Chronicle 02 12 2016

GIVEAWAY No. 104460

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

...PPP doled out all of Guyana's productive forestry resources

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3 killed in Annai smash-up

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Residents of Annai inspect the damaged car and motor bike following Thursday’s horrific accident

BACKHANDED ...Guyana slams 2

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Venezuela's attempt to ruin UN resolution

Clive Jagan Crime down by 6% quits …8 out of 14 murder Parliament suspects charged 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

“BACKHANDED” MOVE

…Guyana slams Venezuela’s attempt to ruin UN resolution

By Svetlana Marshall STATING clearly that Guyana rejects the “backhanded” attempts to despoil its rights, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told the National Assembly on Thursday that Venezuela seems prepared to ruin the UN process of a peaceful resolution to the border controversy.

On February 4, Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for External Relations, Delcy Rodriguez, declared that “Venezuela will deliver the country’s formal accusation, observations and

proposals to the documents presented on the territorial controversy…we reaffirm the legitimate rights of Venezuela over the Essequibo Territory…”

At the time, Rodriguez was speaking to the Director of the General Secretariat of the United Nations, Edmund Mulet, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

In addressing the National Assembly on this development, Minister Greenidge said the statement made by Rodriguez contained several falsehoods and innuendoes.

He said the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana “repudiates in its

entirety the statement issued by the Venezuelan Foreign Minister.”

“That statement is yet another example of Venezuela’s time-worn belief that falsehoods repeated often enough may eventually lose their basic falsity. They do not. Venezuela has no ‘rights over the Essequibo’,” Minister Greenidge told the House.

It was only last year that President David Granger called on the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, to settle through a judicial process Venezuela’s contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award is

null and void. “…the UN Secretary General has had discussions with both Guyana and Venezuela, and has made proposals for ‘The Way Forward’.

Guyana has been cooperating with him, and will continue to do so. Venezuela, however, seems prepared to derail the process,” Minister Greenidge told the National Assembly.

Turning back the pages of history, the Foreign Affairs Minister recalled that Guyana’s rights over the Essequibo were settled by the Award of the international Tribunal of Arbitration in 1899. That tribunal was

established under the Treaty of Washington. At the time, the then Government of Venezuela had undertaken to accept the award as “a full, perfect and final settlement.”

“Venezuela did accept the decision – jointly with the United Kingdom - demarcating the boundary on the ground and drawing up a definitive map depicting the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, identifying the Essequibo as being within British Guiana - in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award,” Minister Greenidge said.

But, he said, there were always elements in Venezuela who were bent on pushing the notion that the

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

1899 Arbitral Award was “null and void”.

“Britain resisted them; their final rejection being the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which acknowledged that Guyana would be free, and ensured that Venezuela could not pursue its “nullity” contention against the new state, save in specified ways, starting with a mixed commission and empowering the United Nations Secretary General to bring the contention to finality by judicial settlement, consonant with the Charter of the United Nations.”

But from the outset, Venezuela delayed pursuing their nullity contention; pursuing instead a policy of harassment of the new state, impeding its development by threatening investors, Minister Greenidge pointed out.

He added: “It kept Guyana out of the OAS for 25 years. Contemptuous of international law, it has issued decrees asserting maritime claims progressively more and more outrageous. And it remains one of the few countries of the world to have excluded itself from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” February 17 will mark 40 years since the Geneva Agreement was reached, and according to Minister Greenidge, it should be a time when Venezuela seeks to fulfill the objectives of the Agreement, and not frustrate them under a cloak of righteousness.

“Guyana will not allow the deceptions being peddled

by Venezuela to persist,” he stated.

The Foreign Affairs Minister strongly believes that Continued on page 3 ►

GIVEAWAY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

...PPP doled out all of Guyana's productive forestry resources

By Alva Solomon ALL of Guyana's productive forestry resources have been shared out, and Government will soon move to repossess some of these leases, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has said.

Almost deeming criminal this act by the previous PPP/C Government, Trotman queried which serious administration would dole out all of its forestry resources.

Trotman said such an act also poses grave security risks, and the APNU+AFC government will have to correct this urgently. Over the years, there have been many complaints and reports of the willy-nilly distribution of forestry concessions here.

“All 100% of productive forest was shared out prior to us assuming government,” Trotman told the House as he displayed a document for MPs to see. He said that the situation was “unimaginable” and that he cannot come to grips with how the PPP/C administration “could have

allowed such to happen.”

“How can a responsible government preside over such (an act)?” Trotman asked, as he noted that the PPP’s actions clearly do not cater for future generations.

“This government will have to do, and will be doing, something about it,” the Minister asserted.

Delivering his budget debate presentation, Trotman said the Ministry of Natural Resources, in continuing the expansion and sustainability of the natural resources and environmental sectors, has commenced a series of critical initiatives to improve management and coordination of those sectors in the short and medium terms. Among such initiatives is the establishment of the country’s first biodiversity offset project, which will be established in the Kaieteur National Park. The project will be undertaken by the government through the Natural Resources Ministry, in collaboration with Guyana Goldfield Inc. The ambitious project is aimed at offsetting

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

the impacts of the Canadian mining company’s effects on the environment through its mining activities here.

A biodiversity offset is a system used predominantly by planning authorities and developers to fully compensate for biodiversity impacts associated with economic development. Trotman told the National Assembly that, this year, the country will witness the signing of an agreement

between Guyana Goldfields Inc. and the Government, to establish the biodiversity offset for the Kaieteur National Park. He said that the project is one of the first mining offsets for protected areas globally.

The Natural Resources sector has contributed significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), with gold mining being a major contributor to the economy. Management of the environment is high on its agenda, and as Trotman zoomed in on the issue, he said that the financial commitment to the tune of Gy$746M, as budgeted this year, is necessary to implement the capital and recurrent work programmes of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Parks Commission, Protected Areas Commission, and the Wildlife Management Authority.

He said the allocation, when effected, will see the nation moving closer to revealing a Guyana that is discernibly more environmen-

tally responsible. As regards the EPA, he said that this year the Natural Resources Ministry will commence the implementation of a project aimed at reorienting the EPA. According to the Minister, the project is aimed at improving overall management and streamlining work for authorization and compliance of development activities.

“It is anticipated that, with this intervention, the EPA will become more equipped and self-sufficient, and thus continue to advance its role in promoting sound environmental management in Guyana,” Trotman said.

He said that since establishment of the EPA, the need for stronger legislation to address non-compliance with the Environmental Protection (EP) Act and its supporting regulations “has become very evident to the Agency”.

He explained that the development and subsequent implementation of the Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement

Regulations would not only address mining-related activities, but would address all other developmental and infrastructural projects authorized by the EPA and the relevant sector agencies. He said that persons authorized under the EP Act should have no less power than authorized officers under any other Act. “However, at present, officers under the EP Act have no powers of arrest or issuing summons, etc., although the nature of the Agency’s work is quite sensitive and officers are put in potentially threatening situations, especially when attempting to enforce the Act”, Trotman noted.

To this end, he noted that the Agency seeks to improve the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Act and supporting regulations, for effective environmental management and mining activities through the development of relevant regulations.

He said the regulations will be submitted to Parliament shortly, with the aim of early implementation this year.

Trotman chides “out of order” PPP, Jagdeo and the PPP’s posture in his presentation during the 2016 budget debates. He said that although the House was on Wednesday last lectured about respect and disrespect, he is of the conviction that it is his duty to highlight some “glaring examples,” not just for the sake of doing so, but to question how long they will continue in that manner.

