Chronicle 01 22 2016

SATTAUR SACKED No. 104439

FRIDAY JANUARY 22, 2016

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…says feels ‘relieved’, wants benefits

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…House clears income tax motion with amendments PPP MPs on Thursday walked out of the National Assembly during the closing of a debate on a motion the party member, Bishop Juan Edghill had tabled on the declaration of income tax (Alva Solomon photo)

Two die in Citizens Bank separate to join ATM switch accidents …set to launch e-banking service 5

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Hairdresser killed in East Coast crash A FORTY-YEAR-OLD hairdresser was early yesterday morning killed in an accident on the East Coast Demerara Railway Embankment in the vicinity of Clay Brick Road, a short distance from the Ocean View International Hotel.

Dead is Lurlene Forde of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, daughter of Mrs. Iona Percival and mother of 15-yearold Sharick Singh.

The woman’s deeply distraught mother, badly shaken, but trying desperately to remain composed, spoke with the Guyana Chronicle

at their Plaisance home after the accident.

Ms. Percival recalled that her daughter left home around 22:00 hrs on Wednesday evening for Palm Court, where she met with other friends at the night club. She said that from information she received, there was an incident at the entertainment spot in which a comment made by her daughter, might have offended a man at the club and incurred his wrath.

The report said that the man might have been trailing her on her way home, ultimately ending up in a high-speed chase that caused her to crash

Dead: Lurlene Forde

into a concrete fence.

The phone began ringing persistently at 05:15 hrs and after ignoring it for a while, she got up and answered.

It was her grandson calling from the United States and he cautioned her to “Sit up and relax Grannie.” Then he broke the news to her that Lurlene had crashed while coming home from the night club.

The devastated mother shared the dreadful news with Lurlene’s only child Sharick and hastened down

to the hospital where she beheld her daughter’s bloodied,lifeless body.

“Her face and jaws were all strapped up. I asked permission to touch her face and it was granted. My daughter had done her hair the night before and it looked pretty, but when I saw her, she had suffered head injuries and her scalp was rolled up,” the mother painfully muttered.

Amidst tears, Ms. Percival who has mothered two children recalled that they both died in car accidents.

Her son, Lloyd Forde (Jnr), son of ex- Comptroller of Customs and Excise Lloyd Forde was killed in a horrific accident in Georgetown 20 years ago. Now the life of her only surviving offspring had been coldly snuffed out. The grieving mother recalled that just before Christmas she was down with the flu and the fuss Lurlene made about it, telling her, “Mommy I don’t want anything to happen to you, cause I would not be able to live without you.”

Less than two months later, she has passed on, leaving her mother to live without her.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

My name is Tiffani Pamela Bonner. I’m 17 and I recently concluded my CXC exams where I obtained 2 distinctions, 5 ones and 3 twos. I’m an aspiring TV Personality which makes my field of interest Communications.

I also have a passion for singing, the performing arts and baking.

I have an upcoming TV show called “Teen talk with Tiffani” whereby I’ll strive to create a forum for young people to voice their opinions and concerns.

Guyana and the Caribbean do not have any show that entertains, inform and educates at the same time. I’ll make that difference! I love pageantry!!!! I’m a pageant girl. I’ve won two pageants thus far and my next step is world then universe. I’m pretty straightforward, amiable, determined, confident and assiduous. I love to be surrounded by goal driven individuals; persons that can help me better myself. As it relates to my hobbies, I enjoy bird watching, baking with my mom and writing poems. My inspiration is Bob Marley. I believe that you should never look down on someone unless you’re picking them up.

PPP walks out on own Motion

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

– but House clears income tax motion with amendments

By Alva Solomon IN what was seen as a historical move, the government last evening amended and voted in favour of an Opposition-proposed Motion seeking to have all Members of Parliament file annual income tax returns in compliance with the Income Tax Act. Not so historical, however, was the opposition’s walking out of the House en masse during the closing statement by Leader of Government Business, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. They however hastily returned during the voting process, but failed to make an impact after government used its majority to amend the motion. The Motion, which was filed by opposition MP, Bishop Juan Edghill, was passed, with amendments following a series of back-and-forth explanations between both sides of the House and the Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland. The amendments were made by the government in the name of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

The changes were applied to the two resolve clauses to the Motion, and the opposition, in attempting to withdraw the motion at the last minute, was prevented from doing so on the ruling of the Speaker, who applied the rules of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

The contentious resolve clause, brought originally by the opposition, reads: “BE IT RESOLVED: That all Members of this National Assembly, in the interest of transparency and accountability in public office, make available to the public their tax returns to the Guyana Revenue Authority for the last 10 years, on or before December 31, 2015; and

Opposition MPs during their walkout last night while the House was still in session

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly urges the government to expeditiously table legislation to give effect to this motion.”

However, this was debated heavily by the government, with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stating that there already exists legislation which addresses income tax returns and compliance with the Integrity Commission Act. He described the motion as one where “we are trying to close the gates after the horses have bolted.”

He told the House that the government would not accept the motion as tabled

by Edghill, and had indicated from the outset that it was going to table amendments to the motion to “give it a genuine presentation.”

After a break in the session and lengthy debates, Trotman rose to move the amendments to the motion.

Those amendments, which were made to replace the two revolve clauses, read: “BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly supports the enforcement of the requirement for all members of the National

Assembly to file income tax returns, and to make annual declarations to the Integrity Commission; and “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly supports the work of the Government of Guyana in ensuring that the Integrity Commission is independent, efficient, respected and be able to ensure accountability of all public officials, including Members of Parliament.”

Trotman said that the motion, as tabled in its original format, was asking the House to break the rules regarding the submission of tax returns. “We are asked to comply with the Integrity Commission, and will do so,” he said, adding: “The House is being asked break the law, and then in future pass the law to make that which is illegal, legal.”

Contending that one cannot ask the highest law-making body in the land to legalise an illegal action, the former Speaker said that it was in the spirit of integrity and transparency that he moved to have the motion amended, “so that at the end of the day, this is not about

who earns what by means of private practice, as a medical doctor or as a lawyer or as an accountant.” He then asked the House to support the amendments, and observe the laws of Guyana.

Opposition MP, Gail Teixiera said that Trotman’s amendments “de-gutted” the motion as proposed in its original format. She said that the motion seeks to make public the annual income tax returns of MPs to the GRA. She added that the Opposition was calling on the National Assembly to make this move a legislative measure.

As the back and forth continued over the motion in its amended state, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo rose to say that the essence of the motion presented by the opposition was changed with Trotman’s input. He opined that the words ‘tax return’ were preserved, and that “the amended suggestion is to get us to comply with laws that are already in existence.” He said that quite frankly, there was absolutely no need for a motion to ensure MPs comply with tax return laws.

Jagdeo stated that the opposition was attempting

to ensure legislative changes initiated by the government and that it was aimed at making public the income tax returns of MPS since they are lawmakers and representatives of the people with a unique task. He said the opposition is seeking a public declaration of results.

As voting on the motion neared, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told the National Assembly that any member can make an amendment to the revolve clauses, even if it involves altering the motion. He accused the opposition of seeking “to say that they (government) could not amend the motion as presented.”

As the debate steamed on, Edghill sought to withdraw the motion. The Speaker said that this was possible providing that there was no dissenting voice. However, Trotman rose and indicated the dissenting voice, further adding complexity to the situation.

The Speaker then proposed that the two amended clauses form part of the motion. After another round of back-and-forth comments from both sides, the Speaker then put the motion to the

floor, and it won the support of the government.

Later, the Speaker commented on the uniqueness of the situation, saying such an occurrence does not happen often here. He said that as far as he knew, it has occurred elsewhere, and sometimes it brought stunning effects.

During last evening’s debate on the motion, opposition MPs walked out of the National Assembly as the Prime Minister rose to speak after Edghill closed the debate. Nagamootoo said he stood to speak on behalf of the government, on the basis that he was in a position to respond to comments made by the Leader of the Opposition regarding his bank books and earnings. He accused Jagdeo of mentioning words which he did not utter.

As he spoke, the opposition MPs exited the chambers.

Nagamootoo said that there are provisions in the laws of Guyana for declaration of income tax returns and declarations to the Integrity Commission.

He said that there are also provisions for penalties for violations committed under those laws.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Women to share personal stories of triumph at ‘Oxygen with Nicole’

By Alva Solomon

THIS year’s celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 will be boosted by the ‘Oxygen with Nicole’ O2N-series, which will provide a ‘safe place’ for women to speak and share their life experiences to motivate others.

The activities will commence with a women’s empowerment forum through a partnership with a number of stakeholders, including the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, the Ministries of Social Cohesion and Social Protection and Dyer-Griffith.

It will take place on March 6 at a venue to be announced. According to the organizers, the celebrations surround the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

USE OF DRAMA Speaking at a press briefing at the Marriott Hotel yesterday, Nicole Dyer-Griffith, a former Miss Universe contestant, who conceptualized the motivational event, told the media that O2N offers a safe place where persons can create, connect and cohere.

She said it is undertaken through the use of drama; where persons tell their stories; where the audience is drawn into the event, taking the forum to a higher level

Trinidadian politician Nicole Dyer-Griffith addressing the media on the women empowerment forum to be held on March 6 under the ‘Oxygen with Nicole’ concept. At her right is designer Sonia Noel and fashion evangelist Richard Young. Seated at right are moderator John Quelch, Diego Alphonso of the Social Protection Ministry and Olive Gopaul of the Social Cohesion Ministry. of understanding. “So it is a very unique type of constructive conversation that takes place,” she said, adding that it is expertly and uniquely guided.

Dyer-Griffith, who is also a Trinidad and Tobago politician, said that essentially, the concept behind ‘Oxygen with Nicole’ was borne from a feeling she started experiencing over the hosting of elections in the twin-island republic.

“We had a high level of negative strife in a number of different perspectives,” she said. As a candidate she

felt something was not right.

“We can have our political differences and so but it does not have to permeate into our society,” she asserted. At the time, Dyer-Griffith related to someone, “I need oxygen,” some place where she can escape the atmosphere.

The concept came into fruition with several tenets, one being it must never be a boring event, noting that the first of the series was held at a hotel in Trinidad, and was free and open to the public.

She said that there is a connection which occurs where ordinary persons tell

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extraordinary stories and vice versa. In the end, the individual would say, “I never knew that about you.”

Fashion designer Sonia Noel expressed high regard for the collaboration. “It is something that is needed, anything that is to do with empowerment of women and youth, I am 100% onboard,” she said She said that her creative foundation was launched in 2012, and she is also involved in philanthropic work. She indicated that her idea of empowering women includes the thought that they need

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some space for themselves.

“Sometimes you don’t feel as if you are a secure person,” she said, adding that the air gives one the idea that they can breathe and she pointed to the creative sector which provides “that oxygen that is sometimes needed.”

THE STORYTELLER Fashion evangelist Richard Young also spoke highly of the concept, noting that it brings out the inner peace of mankind. “This project addresses that inner beauty and my way of appreciating what is Caribbean and storytelling about us is to accept the information of the story teller.” He also observed that the storyteller utilizes his/her life stories and tells of ways of being resilient, how to proceed in life and face adversity.

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Empowerment opportunity Speaking on behalf of Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Alli, Olive Gopaul said that the ministry is happy to be a part of the event since it provides an empowerment opportunity for women in Guyana and the region. She said it coheres well with the mandate of the ministry since it is one which creates an environment of trust, unity and embraces diversity across Guyana.

Meanwhile, Diego Alphonso of the Social Protection Ministry said that Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence was in full support of the idea.

The event provides an environment for cohesiveness among participants and those persons can connect with speakers to express their personal life experiences. It also encourages group-based discussions and creates opportunities for talented personalities in the creative industries not only in Guyana but the Caribbean region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Citizens Bank to join ATM switch …to launch e-banking service

MANAGING Director of Citizens Bank, Eton Chester, has announced that the bank’s Automated Telling Machines (ATM) network will join the national switch, and will commence the issuance of Visa debit cards.

Chester made the announcement during his address at the bank’s Annual General Meeting held earlier this week at the Georgetown Club. The ATM Switch Service would allow customers to be able to use the ATM of any Bank regardless of where their account is. Some of the local commercial banks have already activated the service.

Chester said too that the bank will launch its e-banking services this year and that a new, fully functioning Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Site will become operational. “We remain steadfast and confident and anticipate sustainable growth and expansion in the coming year,” Chester said.

Meanwhile, the bank has recorded a $3.1B net income for last year, the Chairman, Clifford Reis told the AGM. In his report to the AGM, Reis disclosed that during the first half of fiscal 2015, the local banking system remained relatively sound and stable with commercial banks reporting higher levels of capital and profits, notwithstanding an increase in the level of non-performing loans. He said the average capital adequacy ratio of 25.7% remained well above the prudential benchmark of 8.0%.

