2015 9 05

GUYANA

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

WATER TAXIS FOR BERBICE RIVER No. 104303

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

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– Gov’t mulls service amid standoff in bridge toll reduction

GOVERNMENT has announced that a water taxi service pilot project will be implemented over the Berbice River. This is intended to aid students and the elderly who are affected by the refusal of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) to accept the Government-proposed lowering of the toll.

Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon, told a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency that Government would be providing the infrastructure and regulatory framework to enable covered launches to operate as passenger vessels.

“A memorandum produced by the Minister of Public Infrastructure pro-

posed the introduction of a water taxi service between the west[ern] and the east[ern] banks of the Berbice River.

These discussions were prolonged and Cabinet gave its go-ahead to the establishment of a river taxi service,” Harmon explained.

See full story on Page 3

Man shot dead in Albouystown ...three others wounded in melee

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– killed by residents after alarm raised by woman he was peeping at

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DEAD: Sanasie Lewis

Murdered 8 Leopold Street US$300,000 man was a wastewater ‘Peeping Tom’ treatment plant 10 Page

Jean La Rose to chair Chronicle – Bish Panday Board NCN Board

Agreement signed to construct…

Bish Panday

Jean La Rose

SEARCH STILL ON

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Laleta Sivanand

– for woman Page 3 missing at Kaieteur

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

Jean La Rose to chair Chronicle Board – Bish Panday NCN Board BOARDS of Directors for the State-owned Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) and the National Communications Network (NCN) were finalised at last Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

The announcement was made yesterday by Minister

of State Joseph Harmon, who also announced the appointment of the board for the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA).

Harmon said the boards have not yet been gazetted, but this will be done in the new week.

Jean La-Rose of the Am-

erindian People’s Association will chair the GNNL (Chronicle) board, while Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of P&P Insurance Brokers and former Chairman of GNNL, Bish Panday, will chair the NCN Board.

Jean La Rose is a key leader in the Amerindian struggle for full rights to traditional lands. She has

served as the Programme Administrator of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA).

Meanwhile, Leonard Craig has been named as the Chairman of GNBA. Chairpersons for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Central Housing and Planning authority (CHPA) will be disclosed at a later date.

New Chair of the Chronicle board, Jean La Rose

New Chair of the NCN board, Bish Panday

President concerned over frequent collapse of mining pits PRESIDENT David Granger has expressed his concerns over the frequent

collapse of mining pits within Guyana’s mining community.

Very often, these have resulted in the loss of miners’ lives. The latest collapse earlier this week resulted in the death of a young miner from Region 8.

The President’s concerns were related to members of the media when Minister of

State Joseph Harmon addressed his weekly post-Cabinet briefing, yesterday.

According to Harmon, the President expressed grave concerns, particularly over the frequency with which these mining-pit collapses were taking place.

The minister referred to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) launched earlier in the year, to address similar concerns in the mining sector. In this regard, Minister Harmon advised that a draft report which has been completed, will be presented to Cabinet shortly. This will be done by Minister Raphael Trotman, who has ministerial responsibilities for the sector.

The inquiry was launched because of mounting concerns over accidents at mining pits, which pointed to lack of effective safety precautions and measures being taken by owners and operators in the mining sector. The report is expected

President David Granger

to make recommendations for ensuring effective compliance and implementation of safety and other working regulations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

WATER TAXIS FOR BERBICE RIVER - Gov’t mulls service amid standoff in bridge toll reduction

By Rabindra Rooplall GOVERNMENT has announced that a water taxi service pilot project will be implemented over the Berbice River.

This is intended to aid students and the elderly who are affected by the refusal of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) to accept the Government-proposed lowering of the toll.

Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon, told a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency that government would be providing the infrastructure and regulatory framework to enable covered launches to operate as passenger vessels.

“A memorandum produced by the Minister

of Public Infrastructure proposed the introduction of a water taxi service between the west[ern] and the east[ern] banks of the Berbice River.

These discussions were prolonged and Cabinet gave its go-ahead to the establishment of a river taxi service,” Harmon explained.

He also said: “The government will not be providing the vessel; the government will basically provide the infrastructure and regulatory arrangements for private entities to be engaged in this matter. We expect that a committee will look at the matter over this weekend.

This will comprise of [sic] representatives from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Education, Ministry of

Social Protection and the Ministry of Public Secu-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon rity,” he disclosed.

Underscoring that the team will journey to the site, Harmon said a decision will be made on what systems should be put in place for the safety

and security of persons travelling. He further said that Cabinet has mandated the Minister of Finance to continue engaging the BBCI to ensure that the reduction of the toll takes place.

“We are of the firm belief that very soon the [Berbice] Bridge Company, who had indicated that they had referred the matter to the shareholders of the company, that they will see the light and agree to have the toll reduced,” Harmon stressed.

Since announcing reduction of the tolls during the budget presentation in early August, government has been meeting with the company to work out the arrangements. During the budget presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had announced that

from Tuesday, September 1, the tolls for passenger cars and buses would have been reduced from $2,200 to $1,900 – a 13.6 percent decline. Tolls for all other types of vehicles were to have been reduced by 10 percent. This, however, did not materialise, and the BBCI told government that it wanted its shareholders to make the decision.

Minister Harmon has insisted that government wants to amicably conclude with the company the mechanisms leading to implementation of the announced toll reductions.

Apart from the state-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) being the single largest shareholder, Queens Atlantic

Investment Inc (QAII), which is controlled by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, had, in 2011, acquired even more shares in the BBCI, making that entity the second largest shareholder.

The holders of ordinary shares in the BBCI are the National Insurance Scheme, New GPC, QAII, Secure International Finance Company, Hand-in-Hand, and Demerara Contractors.

Hailed by long-suffering Berbicians on its commissioning in 2008, the bridge has caused much dissatisfaction as mostly taxpayers’ dollars had been used for its construction, yet it ended up in the control of a few private investors.

MISSING: Laleta Sivanand

woman will be located.

The search is expected to be further intensified and, given the exigencies of this situation, tours to the KNP continue to be suspended.

Following the report that the woman was missing, a search operation was immediately launched by the National Parks Commission Rangers. All relevant authorities including the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and Civil Defence Commission were notified.

Meanwhile, taxi drivers, from a city taxi service,

with whom Laleta Sivanand used to travel, told this publication that she was a frequent customer when she used to work at Laparkan Group of Companies housed at Fogarty’s building on Water Street.

Drivers said the woman was always friendly and seemed normal but she stopped utilising the service after she got married and stopped working.

They recalled she was never despondent and was eager for a chat on her way home. (Michel Outridge)

SEARCH STILL ON -for woman missing at Kaieteur

THE intensive search for Laleta Sivanand, the woman that went missing on a recent guided tour to the majestic Kaieteur falls, is still on going and has, in fact, extended to other parts of the Kaieteur National Park (KNP).

The team was mobilised and went into search mode after it was reported on Sep-

tember 1, 2015 that a woman, who was part of a guided tour to KNP was missing when chits for snacks were being distributed at the end of the tour.

On Thursday, a specialised group of ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) joined the search party and it was extended in which all of the trails

at KNP were reportedly searched.

Binoculars were also used to view the area below the falls and along the sides of the gorge but the search party came up empty-hand.

A press release from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment said the search team remains hopeful that the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

Gov’t to pursue seizure of cash jet pilot’s local properties

By Rabindra Rooplall IN the wake of Guyanese pilot Khamraj Lall being convicted in the United States for smuggling cash, the Guyana Government will be seeking avenues to forfeit all illegal gains made by Lall through money laundering and drug smuggling.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon said: “There are assets here in Guyana, and it is in the interest of the State to ensure that those assets are secured in the event that we have to take further steps or actions.”

Lall was nabbed by Puerto Rican authorities in a high-profile arrest in November, 2014, while transporting more than US$600,000 in cash aboard his jet. He is facing up to two years in jail.

In a plea deal submitted and being reviewed by the United States District Court of Puerto Rico, Cap-

Embattled pilot, Khamraj Lall tain Khamraj Lall agreed to be forfeited of US$620,588 along with the 1988 Israel fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft bearing registration N822Ql, which was used in commission of the crime.

Under the deal with the U.S. Government, Lall pleaded guilty to one count of concealing more than US$10,000 in his plane, and

attempting to transfer it outside of the U.S. to Guyana.

He would have been facing up to five years’ imprisonment on a number of charges if he had opted for a trial and had been found guilty.

Lall, who operated a hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and controlled KayLees Gas Station at Coverden, East Bank Demerara, has also agreed that other assets may be subject to forfeiture, as there is still a pending civil matter for assets seizure in New Jersey, another U.S. territory where

he has homes, vehicles, cash and other properties.

He will remain on restricted freedom until the October 27 sentencing hearing before Judge Jay Garcia-Gregory.

In addition to imprisonment, the court will impose a term of supervised release of not more than five years, with no possibility of parole or the sentence being suspended for any reason.

The U.S. Government had used laws which allow properties that are linked to illegal transactions to

be seized. As Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S., the country’s tax body, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), had stepped into the matter, going after Lall’s bank accounts, his Lexus car and two planes.

Apparently working on information, investigators started tracking Lall’s deposits to accounts held at Wells Fargo, Citibank and JP Morgan, and found startling evidence that between April 2011 and September 2014, the pilot and family members had deposited an

astounding US$6,324,411.41 (Gy$1.3B). There were over a thousand transactions.

The IRS believes that a scheme was devised wherein Lall and others deliberately deposited less than US$10,000 each time in attempts not to trigger suspicion by banks which are mandated to report transactions above that amount.

Lall’s wife, Nadinee, and mother, Joyce, were named in the transactions.

The U.S. Government has said that while it is not yet requesting seizures of properties that the Lalls controlled in three states, it intends to do so, as proceeds of the deposits were used to renovate or pay mortgages.

Derelict buildings to be taken down in three weeks - drainage works to commence

TOWN Clerk Royston King has revealed to this publication that another one of the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC’s) master plans is the “tearing down” of derelict buildings around Georgetown.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, King disclosed: “We are moving to take down, in another three weeks, a number of derelict buildings in a number of areas, including Regent Street, Water Street, Waterloo Street and a number of other streets.”

This initiative follows launch of the Green City initiative, the M&CC’s move to remove derelict vehicles and equipment from the parapets, and a number of other efforts that are intended to restore

Town Clerk Royston King

Georgetown to its former glory.

“We’re having a holistic approach to cleaning up Georgetown and to pushing this whole concept of a clean and green city. It is an inter-de-

partmental approach wherein all the departments will be involved, including the constabulary, engineers and public health departments, along with the volunteer corps as part of the Green City initiative,” the Town Clerk said.

This volunteer corps will complement what the M&CC will be doing in those areas. For instance the food and hygiene officers, along with the members of other departments, will be taking a holistic approach to community restoration and development.

The body which will be conducting the initiative is registered under the M&CC,

today

which will give the body oversight as an extension of the civic responsibility of the M&CC. King noted: “Persons who are not working for City Hall are advised to be a part of it.”

King announced that the M&CC will, on Saturday (today), be moving into areas to undertake massive drainage works, particularly in the city wards of Bourda and Lacytown.

“The M&CC will be providing everything, as in tools, etc… persons are being called upon to come out and support us as we move towards transforming our City,” he said.

(Navendra Seoraj)

Gov’t green lights procurement of bitumen for DHB asphaltic plant CABINET has given its no-objection for the procurement of 1,818,440 litres of bitumen for the Demerara Harbour Bridge asphaltic plant, located at Garden of Eden, East

Bank Demerara.

At a post-Cabinet press briefing hosted by Minister of State Joseph Harmon yesterday, the following was explained: “This is intended to ensure that there is enough

asphalt for the amount of projects which will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure… Many streets around Georgetown and surrounding communities, as can be seen, are being

paved.”

The recently acquired mobile asphalt plant, which has capacity to produce 25 tonnes of asphalt per hour, will be utilised in the near future to deliver asphaltic concrete of the highest quality for road works in outlying and remote communities in Guyana.

This US$120,000 mobile plant is fully computer-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

At NOC meeting…

STAKEHOLDERS DELIBERATE ON ACTION PLAN - to combat youth involvement in crime

By Shivanie Sugrim

CONSIDERING the growth of youth involvement in criminal activities, stakeholders of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), under the Ministry of Education, Department of Youth, have held ground-breaking discussions on an action plan to combat this unsavoury development.

These stakeholders are UNICEF, the Ministry of Social Protection; Rights of the Child Commission; USAID SKYE Project; African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA); Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA); Childlink Guyana, and the Ministry of Public Security.