Without hesitation, he pointed out that there was

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

DUBBED as a passionately expressed sentiment, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman last evening reprimanded People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for recent glaring acts of disrespect towards the Government.

Trotman expressed his observation of both Jagdeo’s

disrespect shown to the Government when the Opposition was invited to be part of joint committees but declined this offer. “In the past, when a similar invitation was issued, we respected the high office of the President and we attended,” he said, adding: “We may not have respected the personages but we always respected the Office of the President.”

He stressed that there

has been disrespect shown by the PPP in failing to honour the Herdmanston process by not taking up its seats on State boards and committees.

And he said that the most recent episode of disrespect emerging from the western side of the House occurred while Finance Minister Winston Jordan was making his 2016 budget presentation, when Jagdeo, a former Fi-

“BACKHANDED” MOVE From page 2

Venezuela’s behaviour towards Guyana is a festering wound to peace and development in the region, and an affront to the rule of law in the world. Nevertheless, he said Guyana will continue to extend a hand of friendship to the people of Venezuela, but he maintained that there are forces in Venezuela who have made it their life’s mission -- abusing the hallowed memory of Bolivar -- to hold Guyana hostage to their cru-

sade of greed.

“Guyana is a child of decolonisation. Its ancestry lies in the Charter of the United Nations – its purposes and principles. Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are its international heritage. We will remain faithful to the demands of both; and we look to the international community to stand with us in Venezuela’s assaults upon them,” he stated. In a further response to the statement

made by Rodriguez, the Foreign Affairs Minister called on the National Assembly to collectively endeavour to defend Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rodriguez’s statement will be brought to the attention of the Secretary General of the United Nations, the members of the Security Council, and the wider membership of the United Nations, the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

nance Minister, opted to sit in the members’ lounge.

Moments after Jordan had concluded his presentation on January 29, Jagdeo proceeded to bash the Budget, deeming it “anti-poor and anti-develop-

ment” in nature. “Neither Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin nor David Granger ever disrespected the PPP’s Finance Minister in such a manner,” Trotman, a former Speaker of the National Assembly, said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 12, 2016

8 out of 14 murder suspects charged

EIGHT persons have been charged in relations to the 14 murders that have occurred this year so far, police said on Thursday in a statement.

Giving its periodic crime statistics, the Guyana Police Force said that it has managed to arrest the crime situation here, with a six percent decrease in serious crimes for the month of January; this in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

Among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from

the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

In a statement the police said that at the end of January 2016, the Guyana Police Force recorded a 6% decrease in serious crimes in comparison to the same period in 2015. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including the higher level of networking and activities of the Joint Services under “Operation Dragnet,” which was launched on December 01, 2015; along with capacity building of the Police Force under the five-point strategy to deal with crime, which was out-

lined by His Excellency President David Granger, MSS. This situation has seen an increase in manpower and training in the Criminal Investigation Department and the increased deployment of ranks in the Police “F” Division; intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation from the public.

Additionally, the police said a SWAT team, along with ranks of the Major Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department, has been dispatched to “B” Division (Berbice), in order to strengthen policing activities in the Division. During the period, a total of 14 murders

a car that slammed into a parked truck and toppled at least four times before hitting a fence and coming to a stop on its sides.

The accident occurred around 19:00 hrs. on the Bengal public road in the

vicinity of the Rambrich gas station.

The dead boy had been identified as Nirvan Baichu, 16, of Crabwood Creek a Form 5 ‘A’ student of Skeldon/Line Path secondary school.

According to eyewitnesses, the pink and white minibus was heading towards Skeldon and attempted to overtake a white Toyota Primo, but came into contact with the right side of the car, pushing the car into a parked truck on the northern side of the public road. The car hit the

…as police record 6% drop in serious crimes

were recorded at the end of January 2016 in comparison to 13 murders at the end of January 2015, an increase of 8%.

Of the 14 murders in January this year five were committed during robberies, three were domestic related and six were of the disorderly type.

Police said that diligent investigations have led to a number of persons being arrested and charged in eight of the 14 incidents of murder in January this year, while investigations are continuing

into the others. At the end of January 2016 robbery under arms overall, has increased by 5% in comparison to the same period in 2015. However, the statistics indicate a decrease of 13% in the number of armed robberies, involving the use of firearms; while there was a 50% increase in relation to the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

The statistics have revealed that there has been an

increase of 4% in the number of reports of rape, with 26 reports at the end of January this year compared to 25 for the same period last year.

Break and enter, larceny, and burglary have shown an overall decrease of 8%. At the end of January this year, a total of 6 illegal firearms have been recovered by the police, comprising 4 pistols and 2 revolvers. This compares to a total of 3 illegal firearms that were recovered as at this time last year.

truck, moving it from its position. The driver allegedly lost control of the minibus

ing into the fence of Lekha Rambrich and coming to a stop on its sides.

“I was standing a few rods behind my truck when I see a bus coming full speed.

He try to overtake the car and push into the truck then topple couple well time and slam into the fence and stop. We rush over and start pulling the children out of the bus and put them in a vehicle to go Port Mourant Hospital”, R Singh, owner of the truck said.

At the time of the accident the minibus had only students from Skeldon/ Line Path Secondary and Tagore Memorial who were returning home from the children’s Mashramani costume competition held at the Albion Sport Complex.

When Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene, debris of the vehicles, shoes, sneakers, books and backpacks were scattered on the roadways and the scent of fresh blood was in the air as hundreds of people converged on the scene to get a glimpse of the mangled mini bus and hoping that none of their relatives were involved in the fatal accident.

Many teachers, students and villagers were overheard talking about the tragic accident last year at Mahaicony where a teacher and several students died in an accident after returning home from a Mashramani competition.

1 dead , several injured in 3-vehicle crash

ONE student of Skeldon Line Path Secondary school is now dead and eight of his friends are nursing serious injuries after the minibus in which they were returning home “clipped”

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Nirvan Baichu

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Gold figures top 35,000 ozs for Jan.

...alumina plant for Linden

By Alva Solomon AGAINST the backdrop of a healthy month of gold production in January and a rise in favourable gold prices on the international market, government will this year take steps to strengthen the mining sector, including in the field of bauxite where an alumina plant is being planned for Linden.

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman told the National Assembly last evening during the budget debates that some 35,000 ounces of gold had been recorded for the month of January. He said that the price of the precious metal rose to USD$1,200 and according to him analysts are optimistic that the price will

rise to USD$1,400 before the end of this year.

Quoting from an online publication , ‘The Week’, he said that the publication favourably reported - “But the trajectory over recent weeks is clear: from a near seven-year low around $1,000 back in December, gold has been setting higher peaks and shallower troughs’.

Trotman said that Finance Minister Winston Jordan has already indicated that this year, gold production was expected to again do the heavy-lifting by providing a minimum of 550,000 ounces to the national quota, an increase of 22% over the total 2015 production.

He said that in spite of the downturn in bauxite, a figure of 13.4 % and quarrying which stood at 0.3%, the

mining and quarrying sector grew by a strong 9%, thanks to a very dominant performance by gold, which grew by 16.4 %.

Trotman said that stakeholders within the gold industry including the miners, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA ) and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), and the larger mining companies have given assurances to the government that the targets will be met.

He said that in 2015 the gold industry had seen a number of highlights, including the establishment of an Anti-Gold Smuggling Task force which was created to address allegations of rampant gold smuggling. In addition he said that the implementation of the roadmap for Minamata Convention on mercury for mercury- free mining which

is a cause of concern for all, was also effected.

