Better Business Seminar’ and launched Action COACH Guyana on May 20 in the Boardroom of the Guyana Cricket Club.

He said that the response to the initiative has been enthusiastic.

The COACH will utilise the internet and other means of telecommunications with businesses who have signed on for assistance.

Doerga said too that he is encouraging other qualified and skilled professionals to become coaches to cater for the growth in demand of the services.

Doerga is based at 120 Parade Street Kingston and can be contacted by interested small and medium-size business owners via telephone numbers: 223-5583 or 621-8975, or by email:vishnudoerga@ actioncoach.com.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Schools Physical Display Championships begin tomorrow

Section of the crowd of students at the 2014 Physical Display Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

TO commemorate Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the Ministry of Education will be staging a gymnastic presentation entitled “National Schools Physical Display Championships” on Thursday and Friday, June 4-5, 2015 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

According to a press release, the event is slated to commence at 10:00 hrs and will include competitions in five categories: Jump Rope and Skip-Be Fit and Pyramids, along with a few combinations for secondary schools.

Approximately five hundred children from primary and secondary

schools from across Guyana are expected to participate.

The objectives of this exercise are to expand the scope of Physical Education in schools; promote good sportsmanship among students and teachers; display the talents of children of primary and secondary schools from all Regions; and celebrate the 49th Independence Anniversary of Guyana through the Expressive Arts.

There has been a growing interest in the skipping aspect of the programme by schools.

The coordinating team this year from the Unit of Allied Arts has led the Ministry of Education to include a new competition titled “Skip Be Fit” for the secondary schools. This new competition is sponsored in part by Banks DIH under the Coca Cola

brand. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in the various categories by the Ministry.

The National Schools Physical Display Championships began as a part of the Children’s Mashramani Events in 1992. The competitions involved a display of acrobatic movements put together for its aesthetic expression.

Over the years, schools displayed a growing interest in this aspect of the programme, making it difficult to manage during the busy Mashramani Events. Thus, in 2005, it was separated from the Children’s Mashramani programme and made an individual National Event to be held during Independence, the release concluded.

Wednesday June 3, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Thursday June 4, 2015 - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Speeding, drunk driving and wet conditions cited in weekend accident fatalities - Traffic Chief - young men were intoxicated and had gone bar hopping

By Michel Outridge SPEEDING, drunk driving and wet conditions as a result of the rainy weather contributed to the weekend fatalities in which two young men were killed in Berbice, Traffic Chief Ian Amsterdam said yesterday.

He said that these fatalities also resulted from a lack of enforcement in that area but notably the young men were all intoxicated and had gone bar hopping.

Amsterdam stated that on that particular stretch of road at Borlam Public Road,

Corentyne, Berbice, he had advised the authorities to erect signs at the turn as a warning of the ‘sharp turn’ so drivers can pay heed.

He said that accident happened at about 22:20 hrs on Sunday when Affie Jafar Ramaya, 24, of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, was allegedly driving a motor car at a fast rate along Alness Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a donkey and a parked motor lorry .

As a result, of the collision, Ramaya and the three

other occupants of the vehicle received injuries and were taken to Port Mourant Hospital where Ramaya was pronounced dead on arrival.

The other three persons were admitted to hospital.

The senior traffic officer explained that the driver struck the donkey which died on the spot and then crashed into the rear of a parked truck.

The Traffic Chief said as for the motorist he was reportedly under the influence and lost control while negotiating the Borlam turn.

It occurred at about 23:30

hrs on Sunday also at Borlam Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, resulting in the death of Kelvin Balgobin, 29, of Williamsburg Squatting Area, Corentyne.

Balgobin was driving a motor cycle along the roadway when he lost control of the bike and collided with a utility pole. As a result he received injuries and was taken to Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Amsterdam told this publication that so far they have tallied 46 deaths from

36 road accidents this year, while for the corresponding period in 2014 they recorded 48 deaths from 45 road accidents.

He added that they have had a decrease of 4.1% in deaths this year as compared to last year for this period registered 173 serious accidents in 2014 while they have 136 for this year with a decrease of 21.3%.

Amsterdam stated that as it relates to minor accidents they had 196 in 2014 while they recorded 183 this year with a 7% decrease.

He said that from Jan-

uary to date, 16 pedestrians were killed in fatal accidents while passengers in cars amounted to 10: eight drivers; four motorists; three passengers in minibuses; and four pedal cyclists, were all killed in accidents this year.

Amsterdam told this newspaper that they are focusing their enforcement efforts particularly in ‘B’ and ‘C’ Divisions which recorded the most fatalities with ‘B’ Division with a 250% increase in deaths while ‘C’ Division tallied a 100% increase.

Argentine tango dancers and guitarists set to enthrall local audiences AN Argentine group of tango dancers and guitarists will be touring Guyana from today until Monday with a packed agenda that features outreach programmes and workshops, and a grand performance at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday from 8:00 hrs, free of cost.

Tango dancers Alicia Orlando and Claudio Barneix began their journey together in 1981 and are members of the Argentine National Tango Academy.

They are soloist dancers of the Astor Piazzolla International Foundation and Orlando is the main choreographer of the foundation.

They have performed in

many prestigious international arts festivals and theatres in Europe, including France, Portugal, Finland, Greece and Spain, and countries of Asia.

They have also performed in several music halls in Buenos Aires, such as the famous “Teatro Colon Opera House”, “Teatro Presidente Alvear”, “Torcuato Tasso” Cultural Center and at the 9th and 11th editions of the World Guitars Festivals held at the General San Martin Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, among other presentations.

The tango duo also performed in films such as “Evita”, directed by Alan Parker, “A Tango Story” and an Ar-

gentina-Spain co-production.

This event was announced

by Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in Guyana, Luis Martino when the Argentine Embassy celebrated their 205th Anniversary of the 1810 Revolution last Friday Then yesterday a press briefing was held at the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport to welcome the Argentine performers.

Gracing the briefing was Junior Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry along with Ambassador Martino and the troop of guitarists and tango dancers.

The Minister in high spirits underscored that this event is

From left are Assistant Manager of the National School of Arts, Margaret Lawrence, along with Junior Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry and the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in Guyana, Luis Martino at the press briefing yesterday

The Tango Dancers and the Guitar Trio doing a small performance on what will be expected of them during their shows this week of one of a cultural partnership between the Government of Guyana and the Argentine Embassy that will ideally provide an opportunity for exposure of Argentine culture. And once an opportunity surfaces, she added, Guyana will then open its doors to showcase its diverse culture to the Argentine people.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Martino expressed high “intangible” expectations of this initiative, stating that he aims for a spiritual and emotional outcome from the initiative as both Guyana and Argentina will then become familiar with each other’s culture.

The performers just recently hosted shows in Haiti,

Barbados and Suriname and are now here upon a request by the Argentine Embassy in Guyana.