“Deposits at the commercial banks recorded modest growth, and at September 30, 2015 deposits grew by 5.7% to $336.5 billion year over; private sector deposit, which grew by 1.8% to $277.9 billion, accounted for 82.6% of total banking sector deposits.”

According to Reis, total

loans and advances grew by 6.1% to $206.6 billion at September 30, 2015 with credit to the private sector increasing by 3.2% to $130.1 billion.

Reis said liquidity in the banking sector remains relatively high with required reserve requirement being exceeded by 46.9%, while liquid assets of the sector exceeded the requirement amount by 55.0%, confirming the high liquidity within the sector. “The Bank of Guyana continues to use the auction of Treasury Bills through its open-market operations, to sterilise the excess liquidity in the sector and at September 30, 2015, outstanding Treasury Bills totalled $74.6% billion with commercial banks holding $61.9 billion or 83.0%.” Reis said the 91-day Treasury Bill rate, used as a market reference, improved to 1.9% at September 30, 2015, while the average saving rate was 1.6% as September 30, 2015, the same as September 30, 2014. He said the weighted average lending rate declined form 11.2% to 10.6% at September 30, 2015, while the average saving rate was 1.3% at September 2014.

PERFORMANCE OF THE BANK Meanwhile, touching on the bank, Reis reported that the institution recorded Net Income for the year ended September 30, 2015 of $3.1 billion compared to $2.7 billion the previous year, an increase of $368.1 million or 13.4%.

Profit before taxation stood at $1.5B compared to $1.65B in the previous year and profits after taxation of $906.8 million compared to $989.2 million the prior year, representing a decrease of 82.4 million.

“Our performance reflected the many challenges in the op-

Top officials of Citizens Bank at the head table during the AGM held on Tuesday at the Georgetown Club erating environment including, but not limited to, a slowdown in the economy from the decline in the performance of the major production sector, decline in asset quality, and the still unsettled, ongoing political situation. During the year, total revenue grew by $0.5 billion or 15.2 % to 3.7 billion, while modest growth was recorded for loans, total assets and deposits by 6.2%, 2.3% and 16.4% respectively,” Reis disclosed. The bank’s chairman told the AGM that the return on average assets was 2.1%, while the return on shareholders’ equity was 13.3% compared to 2.4% and 16.4% respectively. “The bank’s loan portfolio remains relatively sound. However, the various challenges experienced by our customers because of the decline in business activities during 2015, has impacted the performance of our overall portfolio. Non- performing loans at September 30, 2015, represented 10.9% of our total loans portfolio compared to 8.0% at September 30, 2014.

The consolidated banking sector ratio for non-performing loans was 10.8% at septem-

ber30, 2015.

The bank’s shares were last traded on the local stock exchange at $144.00 per share,” Reis said.

REDOUBLE RISKS Additionally, Reis told the AGM that during the financial year 2016, the bank will redouble its efforts to improve and strengthen its assessment and management of risk, and improve operational efficien-

cies and customer care, “which are keys to our remaining competitive achieving strong and sustainable results.”

“Construction of our modern state-of-the-art building that will house our main branch and corporate office will be completed during the financial year. Upgrades will be done at our Bartica and Thirst Park branches to provide modern facilities and improved accommodation as we seek to

provide an improved level of service to our customers.” Reis also said that this year greater focus will be placed on the continuing effort to improve human resources management capacity, “ensuring that our human resource management capability, ensuring that our employees are motivated and are well equipped, so that our clients will benefit through the consistent delivery of quality customer care.”

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

Saving Sugar

A “concerned citizen” has sent out a wake-up call for all stakeholders – the State, unions, workers and the GUYSUCO management – to do all it takes to save the sugar industry.

In a letter published in our edition yesterday (21/01/16), the writer called for re-positioning of all senior staff employees, what he described as “trimming the top” and relocating personnel, where necessary. From his point of view, the closure of the 100-year-old Wales factory would not have been an option if staff rationalisation had been implemented.

But, as it appears, shifting around the staff would be a palliative, not a cure, for the disease that has afflicted the sugar industry. For starters, under the previous government there was political interference with the administration of the sugar industry. Political appointees, including Donald Ramotar, (whilst he was PPP’s General Secretary and later adviser to President Jagdeo) and N.K. Gopaul, (before he was promoted to Minister of Labour), were foisted on the GUYSUCO board. Another key political appointee was Raj Singh, who was made CEO whilst he lived outside of Guyana. The sugar industry was thus reduced to the unstable status of a political football.

That was the genesis of the decline of the industry, with poor decisions following one after another.

One of those was the selection of the contractor for refurbishing the Skeldon factory, which was taken over by the Jagdeo government before a proper trial run. The factory was handed over with major technical faults, and was reduced almost to a “white elephant.” Since 2011, then President Jagdeo, who boasted that Guyana would produce 500,000 tonnes of sugar annually, pledged to fix the factory and, in spite of intervention by several experts, the factory limped along. Sadly, some $47 Billion had been spent on this factory, which was tantamount to throwing water on a duck’s back. We never came close to the ambitious production target. Instead, production fell from an average 300,000 tonnes in the 1960s to just over 200,000 tonnes between 2012-2014.

Poor management led to the industry sinking to the lowest production levels even at a time when the price of sugar on the world market had fallen and the European Union had threatened to end our access at preferential prices. Financial help from the EU to rehabilitate the industry was diverted and wasted. Nothing was spent on the hapless sugar workers. Instead, when GAWU threatened to take strident action to safeguard the workers, the Jagdeo administration wanted to ban the union and silence the workers’ voices.

Besides low production, the Jagdeo regime experimented with factory closure, the notorious example being that of Diamond where the lands were hived off to friends and cronies. Other sugar lands were bought over by the government and doled out even whilst sugar workers suffered from land hunger. It is recognised by all that the sugar industry had reached the crisis point under the PPP government. In 2000, GUYSUCO made a loss of $2.8 Billion, which the “Jagdeo touch” escalated to $7.1 Billion in

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Confronting the issue of suicide in Guyana Dear Editor, THE issues of teen suicide and suicide in general have gripped this nation due to the extremely high number of cases in 2016, particularly among young adults. I would like to offer my view on this very sensitive topic and that is highlighting what I believe to be some of the possible factors contributing to the high rates of suicide in our country.

For simplicity, I would like to offer this simple formula which explains my conception of the problem that has been fermenting for a numbers of years (even decades) and this is – A lack of education (high illiteracy) + a lack of access to opportunities + breakdown of family and community + high economic disparity + high alcohol and drug use = High Teen Suicide Rate.

Editor, in my opinion these factors have created the perfect storm we see manifesting today and beyond and is now approaching critical mass in our society; and if our leaders and few social experts did not see the writing on the wall then they truly had their heads buried in the sand or refused to accept reality.

Therefore, leaders today should not be surprised, but confront the realities of the problem. The past regime failed to address the issue and its contributory factors for many years and now the new government is forced to confront it.

Editor, what is also disturbing is the seeming absence of the religious community in confronting this issue. Membership in the religious community have also been experiencing a drastic decline across the three dominant religions over

the years, pointing to another factor and evidence of a nation that has become less religiously tolerant than our fore-parents who were much more God-fearing.

As a young Guyanese, I would also note, and perhaps a controversial one, in pointing to another culprit which is the rise and access to technology and social media, which have opened up many boundless possibilities, but which also came with some unintended social consequences with regard to our youth.

The social lives of teens are much more different from which those of us aged 30+ have ever experienced; and while some experts have voiced their concern, social scientists have been reluctant to tackle this subject and its effects head on. Another question that should be asked is: where are the mental health pro-

fessionals who are suited to dealing with people on the brink of suicide, or is Guyana devoid of such professionals? If this is the case, then what is the academic industry doing to address this shortfall and should our government and private sector now look at placing more emphasis on mental health issues by providing more access and resources to personal and public treatment?

Editor, I hope this letter can begin to stir some minds and spur action.

We as a nation need to be honest and do a serious assessment of the driving forces that are fuelling this phenomenon, and only then can we hope to find a workable solution to reducing teen suicide and suicide overall in Guyana.

Yours faithfully A. PERSAUD

GCB reprimands Claude Raphael

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wishes to record its extreme disappointment and shock at the level that a former cricket official has descended to in his most recent letter to the media, titled ‘How could our legal system embrace such an obvious illegality for five years?” In that correspondence, Mr.Claude Raphael proceeded to lampoon the judiciary and the GCB with baseless allegations and reckless statements. Quite obviously, he seems upset with the decisions emanating from the legal system, but his reactions are totally misplaced and utterly disrespectful.

The GCB wishes to caution Mr. Claude Rapha-

el to desist from making such potentially libellous and threatening statements against senior members of the judiciary, both sitting and retired Chief Justices. Mr. Raphael’s scathing remarks against the judicial system and our learned Chief Justices are most disparaging when they are very closely examined. He has now publicly denounced and ridiculed numerous decisions of the Honourable Chief Justice, Ian Chang, whilst questioning the competence and integrity of the said Chief Justice and, quite possibly, the entire judiciary. Mr. Raphael also took the opportunity to issue a thinly veiled threat to the new acting Chief Justice.

We should all respect the

2012 and $17.4 Billion in 2014. GUYSUCO was forced to rely on loans and handouts to survive. GUYSUCO racked up $82 Billion in debt and the State intervened with successive bailout packages amounting to some $60 Billion over recent years.

GUYSUCO was bankrupted by the time this new government was elected to office only eight months ago, and the new government immediately went to the rescue of the cash-strapped corporation by advancing just under $12 Billion to pay wages to sugar workers. It also revamped the board and administration, and withdrew the dead hand of political interference that had paralysed the industry.

A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) was established to do a comprehensive examination of GUYSUCO, and the reports have been laid in Parliament for examination by all Members of Parliament. In the meantime, some semblance of increased production was being restored, and for the first time since 2004, GUYSUCO not only met its target, but surpassed production levels with 214,000 tonnes of sugar produced.

That showed hope that GUYSUCO could recover. But the

rule of law and the custodians of the judicial system which forms an important pillar within our democratic system of governance. The GCB issues a public call to Mr. Raphael to immediately make an unqualified apology to these esteemed jurists and, in the future, to refrain from venting his frustrations in the public domain. This call by the GCB does not absolve Mr. Raphael from any future action that these legal luminaries may decide to institute against him for his statements.

At the GCB, we have faced numerous decisions meted out to us by the judicial system, whether favourable to us or not, and have taken them all in stride,

whilst responding to them in the manner that our executive committee and members have determined to be the most expeditious course of action. Obviously, our collective decisions will not find favour with Mr. Raphael and his colleagues, but they can be assured that they were all made in the best interest of preserving the integrity and development of firstly, our cricketers, the game of cricket, the institution of GCB, its constitution, its members and its valued staff. As custodians of the game, here in Guyana, the Guyana Cricket Board has an obligation to preserve its rich history and provide for the next generation. Ev-

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major ingredient for success was how to cut the cost of production. The first innovation was bringing efficiency to the Skeldon operations. By year-end, the factory was producing more sugar at reduced cost. The second was to bring efficiency to all other factories. Wales factory was producing at a nearly $2 Billion annual loss and sending canes to Uitvlugt was an option to help the sugar industry survive. The announced closure of the old, run-down Wales factory next year would appear to be a sudden decision, and if the GUYSUCO board were to be blamed, it is not for the merit of the decision. It has made a clear case. But it is the way the announcement came which gave the opposition an issue on a platter to crow about and exploit for political /ethnic gain.

The letter writer referred to earlier took a balanced view and made several careful recommendations for the survival of the sugar industry. He said, “People will have to realise the importance of saving sugar and the long-term effects on the country for generations to come. It is survival of the industry.”

We couldn’t agree more.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Guyana’s cricket is alive, Mr. Claude Raphael Mr. Editor, PLEASE allow me space in your newspaper to respond to a letter published in the Stabroek News of Sunday, 17 January 2015, captioned: “How could our legal system embrace such an obvious illegality for five years”, and in the Guyana Chronicle of Tuesday, 19 January 2015, captioned “Guyana’s Cricket will die a natural death.”

Both letters were signed

by Mr. Claude Raphael describing himself as “Former President, Malteenoes Sports Club; First President, Georgetown Cricket Association; Former President, Demerara Cricket Board; Former Chairman – Cricket Development Committee, Guyana Cricket Board; Former Chairman of Selectors – Guyana Cricket Board.”

I would venture to state that Mr. Raphael as indicated in his sign off, holds no

substantive position on any legal cricket entity.

I will take the liberty of saying that I know this individual so I would assume that this is also the person that jointly filed numerous court actions against the GCB and countless individuals serving, or who once served these entities.