As regards the bauxite industry, Trotman said that this year the Government would move to implement its manifesto commitment to ensure the creation of a “high level technical team to develop plans to examine the possibility of an international scale alumina refinery in Linden.” He said that the Opposition will be invited to participate in this exercise and he expressed hope that “their patriotism would not wane to a point where they say no to the invitation.”

He said that the bauxite sector underperformed in 2015, largely due to low commodity prices and this year the industry was forecasted to face challenges, as commodity prices are expected to remain low. The forecast for the next decade is positive, he

noted , as it was expected that bauxite projects worldwide would have to be enhanced and developed to supply alumina capacity growth in China, the Middle East and India.

Trotman noted that the RUSAL Bauxite Company and the BOSAI mining Company, the two companies currently operating in Guyana, were holding their own and another company, First Bauxite Inc. was making preparations to mine as soon as there was an upturn in the world’s economy and financing was available.

Meanwhile, the forestry sector is this year expected to produce 550,000m3 with export value at US$54M. Trotman told the National Assembly that work was underway to support sustainable forest management and trade and ensure access to the international forest products market.

He said that Government would continue to work along with the international community to develop a comprehensive, equitable and sustainable international regime of compensation for the provision of climate amelioration services by countries such as Guyana.

As regards the budgetary allocation for the natural resources sector, Trotman said that the money were necessary to support the continued development and implementation of robust policies related to the nation’s natural resources.

To this end , he said this would be done while coordinating the network of implementing agencies under the purview of the Ministry, and monitoring and evaluating the country’s programmes in the areas of natural resources and the environment.

UG taskforce goes to work today

By Ravin Singh ESTABLISHED with a mandate to build the image and reputation of the University of Guyana (UG), the school’s Transformational Task Force is expected to commence deliberations today on the way forward.

Over the last few decades, the university has been forced to grapple with the negative effects, which confronted the institution due to internal and external shocks.

In 2014, UG was forced to increase tuition fees across faculties while pegging facility fees to $50,000 – an increase of $45,000 – to cushion the effects which were impending.

And although this had materialised amid temporary resistance from students, complaints continued to mount, regarding little or no improvement at the university.

Chancellor of the university, Professor Nigel Harris who was appointed last year, with the support of the administrative staff and the University Council established a Transformational Taskforce to remedy these challenges still existing at UG. At his maiden press conference on Thursday in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), Professor Harris explained that UG has faithfully served the people of Guyana for more than 50 years, aiding in development at all levels and in every sector of society.

“Over the years, the university has provided and educated large numbers of Guy-

anese who play an important role within all sectors of the Guyanese society,” he said.

DO MORE However, he acknowledged that it has been recognised that the university needs to do more if it is to achieve all that is necessary to contribute to growth and development of Guyana.

But in order to contribute to Guyana being a competitive

country in the region and the world, Professor Harris posited that it is important to pause and understand what some of the major issues at the university are.

As such, a method to construct a transformational taskforce was employed. In this body, representatives are drawn from the students’ society, academic and non-academic staff, all sectors of society, the diaspora and international bodies.

This taskforce, he said, will address a number of chronic challenges which include, but are not limited to, staff remuneration, governance of the university, infrastructural and academic support, Information and Communication Technology (ITC), matters of morale, matters of qualification of academic and non-academic staff, and lack of opportunities for staff development.

And noting that some of

these issues have been recognised and spoken about in the last few decades, the Chancellor explained that the many studies done in the past and recommendations made were not implemented.

And while a re-attempt is being made to combat these challenges, Professor Harris underscored the role of the private sector in aiding in this transformational phase.

According to him, a uni-

versity in any society is key in determining the competitiveness of that society. And products of a university, that is, its graduates, are more often than not channelled into the private sector.

Having continuously benefitted in this regard, the Chancellor stressed that the private sector should be playing a more integral role in supporting the development of the institution.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Our Parliament

MORE than once, we have addressed in our editorials matters relating to Parliament. This is so given the importance of the legislature, which is the nation’s supreme democratic organ of decision-making. Given the role this institution plays in the nation’s body politic, it would, ever so often, come in for scrutiny.

Sitting in our Parliament are members from the Government and Opposition sides. In the context of inclusionary democracy, as outlined in Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution, which was addressed in the editorial captioned “Making Article 13 work for all” (February 11, 2016), the role of the Opposition in representing its supporters’ interest is not merely to oppose, but also to propose, and support where necessary.

In short, the Opposition shoulders watchdog and patterning responsibilities in governance.

The Opposition in our society is so named by virtue of not securing the Executive; and as this society evolves, it redounds to the nation’s best interest if the stated factors can be considered and embraced.

That apart, the Parliament, under the Constitution, is allowed to make its own rules governing its conduct. These rules, known as Standing Orders, combined with universal ethics, have characterised the nature of engagement on the people’s business, and interaction and rebuttal among colleagues and across the aisle, which must be maintained.

Ours is a political culture that can be loud and at times combative. It is who we are as Guyanese, and while there is nothing inherently wrong with the robust and vociferous nature of our politics, given the passion it evokes, it is not unreasonable to expect a couple of basic civil features. In this Information Age, we not only know what is happening in the august house through media coverage, but observation in real time through live broadcasting and online streaming. This means that Guyanese lawmakers are on public display, not only for Guyanese at home -- who can have the benefit of observing and commenting on the proceedings -- but also for those in the diaspora, and anyone who cares to pay attention. Debate, by its very nature, is competitive, since it sets out to present an argument of ‘correctness’ of a position from the proposer and rebutter, and both sides are desirous of winning persons over to their side.

In politics, in addition to this feature -- given that our Members of Parliament (MPs) are dealing with real life

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 12, 2016

Never let slip an opportunity to build bridges Dear Editor,

THERE is a saying that old habits die hard, and this latest situation with colour scheme of the APNU/AFC proves that saying true.

Last week, I was out of the country on assignment when a post surfaced in my Facebook account about the colour remarks made by Parliamentarian Priya Manickchand. At the time, I did not know what was said, and who had said what. What I suspected from the post, however, was that some PPP person had made reference to the yellow and green that have so perennially become associated with the APNU/ AFC coalition.

In total ignorance to the facts about anything that Ms. Manickchand had said, I replied to my friend’s post by asking what is so wrong with including some red into the colour scheme of the coalition, especially at the national level. Well, the issue has now taken on a life of its own, with one of the dailies using its cartoon piece to poke fun at Ms. Manickchand’s remarks.

Editor, I write this letter with a very heavy heart, because, even in this little dustup, I see how very far we are from achieving any kind of protracted and meaningful social cohesion. I have been watching the remarks and comments on Facebook and other social media forums, and they tell a sad and unpa-

triotic story.

Even Government ministers and respectable, entrenched backers of the coalition have jumped on the bandwagon in using this issue as a means to further divide us.

We all know Manickchand’s attitude and outspokenness towards certain things. She seems to have made a name for herself for all things “Sitira Gal-ish”.

However, Ms. Manickchand and her PPP party represent about half of the voters in Guyana. And whatever are our views, they are still Guyanese and their feelings matter.

What Ms. Manickchand verbalised is obviously what forms the sentiments in the minds of a significant number of her supporters.

So poking fun at, and decrying, Ms. Manickchand is in essence belittling those who also share her sentiments. The coalition and its die-hard supporters might not like Priya Manickchand, but in the interest of social cohesion, should we not look past the surface of Ms. Manickchand’s comments and read between the lines?

Can the coalition members not see that this issue -- as simple as it might be -- could have been used as a stepping stone towards fostering social cohesion?

