2015 8 08

GUYANA No. 104275

SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2015

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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‘A Fresh Start’ for Guyana …Budget 2015 theme Page

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

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Finance Minister establishing strict accountability systems for travel allowances Page

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-raps Guyana Times for dishonest reporting

Delegation of 80 to represent Guyana at Carifesta XII Page

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-under the theme ‘Rights and Rhythms of Guyana’

‘Grey Boy’ 9 remanded for murder of ex-soldier Crum-Ewing Minister Trotman says BOSAI unrest 3 resolved Page

Regan Rodrigues, alias ‘Grey Boy’

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Carifesta at the Providence Stadium in Guyana

Minister Raphael Trotman

-praises staff for taking pay cut to assist other workers

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Finance Minister Winston Jordan

HE theme for the 2015 budget, which will be read on August 10th in the National Assembly

by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, is ‘A fresh start to the good life in a green economy’.

The minister made this declaration during an exclusive interview following a press conference at the ministry’s boardroom yesterday. He said, “Everybody aspires to a good life and …

Government spending has to be done in relation to that good life”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

‘A Fresh Start’ for Guyana …Budget 2015 theme

He added, “We are nowhere near accomplishing the good life and one of the reasons for that is because of the bad governance we have had over the past 23 years”. The new Administration, the minister said, is employing a “fresh approach” to management of the country’s resources, with the aim of setting up the framework for how Government will be approaching the governance of the economy over the next five years.

This new approach includes a focus on better governance, social cohesion,

building safer communities, linking the coastland with the hinterland, taking care of the environment, emphasising green technology, support for the implementation of environmentally friendly processes for the extractive sector and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund.

Minister Jordan said that Government’s aim is not only to ensure that

“the good life” is achieved, but also that all Guyanese are able to enjoy it in a clean and safe environment.

The budget will also address promises outlined in the APNU+AFC 100-Day Plan, which was disclosed in the run-up to the May 11 elections.

These include pension and salary increases.

Suspect in Montrose granny murder provides alibi LEON PAUL, the man detained by the police in connection with the murder of 76-year-old Carmen Ganesh since earlier this week, has now given police investigators an alibi, detailing where he was at the time the woman was being murdered.

Up to late yesterday, the police were in the process of verifying the information provided by the young man, to ensure that he does not try to mislead them.

This was confirmed by the Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendel Blanhum, on Thursday morning.

The crime chief confirmed that the businessman who was picked up earlier in the week has also been released on bail, and is currently still assisting police in their investigations.

Blanhum would, however, not disclose any information on whether the businessman had been familiar with the other suspect who remains in police custody.

The police are said to be looking for another person who, according to Blanhum, might fit the video image, since many persons have been calling the CID headquarters and other police

stations to state that the image of the alleged murderer appears familiar.

The elderly pensioner was killed on Emancipation Day in her Montrose, ECD home by an intruder, but the gruesome act was captured entirely on surveillance cameras strategically positioned inside the home. The images are, however, not of a high quality, and police ranks were, as such, not able to clearly recognise the face of the suspect.

To counter that setback, the police released the captured image of the killer, and this has seen persons coming forward to state that the image resembles someone with whom they might be familiar.

Thus the prime suspect, who resides in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was arrested and has since been detained. This person was charged in 2014 for an offence of larceny from the person.

The police are actively continuing their investigation into the murder of Carmen Ganesh.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Finance Minister establishing strict accountability systems for travel allowances -raps Guyana Times for dishonest reporting

THE Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, yesterday lashed out at the Guyana Times for continuing to peddle misinformation regarding out-of-pocket allowances for ministers and Government officials, despite his efforts to clarify the issue.

The publication had erroneously stated that the minister was proposing per diem allowance increases from $US25 to US$500.

“These things are so absurd and outrageous, any decent editor would not even bother to print it, I don’t see how you could be moving an out-of-pocket allowance from US$25 to US$500 per diem,” the Finance Minister said.

The newspaper also stated that the

Government was considering increasing allowances for hotel accommodation and meals, and was even mulling the institution of a US$3000 contingency allowance for ministers and advisers when they travel.

These claims were strongly refuted by the minister, who assured media operatives that no document supporting such an increase exists, nor is any such contingency being considered. He dismissed the figures that the publication quoted as “outrageous”. Minister Jordan said he has referred this matter to his lawyers and said that very soon the Guyana Times may get its opportunity to test its contentions and assertions in a court of law.

“There is no document that suggests

that rates are being increased by these scandalous numbers… no minister of this Government has been granted any contingency allowance to travel abroad,” Minister Jordan stated.

The minister explained that the Government’s main priority is improving accountability and tightening up the way public funds are spent. In this regard, he issued a stern warning to ministers and officials of the former Administration who have yet to clear travel advances that are in some cases up to a year old.

The minister called on them to visit the treasury to clear their travel advances, failing which, he would be forced to instruct the accountant general to take the necessary action.

Recognising the challenges in ensuring accountability for travel allowances, the minister said the Government has taken the decision to discontinue the practice of signing on a statement in lieu of presentation of bills. In the past, officials could have simply affixed their signatures on a statement saying that money was spent and the advance would have been cleared without having to produce a bill.

“If you do not bring the bills or part of the bills to substantiate your expenditure, you will be required to repay up to 60 percent of the advance…contrary to what people believe that we are raiding the treasury, we are actually tightening up,” Minister Jordan said.

Minister Trotman says BOSAI unrest resolved -praises staff for taking pay cut to assist other workers MINISTER of Governance with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, has disclosed that an agreement has been reached between the BOSAI Minerals Company and its workers for them to stay on the job and work eight hours daily instead of 12 hours in an effort to prevent retrenchment.

Further, he praised the workers in the mining town of Linden for being each other’s keeper, and agreeing to take a pay cut in order to facilitate those who would otherwise have been out of a job. The Minister said, “This is a sterling example of how things can be resolved quickly, relatively easily, and produce a win -win situation for all.”

Minister Trotman said that the situation arose about a month ago when it was communicated by the company that there were excess piles of ore and no markets for them. He said that since then, the

Minister Raphael Trotman

Government has been engaging the company and fostering discussions. BOSAI indicated that they would likely have to retrench some workers.

The Ministry of Social Protection also became involved in negotiations to facilitate an agreement that would be amenable to both parties.

However, “BOSAI then proceeded to cut back on the staff and the union representatives took a different view. That is why there was some industrial unrest or action yesterday. But we are very heartened by the agreement reached between the Ministry of Social Protection, regional chairman and the company, which would see the workers remaining, but working fewer hours. I think an agreement has been reached which benefits everyone and we want to laud the efforts of the ministry, the union and the company to reach an agreement in the matter peacefully and positively,” minister Trotman

added.

In the meantime, he lauded the selflessness of the workers at the company and the decision which they have taken to ensure that the workers can remain on the job and earn.

“I think the applause should be given to the workers who agreed to a pay cut by working fewer hours so that those that would have been laid off could remain on.

So we want to applaud those who made the sacrifices so that their brothers and sisters could get an income,” he said.

On Thursday, workers at BOSAI launched a protest action after it was reported that some 37 out of 600 workers would have been retrenched due to lack of markets for the bauxite. The company had said that it began experiencing problems since 2014.

Minister Trotman said that the ministry will continue to monitor the situation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Greece says cannot handle migrants; UNHCR calls crisis ‘shameful’ (Reuters) GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras asked Europe to help in handling tens of thousands of refugees coming in from Syria, Afghanistan and other war zones, saying on Friday his cash-strapped country could not deal with them alone.

The influx has piled pressure on Greece’s services at a time when its own citizens are struggling with harsh cuts and its government is negotiating with the EU and the IMF for fresh loans to stave off economic collapse.

Boatloads of migrants arriving every day had triggered a “humanitarian crisis within the economic crisis,” Tsipras said after a meeting with ministers.

“The EU is being tested on the issue of Greece. It has responded negatively on the economic front - that’s my view.

I hope it will respond positively on the humanitarian front,” he said.

The comments came as the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) called on Greece to take control of the “total chaos” on Mediterranean islands, where thousands of migrants have landed. About 124,000 have arrived this year by sea, many via Turkey, according to Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR director for Europe.

“The level of suffering we have seen on the islands is unbearable. People arrive thinking they are in the European Union.

A dinghy overcrowded with Afghan immigrants approaches the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece, August 6, 2015. Reuters/ Yiannis Kourtoglou What we have seen was not anything acceptable in terms of standards of treatment,” Cochetel said after visiting the Greek islands of Lesbos, Kos and Chios.

“I have never seen a situation like that. This is the European Union and this is totally shameful,” he added.

At a makeshift refugee center at Kara Tepe, a hilltop about 5 km north of Lesbos island’s main town of Mytilene, about 50 white tents provided by the local council struggled to accommodate the waves of people coming in daily.

Rubbish littered the area and locals said 16 toilets were frequently blocked despite

from the ministry of defense,” he said.

“It’s easy, there are plenty of empty army barracks in Greece, there is plenty of uncultivated land that could be rented and sites could be developed.”

Tsipras said the problem was a European issue and

Islamic State abducts dozens of Christians from Syrian town: monitor kidnapped or detained, including dozens of Christians, some of whom were taken from a church in Qaryatain, the town captured overnight after heavy fighting with the Syrian army.

Rami Abdulrahman, the head of the Observatory, said the Christians were “either

(Reuters) ISLAMIC State militants have captured dozens of Christian families after seizing a strategically located town in the central Syrian province of Homs, a monitor said on Friday.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 230 people were

DATE: 05/08/2015 I

could not give as much attention to the problem,” the island’s mayor Spiros Galinos told Reuters.

The UNHCR’s Cochetel said Greece had to step up its response.

“We’ve told the Greek authorities that if it was a natural disaster, there would be mobilisation of other assets including

attempts by authorities to keep the area clean.

Up to 10 people could be seen sharing one of the tents, while others lay on pieces of cardboard, jostling for space under the shade of olive trees in sweltering heat.

“The government had battles on plenty of fronts and probably

not just a Greek one. He said ministries would coordinate to help relieve the burden on distant islands and that a special unit would be set up to make use of dedicated EU funds to beef up border controls and integrate migrants into society.

“The immigrant flow to Greece is beyond of what our state infrastructure can handle,” Tsipras said. “We have significant problems to face it and that’s why we have asked help from EU.” But the country, stuck in a seven-year financial crisis, has returned to recession again and narrowly averted bankruptcy this year by agreeing on a bailout deal.

The European Union has sought to share the burden of the refugees across its member countries, but the response has been mixed. EU leaders have pledged to relocate 16,000 migrants over two years, which Cochetel called “far too little and too late”.

