2015 6 6 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA

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

No. 104212 SATURDAY JUNE 6, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Gov’t gives no-objection to finances to bail out GuySuCo – working assiduously to ensure operations return to normalcy AG WILLIAMS PROPOSES…

One final sitting for Rodney Commission President David Granger inspects the Guard of Honour at the passing out parade for the Basic Recruit 2015/01 Course, at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama, Upper Berbice River

Canada plugs Cdn$750,000 into Judicial Sector boost Page

Page

AG Basil Williams

President Granger stresses team spirit, professionalism Page

– as he addresses GDF recruits at Tacama

GDF ranks join in clean-up efforts Page

Members of the Guyana Defence Force engaging in the clean-up activities

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Gov’t gives no-objection to finances to bail out GuySuCo – working assiduously to ensure operations return to normalcy GOVERNMENT has approved the release of monies to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to ensure that operations at the sugar corporation return to normalcy. The Ministry of Agri-

culture therefore wishes to assure sugar workers and the public at large that all measures are being taken to ensure the sustenance of the industry. A statement from the ministry yesterday said

notwithstanding the recent change in GuySuCo’s management, workers can rest assured that the industry is here to stay. In addition, all sugar factories will remain operable. To ensure that the corpo-

ration continues to survive, an Interim Management Committee has also been put in place and is at present working and has already been meeting with management on the way forward for sugar in Guyana. The

Commission will oversee the work of the Corporation for at least six months. A Commission of Inquiry (COI) will also be launched shortly by the new administration into the affairs of the sugar corpo-

ration. The Government wishes to assure workers that investing in sugar is investing in Guyana, and as such, all necessary action will be taken to ensure its sustenance.

President Granger, PSC discuss legislative matters, infrastructure needs THE Chairman and Executives of the Private Sector Commission met Thurs-

day with President David Granger to discuss a number of matters of interest

Presidemt David Granger and Finance Minister Mr Winston Jordan with members of the Private Sector Commission at their meeting on Thursday

to the private sector. The discussions covered topics which ranged from legislative matters to infrastructural needs of the country. The Commission empha-

sised the need for a reorganisation of the National Insurance Scheme and GoInvest, as well as for telecoms liberalisation and tax reform. The urgent need for legislation to

address money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the issue of bribery was underlined. The Commission reiterated its support for a Public Procurement Commission and an Integrity Commission. The President was presented by the Commission with a copy of the UK anti-bribery legislation for his consideration. The business leaders also highlighted the

issue of high crime rates in the country which President Granger has pledged to address. Solid waste management and the need for improvement of tertiary institutions were also on the agenda. The infrastructural needs of the country were discussed with the President, in particular the need to expand the main airport and achieve Category One status for GuyTurn to page 3 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

AG WILLIAMS PROPOSES…

One final sitting for Rodney Commission By Derwayne Wills AS reports coming out of his office show a number of financial improprieties by the previous Donald R a m o t a r A d m i n i s t r ation, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams has declared there should be one final sitting of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry. The fate of the inquiry hangs in the balance as Cabinet is set to review its terms, which the Attorney General is adamant was devised by the Ramotar Administration as a “witch-hunt” against the pre-1992 Peoples’ National Congress (PNC) Government. Williams told reporters at his office yesterday, “We are supposed to be dealing with submissions but [this] depends on what decision is taken by Cabinet in terms of the length of continuing the life of this Commission of Inquiry.” “My proposal”, he continued, “is that it should be one final sitting where submissions should be made.” Since assuming office

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

as Attorney General earlier in the week, Williams had uncovered that the Commission, which was convened by former President Donald Ramotar, after an announcement in June 2013, has racked up a total expenditure in excess of $325M. Out of that expenditure, it was further brought to light that state media

journalist Shaun Michael Samaroo was allegedly paid a monthly rate of US$7300 under contract with the former Ramotar Administration. “Mr. Shaun Samaroo was in the Commission from day one. And he came to my attention when I saw him. But I didn’t know who he was,” the Attorney General added.

President Granger, PSC discuss... From page 2

ana, the requirement for capital dredging of the Demerara Channel were reviewed. The Commission endorsed their support for the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project and the completion of the Marriott Hotel. The new Government’s plans to hold the long-awaited Local Government Elections were actively supported. The private sector, consistent with its tradition of collaborating with Government, and the role it played in supporting the Economic

Recovery Programme, the National Development Strategy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, National Competitiveness Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy, pledged its continuing support for the Government’s development agenda. The Commission explained that, through the Competitiveness Strategy, Public-Private Dialogue Bodies had been established which provided a useful mechanism for guiding Government policy and decision

making and suggested that these could be reconstituted. The Commission also indicated that it would be willing to collaborate with Government to organise an Economic Forum at which priorities for the economy could be distilled through dialogue. The President supported this suggestion and mandated the Commission to commence planning a Forum which would include the views of all stakeholders from civil society, Labour and religion.

When asked whether the David Granger Administration would retain the services of Samaroo for the remainder of the Commission, Williams responded saying that Cabinet will have to take up that matter. Since the allegations against him were widely circulated in the media, Samaroo has come out saying that the previous Government had contracted him to write a book from the proceedings of the Commission. “You could check from the beginning of the RCoI [Rodney Commission of Inquiry] and you would see that every day he would have written, so I don’t know which book he was talking about, but we know that he was covering the inquiry and he was distorting the proceedings,” Williams countered. In the Commission of Inquiry, Williams had represented the interest of the former PNC Government and was vocal on what he perceived to be a “witch-hunt” of the entity he represented. During that time, Williams said he had raised concerns about Samaroo’s reports in the Guyana Chronicle to the Chairman of the Commission. As Attorney General,

Williams can no longer serve on the Commission as counsel for the former PNC Government. When asked whether his party had yet considered a replacement for him on the Commission, the AG said that it has not come up as yet, but he tipped that Attorney-at-Law James Bond is a proposed candidate for the position. Bond, who served as a member of the 10th Parliament, had been present at the Commission for a number of sittings. This publication had contacted Bond via phone on Thursday to inquire whether he would assume Williams’s post on the CoI. He responded in the

negative with an indication that he has “received no instruction.” Bond instead threw his support behind Attorney-at-Law Roger Yearwood while citing his competency to pursue the interest of the entity Williams represented. I n t h a t i n t e r v i e w, Bond said: “the position of the Government is that work must continue, but we must look at winding it down. We want the commission to conclude its work and we would not try to stymie the work. We are hoping to double their workload so that it is not laborious on the pockets of the Guyanese people.”

Police arrest man with sub-machine pistol on Mandela Avenue A MAN was taken into custody on Friday when police responded to a report of discharging of a firearm in the city and an unlicensed gun with ammunition was found during a chase. The police said around 05:30hrs on June 5, 2015, the police responded to a report of discharging of a firearm at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. As the police approached, a man who had a firearm was seen running away. He was pursued by the police during which he threw the firearm into a septic tank. The man was apprehended and the firearm recovered was found to be a Luger Intratec 9mm sub-machine pistol.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Pakistan court frees eight men charged with attack on schoolgirl Malala A PAKISTANI court has freed eight out of 10 men charged with organising the shooting of schoolgirl activist Malala Yousafzai, police said on Friday, a move that will raise further questions about the nation’s heavily criticised justice system. Pakistani Taliban militants claimed responsibility for attacking Malala in 2012 as she travelled home from school in Swat, northwest of the capital Islamabad. She was shot in the head and airlifted to Britain for treatment, where she now lives. Two other schoolgirls were also wounded. Malala became a global symbol of defiance after she campaigned for girls’ education despite Taliban repression and she won the 2014 Nobel

Peace prize. ADVERTISING Senior police official Salim Khan said the eight men were freed because there was not enough evidence to connect them to the 2012 attack. Police had said in April that all 10 had been convicted and jailed for 25 years each in a trial held behind closed doors. It was not clear why officials had given incorrect information. “The only reason for their release was lack of proof against them,” Khan said. Prosecutor Naeem Khan said the men had confessed to the court that they had helped plan the attack. None of the accused were suspected of being the gunmen, who security officials

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai waves as she arrives on stage at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo December 11, 2014. Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett/Files believe fled to Afghanistan. “During the trial, all the 10 persons had admitted and confessed their role in Mala-

convicted while the remaining eight were freed,” Khan said. He said the trial had been conducted inside the main prison in Swat Jail after mili-

la’s attack before the judge of the anti-terrorism court. But only two of them, Izhar Khan and Israrullah Khan, were

tant threats. Khan said he filed an appeal against the acquittal on May 18 but the men had already been freed on April 30. The case will raise further questions over police competence, accountability and secret trials in Pakistan. Police are poorly trained and equipped. Most officers have never been trained in how to gather evidence and rarely follow basic procedures such as securing crime scenes. Cases mostly hinge on highly unreliable oral testimony, leading judges to frequently dismiss charges involving major militant attacks. Trials are often held behind closed doors because judges, lawyers and witnesses fear retribution from militants.

Ghana’s capital cleans up after fire, floods kill 150 clogged storm drains while security officials collected another body from a house near the gutted downtown filling station, witnesses said. “Rain or no rain, it is our responsibility to rescue life and property and we’ll continue to do that until we are convinced that no person or vehicle is trapped anywhere,”

(Reuters) AUTHORITIES in Ghana cleared wreckage on Friday and braced for more rains, a day after flooding and an explosion at a packed gas station killed 150 people in the capital. Emergency workers in protective gear retrieved household goods, fridges and wardrobes from Accra’s

DATE: 03/06/2015 H

16 08 07 04 15 22 20

said James Buka of the National Disaster Management Organisation.

the station in the early hours of Thursday. A spark ignited leaked fuel, incinerating 96 people before they could flee. The disaster was the worst in decades in Ghana, a country for years seen as a bastion of peaceful democracy and rapid economic growth. Since 2013, President John

ADVERTISING Days of torrential rain blocked Accra’s ageing drainage system and flooded the streets, forcing hundreds of workers who were unable to return home to seek shelter at

04/06/2015

Mahama’s government has wrestled with a host of fiscal problems that, along with lower prices for exports of gold, oil and cocoa, have sharply slowed economic growth projections. Ghana is also grappling with a severe electricity crisis resulting in frequent blackouts that have crippled businesses

04/06/2015

and angered voters. One survivor of Thursday’s fire said there was a power cut just before the blast and a generator switched on at the station to provide light may have triggered the explosion. Business leaders calculated losses from flooding that submerged cars in showrooms and damaged goods in warehouses.

03 01 10 17 04 12 02

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

US Republicans vote to keep Cuba travel curbs THE US House of Representatives has voted to keep restrictions on US citizens travelling to Cuba, despite a recent thaw in relations. The Republican-controlled chamber rejected proposals to allow regular scheduled flights to the island. It also said a rule should remain requiring Americans to get a special licence before going to Cuba. The House was voting on a transport funding bill which has provisions related to Cuba. President Barack Obama has threatened to veto the bill. New rules issued by the Obama administration in January were aimed at easing travel restrictions to Cuba

US interests when it was seized by the Cuban government. “What you are saying is, ‘It’s OK to do business on property that was stolen from Americans’,” said Mr Diaz-Balart, a Cuban-American. The thaw in relations between the US and Cuba was announced late last year in simultaneous televised speeches by President Obama and

President Obama wants to allow more US citizens to visit Cuba and allowing scheduled flights for the first time. But Republican Congress-

man Mario Diaz-Balart said the White House was wrong to lift the restrictions.

He said it would mean flights landing at an airport that was partially owned by

Come to us first with complaints (Trinidad Guardian) POLICE Complaints Authority director David West is appealing to victims of police abuse not to publicise their ordeal in the media and instead come discreetly to the PCA and lodge a complaint, so that the officers involved will be none the wiser that they are being investigated. West made the appeal during a PCA town meeting at the Santa Cruz Fire Station on Wednesday night. Present at the meeting was Jerome Phyars, the fireman who was allegedly beaten by police officers outside a bar on Monday and later charged with resisting arrest and obscene language. West told Phyars and his co-accused Dawud Muhammed that they should have come to the PCA instead of going to Ian Alleyne’s Crime Watch programme on CNC3. Muhammed said that he went to the Crime Watch host so that the incident could be put in the spotlight and not be swept under the rug. Muhammed, 33, suffered injuries to his left eye, windpipe and lower back, while his sister Atiya, 27, who tried to intervene when her brother was being assaulted, was choked, cuffed and kicked before being dragged on the ground. Muhammed told the gathering that his sister was still hospitalised as she had not yet stopped bleeding. Phyars, 29, suffered injuries to his left eye, face, right arm back and windpipe while another man who was not arrested, Bradley Caesar, 27, is partially deaf in the left ear after allegedly being slapped by one of the lawmen. West had earlier told those gathered, including MP for St Ann’s East, Joanne Thomas, that his team did a survey in the

the best for you... I was appalled when I saw that video of the fireman being abused,” West said as he urged the crowd to come to them with any serious offence against a police officer. West said many people refuse to report incidents of police misbehaviour as they are fearful of further victimisation, inaction by police officers, who they see as being supporters of their colleagues, or do not want any further conflict with the police.