I recently drove past the Malteenoes Sports Club and noticed quite a lot of improvements. Why did this happen after you left Mr. Raphael?

As former chairman of the GCB Cricket Development Committee, you should have stated your achievements, as it seems that a lot has happened since your departure six years ago. Many think that you sat in that chair because Mr. Chetram Singh had to find a position to carry some baggage.

You should not have even ventured to speak about being chairman of the GCB

GCB reprimands...

From Page 6 eryone has disagreements and differences of opinions on issues from time to time which, coincidentally, is the raison d’être why cricket administration has been mired in such controversy for the past five years. We all need to be mature and patient in our statements and actions and be ultra- careful not to offend, threaten or disparage persons that we do not agree with.

The GCB is very proud of the investment that the board and our valued sponsors have made in our cricketers, both seniors and juniors, over the past years and we are especially encouraged with the positive attitude, commitment and the successes with which they have been rewarded. We do acknowledge that we have not yet reached the pinnacle of our development programme, but we have already charted the course for achieving that with our business plan developed a few years ago.

For the record, the Guyana Cricket Board recognises that the Cricket Administration Act is the law of the land and duly respects same. Even though we have our disagreements with the Act, we have embraced same and continue to operate within its framework. We wish to remind everyone that GCB is the only legally recognised body enshrined within the said new Cricket Administration Act with the unenviable task of administering cricket in Guyana. This status existed just prior to the Act coming into force and subsequent to its implementation. The GCB has publicly expressed its dissatisfaction with this Act and has thus instituted a legal challenge to this Act, which action is waiting to be heard and determined and, as such, is sub judice. We again strongly caution Mr. Raphael to stop making false assertions against the GCB. The Guyana Cricket Board will continue to encourage our players, officials and staff to be professional in executing their duties.

Yours Sincerely, Guyana Cricket Board.

Selection Panel. Since you took over from Mr. Hunte, the Guyana senior team slid to the bottom of the regional table.

Thanks to renewed, vibrant leadership at the GCB, our teams at all levels have risen to the top regionally. No longer are selectors

sleeping at matches or picking teams because of cricket politics and friendships.

Mr. Raphael, Guyana’s cricket is alive. Since your removal as WICB Director by a democratic process, you seem to be on a crusade to destroy a once vibrant structure. You and your cohorts

in the PPP administration did not succeed, yet you continue. Your many court matters, ably assisted by the former Attorney General Anil Nandalall failed to disband the GCB. The unconstitutional PPP Cricket Administration Bill will face challenges in the

court all the way to the CCJ, so Mr. Raphael, be prepared for a long haul.

In the meantime, try to get elected to a position where you can actually be of some relevance.

Yours sincerely ANAND DYAL

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

GWI immunises employees against infectious diseases THE GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI), partnering with the Ministry of Public Health in an immunisation exercise recently had 50 GWI employees vaccinated against infectious diseases.

GWI Health and Safety Officer, Christopher Cathro, said that “following an initiative from our Chief Executive, we have enhanced our health and safety programme to include the immunisation of all employees who may be exposed to communicable diseases and microbiological bacteria in the course of their duties. In particular, we have focused on our Sanitation Department and operations field staff to ensure that these employees are sufficiently protected against potential infections.”

According to a GWI press release, the programme will be implemented over the next five months and will provide all GWI employees across the country with the opportunity to receive the complete course of vaccinations.

Through a partnership with the Public Health Ministry, the initial 50 employees were immunised against

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Yellow Fever, Diphtheria/Tetanus and Hepatitis B. The exercise was conducted last week at the company’s corporate complex in Georgetown.

SANITATION EMPLOYEES “Because of the nature of the job, many of our sanitation employees may come into contact with these potential infections,” stated Cathro.

The Health and Safety Officer further stated that vaccinations for ‘chickenpox’ are also being made available for those employees who require them. Prior to administering the vaccinations, representatives from the Ministry of Public Health provided information for every employee on all the facts regarding the vaccinations being provided.

The immunisation programme will see a further 156 employees receiving the vaccinations during the last week of January. A schedule is being prepared for the immunisation of employees in Berbice, Linden, Essequibo, etc.

REHABILITATION OF FACILITIES In addition, GWI is in the process of upgrading the facilities available for employees of the Sanitation Department. “We are currently working on the design and plan for the rehabilitation of the facilities utilised by our sanitation teams for sanitisation,” stated the Health and Safety Officer.

The plan will see the installation of new shower rooms, sinks, and other amenities to ensure that GWI employees are thoroughly sanitised after performing their duties. There will also be the introduction of individual employee anti-microbial soaps, hand sanitisers and a laundry service for the cleaning of overalls to eliminate the risk of employees exposing their families to the contaminants. The new initiatives form part of Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Van- West Charles’s programme to significantly enhance the level of health and safety offered to all GWI employees, the release added.

Missing Venezuelan soldier found dead THE decomposed body of a Venezuelan soldier was found in the Cuyuni River, Mazaruni Region on yesterday by a member of the Guyana Police Force.

The dead Soldier has been identified as Private W Zamora, who was an enlisted rank of the Venezuelan Armed Forces (VAF).

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency

noted that the partly decomposed body was discovered approximately 250 metres down river from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) location at Eteringbang, in the Cuyuni River at 08:10 hrs by the police rank.

The officer had been conducting patrols in the area at the time.

The VAF location Commander at Ankoko Island

was informed and told members of the GPF that Private Zamora went missing on Monday, January 18, 2016, when he fell into a tributary of the Cuyuni River in Venezuela.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the GPF conducted investigations and the body was handed over to the Venezuelan military.

Rape accused freed – Victim refuses to testify BECAUSE an alleged victim refused to testify against rape accused, Colis Allen on Wednesday before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury the man was freed on a

carnal knowledge charge.

Allen was accused of having committed the offence against a young woman on September 8, 2014.

Following the girl’s refusal to testify against her

alleged attacker, the prosecutrix, on behalf of the DPP, offered no further evidence against the accused.

As a consequence Judge Navindra Singh discharged the accused who left the court a free man.

SATTAUR SACKED

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

…says feels ‘relieved’, wants benefits THE Board of Directors of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has decided to terminate the services of Commissioner-General Khurshid Sattaur, who is currently on leave.

A brief statement from the GRA on Thursday said the board took a unanimous decision to terminate the relationship between Sattaur and the Revenue Authority.

It was noted that this decision will take effect on March 1, 2016, and acting Commissioner-General Ms Ingrid Griffith will continue to hold the post until further notice.

In December 2015, Sattaur was sent on 200 days administrative leave to facilitate an audit into operations of the GRA. He served as

Commissioner-General for some 12 years.

Earlier this month, the GRA had cause to visit Sattaur’s home in order to repossess some of the properties belonging to the company.

GRA Chairman Rawle Lucas had revealed that while in the process of collecting all data from Sattaur, the authority requested that he (Sattaur) assist in identifying other persons who may have been or are in possession of property belonging to GRA. GRA then learnt that Sattaur had in his possession six vehicles, including a golf cart.

However, the board informed that Sattaur should be left with one vehicle of

his choice, but Commissioner General (ag) Ingrid Griffith “was considerate in leaving the golf cart with him.”

“So he has at least two vehicles that are property of the GRA. We were not interested in anything else but the taxpayers’ data. That’s all we were interested in,” Mr Lucas had said in relation to claims that Mr Sattaur’s home was invaded.

Mr Lucas has also disclosed that GRA Information Technology Division personnel were asked to go to Sattaur’s house to retrieve data following an agreement.

“We intended to ensure we kept that data in a separate folder,[one] identifiable by the source from which it was gotten,

Khurshid Sattaur

to make sure that we were not co-mingling any information which the Commissioner-General had collected while serving actively in the position with anything that was taking place after his departure on vacation.

That was our sole interest,” he said.

Police Force warns...

4 years for coke in liqueur ROBIN Llewellyn Wills was yesterday found guilty and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by Providence Magistrate Leron Daley on a drug trafficking charge.

The Police say he had 3.32 kilograms of cocaine on November 17, 2013 at Republic Park for the purpose of trafficking.

Initially, when the charge was read at the Georgetown Magistrate Court on January 31, 2014 he had pleaded not guilty.

The facts which were related in court stated that on the day in question Wills gave one Sonia LaRose two bottles of crème liqueur at Republic Park to take to the United States of America with her.

He escorted the lady and her sister to the airport, but at that port the woman became suspicious and left the bottles with the airport security who then made contact with the Customs Anti-Narcotics unit (CANU).

After investigations were carried out by CANU, a test was conducted and the substance was tested positive for cocaine.

The woman was arrested and based on her explanation, it led to the arrest of Wills who was subsequently charged.

A total of four witnesses testified on the prosecution’s behalf which was led by CANU prosecutor corporal Bharrat Mangru. Wills was represented by attorney Adrian Thompson.

After analyzing the testimonies from the witnesses and the accused who gave a sworn testimony, a prima facie case was established by the court and Wills was sentenced to four years behind bars.

Plainclothes cops not permitted No bail for to stop motorists egg-ball vendor THE Guyana Police Force has made it clear that police ranks in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles are not authorised to stop motorists, which is in keeping with the force’s policy.

According to a press statement yesterday, police ranks are allowed to do so only when they are performing duties on the roadway in front of a police station.

CHECKING DOCUMENTS The Police Force states also that traffic ranks are not authorised to stop motorists for routine checks of documents.

“They should only do so if an offence is committed in their view, or where there is reasonable suspicion,” the statement notes.

The law permits police ranks to stop and search a

motor vehicle on the basis of reasonable suspicion, or if they witness an offence being committed.

The statement by the Police Force comes days after the son of former GRA boss, Khurshid Sattaur, was pursued and stopped by a police sergeant attached to the Traffic Department and dressed in uniform, but was travelling in a private motor vehicle.

Nineteen-year-old Fiyad Sattaur of Ogle, East Coast Demerara, was fined

$25,000 when he appeared before city Magistrate Reneta Singh on a dangerous driving charge.

According to the prosecution’s facts, on January 16, while the defendant was en route to classes at the Islamic School on East Street in Georgetown, he drove in a dangerous manner when he overtook a line of vehicles awaiting the direction of the traffic light at the junction of Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road, Kitty.

Charged with killing wife

Alleged wife killer Clarence Carter

CLARENCE Carter, 52, a carpenter of Phase One ‘B’ Linden, was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

charged with the murder of his reputed wife.

It is alleged that on January 18 he murdered 34-year-old Leolyn Sulivan. He was not required to plead to the capital offence of murder. He was remanded to prison and the case was transferred to the Linden Magistrate Court for February 2.

According to the police, the couple was involved in a heated argument during which Carter reportedly stabbed his wife about her body.

Clarence also reportedly stabbed his foster daughter Shemeka Campbell to her neck and upper right hand in an attempt to kill her. His other foster daughter, Saskeya Campbell, was attacked, but managed to escape by running away.

Carter reportedly turned

the knife on himself and cut his throat in an attempt to take his life. He was taken to the Linden Hospital under police guard.

The couple had shared a common-law relationship for about five years and two

children were born from it, ages three and seven. Leolyn was a vendor at the Mackenzie Market, and was described as a hard working person. She leaves to mourn six children.

Manslaughter trial begins today THE manslaughter trial in which Seelall Pharbu, called ‘Sugrim’, is the accused begins today before Justice Madam Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed jury.

A 12-member jury was empanelled on Wednesday following five challenges by the Prosecution and the defence.

Lawyer Shonnette Austin is conducting the case for

the prosecution, while Attorney-at-law Glen Hanoman is appearing for the defence.

When the trial continues today the prosecutor will deliver her opening address to the jury.

The accused is charged with having on November 13 , 2011 in the county of Demerara, unlawfully killed Premaul Rampersaud called ‘Romel’.

AN egg-ball vendor was yesterday remanded to prison after he was reportedly found with over 600 grammes of cannabis in a house at Yarrow Dam. Jermaine Rowe, 36, of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the trafficking in narcotics charge when it was read by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge alleged that Rowe had 606 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking on January 19.

According to reports, on the day in question, ranks from the police narcotics unit acting on a ‘tip-off’ went to the Yarrow Dam residence and conducted a search. The drug was found in the living room concealed in a haversack and when Rowe was questioned he admitted to the ownership of the drugs.

The vendor will make his next court appearance on February 19.

Remanded on ganja charge A LINDEN farmer was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after being charged with possession of cannabis (ganja).

Quincy DaSliva, 28 of Block 22 Wismar, Linden denied the allegation which read that he, on January 20, at Sunflower Street, Wismar had 40 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones requested that the accused be refused his pretrial liberty since no special reason was raised by DaSilva for the granting for bail.