Britain has said it will not participate. It is currently struggling with its own crisis as thousands of migrants seek to enter via the Channel Tunnel.

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kidnapped from checkpoints or raids or from churches.”

Among those seized were 45 women and 19 children, including 11 families, some of whom were on a militants’ wanted list, said the monitor that tracks the war’s violence through an extensive network of sources on the ground.

There were also hundreds of residents, Muslims and Christians, whose families have lost touch with them since the militants captured the area, according to Abdulrahman.

Qaryatain is near a road

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linking the ancient city of Palmyra to the Qalamoun mountains, along the border with Lebanon.

The hardline militant group has been gaining ground in the desert areas east and south of Homs after it took over the ancient Roman city of Palmyra last May. The Syrian army has launched a large-scale counteroffensive to recapture the city, which lies in a Region where some of Syria’s largest gas fields are located. But so far has made no significance advances.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Prof Sankat outlines UWI support for steelpan industry ( Tr i n i d a d G u a r d i a n ) PRINCIPAL of the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies Prof Clement Sankat says the steelpan, as the biggest manifestation of T&T’s creativity, needs a fund to support its growth and ingenuity.

Speaking at Tuesday’s opening ceremony for the International Conference on Pan and Panorama (ICP) at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, Sankat said: “Some of our

Prof Clement Sankat

creative minds continue to conduct cutting-edge research and innovation and use their creativity for product development and manufacturing of the steelpan.

Professor Brian Copeland and Professor Clement Imbert, both from the Faculty of Engineering, have worked together to create the Steelpan Development Centre right here in our university and in our country.”

He said the conference theme, Towards the Glo-

balisation and Development of the Steelpan, had special significance for the university because its faculty and students continue to do considerable work to advance the musical instrument. Sankat praised Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz and said UWI looked forward to working with the steelband body on a manufacturing facility for which a memorandum of understanding has already been signed.

Small-scale farmers to benefit from US$1.5-m project ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) –SMALL-scale farmers in Jamaica and across five other Caribbean countries are being empowered to play greater roles in the food security of the Region, through the ‘Sustainable, profitable value chains and market linkages in the Caribbean’ project.

The project which is estimated to cost some US$1.5 million was officially launched on August 4 at a ceremony held at the Sandals Ocho Rios Resort in St Ann. It will target some 2,220 small scale farmers, in six countries namely Jamaica, St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda. The main objectives of the project

are to equip and support small scale farmers with the skills and technology to cultivate better quality goods and to attract more lucrative markets for their produce.

The project is being implemented by the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) and funded by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA ACPEU) in partnership with the Sandals Foundation.

In his remarks, President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Senator Norman Grant said the project is designed to support small scale farmers in overcoming key barriers to accessing domestic, tourism and international markets.

“We are truly honoured to

be a part of this game changing moment, as we continue the process of equipping our farmers with the skills and technology to cultivate better quality goods and attracting more valuable markets,” Grant noted.

He informed that on June 20th, this year, CaFAN signed a three year contract with CTA in an effort to build sustainable and profitable value chains and market linkages for small scale farmers in the Caribbean.

“The CTA aims to build strong relationships of trust between farmers and buyers along the value added chains, to leverage the power of markets for sustainable livelihood of family farmers and youths in the Caribbean. It also serves as a platform for building

partnerships with the private sector, agricultural organisations and institutions,” Senator Grant said.

Referring to the ‘Eat what we grow, Grow what we Eat’ campaign, Grant said the programme was a success, as the country’s domestic crop production moved from 497,000 metric tonnes to 614, 917 metric tonnes in 2013.

“Our youths and women throughout the Region have been marginalized from income-earning activities, including commercial agricultural activities. They need to be empowered and encouraged to become major players in the agriculture sector,” Senator Grant told the participants in the launch.

Cops will take action (Trinidad Guardian) PROTESTING hospital ward maids and other public health workers who broke down a door, smashed a glass and caused injury to a security guard at the Health Ministry’s Park Street, Port-of-Spain, head office have been reported to the police by Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan.

“We have reported that to the police and the police will take action,” Khan announced at Thursday’s post-Cabinet media conference.

Asked how the police will be able to identify the group of women, he said: “We have cameras.”

On Wednesday, the group of mainly women barricaded the entrance to the head office, blocking anyone from entering

or leaving the building. The police had to be called in.

The wardsmaids moved to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where Khan was opening the Nephrology Unit and loudly chanted they wanted their money.

When Khan went outside they swarmed around him threateningly but he calmly walked to his waiting vehicle and got in with the women moving in around the car and shouting. Yesterday Khan said the ministry and its security guards took no objection to the workers clamouring for whatever they desired.

However, it was an entirely different matter when it took on the tone of the violence it did, he added.

Khan said he sympathised with the female security guard who did yeoman service and tried to keep the matter under control.

He appealed to workers not to reach to that level of violence in negotiating for wage

increases. He asked workers planning any protest action today to do their jobs without such action.

Khan said he understood why they were clamouring for their money before the election.

He said the UWI’s attention to the steelpan went even further as it provides education in steelpan playing, arranging and conducting through its Department of Creative and Festival Arts under the leadership of Jessel Murray.

“In addition, the UWI has also contributed towards the establishment of the National Occupational Standards in Pan Construction, the standardisation of the steelpan terminology, as well as the promotion of the steelpan around the world through the establishment of intellectual property rights, which must underpin the commercial success of any innovation,” Sankat said.

“We have been doing very important work in this area and we have had great experiences in the last sev-

eral years. I wish to note that it is a priority for UWI to continuously raise the knowledge, awareness and possibilities including creativity and innovation of this outstanding instrument.

“And, it is within this context that we are truly pleased to be associated with this conference which encapsulates all that is necessary to make the steelpan a world-class instrument recognised internationally.

Without your participation, this conference will not be a success, as your participation will ensure the future success of the pan through more creativity, through knowledge transfer and hopefully a new entrepreneurial spirit will take hold in terms of how the pan would go forward.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

EDITORIAL

What is the PPP really up to?

THE PPP is now in Opposition. It has named its members of Parliament, but they are yet to take up their seats in Parliament. Instead the party has kept up a daily barrage of criticisms of the Government—some of it quite baseless. At one level, that is part of the job of the Opposition.

The trouble is that that is not the only job the Opposition has to do. In a proper democracy, the Opposition is supposed to be the primary check on the Government by serving as the eyes and ears of the people. While some of that could be done outside of the formal system, a more effective oversight

has to be done within the formal institutions.

This is where sitting in the National Assembly becomes crucial. It is the highest decision making body in our political system. Outside of the executive branch, it is the next arena for timely contestation of Government actions. It is where the Opposition gets to ask questions and, through the sectoral committees, gets to engage Government policies very closely. While the judicial branch is also a source of oversight, this is usually a point of last resort, in most cases after the fact. So by not entering the Parliament, the PPP is shirking its national responsibility. But it is also ceding a critical arena to the

Government.

Of course there is no law that forces the PPP to take up its seats in Parliament. There are sanctions if the party misses a certain number of consecutive sittings. But parties have found ways to manipulate that system. We hear that the PPP is likely to show up for the reading and debate of the budget. We do not hold our breath; they have signalled their intention before, only to stay away.

What the PPP hopes to achieve by staying away is known only to that party. It is yet to present any credible reason for its boycott.

It initially charged that the elections were rigged against it, and in the pro-

Don’t use Gov’t programmes to promote Party activities I AM a very strong and dedicated AFC supporter of Woodley Park, West Coast Berbice. I was invited by Mr Abel Seetaram, AFC organiser, to attend a regional consultation on social cohesion at the Belladrum Primary School, West Coast Berbice.

I would like to express a few observations I made during the consultation process.

Firstly, I am very disappointed with the organisers of the consultation: only supporters of the APNU+AFC were invited to the consultation and most of the persons that were there are from the PNC groups in Region 5.

Secondly, the PNC organiser of Region 5 chaired

the consultation, and only APNU+AFC political activists were allowed to sit at the head table. The region’s regional chairman and vice chairman had to sit in the audience.

Thirdly, the chairperson of the consultation used the opportunity to inform PNC members of the party’s programmes and activities as follows: party fund-raising; activities for Burnham month, and providing services at the PNC offices at Rosignol and Mahaicony.

Finally, I told Mr Abel Seetaram after the consultation that “the APNU+AFC needs to practise what it is preaching.” The AFC needs to ensure that what is promised

in the coalition’s manifesto is properly adhered to. We cannot allow the PNC to practise the mentality of the past. The PNC must not use Government programmes to promote party activities.

According to the APNU+AFC Manifesto, page7: “APNU+AFC recognises that each citizen, regardless of race, creed, local status or gender, has the right to access opportunities. Moreover, as a nation we must realise that all ethnic groups must be developed and jettison the zero-sum mentality of the past.”

BHAGYANANDANA SEETARAM

cess, dubbed the Coalition a “de facto” Government.

It started marches and pickets, but these seem to have been shelved. In fact, they never really picked up steam. Outside of the PPP leadership, very few PPP supporters paid them any mind.

Now the party stands on the sidelines and throws darts at the Government. A lot of it is in bad taste. Mr. Rohee’s recent attack on Professor Clive Thomas was the latest. Charging Prof Thomas with the breakup of Globe Trust was simply not true. Mr. Rohee must know this. Yet, as he often does, he shoots from his mouth with little regard

for the truth. Such politics do not belong in a civilised country.

While they have been out of Parliament, the PPP has been quite busy in the courts. They have filed their election petition and have asked the court to intervene in at least two other matters. It is good to see the courts being asked to intervene. But is the PPP interested in genuine judicial review, or is it using the courts to maliciously frustrate the Government from effectively doing its job? If the latter is true, then the Opposition party

cannot be proud of itself.

If the courts are being deliberately used for narrow partisan ends rather than to pronounce on the law and the actions of the other two branches, then this calls into question the very integrity of Government itself. Of course the court should not allow itself to be a political football by Government nor Opposition. This is one area of our political process that needs to be looked at. More than the other two, the judicial branch needs to be seen to be impartial.

Rich legacy of Forbes Burnham lives on

YESTERDAY was the death anniversary of Mr Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and the time was taken for reflection on his life. The Burnham Government had developed a national policy which envisaged Guyanese controlling the commanding heights of our economy by harnessing local resources for our benefit. It was this vision, bolstered by a dream, that led to the establishment of institutions such as the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) which operates out of the University of Guyana (UG).

In 2012 I had the pleasure

of meeting Professor Suresh Narine, who explained just how important IAST is to the development and advancement of our people.