What could be so antithetical and obnoxious in including some red and black into

issues, law-making, and the management of the nation’s resources -- debates are expected to be conducted with a high level of seriousness, understanding of the issue(s), and robust defense of the position. Achieving this requires preparedness and marshalling of the issues. It also brings with it a level of dexterity and nimbleness of intellect that facilitates one thinking on one’s feet and responding to issue(s) substantively, as against idle chat.

The older generation has recalled, with fondness and admiration, the ‘good ole days’ when persons attended Parliament, stood in front of Parliament Building, or eagerly awaited news coverage of the MPs’ presentations. This was reportedly an event wherein persons not only took pride and joy in their party and favourite MPs, but commented admirably on the ability of the opponent. The cut-and-thrust, wit, and use of the language (Latin, Creolese, English and French) were sources of education, inspiration and admiration for political watchers, aspirants, students, et al.

In short, parliamentary debates were education and train-

the green and yellow decor?

What is so unconscionable of the supporters of another colour wanting to see more of that colour at the national level?

The PPP did Red House in honour of its founder-leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

There is no Green House or Yellow House in honour of the PNC founder leader Forbes Burnham. That does not mean that because the PPP might have done something biased in their interest, the APNU/AFC coalition has to now follow suit. There was never any talk about social cohesion coming from the PPP administration. It is the current administration that has coined this term, and is pushing for national unity by even creating a Ministry in this regard.

It therefore behooves the supporters of this coalition to be more sympathetic to the feelings of the supporters of the Opposition.

Maybe the PPP leadership is not interested in any kind of social cohesion; however, those who say they are interested in fostering this cohesion must never let slip by an opportunity to build bridges. It is okay to talk the talk; these occasions identify those who are prepared to walk the walk.

Editor, if this latest dustup created by Priya Manickchand was a test for the supporters of the coalition on fostering social cohesion, then those supporters failed

miserably. Further, if I had any influence in the planning for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations, I would immediately have hired a designer to beautifully weave red, burgundy, scarlet and black into the tapestry of the beautiful yellow and green colour scheme.

I would deliberately and profoundly include the colours of the other half of this beautiful Guyana. I would do it because I honestly desire the benefits of a socially cohesive Guyana.

I would do it because I love President Granger’s idea of social cohesion; and more so, I would do it because I love my country. But alas, I am neither a politician nor a party member. I have not been bitten by the bug of divisive politics and systemic disdain for others.

I am independent in my thoughts and desires, and maybe that is what has me where I am.

I would like to bring this kind of objective discussion into the administrative and governmental discourses in Guyana, and that’s another reason why I am asking the folks in the Wortmanville/Werken-Rust areas to consider voting for me in the upcoming LGE. WENDELL JEFFREY: Pastor, Independent Candidate Wortmanville-Werk-enRust Constituency

ing ground.

There are talks, with reverence, of MPs speaking to their presentations with the occasional glance to ensure focus, as against reading the presentations, as is ever so often seen today. And dare it be said that this is a feature of debating that requires skill, preparedness, and thorough understanding of the issues. This feature should return in our Parliament.

Evidently, there is need for training in debating skills. While the political parties may, in the past, have done this internally, MPs took the time to learn, the talented were sent to Parliament, or Parliament provided such training.

It matters not what had obtained then; what matters now in this Information Age is that parliamentary debates and cut-and-thrust should return to the level where they are not only a source of healthy disagreement and discourse, but also where persons -- more particularly students -- have positive experiences and society can feel assured that their representatives are addressing their well-being with the seriousness it deserves.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

What about the rights of victims of crime?

Dear Editor,

AFTER reading about the murder of yet another Chinese national in a robbery attempt, I feel compelled to write this letter.

This one hits very close to home for me. I have been very silent, but this one is too close for me to keep silent.

I almost lost my husband a few months ago in a similar robbery; the bullet missed his head by a mere few inches.

This incident sends chills up my spine, and I feel that I can no longer remain silent about the crime situation in Guyana. This is not about Blacks and Indians, it is not about race, so we should stop fighting about race; crime knows no race. This affects us all as Guyanese, as a people; and unless we learn to stop fighting among ourselves, this problem can never be solved. Always remember this: We are a nation of six races, and our diversity is a two-edged sword. We can either let our diversity divide and destroy us, or we can unite and use our diversity to our advantage. The choice is ours as a people.

Chinese Immigrants in Guyana are, in most cases, in

a very vulnerable position, due to the language barrier and not being knowledgeable about how the judicial system in Guyana works. But it is beyond comprehension as to why a person who is being charged with robbery under arms is allowed bail, and hence given a chance to yet again threaten the victims’ lives.

Then, of course, each time the case is called before the courts, the prosecution is not prepared; some file didn’t go where it was supposed to go; someone is not present.

For one reason or another, the case is always being adjourned for a later date, and this process continues until the victims are frustrated and tired of the delays and are no longer willing to testify.

By that time, the perpetrators would have gone free, and would have continued on their rampage, having moved on to other prey. That is exactly what happened in a few cases in which Chinese nationals were robbed.

This is a typical family of Chinese immigrants in Guyana, trying to make ends meet by operating a small restaurant, working hard and making an honest living; then everything changes. A life

is taken just because people want to make a fast dollar.

I guess many of us would still remember Zhenji Su, the restaurateur on the Mandela Avenue Back Road, who was, last year, also murdered in cold blood in his own restaurant. To date, no one has been charged in that case.

There are also other cases of robbery having being committed against Chinese businesses. Like I mentioned before, it is no longer about race; crime affects us all. But how do we try to solve this problem. Fighting among ourselves and blaming each other and the political parties will not help us solve this problem.

First of all, the judicial system in Guyana is in critical need of reform and updating. This needs to be done as a matter of urgency. There are, in the system, far too many loopholes that allow criminal elements to escape justice. I am also in favour of bringing back the death penalty, which still exists in the law books but is no longer enforced. No person has the right to take another person’s life because he/she wants an easy way out; the mere fact that a criminal chooses to

carry weapons signifies the intent to harm and take the life of another person.

Unless we all take a stand and insist that the penalty for committing any murder is death for the perpetrator, the crimes will not stop; they will continue.

People’s lives will continue to be treated like they are of no value. May all the human rights advocates consider this: the USA, Japan and Singapore, some of the most developed countries in the world, still have capital punishment on their statue books.

This must tell us something.

And the next time you jump up and talk about human rights for the criminals, ask yourself this: What about the rights of the victims who were murdered in cold blood?

And I want you to look squarely in the eyes of the families of the victims and tell them about human rights. I also want my human rights advocate friends to talk about human rights of the person who has taken the life of one of your loved ones. Only when we are placed in the real situation can we truly understand how taking the life of someone close to us affects our

Equal opportunities for all

Dear Editor,

I FEEL compelled to write this letter after reading the headline in the Kaieteur News of February 06, 2016: “Despite large scale gold operation, Chinese companies make no declarations”, and the following day the headline was “Non-declaration of gold, Chinese logging company extracting over 500 ounces weekly in one operation alone”.

If indeed this information is correct, then we are in a real sorry state.

This company came here to set up a wood processing plant. I remember reading in the media when this company was granted duty-free concession on over 200 vehicles. To date, the wood processing plant is still to be constructed.

What they are doing is shipping out the timber.

Instead of creation jobs here, they are creating jobs somewhere else!

From time to time, we learn that they are into the housing and transportation businesses. Mr. Edi-

tor, while I do not have a problem with any foreign investor diversifying their business, since we are in a free market economy, those investors need to honour their obligations. It has been alleged that this company is using these duty-free vehicles in its transportation business, competing with the locals who have to pay duty on their vehicles. If that is indeed true, that is rather unfair to local businessmen.