Bail was denied and DaSilva had his matter transferred to the Linden Magistrate Court for February 3.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Broomes tackles bullyism in mining districts

By Shauna Jemmott MINISTER within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes has said that bullyism has become a major issue in mining districts with some miners overpowering smaller ones, even with the help of the police and the use of force.

Broomes highlighted this issue when she met with three women miners who had visited her office to lay their complaints. They subsequently got justice through the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

Minister Broomes had earlier attended to the complaints and the miners were required to return to her office on Wednesday for a final decision. One of the miners, Lucilia Emanuel, visited the minister to seek help to resolve a conflict that prevented her from accessing her own claim for which she holds a licence. The misunderstanding was even reflected in two injunctions filed in the High

Some of the miners meeting with Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes at the Ministry of Natural Resources yesterday

Court.

The injunction which was seen by the Guyana Chronicle was filed by Mario Rodrigues on December 23, 2015, restraining “Gustav Paul and Winston Emanuel from entering, repossessing and or trespassing in any manner

whatsoever on the lands held

by Plaintiffs under Mining Permit No. 73…”

That particular Mining Permit, the document states, covers Block No. 59. Block 59 is located in the Tiger Creek area in the Mahadia Mining District, which is also Mining District 2.

COMPETENT GGMC OFFICERS Broomes noted that the GGMC officers have been competent in establishing that the Emanuels are the rightful owners of the claim for which they hold a licence, but are not allowed to work there.

“GGMC already made our point clear. She has a licence

Friday, January 22, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Saturday, January 23, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Sunday, January 24, 2016 - 05:30 hrs

for the place. It is not a claim that we got to verify… and this injunction did not stop her at all from working her claim, so I think Ms. Emanuel’s story is one of bullyism,” Minister Broomes told the media yesterday during the meeting.

“I think that justice is well served with Mrs. Emanuel … because the injunction from the court is here and the injunction never stopped Mr. Emanuel from working the claim that is lawfully held by them for which he got a licence. But what I think is happening in this case is “bullyism”… she mentioned the force and threat, and persons going in with guns …

When the police showed up

Minister Broomes speaks at the meeting with miners at her office yesterday

and said that you’ve got to move off the place and all that, that is what have her in the dilemma.”

Broomes said she believes the police might not have read the injunction and because of their misunderstanding of the matter, have collaborated with the plaintiff in the matter to put the Emanuels off their claim.

The Emanuels’ claim is not in conflict, according to the document, but GGMC will soon visit the area and make bold demarcations which will allow clarity in claiming their locations by all parties involved.

The minister has also spoken to the ‘F’ Division Commander Ravindradat Budhram, and will provide him with a copy of the injunction so that he can better understand the matter and advise his officers accordingly.

Broomes also noted that nobody is currently allowed to work in the controversial area, but GGMC will do demarcations and advise in terms of environmental safety.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Evariste

Fraitas has been the holder of claims for some years now, but was not getting through with her licence to work the land, which is close to the Emanuels. Her land will also be properly marked and she will be allowed to work, with her licence in hand.

Mrs. Mary Evitalis said her husband holds a claim in Ekereku, in the Cuyuni Mining District. While they held the claims and paid their rentals, GGMC informed them by letter in 2014 that the claims were no longer valid and are no longer theirs.

Mrs. Evitalis said after visits to the department proved futile, the family spent over $1 million in a court battle with the commission to repossess their lands. She said they were back and forth in the court matter and were becoming bankrupt, since they were prohibited from working the lands, her family’s main source of income.

She complained to Minister Broomes and after all the parties involved, including GGMC, the ministry and legal personnel, examined the facts, it was agreed that the matter be closed and GGMC will process the family’s licence so that they can utilise their mining lands.

SOLUTIONS “But it’s just the whole pattern of how people would have had their rightful property and people who have money and influence just come and dominate and bully them… it is so sad. We got to put an end to it. We’ve got to advocate strong. It is very unfortunate that persons would have their claims and have to go through the court… these things are deliberate, because most times they try to put the claim holders and some of the miners who cannot afford, who we call the smaller miners… in court because they figure that they would not rally out in the court because they don’t have money,” Minister Broomes observed.

She added, “I’m very happy that we have solutions so for many years the problem that you would have been fetching around, would have been one of the past. So I want you to go out there and work your place and get rich,” she told the miners.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Friday, January 22, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

‘Good life’ budgeted for indigenous communities

By Ravin Singh

MINISTER of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock,has said the proposals in Budget 2016 for the indigenous community is geared towards advancing development.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at his Middle Street office on Wednesday, Mr Allicock said most of

the ministry’s ongoing programmes will continue.

These initiatives are directed primarily towards training individuals in indigenous communities across Guyana.

The targeted areas of training include community resource management, sewing, mechanical engineering, learning how to drive and Information Technology

(IT).

The IT training, he said, is to support the IT hubs across the country which continues to be furnished with much-needed equipment.

Mr Allicock, who is also a vice-president, said much attention will also be given to infrastructural development. Though he was not in a position to specifically

list the projects which are expected to be catered for in the budget, he disclosed that these include schools, health centres, bridges and roads in indigenous communities.

But while these will be facilitated in the proposals of other ministries, such as the Ministry of Education and that of Public Infrastructure, the minister noted that it will be done through a collaborative effort with the Indigenous Affairs Ministry.

“We discussed with the other ministries what were needed in some of the communities including infrastructural needs, and need for training. Also we will be looking to upgrade the security system in these Indigenous communities. This is being done by the Ministry of Public Security, but we will be playing an active

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock

role in supporting them,” Minister Allicock said.

Communication is an issue in some indigenous communities, and Minister Allicock said that it will be given priority attention this year.

He also underscored the importance of community empowerment.

“We are looking towards equipping and supporting these communities to manage their own affairs. We will support them whether through finances or other means, once we can. This way, they can exploit their potential and carve their names into the tourism industry,” Minister Allicock said.

Resource management, he said, is key for this to happen, and on that note, stressed that issues of land demarcation is being addressed.

The ministry continues to work assiduously to address these matters which require strategic planning and extensive consultations with residents.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Princess throws weight behind 3Bs initiative

President David Granger shakes hands with Director of the Princess International Group, Mr Mehmet Hamdi Karagozoglu on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency

THE Princess International Group of Companies is the latest corporate body to throw its weight behind President David Granger’s ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ (3Bs) initiative and has pledged to donate a bus for schoolchildren.

“Next month we will participate in this project. We will buy a bus for the kids,” Mr Eray Kanmaz, General Manager of Princess Hotel and Casino Guyana said, following a meeting with the President on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Director of the Princess International Group, Mr Mehmet Hamdi Karagozoglu, also attended the meeting.

The Princess Hotel officials also discussed plans for future investments in Guyana, particularly as it relates to the oil and gas sector.

President Granger’s ‘3Bs’ initiative continues to receive overwhelming support from the business community and the public. To date, five school boats have been handed over to various riverine communities; hundreds of bicycles, pairs of shoes and two 30-seater school buses have also been distributed countrywide to help to ensure that all of Guyana’s children are able to attend school, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release.

Pan-Caribbean Sugar Company to make 384 positions redundant

THE positions of 384 sugar workers employed to the Chinese-owned Pan-Caribbean Sugar Company were made redundant on Thursday in Jamaica.

The redundancy affects 279 workers at the Monymusk Sugar Factory in Clarendon and 105 workers at the Frome Sugar Factory in Westmoreland.

The workers are expected to receive their notice pay on January 29 and their severance pay on February 12. This latest round of redundancies follows a similar exercise at other sugar factories such as Golden Grove, in St Thomas, the Appleton Estate in Clarendon and Long Pond, in Trelawny. At least 1,000 sugar workers have lost their jobs since last August. (The Gleaner)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Union rejects GTT retirement proposal

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE Guyana Postal Telecommunications Workers Union (GPTWU) has rejected the decision by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) in dispatching 150 letters to employees under its early retirement programme.

At a press conference on Thursday, GPTWU President Harold Shepherd told reporters that more than 95 per cent of the affected workers started working with the telephone company after 1973, contending that the decision by GTT is unfair.

He warned that industrial action will be taken if the labour agreement is not followed.

Mr Shepherd said letters were dispatched to the employees on January 5, 2016 and the union was notified the following day.

The union was not given the opportunity to bargain for the employees under the

GTT Chief Executive Justin Nedd

GPTWU President Harold Shepherd

collective labour agreement.

The 150 affected workers were given until January, 29, 2016 to confirm whether they will take the offer or continue working.

Eligible employees must be over 55 and have 10 or more years of service with the company as of December, 31, 2015.

“GTT, which prides itself as one of the best employers in Guyana, will not

be allowed to act in such a reckless, uncaring and high-handed manner towards their long serviced employees… industrial action will take effect if nothing is done to remedy the situation,” Mr Shepherd said.

He explained that management’s decision to send the voluntary retirement letter to employees who are 55 years of age and over without engaging the union

is also infringement to Article 147 of the Constitution.

Article 147 states that where exists Trade Union recognition, the employer is obligated to treat with the union in good faith.

“The decision taken by management is flagrant disregard for Article 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act #22 of 1997 which states: “Where a Trade Union obtains certificate of recognition for workers comprised in a bargaining unit in accordance with the part, the employer shall recognise the union, and the union and the employer shall bargain in good faith and enter into negotiations with each other for the purpose of collective bargaining,” Mr Shepherd underscored.

He explained that the company deliberated by itself on behalf of itself and is currently imposing changes to conditions of service of unionised employees, without engaging their union.

“The extant pension plan forms a part of the employee’s condition of service and is inclusive in their contract of service,” he said.

NOT ACCEPTABLE Mr Shepherd said the union is calling on all stakeholders to reject the action “of this Trans National Com-

pany that wants to get rid of highly skilled, experienced and committed employees, unceremoniously without the required compensation long before their legal retirement age.”

In addition, he said GTT is refusing to offer severance package since workers already earned their pension.

Noting the challenges faced by the affected employees, Mr Shepherd said upon inquiry the employees were told by the Human Resource Department that no figures would be issued via document and the company refuses to release even the formula being used during their calculations.

“How can the customers get more when the company is demoralising its dedicated staff since the other employees are asking which section of the workforce is next,” the GPTWU President questioned.

He continued: “In order for employees to receive such benefits, the eligible employee must sign a release and waiver of claims against the company, to be provided in a separate document prior to their date of retirement….

Upon retirement, all health insurance, dental and other benefit plans will terminate and the employee will no longer be eligible for bonus,

severance or any other payments.

“The management of GT&T is hereby placed on notice that they cannot break the reserve of the GPTWU since our memberships are prepared to stand resolutely against such blatant disregard for their right.”

Mr Shepherd said the union sees the company’s take on the pension plan as fear-mongering among the workers in an effort to reduce staff levels since GT&T has the financial wherewithal to sustain their employees’ pension plan.

Meanwhile, GTT Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd in an invited comment said the Voluntary Early Retirement Plan is at the sole discretion of the employee who can either opt for or disregard and continue with their usual duties at work until full retirement.

The CEO explained that in the past retirees may have received a 100 per cent payout. The trust deed does not allow for this practice to prevail. He said currently, there is a transition period and the plan is being administered in accordance to the trust deed.

This, he noted, is to safeguard the retirement and pension fund. (rrooplall@ guyanachronicle.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Ecuador, Guyana cement diplomatic ties NEWLY accredited Ambassador of Ecuador to Guyana, Mr. Rafael Quintero,has pledged to pursue stronger bilateral relations between the two countries, at a simple installation ceremony held on Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The new non-resident Ambassador made these remarks as he presented his Letters of Credence to President David Granger.

He noted that solid bilateral ties are part of the solution to the problems that plague this Region. To this end, he pointed out that the many organisations, including the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), in which Guyana and Ecuador share membership, provide a platform for even greater collaboration.

“For us, multilateralism acquires a particular importance when it is combined

President David Granger and newly accredited Ambassador of Ecuador to Guyana, Mr. Rafael Quintero

with bilateral arrangements and relations so... we are not only interested in bilateral relations, but the multilateral relations that Guyana has,” he said. The Ambassador also said that his country looks forward to cooperating with Guyana economically, socially, culturally and politically.

Meanwhile, President Granger in brief remarks said that Guyana values the strong ties of friendship and close cooperation, which exists between the two countries and peoples

since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974.

“Our relations over the past 42 years have been fruitful. Our friendship flourished because of our shared goals and ideals. We have a common desire to work together at the bilateral and regional levels to improve the well-being of our peoples and the integration of our continent. Guyana and Ecuador have strengthened their relations especially in the area of people-to-people contact, through the introduction of recipro-

Ecuador’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Rafael Quintero, lays a wreath at the Independence Arch, Brickdam, after presenting his credentials to President Granger

cal visa-free travel for our citizens. We are satisfied with the recent initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation through the proposed agreements on Scientific and Technical Cooperation and on Culture,” President Granger said.