Guyanese are encouraged and delighted about the ability of our fellow citizens and the potential of our natural resources, with the discovery that our homegrown passion fruit has anti-bacterial properties. This is good news for healthcare. Congratulations are in order to Professor Raymond Jagessar and his team for their hard work. Once again, Mr Burnham’s belief that “Yes we can” has been made a reality.

It was this belief in our

ability and desire to prove ourselves that put Guyana on the road of converting our rice into flour; our processed carambola (five-finger) entering the European market; the mass production of plantain chips, earlier condemned but are today in our supermarkets, though imported from Central America.

In the metropolitan countries the demonised rice flour is sold as health food. Gerber and Kellogg, major food brands, have converted rice into cereal for adults and baby foods.

Mr Burnham’s advocacy for the use of our local herbs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

An open letter to Digicel Guyana on the Secondary Schools Championship Dear Digicel Guyana, I MUST congratulate the company for taking the initiative to sponsor the Secondary Schools Championship tournament which aims to demonstrate and showcase the talent and skills of Guyana’s youth.

What is equally symbolic is the seeming, vigorous response of secondary schools throughout Guyana to participate in this championship and the support of fans, especially when their respective schools reached the quarter-finals stage.

There has been increased media coverage of the matches and following on social media as well.

What is sad and alarming though, are the glitz and glamour the finals of the championship brought and being exhibited via social media especially if one were to look at the photographs which were posted on the facebook page of Digicel Guyana (https://www.facebook. com/digicelguy?pnref=story).

What the pictures do not tell is the number of sleepless

nights that - to my knowledge - the team of the Waramadong Secondary School had to endure for almost a month. The students found themselves packed into small areas to sleep on bunk beds with no mosquito nets and with only one fan.

As many as 16 young men in one small room had to endure nights of heat and the numerous mosquitoes that Georgetown is unfortunately known for. I was made to understand that in 2013, a complaint was made to Digicel regarding this unsuitable accommodation for competitive athletes and an alternative was immediately sought, but yet in 2015 our students found themselves back in the same uncomfortable situation.

In addition, the type of meals provided unfortunately did not make it any better. If the caterers were sensitive to the cultural preferences of our people, they could have decently provided what the players would eat. Many times, I am told, they ate only because they had no choice. I mean for example, who gives athletes

hotdogs for breakfast? I saw for myself what was supposed to be their dinner after the semi-final match but which I will not describe here. It was heartbreaking.

I was informed again that concern over the type of meals served to these athletes was also raised with your company.

Furthermore, as if the accommodation and meals were not a big issue, lack of transportation to allow the team to train did not sit well with “sponsorship” of a school team. They were forced to look for training grounds on their own and had to find transportation to do this. Heavy rains during this period of course did not make it any easier to find available grounds, but I’d like to assume that the company is aware of this as well.

What I am saying here Digicel, is hoping that this notice will start a serious look into the welfare of school students.

Understanding that sponsorship of such an event has a humongous financial pull, there is need to ensure that all teams are afforded the same comfort, training, meals and other ave-

Introduce relevant laws urgently to update women THE dismissal of female employees of the City Constabulary on the basis of pregnancy is a violation of the Prevention of Discrimination Act, the Constitution, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and many other international human rights instruments signed and ratified by the Government of Guyana.

Successive Governments have failed to remove such antiquated, discriminatory and illegal practices from the conditions of service that many women seeking employment in the disciplined services have been subjected to for years.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights and non-discrimination based on sex and gender must guide and be enshrined in all Guyana’s labour laws and regulations, and be applicable to all disciplined services, including the City Constabulary, Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, and all private security

services.

We welcome the statement by the Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection and Labour, Ms Simona Broomes, and her direction to the Chief Labour Officer and the ministry’s legal officer to examine the “offending” policy and advise how best to remove it and any others that may not be compliant with Guyana’s laws.

We look forward to expeditious action to rectify this act of discrimination and human rights violation and welcome the pending re-instatement of the dismissed city constabulary officers.

We also call on the Ministry of Social Protection to ensure appropriate working conditions and safety measures for women working in the security sector, including access to day and night-care services for women with dependent children, as they go about their job of protecting Guyana’s citizens on a daily basis.

We strongly recommend that continuous education p ro g r a m m e s o n g e n d e r equality, gender discrimination, gender-based and sexual violence, sexual and reproductive rights, human

rights and other relevant laws be introduced immediately.

As a grouping, we have over the years collectively developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in areas of social protection, legal rights and access to justice, sexual & reproductive health and rights, women and poverty and stand ready to work with the Ministry of Social Protection and other partners in the design, training and delivery of such programmes.

JOY MARCUS & WINTRESS WHITE (for Red Thread) SIMONE MORRIS RAMLALL (for Guyana Association of Women Lawyers) OMATTIE MADRAY (for ChildLink Inc) JOSEPHINE WHITEHEAD & DANUTA RADZIK (for Help & Shelter) PATRICIA SHEERATTANBISNAUTH & RENUKA ANADJIT ( for Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association) SADIE AMIN

nues that Digicel can provide.

If however, the company is unable to cover such expenditure on its own, then we should work towards collaborating with other corporations and the relevant Government ministries as well.

We must allow our youth to display their full talent and skills grounded in comfort, discipline, commitment and fair play. Hinterland schools especially need expert coaching. Perhaps the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport can contribute in this regard. There needs to be a physiotherapist assigned to each team and not a medical person only on the day of the match, but to allow for proper healing and recuperation.

There need to be clear, written rules and criteria for the matches other than the FIFA rules followed on the playfield so that parents, schools and other supporters can understand

and hold to guidelines and what constitute penalties.

It should outline who qualifies as an eligible player, or who qualifies for a scholarship, which I am made to understand schools were promised. Last but not least, we should look into taking the matches into the hinterland where there are well managed grounds.

So whilst Digicel has seemingly sponsored these matches over the years, this time around I need to express my deepest gratitude to those who contributed in more ways than one to making it a little better for our boys.

Persons such as Jean La Rose and the Amerindian People’s Association (APA); Debra Sutherland and her husband Reggie; Mr Chinnian and his wife Janet; Daphney George; Melzina Wolfe; Bendrel Thomas; Nigel Hughes; the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Minister Dawn

Hastings Williams. We wish to say “thank you” in the biggest way to Louie Thomas, who has worked voluntarily over the years and seemingly has been doing a great job of bringing them to the highest groups in the absence of a certified coach being there to work with the team.

Finally, we wish to thank the parents of these students who have had to dip into their hard-earned dollars to provide for their sons. For example, they have been tasked with buying their football boots, training uniforms and other gear.

While we all work to enabling our youth, let us not limit it to only the Digicel Schools Championship, but take it beyond the secondary school level to bigger arenas.

Congratulations to all schools that participated and supported their students.

Judges, Magistrates should have sentencing guidelines FORMER Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard has chided a city magistrate for imposing a light sentence on two youths aged 20 and 21 to a total of 150 hours community service after they were found guilty of robbing a business house of cellphones worth $8,968,000 on July 26 last year.

The maximum penalty for the offence is life imprisonment, and according to media reports, the presiding magistrate was known to have imposed stiffer penalties on other persons found guilty for similar offences.

Chancellor Kennard who was a prosecutor for decades, and served as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Antigua, was a presiding judge, Court of Appeal Judge and Head of the Judiciary, is peeved about the unreasonable penalty the magistrate

imposed and suggested that the prosecutor consult the DPP to consider appealing the decision.

This prompted me to research whether there are sentencing guidelines in Guyana for judges and magistrates to follow, and it is regrettable to state that there is none.

In fact, Trinidad and Tobago is the only country in the Region that has sentencing guidelines.

There were discussions in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) to introduce sentencing guidelines in the nine circuits of the ECSC. In fact, it should have started with the introduction of the Criminal Division of the ECSC, but it never got off the ground. The safeguard against that is usually by an appeal by the DPP where possible.

In Belize, the Chief Justice Guyanese Kenneth Benjamin

is now compiling guidelines to usher in a plea-bargaining type of process. In that Central American country, unlike other jurisdictions in the Caribbean Community, a single judge can hear murder and attempted murder cases without a jury.

It is my view that presiding judges and magistrates should send a strong message to persons convicted of serious offences by imposing penalties fitting the crimes they were charged for and convicted of.

Perhaps steps should be taken by the chancellor and the attorney general to work on sentencing guidelines which should be followed by presiding judges and magistrates as done in the United Kingdom and several other jurisdictions in the Commonwealth.

OSCAR RAMJEET

Rich legacy of Forbes...

From Page 6 as staple teas was not met with much enthusiasm. Today these ‘bush teas’ are sold in the supermarkets, most, if not all, with imported labels. Jamaica sells us Cerassie tea, which

we call carila; Britain and the USA sell us lemongrass tea, all of which are growing in our backyards. The potential for local job opportunities has not escaped me.

Thirty years after his departure, Mr Burnham’s

dream lives on; as Guyanese we continue through the IAST, to do Research and Development to harness our nation’s resources for the benefit of all.

SHARMA SOLOMON

HINDS’SIGHT

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

History for Everyone...

The United PPP and the 1953 Election THE 1953 election, the first held under self-rule and universal adult suffrage, was won by the then PPP, which represented a united anti-colonialist nationalist independence movement. Its leadership included Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Eusi Kwayana, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase, and Martin Carter, among others. The party campaigned on a platform of self-government, and economic and social reforms that affect the working people, such as better education, health services, housing and better wages.

When the results were announced, the PPP had won 18 of the 24 seats, with 51 percent of the popular vote, giving it a majority in the legislative assembly. The middle-class National Democratic Party, an alliance of the African, East Indian, and Portuguese petty bourgeoisie that was backed by the colonial establishment, won two seats, with 13 percent of the popular vote. The remaining seats were won by four independent candidates who each ran localised community campaigns. This victory had serious implications for Guyana's future, both for the short term and the long term.

Upon attaining office, the PPP attempted to use its majority in the Assembly to implement its policies promised during the campaign, and ultimately change the character of the state. The following changes were made during the first four months in office: the ban against entering the country by leaders deemed to be subversive was promptly lifted;

the Undesirable Publication Law was repealed; the 1945 Rice Farmers Security Tenure Ordinance was amended to make the landlords rather than the tenant farmer ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the land, and to protect the tenant farmers by enacting a standard rental for land; a Labour Relations Bill was passed in the Lower House making it legal for employers to negotiate with trade unions which gained majority support for union representatives to visit work places, and prevent victimisation of workers.