Flowing from the discussions were suggestions on modifying the structure of the NOC by implementing and enhancing the training skills offered at various NOCs in regions across the country, in an effort to reintegrate the NOC youths into society.

The meeting also examined implementation of measures to reduce the influx of these youths into the NOC programme.

Presidential Advisor on Youth, Aubrey Norton, during his remarks at the meeting, stressed the necessity of implanting quality leadership and self-esteem training in the NOC programme, given that most

USAID SKYE Project representative Magdna Wills, delivering her remarks at the NOC Stakeholders meeting at the Racquet Centre yesterday

The gathering of stakeholders at the opening of the NOC meeting of the youths in the NOC hail from dysfunctional homes, a circumstance which hinders them from making wise career choices.

Norton suggested that the NOC programme should be integrated into a five-year, evidence-based research project for young people in today’s society, so as to fashion feasible measures in fighting their involvement in criminal activities.

A large percentage of these individuals are uneducated and unskilled, and lack the care and attention that they deserve.

They opt for the easy way out, which often leads to a life filled with criminal activities.

Society refers to them as juve-

nile delinquents because they commit petty offences, called “delinquent acts.”

The NOC functions as an alternative prison institution that is designed primarily for these adolescent offenders and wanderers. When they are between the ages of 10 and 18, they are sent to the NOC by the courts, for a period of skills training and social rehabilitation, during which they spend a maximum of three years there.

Stakeholders mentioned above assist in carrying out the NOC programme by producing skills-training programmes and carrying out recreational activities for the youths. Over the years, the stakeholders have been trying to combat

Gov’t green lights procurement of bitumen for ...

From Page 4

The Demerara Harbour Bridge asphaltic plant, located at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara

ised, with pollution control confirming to the highest environmental standards, and has a mineral filler unit. It is the only plant with this capacity locally.

The overwhelming requests for the standardisation of road construction across the country have prompted the DHBC management, in collaboration with the Public Infrastructure Ministry, to source the mobile unit.

(Rabindra Rooplall)

challenges faced by the NOC, the most pressing of which is the sloth in keeping pace with technological advancement.

The United States Agency for International Development’s Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) Project, funded by the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), focuses on equipping those youths who have passed through the juvenile justice system with a complete life and work skills training, so as to assist them in gaining employment.

Magdna Wills, a USAID SKYE Project representative, revealed that, over the years, the project has been faced with the issue of a “get-rich” syndrome by youths.

“Youths want to do well, but oftentimes they think of getting it done the easiest way.

They don’t want to stay on jobs given to them because they expect more, and this is something we have been working on for a while,” the representative pointed out.

The organisation has been

partnering with both the private and public sectors in campaigning efforts to convey youth development messages.

The action plan on the improvement of the NOC is, however, yet to be finalised, as stakeholders continue to

meet and have discussions surrounding a well-structured NOC programme for the betterment of juvenile delinquents in Guyana.

(Additional reporting by Sherah Alleyne)

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Guyana

EDITORIAL

Make Local Gov’t elections meaningful THERE have been a lot of talk about the possibility of Local Government elections in the very near future - perhaps as early as December.

While the opposition seems to be hesitant about those elections, the Minister of Communities Mr Ronald Bulkan, appears to be ready to go to the polls. Perhaps the governing coalition wants to ride on the goodwill generated among its supporters by its success at the just concluded general elections.

The PPP, for its part, has said it is reluctant to go to the elections under the current GECOM leadership. But the party may be more concerned about the timing of the elections. Having just lost a general election its supporters may be somewhat demoralised. Understandably, it is more difficult to mobilise such a constituency. And with the absence of incumbency, the party may be hard-pressed to garner the resources needed for such an effort.

Of course, there is no guarantee that local government elections would excite the same kind of enthusiasm as in the general elections. People tend not to attach the same kind of importance to elections at the local level. In our case whole generations have not been socialised to vote at those elections. In 45 years we have had only one such election.

We agree that the elections are long overdue. The local organs are broken. Many of the councils are controlled by overlords. There is little or no accountability. Young people and women are underrepresented. Many of the IMC’s are peopled by handpicked party operatives. Corruption is rampant. The NDC’s are not representative of the villages under their jurisdiction. Some villages literally have no representation on the council. The case for early elections is, then, justified.

But even as the government may be justifiably anxious for the elections, due consideration needs to be given to the mobilisation of widespread participation, regardless of party affiliation. Democracy is underserved if voters are not mobilised to participate in large numbers. Towards this end, the timing of the elections should be balanced by an aggressive voter education campaign.

Such a campaign has to focus on educating the populace about the importance of local government.

The linkage between local government and their own individual and community development has to be emphasised. local government has to be seen by the voters not simply as an extension of Central Government, but as another relatively autonomous level of government.

From all indications, the parties seem to favour going to the elections in their own name. This brings with it the bitterness that accompanies general and regional elections - the elections could be transformed into an ethnic campaign and census. This would, of course, undermine the real meaning of local democ-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

Make distinction between investigation of corruption and witch-hunting MANY supporters of the governing coalition have been calling on the government to move more quickly against alleged instances of corruption in the previous government.

Some are also dismayed that many operatives of the PPP still hold top positions in the government. This is understandable. The instances of corruption, which have thus far been made public by the government has confirmed in the minds of many that there is more in the mortar.

The logic of party politics invariably takes us to this place. The coalition made rooting out and prosecuting corruption a centerpiece of its campaign platform. Many of their supporters have individually and collectively felt the wrath of the PPP when in government. When one combines the two, the government has to appear to be aggressively going after those suspected of corruption.

But one has to make a distinction between proper investigation of corruption and witch-hunting.

The government has to make sure that it is doing proper investigation before prosecuting people. I know people are impatient, but even instances

of corruption that are obvious need to be carefully documented before prosecution.

Accumulating the evidence needed to prosecute those suspected of misappropriation of Government assets takes time.

We have to allow the auditors to do their work thoroughly. The Asset-Recovery Unit also has to make sure that it is engaged in investigation and not witch-hunting.

Government is a very complex set of institutions.

Because there are several layers of and avenues running through the government, it takes some time to catch and follow the trail of corruption.

Many persons have asked me to evaluate the government. A few have pointed to the fact that many items in the 100-day plan have not been implemented. Frankly, I think the government is doing a good job overall. It is not easy coming into government after 23 years. The government has to confront a shattered economy, the Venezuela threat and a rampant and unrepentant Opposition. That’s a fair bit to handle.

The new government invariably encountered more problems than it anticipated.

Some may say they should

have known this. But although they are related, there is some difference between campaigning to get into government and actually governing. The Government, for example, has to deal with the partisan bureaucracy installed by the previous government. The operatives may be political appointees but they know the system. If you throw all of them out immediately without proper replacements you may end up undermining your own Administration.

In a sense, these first few months are really a period of familiarisation and learning.

The vast majority of the ministers are new to Government.

Some of them are new to politics. I suppose one can criticise the leadership for not choosing a more experienced team. But given what they have and given the fact that it is a coalition, they have done a good job at advancing the process. They have not met some of the 100-day deadlines but what is important is that they have shown intent.

These 100-day deadlines are really election gimmicks.

To do the things that they promised to do in 100 days assumes a combination of the following factors -- that there was normalcy in the system

they were taking over, that the outgoing government would cooperate and that there were the necessary expertise at their disposal. This is not the case.

But we now have a budget.

That in itself is an achievement of sorts because a proper budget assumes a thorough grasp of the macro economic situation. I think with the passage of the budget we would see faster progress.

The one criticism I have of the government is the relatively low level of consultation with stakeholders outside of formal government. This, I know, slows down the process but it is a vital aspect of democratic and good governance.

You simply cannot arrive at some crucial decisions based on the views of just 15 people.

However, competent or well-meaning they are. The naming of the members to government boards was a victim of this lack of consultation. So too was the swift ending of the Walter Rodney Commission. I also believe that ministers, with a few exceptions, have not been accessible to the public. I am talking here about outreaches to the communities.

DAVID HINDS

The business of managing our nation

- it is about transformation, not restoration ACROSS the political divide, regardless of race, and backed up by some polling, it has been concluded that the Government is off to a poor start.

This past week, the major partner in the coalition, the AFC, proposed bringing back the Berbice Ferry. This is indicative of backward thinking.

It takes a few minutes to cross the bridge with significant economic savings in both time and goods. Why would we want to put our people through the hassle of waiting to board a ferry when the bridge is modern and operational?

Failure to negotiate with the private company does not mean we have to think backwards.

Public-Private Partnership (P3)

is crucial to the development of a nation, and agreements must be honoured for future investors to have the confidence to be part of this process.

The tasks ahead for all of us are to work at ways where we continue to contribute to the development of our nation.

Someone mentioned to me recently, that we should not give advice to the current government. I disagree.

As our Opposition Leader has indicated, we must be a responsible opposition. Our MPs’ questions during the debate demonstrated that we have started out that way. We all want to see a Guyana that moves forward and build on our accomplishments, and we

racy, which should be about the interests of the community rather than the party or the race.

But even in the face of those challenges we hope the elections would advance rather than retard democracy and nationhood. We, therefore, urge those concerned to do everything in their power to make the elections a meaningful exercise rather than one that is mere window-dressing or a forum for flexing partisan political muscles.

will do all in our power to contribute to the future development.

This is easier said than done, as without visionary leadership and sound economic approaches, it will not be possible. The new government’s 1980 socialist policies must be replaced with modern day economic policy of creation of wealth with a sympathetic and realistic social conscience approach to those with the most needs.

Moving back to an era of socialism which punishes the rich in order to demonstrate you are for the poor is a retrograde policy.

The private sector must be allowed to prosper and be the engine of growth. Creation of jobs does not come from government, but from putting the policies in place that attract investments.

THE TASKS AHEAD The government believes it has a clear mandate (the recent election results suggest

otherwise!) and is promoting the view that the policies of each of the political parties must now align with theirs. It is obvious from those results that the expectations of the voters are much different.

The PPP called for continued transformation and the building of the middle class while ensuring the most vulnerable are provided for. APNU called for providing for the most vulnerable, but ignoring initiatives that can create a growth environment for our nation.

APNU supporters are blindly following their leadership because of the dislike for the PPP, regardless of the successful policies that enabled Guyana to move from a 1992 poor nation status, to become a nation of growth and transformation - we must do our utmost to ensure that we do not return to those dark days.

Firstly, APNU can only overcome this poor start, if See Page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

Civic society to create new policy-oriented body THE Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) on Saturday, August 29th 2015 convened a meeting with the aim of creating a new civic grouping to focus on priority policy issues.

Of the 25 civic organisations invited to the meeting, 15 attended and 5 communicated apologies. A strong presence of youth and indigenous organisations attested to the range of interest in the undertaking.

The meeting was a response to concerns that governance arrangements in Guyana, particularly civic involvement in policy-making, are weak and overly-dependent on listless statutory bodies and the stated intention of the new Government to address governance matters. Greater citizens’ participation would ensure

more robust policy-making and accountability. Moreover, such experiences would generate informed advocacy by civic bodies as exercised by counterparts elsewhere.

The new initiative identified two major areas in which the quality of civic involvement is critical: firstly, Guyana’s position on climate change to be presented at the global conference known as COP21, set to take place in December; and, second, Guyana becoming a candidate country in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Both themes are deeply impacted by the current lack of coherence in Guyana’s policies in which economic extraction and environmental priorities are in conflict with each other.

Moreover, both priorities need

to be addressed within a limited time-frame.

Regarding these two issues, the meeting agreed on the following programme of activity: The group will monitor the official draft document to COP21, currently in preparation and hopes to mobilise constructive engagement and discussion with decision-makers. In keeping with international agreement, the draft will be formulated as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), that is, commitments Guyana will make to the international community as the country’s contribution to reduce global warming and regulate climate change.

The group also agreed on the need for community outreach on climate change and effective teaching of global

Jagdeo must be held accountable INCLUSIONARY democracy is grounded in the Constitution, laws and internationally acceptable time-honoured principles.

Bharrat Jagdeo, who was former president with a dubious track record, having wrenched control from immediate past President Donald Ramotar, to return to Parliament along with other nefarious characters, has become leader of the opposition. The Leader of the opposition is a constitutional office and the holder has to be treated with in an official manner. But while it is so, one cannot lose sight of Jagdeo’s track record as a leader in this society, who governed with brutal fear, acquired wealth under questionable circumstances and associates with questionable characters.

Under his government he has signed agreements with Desmond Hoyte as Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin as Leader of the Opposition, the Guyana Public Service Union and Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).

He refused to honour one iota of the things he had agreed upon. It will be an understatement to say Jagdeo has no moral standing and cannot be trusted. It is a sad day for Guyana that so brutish a man can continue to hold public office where he will be automatically attributed dignity and prestige that he does not deserve.

If Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan who are dead, their records are scrutinised today and many are critical of their stewardship, he who is alive must be asked to account for

his stewardship.

At no time the society must be led into the false illusion that because Jagdeo is leader of the opposition we must turn a Nelson’s eye to his past.

The recent meeting between him and President David Granger that has been dubbed as a process of inclusionary democracy/ inclusive governance cannot be shrouded in secrecy, because Jagdeo’s track record is one of such that will see him most likely come out later to say: 1) there was never any discussion of the issues with the president and, 2) at some point down the road when he is asked to account for any agreement made with the president he is most likely to say there was never any agreement on the issue/s.

If honesty falls on Jagdeo’s head he will never recognise it.

The GTUC can speak from experience, having had meetings and agreements with him. Let it be known that on 8th March 2000 the parties agreed in the presence of then President Jagdeo that the government will make available a plot of land on the Linden/Soesdyke highway for an all-inclusive housing settlement, on the condition that the GTUC presents a concept note on the issue. This was done and when same was presented to the government, Jagdeo said that that was not the agreement.

Dr Roger Luncheon was so embarrassed about Jagdeo’ attitude that he turned to him and said ‘Chief, what the TUC is saying that was the agreement we had.’ Jagdeo then said, if that was the agreement, make the application to Lands and Survey and instruction will be

given for it to be processed.

During the Jagdeo and Ramotar governments the application was never processed. On the change of government, the file was presented to the GTUC and we were advised that instruction came from the Office of the President that the application must not be processed.

Asgar Ally, former Minister of Finance in the PPP government publicly described Jagdeo as a liar.

Today, Jagdeo is on record saying he will champion the fight against corruption, and is demanding transparency and accountability, when from the outset in every form of life he had denied people their fundamental rights and together with his cohorts (allegedly) raped the coffers of this nation. He will be par excellence in fighting corruption because he has the strongest attributes identifying how corrupt practices ought to be executed.

President Granger, while well intentioned cannot be allowed to be lulled into any level of complacency, but must be encouraged to hold the course in making sure that the period Jagdeo led this country, a public inquiry be conducted to find out who was behind the extrajudicial killings of 400 plus young men and the raiding of the national coffers. The people have voted for a change which is premised on good governance and accountability. Jagdeo must be held accountable through every institution in this country, inclusive of the judiciary.

LINCOLN LEWIS

warming in primary and secondary schools.

Although Guyana’s carbon emissions are too low to be included in the official classification, there are no grounds for complacency. The link between climate change and serious coastal flooding is well-established and as a critical area of knowledge and consciousness-raising must be passed down to future generations of Guyanese.

With respect to the EITI, the new Coalition Government is committed to complete the formalities for Candidate status by late February 2016. This process anticipates creation of a tri-partite Stakeholder Committee to manage the process, comprising government Agencies, representatives of the extractive industry and civil society.

Successful implementa-

tion of this mechanism will require a transition away from the distrust and exclusivity that has characterised life in Guyana to advocating and fostering a collective commitment to compromise, tolerance and empathy. Successful implementation of a genuinely democratic multi-stake-holder EITI committee would provide a template for adaptation and application to other areas of governance.

The organisations present agreed to create a civic EITI working group to support and prepare civil society participation in the EITI over the six month period between September 2015 and February 2016.

Such preparation will include a communications strategy aimed at generating popular interest and understanding of the EITI and its aims. Young people constitute a priority target sec-

tor, and training opportunities will be organised around the mechanics of how the EITI functions.

Organisations in attendance were: Benab Foundation, Guyana Citizens Initiative (GCI), Guyana Environment Initiative, Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Guyana Organization of Indigenous People (GOIP), Jesuits in Guyana, National Toshaos Council (NTC), Red Thread, Rights of Children (ROC), Rotaract-UG, Santa Rosa Village Council, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS), and the Ursuline Sisters in Guyana.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Guyana Human Rights Association

A SALUTE TO OUR EDUCATORS THEY are assigned the responsibility to mould the nation and keep doing a fantastic job despite the challenges. While there remains appreciation for our teachers investment in us, September is identified to pay special attention. Thank you for all that you do!

This year’s theme ‘Quality Education Leadership: Improving Schools from Within’ is befitting of all teachers whose greatest reward is the ability of their students to function effectively and efficiently in building the nation.

Students appreciate that you have risen to the mission to mould minds, guide

us into opening new vistas of knowledge, unleash talents and abilities, unlearn negative stereotypes, appreciate the destructive nature of discrimination, and brought to our little world the wider world.

It cannot be an easy task to harness competing interests and energies; bring together diverse talents, cultures and backgrounds in the delivery of universal education. It cannot be easy, yet our teachers have embraced these challenges with effortlessness. This extraordinary group of workers deserves every attention given.

The teacher’s work is never done. When students leave

for their respective home and get about their individual life, the teacher takes the students’ collective lives to his/her home, preparing future study material, marking papers and simultaneously responding to duties within the home.

Teaching is not a job; it is a vocation, a calling.

This calling is appreciated by minds moulded and the Government of the day who has undertaken the task to improve the education environment. To teachers everywhere, at every level in the education system, thank you for all that you do.

The business of managing...

Brazil completed, the Deep Water Port built and new industries such as Sugar to Ethanol, and value added Rice Products developed.

These will create thousands of jobs, not merely 400 jobs, because affordable financing will be available as we heard during the budget debates.

The vision must fit the size of our nation, our leadership role in the region and the needs of our neighbours to use our ports. It is now about salaries commensurate with the expertise needed and thousands of jobs to be created.

Let’s us get on with the business of managing our nation and stop wasting our money on consultants and witch hunting, these just keep our nation at a standstill or most likely pushing it backwards as the return of the ferry service proposed by the AFC would indicate.

From Page 6

it sheds their autocratic way of functioning and accept the help of the PPP. President Granger should realise that governing the nation is different from leading an army, where he called all the shots, without the questioning that comes from the democratic process of engagement and accountability.

Surrounding himself with cohorts from the Army does not help to provide the leadership the nation needs to build on economic success. My tenure in the U.S. Military including the Gulf War and my subsequent transition to civilian life taught me that while many attributes make one a unique leader, approaches must be modified.

Secondly, APNU should build confidence among the PPP supporters and assure

them that they will work for all-round development of the nation, without any discrimination on the grounds of race, colour and religion. This does not mean they will ever get our votes, but will make for a more engaged citizenry.

CONCLUSION: Regardless of our political conviction, we are all in favour of a successful nation. There can be many common ground where our political system can work together to ensure that our citizens benefit.

For that common ground to be developed, the major transformational initiatives must be addressed. Guyana does not need ‘RESTORING’ - it needs continued ‘ D E V E L O P M E N T ’ . We need to complete the transport economic initiatives that will see the Road to

SHARMA SOLOMON

PETER R. RAMSAROOP

8

Murdered Leopold Street man was a ‘Peeping Tom’ – killed by residents after alarm raised by woman he was peeping at

By Michel Outridge THREE persons have been arrested and the police are hunting for two others who were believed to be part of a group of men who surrounded the shack of 51-year-old Deon Macey and fatally stabbed him early Wednesday morning.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told this publication that the deceased was a “pervert” and was in the habit of peeping young girls and women while they were in various modes of undress.

It all happened in the yard in which he resided, but his luck ran out when he was observed peeping through a hole at a woman who was at the time changing her clothes.

She raised an alarm, and the men in the yard responded by surrounding the

small apartment in which Macey lived. In the ensuing confrontation, they overpowered and fatally stabbed Macey to the chest and abdomen, before leaving him in a sitting position until his corpse was removed by undertakers in the presence of the police.

Macey had been a drug addict, and whenever he was “high” he habitually peeped at females while they were bathing, undressing, or sleeping in the large yard in which he lived. He had previously been warned, but on Wednesday he was brutally murdered when caught red-handed committing the act once again.

Police had initially reported that Macey was killed during a fight with a group of men following an argument, at about 06:50 hrs on Wednesday. He oc-

cupied a small shack at Lot 67-68 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown in a yard which has a large house with several apartments occupied by scores of residents. Occupants of the yard told reporters that they did not hear anything which indicated there had been a fight that eventually led to murder.

Macey’s bloodied body was found in a slouched position in his modest apartment, which had spots of blood on the ground and walls. The police were summoned after calls to Macey had gone unanswered, and upon checking at his apartment, his body was discovered by residents.

Macey was last seen alive at about 02:00 hrs on the day of his demise, when he had said he was going on a “fine hustle.”

PetroCaribe Fuel fiasco…

Guyana receiving favourable Minister fuel prices from T&T –Harmon MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon, revealed yesterday in his weekly press conference that Guyana is now purchasing fuel from the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, and that Guyana deems prices for the commodity there favourable.

He noted that in the wake of ongoing uncertainty about Guyana receiving fuel supplies from Venezuela, which has adopted an increasingly aggressive posture towards Guyana in relation to its claim of ownership of the Essequibo region, “Guyana has had issues with the untimely delivery of fuel under the PetroCaribe arrangement.

“A few weeks ago the vessels that had gone to Venezuela to collect fuel had issues with the provision of fuel in a timely manner, and this type of arrangement was not the best; and we had to ensure that we have an alternative arrangement put in place to ensure that we did not have a shortage of fuel in

Guyana,” he declared.

He continued: “In that regard, we made arrangements with Trinidad & Tobago to purchase fuel from them, which is a standby arrangement. Then there is the PetroCaribe which is by contract. We, as a government, will do what is necessary in the public interest to ensure that the wheels of industry continue to turn. The financial arrangements are no less favourable than that which we received under the PetroCaribe arrangement.”

Venezuela is currently claiming one-third of Guyana’s territory, and deterioration in the relationship between the two countries continues to such an extent that, several weeks ago, a Guyanese vessel was turned away when it went to uplift fuel from Venezuela. Moreover, the Spanish-speaking nation allegedly did not accept Guyana’s rice, which is a component of the PetroCaribe arrangement.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said, “We have not bought fuel from them [Venezuela] in the last two months.” He said, however, that that does not mean the PetroCaribe deal is out the window.

During a recent visit to Trinidad, President Granger had discussions with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in relation to the supply of fuel to Guyana and partnership in Guyana’s impending fuel industry, since Guyana is now poised to become a major fuel producer in the Caribbean, alongside T&T. Oil imports account for the biggest chunk of Guyana’s foreign-exchange spending.

The 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the international community have been involved in quelling the spat between Guyana and Venezuela. (Rabindra Rooplall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

Ambush of Diamond couple returning from overseas…

Armed robbery may not be as random as appears – Crime Chief

By Michel Outridge THE armed robbery of a Diamond, East Bank Demerara couple returning from the USA last week may not be as random as it appears, since sleuths are of the belief that the couple’s movements may have been timed before the robbery was executed.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told this newspaper that although no arrests have yet been made, the police are looking at the robbery from all angles.

The taxi driver has since been ruled out as a suspect.

It is believed that the couple had been watched and timed well by the robbers; hence the crime was well orchestrated.

The man and his wife were returning home after a holiday overseas; and upon arrival at CJIA, they had telephoned a familiar taxi driver to pick them up and take them to their 11th Street, Back Half, Diamond Housing Scheme residence.

The couple told this newspaper that they could not recall being followed by a white car while on their way home from the CJIA, but as soon as they reached in front of their house, they were relieved of their two-piece hand luggage which contained important documents and cash, among other things they had brought for persons.

The husband told this newspaper that the car they were in had just parked in front their house, and he

had exited the car to open the gate, when a white car passed and two men approached him. One man, who had a knife, told him “Don’t move!” and the other man, who had a gun, held up the driver and put him to lie on the ground, while his wife was still seated in the vehicle.

The knife-toting bandit then demanded that the man’s wife hand over the bags. When she hesitated, the gunman -- who by then was becoming impatient -threatened to shoot the driver if she did not comply.

The terrified woman was forced to hand over the two hand-piece bags to the robber who was armed with the knife, and he reassured his accomplice that he was in possession of the bags, so he need not shoot anybody.

Thereafter, the bandits fled the scene on foot and left the area via a white car which was waiting for them down the street.

The couple related that the incident took place just before 03:00 hrs, and that they had taken a car they would normally travel with.

They said they could not say who would have tipped off the bandits about their movements, leading up to the robbery.

The couple are asking anybody who may have information which may lead to the recovery of their documents, including passports with visas and other important documents which were in an envelope with the names Rohit Deeyal and Somwattie, to please call 625-6215.

The woman told this

publication that she had brought for persons here some US$4,000 along with some documents among other articles that are of great importance and cannot be easily replaced.