THE PERFROMERS The Guitar Trio was formed a decade ago and integrated by guitarists Rodolfo Gorosito, Jose Cataldi and Armando de la Vege. This trio is called the “Gorosito— Cataldi-De la Vega” Trio that recreates the most profound and essential form of tango through its compositions in different periods, since its beginnings in the 1920’s as a musical genre of a global nature. Expression is its fundamental tool.

On the international

scene, they have performed in many European cities, such as London, Paris and Zurich. They have been tagging along the tango dancers where they’ve became known in the Middle East—Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Pakistan. They are also well known in Colombia, having held concerts in Bogota, Medellin and Barranquilla.

In the meantime, Argentina is on the verge of initiating a new phase of bilateral co-operation with Guyana and is eagerly seeking to become involved with all government agencies as well as the country’s private sector. (Shivanie Sugrim)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Region 2 joins President’s ‘Clean-up Guyana’ initiative

REGIONAL Education Officer of Region 2, Ms Baramdai Seepersaud, has said that the Department of Education at Cotton Field has joined President David Granger’s initiative to clean up Guyana.

According to the top Regional Education Official, all the schools within the township of Anna Regina are also involved in the drive to clean up their surroundings.

Ms Seepersaud said the Department of Education and all the schools in the township, Walton Hall to Three Friends started the campaign at 13:00 hrs today (Tuesday). At the education department, Ms Seepersaud and all her staff members were seen with cutlasses, rakes and wheel-barrows cleaning up the Government compound where they work. Students of the Anna Regina Multilateral School and Cotton Field Secondary Schools were also busy cleaning the drains near their schools. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

Work on draft National Youth Policy underway

Students of Cotton Field Secondary clean their school compound in the Essequibo clean-up drive

--Education Minister

By Ravin Singh

AS Guyana continues to struggle with the implementation of a coherent National Youth Policy (NYP) which has been in the making since 1992, the recently sworn- in Minister of Education who has responsibility for youth, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, has disclosed that work which will produce a draft of the youth policy, is currently under way.

A National Youth Policy aims to re-define the role youths play in the world through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), science and research, and sport.

Against an eventful backdrop of multiple consultations, repeated calls for the presentation of the policy and numerous promises by former minister of Youth, Dr. Frank Anthony, Guyana has failed to produce even a draft of the youth policy.

In 2011, the minister announced the commencement of countrywide consultations on the document to meet the changing socio-economic circumstances facing Guyanese youth. These consultations and distribution of 2500 questionnaires concluded about three years after, with the then minister promising that the policy was almost completed.

In December of last year, Dr. Anthony had further stated that preparation for the policy was expected to be finalised within three months. He added that a steering committee had been working with rep-

resentatives from various youth organisations across the country in an attempt to give feedback on the content of the policy.

Prior to this, a consultant whose services were funded by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, had been recruited by the ministry.

The ministry later disclosed however, that the document did not meet the ministry’s expectations which forced a decision to have another consultant recruited.

Apart from assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the ministry had also acquired the assistance of Cuso International, and had benefited from the services of a number of volunteers who had worked along with the ministry in ensuring the successful completion of the youth policy.

Following this, Dr. Anthony the then minister made a public declaration that, “We are hoping that within the next three months the final document will be ready.”

Simultaneously, frustrations were mounting which resulted in letters being penned by youth advocates during this time in local newspapers and social media, which reflected disgust at the fact that the failure to implement the policy translated into a neglect of youth and social issues affecting them.

But during an interview recently, Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine explained that since his assumption to office, he has begun to work on the policy through a consultative effort,

Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine with youths from various youth organisations.

According to the minister, in order to produce a comprehensive youth policy, inputs must be made by youths who are directly affected. As a result, the steering committee has been meeting with youth leaders in this regard to build on experience and offer solutions to these issues.

Additionally, the current committee which is responsible for drafting of the policy is under examination, the minister said. He explained that the current committee comprises people from the “youth scene” who are au fait with what is needed to successfully execute the production of the youth policy.

“The entire process is articulated by persons who are involved” the minister noted, while adding that the final draft will be the “fruit of intense consultations.”

As to how soon the ministry was working to have the document presented, the minister’s response was “as soon as possible,” though he posited that within a week or two, fruits of their labour will be manifest.

Work in progress to clear the drain near the Cotton Secondary School in the clean-up Essequibo campaign

Field

A Department of Education staff member wheels away garbage

Regional Education Officer, Ms Baramdai Seepersaud leads the ‘Clean-up Essequibo’ drive in the compound of the education department at Cotton Field

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Pomeroon coconut industry under attack by strange disease

THE coconut industry in the Lower Pomeroon River is under serious attack by a strange disease known as “coconut lice”.

Reports are that the disease has already attacked a large number of trees, killing many, and according to large-scale coconut farmer, Mr Parsram Persaud, known as “Indal” of Grant Macedonia in the Lower Pomeroon River, the lice are attacking the branches of the trees before getting into the trunk, which eventually kills the tree.

Mr Persaud, who cultivates more than 50 acres at Cozier and another large area at Macedonia, said his coconut trees have been seriously attacked, and he is losing heavily.

Mr Persaud said the disease was detected several months ago after some coconut trees in his farm were observed having discoloured leaves.He said

--farmers call for help

Healthy coconut trees’

the disease causes young coconuts to fall off and is spread by ants and birds to other farms. According to the farmer, coconuts are in high demand especially water coconuts and he is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture to investigate and bring the disease under control.

Another farmer of Aberdeen, on the Lower Pomeroon River, Mr Sase Paul said his 20 acres are also under attack. The farmer said he depends on his farm for his livelihood to maintain his family. Coconut farmer Balram Tulsie of Cozier said his farm with hundreds of coconut trees are seriously affected. The farmer said many other farms are also affected by the strange disease.

Just before the General and Regional Elections on May 11, several farmers from the Lower

Pomeroon River met with Vice-Chairman of Region 2 Mr Vishnu Samaroo at a meeting on the wharf of the Charity Marketing Centre and complained to him about the strange disease that was attacking their farms. Mr Samaroo assured the farmers that the matter will engage the Agriculture Ministry and arrangements will be made for a technical team to visit the affected farms and advise as to how the disease will be eradicated.

However, according to reports, the disease is still attacking coconut farms in the Lower Pomeroon River. Coconut is one of the largest crops grown in the Pomeroon and with the high demand for water and dried coconuts on the international market, farmers are enjoying good prices for their produce.

(Rajendra Prabhulall)

CJIA expansion...

Management to submit full report on project by Friday THE Management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has undertaken to submit a comprehensive report on the airport’s expansion project to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson by Friday.

“This document will afford the Minister an oppor-

--Minister already toured site, briefed on design tunity to familiarise himself with the project before discussing it at Cabinet,” the airport authority has said.

The airport expansion

project was conceptualised under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration and a contract was inked with Chi-

A section of the airport’s expansion site

Minister David Patterson, CEO of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir and other officials during the tour of the runway expansion site na Harbour Engineering (CHEC) in 2011.