Coming back to the issue of doing large scale mining and not making any declaration, if it is indeed accurate –- and I have no reason to doubt that this is so – that is rather disturbing, and warrants an immediate investigation.

In my opinion, this company can do as it likes in Guyana. I can recall that, a couple of years ago, a mining company was conducting large scale operations in the Potaro River in the Kaieteur National Park. It must be known that this area is a protected area, where no hunting, fishing or cutting of

trees is permitted. The area became part of the National Park after the National Park was extended from 5 square miles to 200 square miles.

After mining for some time, the company went away, leaving behind a couple of lakes, since it was not mining in an environmentally-friendly manner. The company’s activities also allegedly destroyed part of the trail from Amatuk to Kaieteur. I was told that the reason why the company left was that it was not getting the amount of gold and diamonds it had expected. I later learnt that this is the said company that was mining there.

Mr Editor, what was most disturbing was that while this company was allowed to conduct large-scale mining in this protected area, the Indigenous people of Chenapau, on whose ancestral land the extension of the Kaieteur National Park is located, could not have mined there, not even on a small scale. I can recall that, on one occasion, when some of the residents of Chenapau were mining close to the village, the then

Government sent in some GGMC officials along with some riot police to stop them from mining there. Some of them had their dredges seized and impounded at the Mahdia Mining Station.

Judging from the behaviour of this company, I believe it is safe to say that this company has immunity to do as it likes in Guyana, thanks to the former PPP/C Government. This is part of the 23 years of good governance by the PPP/C. They were giving us the impression that this company was a foreign investor, but in my opinion this company is a foreign exploiter and extractor.

Based on these allegations, I am calling for a full investigation into the functioning of this company; and I also want the company to refill those large ponds left in the Potaro River and reconstruct the trails they destroyed between Amatuk and Kaieteur.

Yours faithfully, MARK CRAWFORD

lives and our society as a whole.

Yours truly, ANYIN CHOO

May this be food for thought for my Guyanese brothers and sisters.

Senior Foreign Service Officer, and Member of the Local Chinese Community

Two critical in Providence crash

A ROUTE 42 (Georgetown–Timehri) minibus bearing number plate BNN 9360 last evening slammed into a utility pole at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), leaving two passengers -- a male and a female -- in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The woman, whose arms and legs were broken, is said to be pregnant. It is alleged that at about 21:45hr, the driver of the minibus was speeding, and one of two ‘racing cars’ clipped the minibus, sending it crashing into the utility pole. The front passenger’s side of the bus was smashed in, and a bottle of El Dorado rum, complemented with a bottle of Coca-Cola, was seen on the road where the accident occurred. The driver was reportedly taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

UG to rise again ‒ as Transformational Taskforce operationalised Ravin Singh GUYANA’S premier tertiary institution – the University of Guyana (UG) – is expected to be lifted in terms of its standards and academic performance with the operationalising of a Transformational Taskforce on Thursday.

For years, the university has struggled with recognition and accreditation, which has resulted in Guyanese pursuing tertiary studies at foreign institutions.

And while it has over the years been deemed to be a political football, given the issues emerging from the institution, it is now that the administrative staff is attempting

to reshape this culture.

Although there have been several studies done in the past to formulate strategies to remedy these issues, a lack of implementation of the rec-

ommendations made by these bodies stalled the revival of the institution.

However, Chancellor of the university, Professor Nigel Harris, with the support

of the administrative staff and the University Council, established a Transformational Taskforce to remedy these challenges still existing at UG.

A section of the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

This Week

50 Years Ago

PPP Wants Two on BG Border Team A warm handshake as Prime Minister Burham meets acting Opposition Leader Ashton Chase for border talks. Also in picture is Parliamentary Secretary David DeGroot and Acting Chairman Hubbard.

UG Chancellor Professor Nigel Harris addresses the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

The taskforce, officially commenced work on Thursday through presentations from several key players in a number of sectors including Major (rtd) Joe Singh, and presidential advisor and Private Sector representative Ramnaresh Dookhoo.

The taskforce will seek to address a number of “chronic challenges” which include, but are not limited to staff remuneration, governance of the university, infrastructural and academic support, Information and Communication Technology (ITC), matters of morale, matters of qualification of academic and non-academic staff and lack of opportunities for staff development.

And this is needed, according to the Chancellor, because a university in any society is a key player in determining the competitiveness of that society. But while the Government is depended upon to support institutions of this nature, he explained that products of a university, that is, its graduates, are more often than not channeled into the private sector realm.

Having continuously benefitted in this regard, Professor Harris stressed that the private sector should be playing more of an integral role in supporting development of the institution.

“Solutions to the problems won’t come from the university alone and it won’t come from Government alone. Government subvention alone cannot resource all the changes necessary. Government can create environment through strategies where other sectors, like the private sector can contribute meaningfully,” he said.

Further, he related that the annual subvention pumped into the institution by the Government would not advance the university to the heights it can reach. As such,

the role of the Government and private sector is important.

So too the support of civil society and the diaspora. “We have to mobilise the society in a way that has not been done before,” he said.

Additionally, he highlighted that the issue of politicisation cannot characterise the institution since governance is a critical factor in the developmental process.

Professor Harris then unreservedly expressed that Guyana is divided as a society and so is the university. And while the university cannot go forward with lack of trust, he offered that there must be consensus or “we will be doomed”.

“We are responsible for change,” he said, adding that there must be objective disagreements in the development process to rectify loopholes and shortcomings.

Also weighing-in on the process to strengthen UG and Guyana, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Dr Barbara Reynolds contended that the university has a unique role to play in ensuring that Guyanese are trained to advance the country’s position in the international arena.

She also offered that the culture of the university has to be predicated on mutual respect, mutual responsibility and mutual accountability.

Dr Reynolds reminded the attendees of the common ground which must be a feature at the institution. These are, according to her, common courtesy, common sense and a common conscience.

Presentations will be made over the three-day period by persons representing different sectors of the society and the diaspora. Following this, the recommendations and proposals made will be considered and subsequently implemented to strengthen the university.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

GWI delivering water to Five arrested in separate marijuana raids Diamond and Kaneville GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI), the nation’s supplier of water and sanitation services, has issued an advisory, stating that the company continues to experience technical difficulties at the Diamond Well Station on the East Bank, Demerara.

On Monday, February 8, GWI’s East Bank Demerara Maintenance Team observed that the water being produced by the Diamond Well Station, which has a depth of approximately 600 feet, contained large amounts of clay.

Further investigation revealed that the well casing was compromised at approx-

imately 241 feet below the surface. According to Denise Woolford, Well Maintenance Engineer, a team and a contractor are currently performing repair work on the ruptured casing. This entails removing the accumulation of clay from the well and placing an internal sleeve, in an attempt to seal the rupture.

Following this, the well will be cleaned and disinfected.’

During this period, GWI will deliver water via tankers to the Diamond Housing Scheme and Kaneville. Updates will be provided via the company’s call centre, website and social media pages.

Water will be delivered

to the affected communities according to the following schedule: ● Diamond Housing Scheme: 9:00hours – 20:00hours from 21st Avenue to 1st Avenue ● Kaneville from 17:00 hrs – 20:00 hrs – ‘Middle Road’ Kaneville For updates, customers can call GWI’s Customer Services Call Centre on 227-8701, 227-8703, 2278704, email: customercallcentre@gwi.gy, visit www. gwiguyana.com, ‘like’ GWI on Facebook at www. facebook.com/everydropcountsgy or send a ‘tweet’ @guyanawaterinc

Wells likely to be developed …as drought-like in Region 9 conditions continue THE Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has announced that wells are likely to be developed in the short-term, in the most affected communities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), as drought-like conditions continue in those areas.