‘COPS’ BANDITS In the past men dressed as “cops” had, on several occasions, perpetrated armed robberies on members of the public who were either on their way to the CJIA or were returning from that location.

On August 2, 2014, a husband, wife and taxi driver were stopped on their way to the CJIA by two men who identified themselves as policemen. Claiming they were investigating an accident, the “policemen” took the trio to a dismal area at Soesdyke, where they were tied up and robbed of cash and jewellery amounting to millions of dollars. The victims were private school teacher Latchmin Gopaul, her husband Lekraj Gopaul of Hague, West Coast Demerara (WCD); and taxi driver Parmanand Teekaram of Cornelia Ida, WCD. They were travelling to the airport on their way to vacation overseas when, at about 11:00 hrs, they were stopped at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara and relieved of local and foreign currency and the jewellery and cellphones they had in their possession.

One week before, Pastor Sewnauth Poonalall of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church was gun-butted and robbed shortly after returning from the airport with overseas guests.

Police refute online news story about bandits robbing man of $20M – outside casino

CRIME Chief Wendell Blanhum has told this publication that, contrary to an incident reported on a local online news website yesterday, detailing that a man was on Thursday night relieved of a bag containing $20M cash in the parking lot of an East Bank Demerara hotel which houses a casino, no such incident was reported to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

He added that a visit to the casino management by police also confirmed that no

such robbery had occurred there.

The online news website reported that an elderly man was robbed of $20M on Thursday night, after he had uplifted the money from a relative who was in the casino gambling. The report had said that the money was not part of monies won through games played there.

The online news stated that soon after the man collected the cash and was on his way to the parking area, he was confronted by a group of men who were in a car, and they took away the

money bag and escaped.

Meanwhile, sources at the casino have said that a robbery occurred there, and that $10M was taken from a man in the parking area.

They said the surveillance cameras recorded the incident, but management has chosen to be tight-lipped about it.

A frequent visitor to the casino who was acquitted of the murder of his best friend had allegedly handed over the money to the elderly man mere minutes before the robbery occurred. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

Man shot dead Gunmen invade Royston King’s home in Albouystown ...three others wounded in melee

By Leroy Smith

By Leroy Smith A 22-year-old man of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown was early Friday morning gunned down while he stood at the junction of Albouys and James Streets, Albouystown. Three other persons were wounded in the melee that shocked the community.

Dead is Sanasie Lewis.

He was killed in a hail of bullets. While the police are claiming that one man opened fire on the group of men, persons who were in the area said there were two gunmen who approached on foot and started firing shots in the direction of Lewis who, from all appearances, appeared to be the intended target. The men then reportedly fled the immediate surroundings and joined a car where they made good their escape. The gunshots sent patrons who had just exited the Ghetto Flex Bar on James Street scampering for cover.

As the gunshots subsided it was then that persons realised that visiting United States citizens Jamal Bascom, 23, of Independence Boulevard, Georgetown; Jonathan De Freitas, 20, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; and Kurt Francis, 16, of Princes Street, Georgetown, were all injured during the shooting.

Yesterday, persons who are familiar with Lewis told this publication that it was only recently the man returned from Suriname where he reportedly ran afoul of the law and might have fled back to Guyana. In addition, there were also reports that the

DEAD: Sanasie Lewis

man was in the past charged and placed before the courts for armed robbery by local police. Unconfirmed reports also reaching the Chronicle stated that the man’s shooting might have been a retaliation for the earlier shooting death of another resident from another Georgetown Community.

This conclusion was arrived at after police investigators realised that the victim was shot some nine times about the body. When this newspaper arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting, the owner of the Ghetto Flex Bar made it clear that the shooting did not take place inside her business place.

She said the reason so many people were outside of her premises just before the shooting was because she observed the 02:00 hrs shut off time for her bar and was at the time of the shooting checking off her stock and tallying her sales to pay her night staff.

BLOOD OOZING One eyewitness to the

shooting explained that she was standing not too far from where the man was gunned down. She explained that she never witnessed such tragedy, relating how she saw blood oozing from the injured man’s body.

The police were informed of the shooting and quickly arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area where they conducted initial investigations. Contacted late yesterday afternoon, senior police sources stated that based on the spent shells that they recovered from the scene of the shooting, the gunmen might have used 9mm pistols.

The police are also looking to see if there was a shootout between the now dead Lewis and the men who attacked him. That will have to be determined after the dead man’s body is examined for gun powder residue. Up to late last evening no one was arrested in connection with the shooting even as the police continue their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Over the past few months there have been several high-profile crimes committed with the use of firearms which have also resulted in the death of several persons. Presently the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Security and the Guyana Police Force has an arms, ammunition and explosives amnesty programme running countrywide. The programme has already received some favourable responses from members of the public.

ARMED bandits, early yesterday morning, invaded the home of Town Clerk Royston King carting off an undisclosed sum of cash and mobile phones before reportedly firing a shot at one of his sons.

According to the Town Clerk, it is time that the Guyana Police Force receives the full cooperation from members of the public to take the fight to criminals.

At approximately 02:15hrs yesterday, two armed men breached the security at King’s house making their way through a window and proceeded to rob the family.

The men who demanded cash and jewellery made good their escape but not be-

fore securing for themselves, two packs of M&M snacks.

King, during an interview with the Chronicle at City Hall, pointed out that immediately after the bandits left the area they called the police, but that took some time as the ranks were having difficulty mobilising a patrol. King was robbed not too long after the shooting in Albouystown where the police had already concentrated a considerable amount of its resources.

Almost immediately, according to King, the family will be moving to heighten security at the premises.

Asked if he thinks that there was something sinister about him being attacked and robbed, the Town Clerk did not confirm but would only say

The window through which the bandits gained access into King’s home

that the incident seems very strange. King was appointed Town Clerk after the former Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba was sent on leave and then later had her services terminated.

Steel pan icon Rudy Bishop hoping to revitalise the art locally VETERAN steel pan icon Mr. Rudy Bishop, now residing in the United States of America, is currently on vacation in Guyana; and he has high hopes of revitalising the steel pan industry locally.

With an eye on resuscitating the now defunct Guyana Steel Band Association, Mr Bishop will this afternoon hold a meeting at the Camptown Community Centre at First Street, Campbellville, beginning at 17:00 hrs.

All steel pan players, including youth, school and church bands, as well as rangers and tuners, are invited to the forum.

Coming out of a meeting with Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine yesterday, Bishop noted that the minister is optimistic and supportive of the idea.

He said Government would like to have the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport actively involved in the venture, and added: “Ideally, it should be a part of the

schools’ curriculum, as obtains in Sweden.”

Bishop also has a vision for steel bands to be established in every Administrative Region of Guyana.

And noting that steel pans could be very expensive, he is touting the idea of having the Guyana National Association of Steel Bands move to promote initiatives to attract sponsorship and engage in serious fund-raising ventures going forward. (Shirley Thomas)

Opposition Leader meets Commonwealth Deputy SG

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo in discussion with Deputy Secretary General Dr. Josephine Ojiambo (3rd left) as delegates from the PPP and Commonwealth Secretariat look on

OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, along with several members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) met with a delegation of the Commonwealth Secretariat on Friday at Freedom House, Robb Street.

Jagdeo and his delegation, including PPP’s General

Secretary Clement Rohee met with Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Dr. Josephine Ojiambo and her delegates where he informed the visiting dignitaries of the PPP’s position on parliamentary affairs, engagements with the Government as well as matters of social cohesion.

Dr. Ojiambo oversees the political, human rights, rule of law and communications work of the Secretariat. She has more than 25 years of experience in international relations, diplomacy, governance and policy advocacy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

Sir Shridath calls for return of ‘civic’ – says social cohesion has to education in school become part of national ethos

By Tajeram Mohabir FORMER Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Shridath Ramphal has called for a return of “civic education” as a subject in the primary school system, pointing out that values of social cohesion cannot be achieved spontaneously.

Contending that social cohesion has to be nurtured through sound education, the distinguished diplomat said a standard textbook on the subject should be developed. This, he said, must be through consultation with teachers, religious leaders and other interested parties.

Speaking at the opening of the social cohesion round-table discussion at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Thursday, Sir Shridath said the aim of the project should be to provide pupils with a broad understanding of their rights and duties as citizens, with emphasis on cooperation.

Differences in race and religion, he said, should be treated as an enriching rather

and to motivate the people in embracing Guyana as a land of “one people, one nation, with one destiny”.

Sir Shridath said the blight of racial division was first imposed by the colonisers as a system to maintain control over the people.

Some of the leaders who replaced the colonisers, he said, adopted the same policies to gain political advantage while some even advocated partitioning of Guyana.

Sir Shridath Ramphal addressing the gathering at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Thursday

British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn speaking at the opening of the round-table discussion

than a divisive part of the Guyanese culture and emphasised that all has a role to play in building national social cohesion.

“Social cohesion has to begin from each and every one of us, it has to be administered on the level of understanding, it has to become a part of our national

ethos. A Guyanese cannot be an educated person unless he is educated or has educated himself in ‘civics’ in relation to our one people society,” Sir Shridath told the gathering which consisted of groups from a wide cross-section of society.

He said too that political leaders have a duty to inspire

NOT WORST AS BEFORE But, he said, the Guyana today is not as worst as it was decades ago, when cultural associations and sporting clubs were identifiable by race.

Independence, he said, cleared the ground for social cohesion to grow and develop, but this has not happened as envisioned.

On this score, he urged politicians to pay attention to their action and the impact it can have on social cohesion, looking beyond the next

elections.

Sir Shridath also advised that there must always be room for political difference and compromise on policy since it would reflect a more mature citizenship in the process of nation-building.

And as Guyana celebrates 50 years as an Independent nation next year, the distinguished diplomat contends that it is time the nation be presented with a birthday present, and social cohesion must not remain elusive.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Khadija Musa said building social cohesion requires collective participation and is a necessary tool in problem-solving.

But she pointed out that no society is totally cohesive and sound policies are required to make a difference.

These, she said, are effective when implemented primarily in the areas of education, health care and social protection.

Musa said as a matur-

ing democracy, all have to contribute to the process of building Guyana, and this would require differences to be left behind, and everyone to hold hands and move forward.

H o w e v e r, t h e e n v o y stressed that no effort should be spared in holding the government accountable to what it promised to deliver.

But he said those not in government must be fair, and help in the government to deliver on their promises, for the good of Guyana.

British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn expressed high optimism of the round-table discussion but said it would not reap success overnight.

He also said the Government cannot be expected to do everything, stressing that all have a role to play in building social cohesion.

The diplomat told the gathering that for Guyana to develop and prosper, social cohesion is necessary, and the round-table discussion is a step in the right direction.

Agreement signed to construct…

US$300,000 wastewater treatment plant THE Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund (GWRF) has now officially engaged its First Generation Project with Ashmins Fun Park and Resorts (Splashmins and Madewini Villas) being the first private-sector company to access financing to construct a wastewater treatment plant.

The agreement signed between the Ministry of Communities and Ashmins Fun Park and Resorts is valued at US$300,000.

According to a press statement, this project will see 100 percent of wastewater generated by the company being treated to acceptable standards as outlined in the provisions of the LBS Protocol before being discharged into the environment.

The wastewater treatment plant will be constructed to treat 139,000 litres of wastewater daily. The plant will be used to divert and treat all wastewater generated on both the Splashmins Fun Park and Resorts and Madewini Villas. Treated wastewater will be re-used for irrigation in vital operations across the sites.

At yesterday’s signing ceremony held at the Minis-

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan observes Permanent Secretary Emil Mc Garrell and CEO of Ashmins Fun Park and Resorts Lennox John sign the agreement, yesterday

try of Communities Boardroom, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan congratulated Mr. Lennox John, CEO of Ashmins Fun Park and Resorts for his pioneering vision of leading the way for best practices in the private sector, particularly the tourism industry.

As Guyana promotes tourism as part of its economic development, the implementation of international best practices with respect to the protection of the environment must be

realised to attract and meet the demands of international tourists, Minister Bulkan indicated.

Therefore, even though Guyana has an abundant supply of water unlike some countries, this precious resource must be used with care. The minister is of the view that there needs to be a new thinking of water being an important commodity. Currently, very little attention is paid in this area although water is a scarce resource. He pointed out

that wastewater when treated could be re-used for many purposes, including agriculture.

While this project advances government’s policy of an Integrated Sustainable Waste Management, which captures both wastewater and solid waste, it has helped Mr. John to achieve one of his dreams of assisting his country.

John related that he wants to be an example for other private-sector companies to follow. He is of the view that

this project would improve the standard of his operations and help the environment.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will be assisting with the implementation of this project.