Key components of the expansion project include the extension of the runway from 7,500 to 10,800 feet to accommodate the Boeing 747-400 aircraft; doubling of aircraft position from four to eight; installation of eight passenger boarding bridges; and the fortification of the CCTV system with approximately 300 cameras.

Recently, the Minister of Public Infrastructure was afforded the opportunity to tour the site of the US$150M expansion project, and was briefed on the project design of the new terminal building

and the relocation of persons squatting on land belonging to the CJIA. Following the tour and presentation, Minister Patterson told CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ramesh Ghir, officials of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and engineers from the Ministry and CJIA that the information provided to him “was a lot to contemplate.”

TANGIBLE JUSTIFICATIONS The Minister said that his Government has no issue with the extension of the runway, “but tangible justi-

fications must be provided for the construction of a new terminal building, since it hinges on the final cost of the project.”

Reflecting on the concerns of persons occupying CJIA’s land, relocation options were suggested, including the establishment of a housing scheme at Yarrowkabra, Linden Highway.

However, the Minister indicated that the concern has to be addressed as a social issue and charged the stakeholders to arrive at an acceptable solution, since the approval of the expansion project will hinge on a successful resolution of this matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Two cars eerily dive into trench ––at North Road corner

By Shirley Thomas

“COULD it be the hands of zombies at work?” is the question being asked by motorists, as cars continue to mysteriously plunge into the depths of a black water trench at the corner of North Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda.

In a freak accident last Wednesday evening around 20:00 hrs, Gary Potter,

tom of the trench.

That was the most recent accident to have happened there, at the junction of North Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

Petrified and still in deep shock, when this newspaper arrived on the scene, Potter said the accident did not involve another motorist.

He recalled that he was driving west along North Road, heading home, when

Kevin London’s car PLL 8523 submerged in the North Road trench at the corner of New Garden Street was driving motorcar HC 1600 west along North Road, Bourda and had just crossed Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. He was just about three buildings away from his home, when it careened and ended up submerged for several hours.

Fortunately, he managed to exit the car which remained trapped at the bot-

he suddenly experienced what he describes as someone suddenly gripping the steering wheel from him.

Stating that he really could not fathom what had happened, he insisted that he had not been drinking alcohol, nor was he speeding. “I was driving at a moderate speed, and was almost home

when this thing happened,” the badly shaken driver related.

In fact he seemed terribly frightened and for a long time stood gazing towards the car he was driving, which was only about four inches above water.

And just six days earlier, another accident happened at that exact spot, involving motorist Kevin London whose vehicle was lashed off the road by another, and into the same trench. Accidents, (many of them unexplained), regularly happen at that corner, forcing motorists to surmise that the corner is bewitched.

It was at that same corner that former Chief Librarian, Jillian Thompson was killed in an accident on Christmas Eve, just over a year ago.

Meanwhile, last Thursday, had it not been for the love of God, motorist Kevin London would have been dead within minutes after his motorcar was rammed off the road at the same corner by an errant motorist, and ended up submerged at the same spot in the seemingly bewitched trench.

Drenched from head to toe, and still marveling at the spine thriller, London, the driver of PLL 8523, recalled he was driving west along North Road, en route to his air condition repair shop on Charlotte Street.

London said that as he was about to cross New Garden Street, he spotted another motorist proceeding south along that street. The motorist paid no attention to the fact that London had the ‘right-of-way’ and lashed the back of the car, sending it headlong into the trench.

The motorist accelerated and drove away, leaving London in the trench fighting for his life. Meanwhile, the errant driver, on hitting motor car PLL 8523, sped away without coming out of his car to offer any assistance to the man who was in the swollen trench, fighting for his life.

Still in great shock, Kevin London (Photos by Delano Williams) Instantly remembering that he’d always heard that wherever a motorcar is submerged in water, the rubber on the door holds fast, making it impossible for the door to open up, he said: “When I see meh car heading for the water, I hustle and fly open the door before it could end up in the trench.”

Once in the trench, he fought his way out to safety. But being a bit heavy set, it was with great effort that he accomplished that feat. He came out drenched and minus shoes.

London who is a member of Enmore Anglican Church, and who said he is prayerful and a firm believer in the Lord, is confident that it was the hands of the Almighty that delivered him from death in that hour.

Several more litterbugs prosecuted in anti-litter campaign Bibi Anderson of Fazia’s Collection fined $100,000 Zahir Hack of Success fined $50,000

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently nabbed several more persons in its on-going campaign against illegal dumping of garbage in the city and its environs.

The agency last Friday reported successful prosecutions against a number of defaulters.

Popular city businesswoman Bibi Anderson of Fazia’s Collection and Zahir Hack of Success, East Coast

Demerara were two prominent offenders who were charged, found guilty and ordered to pay monetary fines by the courts.

Anderson was ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 while Hack was fined $50,000 as prescribed in the Litter Regulations.

F e r o z K h a n o f C r a i g Vi l lage, East Bank Demerara was fined $15,000 after he accepted liability for illegal dumping at Old

Road, Craig, East Bank Demerara.

Additionally, litter removal and clean-up orders were issued to the following individuals and businesses during April: Morna Brazilio of Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Ms. Leela, also of Vryheid’s Lust, Deanysh Lumber Yard and Dalip Trading, both of Industrial Site, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Flamboyant Supermarket, James Correia,

Dynamic Engineering Company and Mr. Kurt Hazelwood, all of Eccles, EBD and Mr. Narine, New Road Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Meanwhile, the EPA is reminding persons that in order to report cases of illegal dumping, they should contact the Litter Enforcement Unit on 600-0620, 219-2630, 225-0506, or email: greenguyana@gmail.com.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

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Aries Unsettling news from far away could have you somewhat upset and a little depressed. The temptation to withdraw and brood might seem too strong to resist, but this may not be the best course of action. Getting things done is likely to be the best therapy in emotional situations like this. So if there’s a new project you’ve been considering, this is the day to start it.

Taurus A friend might be ill, causing you considerable worry. One of the goals you’ve been trying to reach could be delayed in some way, causing frustration. Your financial situation could also be on your mind. You could be worrying needlessly. The situation is cloudy and may not be as unsettling as it seems. You may have received some misinformation. Check the facts before making yourself crazy.

Gemini Relations with colleagues could be a bit strained due to increased job stress.

If you’ve been thinking of entering a business or romantic partnership, this isn’t the day to decide. Your mind may be a bit muddled. Misunderstandings or misinformation could cause you to doubt the wisdom of the partnership.

This needs to be considered objectively. Your doubts may be groundless.

Cancer Today you might feel a little under the weather due to physical and emotional stress over the past few days. Take it easy today if you can. This isn’t the day to be too busy or start new projects. Miscommunication could cause an upset or two, so try to maintain your cool. Don’t make mountains out of molehills. Nothing will come up that can’t be handled.