The Head of State also noted that the two countries have enjoyed excellent relations at the

regional level, apart from the advances made at the bilateral level. “Our principled policies – especially our adherence to democratic government; our respect for human rights; our concern about climate change; our commitment to regional integration and our pursuit of the peaceful resolution of international controversies

– have contributed to our mutual understanding.

This is especially so within the framework of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and, more recently, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC),” the President said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

President accredits new Italian Ambassador PRESIDENT David Granger said that the appointment of a new Italian Ambassador to Guyana provides many opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the area of agriculture, public health, public infrastructure, and telecommunications.

The Head of State made these remarks as he accredited His Excellency Silvio Mignano as the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Guyana, at a simple ceremony held Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency. “Guyana’s focus for the next four years will be on economic development through these four fields. We would value and welcome Italy’s cooperation to enhance our national economy,” President Granger said.

Guyana and Italy have enjoyed friendly bilateral relations for the past 49 years.

The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1967

President David Granger shares a toast with Ambassador of Italy to Guyana, HE Silvio Mignano, after the accreditation ceremony

and have since cooperated at the bilateral and multilateral levels. This level of cooperation will continue in the future, as Guyana will be considering the candidature of Italy to the United Nations Security Council for 20172018.

“Guyana, like Italy, shares fundamental values and is committed unreservedly to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter

of the United Nations. We are guided by the principles and purpose of the United Nations, especially for the settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means and for the avoidance of the threat, or use, of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State,” the President said.

He also spoke of Guyana’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Sustainable

Ambassador Silvio Mignano presents his Letters of Credence to President David Granger in the presence of Director-General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Audrey Waddell and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (partially hidden at right)

Development Agenda and to continue to engage other countries on global issues such as climate change. “We are committed to work with the Italian Republic in order to achieve our developmental goals...We are confident that your appointment as Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, will serve as a catalyst for enhanced cooperation and strengthened

bilateral relations between our two countries,” he said.

The Head of State also took the opportunity to express Guyana’s appreciation to Italy for its initiative for increased cooperation with Caribbean States through the CARICOM and other regional organisations. Meanwhile, the Ambassador, in his remarks, said that Guyana and Italy follow converging

paths that lead to peace, stability and the reduction of poverty in the world.

He too spoke of Italy’s cooperative initiative for CARICOM countries. “It is our view that one of the wisest and useful approaches to meet the challenges of globalisation must be economic and commercial opportunities...” the Ambassador said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

‘We’re breaking the backs of criminal gangs’ – Nagamootoo

By Svetlana Marshall

“WE ARE breaking the backs of criminal gangs,” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo told US-based Guyanese in Brooklyn, New York earlier this week.

He was at the time responding to concerns raised about the murders and robberies that have occurred here. Crime and security were among the key issues raised by Guyanese living in the US during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to New York. Many expressed the desire to return home in May for the grand Independence Celebration but are concerned about the crime situation.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has alleged that crime is spiraling out of control but the Prime Minister said the “situation is no worse” than it has been over the years. It was alleged that many of the violent crimes are being committed by a particular ethnic group, but the Prime Minister said crime has no face. “When they showed the photographs of those who were involved in Bath and Bush Lot it was the reverse. Crime does not

have race; criminal activities don’t have any class preference,” Nagamootoo said.

He was at the time referring to Berbician teens, Gocoul Madanpaul and Nazamadeen Raffick who were recently charged for the murders of 81-year-old businessman, Doodnauth Rajkumar, and his reputed wife, Dianne Chammanlall, of lot 93A Bush Lot. They have also been fingered in murder/arson committed on Anita Baichan, 49, whose home was torched following a burglary at her Bath Settlement home.

The Prime Minister said that though the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government has been in Office for less than eight months, the new Administration would have inherited the crime situation but has been putting the requisite systems in place to strengthen the Guyana Police Force and other law enforcement agencies. However, he added that “there are still too many rogue cops in the Police Force, many rogue cops in the security services,” Nagamootoo said. He said Government through the Public Security Ministry has been clear regarding weeding out

IDB approved US$11.3B in financing last year THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved loans and guarantees totalling US$11.3 billion and disbursed US$10.4 billion to borrowing countries in the Caribbean and Latin America during 2015, according to the IDB website.

The international loan agency noted that owing to its mandate to support the Region’s smaller and vulnerable economies, it devoted 50 per cent of the resources approved last year to borrowers of those characteristics, a 14 percentage point increase over the previous year.

Last year the institution noted that lending was concentrated in priority areas established in the IDB’s 2010 capital increase agreement: 39 per cent went to projects involving infrastructure and the environment; 32 per cent to institutional development; 21 per cent to social sector programmes; and 8 per cent to

trade and integration projects.

During 2015, the IDB stated that it completed the process of consolidating its private sector activities into the Inter-American Investment Corporation.

The expanded IIC, which began operations earlier this month, aims to approve up to US$2.9 billion in its first year of merged activities.

In addition, the IDB began to implement an exposure exchange agreement with other multilateral finance institutions, which enables regional development lenders to lower their geographic concentration by diversifying their risk.

The IDB also took a series of administrative austerity measures, reflecting similar steps taken by many of its member countries to adjust to changing global economic conditions. These internal cost-saving efforts will continue in 2016.

“bad eggs in the Force.” “If your force can’t protect you, you have to remove those who are contaminating the good name of those brave people who put their lives on the line for us,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

In alluding to the systems put in place to beef up the security system, the Prime Minister said the Government has “resurrected” the

National Security Committee with meetings being held every Monday with the President, Prime Minister, the Commissioner of Police, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Head of the Defence Board and Head of the Intelligent Services.

On a weekly basis, the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Williams and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan submit reports to the Ministry of the Presidency on the state of crime and security in the country. To “break the backs

of criminals” ‘Operation Dragnet’ was launched with the aim of reducing crimes and simultaneously regaining the confidence of the public.

The Prime Minister said too that the Government is also going after the “bigger fishes,” pointing out that 11 forensic audits are currently being conducted by a committee head by Dr. Clive Thomas. “We are soliciting the support of Scotland Yard and other outside agencies to help us to build the case of successful prosecution,” he noted.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Training, resources for City Constabulary

By Rabindra Rooplall

MAYOR and City Council (M&CC) Chief Constable Andrew Foo has announced that the US Embassy will facilitate training and other resources to the City Constabulary.

He made the announcement following a recent meeting between contractors attached to the US Embassy and Mayor Hamilton Green.

Mayor Green was accompanied at the meeting by Town Clerk Royston King.

The City Constabulary training complex on Water Street is currently being rehabilitated, and once completed, emphasis will be placed on recruitment and training.

“We intend to place a lot of emphasis on training because we are aware that training is the foundation of any institution and the fact that we have had a number

M&CC Chief Constable Andrew Foo

of experienced personnel in various levels retiring, we need to train our news crop and do refreshing courses also,” Mr Foo told the Guyana Chronicle.

The Basic Recruitment Course for civilians will be four months while the refresher training will target serving members and will be

done quarterly.

These persons, he said will undergo tests and elementary training, while supervisors will be given refresher courses every six months.

In terms of future training, he said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Defense Force (GDF) were contacted to assist in several areas.

“They would have given the commitment that in 2016 as courses are available they are going to request that we nominate someone to join.”

The Chief Constable also said plans are apace for training to be done through the Public Service Ministry and at the Critchlow Labour College.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES The council usually sponsors personnel to at-

tend various training programmes. In addition, a few ranks will be recommended for overseas training.

According to Mr Foo, the objective is to inculcate a greater degree of discipline in execution of the Constabulary’s mandate.

There will also be a recruitment drive to attract personnel, and Mr Foo said advertisement will be placed in the media.

“Our turn over in terms of staff is not very high at this point in time because the batches over the last two to three years have been predominantly females and even now we have some applicants in the file, and of 45, only 10 are males,” the Chief Constable said.

The Constabulary is structured similarly to other military agencies. The

City is divided into several sectors which are monitored by Constabulary Supervisors.

A Traffic Management Unit was established last December and is headed by an inspector.

“This is in keeping with 28:01 under Sections 272 where council has a responsibly for roads regulation, traffic signs and signals and parking of vehicles. We also have the Traffic Management Unit which is going to be addressing various aspects of road regulations and parking,” he noted.

“This is separate from the police who have a clear mandate, we will however be looking at paid parking within the city, which will soon come on stream.”

The council has identified areas for free and paid parking. Three locations

within the city would be designated as free parking zones for citizens – two areas in Bourda and one in Cummingsburg.

He said the Municipal and District Councils Act empowers the Georgetown Municipality to regulate and control the council’s roads.

“Throughout the years, people are accustomed to free parking but now there is a need for paid parking.

An awareness and consultation campaign will be done beginning from next week,” he noted.

Persons can report violations on hotline 2232219.

“Persons observing various violations in the City can make a report and the Constabulary will take the report and a follow-up will be done,” he explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Workers protest closure of sugar estate

By Ravin Singh Scores of workers from the Wales Sugar Estate on Thursday protested the decision to close the estate within a year, call-

ing for the Government to immediately reverse the decision.

The workers were seen with placards bearing comments of disapproval as they stood in front of the Pub-

Analysis Excerpts from the COI report “THE DECLINE: Sugar production has been on the decline since 2005 dropping from 325,318 metric tonnes in 2004 to 216,358 metric tonnes in 2014. [GuySuCo] LOSS POSITION worsened and climbed significantly from 2009.” Page 14, Report of Commission of Inquiry, Guyana Sugar Corporation “GuySuCo worsened its liquidity problems, with the harsh negative impact on field and factory operations, when the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (SSMP) came on stream.” (Pages 18-19, Report of Commission of Inquiry, Guyana Sugar Corporation) The PPP pumped US$10.6BILLION dollars of GuySuCo money into the FAILED Skeldon project, while neglecting other estates for years.

From the commencement of the Skeldon project in 2005 when GuySuCo had to initially contribute US$25MILLION from its European Union receivables over a period of 18 months, GuySuCo’s liquidity declined rapidly. As a consequence, GuySuCo became heavily dependent on bank overdrafts, and extended credit periods to maintain the operations of the business.

This was the start of the decline of GuySuCo’s financial position leading to its present state of insolvency. The decline in liquidity resulted in a lack of capital investment in GuySuCo’s other estates in fields and factories. This contributed to the marked decrease in cane and sugar production. (Pages 19-20, Report of Commission of Inquiry, Guyana Sugar Corporation) It has been well established and known that GuySuCo’s production costs are comparatively high, with labour costs being

lic Buildings. They chant “Don’t close de estate”; “GuySuCo management must go”.

According to Sultan Hussain, an employee of the Wales Estate, the move to

the significant component. Yet, between the years 2010 to 2014, when sugar production was declining and GuySuCo’s declared loss increased every year, wages and salaries climbed markedly. Given that backdrop, it is amazing that in 2011, following a job evaluation exercise, salaries and wages were increased with many workers receiving more than 50% increase.

This review raised the annual salaries and wages bill by $1.8BILLION. (Page 26, Report of Commission of Inquiry, Guyana Sugar Corporation) Additionally, between 2010 and 2014 employment costs increased by $6.3B the equivalent of 43%. This was done during a period when GuySuCo was running at a loss. The question of affordability seemed not to matter. (Page 26, Report of Commission of Inquiry, Guyana Sugar Corporation) It was quite surprising to learn that GuySuCo (employer) has over the years 2011-2015 been sending its employees for training at the Trade Union’s College.

The annual cost to GuySuCo is estimated at $4,000,000. Man days lost from 2011 to August 2015 totaled 5,890. The course content included: visits to Cheddi Jagan Research Centre/Thunder in Guyana; the importance of ideology and Marxism/ Leninism as the ideology of the working class; Capitalism – Imperialism – Globalisation (Page 28, Report of Commission of Inquiry, Guyana Sugar Corporation) The Wales Cane farmers expressed interest in leasing additional acreages of cultivation leading to taking over all of GuySuCo’s cultivation at Wales. This should be pursued eagerly by GuySuCo. (Page 30, Report of Commission of Inquiry, Guyana Sugar Corporation)

Some of the Wales Estate workers protesting in front of the Public Buildings

close the estate was a “rash” one, contending that the workers should have been consulted on the decision.

“Nothing ain’t put in place for the workers,” he claimed, adding that “you just announce that you are closing the estate. People have mortgage; people have to pay for vehicles they bought; they have family and children going to school. What will they do?” he questioned.