Fire officer Jerome Phyars relates his beating at the hands of the police as PCA Director David West and MP for St Ann’s East Joanne Thomas look on during Wednesday’s town meeting. PHOTO: JENSEN LA VENDE Santa Cruz area. He said of 71 people who had responded, 30 per cent of them said they had a negative outlook of the police. He emphasised that the police are not trusted and that

the PCA was an independent body which does not answer to or have within its staff police officers. “We don’t fear anyone, we have your back and we will do

his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro. President Obama, a Democrat, used his executive powers to ease the embargo that has existed for more than 50 years, defying hardline critics. However, the issue is caught in a battle between Republicans who control Congress and the White House.

PM orders removal of riverbank dwellers PRIME MINISTER Portia Simpson Miller has instructed the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to begin the process of removing people, who live on or near riverbanks. Addressing a meeting of the National Disaster Committee at Jamaica House on Wednesday she said the practice is dangerous and requires immediate action by the authorities. The Prime Minister says this is necessary to ensure lives are not lost in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. Simpson Miller notes that with the start of the hurricane season on June 1, it is important that the country is prepared for any disaster. The national Meteorological Service has indicated that the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be less active than usual. Weather experts are predicting six to 11 named storms this year. However, the Met Service is warning against complacency, noting that dangerous tropical storms have occurred during hurricane seasons which were forecast to be less active.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Welcome assurance by Minister Ramjattan THE assurance of Public Security Minister Ramjattan that all rogue cops must go since there is no place for them in the Guyana Police Force is a most welcome development. The minister promised categorically, “All rogue cops, especially when judicial officers would have pronounced on the wrongdoings, will go, and even those cops who have had serious allegations, if internally there are investigations and we find them culpable, they are going to go too. I want the GPF to know that it will be zero tolerance for any harassment of any citizen, of people’s rights, harassment to the extent of bullyism and even the grave one of burning people’s genitalia. They are all going to go and there will be criminal prosecutions.” This uncompromising, zero-tolerance approach has long been needed and has become imperative in the nation’s resonances of fear of merely going about their daily lives without looking over their shoulders to see whether they will be pounced on by a predator. Members of a nation’s security forces are trained to kill – but to kill enemies that threaten the security of the land to which they owe filial duty, and to protect the citizens of that land. A homeowner, on looking out of his window and seeing a police cruiser, should then be able rest peacefully with his family within the sanctuary of his home, safe in the knowledge that the nation’s protectors are protecting the nation, and that bandits will have to beware.

But what happens when the protector becomes the hunter? When security forces sent to protect the innocent citizens of the land from bandits in the backlands of the nation take the lives of innocent persons going about their simple pursuits – such as the sugar workers who were kidnapped and slain aback Buxton? What happens when arms and ammunition disappear from army bonds, only to be found later in the hands of bandits? What happens when decent citizens of the land go with hope to make a complaint to police ranks, who can only identify with the lawless elements of society and treat the decent people of the land like criminals? What happens when the citizens of the land call on police ranks for help and their response is that they do not have vehicles? Yet, the police vehicles are seen ferrying girlfriends and other family members, making personal airport runs, providing recreational support to ranks, but never available to render assistance to the taxpaying citizens of the land. What happens when drunken drivers are set free after paying a traffic rank a raise? What happens when someone who is not guilty of any crime gets hassled by the police on the instructions of someone to whom they are related, or by whom they were rewarded? And what happens when the coast guards of the land sent to protect the citizens from pirates instead become pirates themselves? What happens is that they are protected by their own, who may know of their culpability but choose to turn a

blind eye – either because of fraternal sentiments, or else they share in the spoils, as happened in the instance where police were said to have taken payoffs for turning a ‘Nelson’s’ eye to criminal and murderous activities of army personnel. Who will police the police and the army? And whom can we trust? There are numerous reports of police in the rural areas taking a beer and a meal and allowing free-for-all fetes that disturb the peace of the neighbourhood in communities. There are reports where drug houses flourish because security ranks themselves are users and take payoffs in kind and cash. How can the nation trust the law-enforcement agencies to enforce against their own? The fact of the matter is that we cannot, and that is why anti-social, even criminal activities by members of Guyana’s security services proliferate. How could one imagine the terror and the pain of the victims, especially the 10-yearr-old child, who may have witnessed the murder of his father and uncle, knowing that his turn was next? How does one hear the word “Police, open the door,” without fear and trepidation? Many bandits come in that guise, even if they wear the uniform legally and legitimately. Distrust of security service personnel is palpable in the nation – and the sad and disappointing fact is that it is only a few bad eggs who have caused a stench that makes the entire joint services reek. Minister Ramjattan is on the right track. Crime cannot be reduced, much less eradicated in any society where the criminals find sanctuary in the heart of its security force.

Looking forward to several more decades of mutual EU-Guyana cooperation JUNE 6, 2015 marks 40 years of European Union cooperation with Guyana. It was on this day in 1975 that representatives from close to 80 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries met here in Georgetown to sign what was to become known as the Georgetown Agreement. This document created the ACP Group of States and became the ACP’s fundamental charter, laying down the rules for cooperation among the coun-

tries of all our continents. This year also marks 40 years since the Delegation of the European Union was established in Georgetown. Tremendous progress has been made since then. Over the last four decades, more than €630 million (equal to some GYD 150 billion) of combined EU funds have been allocated to Guyana’s development. To this day, the European Union remains the main provider of grant funding to Guyana, and also the

biggest donor of development and humanitarian assistance both in the Caribbean Region and in the world. In Guyana, European development funds have helped reconstruct and maintain the sea defences and the mangroves, and the rehabilitation of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The EU has also funded several infrastructure projects to help Guyana’s integration in the region. These include the expansion of Ogle Airport to accommodate inter-

national flights, the Corentyne ferry connecting Guyana with Suriname, and the technical upgrade of Cheddi Jagan International Airport in 2004. Over $220 million has been committed to measures directly supporting the sugar, rice and bauxite industries and the people depending on them. Water supply systems have been put in place in Pouderoyen, Rose Hall and New Amsterdam to provide fresh water to agriculture and households and many small

businesses have gotten off the ground, thanks to the Micro-Projects Programme and the Linden Economic Advancement Programme. Currently, over $30 million is being put to use to further upgrade Guyana’s power utility network and improve water supply and sanitation infrastructure. EU support to civil society organisations, non-state actors and local authorities has reached out to beneficiaries in the most remote areas of Guyana, for

example Southern Rupununi and Regions 1 and 2. As we look to the future, our shared priorities are in the area of climate change adaptation and continuous efforts towards the eradication of poverty; and the promotion of human and social rights. Our political relations have always been excellent, and we look forward to many more decades of mutual EU-Guyana cooperation, friendship and partnership. ROBERT KOPECKÝ Ambassador of the European Union

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Diplomats visit Public GAWU claims to left in the dark Security Minister, –be with respect to recent developments at GuySuCo hold wide-ranging discussions By Navendra Seoraj

RECENTLY appointed Vice-president and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, was on Thursday paid courtesy visits at his Lot 6 Brickdam office by UNICEF Representatives Marianne Flach and Patrice La Fleur; British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and Ambassador Albert Ramdin, OAS Secretary-General. Speaking to the media after discussions with the minister, UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Marianne Flach, said a number of issues were discussed including birth registration, since the country has not yet achieved 100% universal birth registration, which remains around 90%. She added that we know it is difficult to reach the last 10% and much effort was expended, but we are looking to see what more could be done if universal birth registration is to be achieved. Flach disclosed that they also talked about a juvenile justice bill; the age of criminal responsibility which stands at 10 and needs to be increased; children in conflict with the law and the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre for youths, which needs to be upgraded to be in line with international standards.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan with Marianne Flach, UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname, and Patrice La Fleur, Assistant Representative for UNICEF at the minister’s Brickdam office on Thursday

The envoy stated that the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) was also discussed, noting that children who fall foul of the law should not be regarded as criminals and that work on their re-integration into society should be pursued. Also discussed was the introduction of prevention programmes for potential, young offenders through UNFPA and UNICEF and the

consultancy for completion of the National Youth Policy and the Sexual Offences Act. Meanwhile, Patrice La Fleur, Assistant Representative for UNPFA/UNICEF said yesterday morning that they are also advocating youth friendly spaces for youths that would enable them to get off the streets and occupy their time with meaningful activities.

THE GUYANA Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has expressed dissatisfaction at Government’s recent decision to unilaterally sack the GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Rajendra Singh, and effect management changes at the level of the GuySuCo Board without proper consultations with the union. Speaking to this publication, yesterday, GAWU President Mr Komal Chand expressed his disappointment at the Government’s decision regarding the management of GuySuCo, and stated, “We are totally in the dark with respect to the changes at GuySuCo, the putting together of the IMC, request to have the directors resign, and the firing of the CEO.” Alluding to the fact that it is an important stakeholder in the sugar industry, representing the overwhelming number of sugar workers, GAWU said it ought to be apprised officially on decisions taken that would impact the industry. “We should be informed, whether we agree or not, so that we would understand; and also our membership needs guidance from us, and they need clarification as to whatever perception of use they may have, and this is most unfortunate that we were not apprised,” Chand disclosed.

GAWU President Komal Chand

So far, Chand said, according to his knowledge, it is not known whether the GuySuCo CEO was dismissed or had his services terminated. Moreover, the reasons for his removal from office are unknown, so GAWU cannot determine whether the law allows Government to take the decision it has taken. Chand also lamented Government’s failure to consult GAWU on the selection of members to serve on an Interim Management Committee (IMC) that would manage the affairs of the company, while a Commission of Inquiry is also allegedly being

formulated. He said it should be noted that while some persons have been named in the media, the Government is yet to name the persons appointed to the IMC. “ We w e r e n o t t o l d that this would have taken place…so that when we spoke to our members we could (not) have explained what is going on,” said Chand. He has deemed it a mistake on the part of Government not to adequately inform the stakeholders of its fundamental decisions made recently in regard to GuySuCo.

Golden Jaguars pay courtesy call on PM – assured of Government’s full support in upcoming games

THE Golden Jaguars yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, and were assured of Government’s support. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, speaking with members of the Guyana Football Association and members of the Golden Jaguars team at his office located within the Ministry of the Presidency, noted that he is fully confident that the team will “give their best and make us proud.” “The Guyana team is always a winning team and we are confident that the team will give their best in the qualifying games,” the prime minister asserted.

Nagamootoo urged the team to play a clean game, “we don’t want the yellow cards and the red cards.” He assured the Jaguars that they have the Government’s full support and urged that all Guyanese make a special effort to support the Golden Jaguars on their home game against St Vincent & The Grenadines on June 14 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Chairman of the Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation, Clinton Urling, thanked the prime minister for meeting with the team on such short notice. He explained that the team will be playing two games in the qualifying round of the World Cup. The first game will be played

in St Vincent & the Grenadines on June 10 and the second match will be here in Guyana on June 14 at the National Stadium. He noted that the team comprises persons that would have played international football in various clubs across the world and “we also have some local players who reside in Guyana and are also fantastic players.” Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport Nicolette Henry, wished the team “all the best in the World Cup qualifying matches” and urged persons to support the Golden Jaguars on their home court on June 14.

Captain of the Guyana Golden Jaguars, Christopher Nurse, presents Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with an official player’s jersey

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Russia urges passage of AML/CFT Bill

– as ambassador pays congratulatory visit to PM Nagamootoo PA S S A G E o f t h e A n ti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/ CFT) is a must, Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Mr Nikolay Smirnov, advised Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during a courtesy call yesterday. Speaking with the Prime Minister at the PM’s office located within the Ministry of the Presidency, Ambassador Nikolay Smirnov formally congratulated Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on his recent accession to the office of the Prime Minister and first Vice President of Guyana. “It is an honour to congratulate you in person, and on behalf of my Government, with this appointment of Prime Minister and Vice President of Guyana. Guyana and Russia has an excellent friendship and a good relationship for decades. This year, in December, we will be celebrating the 45th

Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Mr Nikolay Smirnov, and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during their discussion

anniversary of established diplomatic relations here in Guyana”, the ambassador related. He also said that although the two countries are far apart in terms of geography, “we have links between our people, and right now in Guyana, there is a delegation

from our Friendship University known as The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR).” He noted that the university is the third largest university in Russia, and was established some 65 years ago. Speaking on some of the

history the two countries enjoy as it relates to education, the ambassador said, “Since its (PFUR University) establishment, more than 116 Guyanese students have graduated from the university, and currently, there are six students studying at the university.