Leo Disturbing dreams or unsettling moods could arise today, causing you to wonder if something is wrong or something bad is going to happen. Let it go. If anything goes wrong, it isn’t likely to be anything major. A recent event may have triggered old impressions that are causing these feelings.

You could also be picking up on others’ moods, as your intuition is high.

Virgo Disconcerting developments in the lives of family members could cause some stress at home. There could be some problems with the structure of the house itself. Perhaps the plumbing or electricity needs attention. If a family member is upset, keep the lines of communication open. If there are problems that need attention, get them out of the way now.

Libra Don’t be surprised if many visitors come to your door today. A relative or co-worker could be in a black mood, which could spill over to you, as you’re feeling more intuitive than usual. Realise that this isn’t coming from you, and let it go! Misinformation could come your way by phone, email, or mail.

Check out the facts before you buy into it.

Scorpio Low biorhythms could have you feeling a little depressed. You may tend to doubt your goals and abilities. Don’t let this send you into a fit of gloom. All is better than it seems. Realise that today you’re likely to blow every little setback out of proportion. Give everything you try your very best effort. Go out tonight and have a good time!

Sagittarius Communication with friends or family may not come easily today. An unusual level of inhibition could keep you from reaching out to others.

You might try to shake this off by working too hard, even if you aren’t sure exactly what you want to do. This is a good day to read, study, or work on projects in solitude. A long walk during the day could clear your head and reignite your enthusiasm.

Capricorn Your intuition is likely to be operating at a very high level today. This isn’t a good day to be around sick or depressed people. You will probably pick up their gloom and it could possibly spoil your day. This is a good day to finish old projects that you may have postponed. Your insights and ingenuity are likelier than usual to give you the motivation you need.

Aquarius Fear about your financial security could plague you today. Dissatisfaction with some of work you’ve been doing and delays in reaching some of your goals might have you wondering what you could do better. Doubts about a friend’s motives might cause you to waver in your trust of that person. Take the time to consider everything objectively. All is probably not as it seems.

Pisces Have you been wondering if you’re in the right profession? Disillusionment with your field could have you feeling mildly ill from stress and considering a total career change. Perhaps this is the right course of action to take, but perhaps not. Look into the options available and see how you feel about them, Pisces, but wait a few days before making any final decisions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

First Test starts today in Dominica

Fearless Windies plot end to Aussie domination

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – Lowly-ranked West Indies, anxious to build on a momentum

gained from a one-all draw with England, are seeking to ignite the end of a 20-year domination by highly-ranked Australia, when the two sides begin the first of a short Test series here today.

Morale is said to be high in a West Indies team packed with young players who appear undaunted by the prospects of David and Goliathlike contests that loom in Roseau and Kingston.

West Indies, eighth in the ICC Test rankings, above Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, are planning to take the fight to Australia who are second to South Africa and who have not played a Test since January.

“I think we are in a good frame of mind after the last Test match with a win against England and a good week in Barbados,” said captain Denesh Ramdin yesterday after an intense one-week training camp in Bridgetown to prepare for the series.

“We did some good things and hopefully we could carry them into the game. We know that they are a good team. They will come hard at us and we need to stand up as big men and be counted.”

The Aussies, on the other hand, will be eager to take on a Caribbean side without Shiv Chanderpaul who has played nine home series against them scoring five centuries and averaging 80.38 in the process.

The middle-order vacancy created by Chanderpaul’s controversial exit is likely to be filled by Shane Dowrich who impressed with halfcenturies in his two innings for the President’s XI during the tour match.

Jermaine Blackwood, whose role in the middle order takes on added importance with Chanderpaul’s omission, will hope to continue his form against the Australians after emerging as the leading West Indian runscorer in their recent series against England.

“They are a tough team but we have some youngsters who have done well in regional tournament,” Ramdin told WICB media.

“They have the talent.

It’s just some experience at this level now and they are

going to get the opportunity. I think that are going to put up their hand and be counted.”

The Aussies suffered a setback with opening batsman Chris Rogers ruled out due to symptoms of concussion after being struck on the helmet by a local bowler in the nets on Sunday.

He is expected to be replaced by Shaun Marsh who scored an impressive hundred in the tourists’ lone warm-up match against the President’s XI in Antigua.

The first match between Windies and the Aussies is the fourth time Test is being played at Windsor Park where spin is said to be king.

Of the 101 wickets which have fallen at Windsor Park, spinners have claimed 58, leaving the two sides pondering their spin options.

West Indies will decide from the Guyanese duo of Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul, while the visitors have brought Nathan Lyon and the uncapped Fawad Alam, the former Pakistani asylum-seeker.

“We have some good spinners. They have some good batters so it’s going to be a keen contest,” the skipper said.

“We need to get to the right areas and put them under some pressure .New-ball bowlers need to get early wickets”.

West Indies have not beaten Australia in a Test match in 12 years and in a series in 23 years.

Michael Clarke’s men secured a 75-run win over the home side despite a 10-wicket haul from local hero Shane Shillingford, the last and only time these two countries met at Windsor Park three years ago.

“It is very important that the main players go out there and stand up and put our hands up and do the bulk of the batting for the team,” he said.

“We know what Marlon (Samuels) is capable of and young Darren Bravo who has been here for six/ seven years now. So it will rest on his shoulders, so he knows that and I think he is going to do well in this series.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Tsonga, Wawrinka prevail but Federer gone with the wind … Ivanovic to face Safarova in semi-finals

By Pritha Sarkar PARIS, France (Reuters) Swirling winds caused mayhem and chaos at Roland Garros yesterday but Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Stan Wawrinka emerged unscathed to set up a French Open semi-final.

On a day when Wawrinka would have hoped to bask in the glory of beating his celebrated rival Roger Federer 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(4) for the first time on a grand slam stage, it was a freak accident that set the claycourt major abuzz.

Tsonga had whipped the delirious Court Philippe Chatrier crowd into frenzy as he charged into a 6-1, 5-2 lead against Japan’s Kei Nishikori when piercing screams were suddenly heard from high up in the stands.

A large rectangular metal panel had fallen from underneath the TV commentary boxes, hitting spectators on the top row.

The incident even caught umpire Carlos Bernardes unaware, as he tried to resume the contest by calling for “Quiet Please” before he realised that everyone was distracted by the mishap which left a silver-haired spectator and two others injured.

As the stricken fans were led away by first-aiders, Tsonga and Nishikori were ushered off court for what turned out to be a 40-minute disruption, during which 12 rows of spectators were evacuated and the area cordoned off.

The unexpected break initially did nothing to stall Tsonga’s momentum and he returned to finish off Nishikori in the second set.

But after the Japanese hero threatened to gatecrash the French party by roaring back in the next two sets, Tsonga sunk to his knees in triumph as he once again raised hopes of ending France’s 32-year wait for a men’s Roland Garros champion with a heart-pumping 6-1, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 victory.