This was revealed in a statement yesterday by the Ministry, which noted that several deliberations on the ongoing crisis in these areas have resulted in the crafting of some plans. The participating bodies included the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Communities, and Natural Resources, the Guyana Water Inc., and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Among the ideas emerging from these discussions, was the development of wells to serve in the short term, given the extremely limited access to water presently in that region. Once this idea has been comprehensively examined, the Ministry noted, then it is expected that work will commence as early as next Monday.

“These interventions are geared towards supporting the efforts already being undertaken by the Guyana International Mission, the Regional Administration of Region nine and the Civil Defence Commission with the support of the residents of Region nine” the statement said.

And while the El Nino-like weather patterns are expected to continue until the end of

June, 2016, the interventions, according to the ministry, are critical to the residents of this region. “The stakeholders are committed to the task at hand and the sense of urgency regarding the implementation thereof,” the ministry said.

On 10th Feb, 2016 Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock hosted another series of conversations targeting immediate interventions aimed at mitigating the crisis.

This had succeeded several discussions where stakeholders were exploring possible remedies for the ongoing crisis. Recently, the Ministry had announced that there has been little or no rainfall in the Rupununi over the last sixteen weeks. “Ponds have dried up and shallow hand dug wells are low on water, while some have gone dry. In some places the rivers have also dried up due to the scorching heat and zero rainfall,” an earlier statement from the Ministry said.

The Deep-South villages of Shea, Aishalton, Karaudarnauwa and Achawib were said to have been carefully monitoring their agricultural crops, while the Village leaders have placed priority on the health and education sectors, in terms of the water distribution plan. In the South Pakaraimas, Yorong Peru, Paipang, Taushida, Tiger Pond and Rukumuta are experiencing extreme difficulties as a result of the prolonged dry season. These communities, the Ministry had said, are currently receiving support from

the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the village of Karasabai. It was revealed that water is being transported in tanks from Karasabai with the assistance from the CDC. But in the North Rupununi, the situation is somewhat more favourable since the Rupununi River still has a fair level of water. However, at Rewa and Crash Water Crossings, the water has dried up. And according to the Ministry, in the North Rupununi, as in the Deep-South, the Health and Education sectors are being given priority in the water distribution plan.

Meanwhile, the South Central area has been without rainfall for at least thirteen weeks. It was noted that the Rupununi River in this area has partially dried up. As such, the Villages of Baitoon and Shulinab are carefully monitoring the water levels in their wells. River water is being used to supplement the scarce well water.

However, in the Central Rupununi district, the situation is also somewhat favourable.

Although low, water levels in the wells are still adequate for the Village needs. But, according to the Ministry, the threat to agricultural crops is worrying. The Villages of Nappi, Kumu, Moco Moco, Simonie, Marcanata continue to ration their water supplies. The Kumu and Moco-Moco creeks were also said to be drying up at a fast pace, while the Kumu falls has already run dry.

FIVE persons, including a woman, were arrested separately on Wednesday, as ranks of the Guyana Police Force conducted various marijuana raids across the country.

In detailing the operations, the police in a release noted that at about 11: 20 hrs on Wednesday, February 10, police ranks, acting on information received, conducted a search on a camp at Belle Vue Village, East Bank Berbice, where 4 kilograms of marijuana were found.

Two men have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Additionally, at about 12:00 hrs on Wednesday, ranks at a police checkpoint at Itaballi conducted a search on a man in whose possession was found 894 grams of marijuana. He has been arrested and is in police custody. Charges will be made shortly.

Meanwhile, police ranks also conducted a search on a house at Tabatinga, Lethem, during which 5 kilograms of

marijuana were found on Wednesday. In this case, a man and a woman were arrested and are in police custody.

Clive Jagan quits Parliament PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarian, Dr Clive Jagan has officially resigned from the National Assembly.

The announcement was made yesterday by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, who noted that the resignation took effect on February 10, 2016.

The National Assembly will now have to fill Dr Jagan’s seat. However it is not yet clear who the PPP will choose from its list of candidates. Dr. Jagan has been absent from Parliament for quite a while now and reports indicate that he is ill and receiving treatment overseas.

Dr Clive Jagan

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

AG Chambers inherited hefty unpaid judgments

By Fareeza Haniff

MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (ag), Basil Williams, has contended that once Budget 2016 is passed in the National Assembly, Guyana will be making steps to deliver on its promise of making final payments to Rudisa Beverages.

Rudisa Beverages had taken Guyana to court over a “discriminatory” environmental tax, which imposed $10 on every disposable container imported into the country. The company won the case by arguing that a similar tax was not imposed on local distributors, such as Banks DIH and Demerara Distillers Limited.

In his budget presentation on Thursday, the AG noted that the US$6M judgment was left unpaid by the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.

Attorney General Basil Williams

According to the Attorney General, the Rudisa court case is just one of the many cases which the AG’s Chambers lost under the stewardship of former AG, Anil Nandlall.

“That is only one…be-

cause the last Government, if they gave us anything, they gave us some hefty judgments under their watch,” Mr Williams told the House.

He further revealed that the Government now has to find $5B to pay in judgements for other cases which were lost in court by the former AG. “The sums are so hefty that, as a poor nation, we are unable to pay these fantastic judgments in one walk….

The last Government, I don’t know what kind of Chambers they had as an Attorney General Chambers, Sir; but they have lost some huge cases that attracted some hefty judgments,” he revealed.

PARTNERSHIP Meanwhile, in laying out plans for the Legal Affairs Ministry, the Attorney General noted that Guyana is collaborating with the Canadian Government to strengthen

the Criminal Justice System in Guyana.

In this regard, it was note that the Canadian Government has allocated the sum of $110M, of which $75M will be utilised in 2016. The Justice Education Society of British Columbia (JES) is the executing agency of the grant, and has conducted a number of training programmes with various state agencies.

It was also noted that through the leadership of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, a Hague Convention Conference will be held in Guyana, in partnership with UNICEF Guyana and the Hague Conference on Private and International Law. The conference will be held under the theme “International Family Law, Legal Cooperation and Commerce, Promoting Human Rights and Cross-Border Trade in Guyana through the Hague

Convention.”

The sum of $16M has been allocated for the hosting of the conference in July this year.

NEW JUSTICE PROGRAMME According to the Attorney General, the New Justice Sector Programme, which is designed to consolidate improvements in the justice sector, is a collaborative endeavour between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana.

As such, a total of US182,260 has been allocated for the setting up of a Law Revision Office and undertaking a revision of the laws to update them to 2015.

Some US$504,150 have been budgeted for the setting up of a Permanent Law Reform Commission with a Secretariat, for the purpose of continuously examining the

laws and making recommendations on areas of reform.

There will also be the training for judges, magistrates and prosecutors, including writing of decisions, sentencing etc; disposal of backlog of cases by measures, including the appointment of part-time judges to deal with the civil backlog within a specified timeframe, will be undertaken.

According to the AG, there will also be the introduction of VOICE Recognition Systems for recording evidence in the Criminal Sessions in the High Courts of Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, and magistrates courts hearing serious offences, to enhance and speed up trials and cybercrime legislation. And there will be a regime to train investigators, prosecutors, magistrates and judges to understand the nature of these emergent crimes.

Edghill calls for swift hike in salary for Joint Services PEOPLE'S Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Bishop Juan Edghill is urging the Government to immediately increase the salaries of members of the Joint Services, given that they are not subject to wage negotiations through any union.