“We have longstanding bilateral trade and other economic relationships. The bilateral trade is not huge, it is on the level of approximately US$2M.” Smirnov explained that the Russia Company Rusal is currently enjoying a joint venture with Guyana wherein its investment in bauxite is some US$130M; and “we have done more than 10 years of exploration in bauxite,” he declared. He noted that, only recently, Russia has embarked on another bauxite venture, and this company currently employs directly and indirectly over 1000 Guyanese. “We made some specific suggestions to Government of Guyana in the hydro-electrical field, because we have quite (some) experience in Russia in this field,” he disclosed. A priority for the Government of Russia is the passage of Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of

Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT), the Ambassador stressed. “It is a must; we have previously saved Guyana from being blacklisted. This passage is a necessity so as to safeguard the country and your investments,” he urged. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo thanked Ambassador Smirnov for taking time out to facilitate the visit, and assured him that the good relationship that presently exists between the two countries will continue. He also noted that the relations have endured very difficult times, but said there are no negative issues between the two countries. PM Nagamootoo also assured the ambassador that the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT) is of paramount importance to the Government; and he said that in the near future this legislation will be passed. (Rebecca Ganesh)

Emphasis on clean environment, healthy food sources – PM Nagamootoo on World Environment Day “THE emphasis now is not only to keep our environment clean, but to be able [to] have healthy food sources, and this is where Guyana is heading,” said Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as he shared some thoughts on the observance of World Environment Day. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at his office, Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained that some of the private sector businesses have indicated that they will embark on a clean-up of the city and its environs in light of the observance of World Environment Day. He also noted that some members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) started their clean-up from early Friday morning. “The emphasis now is not only to keep our environment clean, but to be able [to] have healthy food sources and so Guyana is moving into this phase and trying to stimulate

Guyana Defence Force in the cleanup activities

food resources and make sure enough attention is paid in this regard,” the prime minister asserted. He contended that persons need to pay attention to their health

and to the things they eat. Nagamootoo continued with his explanation that food will become one of the world’s scarce commodities.”All Guyanese must be

aware that part of the environment is the cultivation of food and the proper use of food.”He added that there has been a projection that the world’s population will go

beyond 9 billion people and as such, conservation of the world’s commodities must be the highest priority. “Food resources would become the primary obses-

sion of mankind. Our attitude toward scarce resources must change. We must have a positive attitude towards our environment and our utilisation of our scarce resources, especially our food resources,” Nagamootoo posited. Every year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) observes World Environment Day on June 5 to raise awareness about environmental issues and to call for action. The UNEP announced the theme of this year’s event as “Sustainable Lifestyles.” “By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our way of life. Living well within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future,” a statement from the UN stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Recommendations – Minister Ramjattan of Top Cop vital in ‘shifting around’ senior officers

Policy changes to foster police/ public confidence-building

By Michel Outridge

– Ramjattan

MINISTER of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told the media Thursday that he is still mulling plans to shift around senior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the recommendations of Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud is vital in the undertaking. He said, “I think it was proper for President David Granger to stay the Top Cop’s hand in the re-configuration because I did not have my input and have since been consulting with commanders, assistant commissioners and other senior officers; and I have gotten their opinion and soon I will make a decision whether

I will go along 100% with the Top Cop or I will tweak it around to make some inputs myself and to ask him to have those implemented as well.” Ramjattan stated that the implementation is expected to be done soon since the Police Commissioner was expected in Guyana shortly and he will be part and parcel of the considerations that will be put on the table. Initially, it was reported in sections of the media that Senior Superintendent of Police Wendell Blanhum was expected to ascend to the office of Crime Chief, taking over from Leslie James who was posted to the position following the appointment of the then Crime Chief Seelall Persaud as acting Police Commis-

MINISTER of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, said Thursday that he wants to urgently put on stream policies at ground level for fostering police/public confidence-building. The minister emphasised that police/ public relationship is vital for moving and advancing the Guyana Police Force if, “we are not to see one of them as a bully and to see the other as a subject rather than a citizen.” Ramjattan observed that “lots of people see crimes today and don’t do anything about them. They simply do not want to touch the police with a 40-foot pole - they stay very far from them.” He stated that to win back rule of law

USAID SKYE Program trains Probation Officers and Youth Officers in Coaching Methodology Khemraj Ramjattan

sioner in 2013. The appointment of Brian Joseph as head of the Presidential Guards was also announced and it was also whispered that there will be a shakeup in the seven divisions of the GPF. (Michel Outridge)

EPA to aid in restoration of Georgetown mangroves for World Environment Day WORLD Environment Day remains the principle vehicle through which all stakeholders demonstrate their commitment to ensuring a healthy planet. This year’s theme, ‘Seven Billion Dreams, One Planet, Consume With Care’ reminds us that our current consumption patterns are not in keeping with the Earth’s carrying capacity, and therefore we need to set policies and programmes to ensure the restoration of the integrity of the environment, and the ultimate well-being of current and future generations. It is no coincidence that World Environment Day marks the anniversary of the passage of the Environmental Protection Act in Guyana which

allowed for the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Yesterday, when the world celebrated WED, also known as Eco Day, the EPA, along with sister agencies of the MNRE, conducted a clean-up exercise commencing at 07:00 hrs along the sea-wall within the area of the Russian Embassy and Kitty Pump Station. This activity was intended to be

and order in this society would require some policies that are going to make the community win the respect of the GPF and that is at the ground level of the things he wants to urgently set on-stream so that they can have confidence-building again. The minister said, “They are saying they have experts on certain policy matters that can help the new Government and I indicated that one of the policy arrangements I wanted to get onboard has to do with how we can get the Guyanese community, citizens to build back that confidence relationship, to win back the support of the people. I have seen over the years members of the public do not trust members of the GPF.” Ramjattan noted that with that in mind the question is “how do we win back support and how the GPF is going to do the things which are necessary for the force to win back that respect from members of the public.”

a first step towards the realisation of a vision to restore and rehabilitate this only remaining stand of mangrove forests along the coast of Georgetown, recognising the combination of ecological services, coastal protection, and tourism related benefits that are provided by this ecosystem. The EPA also takes this opportunity to commend the numerous businesses, groups, and individuals that joined in the clean-up of Georgetown and other populated areas of the country. Further, the Agency renews its commitment to working with all stakeholders to preserve and protect our environment. Happy World Environment Day!

THE USAID Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection and the Ministry of Education (Department of Culture, Youth and Sports) conducted a two-day training programme for officers from both ministries in the SKYE Program’s Coaching methodology, which concluded yesterday. The training built capacity of Probation Officers and Youth Officers, allowing them to enhance their skills in coaching and mentoring at-risk youth and other youth in a more interactive manner, focusing on youths’ talents and individual strengths. This coaching approach enables youth to develop in a sustained manner and ultimately reduces their vulnerability to acts of crime and violence. At the opening ceremo-

ny on Thursday, Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, gave the keynote address. She emphasised the importance of education for youth, as well as the critical role of adults and institutions to take responsibility in the guidance, care and protection of youth. Minister Lawrence urged participants, particularly those from her Ministry, to participate fully in the training activity so that they can acquire enhanced skills to help the at-risk youth with whom they will interact. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Mr. Peter Anthes, thanked partners in Government and other sectors for continuing to support the goals and objectives of the SKYE Program and remarked that “In order for this work to be expanded and for partners to reach increasing numbers of youth and ensure that they continue to receive

support during and beyond the existence of the SKYE Program, we must deepen our partnerships, with Government and other partners, transferring technical capability and sharing tools that are proven successes.” Participants were also briefed by the main facilitator of the training, distinguished Professor Erik Butler from the Educational Development Centre, the implementing agency for the USAID SKYE Program, who shared the expectation that the training would be equally beneficial to participants and trainers as it provided a forum for sharing experiences and expectations. Going forward, the use of the coaching in serving youth populations will be monitored and adjustments made are necessary, in order to improve effectiveness.

Statement by Molly Hassan – CEO, National Communications Network I HAVE observed sections of the media and comments from a Government official which are conflicting with what was discussed with me privately. I accepted employment as the CEO at NCN a year ago to manage the company to achieve its objectives, having being employed for over a decade in a senior position by an international conglomerate where business ethics and modern human resources practices are guided by several overriding principles and are upheld in the highest regard. It may be challenging to transition from a political activist into a Government func-

tionary and the responsibilities which the portfolio affords. I have observed the recent statements made in social and electronic media allegedly from the Director of Public Information designate. These statements grossly contradict what Government officials have been communicating to employees of NCN over the past three weeks, that is, the administration is seeking a professional workforce and will not engage in ‘witch hunting’. These statements allegedly made by the DPI designate simply do not demonstrate professionalism that is being sought by the Administration as it

Molly Hassan

exposes the inability of some persons being familiar with basic rules of employee engagement and employment best practices.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Ministry of Education receives award winning books in observance of World Environment Day –“I pledge to make your dreams real” – Dr Roopnaraine

IN observance of World Environment Day, Conservation International - Guyana, WWF - Guianas, and the Iwokrama International Centre presented a quantity of books, ‘Rupununi: Rediscovering a Lost World’, written by Dr. Graham Watkins, to the Ministry of Education for distribution to secondary schools and other educational and cultural institutions. The handing-over ceremony was held yesterday at St. Stanislaus College High School where among the list of attendees included officials from Conservation International, Iwokrama International Centre, WWF - Guianas, members of the Diplomatic Community, Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Tourism Catherine Hughes, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs

Education Minister with students yesterday

Valerie Garrido Lowe, students from approximately 21 schools and officials from the Ministry of Education. Dr. Roopnaraine, in acknowledging the significance of the World Environment Day theme, ‘Seven Billion Dreams, One Planet. Consume with Care.’, pos-

ited that everyone has a responsibility to live in such a manner that resources are not wasted. He added, “We should not pollute our rivers and creeks with garbage, poisons and mining runoffs. It means we must not cut down our forests in a manner that does not bring

benefits, firstly to the people of Guyana, and Guyana as a whole, through economic benefits.” He said that this means that the country must get the maximum returns from the logging industry. He said that skills are needed to ensure making value-added products from the logs,

but it must be done in a matter that leaves trees standing. “That is what resource efficiency and conservation means. There is a wellknown saying: we have not inherited the earth from our parents, we have borrowed it from our grandchildren. And if you think about that, it means we have to be very careful to give them back at least what we borrowed, and more,” he noted. Dr. Roopnaraine pledged that he will do his utmost to ensure that all the necessary tools are provided for students to receive a good quality education. “As a person who benefitted all my life from free education in the finest of schools and universities, I wish to pledge to you and your grandchildren that I will do my utmost to ensure that you are provided with the tools you need: good and well equipped class rooms, vibrant with music and culture, nutritious school meals as needed, and high quality education to make

your dreams real so that you can live not only to your full human potential, but live and grow as the most valuable asset to our Guyana”. Twenty-one schools were present for the symbolic handing-over of the books. The remainder will be distributed to secondary schools throughout the country via the Ministry’s Book Distribution Unit. Books were also presented to the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Catherine Hughes; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido Lowe. World Environment Day is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years, it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries.