The celebrations for Tsonga did not end there as he etched “ROLAND, JE T’AIME” into the red clay with his right shoe before collapsing onto his back to form the T in the message.

“You supported me. I will never forget it,” he told the roaring crowd.

Gusting winds also proved problematic in the two women’s quarter-finals to take place on day 10 of the championships -- but 2008

NOTABLE DATES

G

WENDOLYN `The Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil met Trinidadian Kim Quashie for the second time on June 3, 2000.

O’Neil was still in the infantile stage of her career when the two met in Trinidad and Tobago and quieted the home crowd with a first-round TKO of her opponent.

It was a fitting payback as the burly Quashie had given the Guyanese an unceremonious start in professional ranks after winning by knockout on O’Neil’s debut on July 31, 1999. The Stealth Bomber’s next defeat came on Boxing Day 2001.

Obviously not having enough to eat that Christmas Day, O’Neil found Trinidadian Melissa Charles enticing and was promptly disqualified in the sixth round for biting by referee Harold Duncan. Undaunted, she returned to snatch the vacant national light heavyweight title in 2003.

O’Neil then became a household name in Guyana when she won a world title at home. At age 34, O’Neil defeated by unanimous decision American Kathy Rivers at the National Park to take the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) light heavyweight title.

The victory earned her the title of being the first Guyanese to win a world title on home soil. Two fights with Laila Ali ended up on the wrong side for the Guyanese. O’Neil last fought in October 2011 and she is scheduled to make a comeback on July 4.

title winner Ana Ivanovic and Czech 13th seed Lucie Safarova weathered the conditions that periodically turned the courts into red dust bowls to set up a last-four date.

FEDERER OUTWITTED For men’s second seed Federer, however, hopes of a second French Open crown were gone with the wind as he was outplayed, outthought and outwitted by a rival he had beaten in every one of their previous four grand slam meetings.

Federer’s wife Mirka hid her worried eyes behind dark shades and bit her nails ragged as the match neared its inevitable conclusion, with a forehand volley from Wawrinka killing off the 2009 champion’s chances of adding to his 17 grand slam trophies.

“Many things ... didn’t go well, but mostly it’s because of Stan’s quality of shotmaking, forehand, backhand, serving big when he had to,” said the 33-year-old. “(The conditions) were tough. So it’s impressive the way Stan was able to play.”

A day after knocking out 2014 champion Maria Sharapova, Safarova’s excitement kept soaring as she stormed into her first Roland Garros semi-final with a 7-6(3), 6-3 win over Spain’s Garbine Muguruza.

“It’s not easy because you have so many emotions going on ... I couldn’t really fall asleep yesterday, and then I woke up so early,” said Safarova, who is bidding to become the first Czech to triumph in Paris since Hana Mandlikova in 1981.

“So I was a little tired in the morning. But the will to win and to be in the semifinals was so big that once I stepped on the court I was just fighting and playing really well.”

Ivanovic’s boyfriend, Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, looked far more animated than his Serbian girlfriend when she completed a 6-3, 6-2 win over Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.

Whooping and exchanging high-fives with the rest of Ivanovic’s entourage in the player’s box, Schweinsteiger stood up to give the seventh seed a standing ovation as she reached a grand slam semi for the first time since her 2008 Paris triumph.

Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland returns the ball to his compatriot Roger Federer in their men’s quarter-final match during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, yesterday. (Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Ruthless Kiwis complete emphatic win to level Test series

By Ed Osmond LEEDS, England (Reuters) - New Zealand bowled with fire and fielded superbly to crush England by 199 runs

in the second Test yesterday and level a gripping two-match series at 1-1.

The hosts, chasing a record 455 to win, were bowled out for 255 on the

final day, only defiant fifties from Alastair Cook and Jos Buttler holding up the New Zealanders who sealed their fifth Test victory in England.

The hosts had resumed

on 44 for no wicket and Adam Lyth failed to add to his overnight 24, feathering a swinging ball from paceman Trent Boult through to wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.

Gary Ballance unconvincingly negotiated 25 deliveries for six runs before Boult produced a venomous full delivery that crashed into the left-hander’s stumps.

Ian Bell, on one, turned a bouncing ball from spinner Mark Craig straight into the hands of Kane Williamson at leg-slip and Joe Root was brilliantly caught off Craig for a second-ball duck by Tom Latham at short leg.

With England’s slim hopes of victory all but over, Cook and Ben Stokes adopted a cautious approach, although the allrounder produced a couple of trademark crisp boundaries to entertain a sparse crowd on a chilly day at Headingley.

The pair added 40 for the fifth wicket but Stokes was out for 29 just before lunch, caught by Ronchi as he attempted an ambitious cut off Williamson.

Cook’s innings, lasting nearly four hours, ended on 56 when he was trapped lbw by part-time spinner Williamson before Moeen Ali was bowled for two, shouldering arms to a ball from Matt Henry that struck his off stump.

Stuart Broad made a breezy 23 before he was bowled by Williamson but Buttler and Mark Wood shared a gritty ninth-wicket

England captain Alastair Cook, left, and New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hold the trophy after the Test series was drawn 1-1. partnership of 42.

Tim Southee, with the second new ball, had Wood caught in the slips by Craig for 17 and Buttler’s brave

three-hour knock ended on 73 when he offered no stroke to Craig and was out lbw.

England won the first Test at Lord’s by 124 runs.

SCORECARD NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 350 (L. Ronchi 88, T. Latham 84; S. Broad 5-109) England 1st innings 350 (A. Lyth 107, A. Cook 75; T. Southee 4-83) New Zealand 2nd innings 454 for 8 decl’d (B. Watling 120, M. Guptill 70, M. Craig 58no, B. McCullum 55) ENGLAND 2nd innings (o/n 44-0; Target: 455 runs) A. Lyth c Ronchi b Boult 24 A. Cook lbw b Williamson 56 G. Ballance b Boult 6 I. Bell c Williamson b Craig 1

J. Root c Latham b Craig 0 B. Stokes c Ronchi b Williamson 29 J. Buttler lbw b Craig 73 M. Ali b Henry 2 S. Broad b Williamson 23 M. Wood c Craig b Southee 17 J. Anderson not out 8 Extras: (b-12, lb-2, w-2) 16 Total: (all out, 91.5 overs) 255 Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-61, 3-62, 4-62, 5-102, 6-141, 7-153, 8-188, 9-230.

Bowling: T. Boult 23-4-612, T. Southee 18-7-43-1 (w1), M. Craig 31.5-12-73-3, M. Henry 12-2-49-1 (w-1), K. Williamson 7-1-15-3.

England must work hard to sort out butter fingers

By Ed Osmond

LEEDS, England (Reuters) - England dropped too many catches in the drawn series against New Zealand and must quickly improve before the Ashes, interim coach Paul Farbrace said yesterday.

England’s slip cordon spilled a number of chances while New Zealand’s close fielders were almost flawless in their work around the bat.