During his 2016 Budget

presentation on January 29, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had announced that Government was awaiting the end of the collective bargaining process to announce any increase in public servants’ salaries and wages for 2016.

The move was lauded collectively by unions representing public servants in all sectors.

However, in his budget presentation on Wednesday evening in the National Assembly, Edghill called on the Government to immediately increase the salaries of persons serving in the Joint Services, since they are not represented by any union.

What this translates to is that any agreement reached by the

PPP MP Bishop Juan Edghill

unions and the Government, the Joint Services will not serve as beneficiaries, since they are not unionised.

The PPP MP, who formerly served as junior Minister of Finance, then recommended that the eastern side of the House foot these increases in salaries for the Joint Services by reducing the extent to which gold is smuggled out of Guyana.

Just recently, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, revealed that between 50 and 60 per cent of the gold produced in Guyana is smuggled out of the

country. This represented approximately 15,000 ounces of gold being smuggled on a weekly basis.

All these conditions existed under the PPP/C Government, which only last year was voted out of office.

“If the minister is able to stop the smuggling of these 15,000 ounces of gold per week, and he gets the royalty of 5 per cent, he will garner US$39M off of royalty, and we will have $8B plus to pay policemen, firemen, soldiers and prison officers,” Edghill told the National Assembly.

‘Cool Square’ murder accused freed by jury A MIXED jury of the Demerara Assizes found ‘Cool Square’ Hotel murder accused Leon Duncan not guilty of the murder of businessman Imtiaz Roopnaraine on January 24, 2013.

Some days before this decision, defence counsel Mark Waldron had suffered a setback when Madam Justice Priya Seunarine-Beharry overruled a no-case submission.

Following the verdict yesterday, Justice Seunarine-Beharry discharged the accused, who discarded his chains and walked away to freedom.

Subsequent to her ruling in the no-case submission, Justice Seunarine-Beharry called on the accused Leon Duncan for a defence.

Duncan began his defence with a statement from the dock, leaving his counsel to do the rest with his address to the jury.

The accused had faced trial for the murder of Imtiaz Roopnaraine, called ‘Bobby’, of Mandela Avenue Georgetown. The incident took place on January 24, 2013 at the Cool Square Hotel, in Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Bobby, it is said, was wearing expensive jewelry at the time when he was robbed and shot in the head.

In his statement from the dock, the accused admitted visiting that hotel to have sex that night, but denied shooting or robbing ‘Bobby.’ He began by saying: ‘My name is Leon James. I

am innocent of this crime.

I did not kill the deceased, nor did I rob him.”

Miss Stacy Goodings, Miss Tuanna Hardy and Miss Orinthia Schmidt were the prosecutors.

Imtiaz Roopnaraine

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

3 killed in Annai smash-up

By Alva Solomon

THREE Annai residents died in a horrific accident on Thursday morning, following a collision between a car and a motorcycle on the public road near the Rock View junction in the Rupununi.

Dead are Belinda George, 58, her husband Henry George, 60, and her brother Davis Williams, 43, all of Annai.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that at around 8:00 hrs yesterday, a Toyota Allion motor car which was heading from the Coastland, collided with the trio who were on a motorcycle heading to a farm.

The collision occurred as both parties were crossing the busy Rock View Junction. The left front of the car was badly damaged while the motorcycle front axle broke off from the bike.

Reports indicate that Belinda George and Davis Williams died on the spot, while Henry George died at about 10:30 hrs at the Annai Airstrip, as he was being prepared for a medevac flight out of the area.

Henry George sustained injuries to his head and feet while his wife’s hands and

feet were also broken. She also sustained head injuries.

Williams, who was driving the motorcycle, got the brunt of the impact and sustained injuries to his head, neck and feet.

Mike Williams of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) told this newspaper from Annai yesterday morning that the roadway was usually busy and persons sometimes disregard the traffic laws while driving along the roadway.

Williams, who is a cousin of one of the victims, recounted that he was broadcasting at the Radio Paimowak radio station near Annai at about 8 am when he received news of the incident. He said he ventured to the scene where persons gathered out of curiosity.

He said Henry George was taken to the airstrip in an unconscious state, and he succumbed to his injuries as an aircraft attached to the Remote Area Medical (RAM) was on its way to Annai to take him to Lethem. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Lethem Hospital at about midday yesterday for post-mortem.

The driver of the car is in police custody at Annai.

The car which was involved in the accident

The mangled motorcycle following the accident

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

Budget debates

New Canje Hospital, $30M river ambulance coming ‒ Norton SOME $30M has been allocated to the Ministry of Public Health for the acquisition of a fully equipped state of the art river ambulance with a radio set, says subject Minister Dr. George Norton.

The Minister made this disclosure on Wednesday during his contribution to the budget debate. Additionally, some $10.5M has been budgeted for the purchase of three ATVs that would be of great help in hinterland locations. Dr. Norton said too that Government will be moving to “bulldoze the Fort Canje Psyciatric Hospital and build a new one,” given the current dilapidated state of the institution.

Under the heading Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Norton said government is working assiduously to ensure that consistent and ad-

equate quality health care is provided to all citizens across the country. Such service he said must be provided based on the values of equity, solidarity and quality health care as a human right.

A total of approximately $13.3B was allotted to this programme, of which $11.9B is going to current expenditure. “We will empower the regions, through training and increased human resources, so that this ministry can be successful in its plan to decentralize the regional system,” said the Minister of Public Health.

In this regard, the Minister emphasised the need for “a standard complement of staff for each region,” to avoid the multi-tasking of those that already exist.

He said that in the past, under the PPP administration, workers were “called upon to

function in disciplines outside of their mandate.” “This must be a thing of the past, he asserted. Additionally, the Minister noted that medical doctors and other personnel will be deployed to the hinterland regions with the aim of having a physician placed in every health centre across the country. $1.5B has been allocated as capital expenditure to complete all unfinished structures, namely: the health center for Experiment at Bath (Region 5), though built in 2013 to the tune of $32M, remains unfinished and unfurnished. A similar situation exists at Yawong Health Center (Mountain Foot) in Region 8, which remains incomplete even after $29M was expended.

“We will also make functional the brand new x-ray unit at Parika health center,

which has never been used for 3 years and the other at the Leguan hospital, which has been there for 10 years and not only unused, but unwrapped as well.”

Additionally, Dr. Norton said the Diamond Diagnostic Centre will undergo renovation work to the tune of $30M, while another $15M is earmarked for the construction of a solid waste furnace for the Linden Hospital Complex. $20M will be used to refurbish a section of the old Linden Hospital building thereby establishing a consultation room, a ten-bed surgical ward and a patients’ waiting room. The Kwakwani Hospital will be extended and remodeled to house an operating suite, rehabilitation unit and a larger nurses’ rest room, the Minister said.

“We are also in the process of adding new health facilities within the regions, such as a health hut in Yakashiba (Region 2) and Semonie (Region 9). Adequate housing facilities will also be provided for the staff to be deployed to the regions such as a medex house in Fort Island (Region 3) and Sand Creek (Region 9),” he said.

DRUG SHORTAGE Dr. Norton dispelled statements by Opposition Members of Parliament that suggest there is a shortage of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in the regions.

He said investigations revealed that there is a sufficient supply of pharmaceutical and medical supplies in the regions, minus a few shortages “here and there.”

“Mr. Speaker, permit me to explain the process for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies, which the members of the opposition seem to have a difficulty in understanding. This process remains substantially centralized with the exception of minor purchases that include small emergency supplies, medical gases and snake bite kits. The allocations have been distributed across the regions as a first step in improving the programme of budgeting of health costs at a regional level, even as work is advancing on a costing

Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton

exercise to determine the total costs of drugs expended in each region to address the disease profiles of the particular region,” the Minister of Public Health stated.