For the first time in the country's history, the ordinary working people had gained some stake in the state. The Rice Farmers Security of Tenure amendment and the Labour Relations Bill challenged the landlord and planter class, two groups which hitherto exercised considerable influence over the state. But it was the Labour Relations Bill which infuriated the ruling classes the most. Sensing that the company union, the ManPower Citizens Association (MPCA) would be displaced by the PPP-affiliated Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) in a fair poll of workers on the sugar estates, the bosses tried to destroy the bill by deeming it a communist ploy.

However, to demonstrate its support for the bill, the GIWU called out its members on a strike which threatened the attainment of the sugar quota for that year.

This incensed the capitalist class which was concerned about the drop in profits. It is no coincidence that the Colonial Office landed troops in the country, suspended

Dr. David Hinds

the Constitution, and dismissed the PPP ministers in the cabinet on the very day that the bill was passed in the assembly. The suspension of the Constitution was supported by most of the nominated members of the Legislature. What was at play here was a convergence of class and ideology, as the nominated members were all representatives of the elite classes who were procapitalist and staunchly anticommunist. They were prepared to sanction armed intervention to restore their class domination of the state.

The PPP, from its inception, had declared itself staunchly anti-imperialist and socialist. Although some of the leaders used strong socialist rhetoric, only a few could have been called communist. The leadership also included trade unionists, whose socialism was more along the lines of the British Labour Party, and also religious leaders. However, the platform of the party, the visits by the leading members to communist countries, were enough to earn it the labels of revolutionary, socialist, and communist; hence, the reason that anticommunism became the central theme of the opposition to the PPP during the election campaign, and the subsequent actions of the colonial authorities.

The PPP intended its triumph at the elections to pave the way for national independence based on a democratic working class and multi-ethnic ideology. But it turned out to be the catalyst for dislocation of the movement and its seizure by the petty bourgeoisie with the support of British and US imperialism. It also turned out to be the beginning of the deterioration of race relations among the working class.

ANSA McAL hosts third and fourth presentations of Stag beer promo

ANSA McAL Trading Ltd yesterday hosted its third and fourth presentations for the STAG ‘THIS IS HOW WE ROLL’ Promotion, and 20 winners were presented with prizes at the company’s Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara headquarters.

They won Honda Ruckuses, 50” TVs, Samsung phones, Movado watches, Bar- B-Q grills and 10 filled coolers filled with STAG beer.

All winners will still be eligible to win the grand prize of a TOYOTA TACOMA in the final drawing,

which will take place on August 29, 2015 in Essequibo.

ANSA McAL’s Public Relations Officer, Darshnie Yussuf, yesterday told the gathering that the promotion has so far been a success all because of the company’s customers. As such, the company saw the need to reward its loyal customers with fantastic prizes.

She added that a similar promotion was staged last year, involving the Stag Command Centre; and the response that promotion had elicited informed the compa-

ny that the promotions had to be bigger this year, thus there are 40 winners to date.

The Stag promotion is user-friendly. Customers can enter by drinking Stag beer and saving the crowns.

To enter the promotion, four Stag crowns with the customer’s name, address and contact telephone number must be submitted in any of the 50 redemption boxes countrywide.

Drawings have taken place in Berbice, Linden, Bartica and Georgetown, and one will soon be held Some of the winners stayed around yesterday to pose with Public in Essequibo.

Relations Officer, Darshnie Yussuf after collecting their prizes.

(Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Grey Boy remanded for murder of ex-soldier Crum-Ewing MONTHS after being charged for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and for escape from lawful custody, 37-year-old Regan Rodrigues of Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown was yesterday charged with the execution of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing.

Rodrigues, alias ‘Gray Boy’, appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore and was not required to plead to the indictable charge alleging that on May 10, 2015, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, he murdered ex-solider Courtney Crum-Ewing.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones explained that police investigations are still ongoing, while advice still has to be sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding certain aspects of the charge.

Moreover, the .32 pistol which was found in Rodrigues’s possession was sent for ballistics testing

Regan Grey Boy Rodrigues

while he was on remand, and the test proved that the same gun was used to execute the ex-soldier.

The unrepresented ‘Gray Boy’ explained that he was being vic-

timised by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), because everybody is labelling him a murdered and a cold-blooded killer who wanted to execute an innocent man.

Taxi driver remanded for murder of Philadelphia seaman DAYS after Davonan Sookram’s decomposing body was discovered in the Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo with two bullet wounds to the head, his alleged killer was brought before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore, but was not required to answer the indictable charge of murder.

Thirty-year-old taxi driver Joel Brandon of Lot 3 Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo, who allegedly was the last person to see Sookram alive, was slapped with a charge alleging that between

July 27 and 31, at Ruby Backdam, he murdered 37-year-old seaman Davonan Sookram.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that on July 27, at about 15:20 hours, Brandon had collected Sookram from his home in his taxi, and Sookram was never again seen alive.

T h r e e d a y s a f t e r, Sookram was reported missing by his wife, Zuleema Sookram, a teacher of Lot 7 Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo. A search was launched, and on July 31, at around 16:00 hrs, the decomposing body of

Sookram was found under a jamoon tree at Ruby, East Bank Essequibo, bearing a bullet wound to his forehead and another at the back of his head.

Jones further noted that Brandon had confessed to the murder of the seaman under caution of the police, and under advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the charge of murder has been proffered against Brandon.

The taxi driver was refused bail, and remanded until August 10, when he is scheduled to appear before City Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The magistrate had to remind Rodrigues of his right to remain silent, although he told her that he would like to “reason with the court”. In his “reasoning”, he implicated Rajput Naraine, a former bodyguard of former Attorney General and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member Anil Nandlall, and a high ranked police officer whom he named as ‘Creaser’.

Naraine and Creaser, Rodrigues noted, were the ones who had offered him money to execute Courtney Crum-Ewing, but he said he had refused the offer because he was a supporter of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

He said he had gone to the police, who instead held him for the crime, because “once money pass, nobody cares”.

Rodrigues explained that he was never interrogated by the police, but was surprisingly being brought before the court to answer

to a charge of which he has no knowledge.

After Rodrigues had finished his “reasoning”, the magistrate informed him that he was being remanded until August 21, when he would appear before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Political activist Crum-Ewing was gunned down on March 10, 2015 while encouraging residents of Diamond New Housing Scheme to cast their votes in the May 11 General and Regional Elections against the PPP. The former soldier had come to the public’s attention after he had held a one-man demonstration for 80 days in front of the office of the then Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, following revelations of a taped conversation between that official and a senior reporter of the Kaieteur News.

He was shot five times – thrice to the head, once

to the back of the neck, and once under one of his arms.

All the bullets were fired from behind his person and at close range, except the one that hit him under his arm and exited through his shoulder.

Rodrigues was charged a few weeks ago for possession of illegal arms and for escaping from lawful custody. The charges against the suspect were read on Wednesday last at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on July 13 at Riverview, Ruimveldt, while in the custody of Constable 2041 Thomas pending criminal charges for unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, Rodrigues escaped from lawful custody.

It is also alleged that, on the same date, he had in his possession one Taurus pistol and 14 live rounds of ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder.

Minister visits family of missing lecturer...

Foreign officials take interest

(Trinidad Guardian) CONCERNED that a member of his extended family had gone missing, Tertiary Education Minister Fazal Karim Thursday visited the family of missing lecturer Glenda Charles-Harris to offer his support and advise them in their time of need.

Confirming that he had met with Charles-Harris’ anxious relatives at their home in Diego Martin for close to an hour yesterday morning, Karim stressed that it was not a ploy to earn political stripes.

Instead, he stressed that Charles-Harris, a

senior lecturer and head of the Environmental Studies Department at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of T&T (Costaatt), was a member of his ministry and that it was “genuine concern” which had prompted the early morning visit.

Accompanied by Costaatt president Dr Jillian Paul and vice-president of Student Affairs Dr Camille Samuel, Karim said: “As minister responsible for Costaatt, I am genuinely concerned about the welfare and well-being of all our colleagues in the ministry. I went to express my concern and show support to the family in this

time of need as they are very distressed.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Costaatt officials who indicated that the family were appreciative of Karim’s visit and direction.

Today marks 12 days since Charles-Harris’ disappearance.

The 78-year-old mother of four was last seen at the Diamond Vale Tru Valu Supermarket around 5.30 pm on July 27.

Meanwhile, Swedish authorities have expressed an interest in the case as Harris had lived there for over 17 years, while her daughter, Helen, continues to reside there.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

GDF Second Infantry Battalion has new commander

COLONEL Enoch W. Gaskin formally handed over command of the Second infantry Battalion to Colonel Patrick West on July 28 last. The formalisation of the new command occurred at the Change of Command Parade which was held at the battalion’s Headquarters at Base Camp Soweyo.

In farewell remarks, the outgoing commander, Colonel Enoch Gaskin, recounted the beginnings of his military career and highlighted many of his experiences as a serviceman.

Colonel Gaskin explained that his association with the military began much earlier than when he enlisted as a Private in the

regular component of the Guyana People’s Militia some thirty-six (36) years ago. “I was part of the historic first national reservist training camp. That reservist training had been undertaken in answer to the call to arms to defend (Guyana) against aggression by Guyana’s western neighbour in 1976. That camp was held at Konwaruk National Service Training Centre. It is ironic that my career is coming to an end at a time when that same western neighbour is once again beating war drums and rattling the sabre,” he observed.

Colonel Gaskin said the singular most impacting aspect of his career was his appointment as Chair-

man of the Joint Services Training Committee. That appointment, he explained, allowed for the building of capacity, and unity in the Joint Services through training.

During his rather illustrious career, Colonel Gaskin held several appointments across the GDF. “My satisfaction, however, has been to selflessly share my knowledge for the improvement of the Force. Sometimes, my interventions were unwelcome, while at other times it was most welcome. My only desire was to contribute to the improvement of the Force, and I think that I did!”

He advised his audience that, “…the GDF is an or-

Outgoing Commander Colonel Enoch Gaskin hands over the Battalion’s Colours to its new Commander, Colonel Patrick West ganisation (in the course of development). Seek always to develop yourselves through self-study and formal opportunities to learn new things.

Continue to enjoy the satisfaction of giving service in defence of the State.”

Colonel Gaskin encouraged his successor, Colonel Patrick West, to continue building the Guyana Defence

Force Reserves. “Command of the Reserves is indeed a privilege. The Reserves, from a historical time, represent the commitment of our citizens to actively participate in the defence of the state. Continue the task of providing quality leadership to this national pillar!” he admonished.