IDB Representative Leslie Ann Edwards, said the bank is proud of its partnership with the government and hopes the project achieves its expected outcomes.

The Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund is one of four such pilot financing mechanisms (the others are

in Belize, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago) and has had measured success in facilitating policy discussions, dialogue, and knowledge exchange regarding wastewater management with key stakeholders in the sector.

In 2010, Guyana committed to prevent the further environmental deterioration of its terrestrial and coastal waters through the signing of the Cartagena Convention and the ratification of its associated protocols.

With assistance from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the GoG entered into an agreement through the Caribbean Regional Fund for Waste Management (CReW) project to tackle its unique wastewater issues.

The Global Environment Facility in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has set up the Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CReW) dedicated Turn to page 12 ►

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

Let us cooperate for Guyana?

By Sase Singh in Washington, DC

IT is unfortunate that we are at this position vis-à-vis the Berbice River Bridge.

As one of the authors of the original proposal sent to the AFC’s Leadership in 2011, recommending a motion in Parliament to reduce the Berbice Bridge Toll, I fully endorse the Motion piloted

by Minister of State Joe Harmon, when he was an Opposition MP. For us to properly understand the philosophy behind what has to happen, we must contrast the difference between the provision of a public good vs. a private good.

Public goods are priced not only in economic dollars, but also in social and political dollars.

In an environment where the Granger/Nagamootoo Government has committed to meeting the full cost for the reduced tolls, one wonders why the directors are being this difficult in executing this parliamentary decision? In finance, such a proposition is deemed CASH NEUTRAL. Failure to understand how important the social and political profits are to the new Government will be extremely costly to the directors and their financial sponsors in the future. It is time the directors take this company out of this untenable situation.

There are two issues here and therefore they should be dealt with separately. Issue one is a political commitment from the new government to reduce the out-of-pocket tolls for the general public (fully funded from the treasury to the tune of some G$140 million). The reality is that this issue has zero impact on the cash flows of the company.

Then there is issue number two, which seeks to increase the revenue streams of the company following some model outlined in the ‘Concession Agreement.’ I was advised this proposal was submitted to former Minister Robeson Benn by the directors. The public utterance from the directors

of the company suggests that this issue remains unresolved and thus is a matter for bilateral discussions with the new Government. But what the directors cannot do is hold a gun to the Government’s head on issue number one under the pretext that they have to conclude dialogue on issue number two. In some countries such public acts are treated as “Sabotage of the State.”

There is hope, but the directors of this company have to back down since they do not have the moral high ground. They will be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. Coercive action is still an option, although it is not on the table as yet, but any responsible government has a right to protect the vital interest of its people. The United States, the leader of the free world, does it all the time, so I do not understand why people think a government taking action to regulate the conduct of a business corporation in the provision of a public good is so wrong. The people’s interest is paramount on all scores.

THE BROAD NUMBERS The Berbice River Bridge is a national asset that was priced at US$38 million (G$7,900 million). Legally, 80 percent of its common shares are owned by the private sector, but more than 74 percent of the finance came from the pockets of taxpayers and the workers (pension funds). So hiding behind the Berbice Bridge Act and Regulations is not an option for the directors. Today, the new government faces an acid test.

It is time for us to convert a lemon into lemonade.

But before we go any further, let us put some hard numbers on the table since from all the information released, it appears that there are only three classes of investors in this deal. But no one is considering the Gy$4.1 billion the government pumped into this project before one pile was driven for this bridge. The taxpayers invested some Gy$2.2 billion to complete the feasibility study and a further Gy$1.9 billion to complete the access roads at both ends of the river to facilitate the timely opening of the bridge at Christmas 2008. Therefore, the State has a stronger position than some tend to think.

Let us now focus on the three classes of investors: 1. The ordinary shareholders basically own the company and have the last call on dividends if available. From all appearance, dividends are not expected to flow before 2021.

The holders of the ordinary shares are: New GPC/Queens Atlantic (related to the Ramroop family) - $160 million, Secure International Finance Company (related to the Beharry family) - $80 million, Hand-in-Hand and Demerara Contractors (related to the DDL family) each holding $40 million and the NIS (the taxpayers) - $80 million. I was advised that the 20% NIS interest is currently being represented on the board by Ms. Gillian Burton-Persaud, (current PPP parliamentarian) and Mr. Maurice Solomon.

2. The preferential shareholders have first rights to dividends but do not have voting rights. I have been advised that the NIS has invested some G$950 million in preferential shares, but they have agreed to defer some G$300 million in preferential dividends since 2010. I can understand this decision since the greater good was being served – lower tolls for the general population.

But in an environment where the NIS is technically insolvent, this situation has to be remedied soon. Alternative State resources from the Forestry Commission, Frequency Management Unit or the GGMC to buy out some of these preference shares from the NIS should be seriously considered.

3. The bondholders are technically the bankers who own the corporate bonds of some Gy$5,575 million. I was advised that the company paid some Gy$600 million in 2014 to the bondholders and is expected to pay the same amounts in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. From 2019, the payment to the bondholders will shift to Gy$640 million annual; concluding in 2021.

Who are the bond holders?

NIS (shareholders). Who else? There are some related parties to shareholders - Demerara Bank (part of the DDL family), GBTI (part of the Beharry family), Handin-Hand (also shareholders), Trust Company (part of the DDL family), North American Life Insurance (part of the Beharry family), North American Fire Insurance (part of the Beharry family) and New GPC (part of the Ramroop family). Who else? All the other banks New Building Society, Scotia Bank, Citizens Bank and Republic Bank. Then the pension funds - GGMC Pension Fund (state employees), GPL Pension Fund (state employees), GuySuCo Pension Fund (sugar workers), HandIn-Hand Trust Pension Fund, GAWU Pension Fund (sugar workers), DDL Pension Fund, Neal & Massy Pension Fund

and Geddes Grant.

THE OPPORTUNITY I was advised that in 2014, this Bridge generated revenue of G$1,494 million (close to G$1.5 billion). Before 2014, the company was able to put away some cash resources to meet the future bond payments. However, with the bonds becoming payable since 2014, the company’s cash outflow has escalated at a significant rate to honour the financial commitment to the bondholders.

The company is now claiming that they have to raise rates to remain solvent. Utter codswallop.

One factor is certain: this

bridge has a monopoly on a growing revenue stream as a result of the increased traffic across the bridge year after year. Revenue there will always be once there are motor vehicles on the roads.

There is only one solution – the Government has to step in to reduce the weighted average cost of capital over the next five years by asking some of the bondholders for partial deferment and the NIS for full deferment.

The NIS should be allowed to sell its bonds to NICIL or GGMC. This will immediately reduce the immediate cash outflow and will put the company on firmer financial foundations with no

need to raise tolls.

For those making the national sacrifice in choosing deferment in bonds, they should be offered a sweetener for choosing this option - a higher rate of return than they are currently eligible for.

Solutions are there, but we must also understand that behind this whole situation are some invisible hands that are trying their utmost to embarrass this new government. In this Guyana house, there is only one government; not two.

It is time. Can we do it; yes we can! (Readers wishing to contact the author can do so via email at: sasesin1@ yahoo.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

GOVERNMENT on Friday dismissed as misleading statements by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that it has violated parliamentary standing orders in the appointment of members to the various sectoral committees.

In a statement issued Friday afternoon the Robb Street-based party accused the Administration of “total abandonment of parliamentary democracy, the rejection of traditions, the primacy of the law and Standing Orders, parliamentary customs and practice” following what it deems to be a move to appoint ministers to chair the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees of Economic Reform, Social Services, Foreign Relations and National Resources on Friday.

In its statement, the party

However, Government’s Chief Whip, Amna Ally told the Guyana Chronicle that the government has done “nothing ultra vires and has checked both the constitution and standing orders” to ensure no rules are broken.

Ally noted that the Administration is not mandated to follow convention. “No chairman has been identified, only memberships… next Wednesday, we are meeting to elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson; the PPP’s statement is misleading.”

In July, the National Assembly passed a motion for the government to be given the majority in four Sectoral Committees. Standing Order No 86 (1) has made provision for the four Sectoral

PPP frets over govt reps on sectoral committees

Amna Ally

Gail Teixeira

Volda Lawrence

said that Minister of Social Cohesion and Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally’s decision to name Minister Volda Lawrence as a member of the Public Accounts Committee along with ministers being appointed to chair various committees

follows and contradicts “the earlier government resolution to restore the APNU+AFC Government numerical majority on Parliamentary Committees.”

“Today, Friday September 4, 2015, the Government Chief Whip spoke

of the so-called “new approach”, the statement said.

The party believes that “parliamentary democracy is now faced with sterner tests from the APNU+AFC coalition Administration.”

Committees, pursuant to Article 119B of the Constitution. The motion allowed the government, which holds 33 of the 65 seats in Parliament, to be given the majority in the four Sectoral Committees: Natural Resources Committee, the Economic Services Committee, the Committee of Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Social Services. Standing Order No 86(2) provides that each Sectoral Committee consist of seven members and it should be proportionate to the division of seats in the National Assembly.

However, during the 10th Parliament, the Standing Order was amended to demonstrate Opposition majority and government minority.

US$300,000 wastewater... to testing pilot-financing mechanisms that can be used to provide sustainable financing for environmentally sound and cost-effective wastewater management.

Through the CReW intervention, the Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund valued at US$3M was created, with an additional US$560,000 committed in

counterpart funding from the GoG, geared at supporting the efforts of the Government of Guyana in improving wastewater management, with specific focus on public-private partnerships.

Over the long term, this project will assist Guyana to honour the commitments of the LBS Protocol and in the short term raise an

From page 10

awareness of the issues surrounding wastewater management in Guyana.

Eventually, from promoting the first-generation projects, and operationalising the revolving fund, it is hoped that the impetus thus created will propel the sector towards an integrated wastewater management approach.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

M&CC launches ‘Green City’ initiative and volunteer programme – Mayor calls on youths to participate

By Navendra Seoraj THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be going full speed ahead in their efforts to restore Georgetown to its former glory.

They have officially launched the much-talkedabout “Green City” initiative and volunteer programme, with Mayor Hamilton Green declaring that the project is ready to make Georgetown clean and green.

Amidst an outpouring of enthusiasm manifested in applause and cheers, Mayor Green announced that through this initiative and from now on, a “zero tolerance” approach would be applied when it comes to anyone, regardless of their wealth or poverty, who compromises the drainage system, or litter or engage in any illicit activities in Georgetown.

D u r i n g T h u r s d a y ’s launching ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Green announced that through this initiative, volunteers will be selected to undertake a number of activities around the city, such as cleaning up, and public awareness when it comes to keeping the environment clean, and much more.

The volunteer initiative,

Mayor Hamilton Green addressing members of the gathering

he outlined, will be a sort of catalyst to bring about groups that will help to make Georgetown a “green place.”

He also announced an intention to implement a law that would prohibit anyone from eating food or consuming liquids in public transportation.

These activities would be implemented soon, because the “Green City” initiative is funded voluntarily by businesses and other corporate sponsors who have a vested interest in seeing this

project to fruition, Town Clerk Royston King said, “The initiative will be geared at cleaning up the city through a combined effort by the residents of Georgetown, managed by the Mayor and City Council.”

In order to make this initiative materialise, the M&CC is in urgent need of 1000 volunteers, who would be issued with identification materials, including teeshirts and hats.

The objective of the volunteer initiative is to en-

courage volunteerism and to enhance leadership skills in communities.

Volunteers will be split into groups, and some will cover the public-awareness aspect; some the environmental counselling; some environmental leadership; and others practical work in the communities.

The volunteers, King

highlighted, will benefit from being part of a new initiative -- a national effort to improve the nation and utilise leadership and other skills. King revealed that the volunteers will receive certificates of participation to show that they were involved in a local practical initiative.

He reiterated his call

for all interested persons to apply at the Town Clerk’s office located at City Hall.

The required age for participation is 17 years and above.

Meanwhile, King emphasised that the children are not forgotten, but will have opportunity to participate in the schools’ initiative, which is expected to be launched soon.

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M&CC to rid streets of vagrants, vendors – in time for Independence Anniversary IN efforts to restore Georgetown to its “Garden City” status, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) launched “The Green City” campaign on Thursday at the M&CC compound.

This initiative is intended to deal with issues that have contributed to degradation of the city over the past years.

The M&CC also plans to tackle the problem of the

presence of vagrants on the pavements. They are deemed an eyesore to society, and persons vending along the pavements are similarly deemed.

Town Clerk Royston King told this publication of plans to deal with these issues. He said an inter-agency committee has been set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection

to deal with the homeless and vagrants. The M&CC and the ministry have begun to formulate a policy to address this issue.