“New Zealand’s catching was excellent, ours was disappointing,” Farbrace told reporters.

“We can’t have to keep creating 13 or 14 chances every innings. We’re going to learn from every series, learn very quickly and rec-

tify some of the mistakes we’ve made over the last five days.”

England captain Alastair Cook agreed.

“We took some wonderful slip catches against India last year. We’ll have to do some serious work before Australia as we know they make such a big impact on games,” he said.

Joe Root and Mark Wood were guilty of dropping catches in the series but the worst culprits were Ian Bell and Gary Ballance, who also endured disappointing struggles with the bat.

Bell made only 43 runs in two Tests and appeared to have a serious problem with judging balls outside his off

England interim coach Paul Farbrace stump while Ballance, who contributed 36 runs, was clean-bowled three times by the New Zealand pace attack.

Cook, however, played down the worries over England’s numbers three and four.

“If everyone’s in form, you’d score 800,” Cook said. “Ballance and Bell have had tough series, but they’re wonderful players, it’s not so long since they were scoring hundreds in the West Indies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

FIFA says Valcke not involved in $10M payment

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - FIFA denied yesterday that President Sepp Blatter’s right hand man Jerome Valcke was involved in $10M (£7M) bank transactions under investigation by U.S. authorities despite the publication of a letter to Valcke outlining the payment.

Valcke, who has been secretary general since 2007 and is seen as one of the most powerful men in world sport, had no role in the payments, which were authorised by the chairman of FIFA’s Finance Committee, FIFA said in a statement.

The chairman of the committee at the time of the payments was Argentina’s Julio Grondona, who died last year.

“Neither the Secretary General Jerome Valcke nor any other member of FIFA’s senior management was involved in the initiation, approval and implementation of the above project,” FIFA said.

A person familiar with the matter said on Monday that U.S. prosecutors believe Valcke made the $10M bank transactions which are

central to a U.S. bribery investigation against football’s governing body.

Valcke is described in an indictment filed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, as an unidentified “high-ranking FIFA official” who in 2008 transferred the sum to another FIFA official, Jack Warner.

The New York Times said that Valcke had written in an email to the newspaper that he neither had authorised the payment nor had the power to do so.

Frenchman Valcke was released as FIFA’s marketing director in 2006 following botched negotiations over a sponsorship deal, but returned eight months later as secretary general.

He was in trouble in 2011 after writing an email to Warner which said that Qatar “bought” the right to host the 2022 World Cup, and upset Brazilians by saying the country needed “a kick up the backside” over repeated delays in its preparations to stage the 2014 World Cup. CARIBBEAN PROJECT FIFA’s statement said that in 2007, as part of the

FIFA President Sepp Blatter (L) and Jerome Valcke, Secretary General of the FIFA do a Handshake For Peace at the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland, May 29, 2015. (Reuters/Ruben Sprich)

2010 FIFA World Cup, the South African government approved a $10M project to support the African Diaspora in Caribbean countries.

FIFA was asked to process the project’s funding by withholding $10M from the South African local organising committee’s (LOC) operational budget and using that to finance the programme.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) instructed FIFA that the legacy programme should be administered and implemented directly by the-then

President of CONCACAF, Jack Warner, “who should act as the fiduciary of the Diaspora Legacy Programme Fund of $10M”.

It added: “FIFA did not incur any costs ... (and) both the LOC and SAFA adhered to the necessary formalities for the budgetary amendment.”

CONCACAF governs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

South Africa Sports Minister Fikile Mbakule has denied that his govern-

rore, relying on his extensive network of friends to hold on to power at FIFA. Football associations in Africa and Asia had stood by him despite the scandal, saying they welcomed the FIFA funds he channelled to them for the development of the game in impoverished parts of the world.

Kalusha Bwalya, Football Association of Zambia president and former African Footballer-of-the-Year, said he was shocked. “The man has done a lot for FIFA,” he said. “For Africa he was always there, he was always caring.”

The investigation closed in on Blatter yesterday, when FIFA denied that his righthand man, Secretary-General Jerome Valcke, was implicated in a $10M (£6.5M) payment relating to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that is at the heart of the U.S. case.

At the same time, a letter addressed to Valcke from the South African Football Association was published outlining the transaction.

Hours later FIFA called

the emergency news conference and Blatter, who became FIFA secretary general in 1981 and president 17 years later, announced his decision.

During his FIFA career he survived a series of scandals including widespread accusations that Qatar bought the right to stage the 2022 World Cup in a country with little football history and where summer temperatures regularly top 40 degrees Celsius (104 F).

Qatar has always denied any wrongdoing.

After what was described as the worst day in FIFA’s history last Wednesday, Blatter told the conference: “Football needs a strong and experienced leader, one that knows all the ins and outs and can work with our partners”.

Overcoming opposition from European football’s governing body UEFA, which threatened at one point to boycott the Congress, he was elected for another four years. His fifth term lasted just four days.

ment paid $10M to anyone as a bribe.

After the FIFA statement, Britain’s Press Association published on Twitter what it said was a copy of a 2008 letter sent by SAFA to FIFA, and addressed to Valcke, requesting a transfer of $10M to the “Diaspora legacy programme”.

However, FIFA replied in a further statement to Reuters: “There is nothing new.

The letter is consistent to our statement where we

underlined that the FIFA Finance Committee made the final approval.

“In general, the FIFA Secretary General is the recipient of all letters and requests to the administration and acts in accordance with FIFA’s regulations.

“We would like to reiterate that neither the Secretary General Jérôme Valcke nor any other member of FIFA’s senior management was involved in the initiation, approval and implementation of the Diaspora project.”

Warner, a former FIFA vice-president, is among 14 FIFA officials and corporate executives charged by the U.S. Department of Justice last Wednesday with running a criminal enterprise that involved more than $150M in bribes.

Warner left jail in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday after he was granted bail, according to local media.

The scandal at FIFA has prompted calls for a World Cup boycott. But yesterday, the president of the German Football Association, Wolfgang Niersbach, told Reuters he opposed this.

Blatter rocks world football ....

From Backpage now which means he has to resign.”

FIFA, which Blatter had led since 1998, was shocked last week by the announcement of a U.S. investigation into alleged widespread financial wrongdoing stretching back more than two decades.

Swiss authorities also mounted their own criminal probe into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said Blatter’s decision to step down was “courageous” and would help prevent a split in FIFA. While Blatter was not mentioned in the U.S. or Swiss investigations, there had been widespread calls for him to quit, mostly from Western nations. Some major sponsors also expressed misgivings about the impact of the scandal.

Tw o s p o n s o r s , C o ca-Cola Co and Adidas, welcomed Blatter’s resignation.

“Today’s news marks a step in the right direction on FIFA’s path to establish and follow transparent compliance standards in everything they do,” Adidas said.

The U.S. Justice Department, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office had no immediate comment.