GRPA calls for comprehensive approach to sex education

THE Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is deeply concerned over the startling number of school aged students being involved in sexual activities, especially those filmed and uploaded to social media, in school uniforms and on the schools’ premises. In particular, the Association’s Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) would like to address these pressing issues facing youth and the whole society. A statement from the GRPA yesterday said,”We have seen over the years that an increasing number of these “incidents” have occurred and have been responded to with hastily called “press conferences” and promises of “immediate action”. More recently, two tapes were released on social media of students purportedly in 2nd and 4th forms involved in sexual activity at a George-

town school. We welcome the announcement that the Ministry of Education is conducting a probe and ask whether this occurrence does not present yet another case of the need for a comprehensive sexuality education programme and universal access to sexual and reproductive health for young people, including in-school youths. “It's our opinion that due to the lack of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Education in the school system, instances of adolescent students getting involved in risky unplanned and unprotected sexual activities is constantly increasing. This lack of education results in many persons experimenting and doing so in dangerous ways. The GRPA calls for a shift from the abstinence only to a comprehensive approach to sex education taking into the reality that youths are becoming sexually active at a very tender age, both forced and voluntarily. A comprehensive approach is age appropriate and responds to the sexual diversity and rights of young people and equips them to make informed decisions about sex. Sexual and reproductive health refers to the total health and wellness of young people and should be viewed as much

Members of the GRPA Youth Advocacy Movement

more than lessons on safe sex. Low self esteem, sexual confusion, poor negotiation skills and access to information and services are all factors addressed by a comprehensive approach. It is also necessary to address policies, laws and structural and cultural barriers to young people’s control of their sexual lives and health. Parents, teachers, health workers and other service providers need to be involved together with young people themselves in addressing this issue as “all are involved, all are consumed. “GRPA urges that every effort be made to introduce a comprehensive sexuality education programme in schools. The Association is committed to strengthening its relationship with the Ministry of

Education to advance such a programme. For far too long the Ministry has been too slow in taking key steps to implement the commitments of the Ministerial Declaration on Comprehensive Sex Education signed by Guyana in Mexico in 2008 and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) signed in 1994 in Egypt. These commitments recognised the need for universal access to information and services. Although a Health and Family Life Education programme is being implemented there is agreement in CARICOM on the need to review and bring this in line with a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum. “The Education system is

very lacking in its contribution to young people’s awareness of sexuality, rights and sexual health. Tell us why is it that the only thing we’re being taught at school as young people is the names and parts of the sex organs and their functions? Is that all we need to know? “As a result of not addressing this issue, we see that Guyana is second to Jamaica in this part of the world for having the highest rate of teen pregnancies. This clearly indicates that the approach leaves a lot to be desired and that’s the reason why we have so many instances of schoolaged children having sexual intercourse or performing sexual activities. “Equally alarming is the risk of sexually transmitted infections. We need to teach

our children all they need to know about sex, their bodies, self awareness, self respect, condom use and responsible behaviour, and ensure that they have access to family planning education, counselling and services. While adolescents and teenagers should be guided by a healthy approach to their wellbeing and encouraged to delay their sexual debut until the time and circumstances are right, it is evident that the abstinence only approach has failed our young people in and outside of schools. “GRPA as a Youth Friendly Space provides family planning counselling and services. We encourage young persons, including students, to visit our clinic where we offer medical services at special prices for young people. We encourage our peers to visit our Quamina Street office, call our telephone numbers or reach out to us on social media to access information and services. We invite the public to join us in our campaign to engage in a shift towards healthy lifestyles. Today, we start a petition calling on the Ministry of Education to honour the commitments made to young people and implement a comprehensive sexuality education programme in schools.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Canada plugs Cdn$750,000 into Judicial Sector boost

By Derwayne Wills

IN an effort to increase the willingness of Canadian companies to invest in Guyana, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Nicole Giles, has expressed her Government’s willingness to plug some Cdn$750,000 into strengthening Guyana’s Judicial System. The announcement was made at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Carmichael Street, where Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams was paid a courtesy visit by the outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Nicole Giles. “Her Excellency has indicated to me that Canada has, in what is really unprecedented, approved a Cdn$750,000 development grant to us, to look at certain aspects to improving [the] justice system in Guy-

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, in talks with Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Nicole Giles, at the Attorney General’s Chambers

ana,” Williams disclosed to reporters following the meeting. For her part, the Canadian High Commissioner said the project comes with collaboration from the Justice Education Society of British Columbia, a Canadian Non-Governmental Organisation working in the area of strengthening justice systems. Dr. Giles expects the reforms to target the whole

Judicial and Penal systems from Police, to Prosecutors, and even Judges in dealing with crime scenes, case processing, and verdicts. The Ambassador noted the programme will be implemented with the assistance of the Offices of the Attorney General, and the Chancellor of the Judiciary, “in the next couple of months.” Programmes of that nature would customarily be implemented through the

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), but Dr. Giles said that body was dissolved some two years ago following an Act in Canada’s Parliament to incorporate the interests of CIDA into Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and Trade. The Canadian envoy recognised this effort by her Government to blend international policy, development programmes,

Education Ministry conducting value-for-money audits By Tajeram Mohabir EDUCATION Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has said that audits are being conducted across the ministry to ensure there is value for taxpayers’ monies spent on programmes implemented. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, he said all the programmes of the ministry must be evidence-based, and expenditures made must have been well spent. “We have to retrieve what has been misspent. The ministry, in a bid to avoid misspending money, has to ensure that all our procurement practices are absolutely open, transparent and aboveboard,” he said. Dr Roopnaraine identified procurement as a source of much of the dislocations, and noted that shortcomings in this regard will be corrected. Careful attention, he said, will be placed on the honesty of suppliers and their ability to deliver quality service. The minister was quick to clarify that he is not say-

ing that efforts have not been made to ensure value for money, but noted that these will be strengthened to eliminate wastage. A lot of work has to be done in the 11 education districts, as there are many reports of non-functioning toilets and shortage of furniture. “We want to ensure that the environment [in] which learning takes place is not wanting in terms of basic facilities and amenities, and is conducive to learning. If we can get that right, it would be a good start,” the minister said. QUALITY CITIZENS The Ministry of Education, he said, is focused on creating the kind of citizens who will take Guyana forward in the 21st century. They must be equipped with the skills and competence, Dr Roopnaraine said that will make them second to none and equal to any in the world. Acknowledging that there is a lot of work to be done, the minister said

strong focus will be placed on early childhood education to build a solid foundation in students to ensure their smooth transition into the school system. “Nothing essential for the development of the child must escape our attention,” he said, pointing out that an assessment will be done on the current curriculum and textbooks used in the school system. The ministry will also be forging an active partnership with teachers with the support of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, since they are the ones who have to improve the outcomes of learners. A former university professor, Dr. Roopnaraine also said all aspects of teacher training will be reviewed and scrutinised, and areas that need to be corrected will be corrected and those that need refining will be refined. The end result, he said, is to ensure that teachers who leave the teachers training college are fully capable and competent to positively impact the school system. Recently, Research and

and commercial interests with the development of justice sectors throughout the hemisphere, which “contributes to the interest of Canadian companies to invest in a country like Guyana.” This country, according to Giles, was considered for the grant because “we believe that in Guyana, there are strong opportunities to make a difference to improve the justice system.”

‘Kishi’ gets II years for manslaughter of five-year-old By George Barclay

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Policy Fellow at Stanford University, Dr. Travis Bristol, who has worked in Guyana through the World Bank, said improvement in students’ performance hinges on sound management and the quality of teachers in the school system. “If you raise the standard of those entering the Cyril Potter College of Education you begin to raise the quality of those who leave,” he told this publication in an interview on Facebook.

“I think everybody accepts that the impunity rates are not acceptable at this point in time, and there is also very strong will on behalf of the Police and the Prosecutors, the Judiciary, and the Courts, to try to address that,” Giles further clarified. Meanwhile, AG Williams, for his part, is optimistic that the grant and the programme would assist Guyana’s justice system to relieve the backlog of cases over the years. Other items on the agenda for that high level meeting included Guyana’s expected passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, which would further increase G u y a n a ’s i n v e s t m e n t prospects by ensuring the loyalty of the country against funding terrorist organisations.

KISHINO Williams, called “Kishi,” 36, and others were involved in a rum spree in October, 2006, when “Kishi” became drunk and saturated a dwelling house with gasoline before setting it on fire. Five-year-old Joy Singh was burnt to death as a result. Police investigations led to Kishi being charged with murder of the child and with setting fire to a dwelling house, knowing that a human being was inside. At his jury trial at the Demerara Assizes on Thursday, Kishi pleaded not guilty and a jury was empanelled to try the case. But on the following day, Friday, the accused who was appearing before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury consulted with his counsel and decided he wished to change his plea from one of not guilty of murder to that of guilty of manslaughter. In addition to changing his plea, the accused said

that he was sorry for what he did when he was in a senseless state. The judge then addressed the jury who later delivered a verdict of not guilty of murder, but guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter. The judge after hearing Prosecutrix, Mrs. Judith Mursalin and defence counsel Miss Deobra Kumar’s mitigation plea, decided that the other count of setting fire to a dwelling house will be taken together. In relation to the charge of manslaughter, the judge said he was beginning with 30 years. From that he would deduct six years for the remorse shown, 9 years for the time he had been incarcerated and four years resulting from mitigation, leaving the prisoner to serve 11 years in prison. For the offence of setting fire to a dwelling house, the accused was sentenced to 10 years and the judge ordered that the two sentences run concurrently. The accused will therefore serve only 11 years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

ACIC celebrates its national awardee status – programme also slated as Muslim Community’s welcome to new Government

THE Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), Guyana’s leading Islamic centre and hub for international cooperation between the Muslims of Guyana and the rest of the world, will host a special Shukrana (thanksgiving) programme today, from 18:30 hrs at the Complex to celebrate its recent induction into the list of National Awardees of Guyana. The Complex, which is also the centre of Sunni Islam in Guyana, is the venue of more than eighty per cent of the national Muslim pro-

grammes in Guyana, and is headquarters of several organisations and institutions, both local and overseas. In keeping with a tradition of the Muslim community, the programme will also serve as the Muslim community’s official welcome for the new Government. The Complex received Guyana’s fourth highest national award in the order of service – The Golden Arrow of Achievement -- for its outstanding and consistent promotion and execution of programmes and activities within the Muslim commu-

nity, as well as the wider Guyanese community. The announcement of the Award was made at Guyana’s Independence Day Celebrations at the National Stadium for the inauguration of His Excellency President David Granger. ACIC is the first Muslim organisation in the history of this country to have been recognised as such, and to be conferred with a National Award. Leaders of the Guyanese Muslim community, as well as representatives of several Muslim organisations

overseas, are expected to be present at the programme. Members of the Government, Opposition, civil society and the religious community have also been invited. All Guyana, especially ACIC’s members and affiliated organisations across the world, were elated at the announcement of the National Award to ACIC, which was credited by President General of ACIC, Hakeem Khan, to the hard work and dedication of all the members and supporters of ACIC, who tirelessly support his administration in the execution of the numerous programmes and activities at this Complex, recognised as the leading Muslim centre in Guyana. ACIC has been in existence for over 75 years, and has on its membership

many non-Muslims and even pastors and pandits. It continuously works to create a society which recognises that all people are born equal, with equal entitlement to the amenities of life, liberty, prosperity, human rights and good governance; and stands closely with the forces of inclusion in our country and vigorously opposes the forces

that seek to impose racial and religious insecurities. The Complex subscribes to the underlying belief that all religions pursue the same goals – that of promoting human goodness and values with the aim of bringing happiness to all mankind. Though the means may appear different, the ends are the same.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

M&CC urges business community to join in restoring Georgetown

Mayor Hamilton Green (Centre) addresses members of the business community and other officials

IN an effort to restore Georgetown to its former glory, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has called on the business community to come out and lend a helping hand as they embark on a massive clean-up initiative. During a meeting with members of the business community at City Hall, Georgetown’s Mayor Hamilton Green issued the call and posed the challenge that by “Christmas 2015, Georgetown can be seen as the golden city of the Caribbean, if we all work together to restore the glory to the Garden City.” Highlighting the importance of a clean environment, the mayor disclosed that it is important for the city of Georgetown to be cleaned so as to prevent flooding, attract more tourists, and make citizens feel comfortable in a clean and healthy society. However, in order to do this, he emphasised that persons in the business community must come together and lend a helping hand to the M&CC, by first cleaning their surroundings and working along with persons in the community to promote cleanliness. The blockage of drains and proper garbage disposal will be matters that are thoroughly addressed by the M&CC, and strict measures will be set in place so that litter bugs would be penalised and persons would learn from that example. That apart, “the main drainage canals will be cleared so as to reduce

Scotiabank Guyana Marketing Manager, Jennifer Cipriani, hands over one of the tools to Mayor Green

flooding as much as possible,” said Mayor Green. The mayor also lauded businesses and communities who have already embarked on cleaning initiatives themselves, assuring them that the M&CC will render assistance so as to help them in whatever way possible as they move forward. As they embark on this “cleaning crusade,” the mayor disclosed that vendors will be approached, and those who practise illegal vending will be kindly asked to relocate, so that order can prevail. He also made it clear that no one will be exempted from the laws, reiterating that they will be strict in getting the city clean and also maintaining the cleanliness of the environment.

Meanwhile, persons from the business community and also other concerned citizens used the opportunity to propose ways in which they believe the garbage situation in Georgetown could be addressed. Persons for example called on the M&CC to provide more equipment to persons who are engaged in the current cleaning initiative; while some proposed that there should be community outreaches and formation of groups, so as to sensitise persons of the importance of a clean and healthy environment. Scotiabank Guyana was one step ahead as they yesterday donated a number of tools to the M&CC, as part of their contribution to cleaning up the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Amnesty for unlicensed guns imminent – Public Security Minister CITIZENS on Thursday were urged to “gear up” for an amnesty, which is aimed at getting unlicensed guns off the streets to the police, says Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. He told reporters on Thursday at his Lot 10 Brickdam office that the initiative will take place during the first 100 days of the new Government, and will be executed simultaneously with public

education on the issue. Ramjattan said the input of the commissioner of police on the matter is pertinent and his return from an overseas training course is being awaited before the gun amnesty period is implemented. He stated that the issue may very well require the input of experts to decide on the feasibility of this initiative, pointing to the difference in the Guyanese culture. Ramjattan said, “Our

country may have a different culture and we will have to decide how they are going to hand in the guns.” The minister added that some people may seek incentives for handing in weapons, but whether this will be done, or whether citizens should be urged to submit their guns or face stiffer penalties if they fail to utilise the amnesty period, will have to be considered. He said, “All of that is part and parcel of my projected plans for the next couple of months… but indeed we

are going to grant an amnesty so they can start their collection and bring it to the nearest police station.” Ramjattan stated that so far he has not reviewed the policy pertaining to the granting of licences which would have been under the previous administration, but he has requested the information from the relevant staffers. He explained that he is, however, moving towards removing the ministerial role in the granting of gun licences and handing it over to technocrats. During the

previous administration, a recommendation had been made by the police commissioner, but then Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee had established a Firearms Licensing Approval Board that had the final say. Ramjattan said, “I would like more technocrats inside of here doing that rather than the minister. And I would want to see that being drifted away. I want to concern myself with policy matters rather than going through gun licence applications, and all the other documentation. That is not a ministerial function. Ministerial functions are largely to do with policies and so we get the technocrat

people to grant the licences.” He told reporters on Thursday that similarly, technocrats will deal with other matters such as work permits and visa applications. Ramjattan said, “The former Administration had a minister that literally went through every single one and dealt directly with some of these applicants rather than get a set of people to do the work at the administrative level.” He noted that the gunlicensing board which was developed under the former regime will also be reviewed, as he looks to clean up the operations of current systems.