With respect to vending, King said plans are in the pipeline to properly organise vending and place vendors in designated areas. The Merriman’s Mall is one area identified for the relocation of vendors.

The “Green City” initiative is aimed at cleaning up the city and making it more environmentally friendly as Guyana prepares for its 50th Independence celebrations next year. The efforts of this initiative are geared at cleaning up the city through a combined effort by the residents of Georgetown, managed by the Mayor and City Council through the Town Clerk. (Sherah Alleyne)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

57-yr-old man found guilty of having sex with child

– gets seven-year sentence

By George Barclay KENRICK Morrison, a father of two, was on Thursday sentenced to seven years in jail after a jury at the Demerara Assizes found him guilty of ‘having sexual activity with a child under 16 years.’

Saturday, September 5, 2015 - 10:30 hrs Sunday, September 6, 2015 - 12:00 hrs Monday, September 7, 2015 - 13:30 hrs

The trial was held in-camera, and Justice JoAnn Barlow who imposed the sentence, condemned the behaviour of the accused who, she said, was expected to set a good example to others.

In a plea for mitigation, defence lawyer A. Griffith begged the court for leniency, pointing out that it was his client’s first brush with the law and asked the judge to temper justice with mercy.

Directing her remarks to the accused, the judge told him that for having sexual activity with the child under 16 years, he would serve seven years imprisonment.

She expressed expectation that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to persons who may commit similar offences.

The jury took less than two hours to reach their unanimous verdict of guilty.

Counsels Mr. Michael Shahoud and Miss Narissa Leander conducted the case for the prosecution.

The father of two took the sentence calmly.

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Moraikobai women’s creativity sparkles in Indigenous exhibits at Sophia

Elizabeth Dick seated in the background displaying exhibits

By Shirley Thomas THE Moraikobai Women’s Self - Skilled Group now featuring at the Indigenous Art and Craft Exhibition at the Sophia Exhibition Park, presents a classic demonstration of their creativity, ingenuity and resilience in keeping their culture alive.

And having worked for months to put together a fine display of items made mainly of tibisiri, the women have made a big impact on viewers at the exposition.

Proudly displaying the group’s more than 100 pieces of unique and exquisitely designed works of art, is Ms. Elizabeth Dick, mother of nine (2 deceased); grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother of two.

The matriarch who has been making Amerindian craft ever since she was a young girl, is proud to announce that all her offspring and grandchildren are, in some way, involved in pursuing and preserving the art.

Among the wide variety of colourful and eye-catching items on exhibition are hats, crowns, fruit bowls, trinket boxes, placemats,

tibisiri costumes and more.

The most recently introduced creations from the group are attractively designed cellular phone cases being sold at affordable prices.

MARKETING But Dick’s one concern is that even though the residents expend time, energy and monies to make the products, the big problem facing them is lack of marketing outlets. She said there are no assured markets for the items made which can serve to demotivate the women.

“What we need is a craft centre to store the items we produce – somewhere to display them so that when tourists come into our village they can readily see them and hopefully buy them,” Dick said.

However, it is not very often that they are visited by tourists.

Moraicobai, the only Amerindian Village in Region 5, is situated about two and a half miles up the Mahaicony Creek.

Travelling time from the Mahaicony Bridge by speed boat is about three hours one way. It has a population of about 1500

who are mainly descendants of the Arawak tribe, and are largely Christians, being either Anglicans, Pentecostals or members of the Church of Christ.

Founded more than 100 years ago, the village had as its first religious denomination – the Anglican Church, which established the St. Francis Anglican Primary School, and which continues to meet the educational needs of the entire community. The village is subdivided into four zones, namely: Lakers (Lake Head), Labadee, Backdam and Landing.

The main economic activities of the community are lumbering; farming and production of art and craft. The village has a school, health centre, multi-purpose centre, churches; about eight shops, four of which are rum shops, an electricity supply system, a GT&T public phone booth and a market place.

CRIME-FREE Dick said there is no police station in the village, and there is probably no real need for one right now, since the community is

Some of the exhibits on display by the Moraikobai Self-Skilled

largely crime-free. However, even though there are a few rum shops, alcoholism is still not a real problem in the community, she said, adding, “But I hate drunkenness and I hope it doesn’t affect our youth population, for that would be the beginning of sorrows.”

Dick also said she is heartened to see the young people in the community engaged in productive activities on Sundays, such as going to church, playing cricket, basketball and football. She credited this to a good job be-

ing done by community leaders such as the Toshao, Mr. Colin Adrian who is himself a young man and health worker, Ms. Mary Jordan - both of whom are among the party currently visiting Georgetown for the exhibition.

Some of the cellular-phone cases produced by Moraikobi

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 5, 2015

Education Minister again calls for counselling in schools – after students brawl on Church Street

By Shivanie Sugrim EDUCATION Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine has expressed grave concern about a recent brawl between two city secondary school students at the commencement of the new school year. He has, accordingly, reiterated the call for counselling to be a feature in schools.

A 13-year-old of St. George’s Secondary and one of Queenstown Secondary were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday last after brawling on Church Street in Georgetown. The conflict reportedly originated from an ongoing disagreement between them since their days in primary school.

According to one, when he went home during his lunch break, his mother ordered him to take lunch for his sister, who attends St. George’s Secondary. Upon leaving the school’s premises, the other child attacked him and he retaliated by stabbing him with a bottle.As it turned out, each party blamed the other for starting the fight.

Said the minister, “It [was] very disturbing when we [Ministry of Education] got that report. I was very

Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Education

distressed. What we have to do is improve counselling in schools, and pay more attention to children and their problems; and take a more humane approach to discipline.”

Asked about the availability of counsellors in schools, Dr Roopnaraine, who is thoroughly against corporal punishment, said: “Those things take time; call for a lot of attitudinal changes, not only among teachers, but among parents also.”

Since assuming office, Dr. Roopnaraine has been keen on reintroducing counselling in schools countrywide to aid in situations like this, and also in reducing the number of school dropouts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

Holder replaces Ramdin as West Indies ...

From back page

side, with the uncapped all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite also included.

Warrican, 23, took 49 wickets at nearly 15 runs apiece during the first

class season.

Opener Rajindra Chandrika has been retained despite getting a ‘king pair’ in his debut Test against Australia last June while Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich, who also made their debuts against the Aussies recently, have been again included.

The squad will undergo a preparation camp in Bridgetown from September 20 before departing

for Sri Lanka eight days later.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, Darren Bravo, Rajindra Chandrika, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Jomel Warrican.

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:35 hrs Jiggery Pokery 09:10 hrs Meritocracy 09:45 hrs Hurricane Attack 10:20 hrs Night Of Stars 10:55 hrs Varumba 11:30 hrs Line Break

HAYDOCK 09:00 hrs Let’s Go 09:35 hrs Battersea 10:10 hrs Maljaa 10:45 hrs Mattmu 11:20 hrs Tawwaaq 11:55 hrs Manaafidh 12:30 hrs Dawn Missile

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Ascot 08:40 hrs Culturati 09:15 hrs Dawn Of Hope 09:50 hrs Fox Trotter 10:25 hrs Dartmouth 11:00 hrs Fang 11:35 hrs Dawn’s Early Night 12:10 hrs Iconic 12:40 hrs Slip Sliding Away KEMPTON 08:45 hrs Jack Hobbs 09:20 hrs Georgian Bay 09:55 hrs Shaiyem 10:30 hrs Kitten’s Red 11:05 hrs Tutu Nguru 11:40 hrs Etibaar 12:15 hrs Great Fun 12:45 hrs New Strategy

IRISH RACING TIPS Navan 09:25 hrs Moral High Ground 10:00 hrs Jamesie 10:35 hrs Daisy Bell 11:10 hrs Birdcage 11:45 hrs Pincade 12:20 hrs Udogo 12:50 hrs Van Schaick AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Wynhurst Race 2 Italian Charm Race 3 Excuse My French Race 4 Greenpointcrusader Race 5 Goodtolook Race 6 Tale of Life Race 7 Set The Trappe Race 8 Takeover Target Race 9 Rachel’s Valentina Race10 Liam’s Lamp

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

My discipline may have cost United says Ferguson LONDON, England (Reuters) - Alex Ferguson’s insistence on discipline above all else might have cost Manchester United trophies during his 26year reign, he has said.

In his new book ‘Leading’, the most successful

manager in British football history said that does not mean he would do anything differently.

David Beckham, Roy Keane, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy were among the leading players who left the club after falling foul of Ferguson.

“I place discipline above all else and it might have cost us several titles, “ Ferguson said in one of the extracts being released on United’s official Facebook page.

“But if I had to repeat things I’d do it precisely the same because discipline has to come before

anything else.

“People will give a manager plenty of opportunities to crack the whip so it’s best to pick and choose your moments.

“You don’t have to dish out a punishment very often before everyone gets the message.”

Ferguson won almost 50 trophies all told in Scotland and England, including 13 Premier Leagues in

Sir Alex Ferguson

England and two Champions Leagues, before retiring in 2013.

“The book brings together the most important skills and the key philosophies I developed during my 38 years as a football manager and draws on my experiences of managing some of the biggest talents in the game in a high-pressure environment,” he said.

Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend softball results for matches played last Sunday RAMO Malone hits fine 90 not out for Fishermen Masters who lost to Enterprise Legends.

Farm def: Princess Hotel by 157 runs. Farms 230-5 in 20 overs. Rajesh Reddy 59, Ricky Sargeant 51, Sheldon Perch 37, J. Masha 3-32. Princess Hotel 73. All out in 12 overs.. Azharudden Mohamed 3-10 and Lalta Karim 2-15.

Brickery Superstars def: United Brothers by 5 wkts. United Brothers 150-7 in 20 overs. R. Ajooda 43, S. Ghanie 29: Stephano Morgan 3-18, Frederick Wilkie 2-22. Brickery 151-5 in

17.2 overs. Kelven Kanhai 32, Deon Ramdial 26 and R. Geewan took 2 wkts.

Enterprise Legends def: Fishermen Masters by 2 runs. Enterprise 164-4 in 20 overs, N. Wilson 52, Seemangal Yadram 33 n.o, R. Ali 30. Fishermen 162-7 in 20 overs. Malo Malone 90 n.o, V. Gobin and S. Seebarran took 2 wkts each.

Savage Masters def.

Park Rangers by 9 wkts.

Park Rangers 161-7-20 overs. Mohamed Rafeek 41, Talesh Ramoutar 33; Herbie Gentle 3-2, Wallack Joseph 2-15. Savage Masters 163-2, R. Sama-

roo 49, Kennard Luke 36, H. Gentle 27 n.o, Nadir Baksh 21 n.o.

Fixtures for matches due to be played tomorrow at .GNIC ground: 09:30hrs - Regal Masters vs Savage Masters.

12:30hrs - Herstelling Raiders vs Regal. Carifesta Sports Complex Ground: Pitch 1: 09:30hrs Young Guns vs United Brothers.

12:30hrs - Farm vs Wolf Warriors. Pitch 2: 09:30hrs - Brickery SuperStars vs Princess Hotel.

12: 30h rs - P ari k a Defenders vs Enterprise Legends.

GCC, Police and DCC among teams competing in this weekend’s CGA matches THE Georgetown Cricket Association season continues this weekend with several tournaments at different levels.

In the Hadi’s World Incorporated 1st Division (2-Day) cricket competition, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will travel to Bourda to take on hosts Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) on Saturday and Sunday from 09:30hrs The second division action of the Noble House Seafoods 2-Day competition also continues this weekend with two matches.

St Stanislaus College

will tour Eve Leary where they take on the Police Sports Club while Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Transport Sport Club will clash at Malteenoes.

Both games commence at 11:00hrs.

In the Carib Beer T20 competition, the University of Guyana (UG) will play Everest in Queenstown at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground in the first of the day’s encounters from 09:30hrs while the second game at the same venue will feature Police and GNIC from 13:30hrs.

Tomorrow, Police re-

turn to play Malteenoes at Camp Road (Everest) from 09:30hrs while the home side will clash with Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) from 13:30hrs The New Building Society 2nd Division (40-Over) competition will also continue this weekend from 11:00hrs.

Today’s fixtures will feature Third Class Cricket Club and Sophia CC at GNIC while Everest host GYO at Camp Road.

Tomorrow, GCC will take on UG at GNIC while DCC play hosts to GNIC at Queenstown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

Venus ousts Bencic, heads toward possible Serena clash

By Larry Fine NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Venus Williams struck a blow for the older set and stayed on course for a quarterfinals collision with Grand Slam-seeking sister Serena Williams by beating Swiss teen Belinda Bencic yesterday at the U.S. Open.