GuySuCo had said that the work force of Wales will be absorbed by Uitvlugt Estate while the Wales Estate lands will be diversified.

Most likely, the diversification will provide employment for some of the redundant workers.

Mr Hussain also related that the estate’s management last year had told employees that the estate was not

performing badly and was saving in millions.

“Why is it then that they want to close it down if we were doing so good?” he asked, adding that “They even told us that we were ranked the third best performing estate and that they want people from other estates to come and follow our pattern.”

Contrary to what the workers were reportedly told, the Wales Estate was not the third best performing estate last year. The estate for years has been in a state of decline and the former administration had plans in place to close it down due to its deplorable state and the crisis in the sugar industry.

Leading the protest were several People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executives, including Opposition Leader

Bharrat Jagdeo. Speaking to the media briefly, Mr Jagdeo reiterated that the PPP is willing to support the Government to solicit funding for the sugar industry once they reverse the decision.

He noted that sugar has made a valuable contribution to Guyana and closing the Wales Estate is not the best thing to do presently.

“I believe that sugar has made a significant contribution to this country. Sugar is going through a difficult period and the State needs to stand by sugar.

You cannot do a financial rate of return and look at the profitability of every estate. You need to look at the economic rate of return because sugar means more than just the profitability of each estate,” the Opposition Leader said.

IRO calls on President in run-up to Harmony Week MEMBERS of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IRO) paid a courtesy call on President David Granger, on yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency, to inform him of the activities that are planned to observe ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’.

World Interfaith Week commences on February 1.

It is a United Nations (UN) designated annual event that aims to promote harmony in a multi-cultural and multi-religious world. In a brief comment after the meeting, Chairman of the IRO, Rev. Ronald McGarrell, said the organisation plans to use this occasion to reiterate its call for tolerance, peace and unity.

“We’re calling on all the various religions to come together, find common ground to work together so that we can promote a culture of peace and harmony in our country,” he said.

From L-R-Mr. Kenneth Daniels, Pt. Deodat Tillack, Ms. Jennifer Dewar, President David Granger, Pastor Ronald McGarrell, Ms.Rajmattie Nauth, Bishop Michael Goodman and Mr. Neil Bacchus at the Ministry of the Presidency

McGarrell informed that this year’s observance will start with a State breakfast on February 1, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

(ACCC); a tree-planting exercise; an essay competition and visits to schools. These have all been planned, with a view to engaging young minds on

the significance of peace and harmony.

World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed by King Abdullah

II of Jordan at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2010. It was unanimously adopted by the UN on October 20,

2010 to establish World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Guyana has been observing this event since 2011. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Kitty Market vendors to be temporarily relocated

AFTER many broken promises and false hopes, Kitty Market vendors are set to get a modern vending area, after suffering in an eyesore of a facility for years.However, vendors will be asked to relocate temporarily to a nearby location during the renovation of the facility.

During a tour of Georgetown yesterday, members of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) visited Rudolph Dyal to hold further discussions about renting his plot of land in Dowding Street for the temporary accommodation of the vendors.

According to M&CC’s Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis, plans were in the pipeline to shift the vendors to David Street, but this would have been inconvenient, as their customer base is within the vicinity of their present location.

H o w e v e r, D y a l d i s-

closed that he had heard of the efforts by the M&CC to find a vacant place to relocate the vendors and thought to himself that his sizeable land, which is currently vacant, would be ideal for their temporary housing.

“Well, I am totally in for this, because I think it is time the vendors get a newly refurbished place. Therefore, I am now waiting for the M&CC to conclude the discussions and finalise a price for the rental of the land,” said the property owner.

PRIVATE SECTOR ASSISTANCE Lewis declared that they will be moving to restore the market with the assistance of the private sector and this is just one of the persons who has decided to come on board, as others wait to play their part in the renovation of the market.

City Mayor Hamilton Green and some members of the M&CC delegation on their way yesterday to meet with businessman Rudolph Dyal to discuss his proposal about temporarily accommodating the relocated vendors. Behind them is the Kitty Market (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Meanwhile, Town Clerk Royston King on January 11 had described the Kitty Market as “unsafe and ruinous”, and called on city councillors to make a deci-

sion about whether or not the 46 vendors there would be relocated.

Addressing the municipality’s fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall,

King observed that the Kitty Market vendors were in harm’s way.

The market, sitting on the corner of Barr and Alexander Streets in Kitty,

Georgetown, has time and again been described as an “eye sore”, as an “accident waiting to happen”, and as a “threat to life and limb.”

PAHO asks member countries to report all cases of Zika infections

GUYANA is among several countries that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is recommending that should make reports on increases in neurological syndromes and congenital anomalies, which growing evidence suggests may be linked to Zika infections.

According to PAHO’s latest epidemiological update, the countries and territories that have to date confirmed local Zika virus transmission are: Brazil, Barbados, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.

This is twice the number of countries and territories that were reported as having locally transmitted cases of Zika in the previous epidemiological update on December 1, 2015.

PAHO has also recom-

mended that countries in the Americas prepare their healthcare facilities to respond to a potential increase in demand for specialized care for neurological syndromes, to strengthen prenatal care and to continue their efforts to reduce the presence of mosquito vectors through effective vector-control strategies and communication to the public.

The recommendations come against the background of an increase in microcephaly cases in Brazil. Micro-

cephaly is a neurological disorder that results in babies being born with abnormally small heads, causing severe developmental issues and sometimes death.

According to Brazilian health authorities, 3,530 cases were reported between October 2015 and the first week of this month, and 46 of those babies died. Some of the affected infants have had a severe type of microcephaly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Reg 5 Chairman under fire … councillors break up RDC meeting

By Clifford Stanley THE statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) had to be abruptly adjourned on Thursday due to protest by councillors of APNU/ AFC who demanded that Chairman Vickchand Ramphal publicly apologise for being disrespectful to President David Granger.

APNU Councillor Carol Joseph said that shortly after the pledge was recited, AFC Councillor Abel Sitaram called on the Regional Chairman to publicly apologise for boycotting a ceremony last Friday in Region 5 when President Granger officiated at the handing over of two school buses to the region that will enable free transportation of children to and from school.

The trouble began, she said, when the Chairman bluntly refused to apologise.

“We told him that he had been disrespectful to the President and we would not listen to him or have anything to do with his meeting until he apol-

Region 5 Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

ogises publicly,” she said.

They thumped their fists on their desks and stomped their feet in a noisy protest which made further discussions at the meeting impossible.

President Granger himself had noted the absence of the Regional Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic controlled RDC at the ceremony. He had said: “I heard that the Regional Chairman was not permitted to come. He is not here. Some people in this country don’t seem to realise that the traffic lights have changed from red to

those who were part of the organising of the event did not communicate properly with the Chairman’s office and the region,” he said.

Mr Ramphal said he would have been happy to have done a welcoming address for the President, however his name was not mentioned on the programme to be a part of the event.

NOT PROPERLY INFORMED “I wasn’t properly informed so I felt that my presence was not necessary at the event,” he told this publication.

Joseph, however, disputed this, saying that she had personally informed him of the event.

“I briefed him personally. I gave him invitations sent by the Ministry of the Presidency. He knew about it.”

She said that when the APNU and AFC were in Opposition, there were

green. I am not President of Region 4 or President of Region 5, I am President of Guyana.”

He also said that the Minister of Communities should chide the Regional Chairman who did not have the common courtesy to be present when the President of the country is officiating at a function within his region. In an invited comment, Chairman Ramphal said that he had stayed away but not with the intention of being disrespectful to the President.

By Shirley Thomas “I believe that there was a breakdown in communica- A 57-YEAR-OLD pedal cytions on the ground whereby clist and father of ten, of Ma-

many times when their councillors had been informed by word-of-mouth about visits either by President Cheddi Jagan, President Bharat Jagdeo or President Donald Ramotar and they attended, even though they were “not properly informed,” but out of courtesy and respect for the Presidency.

“We never boycotted any of the visits of the Presidents of the past Administration.”

She said: “This event was not a programme planned by the RDC, but he knew the President was coming on his first visit to the Region and he must apologise for his disrespectful absence.”

Mr Ramphal, however, stressed that he had no intentions of apologising since he had not been properly informed of the visit of the President and had felt that his presence was not necessary. He said that he will try to meet with the

councillors informally to see if the deadlock can be resolved.

Joseph, however, insisted that the APNU/AFC councillors will not cooperate with the Chairman until he publicly apologise. Observers say that the deadlock could result in a disruption of the services being offered to the citizens of Region 5.

Some have since opined that the Regional Executive Officer (REO) was the Chief Executive Officer of the region and the Chairman was “just a political appointee”.

“No RDC meetings is no big thing,” one person said. She said that as a result of the REO being the CEO of the region, the region should be able to continue its work despite the deadlock at the level of the Council and until it is resolved. The RDC of Region 5 meets on the third Thursday of every month.

Farmer killed in Mahaica accident

haica, East Coast Demerara, was early Thursday morning killed in a horrific accident on the Hand-en-Veldt Public Road as he was making his way to his farm. The farm is some one mile away from his home.

Dead is Edmond Smith also called “Bow”, a cash crop farmer of 45 Third Street, Helena Number 2, Mahaica.

Smith was struck down by a speeding 212 Toyota Carina around 05:30 hrs. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Eyewitnesses said he was dragged about 40 feet by the vehicle, which was driving at a ‘terrific speed’. Having suffered injuries to his neck, ankle, among other parts of his body, he died without saying a word, his son-in-law, Everton Wills said.

The badly distraught Wills, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle, recalled that he, his now dead father-in-law and one of the man’s sons left home shortly after 05:00 hrs and set out on bicycles for the farm.

They were going to water their plants, which they would

DEAD: Edmond Smith routinely do - when tragedy struck.

Wills recalled that he and the younger Smith were riding ahead while his father-inlaw was about 40 feet behind when suddenly he heard a loud impact, rapidly followed by a second.

On looking around, he saw his father-in-law Edmond Smith lying on the roadway.

He also saw the motor car that had hit him.

The two younger men, in deep shock, hastened towards Smith who was unconscious and bleeding from his wounds. Wills said the driver of the motor vehicle picked

up the injured man and placed him into his vehicle and hurried down to the GPHC, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, there was loud weeping and wailing at Smith’s home as the news of his death was communicated to his wife Angela and other family members.

Smith had been farming at Hand-en-Veldt for several years. It was his means to maintain his family of 12.

He would daily ride his pedal cycle to work and was never involved in an accident until Thursday.

Neighbours in the farming community were loud in condemnation of drivers who use that roadway “Like it is a race course.”

An elderly Indian couple, who farm in that vicinity and sell their cash crop at the roadside, was also struck down by a speeding minibus about a year ago.

They suffered serious injuries. Another relative of Smith was also struck down, while a young girl was killed on the spot last year.

Residents are suggesting that the Police Traffic Department set up cameras so as to be able to track such traffic offenders.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Buzz Weekend Watch THIS weekend plays host to quite a few events around Georgetown, so whether it be just a night out on the town chilling with friends or family, going out with that significant other, or just a casual date or simply enjoying a night out doing something new, here are the Buzz’s weekend events.

TONIGHT...

Come celebrate with Navin @ The Palm Court Soca fans, Get ready for an adrenaline-charged event with an exhilarating performance by “King Bubba” out of Barbados, who will be performing live for the first time

at Palm Court to Celebrate Navin’s Birthday!

There will be frenetic mixes by DJ Simply Smooth out of Barbados, PstarPerry out of Trinidad, and Palm

Court’s resident DJ, Selector Carl.

General Admission: $3,000 VIP: $5,000

TOMORROW...

‘Havana Nights’ @ Club 704

Club 704 will play host to the first Latino party of the year under the theme, Havana Nights, featuring DJ Yabo from Cuba.

There will be drink specials available all night, and the party promises to be Hot! Hot! Hot! Or, as the Spanish

would say, Muy caliente!

Doors open at 20:00hrs, and the price of admission is $2000.

‘Sugar Rush’ @ The Palm Court

Do you have a weakness for sweetness? Then head on down to the Palm Court tomorrow night to savour Pulse Entertainment’s “Sugar Rush”.

Sweet girls get free candy on entry to keep them sweetened all night long!

Come out and give sugar a different meaning, and satisfy your cravings with the hyperactive vibes of DJ Ryan.

Doors open at 21:00hrs.

Admission: $2000 before 22:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 22, 2016

Friday, January 22, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Javier Mascherano accepts one-year jail term in plea bargain BARCELONA defender Javier Mascherano accepted a one-year prison sentence for tax evasion yesterday as part of a plea bargain, Spanish media reported, although he is unlikely to serve time in jail.