Colonel Enoch Gaskin

hails from Ruby village on the East Bank of Essequibo. He has completed numerous military courses in the course of his career, and is a highly-qualified paratrooper. Colonel Gaskin is also very qualified academically, as he has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees. (Michel Outridge)

Armed bandits murder Chinese city restaurateur WELL-KNOWN city restaurateur Zhenjz Su, who operated Jade Stone Chinese Restaurant, popularly known as the ‘Black Chiney Restaurant’, at Mandela Avenue, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was murdered in his home early yesterday morning during an armed robbery.

The man’s wife, 32-yearold Fei Su, endured a terrible battering at the hands of the bandits, and has been hospitalised. Up to press time, her condition was listed as serious. She was mostly beaten in the face in the presence of her two children, who were unharmed during the ordeal.

Fei Su has lost some teeth due to the ordeal, which she feels was orchestrated by persons who are familiar with the couple and their business.

Zhenjz Su’s house, below which his business is operated, was invaded by several robbers at about 03:00 hrs on August 7, 2015, when the armed bandits descended on

Murdered: Zhenjz Su the couple and demanded money. They began beating Su’s sleeping wife before taking him to the kitchen, where he was also beaten, chopped, bound, gagged and left for dead.

The bandits took away an undisclosed amount of cash from the residence.

After the robbers left, Fei Su went in search of her husband, and she found him lifeless on the kitchen floor with chop wounds to his head. His feet were tied and his mouth gagged.

This homicide came as a

Jade Stone Chinese Restaurant total shock to many, including Su’s many friends who frequent the restaurant and had become friends with him.

Some took to social media Facebook to condemn the killing as they reflected upon their friendship, describ-

ing Su as a very friendly, kind-hearted person, who was always up for a chat.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said no arrests have yet been made, but sleuths have re-visited the crime scene and are doing some work. He added that they

are trying to review footage from a surveillance camera that is in the building, because it may have captured the incident.

From all accounts, the bandits spent a while inside the premises assaulting the couple separately before they

escaped with the loot.

The couple had been operating the business for some time now, and had become friends with their customers, as the premises had become a popular ‘liming’ spot for many. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Former Region 6 CRL officer Zulficar Mustapha sues Gov’t for breach of contract

By Ravin Singh CITING a breach of contract on part of the twomonth-old APNU+AFC Government, Mr Zulficar Mustapha, former Community Relations Liaison Officer for Region 6, and a candidate of the Opposition People’s Progressive party (PPP) at the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections, has instituted legal proceedings against the Administration, claiming just over Gy$1.7M. In a writ initiated by Mustapha and filed in the High Court against Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, it was revealed that Mustapha had served as Community Relations Liaison Officer for Region Six under a threeyear contract with the PPP Government prior to that party’s defeat at General and Regional Elections held earlier this year. According to the writ, which was made available to this publication, Mustapha’s contract, which commenced on January 30, 2013, was expected to have expired on January 29, 2016.

He was earning a monthly salary of $356,086.

However, on May 29, the

contract ended prematurely after he received a letter from Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, informing him that his contract was being termi-

Mr Zulficar Mustapha nated with immediate effect.

“The Office of the President has taken a decision for your contract to be terminated with effect from 2015-0531”, the termination letter read in part.

The letter from Harmon further indicated that the PPP member would be entitled to “a pro-rated vacation allowance for the period 2015-01-30 to 2015-05-31; and a pro-rated gratuity for

Fyrish fire displaces two families TEN persons have been displaced following a Thursday morning fire which razed a two-storey house at Lot 54 Douglas Road, Fryish, Corentyne, East Berbice.

Two families had occupied the rented house when the conflagration began at about 09:51 hrs, reportedly in the upper flat of the edifice.

The occupant who lived in the bottom flat of the building, who was observed exiting the home in the nude, took refuge in an outhouse in the yard, while the children of the other family were rescued by neighbours.

The owner of the house resides overseas.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). (Michel Outridge)

Mystery fire sacks Wismar house FIRE of unknown origin completely destroyed a two-bedroom house at Block 33, Wismar, Linden on Wednesday at about 17:00 hrs.

At time of the blaze, no one was at home, and the fire was first observed by neighbours, who alerted the GFS after they could not manage the conflagration alone, given the intense heat from the raging flames which quickly devoured the building. (Michel Outridge)

the period 2015-01-30 to 2015-05-31.”

Represented by Attorney Mohabir Anil Nandlall, the former Attorney General, and a battery of lawyers comprising attorneys Euclin Gomes, Sase Gunraj and Manoj Narayan, Mustapha is claiming “the sum of one million, two hundred and sixty-seven thousand, two hundred and sixty dollars

($1,267,260); damages in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for breach of contract; interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgment, and thereafter at the rate of four percent (4%) per annum until fully paid; costs in the sum of three thousand, three hundred and fifty-five dollars ($3,355); and such further or

other reliefs as the court may deem just.”

According to Nandlall, as was detailed in the writ, “It is obvious that my client’s contract was terminated with immediate effect, and therefore he has not been given the three (3) months’ notice to which he is contractually entitled, nor was he permitted to take his vacation, in accordance with clause five (5).”

Nandlall reasoned that, as a result, his client is entitled to the three (3) months’ salary in lieu of that notice, and pro-rated pay in lieu of his vacation.

Attorney General Basil Williams has ten days in which to enter an appearance and make a response.

Efforts to contact both Williams and Harmon yesterday proved futile.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

…says Minister Dominic Gaskin

GO-Invest needs new direction

By Tajeram Mohabir

MINISTER of Business, Dominic Gaskin, has expressed discontent in the performance of GO-Invest, but optimism in the new leadership of the agency to adopt a more purposeful approach in discharge of its mandate.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Mr Gaskin expressed his dissatisfaction with the work done by the entity.

“I think that there is a lot that GO-Invest should be doing. I think GO-Invest should be playing a lead role in investment promotion and investment-related activities in Guyana, and I don’t think that it has been doing that up to now,” the minister said.

He was of the view

that the lead investment agency had been sidelined by higher authority in the past, as some investments did not go through GO-Invest.

“You cannot have one investment agency and then have most of your investments being handled outside of that agency.

GO-Invest needs to do what it was designed to do; and to that extent, it must be given the authority to do so, and it must be allowed to act without political interference,” Minister Gaskin said.

In a previous interview, he had said that GO-Invest would be reformed and strong attention will be placed on fairness, transparency, good governance, and aggressive promotion of the agency, both locally

and abroad. “ Tr a n s p a r e n c y h a s been very dear to us. Over the years, we constantly lamented the lack of information available to the public. And we realise, too, that in the absence of hard data, it gives rise to speculation; and most of the time speculation is not healthy. It does not help Guyana; it does not build confidence in the system and in our institutions.

“The thinking is (that) if people have information, people can know what we are doing,” a confident Gaskin has said.

The Ministry of Business is currently looking at its five-year strategic plan, which includes GO-Invest; and, according to Gaskin, expanded capacity is one of the areas of focus for

-confident new Board would deliver on mandate

the investment agency.

A decision was made recently to not continue with Keith Burrowes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, and the new Board will soon

begin looking for his replacement.

“The replacement, identification of a new CEO for GO-Invest, has to come out of a process that is open, transparent and

Saturday, August 8, 2015 –– 12:00 hrs Sunday, August 9, 2015 –– 13:30 hrs Monday, August 10, 2015 –– 14:30 hrs Friday, August 7, 2015 –– 11:00 hrs

fair. So it is not simply a question of replacing Mr Burrowes by picking somebody whom we like,” Gaskin told this publication, as he noted that Go-Invest would have to be more aggressive, strategic, and fair in promoting investments in Guyana and abroad.

Established under the Public Corporations Act (1994) as a semi-autonomous body, GO-Invest used to be under the direct purview of the then Office of the President.

GO-Invest is divided into two divisions: one responsible for investment facilitation and promotion, and the other for export promotion. With these divisions, GO-Invest offers a full complement of services to local and foreign investors and exporters.

The Government has recently appointed a new Board of Directors for GO-Invest. The Board is being chaired by Minister Gaskin, and the other members are Mr Rajendra Singh, Mr Michael Hutson, Mr Neville Totaram, Ms Patricia Bacchus, Professor Shamir Ally and Mr Basil Blackman. The Board would also include a member of the Opposition in Parliament.

Gaskin yesterday expressed confidence that the new Board will take GO-Invest forward.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Massiah to stand trial for co-worker murder

THE mystery over the murder of music cart operator, Trevor Raghubir in 2014, who was allegedly stabbed to death by his co-worker Quincy Massiah, will surface in the High Court.

Magistrate Ann McLennan Thursday committed twenty-five-year-old Massiah of Lot 9 Camp and D’urban Streets, Georgetown to stand trial in the High Court.

Massiah was charged indictably on

December 2014 for the murder of Raghubir, also known as ‘Dougla boy’, which occurred on November 27 at Lot 9 Camp and D’Urban Streets, Georgetown.

The accused was unrepresented throughout the trial. The magistrate said that she took into consideration the prosecution’s case led by Sergeant Neville Jeffrey and the evidence was enough to establish that a prima facie case was made out against the accused at the con-

Clothes vendor embezzles money for Toyota Premio ‘nose cut’ parts –court hears

ENTRUSTED with $450,000 to buy ‘nose cut’ parts for a Toyota Premio, clothes vendor Dwayne King allegedly ended up converting the money to his own use and benefit, a city court heard Thursday.

The charges against 33-year-old King of 167 Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, is that on November 15, 2014 being entrusted

by Quincy Maynard with $450,000 to purchase a nose cut for his motorcar, he fraud-

ulently converted the articles to his own use and benefit. The defendant, however, denied the charge against him.

There were no facts read in court by the prosecution, nor was there any objection to bail being granted.

Counsel for King told the court that his client is the father of three and has no prior conviction and does not pose a flight risk.

The vendor was granted bail in the sum of $175,000 by Magistrate Ann McLennan and the matter was adjourned until August 24.

Miner remanded over million-dollar scam on Action Tyre

ARNOLD Melville a forty-two-year-old miner of 79 Robb Street, Georgetown, who is accused of pulling off a million dollar tyre scam on Action Tyre Limited, was Thursday remanded to prison

by City Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Melville who was charged with conspiracy to defraud and uttering a forged bank cheque was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Melville’s lawyer, Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat, requested that the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) be applied so the matter could be tried summarily.

The charges alleged that on June 15 Melville conspired together with persons, known or unknown, to defraud Action Tyre Limited of 12 R20 Goodyear Tyres valued $1,140,000, property of Action Tyre.

It was further alleged that on June 15

at Georgetown, Melville uttered a Republic Bank Limited draft cheque to Gibran Elation in favour of Alleyne’s Mining and Transportation Service for the sum of $1,140,000, knowing same to be forged.