Gov’t to build houses in cohesive communities

– Minister begins Public Day next Wednesday THE Ministry of Communities is working towards constructing approximately 4,000 houses in cohesive communities over the next five years that would benefit over 4,000 households, and therefore more than 16,000 persons. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, is working assiduously with his staff to “Renew the Dream” that will enable Guyanese to access improved community life. The ministry is in the process of refining the strategy that would see the implementation of a holistic plan to provide for the shelter and social needs of the nation. The houses will be built as part of cohesive communities, where there will be emphasis on the provision of social infrastructure and

other amenities, in addition to the regular services such as electricity, roads and water distribution networks. The idea of cohesive communities is to ensure that the shelter and other needs of households are met, in an effort to address issues such as availability of daycare facilities, functioning playgrounds, proximity to jobs, schools and other amenities that are consistent with improved quality of life in communities. In addition to this drive to house families and other eligible persons, house lot distribution will continue for persons who wish to build their houses. Minister Scott will be available to meet the public (Public Days), every Wednesday, commencing Wednesday June, 10, between 09:00hrs and 11:30hrs

Saturday, June 6, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, June 7, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Monday, June 8, 2015 - 09:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

‘Cold cases’ to be re-opened

– if new evidence, adequate information surfaces – Public Security Minister MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, on Thursday told reporters that some execution-style killings that are cold cases will be re-opened once new evidence or sufficient information surfaces. He added that those cold cases will be re-visited once there is new evidence, or there is good reason to go forward with them and having stored them in the cold storage as it were, generally

requires some good reason why they must be re-opened. With that in mind, he added that there must be a basis for re-opening of cases to take place: is there any new witness coming forward? Or is there new information that something suspicious went wrong to cause a re-opening? Ramjattan told reporters that with the advent of newer technology, including DNA testing, that would

Digicel re-launches ‘my Digicel’ app with extras, brand new look, feel – exclusive offers available In-App and It’s Free To Use! DIGICEL yesterday unveiled its new-look My Digicel App that boasts dozens of cool, new features such as managing your Digicel account, access to social media newsfeeds and a customer feedback portal – making it the go-to place for all things Digicel. In addition, the app is free to use, meaning customers are not using a single MB of their data to access the information and content available on the app. The newly designed app introduces a user-friendly interface that comes with a whole host of new features such as allowing customers to send top-ups to any Digicel phone, locally or internationally, view account information, opt in and out of plans and see the latest promotions and offers – all of which are available 24-hours a day, free of charge to customers. The app also includes social media feeds, so that customers can connect with Digicel through Twitter and Facebook and take advantage of exclusive offers that are available only through the app. Digicel Group Chief Commercial Officer, Claudio Hidalgo, said; “We are excited to be introducing our newly designed My Digicel App that makes it easier for customers to access all of our services free of cost at any time, using their smartphones. The new app boasts all the great features that customers have come to know and love, as well as a host of new ones such as sending credit to friends and family at home and abroad, and accessing Digicel’s social media newsfeeds for the latest updates.” “We wanted to create one place where our customers could access all things – from sending and receiving top-ups, to activating plans, accessing special offers and getting the latest news - the new My Digicel App does just that. The app also includes a feedback feature where customers can share their views on the app and its functionalities, so that we can work to improve it on an ongoing basis,” concluded Hidalgo.

have caused differences of opinions to be had for a re-opening; and so there are some cases that might be reopened, but not necessarily all, but there would have to have good grounds for doing that. He said, “The public out there, if you have any information for any cold cases to come forward in this new dispensation, but don’t

come with anything manufactured.” The minister stated that he will be dealing with core police functions and policies. INCREASED SECURITY AT MINISTRIES Following the swearing in of President David Granger, there has been increased security at all ministries and more so, since the arson at-

tempt a day after a forensic audit was ordered by new minister Ronald Bulkan at the Ministry of Communities, the former Local Government ministry. There has been some increase in some areas, as well; the police have given the assurance that there has been a beefing up of security arrangements in most ministries, Ramjattan said on

Thursday. On Wednesday, fire was deliberately set in the accounts department of the ministry when someone filled two office chairs with pieces of cloth laced with an accelerant (kerosene) and started a blaze which was observed by staffers. The Guyana Fire Service was summoned and a conflagration was averted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

President Granger stresses team spirit, professionalism – as he addresses GDF recruits at Tacama

MEMBERS of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) newest batch of recruits are being urged to uphold a high level of professionalism at all times as they serve their country and its people. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier Ret’d David Granger, made the call as he addressed the new soldiers yesterday at their passing out ceremony at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama, Upper Berbice River. In his charge to the newest members of the army, the Commander-in-Chief first lauded them for making the choice to join such a noble profession. Describing the Basic Recruit Course 2015/01 as one which is “physically demanding”, the Head of State added that it was also

professionally edifying, politically enlightening, and occupationally satisfying, and the lessons learnt should last them a lifetime. Citing the Colonel John Clarke Military School, as the gateway for the 270 new soldiers’ profession, President Granger reminded them that they were all called upon to serve with dignity as they uphold the five core values of soldiering. The President alluded to his book, “The Values and Standards of the GDF”, published some five years ago, stating that it outlines the core values, including, duty, discipline, identity, integrity and loyalty. Other key areas covered in the hand book include the five core standards by which an army rank’s conduct will be measured. These are the standards of responsibility, of respect

for law, respect for others, particularly other citizens and the vulnerable, the standard of correct conduct, and the standard or appropriate social behaviour. “This little green book is your catechism; it summarises the principles of this important profession and it was designed to fit into your left side breast pocket…it’s a pocket book and it should stay with you throughout your professional career.” More importantly, the ranks were reminded that in taking their oath to serve, they were doing so for service to their country and not to self, their community, or family. The Commander-in-Chief told the soldiers that in serving the nation, they must remember at all times that it is a collective effort, as being a soldier is not like being a “lone ranger.”

“That is why your team spirit is most important, that is why when you break the values, when you desecrate the standards of the GDF, that code of conduct, that team spirit, will be shattered, that is when you become a lone ranger.” While acknowledging the fact that human beings do make mistakes, the Commander-in -Chief said it is for this reason that attitudes, beliefs, education and conduct should matter. “So your profession of arms as soldiers will be determined to a great extent by your values and standards, attitudes and beliefs.” Emphasis was also placed on moral forces and intelligence, both of which are basic requirements for the GDF. Intelligence, the Head of State said, must be a watch word for every soldier, as each rank should at all times seek to

acquire knowledge and skills, and to strengthen his/her capacity to learn and reason. The newest members of the GDF, who have taken the oath of service, were also reminded of the importance of being industrious. “Military service is meant to be tough, and only the tough can survive this course; you have to work hard, and another quality is your ability to endure, as this is not the place for quitters, but for those who demonstrate endurance.” Going forward, the Commander-in-Chief told the soldiers that it is his hope that they will elevate themselves education wise, as his administration is working towards making the state an educated one. “You must be the best you can be, and this is an opportunity to grasp the bounty of ed-

ucation … we want Guyana to be an educated nation, as there is no reason on earth you must be satisfied at being a private soldier … you must want to improve your status in life.” Encouraging the soldiers to become more educated, the Commander-in-Chief said the GDF is an excellent platform for many other professions. Meanwhile, President Granger also took time to present awards to those who completed the Basic Recruit Course with honours. Awards were given to Marvin Dodson for Best Fitness, Orandy Dawson for Best Drill, Ivor Daniels for Best Shot, and Jamal Johnson for Best Military Knowledge. The Best Graduating Student Prize went to Carl McKenzie, while the second prize for Best Graduating Student went to Quincy Fraser. (GINA)

President David Granger and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Mark Phillips, taking the salute from the 270 privates who recently completed the Basic Recruit 2015/01 Course

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

NAMILCO prepares for educative noodle training seminar CLOSE on the heels of a successful bakers’ seminar, the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO) is reading for an informative and educative noodle-training seminar aimed at sensitising on quality characteristics, noodle classification and formulas. The seminar, which is slated for July 2, 2015, will also see presentations on noodle-processing technology, new trends, troubleshooting, understanding flour variations and origin, and issues surrounding molding as well as energy-saving solutions. To make this venture beneficial and effective, the company has solicited the services of US-based specialists Dr. Gary Hou, and Macello Mirtey, who will also conduct visits to several local noodle factories on July 3 to assist in quality control and other related issues. The venue for the seminar will be announced later. Several entities have already been invit-

Guyanese ‘Kojo’ McPherson among CAFA Caribbean Film Project winners

UYANESE “Kojo” McPherson is among several winners in the Caribbean Film Academy (CAFA) 2015 screenwriting competition in the Caribbean Film project, according to an announcement from the project. “Kojo’s” winning entry was “Adero,” which portrays the

Dr. Gary Hou

ed to the seminar; sources at NAMILCO have however indicated that other interested persons or groups are welcome. Plans are afoot to invite representatives from several Chinese restaurants here in Guyana to effectively educate them on noodle usage, proper storage and preparation methods. Some of the entities highlighted for participation are Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd Lam’s Trading, Imam Bacchus entity, the Too Sweet facility, R.P Enterprise/Chin’s Chowmein, Mohammed Manufacturing (Peppy’s), Crown Chowmein, and Alisa Manufacturing.

tale of a man who seems to have everything, yet finds himself searching for purpose and his sense of self when a touch of “the mystic” (or mysticism) enters his life. The requirements for entering were: film brevity; inclusion of several cultural elements (locations, food, and music from the country), engaging, and formatted and structured to industry standards. Other countries from which entries came from emerging writers and filmmakers are: Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and from many different parts of the diaspora. In the end, the best three scripts were selected. The other winners are: 1. Klieon John, St. Kitts & Nevis, “Jeb”. His film explores a timid young girl’s love for a dashing but seemingly nonchalant painter; a love that drives her to desperation as she pays a visit to a shady obeah woman, whose real magic may not be supernatural at all. 2. Karen Chapman, diaspora – Canada, “Love and Longing.” Her film tells the story of a young couple, divided by race, finding each other again. The Caribbean Film Project expressed thanks the judges for the time they spent reading, discussing, and commenting on the scripts. The project also thanked all the collaborating partners, Groundation Grenada, ChantiMedia, The Audio Visual Association of Dominica, and SASOD Guyana. The new step is that each writer will be paired with a writing coach and be given about one month to improve and revise their scripts, to make them ready for production. Then they will all be invited to participate in a directing workshop, in preparation for production.