The 31-year-old Argentina international, who joined Barca in August 2010, pleaded guilty last year to defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of more than 1.5 million euros (£1.15M) by concealing earnings from his image rights by using companies set up in the United States and Portugal.

During a brief appearance in court yesterday, he agreed to pay an 800 000 euro (£612 000) fine and cover the legal costs, the

newspaper El Pais reported.

Sentences shorter than two years are not usually enforced in Spain.

Mascherano also paid back the unpaid tax plus almost 200 000 euros (£153 000) in interest.

In a tweet, Mascherano acknowledged the plea bargain, and said he reserved the right to take legal action against those who had given him poor advice on his personal finances.

“I’m a sporting professional, I don’t have a great understanding of tax and legal matters,” the Argentine international said in his statement.

“Therefore, to deal with what are for me technical

and complicated matters, I have to rely on other people.

Throughout my entire career I have been an honest person, responsible and respectful of my team-mates and the clubs that I have played for and the countries I have lived in,” said the Barcelona defender. ‘’I reserve the possibility of action against those who have badly advised me by recommending something that was not right.”

Mascherano’s Barcelona and Argentina team mate Lionel Messi, FIFA’s world footballer-of-the-year, is due to appear in court with his father at the end of May to answer charges of tax fraud.

Barbados restore pride...

From Page 31

the first ball of the innings bowled by medium pacer Mervin Matthew. Shai Hope was caught by Fletcher and Jonathan Carter, caught and bowled by Sebastien, contributed 28 each.

But West Indies senior opener Kraigg Brathwaite once again led the way with

another disciplined knock and rallied the Barbados Pride to another important victory. The right-hander displayed the patience and aptitude to nullify everything offered up by the Windwards Volcanoes bowlers and batted through the innings to remain unbeaten on 80 (120 balls, 9x4).

The 23-year-old sealed an emphatic victory when he pulled Keron Cottoy to the mid-wicket boundary as Bar-

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bados Pride compiled 179 for 3 off 44.3 overs. Brathwaite had found a useful partner in Shamarh Brooks and together they featured in an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership that was worth 96 runs.

Brooks was also undefeated on 33 (60 balls, 2x4) when victory was achieved.

Mervin Matthew (7-130-1), Mayers (4-0-17-1) and Sebastien (10-0-34-1) were the only successful bowlers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Wilson, Wade and Beresford for tryout with Minnesota United FC

By Rawle Toney

ALPHA United’s Daniel Wilson, along with Julian Wade (Slingerz FC) and US-based Brandon Beresford, will be heading to the Midwestern U.S state of Minnesota to vie for a spot in the Minnesota United FC. The club currently competes in the USA’s second division North American Soccer League (NASL) but on March 25, 2015, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced it had selected

Brandon Beresford

Daniel Wilson

Minnesota United as an expansion team, to begin play in 2017.

This is second time both Wade and Wilson will be given a shot to get into the MLS,

Julian Wade following their unsuccessful trials with Sporting Kansas City last November.

The 22-year-old Wilson will be joined by his Golden Jaguars teammate and dapper midfield player Beresford who at 23 years old is known for scoring critical goals scored for Guyana during his nine caps.

Wade, 25, is Dominica’s top player and like Wilson, failed at getting into the USA’s top flight professional league.

The trio’s shot at the MLS is being made possible by Guyanese/Canadian Alex Bunbury. Bunbury made 24 appearances for the MLS

outfit Sporting Kansas City (1999-2000) said he will be using his influence and connections “to open doors for Guyanese players so that they can have a chance to play at the highest level in their careers. It’s something that I will be doing continuously”.

Minnesota United will be the sixth MLS expansion team to join from the NASL, following Seattle Sounders FC (2009), Portland Timbers (2011), Vancouver Whitecaps (2011), Montreal Impact (2012), and Orlando City SC

Defending champs ‘chase’ another title

By Rawle Toney

DEFENDING champions Chase Academy will begin their quest for a successful title defence, when they come up against Tucville Secondary, in match four on the opening day of the Milo U-20 Schools Football championship.

The championship which is in its fourth year, is being administered by the Petra Organisation and will kick off tomorrow at the Ministry of Education ground.

Before the Chase Academy/Tucville at 15:30hrs, East Ruimveldt and St Winefride Secondary School will start the day’s proceedings at 11:00hrs, followed by a clash between Cummings Lodge and St Mary’s, and Dolphin Secondary and Kingston Secondary.

The annual Milo-sponsored U-20 Schools football tournament, featuring 32 high schools in Georgetown, will vie not only to dethrone defending champions Chase Academy, but also to collect the tournament’s first prize of $500 000, which will go to their school.

The schools finishing second through fourth will win $300 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively.

This year’s tournament will also focus on suicide prevention, with Petra Organisation teaming up with the Ministry of Health.

Dr Dennis Bassier, representing the Ministry of Health, addressed the players at the team briefing on Wednesday. He said a number of motivational quotes will be given to the captains of each team to be read shortly before the start of play.

The Petra Organisation also proposed that workshops be held with teachers of the participating schools, to deal with children who might be showing stressful tendencies.

According to Dr. Bassier, ‘Life is worth living so let us kick it together’ should be the tournament’s slogan, to shed light on an issue that every Guyanese should be concerned about.

Fixtures for the preliminary round of the Championship 11:00hrs: East Riumveldt Secondary School vs St Winefride’s Secondary.

12:30hrs: Cummings Lodge Secondary vs St Mary’s Secondary School 14:00hrs: Dolphin Secondary vs Kingston Secondary 15:30hrs: Chase Academy vs Tucville Secondary 1/24/2016 Round 1, Day 2 - Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs: Brickdam Secondary vs St Joseph High 12:30hrs: Morgan Learning Centre vs North Ruimveldt Secondary 14:00hrs: Lodge Secondary School vs North Georgetown Secondary 15:30hrs: Houston Secondary vs Queen’s’ College 1/30/2016 Round 1, Day 3 - Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs: Carmel Secondary vs Richard Ishmael Secondary 12:30hrs: Christ Church Secondary vs Sir Leon Lessons

Fixtures release, tournament kicks off tomorrow

Flashback! Chase Academy, winners of the 2015 Milo Schools Football Championship 14:00hrs: Central High vs School of the Nations 15:30hrs: Bishops’ High vs South Ruimveldt Secondary 1/31/2016 Round 1, Day 4: Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs: St John’s College vs St George’s 12:30hrs: Freeburg Secondary vs Mae’s Secondary 14:00hrs: Queenstown Secondary vs Tutorial 15:30hrs: Charlestown Secondary vs St Rose’s 2/6/2016 Round 2, Day 1: Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs Dolphin’s vs St Mary’s Secondary 12:30hrs: Cummings Lodge Secondary vs Kingston Secondary 14:00hrs: Chase Academy vs St Winefride’s 15:30hrs: East Riumveldt Secondary vs Tucville Secondary 2/7/2016 Round 2, Day 2: Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs: Houston Secondary vs North Ruimveldt Secondary 12:30hrs: Brickdam Secondary vs North Georgetown 14:00hrs: Lodge Secondary School vs St Joseph 15:30hrs: Morgan Learning Centre vs Queen’s College 2/13/2016 Round 2, Day 3: Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs: Christ Church Secondary vs Richard Ishmael Secondary 12:30hrs: Bishops’ High vs School of the Nations 14:00hrs: Central High vs South Ruimveldt 15:30hrs: Carmel Secondary vs Sir Leon Lessons

2/14/2016 Round 2, Day 4: Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs St John’s College vs Tutorial 12:30hrs: Freeburg Secondary vs St Rose’s 14:00hrs: Charlestown Secondary vs Mae’s 15:30hrs Queenstown Secondary v/s St. George’s Secondary 2/20/2016 Round 3, Day 1: Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs: Kingston Secondary vs St Mary’s 12:30hrs: Cummings Lodge Secondary vs Dolphin 14:00hrs: St Winefride Secondary vs Tucville 15:30hrs: Chase Academy vs East Riumveldt 2/21/2016 Round 3, Day 2: Ministry of Education ground 11:00hrs: North Georgetown Secondary vs St Joseph 12:30hrs: Houston Secondary vs Morgan Learning Centre 14:00hrs: Brickdam Secondary vs Lodge Secondary 15:30hrs: North Ruimveldt Secondary vs Queen’s College 2/27/2016 11:00hrs: Sir Leon Lessons vs Richard Ishmael Secondary 12:30hrs: Carmel Secondary vs Christ Church 14:00hrs: School of the Nations vs South Ruimveldt 15:30hrs: Bishops’ High vs Central High 2/28/2016 Round 4, Day 4: Ministry of Education ground 11:00 hrs: St George’s vs Tutorial 12:30hrs: Queenstown Secondary vs St John’s College 14:00hrs: Charlestown Secondary vs Freeburg Secondary 15:30hrs: Mae’s Secondary vs St Rose’s.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Retiring Kobe gives up on dream of an Olympic farewell KOBE Bryant, who is retiring after 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of the NBA season, says he has given up on his dream of making a competitive farewell to basketball at this year’s Rio Olympics.

Last month, Bryant told ESPN Radio that he would be very happy to give an encore performance at the 2016 Games, having won gold medals with the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 and 2012.

On Saturday, however, the 37-year-old told reporters that he had changed his mind and that he now in-

tended to bow out in Lakers colours.

“I think it’s the young guys’ turn to play and perform,” Bryant said before the visiting Lakers took on the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win two gold medals so I’ve had my moment. I’ll watch from afar, I’ll support from afar and if they want me to come down and speak to the guys, I will, but that’s about it,” Bryant said.

The player many compare to Michael Jordon added, “As beautiful as it would be to play for

our country, when I say my last game is going to be my last game ... then that’s it. I’m not going to like to walk off the stage ... but I think it’s pretty sweet to have my final game in a Laker uniform.”

A five-time NBA champion who has appeared in 17 All-Star games, Bryant has done it all on the court and has been attracting huge crowds on the road during his farewell season in the league.

The Lakers are scheduled to play their final game of the regular season against the Jazz on April 13 in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant at the London Olympics

I have more in the tank - Bolt

HE MAY be a few months away from his 30th birth anniversary and is still bothered by a serious case of scoliosis, but six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt has no doubt that he still has a lot left in the tank - a point he hopes to prove this season.

With the Rio Olympics just around the corner, Bolt will be looking to qualify for his fourth Olympic Games and successfully defend the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay gold medals he won almost four years ago in London.

The double world record-holder has been very clear

about his objectives this season - to protect his gold medals and lower his 19.19 world record in the 200m.

But is that too much to ask? Bolt doesn’t seem to think so, as he points to his poor run of injury-affected seasons and underlined that an uninterrupted 2016 campaign could truly bring out the best in him.

“I personally think that I can get better. I haven’t had a good season since 2009, a season that I haven’t gone without injuries or problems, so if I can get through on a clear note, then anything is possible,” Bolt said.

It’s perhaps no coincidence that 2009 was the year that the triple gold medal winner - from last year’s World Championships in Beijing - set new marks in the 100m (9.58) and 200m (19.19).

He, says, however, that he is approaching the coming season with a positive outlook and noted that he had seen several areas in his technique with room for improvements.

“It’s all about staying positive,” said Bolt.

“I think I am more focused because over the years I have seen ways where I can improve, and that’s why I have always

said that I am more likely to run faster over the 200m because I see where I can improve and I have talked to my coach, so it’s possible,” Bolt added.

“It’s all about staying injury-free and staying on top of things and trying to get through the season and push myself towards my targets.”

Since running 19.19 seconds over the 200m in 2009, Bolt’s fastest time in the event has been 19.32 seconds, which he did at the 2012 Olympic Games. He has since ended seasons with 19.66 (2013) and 19.55 (2015). He did not run any 200m races in 2014.

US$ millionaire Bolt shocked at his financial worth

Usain Bolt then and now!

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt wins the men’s 200m final at the London 2012 Olympics.

AS A BOY who reportedly ran bare-footed for William Knibb Memorial High School at the annual ISSA/Boys and Girls Athletic Championships inside the Jamaica National Stadium, sprint star Usain Bolt, now the face of global athletics, says he did not foresee achieving so much glitter and fame from the sport.

Bolt made a total of US$21M last year, and was among the top 100 biggest sport earners globally.

Despite dropping 27 places from 45 in 2014 to 73, alongside Barcelona ace-forward Luis Suarez on the Forbes Magazine list of the world’s highest paid athletes in 2015, Bolt says he remains happy with his earnings.

“I never knew that. I am as shocked as you. I never knew that I would make so much money,” he told The Gleaner following his sixth RJR Foundation

Sportsman-of-the-Year award.

“It’s always great to win a Jamaican award and to win it so many times. For me it’s an honour to be looked at by your peers and Jamaicans as being the best and I give thanks for that always,” he said.