Venus Williams, 35, produced a vintage power-game performance to beat up-andcoming 18-year-old Bencic 6-3, 6-4 in a third-round match-up between the oldest and youngest players left in the women’s draw.

Williams, who played her first U.S. Open in 1997, the year the 12th-seeded Swiss was born, won 83 percent of her first serves, and blasted 31 winners, including 15 from the forehand side.

Bencic, who beat 2015 Australian, French and Wimbledon champion Serena Williams on her way to winning in Toronto last month, had

VENUS WILLIAMS been considered a Flushing Meadows contender since rising from 32nd to 12th in the world this year.

Venus Williams said

world number one Serena offered some advice on playing Bencic, but added that Williams family revenge was not on her mind.

“Whoever is across the net, that’s who I want to beat,” she said.

Venus, who won the second of her two U.S. Open titles 14 years ago, had battled to a pair of three-set wins and spent nearly five hours on court to reach the third round but made quick work of Bencic.

“She was just too good I think today,” said the Swiss.

The 23rd-seeded Williams allowed just one break point in the 78-minute match.

Bencic converted that one chance in the fourth game of the second set on her way to a 4-1 lead before Venus ran off five games in a row to set up a Round of 16 meeting with Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit,

who beat American Madison Brengle 6-2, 3-6, 6-0.

“I just wanted to stay aggressive and keep my errors down,” said Venus, who had also beaten Bencic in straight sets in their three previous encounters.

Joining the seven-time grand slam singles winner in the fourth round was Russian 13th seed Ekaterina Makarova, a semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows last year.

Left-hander Makarova, despite cramps that hit her during the last game of her match, advanced with 6-3, 7-5 victory over 17th seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

Makarova next meets France’s Kristina Mladenovic, a 6-2, 6-3 winner against Russian Daria Kasatkina, who had replaced third seed Maria Sharapova in the draw after she withdrew with a leg injury.

WACA to lose major international games THE WACA ground will no longer host international matches featuring England, India or South Africa from 2018 to 2019, with all major internationals set to move to the new Perth Stadium.

Under a plan announced by the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) on Thursday, the WACA ground will become a boutique venue that will host only the countries that draw smaller crowds.

Sheffield Shield cricket and domestic limited-over games will also stay at the WACA Ground, but Big Bash League matches will shift to the Perth Stadium at Burswood, which is expected to be completed by early 2018.

The proposed timeline means that 2017-18 might be the last time an Ashes Test is held at the WACA. Since the ground debuted as a Test venue in 1970, Australia have won 24 of 41 Tests at the WACA, which has been famous for the pace of its pitches. Drop-in pitches will be used at the new stadium, with the aim to replicate as closely as possible the pace and bounce characteristic of the WACA ground.

The announcement of the new plans comes just two days after former fast-bowling great Dennis Lillee quit his role as pres-

ident of the WACA. It is believed Lillee wanted all major international matches to remain at the WACA ground.

The future of the WACA ground has been the source of great concern for some

CA chief executive James Sutherland years. Unlike the MCG, SCG, Gabba and Adelaide Oval, the WACA ground does not host any sports besides cricket, which has made it difficult to remain financially viable.

A plan to generate income by constructing commercial and residential buildings on site at the WACA ground was abandoned in 2013 due to poor sales.

The WACA ground has also been in need of an upgrade to its facilities, one of the reasons it was not chosen to host a Test match last

summer when only four Tests were played against India. The WACA is hopeful of receiving state funding for an upgrade, given its agreement to become a complementary venue to the Perth Stadium, rather than a competitor.

“The recommendations will see growth of cricket at all levels from grassroots to the elite,” WACA chairman Sam Gannon said. “We now have the opportunity to showcase the best of world and domestic cricket at two modern stadiums, providing players and spectators with facilities expected for modern sport.

“Cricket patrons in Western Australia acknowledge that the WACA ground facilities need improving and the WACA board has committed to a clear framework to invest in upgrades and ensure the ongoing viability of the WACA ground and cricket in Western Australia.

“By adopting the recommendations, the board and management have a clear direction for taking cricket forward. The next stage will be about bringing that vision to reality by refining the structural requirements of the ground, developing a staged building programme and securing the funding.”

Under the plan, the WACA ground will become a boutique stadium with a capacity of 10 000 to 15 000, while the Perth Stadium will hold 55 000 to 60 000 spec-

tators. Four drop-in pitches will be used at the new Perth Stadium. “ P ro t o t y p e s o f t h e drop-ins are being developed with the same soil, clay and grass profile as the existing wickets at the WACA ground,” the WACA’s Vision 2030 report said. “The prototype wickets will be placed in the ground at the centre of Gloucester Park and the WACA turf team will be responsible for developing them.

“In addition, at the appropriate time in the maturation process, Warriors players will bowl and bat on them to provide player feedback before the actual wickets are developed. To assist with the development of the wickets Cricket Australia has engaged the former curator at the MCG who is the most experienced in the country in drop-in wicket technology.”

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the new structure for cricket in Western Australia had the support of CA. “The strategy for Australian cricket is all about putting fans first and that’s exactly what this move will do,” Sutherland said. “It will provide cricket with world-class facilities for patrons and players and further strengthen our position as Australia’s favourite sport.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Cilic survives scare to keep U.S. Open defence on track NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Marin Cilic kept his U.S. Open title defence on track but not without a scare as the ninth seed needed over four hours to put away Mikhail Kukushkin and reach the fourth round with a 6-7(5), 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-1 win yesterday.

Cilic stepped onto the Grandstand court having won 16 straight sets at Flushing Meadows but that string quickly came to an end when the 56th-ranked Kukushkin took the opening set in a tiebreak in what was the start of a long and harrowing afternoon for the defending champion.

After crashing out in MARIN CILIC the first or second round of his last 16 tournaments, Kukushkin appeared determined to maintain an extended grand slam run following a second-round upset of 17th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

For four sets, the 27-year-old from Kazakhstan gave Cilic all he could handle and more but in the fifth he simply ran out of steam as the Croat surged ahead 5-0 before closing out the marathon encounter with his 27th ace.

New York City teacher arrested for flying drone at U.S. Open stadium

By Katie Reilly NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - A New York City public school teacher was arrested early yesterday on reckless endangerment and other charges after a drone he was operating crashed into the stands in a stadium where a U.S. Open tennis match was under way, police said.

There were no spectators seated in the area at Louis Armstrong Stadium where the small drone crashed on Thursday night, and no one was hurt, police said.

Daniel Verley, 26, was charged with reckless endangerment, reckless operation of a drone and operating a drone in a New York City public park outside of a prescribed area for doing so, according to police reports.

Verley is a science teacher at the Academy of Innovative Technology in Brooklyn, where he has worked since 2013. A New York City Department of Education spokesman said the department will monitor the criminal case and take disciplinary action based on the outcome.

The incident comes as U.S. government agencies and state and local police forces seek to better identify and regulate unauthorised drone flights due to mounting security concerns prompted by the unmanned aircraft.

In video of the tennis match, the drone can be heard buzzing overhead and then loudly hitting a chair in the sparsely populated stadium, causing the two players, Italy’s Flavia Pennetta and Romania’s Monica Niculescu, to look over at the end of their point.

The match was briefly paused while police and tournament officials investigated the noise caused by the crash. Pennetta later won the match.

Louis Armstrong Stadium, which seats up to 10 000 spectators, is the secondary venue for U.S. Open tennis matches at the USTA Billie-Jean King National Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City.

An attorney for Verley could not immediately be identified.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

Reggae Boyz still top of CFU but T&T close behind

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Regional powerhouse Jamaica have continued on top of the Caribbean Football Union rankings re l e a s e d b y F I FA o n Thursday.

The Reggae Boyz were the highest-ranked CFU side in the World rankings at 52nd after moving up three places from last month.

They were narrowly ahead of second-placed Trinidad and Tobago, who lie 54th in the rankings, a rise of two places from the August rankings.

Both teams are still benefiting from the momentum of their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaigns back in July.

Jamaica played unbeaten to reach the final where they lost to eventu-

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz.

al champions Mexico while T&T also played unbeaten to top their group before going out at the quarter-final stage.

Neither side have played an international since but

that was set to change yesterday when Jamaica took on Nicaragua in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Kingston and T&T clashed with Mexico in an international friendly

in Utah, United States.

There is a significant gap between the top two and the remaining CFU sides. Haiti dropped three spots in the FIFA rankings to 87th but remained

third in the region while Antigua and Barbuda also retained their fourth spot after failing to move in the FIFA rankings.

The top five in CFU were rounded out by Cuba who jumped six spots to 113th to be one of the biggest movers in the region along with the Dominican Republic who also leapt six places to 123rd, to lie eighth in CFU. As expected, Mexico were the highest-ranked CONCACAF team at 26th in FIFA with Argentina the World number one side.

Following are the latest Caribbean Football Union rankings released by FIFA on Thursday: *FIFA rankings are in brackets.

1. Jamaica (52)

2. Trinidad & Tobago (54) 3. Haiti (87) 4. Antigua & Barbuda (105) 5. Cuba (113) 6. St Vincent & the Grenadines (116) 7. St Kitts & Nevis (119) 8. Dominican Republic (123) 9. St Lucia (131) 10. Bermuda (132) 11. Aruba (137) 12. Barbados (144) 13. Curacao (148) 14. Puerto Rico (152) 15. Guyana (154) 16. Grenada (158) 17. Suriname (166) 18. Dominica (172) 19. US Virgin Islands (176) 20. Montserrat (178) 21. Cayman Islands (187) 22. Turks & Caicos (194) 23. British Virgin Islands (195) 24. Anguilla (208) 24. The Bahamas (208)

Trophy Stall happy to be associated with Toronto Cup

TORONTO, Canada – Proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich is delighted to be associated with the staging of the

inaugural Toronto Cup softball tournament, which got under way here yesterday.

According to Sunich, who

Galle likely to host West Indies Test

AFTER much deliberation, Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim committee is likely to retain Galle as a venue for the twoTest series against West Indies in October but has decided to drastically reduce the costs it will incur in hosting the match there, as well as at other venues for the tour.

“We hope to cut costs down to about Rs3 million (approx. $22 200) to try and offset the losses we will incur hosting West Indies,” Kushil Gunasekera, the interim committee vice-president, said.

“We didn’t want to deprive the outstation spectators from watching an international match but at the same time we had to also curtail the losses that we will incur playing at Galle.

“Galle traditionally has been an extravagant venue and we will try and keep down costs to a minimum.”

Gunasekera said that SLC will not be making use of the Galle Municipal building and the Galle Cricket Club. It will also discard having marquees for spectators as well as feeding 500 school children breakfast, lunch and tea, which alone cost SLC Rs1.2 million.

Galle has been a Test venue for all tours since 1998. The two Tests played against Pakistan and India in Galle brought in revenue of Rs14 million, Gunasekara said, but with SLC receiving only Rs45 million for TV broadcasting rights for the West Indies series, it stands to lose overall Rs105 million on the tour comprising two Tests, three ODIs and two T20s.

SLC made a record profit of Rs87 million from the Pakistan tour against a target of Rs50 million, and stands to gain Rs300 million from the recently concluded India tour.

The first Test against West Indies starts October 14 with the second beginning at P Sara Oval on October 22. R Premadasa Stadium and Pallekele will host the ODIs and T20s.

Proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich is a prime supporter and sponsor of sports in and out of Guyana, he has long been a lover of

softball cricket. He reminisced that he still plays the game at the senior level. “My firm, Trophy Stall, is supportive of softball cricket. We sponsor not just tournaments but also teams.”

Sunich pointed out that Trophy Stall is happy to be one of the sponsors of this tournament and that his presence here is an indication of the importance he and the Trophy Stall attach to it.

Sunich further alluded to the fact that softball cricket in Canada has taken off and it can only get bigger and better.

The popular Guyanese businessman said he believes that Canada has the potential to further the worldwide expansion of this game and he looks forward to the day “when we can have international softball cricket played”.

According to Sunich, “This is a dream I believe can be realised. There are many good men and women who are committed to softball. There are high-quality players and there are tournaments now being played both in Guyana and here in Toronto to boost the game even further.

“I would like to commend

the organisers of this edition of the tournament and I am confident that this competition will be a success.

“The teams who will be participating will no doubt give of their best. I anticipate a very exciting and competitive tournament, conducted in the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship. I wish all the participating teams best of luck.”

“May we all have a super tournament and may we come back next year to an even bigger and better event.” (Frederick Halley)

St Cuthbert’s Mission concludes NSC camp

mission (NSC)-facilitated one-week camp featured over 60 students participating in sports such as football, volleyball, table tennis and cricket.