Melville strongly denied the charges and Fung-a-Fat in his application for reasonable bail explained that his client was willing to lodge his passport at the court and submit himself to any condition attached.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones did not relate the facts to the court but objected to bail, stating that the defendant had given Lot 83 Duke Street, Kingston as his address to the police, but that differs from the one given to the court.

The prosecution’s objection was upheld and the miner will appear in court again before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on August 13.

clusion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The magistrate had given Massiah the option of calling a witness on his behalf, to step into the box and give sworn testimony or remain silent. Massiah simply replied that he wished to remain silent.

According to reports, on Novem-

15

ber 28, 2014 at about 02:30 hrs at the junction of Durban and Camp Streets, Georgetown, there was an argument between the accused and Raghubir who was stabbed to his abdomen. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Two GWI workers accused of stealing iron pipes TWO Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) contractors attached to Linden was on Thursday placed on $75,000 bail each when they appeared before City Magistrate Ann McLennan accused of stealing a quantity of iron pipes.

Curtis Reid, a canter driver of 2208 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden and Royston Peters, 36, of Lot 286 Amelia’s Ward, Linden, both contracted workers employed by GWI, were slapped with the charge that read on July 13 and August 3 at Central Amelia’s Ward Linden, they stole from Kevin Barron 172 15-foot two-inch iron pipes, property of GWI. The duo was charged indictably but the prosecutor Deniro Jones requested that the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) be applied, whereby they both pleaded not guilty.

Reid’s lawyer explained that her client was innocently charged. In her defense she

said that Raid, a hire-canter driver, works for Barron to transport pipes and on the days in question he was ordered by someone employed by the said complainant to transport pipes. The lawyer said further that her client’s job is to transport materials but he was framed. However, he aided the police in their investigations and showed them the location where he was told to deposit the said pipes.

Peters, who was unrepresented, had his bail application objected to by the prosecutor after the court heard that he gave the police a conflicting address of Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara. The prosecutor further noted that only 38 of the said 172 pipes were recovered.

The defendants were released on bail and ordered to report to the Amelia Ward Police Station every Monday. The matter was transferred to Linden Magistrate’s Court for August 19.

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TRINCHLORO Clean & White ‘SURE CASH’ Promotion holds 2nd Drawing

ANSA McAL Trading Ltd yesterday rewarded the second set of winners in the TRINCHLORO Clean & White “SURE CASH” promotion with US$100 each. This activity took place at the company’s head office at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

The winners’ names were pulled in the drawing held in Berbice at the new J’s supermarket on July 31st 2015. The winners are Mr. Shailendra Arjune of Bush Lot, WCB; Ms. Nicole A. Rodrigues of B.V, ECD; Mr. Amar Nauth Bhojan of Lancaster, ECD; Ms. Coretta Culley of Uitvlugt, WCD; and Ms. Haimwantie Persaud of Golden Fleece Estate, Essequibo Coast.

TRINCHLORO Brand Manager, Padma Prashad, said, “We would like to congratulate all the winners of the second drawing of the Trinchloro “Sure Cash” Promotion, and encourage those who have not yet participated to take advantage of the opportunity to win “SURE CASH” by using Trinchloro Bleach to whiten, clean and disinfect.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

From right - TRINCHLORO Brand Manager Padma Prashad, Winners: Nicole Rodrigues, Coretta Culley and Amar Nauth Bhojan.

The next drawing in the promotion is scheduled for August 15th at Jaigobin’s Supermarket in Anna Regina Essequibo Coast.

This promotion will give 20 TRINCHLORO customers the chance to win $2 Million in cash; with the first place winner receiving US$5,000, second

place US$3,000, third place US$1000 and fourth and fifth places US$500 each.

Additionally, 15 persons will win US$100 in the three consolation draw-

ings.

To enter the promotion, persons are required to enter a TRINCHLORO Clean & White label (any size) along with their

names, addresses and telephone numbers in entry boxes provided at all leading supermarkets countrywide. (Michel Outridge)

Deferred second sugar crop begins INCLEMENT weather conditions over the past few weeks forced sugar estates to halt operations for an extra two weeks, hence work on the second sugar crop for the season began only last week, when initially it was supposed to have commenced in the last week of July.

This was disclosed by president of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, on Wednesday last during an interview with this publication.

-four estates currently operating

GAWU President Komal Chand

“The crop was deferred by two weeks due to the inclement weather conditions; the conditions of the road, and also given the fact that the dams are bad; and due to the financial situation of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

“In the past, the dams were not properly looked after,” Chand explained.

He said four of the estates in the country, namely Albion, Rose Hall, Blair-

mont and Uitvlugt, have begun operating; while the prolonged rainfall caused some mishaps at the Skeldon Estate, and the Wales Estate is to commence operating next week.

He also said that production would gain momentum in time. “We have to see whether they are going to have canes, as the last three years’ production has increased significantly.”

Chand highlighted the fact that the target for this crop stands at 146,300 tonnes, while 81,191 tonnes have been recorded in the first crop.

“Once there is good weather, enough canes on the ground and a favourable industrial climate, there should be a smooth flow throughout the life of the second crop,” Chand said.

(Navendra Seoraj)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Delegation of 80 to represent Guyana at Carifesta XII

-under the theme ‘Rights and Rhythms of Guyana’

WITH a Government-funded budget of Gy$65M being extended through the Ministry of Education, a delegation of 80 persons is expected to leave Guyana, taking with them elements of our rich Guyanese culture with which they will seek to make a massive impact at the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) XII, set to be held in the Caricom sister state of Haiti from August 21 to 30.

At yesterday’s press briefing held at the Ministry of Education, Division of Culture, a synopsis of what the Guyanese delegation will be taking with them to Haiti was revealed by the committee responsible for various aspects of the arts.

VISUAL ARTS The Visual Arts component, which will represent Guyana at the regional event, has 27 entries, representing three of the disciplines in visual arts that Guyanese people are familiar with.

This was according to Ohene Koama, acting curator at Castellani House, who disclosed that 12 paintings, 6 drawings and 9 sculptures were selected to be displayed at the festival later this month.

He said those pieces are presently on public display until Monday at the ground floor of Castellani House.

DANCE Roshinie Boodhoo, a choreographer of the dance team, explained that the dances, which will seek to explore Guyana’s rich cultural heritage through the theme – ‘Legends and Rhythms of Guyana’, were choreographed by leading choreographers in the country.

A dancer herself, Boodhoo told members of the media that some of the persons who were selected through auditions came from some of the leading dance companies in the country. As such, the closest level to perfection is being aimed at.

“One of the criteria that were needed was that the dancers needed to know at least two styles of dance. The production showcases Guyanese traditions and directions of the local dance world through a perspective of leading choreographers. It’s a 60-minute synopsis of dance theatre presentation that combines skilful uses of colours, lights, costumes, projections, backgrounds and choreographies to explore Guyana at its best,” Boodhoo said.

LITERARY ARTS As it relates to the Literary Arts, Al Creighton, the person responsible for Guyana’s representation at the literary exhibition and symposium, underscored the importance of the symposia at Carifesta. He explained that it is a forum where some of the issues governing the arts of the Region are examined, analysed and presented.

Reflecting on 2008, when Guyana hosted Carifesta, Creighton noted that one issue that came out that year was the development of the creative industries in the Region. The question being asked at that time was “Are we there yet?”This questioned whether the Caribbean Region had arrived at a successful point in the literary arts.

“A number of years later, the issue is still alive” he said, adding that one of the things that Guyana will be pursuing this year is to examine the state of creative industries locally as well as regionally.

“It is a topic which had engaged some of the countries in the Region, and we are prepared to lead a discussion in this respect at Carifesta,” he added.

Guyana is registered to participate in 11 areas of the festival, which include Visual and Literary Arts, Fashion, Theatre arts and Music.

This year, the Caribbean festival is being held under the theme ‘Our Roots, Our Culture, Our Common Future’, and features a logo that represents “a synergy of multiculturalism, pride and joyful unity.”

Along with CARICOM countries, Carifesta will also traditionally host delegations from the wider Caribbean, Latin America, and representatives from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

The festival was first held in 1972 in Guyana, and Suriname has been the latest host of Carifesta, in 2013.

Carifesta at the Providence Stadium in Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Town Clerk pushes for amendment to Constabulary ‘discriminatory’ -confirms policy pregnancy policy discriminates against women

By Derwayne Wills

NEWLY-appointedTown Clerk of the Georgetown municipality, Mr Royston King, is ready and eager to change a controversial ‘pregnancy policy’ found in the Standing Orders of the City Constabulary.

He has already intervened to request that three recently-fired City constables be re-instated, but his actions are unilateral, although made under special considerations.

The policy which effected the trio’s dismissal is still in effect.

As Town Clerk, empowered by local government legislation, King has direct responsibility for the City Constabulary.

The Constabulary comprises approximately 70% female officers, according to Chief Constable Andrew Foo, who recently told this publication that the Constabulary had no intention of amending the controversial policy.

The most recent revision of the Constabulary’s Standing Orders was done by Foo himself in 2013. However, Foo did not see fit to amend that particular policy, which opposed not only Guyana’s 1997 Prevention Against Discrimination Act, but also the Constitution -- the supreme law of Guyana.

King is convinced that the policy must also see a change in the thinking at the level of the City Constabulary, a position that concurs with Gender Advocate and Women’s Activist Vanda Radzic, who is also a member of the Women and Gender Equality Commission.

Radzic went further than King to call for an overarching gender policy in Guyana that could be achieved through collaborative effort between Government and civil society partners. The gender advocate is convinced that a huge gap exists between the policies

implemented at state agencies and those provisions for the fair treatment of women in the laws of Guyana.

“There should be a search-and-rescue programme to find where these outdated policies exist, and bring them in line with Guyana’s Constitution and our rule of law,”

She added that such a policy “puts in place mechanisms for ensuring implementation.”

Radzic called for the new Administration to fulfil a promise made in its 100-day plan -- to compile a gender policy from active discussion at the level of a national women’s conference.

The 2013 revised edition of the City Constabulary’s Standing Orders Radzic told the Guyana Chronicle in a telephone interview yesterday.

Plugging the need for a national gender policy, the gender advocate said: “The usefulness of a national policy is that it helps the whole legal framework to become more operative within agencies and organisations of the state and its civil society partners.”

While Town Clerk Royston King cannot, on his own, implement any amendment to the Constabulary’s policy, he has indicated that he would be drafting a proposal paper to be submitted to the City Council through the Personnel and Training Committee.