The office of the Swiss Attorney General, which is investigating alleged criminal mismanagement and money-laundering at FIFA, said Blatter’s resignation would have no effect on its proceedings. It said Blatter himself was not subject to investigation.

SCANDAL INTENSIFIES European sports officials said it was an important move but that FIFA needed deeper changes.

French Sports State Secretary Thierry Braillard called it a first step to restore confidence. “Beyond the people, structural reforms must be undertaken.”

Blatter had initially attempted to bat away the fu-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

Independence Swim Meet ...

More gold for Persaud, Grant, Mahaica and Hussein

IT WAS more gold medal performances from young Aleka Persaud, Amy Grant, Paul Mahaica and Antonio Hussein when the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Independence National Long Course Championships concluded its penultimate day on Monday, at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC), Liliendaal.

Persaud, who already won a number of gold throughout the meet in record-breaking performances, clocked another two gold medals as the day saw the swim-off of the competition’s 800m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke events in the respective age categories.

Swimming out of the Girls’ 8-and-under category the Orca Speed swim club swimmer clocked a personal best 3:01.15s in the 200m freestyle and another in the 50m backstroke when she touched the wall in 43.39s.

In both instances silver went to Dolphin’s Patrice Mahaica.

Grant claimed first place in the 800m freestyle (12:42.48s) and 200m freestyle (2:46.38s) events.

However her 38.03 seconds finish in the 50m backstroke was only good enough for second place as she was upstaged by Kenita Mahaica with a 36.86 seconds finish.

It was Kenita who

RHTYSC invites nominations for Ansa McAl Award of Excellence, Gregory Gaskin memorial Sport award THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has extended an invitation to Berbicians to nominate persons for two major awards as the club will be hosting the 3rd annual AnsaMcAl Award of Excellence and the 3rd annual Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award Scheme in July.

According to a release, Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC Hilbert Foster stated that both ceremonies will be held on July 17 at the St Francis Community Developers Complex and the club would be inviting President David Granger to give the feature address.

The release stated that Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnarine would also be invited to address Berbicians who would be rewarded for their outstanding contribution to Berbice in the field of sports administration, education and community development.

The general public is invited to submit nominations of persons who have excelled in a leadership capacity under the sub-heading of sports, education and community development. The awardees would be selected based on years of service, impact on society and role model status.

Nominees must be over 40 years old and have served for over fifteen (15) years under one of the categories.

The Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award Scheme, sponsored by Sentinel Security Inc., would see the RHTYSC share out four awards – Berbice Sportsman-of-the-Year 2014, Berbice Sportswoman-of-the-Year 2014, Berbice Sports Personalityof-the-Year 2014 and Berbice Sports Organisation-ofthe-Year 2014.

The long-serving RHTYSC Secretary/CEO disclosed that club members are not allowed to nominate any person and RHTYSC members also cannot be nominated.

Each of the awardees would receive a plaque, a trophy, a medal of excellence and a collection of gifts.

Nominations can be sent to the club’s office, Area ‘H’ Ground or via email at: foster_hilbert@yahoo.com before July 5.

had played second fiddle to Grant in the 200m freestyle where she had clocked 2:49.48s.

Paul Mahaica, on the Boys’ side of the 8-and-under category, took gold in the 200m freestyle (3:02.75s) and 50m backstroke (46.51s) both in personal-best timings.

Hussein had gold in the Boys’ 200m freestyle where he clocked 2:22.28s, and silver in the 50m backstroke using up 34.70 seconds.

Gold for the backstroke went to Nathon Hackett who clocked 38.84 seconds.

In the Girls’ 9-10 category Dorado’s Lian Winter also took home two gold, championing the 200m freestyle in a time of

3:09.24s, while in the 50m backstroke it was a 43.04 seconds finish.

Onika George won the 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke events of the Girls’ 15-17 age category, both times coming in ahead of Orca’s Accalia Khan, clocking 2:29.07s in the freestyle and 35.56 seconds in the backstroke.

Athena Gaskin won the Girls’ 18 and over 50m backstroke in a time of 49.22 seconds, while Brittany van Lange won the category’s 800m freestyle in a time of 11:05.98s.

Competition in the event concluded last evening with the 400m IM and 1500m freestyle events.

Shastri named India Team Director for Bangladesh tour

Ravi Shastri

(REUTERS) - Ravi Shastri will lead India on their tour of Bangladesh later this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said yesterday, as deliberations continue over a permanent replacement for Duncan Fletcher.

The 53-year-old former Test captain will be supported by assistant coaches Sanjay Bangar (batting), Bharat Arun (bowling) and Ramakrishnan Sridhar (fielding) for the three one-day internationals and one-off

Test match.

All three retain the roles they held under Zimbabwean Fletcher, whose term as coach came to an end at the conclusion of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.

India Test captain Virat Kohli believes Shastri is the right man for the role.

“He is a guy who does not shy away from responsibility. He is someone who takes the blows on the chin.

He keeps moving forward,” Kohli told Cricket Monthly in an interview.

“There are no two ways about his thinking. He is the most amazing person to have around this team right now because it is a young unit and the kind of confidence he gives. He has authority; when he speaks people respect him.”

Shastri will travel to Bangladesh as “Director of the Indian cricket team”, a title he also held for the tour of Australia around the New Year, which culminated in a semi-final defeat in the World Cup. Another former Test skipper, Sourav Ganguly, was among three former India greats appointed to a new BCCI advisory committee on Monday along with Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.

After the Bangladesh trip, India will travel to Africa to play three one-day internationals against Zimbabwe in July.

Antonio Hussein

England rest Anderson and Broad for NZ one-day series LEEDS, England (Reuters) - England will rest James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Moeen Ali, Ian Bell and Gary Ballance in the five-match one-day series against New Zealand starting next Tuesday.

Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings was the only uncapped player named in the 14-man squad.

“This series presents an excellent opportunity to look at players we believe can play a key role for England over the next four years as we build towards the next ICC Cricket World Cup,” national selector James Whitaker said yesterday in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement.

“We have opted to rest Moeen Ali from this series James Anderson and he will play cricket for Worcestershire in preparation for the Ashes next month.

“A number of players involved in the recent World Cup including James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell and Stuart Broad have been left out of the squad for this series,” Whitaker added.

“It is important to point out that none of these players has been ruled out of playing a role for England in limited overs formats in the future.”

New Zealand reached the final of this year’s World Cup while England failed to get past the group stage.

England squad - Eoin Morgan (captain), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, David Willey, Mark Wood.

England v New Zealand limited-overs schedule June 9: 1st ODI, Edgbaston June 12: 2nd ODI, The Oval June 14: 3rd ODI, Southampton June 17: 4th ODI, Trent Bridge June 20: 5th ODI, Chester-le-Street June 23: Twenty20, Old Trafford

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday June 3, 2015

T&T football chief backs embattled Warner

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Trinidad and Tobago’s football chief, Raymond Tim Kee, has spoken out in defence of Jack Warner, the embattled former vicepresident of football’s world governing body FIFA. Tim Kee has said that Warner, also a former president of CONCACAF and Caribbean Football Union (CFU), must be credited for his role in raising the stature of football in the Twin Island Republic.