GDF ranks join in clean-up efforts AS part of World Environmental Day, approximately 60 ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday joined the clean-up efforts in the vicinity of Thomas and Lamaha Streets, all the way to Middle Street. World Environmental Day was celebrated under the theme “Seven Billion DreamsOne Planet Consume with Care”. According to Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thomas, as part of World Environmental Day, the GDF agreed to make its own contribution to the clean-up that is taking place across the country. “There is a big clean-up campaign that is going on around the city and the GDF just want to be a part of that drive… we have decided today, as World Environmental Day, to come out and do our part,” he said. Over the past few weeks, local businesses and community members joined in a massive clean-up effort in Georgetown, with the aim of restoring Georgetown to its former beauty. (GINA)

A rank dumping waste onto a tractor for disposal

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Political appointees sent on leave to facilitate investigation –Bulkan

-investigation will determine their ‘integrity’ and ‘credibility’ By Ravin Singh AMIDST controversy surrounding several local government officials being requested to proceed on leave during

the transition period for the newly appointed government, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan has revealed that these requests were made to political appointees in an

attempt to facilitate investigations. The minister made this disclosure yesterday in an interview with this publication, as he explained that those persons who

were asked to proceed on leave since the newly appointed government assumed office were political appointees of the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan As such, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, adopted a position to investigate the “credibility” and “integrity” of these political appointees. But to facilitate these investigations, the minister noted that persons were requested to proceed on leave. “These investigations must be unhindered and unimpeded,” Bulkan asserted yesterday. He further added that those who were asked to proceed on leave were not “independent” persons and should have done the right thing by submitting their resignations, given that their appointments were politically motivated. Only recently, several local government officials who worked under the purview of the Local Government Ministry, now known as the Ministry of Communities, were sent on administrative leave with no reason being cited in their respective letters. Among those who were asked to proceed on leave were Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Mohamed Arjune and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Claire Singh, both of Region nine (9) - Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo. While Arjune was reluctant to speak with this publication a few days ago, when contacted, Singh explained that she was due for leave but did not request the 42 days leave package which was imposed on her through a letter issued by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry, Abina Moore, on Monday last. Singh detailed that the 42 days leave package forced her to proceed on leave on Tuesday June 2, and will expire on July 13 after which she is unsure as to whether she will be reinstated. Additionally, the REO added that no reason was cited in the letter, explaining why she was being sent on administrative leave which she did not request. “No reason was given in the letter why I should proceed on leave,” Singh noted. When pressed further for reasons as to why the ministry would request her to proceed on leave, she noted that to her knowledge, there is no reason why she should have been

asked to go on leave. In this regard, the REO continued that she worked under the People’s Progressive Part/Civic (PPP/C) regime and she is now willing to work under a new administration, but is surprised at the manner in which things were done. “For a government of national unity, I don’t see this as unity; asking someone to leave when they did not request it,” Singh contended. She also disclosed that she was replaced by APNU+AFC campaigner Carl Parker, who is also an APNU councillor on the present Regional Democratic Council (RDC). When contacted for a comment by this publication earlier this week to query why the leave request was made to Singh and under what circumstances the request was made, Moore or someone posing as her was reluctant to even take the phone call, offering that “it is the wrong number.” A second attempt to contact Moore was again greeted with “wrong number” even before a request was made to speak to someone. Meanwhile, both Permanent Secretaries (PS) of the Ministry of Local Government now known as the Ministry of Communities, and the Amerindian Affairs Ministry were sent home recently. While the details surrounding the sending home of the permanent secretaries are unclear, the two men, Colin Croal of the Local Government Ministry and Nigel Dharamlall of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry have been reluctant to comment on the issue. Both Croal and Dharamlall participated in the PPP/C’s campaign and had resigned but withdrew their resignations shortly before the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition was declared winner. But Minister Bulkan, when questioned on the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Croal, replied that, “you cannot serve two masters at once.” The minister further explained that this was made clear to Croal who formed part of the PPP’s campaign team in the general and regional elections, which was a clear violation of the public service rules. As a result of this, Bulkan posited that, “You cannot serve two masters at once, and this was what Mr. Croal was doing… it was a breach of the public service rules and this was why he was asked to proceed on leave.” These events unfold at a time when the President David Granger administration has announced that there will be no “witch-hunting” and “victimization” of staff who worked under the previous administration.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

PM Nagamootoo... From Backpage

ments, CONCACAF decided that the first three rounds will be played as knockout rounds, with both the fourth round and the final round (referred to as ‘The Hexagonal’) played as group stages. The team’s captain presented the Prime Minister with an official player’s jer-

sey with a special message. “We want to welcome you to our team. The number 15 was chosen to represent the year you were voted into office. Welcome.” Nurse said. Prime Minister Nagamootoo was pleasantly surprised, and told the contingent that “you can depend on me and my team for the support. Sports is one of the tools used to bring people together and football, as much as what’s going on at present, it can unite a nation and that’s what we want right now; everyone together.” Minister Henry wished the team a successful run in their attempt to create history and said that she’s “looking forward to the home game next week and we will be in attendance to cheer you on”. The team’s ‘skipper’ told the gathering in the Prime Minister’s office, “I promise that we’ll put our best foot forward; play with heart,

passion and desire and everything that’s required of players when they’re representing their country.” The result of the game at the end of the day will be in God’s hands but we will go out there and play our best.” Meanwhile, Urling, the GFF’s Normalisation Committee Chairman spoke of the prospects of having the Golden Jaguars and other national teams of the Federation become Sports ambassadors; something Minister Henry fully supports and pledged her Ministry’s willingness to work together with the GFF to bring the idea to reality. “The Normalisation Committee looks forward to working closely with government towards the development of football,” Urling said in the meeting with Prime Minister Nagamootoo who responded in the affirmative and asked that a proposal be made.

Tips English Greyville Musselburgh 08:35 hrs Jet Air 08:10 hrs Song Of 09:10 hrs Norway Hammie’s Hooker 08:40 hrs Echo Of 09:45 hrs Futura Lightning 10:25 hrs Helderberg 09:15 hrs Richter Scale 11:00 hrs Tip Toe 09:50 hrs Third Time Lucky Irish Racing Tips 10:25 hrs Yorkidding Limerick 11:00 hrs Sur Empire 12:45 hrs New 11:55 hrs Love Kid In Town Marmalade 13:20 hrs Honourable 12:25 hrs Distant Pass Emperor 13:50 hrs Farriers Gold Doncaster 14:20 hrs Star Counsel 08:55 hrs Hillside Dream 14:50 hrs Shadow Catcher 09:30 hrs Braes Of 15:20 hrs Baby Whizz Lochalsh 15:50 hrs Avichi 10:05 hrs I’m Harry 10:40 hrs Subcontinent American Racing Tips 11:15 hrs Foolaad Belmont 12:10 hrs Khelman Race 1 Stanford 12:40 hrs Spryt Race 2 Wisecracker Race 3 Competitive Edge Epsom Downs Race 4 Mosler 09:00 hrs Dutch Uncle Race 5 Untapable 09:35 hrs Buratino Race 6 Effinex 10:10 hrs Flintshire Race 7 Shook Up 10:45 hrs Caspian Prince Race 8 Ball Dancing 11:30 hrs Jack Hobbs Race 9 Tonalist 12:15 hrs War Singer Race10 Twilight Eclipse 12:50 hrs Ashpan Sam Race11 American Pharoah South Africa Racing

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Warriors beat Cavs in Game One OT thriller

(REUTERS) - The Golden State Warriors, led by the league’s Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry, drew first blood in the best-of-seven NBA Finals with a thrilling 108-100 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One on Thursday. Curry put the Warriors ahead at 102-98 in extra time with two pairs of free throws before Harrison Barnes made it 105-98 with a three-pointer at a raucous Oracle Arena in Oakland, and there was no way back from there for Cleveland. “ We w e re a b l e t o scrap tonight,” Curry said courtside after the Warriors outscored the Cavaliers in shooting from the field by 44.3 percent to 41.5 with five of their players getting into double digits. “The three-pointer in the corner (by Barnes) opened the game up and they scored just two points in overtime, that’s huge.”

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates a scoring play during a time-out against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the overtime period in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

The score was tied at 98-98 with 31.9 seconds left in regulation before Curry was denied a layup

by a superb block from behind by Kyrie Irving, then LeBron James missed a jump shot for the Cava-

liers with only 3.6 seconds remaining. Curry had a teamhigh 26 points on 10-of-20

Serena favourite to cough up third French title PARIS, France (REUTERS) - Serena Williams is the overwhelming favourite to win her third French Open today but after a tournament of surprises and an untimely bout of illness for the American, Czech Lucie Safarova will sense a rare opportunity. World number one Williams, 33, could not practise yesterday, still suffering from an illness that left her coughing and spluttering during her three-set semi-final win over Swiss Timea Bacsinszky. Thirteenth seed Safarova, meanwhile, warmed up for the biggest day of her career by winning the women’s doubles title alongside American partner

Serena Williams

Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Williams has laboured to the final, losing the first set in four of her six matches against opponents with an average world-ranking of 67. Yet in a tournament where high seeds were scattered liberally by the Paris winds, she survived, showing the hunger to add to her 19 career grand slam

singles titles is insatiable. Safarova, on the other hand, arrived in her maiden grand slam final without dropping a solitary set and her six opponents, including defending champion Maria Sharapova in the fourth round, had average rankings of 24. That is where the good news ends, though, for the 28-year-old Czech whose six career titles are dwarfed by the 66 belonging to the woman who will be on the other side of the net today. She has lost all eight previous meetings with Williams, 16 of the 19 sets they have contested and the last time they met in a final, three years ago in Charleston, she lost 6-0, 6-1. “It’s first time for me, so it’s kind of new,” Sa-

farova told reporters. “I mean, Serena is number one in the world, a great player. I will just go there and play my game and obviously try to get the trophy.” The outcome, as it usually is when Williams is playing, will largely be decided by her racquet. If the American is fit and firing, it is hard to see left-hander Safarova being able to cope with her power and the occasion simultaneously. Williams, winner in Paris in 2002 and 2013, not only has another French Open crown to win, she also has Steffi Graf’s professional era record of 22 grand slam titles within reach. Should she win today she would be only two behind and with Wimbledon and the U.S. Open to come -- a calendar year slam would start to look a distinct possibility.

shooting while James weighed in with 44, his most ever in a Finals game, in a losing cause as the Cavaliers were outscored 10-2 in overtime. Asked how his team had coped with the offensive threat posed by James, who is back in the NBA Finals for a fifth consecutive year, Curry replied: “These guys stick to the game plan. We know what he is about and what he’s capable of. “Our guys guarded him all night and made it tough on him. This is a long series.” James also added eight rebounds and six assists while big centre Timofey Mozgov contributed 16 points for Cleveland. Adding further concern for Cleveland, however, was the sight of their inspirational All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving limping off the court during overtime after an awkward fall. Irving had been in dazzling form for his team

at both ends of the court with 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals. With James sparking the offence and Tristan Thompson spearheading a stifling defense, the Cavaliers initially outshot the Warriors from the floor and they streaked 14 points in front before ending the first quarter with a 2919 lead. Marreese Speights, off the bench, and Curry, who poured in a couple of threes, inspired a stirring fightback in the second quarter as Golden State twice moved five points ahead before Cleveland took a slender 51-48 advantage into halftime. A running bank shot by Irving early in the third gave the Cavaliers a seven-point cushion but the Warriors, roared on by increasingly vocal fans, clawed back to end the quarter tied at 73-73, and set up a gripping finale. Game Two is tomorrow in Oakland.

Craig Kieswetter forced to retire FORMER England international Craig Kieswetter has retired from cricket after failing to recover from a serious eye injury sustained last summer, his club Somerset said yesterday.. “After been given the opportunity to take some time off and step away from the game, I’ve come to the decision that wasn’t the easiest to make, yet I feel is the right one,” Kieswetter, 27, said on Somerset’s website. “Having gone through that experience of my eye injury and everything it entailed, I feel mentally I will never again be the player that I was.” Kieswetter broke his nose and damaged his eye socket and cheekbone last July when a ball went through his protective grill while batting for Somerset against Northamptonshire. He returned to action

Former England player Craig Kieswetter last September but realised his vision was still impaired. South Africa-born Kieswetter made his first-class debut for Somerset in 2007 and was given clearance to play for England in 2010, going on to play 46 one-day internationals and 25 in the T20 format, keeping wicket and often opening the batting. Kieswetter was also part of England’s Twenty20 World Cup winning squad in the West Indies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Women’s World Cup 2015 can restore football’s credibility By Alistair Magowan BBC Sport in Moncton, Canada THE Women’s World Cup can restore football’s credibility after a week of scandal at FIFA, say organisers. Hosts Canada kick off the event against China today four days after FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he would resign amid corruption allegations. Canadian Soccer Association’s Victor Montagliani said: “Women’s football is a pure form of football. “It can shine light onto the dark clouds hanging over the game, which has lost some of its moral compass.” CSA president Montagliani said the Women’s World Cup would not be damaged

Victor Montagliani, head of the Canadian Soccer Association, has said there were “absolutely” no bribes in their World Cup bid. despite events at FIFA over the last 10 days The tournament is expanding to 24 teams for the first time and 920 000 tickets have already been sold.