Expressing regret at the decision to sack the pregnant trio, and even the two sisters

fired in 2014 from the Constabulary, King said, “This situation presents to the Council an opportunity to review (its policies), and this is what we are doing. We regret what had happened in the past. Our laws and regulations must not be unfavourable to women.”

King continued: “We are looking at support systems to help our women, not only in the constabulary, but also in the general employ of the Georgetown Municipality, in the areas of counselling, family planning and related guidance.”

Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green, chief policy official in the City Council, told this publication two days ago that he has taken a “fundamental position of principle” on the issue. While touting the need for the courts to interpret the law, and acknowledging he was “no constitutional lawyer,” Mayor Green remarked that in Guyana’s security services, “people, including our females, must have a sense of responsibility.”

The Town Clerk was asked whether he was optimistic that councillors like Mayor Green would approve such amendments to the policy, which they had previously defended. He responded, “The Council needs to be guided by administration, and this is exactly what we are doing. So I am very optimistic that, with our guidance, Council will review and make the policies favourable towards our women, to protect their rights.”

The Mayor is the head of the policy unit of City Hall, which includes a chamber of councillors who are elected to serve for a period.

The Town Clerk is the Chief Executive Officer of the City Administration, and is tasked with overlooking all administrative functions of the City Administration. That position is not contestable, and is made with recommendations from the City Council and with final approval from the Local Government Minister, now the Minister of Communities.

Tuschen break-ins worry residents - say response from lawmen less than satisfactory

By Michel Outridge RESIDENTS of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, say that recent incidents of break and enter and larceny at their homes are very worrying.

Although there is a Police Outpost in the relatively large community, in their view the response from the lawmen is less than satisfactory.

Villagers who work away from their homes for long periods usually return to an empty or ransacked house with valuables missing and that has been the order of the day for some folks.

They said that the break and enter and larceny incidents are committed by a group of unemployed youths, some of whom are addicted to drugs and are residing in the

community.

One male resident, who works at nights, suffered two break-ins at his home while he was away and his losses ran into millions.

Another resident said his house was broken into while he was at home and his neighbours responded. The thief was caught breaking a window and he was thrashed and handed over to the police.

Residents said that several young people are unemployed but some are very qualified. They gang up and ‘lime’ at the street corners and get into all sorts of mischief with a lot of time on their hands and nothing worthwhile to do.

Some female residents, who are vendors at the head of the village at a market, said that sometimes people get robbed

while on their way home or going to work.

In one instance, they recalled, a welldressed young man snatched the handbag of a woman, early one morning and fled.

The women said that they try to end their business before 18:00hrs daily because when it gets dark the robbers are most likely to strike.

However, many incidents of break-ins have not been reported to the police.

‘D’ Division Commander, Stephen Mansell told this publication that for July this year they received five break and enter and robbery reports in Tuschen and those were investigated.

He stated that they have not had any report of armed robberies in that village for the past four months and detectives are at present doing some work in the area.

Mansell said that Tuschen is outfitted with a Police Outpost that is in operation on a 24-hour basis, manned by four ranks at all times and backed up by two ranks from the Anti-Crime Unit.

The senior officer added that members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) also operate out of the Tuschen Police Outpost.

The commander said for last month on the West Coast Demerara corridor they have had four prosecutions for break and enter and larceny.

He explained that it is only when they receive a report of a crime that they can respond. Therefore, he is urging residents to call-in or visit the police station or outpost to file a report which will be followed-up by the police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Digicel, Government congratulate Special Olympics medallists SPECIAL Olympic World Games medallists Calvin Thomas, Kevin Pryce, Annisa Bowman, and Deandra David were commended by Minister of Sport Nicolette Henry and CEO of Digicel, Kevin Kelly, at a congratulatory luncheon hosted by Digicel at Sihouette Restaurant on Thursday.

In the presence of the athletes and their parents, Henry applauded the team on behalf of the Government of Guyana. Henry told the athletes how “incredibly honoured” the Government of Guyana felt by the difference the athletes were making in Guyana and the world at large.

“We are incredibly honoured at your desire and courage to make a difference in the world with your talents and on behalf of the Government of Guyana we extend congratulations to you, the athletes, for your accomplishments,” Henry informed the athletes in the presence of the parents and representatives from Digicel.

The four medallists represented Guyana at the recently concluded Games held in Los Angeles, California, USA from July 25 to August 2.

Topping the medal earners was distance athlete

Special Olympics World Games athletes (front row) - Calvin Thomas, Kevin Pryce, Annisa Bowman and Deandra David, flanked

by Digicel CEO Kevin Kelly (second from left), and Minister of Sport, Nicolette Henry (second from right).

Thomas who copped gold in the men’s 5000m and silver in the 3000m - a feat, that Kelly said, was not an easy one, given the competition Thomas would have come up against.

Bowman finished second in the women’s 200m dash, while Pryce also won silver in the men’s 200m.

Landing two bronze medals was David, who finished third in the women’s 200m and 400m.

Remarking on the overall performance of the team

Kelly noted that accomplishments of the athletes have put “Guyana on the map”. He also noted that Thomas being interviewed

by ESPN, following his win, was good exposure for Guyana.

Kelly declared that honouring the athletes was a part of Digicel’s commitment to sport, which was more than just publicity but was about making the athletes feel appreciated.

The Special Olympics World Games is a bien-

nial multisport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The World Games feature more than a week of competitions involving thousands of athletes.

The goal is to showcase the skills and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities, on a global stage. This year the flagship event is reported to have attracted the participation of over 6 000 athletes from all across the world.

Ashes 2015

England on the verge of series victory over Australia

BEN Stokes took five wickets to put England on the brink of regaining the Ashes at a jubilant Trent Bridge.

The hosts declared on 391-9 after Joe Root’s 130 and a rapid 58-run partnership between Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad on the second morning.

Chris Rogers (52) and David Warner (64) briefly threatened an Australian fightback with a 113-run opening partnership.

But Stokes produced some magnificent swing bowling either side of tea to post figures of 5-35 and reduce the tourists to 241-7, still 90 runs behind England, when bad light ended play.

Adam Voges will resume today unbeaten on 48, but it is surely only a

Ben Stokes is acknowledged by his English teammates during his spell of 5-35 against Australia.

2013-14 and extend matter of time before En- to play. gland wrap up the series A n E n g l a n d v i c t o - Australia’s winless by taking an unassailable ry would avenge the 5-0 run on UK soil to four 3-1 lead with one match whitewash Down Under in Test series.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

32 selected for Goodwill Swimming Championships GUYANA’S team to this year’s Goodwill Swimming Championships will comprise a lineup of some 32 swimmers, accompanied by six officials.

Team manager Keon Smith has said that the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will be sending a team of 14 boys and 18 girls to represent Guyana at the Championships, set for the Twin-Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, from August 14-16.

The squad includes 2014 medallists Onika George, Accalia Khan, Nathan Hackett, Antonio Hussein, Raekwon Noel, and Omar Adams as well as 2013 gold medallist Hannibal Gaskin, who is currently in Kazan, Russia representing Guyana at the 16th FINA Swimming Championships.

In lower age category are national record holders Leon Seaton and Aleka Persaud. The team will this year lack the backings from backstroke gold medallist Soroya Simmons, who has graduated out of the competition’s age range.

Nonetheless, this year’s team reflects an increase from last year’s where Guyana was represented by 29 swimmers, when the event was held in Barbados. It also marks a climb closer to the maximum 40 swimmers that each team is allowed to register for the competition.

Head coach for the team, Sean Baksh, noted the improvement bodes well for the team, who would be competing against five other countries; namely Suriname, Barbados, St Lucia, Bahamas, and home team Trinidad.

However, Baksh admitted that this increase may not

Accalia Khan

Onika George

immediately reflect a change in Guyana’s overall position, though it would work to enhance Guyana’s final points standing and will give several swimmers a chance to push themselves and improve on their timings.

“It is still a challenge to fill the slot of 40 with quality swimmers,” Baksh said.

“It is a challenge for the clubs, but we are stepping up.

Guyana normally goes with the least number of swimmers, and this year there is an increase in the numbers because

Priyanna Ramdhani into Doubles Quarters

GUYANA’S Priyanna Ramdhani and her partner Sarah Michelle Barrios Chiong of Guatemala blasted their way into the Under-15 Girls Doubles Quarter-Finals at the Pan Am Juniors in Tijuana, Mexico on Thursday.

They played against two Mexican pairs Jessica Bautista & Vanessa Villalobos beating them on the TV Court in an exciting three-setter 21-19, 14-21, 21-13.

During the match Priyanna, who played the back court mostly, won her points with variation of smashes and tight cross drops that their opponents found hard to return.

In the Round Two of the Under-15 Mixed Doubles, Priyanna & Lucas Amaral of Brazil lost to Kevin Wang & Catherine Choi of Canada 21-11, 21-6.

In the Singles on Wednesday, Priyanna lost the Girls Singles to Catherine Choi of Canada 21-12, 21-11 Narayan Ramdhani in Round Two lost his Boys Singles Under-19 in a close fight to James Pin Kuan Ho of Canada 16-21, 18-21.

The tournament is being played at the Centro de Alto Rendimeineto Baja California in Tijuana Mexico Up to news time, last evening, there was no result of the Priyanna Girls Doubles Quarters.

Chelsea boss signs new four-year deal

CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year deal at the Stamford Bridge club.

The new deal will keep the 52-year-old in his post until at least 2019.

The Portuguese, who had previously been in charge from 2004 to 2007, rejoined in 2013 on a four-year deal, leading the Blues to the Premier League title and the Capital One Cup last season.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Jose Mourinho

(Sunday August 09, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 31 wickets (2) 364-Len Hutton (ENG)-The Oval, 1938 Today’s Quiz: How many players have captained England against Australia in Tests?

Put these in order beginning with the man who has taken most wickets for Australia against England in Tests: Hugh Trumble; Dennis Lillee; Glen McGrath; Shane Warne Answers in tomorrow’s issue

we’ve made some changes in the standards, (but) even though we have more swimmers we are not guaranteed our standing in terms of placement but our points standing will go up.”

Baksh reminded that the meet is a developmental one and while winning is the ultimate goal, developing on the skills of the swimmers we do have is key.

“It is a developmental meet and we are trying to motivate the swimmers.” Baksh continued.

Guyana’s performance at the meet over the years has been dismal with Guyana finishing in last place every year for over five years running, even when the competition was held on home turf, as was the case back in 2012. Reason continues to be not only Guyana’s lack of swimmers, but lack of proficient swimmers.

Competing against just Suriname, Barbados, Trinidad and St Lucia last year, Guyana finished in fifth place with just 461 points, ending with 18 individual medals and eight bronze medal performances in the relay. Of the individual medals 4 were gold, six were silver, and eight bronze.