Students receive instructions on volleyball stance and setting position.

Va c a t i o n p ro g r a m m e the Department of Sport STUDENTS of St Cuthbert’s Mission recently wrapped up their August

which was sponsored by the Ministry of Education (MoE), under

(DoS).

According to a release, the National Sports Com-

Camp leaders Pierre Andrews & Verona Persaud thanked the MoS DoS NSC and the Director of Sport Christopher Jones for remembering that part of Guyana, adding that they are looking forward to the continued support of sport in the Mission This was yet another camp organised by Sport Officer A. Munroe.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 5, 2015

Lens Craft Optical/EBFA U-13 League resumes today at Mocha ground

COMPETITIVE football is set to make a grand return to the Mocha Community ground today when the inaugural Lens Craft Optical/East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 league resumes following a period of inactivity due to the prolonged rainy season.

Today’s double-header will see points leaders Grove Hi Tech, joint leaders on 9 points with Herstelling Raiders but ahead on goal difference, play the feature game against host team Mocha Champs who are on 4 points.

Opening play at 10:00hrs brings together Agricola Red Triangle on 6 points against Kuru Kururu Warriors lagging in the penultimate position on the table with a single point.

Agricola would be led by the competition’s leading goalscorer to date, Leon Moore, who has six goals (two hattricks), one more than Herstelling’s Shoran James. Lending support would be Shamar Morrison, Kerwayne Lyte and Kareem John. For the Warriors, Kevon Scott and Oric Austin will lead their charge for a win.

Grove Hi Tech will bank on the likes of their leading scorer to date, Akeem Williams with 3, Devon Padmore, Rasheed Evans and Jamallo Benjamin to deliver three more points to their title bid while Mocha will bank on Ian Mars and home advantage to turn back the challenge of Grove.

The executive of the EBFA wishes to express gratitude to NDC Chairman Mr Gregory John for giving the go-ahead for matches to be played at the Mocha ground. It is almost 15 years since competitive football has been played at this venue due to varying reasons including lack of funds to maintain same.

The start of this league will also signal a busy period for the EBFA which intends to start its senior league among a number of other tournaments, shortly.

The association’s affiliates are also expected to convene shortly to review and adopt the new constitution that has been circulated to the affiliates of the Guyana Football Federation by the Normalisation Committee.

Flashback: Agricola’s Leon Moore (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring one of his three goals against Mocha Champs.

Latest Lens Craft Optical/EBFA U-13 points standings: Club Grove Hi Tech Herstelling Raiders Agricola Red Triangle 3 Diamond United Mocha Champs 3 Kuru Kururu Warriors 3 Craig

Played 4 4 2 4 1 0 3

Won 3 3 1 2 1 2 0

Lost 1 1 0 2 1 1 3

Draw 0 0 13 0 5 3 0

GF 9 8 2 9 8 8 0

GA 1 2 11 1 -3 -5 10

GD 8 6 6 8 4 1 -7

Points 9 9 6 0

Stage set for tomorrow’s Massy 10K run I have no other choice but to be

ALL systems are in place for tomorrow’s Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG)/ Massy 10K run which gets under way at 06:00hrs from Vreed-en-Hoop and concludes at the Neil and Massy Head Office, Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, AAG president Aubrey Hutson said he is very upbeat about tomorrow’s race and promises spectators and enthusiasts that the event will be a scorcher.

According to Hutson, meetings have already been held with the Guyana Police Force Traffic Chief, Eion Moore, the Guyana Defence Force Medical Corps and the administrators of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. “So those things are settled,” Hutson said.

After leaving Vreed-enHoop, the athletes will travel along the West Bank Demerara highway and cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge, hence the meeting with the Harbour Bridge people.

According to Hutson, as of yesterday morning over 80 athletes have been registered and he is expecting that number to top 100.

The AAG boss, who just returned from the World

… AAG president upbeat

Athletics Championships in Bejing, China, said before he left Guyana for Bejing,

CLEVELAND FORDE his association had already started to put measures in place for the smooth running of the event, but while in China, he was uneasy.

However, on his return to Guyana, he found out that his organising committee had done their work and he is very elated.

He informed that a few key athletes are still to get registered, one such athlete is the defending female champion Eulene Josiah-Tanner who, according to information, had problems getting a flight home

to defend her title.

“For all you know, she might be home tomorrow.”

Hutson said quite a number of Masters have already been registered and that category is expected to be very competitive.

Hutson said the male category should see Cleveland `The Little Kenyan’ Forde and Cleveland Thomas battling for honours and that both athletes are in good nick.

Forde has won four editions of the Massy 10K run and would be seeking to win it a fifth time.

Hutson mentioned that in the absence of Josiah-Tanner, Alika Morgan can expect keen rivalry from Andrea Foster who has returned to Guyana to be a part of the event, but he is not ruling out Josiah-Tanner’s presence since he said Tanner would really like to defend her title.

The winners of both the male and female categories will receive $75 000 each while the second- and thirdplace finishers in both categories will earn $50 000 and $25 000 respectively.

The top Masters will receive hampers (Michael DaSilva)

confident, says Matthew Vieira

A POSITIVE outlook is what Matthew Vieira has on the upcoming Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) third round in Barbados on September 13.

Vieira, one of the youngest talents on two wheels and one of the more dominant factors in recent times, says that he expects Barbados to be exciting, adding, “I have no other choice than to be confident at this point. I dominated on August 9 and I can’t defeat myself before I go on track (Bushy Park).”

“As you know, the bike (Triumph Daytona 675) is very different from any other bike racing against it, but I’m very confident in my ability and in the bike that we can get it right,” the 18-year-old continued.

On only his second outing to the land of the flying fish, Vieira noted, “Last year, the track was new, the surface was new so it was a little bit slippery and you couldn’t really tell who was fast because you couldn’t get traction.”

Matthew Vieira displays his chequered flag at the recent GMR&SC race of Champions. (Photo by Samuel Maughn) “But Barbados has prise-sponsored machine, very skilled riders and come race day.

I’m sure they will be chalApart from Matthew, lenged,” Matthew, the son the superbike team has his of ace driver Mark Vieira cousins, Elliot and Stephen, pointed out. as well as Joel Neblette and Prior to shipping, he ex- Kevin Persaud. plained to Chronicle Sport Matthew’s father Mark that he did not make any (Vieira) will also be touring changes but he does foresee to Barbados in Group four that some may need to be alongside the father-son duo made to accomplish best of Kristian and Kevin Jefresults on race day. frey and Danny Persaud, Adjustments to the who will run his car in both shocks and forks and also groups four and three. the gear ratios are some Nazim Gafoor (Group of the little things he says 2) is the other addition may make a difference to the team which heads between the chequered to Barbados for the Sepflag for his Truck Masters tember 11-14 event in St and Mohammed’s Enter- Phillips.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Holder replaces Ramdin as West Indies Test captain

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been axed as Test captain after just 15 months in charge and replaced by rising star and One-Day skipper Jason Holder, for the tour of Sri Lanka next month.

The 23-year-old, who has played eight Tests and 33 One-Day Internationals in his fledgling career, will lead a 15-man squad for the October 14 to November 12 series which comprises two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20s.

Long identified as a future leader, Holder was handed the reins of the One-Day team last January and managed to impress with the way he handled the unit.

As a result, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said yesterday the recommendation by the Clive Lloyd-chaired selection panel to make him Test captain, had been “endorsed unanimously” by directors, during a teleconference last Wednesday.

“The directors discussed the recommendation put forward by the selectors. We have all seen Jason’s clear leadership potential and believe he can perform an excellent job for West Indies cricket over many years.

We congratulate him on his appointment,” Cameron said in a release.

Taylor named new West Indies Women’s captain

“We would like to thank Denesh for taking on the responsibility of leading the Test side over the last 15 months. He remains an integral part of West Indies cricket and will continue to have a vital role in our Test side.”

Under fire after replacing veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as ODI skipper, Holder endured a further baptism of fire when West Indies were hammered 4-1 in the five-match ODI series in South Africa last January.

Holder also had a rough start at the ICC World Cup the following month when the Windies were upset by Ireland in their opening match but his performance proved pivotal as they came back strongly to reach the quarter-finals.

A lanky seamer and right-handed batsman, Holder showed his mettle with both bat and ball during the tournament and Lloyd said he had done enough during his short stint to prove he was fit to lead the Test unit.

“He is a young man that all of the selectors, people in the Caribbean and worldwide believe has several of the qualities that can take our team forward,” the legendary former West Indies skipper said in the release.

New West Indies Women’s captain Stafanie Taylor.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Marquee batsman Stafanie Taylor has been appointed the new captain of West Indies Women, replacing the long-serving Merissa Aguilleira.

The change was announced by the West Indies Cricket Board yesterday, as it named the 18-member training squad for the home series against Pakistan start-

ing next month.

Aguilleira led the side for six years, during which time they managed to reach the final of the ICC World Cup in 2013 and the semi-finals of the last three Twenty20 World Cups.

However, chief selector Clive Lloyd said the time had come for a change.

“Merissa has been there for a long time and did a

pretty good job, but we feel the time is right for a new leader and we have chosen Stafanie,” he said.

“She has done well for Windies Women with bat and ball, and has led Jamaica Women successfully, so leading the team would not be alien to her.”

He added: “It’s a change that we hope will bring new energy to the team and take it from strength to strength.

Lens Craft Optical/ EBFA U-13 League resumes today at Mocha ground See story on page 31

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Denesh Ramdin (left) has been replaced by Jason Holder as West Indies Test captain.

“We felt the time was right for a change and we feel he will do as well as he did when he was elevated to the position of One-day International captain ahead of the World Cup. “We had a number of detractors when he was appointed ODI captain, but he showed during the ODI series in South Africa and the World Cup that he had the qualities that were needed to take our team forward.”

Though he broke into the team as a seamer, Holder’s batting has improved significantly in the longer version where he has already scored a Test hundred and two half-centuries, and averages 34.

His unbeaten 103 against England last April came in difficult circumstances on the last day of the opening Test in Antigua when he managed to scramble a draw for the Windies.

And last June, he stroked a flamboyant unbeaten 82 from just 63 balls in the second Test to prop up the West Indies batting.

We believe we can develop a pretty good women’s team for the future and we see Stafanie as the person that could give us that impetus for the future.

“Stafanie has played quite a lot, she has been ICC Player-of-the-Year and she will be able to lead by example.”

Taylor has been one of the most prolific batsmen in the women’s game in recent years. The 24-yearold right-hander has garnered 3 115 runs from 84 One-Day International, already with five centuries and 20 half-centuries.

In 62 Twenty20s she has managed 1 814 runs at an average of 36, with 16 half-centuries.

In contrast, Aguilleira has struggled with the bat, especially in recent times. She has not scored a half-century in over three years and managed only 69 runs from ten ODI outings last year and 86 runs from 12 T20 innings.

WICB president Dave

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The 30-year-old Ramdin, meanwhile, was appointed to the role in May last year, replacing the long-serving Darren Sammy.

He led West Indies in 13 Tests – winning four, losing seven and drawing two.

As captain, he managed 472 runs at an average of 22, and a highest score of 57.

Lloyd said the decision to remove Ramdin was with the view of getting more from the player with the bat, and said he had spoken to the veteran of 69 Tests about his new role in the side.

“I have spoken to Denesh and he understood the situation and there was no animosity,” said Lloyd.

“We just want him to perform a little bit better right now, particularly with the bat, and give of his best and support the new captain.”

Barbados left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican is the only new face in the side,

Cameron said he believed the changes would be “in the best interests” of the squad.

“The directors have confidence in the decision made by the selectors and accept that it has been made in the best interests of the women’s team,” he said.

“Stafanie has held a senior role in our women’s team for some time and has been a good role model for the younger players. She is someone who we believe can take on more responsibility and we congratulate her on this appointment.”

He added: “We also would like to thank Merissa for her leadership of the Windies Women over the last six years, a period during which she helped to establish the side as one of most competitive in the world.

“She was the longest-serving West Indies Women’s captain, leading the team to the Final of the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2013 in India and the

See page 27 semi-finals of the last three ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup.” Meanwhile, 20-year-old off-spinner Karishma Ramharack has been included in the training squad as the only new face, while Kyshona Knight, Chedean Nation and Vanessa Watts have been recalled.

Seamer Shakera Selman and leg-spinner Shaquana Quintyne have also returned to the set-up following injury.

The squad will be in camp in Barbados later this month for two weeks.

TRAINING SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Shakera Selman (vice-captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Shaquana Quintyne, Karishma Ramharack, Tremayne Smartt, Vanessa Watts.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2015