On Tuesday, Blatter, 79, announced he would resign despite his re-election four days previously. It came after seven top FIFA officials were arrested

as part of a United States investigation into bribes and corruption at world football’s governing body. Since then it has been reported Blatter is being inves-

Djokovic-Murray kept hanging for final date with Wawrinka By Pritha Sarkar PARIS, France (Reuters) Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s French Open final hopes were on a knife edge yesterday after a thunderstorm left the pair facing an uneasy night wondering who will face Swiss Stan Wawrinka in tomorrow’s showpiece contest. A battle between the Serbian and British heavyweights had promised much, got off to bit of a false start but was then building towards a rousing finale when an approaching storm brought a halt to proceedings at Roland Garros. The duo were sent scuttling back into the locker room with world number one Djokovic leading 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 3-3. One man who will not be feeling sorry for them is eighth seed Wawrinka. The 30-year-old will be delighted to get a whole day’s rest after he outlasted home hope Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-7(1), 7-6(3), 6-4 in a gruelling three-hour 46-minute tussle under blazing sunshine with the mercury hitting 33 degrees Celsius. The suffocating heat even left the players dazed and

Stan Wawrinka confused midway the fourth set, with Tsonga slumping on his seat after four games when there should have been no break or changeover. Chants of “Tson-ga, Tson-ga, Tson-ga” failed to rouse the crowd favourite who was bidding to become the first Frenchman to reach the final since Henri Leconte in 1988. UNRETURNABLE SERVE Wawrinka, clearly able to deal with the intense heat better, fired an un-returnable serve to complete a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes. A year after losing in the first round, the Swiss will play for the ultimate prize in claycourt tennis. “Today it was a tough

battle. Jo is always a tough player to play, especially when he’s playing at home here in Paris,” said Wawrinka, who saved 16 of the 17 break points he faced. “The match could have gone his way also when he had so many chances to take advantage in the third set. “Really happy and proud of the way I stayed mentally. When I play my best, I know I can beat all the players.” Wawrinka has already proved he can by overcoming Rafa Nadal to win the 2014 Australian Open and trumping 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals here. All that remains is to see which of the remaining members of the Big Four the Swiss will face in the final. MURRAY FIGHTBACK For the first 90 minutes of the Djokovic-Murray semi-final, that man had looked to be the Serbian world number one. When 2013 Wimbledon champion Murray surrendered the second set with a smash that was so wild and so long, he might as well have been aiming for the Eiffel Tower 5km away.

But just when it seemed Djokovic was on the verge of wrapping up his 18th successive set at this year’s championships, with the third set locked at 5-5, Murray brought the 15 000 spectators to their feet. He skidded in from the baseline to retrieve a drop shot and then ran back to the baseline to whack a blazing passing shot winner off a Djokovic lob. That provided the spark the British third seed needed to ignite his floundering game and he duly scorched Djokovic by breaking him with another passing shot that the Serb misfired vertically into the air. A backhand service returned long from Djokovic meant that at 19:49hrs local time, the Serb, who beat ninetime champion Nadal two days ago, lost his first set at Roland Garros in 2015. Both men will return at 1100 GMT (1200 BST) today to complete an intriguing battle that will either keep alive Djokovic’s dream of becoming the eighth man to secure a career grand slam or make Murray the first British man to reach the Paris final since Bunny Austin in 1937.

tigated by the FBI with FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke also denying he had made improper payments of up to $10M. Valcke has already said he will be absent from the Women’s World Cup opening ceremony today. FIFA officials also said at an opening news conference on Thursday that Blatter’s attendance at the World Cup final in Vancouver on July 5 was still to be confirmed. The tournament will be the biggest Women’s World Cup yet, with prize money increased to $50M (£32.8M), up by 50% since the World Cup in Germany four years

ago. But FIFA officials could not confirm whether the money spent on hospitality for FIFA executives during the tournament would eclipse that figure. Montagliani also rejected suggestions that organisers were paid bribes to stage the tournament after similar allegations about the 2018 and 2022 Men’s World Cups. “We were the only country that bid,” he said. “There were other countries that were interested, but we were the only country that was standing.” (BBC Sport)

Neymar hopes to make an impact in ‘dream final’ By Iain Rogers

BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - When Barcelona thrashed Santos 4-0 in the Club World Cup final in Japan in 2011, then-Santos forward Neymar admitted the Brazilians had been taught a humbling foot-balling lesson. Now a key part of the Barca team and on the eve of a Champions League final, Neymar says he is hoping to use what he learned that day in Yokohama, and what he has learned since joining the Catalan giants in 2013, to help fire them to victory against Juventus in Berlin today. The 23-year-old has helped drive Barca to the brink of a treble of titles with 38 goals in all competitions, including nine in the Champions League. With the La Liga and King’s Cup trophies already safely in the display cabinet, he will line up with fellow South Americans Lionel Messi at the Olympic Stadium with the formidable trio hoping to add to their Spanish record tally of 120 goals between them this term. “I learned a lot that day in Japan and I am learning a lot more now playing with these stars every day,” Neymar told a news conference yesterday. “To play this final is a dream I had as a child,” added the Brazil captain. “I have been dreaming of this for six, seven years and now the moment has come. I hope to live the dream that is to win the Champions League.” While the focus this season has inevitably been on Barca’s forward line, their defence have also played their part. They conceded a mere 21 goals in their 38 La Liga matches, six in winning the King’s Cup and 10 on the way to the Champions League final. Spain international Gerard Pique has been central to that success and has appeared close to his best again in the heart of the back line after a poor season in 2013-14 when Barca failed to win major silverware for the first time in six years. “Generally people talk just about the defenders and the keeper but defence is about the whole team,” Pique told yesterday’s news conference. “If the other players don’t run and pressure it’s impossible for us at the back,” he added. “I think we have that this year, the numbers show that. We have been really, really good in defence the whole season and that was one of the reasons we won the league and the Cup and I hope we can win the Champions League too.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

Windies batting collapse hands Aussies nine-wicket ... From Backpage target in just five overs. His dismissal, caught at first slip by Bravo off Taylor, was purely academic as Steve Smith arrived to gather the winning runs, working the same bowler into the onside for a single to give the Aussies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. For the second time in the game, the Windies’ brittle batting was laid bare, though for the better part of two sessions, they took the fight to the Aussies through Samuels and Dowrich. The pair came together after Bravo, resuming the day on three, added just two runs before loosely driving Hazlewood up to mid-off where Warner dived to his right to complete a fine catch. Samuels and Dowrich then ensured the Aussies went without a wicket for the remainder of the session, as they pushed West Indies up to 97 for three at lunch. With the focus on rebuilding, neither batsman took undue risks and just four boundaries came in the session – two of these to Dowrich who twice pulled Smith’s part-time spin to the mid-wicket boundary in successive deliveries in the bowler’s first over. After lunch, the duo raised the tempo slightly as they looked to increase the scoring rate. Both attacked

Mitchell stark

Lyon, with Dowrich clearing the long-off ropes with the bowler in the sixth over after lunch and Samuels twice dancing down the wicket to collect a four and a six with straight hits, in the spinner’s next over. Samuels brought up his 22nd Test half-century, 50 minutes after lunch with a single off part-time spinner Adam Voges and Dowrich followed 20 minutes later, when he pulled Johnson to the mid-wicket ropes. Dowrich was looking increasingly likely to reach three figures when he got an ordinary delivery from Hazlewood and lazily clipped it to a closein mid-on, where Shane Watson snared the low offering, with tea beckoning. His dismissal set in train

a period of misery for the Windies. Jermaine Blackwood never suggested permanence with a couple of loose strokes before tea and he added only six to his teatime score, before falling for 12 in the seventh over after the interval.

WEST INDIES 1st innings 148 Australia 1st innings 318 WEST INDIES 2nd innings (o/n 25 for two) K. Brathwaite b Starc 15 S. Hope c Clarke b Johnson 2 D. Bravo c Warner b Hazlewood 5 S. Dowrich c Watson b Hazlewood 70 M. Samuels c Starc b Johnson 74 J. Blackwood stp. Haddin b Lyon 12 D. Ramdin b Lyon 3 J. Holder not out 12 J. Taylor lbw b Starc 0 D. Bishoo b Starc 1 S. Gabriel b Starc 0 Extras: (b-11, lb-10, w-1) 22

He came down to the fifth ball of Lyon’s 22nd over, was deceived in flight and failed to make his ground before Brad Haddin had him stumped. Two balls later in the next over, Samuels’ essayed an injudicious hook

Total: (all out, 86 overs) 216 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-21, 3-37, 4-181, 5-198, 6-198, 7-206, 8-206, 9-216. Bowling: Johnson 15-3-38-2 (w-1), Starc 18-7-28-4, Hazlewood 16-717-2, Lyon 24-7-67-2, Smith 2-0-160, Watson 7-3-6-0, Voges 2-0-15-0, Clarke 2-0-8-0. AUSTRALIA 2nd innings (target: 47 runs) S. Marsh not out 13 D. Warner c Bravo b Taylor 28 S. Smith not out 5 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (one wkt, 5 overs) 47 Fall of wicket: 1-42. Bowling: Taylor 3-0-22-1, Gabriel 2-0-25-0 (nb-1).

Swiss authorities say seized documents from sports agency in FIFA probe ZURICH, (Reuters)-Swiss authorities said yesterday they seized documents from a defunct sports rights marketing agency roughly 50 kilometres east of Zurich on the same day as they seized data and documents at FIFA linked to the allocation of the next two World Cups. Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said it undertook a “collec-

tion of evidence on cooperative basis” of sports rights agency Kentaro, based in the Swiss town of Wil. “Kentaro gave the attorney general’s office relevant documents as part of a collection of evidence on a cooperative basis on May 27 for our investigation,” said a spokeswoman for the Berne-based authority which is leading the probe into football’s global gov-

erning body. A representative for Kentaro, which is listed in the Swiss commercial registry as having entered liquidation proceedings last year, could not be reached. Numbers listed for the firm in Wil and London were disconnected. The seizure happened the same day Swiss authorities said they had opened criminal proceedings on sus-

picion of mismanagement and money laundering over the decisions to stage the 2018 and 2022 FIFA football World Cups in Russia and Qatar. That was also the day U.S. prosecutors announced charges against 14 football officials and sports business figures in a separate corruption probe. The news was first reported by on the website of German daily Bild.

at a short one from Johnson, and only managed to a topedge a catch to Starc at deep backward square – a carbon copy of his first innings dismissal. With the innings in freefall, captain Denesh Ramdin did little to renew hope, dragging an innocuous delivery from Lyon onto his stumps for three, at 206 for seven. Taylor was a blatant lbw

casualty to Starc off the first ball he faced but Jason Holder, who was 12 not out at the end, freed his arms to gather two boundaries off the next over from Johnson. But the Aussies were in no mood for generosity and Starc finished off the innings clinically, bowling Devendra Bishoo (1) and Shannon Gabriel (0) off successive deliveries.

NOTABLE DATES

GUYANESE lightweight boxer Jeff Roberts lost his 10th professional fight when he received a second-round technical knockout (TKO) from Belgian Jean Marc Renard on June 6, 1987. The fight was held in Liege, Belgium and the result improved the European super featherweight champion’s record to 34 victories from 38 fights. Roberts, on the other hand, started a spiral decline after the contest in Belgium and never recorded another victory in the six ensuing bouts. On his return from Belgium, he tackled Michael Benjamin for the lightweight title of Guyana. The result was an entertaining event which ended with Benjamin being adjudged winner via a majority decision. On Boxing Day 1988 Roberts challenged Raul Frank and was TKOed in round five. He suffered knockouts in all of his last four fights and finally bowed out of the sport in 1992. Roberts started out as a bantamweight in 1980 and was crowned Guyana champion when he won a unanimous decision over Samuel Brutus. Based in the USA, Roberts ended a career of fluctuations with a record of six victories, 16 defeats and one draw. LIGHT heavyweight Dennis Andries warmed up for his Southern Area title with eight-round points decision over Bonny McKenzie on June 6, 1979 in Staffordshire. Andries took the Southern title in the next fight after knocking out Johnny Waldron in round 10. He started his professional career in 1978 at the age of 24, and had eight fights that year. By 1982 Andries had twice made unsuccessful bids for the British light heavyweight title. He finally grabbed the prize following a points-victory over Tom Collins on January 26, 1984. Andries was crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight champion on April 30, 1986. He dethroned champion J.B. Williamson of the USA via a split decision and made one successful defence. In his second attempt at defending the crown Andries faced Thomas `Hitman’ Hearns. In his usual no-nonsense style the `Hitman’ took aim and TKOed the Guyanese in round 10. Andries regained the WBC title twice and later moved up to the cruiserweight division. He halted competition in 1996 and other than `Vicious’ Vivian Harris, remains the only Guyanese world champion to never have fought at home.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

FIFA Crisis:

‘Ex-President Mbeki approved South Africa’s $10M’ SOUTH Africa’s Sports Minister says the decision to donate $10M (£6.5M) to FIFA to develop Caribbean football was approved by then President Thabo Mbeki. The payment, which South Africa denies was a bribe to secure the 2010 World Cup, is central to the FIFA scandal. The claim comes after a letter emerged that appears to show officials seeking an indirect route for the transfer. South Africa’s government said the letter did not contradict its statement that this was a legitimate payment. It says the cash was to fund the development of football for the African Di-

Former President Thabo Mbeki is said to have authorised a payment to FIFA that U.S. prosecutors say was a bribe. aspora in the Caribbean and that the reporting of the letter in South Africa’s Mail & Guardian was “regurgitation and sensation”. The letter was writ-

ten by then South Africa FA head Danny Jordaan three weeks before the first amount was paid in 2007. U.S. prosecutors say the money, which is a key plank

in the wide-ranging criminal inquiry that has engulfed world football’s governing body, was a bribe to FIFA officials. Seven top FIFA officials, including two vice-presidents, were arrested last week in Switzerland as they awaited FIFA’s congress. They were among 14 new indictments in the U.S. investigation, which alleges they accepted bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150M over a 24-year period. Four other people were charged earlier. One of them, ex-FIFA official Chuck Blazer, has pleaded guilty in the U.S. to taking bribes related to South Africa’s bid. Sports Minister Fikile

Mbulula’s confirmation that it was former President Thabo Mbeki who made the decision to donate $10M is not proof of a bribe. The South African government maintains it was a legitimate payment. But together with the leaked letter from Danny Jordaan, it does show the lengths the government appeared to go to not to be associated with the transfer of funds and that the top man in South Africa sanctioned the payment. All this begs the question: If it was an aboveboard donation to boost Caribbean football, why the accounting gymnastics?