Meanwhile, Trinidad managed to overthrow defending champions Suriname for the win after mounting 1 569 points last year.

The swimmers are set to leave Guyana on August 13 and return August 17. Accompanying the team in addition to the team manager and head coach are assistant team manager Shyka Gonsalves, assistant coaches Isabel Couso Fals and Paul Mahaica and chaperone Shannie Rodrigues.

Guyana’s Priyanna Ramdhani and her partner Sarah Michelle Barrios Chiong of Guatemala

“I said when I returned here that I have a special feeling for this club and nothing’s changed,” he said.

“I think this is a normal thing for me to sign a new contract. It is important we have this continuity and I hope we can enjoy more success in the future - for the fans, the players and the club.

“It is the club closest to my heart and I am very happy to know I will be staying here for a long time.”

Mourinho has the best win rate (69%) of any manager to have taken charge of 15 or more Premier League games and will lead his side out in their season opener against Swansea today at 17:30 BST. Last season, Chelsea were the only club in all four divisions to remain unbeaten at home, winning the title with three matches to spare.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Fourth GCA/NBS second division tournament launched SECOND division cricket will return to Georgetown and outlying areas thanks to the New Building Society (NBS) which yesterday launched the 4th edition of its 2015 tournament.

Into its fourth edition of a partnership with the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), NBS has committed to the hosting of the 16-team tournament at various venues within Georgetown from August 22.

At yesterday’s launch, vice-president and director on the company’s board, Seepaul Narine, indicated that the company is elated to return as a sponsor.

“Hopefully, a cricketing star, or maybe a few like another (Rohan) Kanhai, (Clive) Lloyd, (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul, (Lance) Gibbs or of course (Roger) Harper can emerge from this competition. This second division competition provides an excellent opportunity for players with concealed talents to make a name for themselves.”

President of the GCA, Roger Harper, thanked

NBS for their continued sponsorship of the tournament and by extension cricket.

He added that the tournament has already begun to bear fruit when it comes to the future of West Indies Cricket.

“These opportunities have led to a number of players going on to greater heights in the cricketing realm. This year we saw 12 young cricketers who would have played in the New Building Society (NBS) trophy competition during the last three years - 12 young men who benefited from the opportunities your sponsorship provided for them to display their skills and refine their game. This year saw those 12 players represent Guyana at the various youth teams.”

The tournament will be played in two zones with the top two of each moving on to the semi-finals and final. GCC are defending champions for three years running.

The competing clubs are Georgetown Crick-

South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 07:55 hrs Cherry Orchard 08:30 hrs Guilty As Charged 09:10 hrs Cassie O’Malley 09:40 hrs Cinema Scope 10:15 hrs Theseus 10:55 hrs Roy’s Angel

Newmarket 09:00 hrs Thetis 09:30 hrs Blue Waltz 10:05 hrs Buckstay 10:35 hrs Bint Al Reem 11:10 hrs Fine View 11:45 hrs Mutasayyid 12:15 hrs Amour De Nuit

Flamingo Park 09:10 hrs Pondtedera 08:45 hrs Capricorn Ridge 09:20 hrs Sarve 09:55 hrs Atso Time 10:30 hrs Nisa’s Love English Racing Tips Ascot 07:55 hrs Double Up 08:30 hrs Wordiness 09:05 hrs Elbereth 09:40 hrs Halation 10:15 hrs Polarisation 10:50 hrs Acolyte Haydock 08:50 hrs Yourartisonfire 09:20 hrs Basateen 09:55 hrs Intilaaq 10:25 hrs Yasmeen 11:00 hrs Putting Green 11:35 hrs Ballesteros 12:05 hrs Bronze Beau

Irish Racing Tips Kilbeggan 12:30 hrs The welsh Wizard 13:00 hrs Tri Na Ceile 13:30 hrs Emmy Lou 14:00 hrs Troubled Soul 14:30 hrs Guitar Pete 15:00 hrs As De Pique 15:30 hrs Bobarlee American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Nail Race 2 Deeply Undervalued Race 3 Smart Moon Race 4 Reload Race 5 Lookaroundcorners Race 6 Ocean Knight Race 7 Daring Katie Race 8 Cavorting Race 9 Honor Code

et Club (GCC), Everest Cricket Club (CC), Transport Sports Club, Third Class Cricket Club, GNIC, Police Sports Club, Ace Warriors, Guyana Defence Force, Demerara Cricket Club, University of Guyana, Muslim Youth Organisation, Malteenoes Sports Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation, Sophia Cricket Club, St Stanislaus College and Diplomats Cricket Club.

As is the norm, both bowling and batting points will be awarded for outstanding performances on both sides of the innings.

(Stephan Sookram)

GCA secretary Deborah McNichol collects sponsorship cheque from NBS representative.

Guyana ladies complete 5-wicket win over Windwards GUYANA’S senior national female team completed a five-wicket drubbing of the Windward Islands, as first round action in the West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Super50 tournament got under way yesterday at the National Cricket Centre, in Couva, Trinidad.

Winning the toss, the Windwards took first strike in which they posted 122-9. Qiana Joseph, the highlight of the innings, slammed three fours in her 55-ball 33.

Opener Anica Andrew’s 24 and Roylin Cooper’s 19 were the only other in double figures.

For the Guyanese bowlers, Akaze Thompson’s eight overs went for 28 but yielded three wickets.

Support came from Evra Giddings and Mandy Mangru who picked up 2 wickets each for 14 and 22 runs respectively while Subrena Munroe and Plaffiana Millington each bagged one.

In chase of the total, the Guyanese lost Lashuna Toussaint

early for two runs with the score at six and then lost Katana Mentore for 6 (16) when the score was at 23.

However, a steadying effort by wicketkeeper/batter Melanie Henry and West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle (66 runs) brought the Guyanese back in the game and set them on course for the win.

Henry (25) had to eventually depart with the score on 89 and the Guyanese got quite a scare when Kavita Yadram, and Mandy Mangru both departed without very much impact.

Captain Tramayne Smartt came to the centre and held out with Campbelle for the win. Smartt’s 8-ball cameo produced 12, laced with two boundaries while Campbelle hit an unbeaten 59 which included seven fours Of the Windward bowlers, Krisani Irish picked up 2 wickets from her 5.1 overs while captain Yasmine St Ange and Joseph each copped 1.

TTHF Players Tournament …

Junior Men qualify for semis

THE Junior National Men’s hockey team of Guyana qualified for the semifinals of the Players Tournament, in Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday, with a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Queen’s Park, in their final round-robin match.

Needing to win outright to qualify as the number one seed in the semifinal, the Guyanese lacked the work rate and intensity in the first half that has been the hallmark of their tour so far.

They found themselves down 2-0 within the first quarter despite having a much more balanced team than Queen’s Park and were lucky not to concede more goals in the second quarter, as they seemed relieved to hear the half-time horn.

An animated pep talk by their coach at halftime, however, jolted them into action and they started the third quarter with a higher level of intensity, majority of the action now taking place in Queen’s Park’s half of the field.

Hilton Chester took a quick free hit and passed the ball out to Kareem McKenzie who sent it into the scoring area where it was skilfully deflected into goal by Ato Greene.

The goal seemed to motivate the Guyanese even more and

they piled on the pressure, creating several scoring opportunities which were all repelled by the Queen’s Park defence.

Guyana continued their high pressure in the fourth quarter and were rewarded with a penalty corner which was taken by Guyanese sweeper Andrew Stewart who unleashed a deadly drag flick into the top right of the goal to tie the game.

Guyana pushed hard for the outright win but Queen’s Park held strong until time expired.

In the penalty shootout things looked grim when Guyana’s Keon and Kareem McKenzie had their shots saved, but some aggressive goalkeeping by Medroy Scotland kept them in it before the captain, Mark Sargeant, Leon Bacchus and Andrew Stewart all scored to secure the 3-2 penalty win.

The result meant that Guyana and Malvern are now tied on points although Malvern have secured the number one seed due to their superior goal difference.

Guyana will have a second crack at Queen’s Park in the semifinal, while Malvern take on the U-21 Training Squad Selection.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 8, 2015

Guyana’s Liam Richmond finishes creditable third in Roubaix Series GUYANA’S Liam Richmond, competing for Cure 8 Cycling team in the United States finished a creditable third overall in the recently concluded Roubaix Series at the historic Floyd Bennett Field.

According to reports out of the United States, despite not competing in the first eight races of the series, Richmond displayed amazing consistency in garnering six top five placings with one win!

Cure 8 Cycling team is the brainchild of Richmond and was started this Guyana’s Liam Richmond year and comprises ( l e f t ) s h o w s o f f h i s mostly Guyanese silverware at the conclusion cyclists, notably, of the Roubaix Series at the Sandy Lall, Wazim Floyd Bennett Field in the Gafoor, Jaipaul Mo- USA. habir, Ricky Narine, Godfrey Pollydore, Phillip Piggott, Rameshwar Ramkissoon and Andre Simon.

Cure 8 Cycling team was also instrumental in supporting the comeback of Raynauth Jeffrey during his time in the Tri-State area earlier this year.

Inaugural Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Novices C/Ship gets under way tonight THE Inaugural Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis National Novices Boxing Championship will get under way tonight at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre (California Square) from 19:00hrs.

The event, which will be staged over a two-night period, is being organised by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and is being staged in recognition of the late Andrew Lewis, Guyana’s first world boxing champion who died in a motor vehicle accident earlier this year.

The tournament, which concludes tomorrow night at the same venue, has attracted boxers from 10 gyms from around the country and promises to be filled with excitement.

Defending champions, Republican, are expected to be sternly tested by members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force gyms as well as their junior counterparts from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

The Republican Gym dethroned the GDF last year to win the Best Gym award and at that championship, the Republicans were coached by national coach Wincell Thomas.

However, this year, Thomas will be in the corner of the recently formed Ann’s Grove Gym. The NOC are making a timely comeback to the ring at the national level and much is expected from them.

They will be under the guidance of Lawrence Kellman and the six-man squad reads: Selwyn Ramdeen, Omar Francis, Delon Isaacs, Melvin Gibson, Akeem Peshua and Shamel Giddings.

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Sport CHRONICLE

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

Inaugural Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Novices C/Ship gets under way tonight SEE STORY ON PAGE 31

SEE STORY ON PAGE 30

Guyana ladies complete 5-wicket win over Windwards

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32 selected for Goodwill Swimming Championships SEE STORY ON PAGE 29

Digicel, Government congratulate Special Olympics medallists

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Saturday August 8, 2015