Bolt, the reigning Olympic and World Championship sprint triple champion, picked up most of his earnings through on-track appearances and endorsement deals.

Other outstanding black athletes included retired boxer Floyd Mayweather, who earned US$300M to top sports 2015 rich list.

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James raked in $64.8M, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant $54.1M and golfer Tiger Woods $50.6M. LA Lakers guard Kobe Bryant made $49.5 million, while tennis star Serena Williams took in $26.4 million to place 47th.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

4th annual Wilbert Benjamin 50-mile cycle road race set for East Berbice on Sunday

THE 4th Annual Wilbert Benjamin 50-mile cycle road race will be staged on Sunday in East Berbice and is expected to attract Guyana’s leading senior, junior, veteran, female and Under-16 cyclists.

The event which is being organised by Randolph Roberts, coach of the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) will wheel off from outside the Benjamin Sports Store at Fyrish, Corentyne and proceed to the Number 51 Village Police Station before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

Defending champion of the event and last year’s top performer locally, Orville Hinds of Team Gil-

FACC coach Randolph Roberts (left) accepts the sponsorship cheque for the 50-mile race from former national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin.

lette Evolution, is expected to be on his saddle to defend his title.

But he can expect stiff competition from a host of riders including the likes of Romelo Crawford who has already chalked up two victories for the 2016 season and which were contested along the very route that Sunday’s event will take.

Apart from Crawford, Hinds will also have to be wary of Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Gerone `The Lone Soldier’ Williams, his team mate Raul Leal, Raynauth `Obeahman’ Jeffrey and Andrew Hicks.

The top six finishers will be handsomely rewarded financially as will the top three juniors, the top three

Attorney-at-Law Rexford Jackson to lead Victoria Kings

veterans, the top three females and the top three Under-16 riders.

Eight prime prizes will also be up for grabs.

Benjamin, a native of Berbice, who is currently based in Canada where he owns a sports store, was a former national cyclist who represented Guyana at the Pan American and Texaco levels with some amount of success.

Benjamin recently donated a quantity of skin suits to his former club, FACC. Apart from the recent donation of suits; Benjamin has over the

years been donating cycle equipment and other accessories to the club and the sport locally.

According to Roberts, the race is being staged in honour of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee and as such, an invitation has been extended to Guyana’s Head of State President David Granger for him to start the race.

Invitations have also been extended to Regional Chairman (Berbice) David Armogan and FACC’s Patron and former Mayor of New Amsterdam, Errol Alphonso.

UCCA Mash Cup attracts more sponsors ASHIEK and Son Motor Supplies and Auto Sales has signalled its support towards the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) Mashramani Cup cricket tournament, which is set for February 21.

At a simple presentation ceremony held recently, Ray Ali, Managing Director of the business establishment, located at Palmyra, East Canje Berbice, presented the sponsorship cheque to Hubern Evans, senior coach of the UCCA. Ali said that he is proud to be associated with the striving cricket association which has over the years produced many outstanding cricketers with the latest being current West Indies Under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer, who is in Bangladesh for the Youth World Cup. Ali continued by praising the club for providing opportunities for the young people in the Canje area. He also admired

the association for the level of accountability shown over the years.

Evans, in reply, thanked the company for coming on board once again. He said that despite the challenges faced, the club continues to march forward. He called on other businesses and private individuals for support.

This event will form part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration, with proceeds going towards further improvement to the association’s facilities and day-to-day running. In addition, funds will be allocated to three schools in the No. 19 to Gangaram area.

Scheduled for the Number 69 Vikings ground, the one-day event will feature 10 teams from the Upper Corentyne area in a 5/5 encounter, starting at 09:30hrs.

Tickets cost $200 per person, while children under 12 years will be admitted free.

Attorney-at-Law Rexford Jackson, joined by Carlotta De Jesus and Kenwyne Nurse (top row L-R), along with (bottom row from left) Calvin Marks, Delon Vangronigen and Anu George.

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Rexford Jackson is the new president of Victoria Kings Football Club, following the club’s Annual General Meeting and Elections, held last Saturday at the Victoria Community Centre.

The elections, which were observed by East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) vice-president Gregory Wickham, saw Jackson run uncontested, given the fact his competition pulled out of the race.

Businesswoman Carlotta De Jesus is the new vice-president, Kenwyne Nurse and Calvin Marks were also voted back as treasurer and secretary respectively.. Delon Vangronigen is the new team manager and Anu George – equipment manager.

Jackson, in his address, thanked the players who trusted in his ability to lead one of the East Coast Demerara’s top clubs in the right direction and also charged the new management to work as a team to bring about holistic development in the club and the country.

Outgoing president Idi Wilson thanked the players and the old management for the opportunity that they had given him to run the club.

WBCA to host T20 at Albion

THE West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA) will be hosting a Day\Night one-day T20 tournament, as part of Guyana’s Mashramani celebrations on February 22, at the historic Albion Sports Complex.

A release from the WBCA stated that some of Guyana’s leading T20 players are expected to be on show while there will also be a cultural presentation, games for the children and gate prizes.

Admission and ticket outlets will be made public shortly.

Former national player, coach and selector Hubern Evans, left, collects the sponsorship cheque from Ray Ali, Managing Director of Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Auto Sales

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 22, 2016

Guyana, Curacao clash today in CFU Futsal

By Rawle Toney

GUYANA’S National Futsal team will kick off their 2016 CFU Futsal Championship campaign today in Havana Cuba, against the Dutch island of Curacao.

Te c h n i c a l D i r e c t o r Claude Bolton is the head coach for the Guyanese team which features goalkeepers

Travis Bess and Richard Reynolds, along with Konata Manning, Eusi Phillips, Daniel Favourite, Solomon Austin, Jerome Richardson, Travis Grant, Jermain Junor and Sherwin Skeete.

Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson will be Bolton’s assistant, and Denzel Thompson is the goalkeeping coach. Mark Young is the team’s manager.

Antigua and Trinidad & Tobago are the other two teams in Group ‘A’. The other group (B) consists of Cuba, Guadeloupe, Jamaica and St Maarten.

The top two teams from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) tournament will advance to the CONCACAF Futsal Championship. The 2016 CONCACAF Futsal

Championship will be held in Costa Rica in May. Same as in previous editions, the CFU Futsal tournament acts as the CONCACAF qualifiers for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. The top four teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia as the CONCACAF represen-

tatives.

Guyana last participated at the CFU Futsal Tournament in 2008, finishing fourth behind winners and hosts Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti (second place) and Suriname (third place).

Bolton, who is no stranger to this format of the game, having served as Canada’s National Futsal

Team head coach, said that Guyana’s participation at the CFU Championship “has a lot to do for us (the GFF) seeing where we are in Futsal, since we’re attempting to develop all areas of football. We’ve planned that this will grow in years and will also help the Futsal programme as we move forward.”

Cox anxious of possible selection for CFU Caribbean Cup

By Rawle Toney WITH the Golden Jaguars set to compete in the 2016/2017 CFU Caribbean Cup in March, UK-based defender Sam Cox is anxiously anticipating a call from National team head coach Jamaal Shabazz.

“It would be a great honour to represent my country again if I were to be called up” Cox said in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday.

The Boreham Wood club captain almost missed out on making his first appearance for Guyana after being ruled out of the first leg of their World Cup qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines, due to a delay in receiving his Guyanese citizenship.

But the former Totten-

ham Hot Spur protégé finally secured his Guyana passport and marked his international debut by winning man-of-thematch as he set up two goals in Guyana’s 4-4 home draw in the return leg at the Guyana National Stadium.

Guyana was agonisingly knocked out on away goals after a 6-6 aggregate draw but the 24-year-old was ecstatic to win his first cap and now is looking forward for another in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) tournament.

“Last year’s experience of playing for the National team was an amazing one and although we never progressed, it was an experience I will never forget” Cox said.

The CFU Caribbean Cup, which is scheduled to take place during officially-sanctioned FIFA international

match periods giving Member Associations the opportunity to select their best possible teams, will kick off in March (21-29) with all of the countries except Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago, who are all still participating in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The Golden Jaguars were drawn alongside Puerto Rico and Anguilla, in the 26-team Caribbean Football Union (CFU) tournament which is being sponsored by Scotiabank.

Round two of the Championship is scheduled for May and Round three in October.

The 5th Place playoff will take place in November and the finals in May 2017. The top four teams will qualify to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Cox, who played at rightback for Guyana during the

World Cup Qualifiers, added that He would love the opportunity to help the team progress in the Caribbean Cup. “I feel there is a lot of good young talent on the rise within the Country and the competition would be a great opportunity to showcase this. Playing for Guyana again personally is a very exciting prospect and there’s nothing I would love more than to help the team, staff and the people of Guyana to progress as a Footballing nation” the always smiling defender pointed out.

Neil Danns, who scored a double in Guyana’s dreadful 4 – 4 draw against St Vincent, along with defender Matthew Briggs, have also signalled their intention to don the colours of the Golden Jaguars if called upon by Shabazz.

Sam Cox in action at the Guyana National Stadium

Barbados restore pride with final berth ... crush Windwards Volcanoes by 7 wkts

By Brij Parasnath BARBADOS restored some pride, when they secured the second NAGICO Super50 final berth, ahead of Windwards Volcanoes, whom they crushed by seven wickets at the famous Queen’s Park Oval last evening.

The ‘Bajans’ will now clash with defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the grand finale tomorrow at the same venue from 13:30hrs.

The T&T Red Force recorded a 54-run victory over the Guyana Jaguars in the first semi-final encounter on Wednesday evening at the same venue.

The Barbados recorded the first lien on the NAGICO Super50 trophy in 2014 when they defeated the Trinidad and Tobago outfit in the final.

Trinidad had, however, rebounded to take top honours last year as they defeated the Guyana Jaguars in what turned out to be a

Kraigg Brathwaite one-sided final.

Barbados Pride emerged as this year’s Zone A runners-up to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, defeating the ‘Trinis’ by 24 runs in the group final round

last Sunday while Windwards Volcanoes edged out Guyana for top spot in Zone B. In the second semi-final clash, spin became king’ as the Windwards Volcanoes batsmen

succumbed to the wiles of Barbados spinners who proved too much on the even-paced Oval pitch that was conducive to better stroke play.

Former West Indies leftarm spinner Sulieman Benn did most of the damage and led the way with four wickets for 26 from his ten overs and it was not surprising that he got the nod for the Man-ofthe-Match award.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican snared two wickets each for 42 and 30 respectively while WI medium pacer Carlos Brathwaite snapped up the last two wickets, Mervin Matthews was bowled for 14 and Mayers was caught by Ashley Nurse for 26 (53 balls, 3x4s, 1x6).

Former West Indies opener Devon Smith top-scored for the Windwards Volcanoes with 44, consisting of one six and five fours, off 58 deliv-

eries. He shared a 72-run second-wicket partnership with Tyrone Theophille, who made 31 that was made up of four boundaries, off 60 balls.

Lanky Benn removed both of them and then undermined any recovery for the Volcanoes as he dismissed danger-man Andre Fletcher, lbw for two; and skipper Liam Sebastien, caught by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich for one.

Smith was dismissed at 76 (19.1 overs) while Theophille was gone at 81 (21.3 overs), Fletcher at 87 (23.5 overs) and Sebastien at 95 (25.4 overs).

Attractive strokeplayer Sunil Ambris and Barbados-born franchise player Kyle Mayers offered partial resistance and added 26 for the sixth wicket before Ambris was dismissed by Warrican for 31 (44 balls, 2x4) while Mayers battled through to be the last man out at 175

after 45.4 overs.

There were still 5.3 overs remaining when the Barbadians smiled and shook hands with their opponents.

Overall, it was a real dismal batting performance by the Windwards Volcanoes team although they may feel hard done by a few marginal decisions that did not go in their favour after the solid second-wicket partnership that set them up for a challenging total on a good batting pitch.

WI senior Test and ODI captain Jason Holder was left wicket-less with analysis of 7-0-35-0.

In reply, Barbados Pride were jolted with the shock dismissal of former WI attacking opener Dwayne Smith, who was adjudged lbw for zero off

See page 27

US$ millionaire Bolt shocked at his financial worth See Story on Page 29

Guyana, Curacao clash today in CFU Futsal

Manager Mark Young and assistant coach Joseph Wilson pose with the ten-man team before departure to Cuba for the CFU Futsal Championship.

See Story on Page 31

Cox anxious of possible selection for CFU Caribbean Cup

Barbados restore pride with final berth See Story on Page 31

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Sam Cox (first from left), celebrates with Neil Danns and Trayon Bobb at the Guyana National Stadium after assisting the Bolton Wanderers Midfield player (Danns) with a goal.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016