Mr Mbeki has said in a statement that he was “not aware of anybody who solicited a bribe” in return for South Africa being awarded the right to host the 2010 World Cup. Mr Jordaan’s letter, dated three weeks before the first tranche of the $10M payment was made, sets out how the transfer was to be made - based on a promise - and honoured three years after South Africa won the right to host the tournament. The U.S. indictment revealed a conundrum faced by the South African government; that it was unable to arrange payment directly from government funds. (BBC Sport)

AAG National senior championships begin today at synthetic track facility THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) president Aubrey Hutson says keen competition can be expected when the 2015 National Senior Championships get under way today, even as he implored fans to come out to the event which will be the first to be held at the recently commissioned National Track and Field Centre in Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara. Though the AAG is still tallying the total number of athletes to perform at the two-day event, Hutson said intense rivalry will be expected from those already down to perform. “Off the 11 clubs registered, 10 of them will be sending athletes. Only the Region Nine club will not be

sending athletes. “We have the Police Progressive Youth club, and the GDF (Guyana Defence Force) club, which just came back from a successful run at the Hampton Games. We also have the athletes from the Running Brave so we expect keen competition.” Hutson said yesterday. “Some of the keen competition we can expect will be between Cassey George and Andrea Foster in the 1500m, then we have Kevin Bailey and Devon Barrington in the male 800m. In the 100m we have the GDF athlete Andel Perry, Lionel Mentis, who returned from Ecuador, and Police Progressive’s Tevin Garraway.” Hutson continued The event which was originally planned for the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday June 06, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to Thursday’s quiz: Australia, West Indies, India Richardson (9); Gomes (6); Chanderpaul (5); Kallicharran (4) Today’s Quiz: Who has taken the most Test wickets for the WI against Australia to date? How many? How many Test matches Australian Glen McGrath played against the WI? How many wickets he took? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

first weekend in May was postponed and pushed back due to the May 11 elections held last month. The event, which begins today from 12:00hrs and continues tomorrow beginning at the same time, will be the first official event to be held at the National Track and Field Centre since it was commissioned back in April by the-then President Donald Ramotar. This makes it Guyana’s

first local meet to be held on a synthetic track, at the facility. As such a lot of hype is on who will make the first to win senior championship medals on the new track, and Hutson is encouraging track and field fans everywhere to come out and bear witness. “The athletes are excited and they are looking forward to the competition; and we are excited and we really and truly want the athletes to come out,

and we want the fans to come out,” Hutson noted. In addition to vying for bragging rights for the next year, the athletes will also be contending for monetary prizes in every race - another first for the competition, Hutson said. A total of $20 000 will be up for grabs in each event, including field events and invitational events, with a total of 24 events set to play out in the two days.

The competition is open to athletes 16 years old and above, and as such, Hutson pointed out, for those athletes under the age of 20 years monetary prizes will only be dished out in the form of ‘AAG grants’ that is the athletes will receive the money only for educational and training expenses. As stipulated by the IAAF, the AAG cannot give money directly to junior athletes.

Guyana can run Women’s rugby in the Caribbean again By Stephan Sookram

AFTER a hiatus from the regional game due to funding, head coach of the Women’s Rugby Sevens team, Elwin Chase has indicated that the selected unit for the 2015 North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Caribbean Championships and Olympic Qualifiers has the potential to return Guyana to the helm of the sport. “I know with the right sets of funding, continuity in terms of funding, playing and every other important ingredient that we may need, Guyana can run women’s rugby in the Caribbean (again) and I always believe that. “I’m very confident, I always believe in them,” Chase said. He indicated that the weather has not been on the side of training and while

… says coach Elwin Chase the team is not up to the intended fitness level, they can still produce a good showing at the tournament. The coach knows they are going to be up against stiff competition but that does not change the mood in the camp which is currently jolly. President Greene acknowledged the amount of work in the space of time that the ladies have covered and was visibly impressed. “The women have answered the call and through the dedicated efforts of coach Elwin Chase, he has managed to mould the team which is a combination of experience and youth into something I would describe at this time as formidable and capable of being as good as they get.

Remember these women are three-time champions. Lack of finances has caused them to be sidelined unnecessarily. But this year should be the beginning of the new renewed interest in the women’s programme,’ Greene opined Even at this time, funding continues to be the problem on the distaff end of things and while the men will be comfortable, the ladies may be forced to cut corners. This, Greene explained, is due to the fact that a promise of G$4M (US$20 000) from the previous government has not been fulfilled. When quizzed, Greene said he had not met with the current administration to see if they can fulfil the promise

made but they will try to do such before the team departs on Monday morning. The team reads: Carrin Carter as captain, Collette Hope, Sabola Grey, Carren Skeete, Andrea Lashley, Tricia Munroe, Helen Jarvis, Alicia Blackman, Cloetta Dublin, Olana Reece, Alanna Fraser and Ashanti Carrington. Chase is the coach while Petal Adams is the team manager and Abiola Blair is the physiotherapist. The ladies are in Pool B with the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico while Pool A has the United States of America, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Barbados. The ladies open their tournament with a game against Trinidad and Tobago at the Koka Booth stadium before they play Mexico later and close off against the Bahamas.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 6, 2015

GOA holds successful meeting with Sport Minister … Sport Policy, appointment of RADO Official discussed

THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has described its meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Education with responsibility for Sport, Dr Rupert Roopnarine, as successful. Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, president of the GOA, K. Juman-Yassin said that the meeting yielded a lot of positives for the body. He said that topical in the discussion was the way forward for sport and greater cooperation moving for-

ward. Juman-Yassin said that he feels, based on the meeting that the new administration has the development of sport and various bodies at hand. He added too that the relationship shared between the Ministry and the GOA is poised for a better one than in the recent administration. Another topic of discussion was the appointment of a Regional Anti Doping Organisation (RADO) official to represent Guyana on the board.

Pan Am Qualifier

Guyanese boxers lose on opening night GUYANA’S quest for honours at the Pan Am Qualifier in Tijuana, Mexico, started on shaky ground last Thursday as both Dewani Lampkin and Delon Charles lost by 3-0 margins. Manager/coach Sebert Blake said yesterday that both boxers gave creditable performances and should be groomed for the future. Bantamweight Charles was the first to enter the ring but lost to Tafari Ebanks of Cayman Islands. Delon Charles’ fight was high intensity and he worked very hard. However, I think he was trying to get off too many punches which affected the maintenance of his balance. In my view Charles landed more punches,” Blake said. Eighteen-year-old lightweight Lampkin, the baby of the team, competed against a tough opponent in Kevin Luna of Guatemala, the coach reported. “He had points taken away during the fight but has shown much heart and that he is one

The GOA boss had indicated that the previous administration could not agree with the GOA to appoint a person to the board but now, the future seems bright. Another point of discussion was the appointment of a sport director and Juman-Yassin recommended that if the administration seeks to do such, then it should stay away from putting someone with political ideologies. The GOA members also used the meeting to raise the issue of the national sport policy, something that the previous administration has been pussy-footing on as well as to update the minister on some of the upcoming plans including the Pan American Games. The meeting was attended by GOA members Noel Adonis, Garfield Wiltshire, Dr Karen Pilgrim, Deion Nurse and Hector Edwards.

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnarine executives.

is flanked by GOA

Christopher Jones is the new Director of Sport Delon Charles’ for the future,” Blake opined. Junior welterweight Jason Phillips and middleweight Dennis Thomas were due to compete yesterday evening. Phillips was due to face Nelson Dian of Nicaragua while Thomas, Team Guyana’s most experienced member, was set to tackle Trinidadian Aaron Prince. The four boxers endured a two-week encampment at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis gym where they fine-tuned skills before departing for Mexico. Medal winners in Tijuana are automatic qualifiers for the Pan Am Games scheduled for next month in Canada.

SINCE 1993, Neil Kumar ruled supreme as Director of Sport at the National Sports Commission (NSC), but after the May 11 General and Regional elections that changed when his People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was voted out of office. Ideally, Kumar’s position is not one that is a political appointment, though his political affiliation came as a plus. Kumar will now be replaced by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Christopher Jones as Director of Sport. Though Chronicle failed at reaching

New Director of Sport Christopher Jones

the new Sport Director, Jones told local online news-outlet Inews Guyana, that the establishment of the long overdue Sports Policy is high on his agenda, since it will be a guide which his department will use during

this administration of the various disciplines in Guyana. “There is also an urgent need to establish relationships with many of those federations and associations that are out there because for reasons best known to the previous body, those relationships were strained or even absent,” Jones told Inews. “We’re doing some field visits to some of these locations now and there are a lot of upgrades of those facilities that need to be done.” Jones said as he spoke of the desperate attention that’s also needed in addressing the state of some of Guyana’s

premier facility. According to Jones, “a lot” of work is needed to lift the image of the sport sector in Guyana. It is not in its best state based on some documentation and interactions I had in the office.” As such, Jones plans to send some staff for overseas training as soon as possible in order to improve their skills and effectiveness. The Sports sector, he noted, will also place emphasis on its Public Relations Department, which he pointed out is almost nonexistent and in this regard, the NSC will officially launch its Facebook Page on June 10.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GOA holds successful meeting with Sport Minister See Story on Page 31

PM Nagamootoo becomes Honorary Member of Golden Jaguars

... urges the entire nation to ‘roar’ with the National team “LET’s get behind the Golden Jaguars” exclaimed an enthused Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo yesterday during a courtesy call made by the country’s Senior Men’s National football team at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency. Captain Christopher Nurse, Mathew Briggs, Vurlon Mills, Neil Danns and Anthony Whyte were the Golden Jaguars present while the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) team was headed by Chairman Clinton Urling, Tariq Williams and Eric Phillips, along with General Secretary Richard Groden and Director of Marketing and Communication Rawle Toney. Minister within the Min-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo flanked by representatives of the GFF and the Golden Jaguars at yesterday’s courtesy call. (Adrian Narine photos)

istry of Education with the responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry, and Director of Youth, Trevor Williams, were also present during the team’s visit. The Golden Jaguars will depart on Monday June 8 for St Vincent and Grenadines, where they will face the ‘Vincy Heat’ at the Arnos Vale Stadium from 15:30hrs on Wednesday June 10, to kick off their Russia 2018 World Cup aspiration. On Sunday June 14, the Golden Jaguars will play the return leg of the home-and-away formatted qualifier at the Guyana National Stadium. In a change from previous qualification tournaSee Page 26

Windies batting collapse hands Aussies nine-wicket win

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – Inept batting took the gloss off defiant half-centuries from Marlon Samuels and Shane Dowrich, and sent West Indies crashing to a chastening nine-wicket defeat inside three days in the opening Test against Australia here yesterday. Mounting an admirable fightback at 181 for three before tea after resuming the day on 25 for two, West Indies lost their last seven

wickets for 35 runs to be all out for 216, half-hour before the scheduled close at Windsor Park. Samuels top-scored with 74 and the debutant Dowrich got 70, in an excellent 144-run fourth-wicket stand which dug their side out of a hole after Darren Bravo perished for five in the sixth over of the morning to leave the hosts tottering on 37 for three. The right-handed Samuels faced 184 balls in just un-

der 4-1/4 hours at the crease and struck seven fours and a six while Dowrich, also a right-hander, carved out five fours and a six in an innings lasting 150 minutes and 185 deliveries. However, once Dowrich lost concentration and fell nine minutes before tea, West Indies suffered a rapid decline, collapsing from 189 for four at the break and leaving the Aussies with just 47 runs to get for victory.

Left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc captured four for 28 while pacer Josh Hazlewood (2-17), left-armer Mitchell Johnson (2-38) and off-spinner Nathan Lyon (267) picked up two wickets each. Big-hitting, left-hander David Warner promptly set about the Windies bowling with relish, smashMarlon Samuels who top-scored with 74 ing three fours and two sixand the debutant Shane Dowrich, 70, were es in 28 off 20 deliveries, to the only bright spots for the West Indies on propel the visitors to their the third day. (Photo by WICB Media/Randy See Page 29 Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

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SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015