Warner is among a number of current and former FIFA officials arrested last week as part of a probe by U.S. law enforcement authorities.

He was charged with 12 offences related to racketeering, corruption and money-laundering allegedly committed in the jurisdiction of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, dating as far back as 1990.

“Remember when Mr Warner was president of CONCACAF and CFU, he was very much inward thinking in terms of what Trinidad is getting into,” said Tim Kee on Monday.

“Warner worked so hard to the point where our funny kind of thinking people felt that he was pulling strings for Trinidad’s benefit. All the rumours about Warner setting up matches for Trinidad to win and other ideas of the sort all of a sudden began to circulate.”

Warner, a former government minister, has denied the charges against him and has vowed to fight efforts by U.S. authorities to have him extradited to the United States.

He is due to re-appear in court on July 9 after being granted TT$2.5M (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents) bail

by Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar.

“What Mr Warner was really doing was looking after Trinidad and trying to put Trinidad and Tobago in a position

T&T football chief Raymond Tim Kee to have an equal chance,” said Tim Kee, the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).

“He would have known of course (about) where he sat, how many things were available and how many were not.

Everything came and happened and he was then replaced by another Caribbean man, Jeffrey Webb.”

Webb, who was also among Caribbean football officials arrested and charged, has since been fired as CONCACAF president.

Cameron outlines reason for ditching council to oversee WICB ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Dave Cameron says one of the reasons for rejecting the idea of a Council to oversee West Indies Cricket is because it would not have been an elected body.

The recommendation to implement a Council was made by former Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson, who, in 2007, chaired a Committee, which included Dr Ian McDonald and Sir Alister McIntyre.

The committee presented its findings to the Julian Hunte-led organisation after carrying out a review of the governance of West Indies President (WICB) cricket, commissioned by theDave Cameron then WICB president Ken Gordon.

“The board rejected that idea, the board felt that at every step of the way we are all elected members,” said Cameron as he addressed a town hall meeting here on Monday night.

“Why should we all be elected, work in cricket and then there is some eminent counsel chosen by whom to elect and lead this body.”

The report, also known as the Governance Report, examined all the major facets of West Indies cricket and advanced solutions to issues of leadership, marketing, Board structure and the relationship between the Board and players.

The Patterson report also recommended the formation of a reconstituted body called West Indies Cricket to oversee cricket in the Caribbean.

Cameron said the WICB has implemented “about 80 to 90 per cent” of the Patterson report.

“The big thing we haven’t implemented is a council …

that would sit on top of the West Indies Cricket Board,” he said.

“You may say well, who are you accountable to? I am accountable to you all and that’s why we are here this evening … we are accountable to the territorial boards who have elected us and to the governments of the region.”

Dharry to fight June 12

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation Inter-Continental bantamweight champion Guyanese Elton Dharry will step back into the ring on June 12. Dharry is down to battle Puerto Rican Miguel Robles in an eight-rounder set for the Amazura Concert Hall in Queens, New York.

The fight would be the second for this year for the 29-year-old Guyanese who is four year Robles’ junior.

The Puerto Rican is a former World Boxing Council FECARBOX super flyweight champion and carries a record of 12-4-2.

Dharry is 18-5-1, but has not lost a bout in six years and is on a 15-bout winning streak. He won the vacant Inter-Continental title following a unanimous decision over Nicaraguan Jose Rios in St Maarten last December.

The win has inched the skilful fighter closer to his goal of fighting for and winning a world title. Dharry is based in the U.S. His last defeat came in September 2009 when he dropped a four-round decision to Puerto Rican Isander Beauchamp.

East Coast Cricket Board congratulates Chandrika on W.I. Test selection

THE East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) is extremely proud of its very own Rajendra Chandrika and resolutely believes that his inclusion in the West Indies Test squad to play against Australia was just a matter of time, as he has, over the years, established his prolific cricketing proficiency.

It is indeed an honour for us to witness yet another dedicated member of the ECCB Annual Academy elevated to the highest.

The president and executives of the ECCB along with those who would have worked assiduously at the academies are extremely jubilant with this priceless achievement.

The ECCB is calling on all Guyanese to rally round young Chandrika who we believe will deliver with quality and excellence.

And so we urge this disciplined, patient and committed young man to continue to work hard and execute his mandate in a professional manner. Make good use of this opportunity. The East Coast Cricket Board therefore extends heartiest congratulations and best wishes!

Rajendra Chandrika poses in West Indies colours after a practice session in Roseau on Monday.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

ECCB congratulates Chandrika on W.I. Test selection 27 Page

Blatter rocks world football by quitting FIFA amid scandal

By Brian Homewood

Z Sepp Blatter announces he will resign as the president of FIFA after 17 years in the role.

URICH/NEW YORK (Reuters) Sepp Blatter rocked the world of football yesterday by unexpectedly saying he would step down as FIFA president in the wake of a corruption investigation that reportedly may include the embattled chief himself.

Citing sources familiar with the case, The New York Times and ABC News reported yesterday that Blatter was being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. prosecutors. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the report. Blatter has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Blatter, 79, announced

his decision to step down at a hastily arranged news conference in Zurich, six days after police raided a hotel in the city and arrested several FIFA officials, and four days after he was re-elected to a fifth term as FIFA president.

Blatter said an election to choose a new president would be held as soon as possible, though a FIFA of-

First Test starts today in Dominica

Fearless Windies plot end to Aussie domination

See story page 22

Captains Denesh Ramdin and Michael Clarke with the Frank Worrell Trophy.

(Courtesy WICB Media/Randy Brooks) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

ficial said it would probably not take place until at least December.

“FIFA needs profound restructuring,” said Blatter, a Swiss national, who has been a dominant presence at FIFA for decades.

“I decided to stand again to be elected because I was convinced it was the best option for football.

“Although the members of FIFA gave me a new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world.”

Blatter’s decision to step down as the growing scandal plunges FIFA further into the worst crisis in its history was welcomed by his most prominent critics.

European football federation chief Michel Platini, a French former international player and favourite to succeed Blatter as FIFA president, said: “It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision.”

The second favourite on the list, Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who stood against Blatter but withdrew after gaining 73 votes to Blatter’s 133 in the first round of last Friday’s vote, stopped short of confirming that he would run again.

Asked if there should be a fresh start at FIFA, he told Channel 4 News, “I’m willing to help.”

Greg Dyke, chairman of the English Football Association and one of Blatter’s most outspoken critics, said it was “good news for world football” but then questioned Blatter’s motive. “Who got him? Who shot him?” he asked.

“I don’t believe he went for any sort of moral basis so something has happened between then and See page 25 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2015