He explained that all money unused by the regions will be sent to his Ministry to facilitate centralized procurement. “This means that the REOs will send the agreed sums to the MOPH and the MOPH will then pool all the money and purchase drugs and medical supplies for the facilities across the regions.”

“Importantly, let me add Mr Speaker, that the drug supply system is far from perfect and to date there has been no administration, especially during the PPP reign that has had a situation free from shortages of drugs and medical supplies in some parts of the country.” Dr. Norton emphasised that his government is taking steps to strengthen the management of the drug supply chain and a detailed review of all aspects from procurement - to distribution - to consumption is being undertaken.

“This Government will ensure adequate drugs and medical supplies are provided in all of our facilities across the country. We are not there yet, but we intend to get there soon, and fully resolve these issues well within our first term in office.”

SHORTAGE OF HIV TEST KITS Dr. Norton blazed the Opposition Member of Parliament Joseph Hamilton for implying there is a shortage

of HIV test kits across the country. He described the utterances by Hamilton as “Misleading” and assured that there are enough kits in the country to last until the end of year. For new projects, from a sum of 60 million dollars, 30 million was appropriated for the construction of a facility to house the CT scan and 15 million for the construction of a day care center. Another 15 million dollars is also allotted for the construction of a canteen.

NEW PROJECTS Guyana has sought and received technical assistance support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the tune of US$350,000 for the Ministry of Public Health to aid in addressing key challenges in reducing maternal, as well as infant and child mortality.

Dr. Norton also announced that the Ministry of Finance has requested the preparation of two loan requests for resources and technical assistance from the IDB. US$5,000,000 in loan resources have been requested to improve maternal, neonatal, child and reproductive health services at the primary, as well as the regional hospital level, while an additional US$1,000,000 has been requested for the implementation of a project aimed at responding to suicide here. “The Ministry of Finance is currently seeking to be a member-country of the Islamic Development Bank. If Guyana’s application is favourably considered, Guyana will have access to approximately US$50,000,000 in development resources, of which ten million is earmarked for the health sector.” He assured that the “good life beckons” but there must be collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders. “I hereby urge that the honourable members of the opposition lend their full support to this budget.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

Upgrade for stellings, wharves and waterfronts ‒ as MPI moves to transform infrastructural landscape THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) has embarked on a number of new initiatives aimed at improving stellings and wharves, and developing waterfronts. Some $15.2B are expected to be expended on these projects.

Subject Minister David Patterson told the National Assembly on Wednesday during the customary budget debates that Government has identified a number of projects to be implemented by the MPI Ministry.

“These projects,” he said, “are being funded by the Government of Guyana and the UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (DFID), and focus on stellings and wharves’ development, waterfront development, port development, and airstrips and aerodromes’ development.”

He noted, too, that the Government has received “positive confirmation on this grant.”

Of the total of $15.2B, some $1.948B will be utilised for the development of stellings and wharves, with $472.5M going to the Parika Stelling; $1.102B to the Port Kaituma Stelling; another $157.5M to the Kumaka Stelling; and $315M to the Bartica Stelling.

With respect to waterfront development, the allocation is $1.1B: T&HD Stelling (Georgetown), $315M; the collapsed Stabroek Market Wharf, $472.5M; the construction of concessions and construction of floating ramp to accommodate speedboats,

$157.5M; and the construction of a fixed ramp to bridge the T&HD Stelling and the rehabilitated Stabroek Market Wharf, $157.5M. SEA DEFENCE Additionally, $3.6B have been budgeted for the rehabilitation of sections of sea defence between Kingston and Ogle (in Georgetown); construction of a boardwalk between Kingston and Kitty; construction of a boardwalk, concessions with solar lighting facilities, including a recreation area in Skeldon (in Region 6); and the construction of facilities for speedboat operators and the travelling public at Supenaam, in Region 2.

Under Port Development, $2.520B have been proposed for acquisition of a dredge to clear the channels in Port Georgetown; $1.260B for airstrip and aerodrome development at Annai, in Region 9; Ekeruku Bottom, in Region 7; at Lethem, also in Region 9; and on the resurfacing of the Bartica Airstrip in Region 7.

Addressing the House, Minister Patterson said: “Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has already published advertisements, inviting technical proposals (including conceptual designs) and financial proposals from suitably qualified individuals and consulting firms, and these advertisements have attracted interest as far as Europe. Bids are expected by the end of February 2016.

This project will see land

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

AIRPORT EXPANSION Minister Patterson said that with $5.2B allocated to the continued development of the air services industry, $4.450B of that sum have been budgeted for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Government, towards the end of 2015, made some changes to the project scope, and expects the project to be completed by 2017.

The Public Infrastructure Minister disclosed that the CJIA Expansion project will now see the existing terminal building being renovated and extended, the runway being extended to the same length on both sides, and the construction of one Code E remote parking position.

Patterson said, too, that the Guyana/Brazil hydropower initiatives will be vigorously pursued, as well as other smaller hydro-power units; Greater initiatives will be taken this year with regard to hinterland roads, airstrips, and bridges upgrades, as well as other infrastructural works, especially in the three new townships of Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma.

He added that efforts will also be taken to carry out studies to build the Southern Corridor in a phased approach. “The continuation of the works of the National Task Force, coupled with the work of the Georgetown Restoration Project, will also be a priority,” Patterson added, noting that those are only a few projects aimed at restoring confidence.

GPL AND SAVINGS The subject minister noted that the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has experienced a number of challenges in relation to service delivery. As such, in an effort to address the issues, the Ministry of Public infrastructure has installed a new Board, and moved towards supporting the Electrification Programme with a loan of US$5M from the IDB. Meanwhile, with the increase in rebate by GPL from 10 per cent to 15 per cent, residential, commercial, and industrial consumers will benefit, as of April 1, 2016.

“For residential consumers, totalling 166,000, the benefit is expected to be $7,000 each.

Meanwhile, for commercial consumers, which number at 10,000, and industrial consumers, which number at

reclamation, and a boardwalk powered by renewable energy, all scheduled to be completed by next year. $2.520 billion dollars (are) allocated to this project.”

JOB CREATION According to the Minister, each new development will see job creation and major economic input into the Regions at reference.

“It is our Government’s commitment that the residents and current users will be given first option to jobs and concessions,” Minister Patterson said.

He said, too, that under the DFID Fund, the Wismar Bridge and the Mahaicony Branch Road will be reconstructed, while the Parika to Goshen Road will be constructed in phases.

“G$2.398B (have) been set aside under this fund to commence construction,” he added.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Minister said, will make a concerted effort to ensure that roads, bridges, energy, power generation and other infrastructural works in the various regions are expanded and developed.

INSPECTORATE DIVISION The Minister announced that in an effort to restore confidence, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will continue to take steps to restore confidence by proposing the establishment of the Inspectorate Division to be implemented this year.

7,000, the benefits are expected to be $36,000 each, and $1.5M each, respectively. The average saving is $17,000 each. These savings are anticipated to boost productivity,” said Patterson.

Under the Power Utility Upgrade Programme, the Government has entered into an agreement with the IDB to strengthen GPL’s management capabilities; operational efficiency; and infrastructure investments for loss reduction.

The programme will be executed at a cost of US$64.573 “This programme will entail a number of activities, including the hiring of a consultancy firm to help GPL improve its performance in key business areas; the development of oversight and accountability mechanism; consultancy to change corporate culture and modernise management; and the acquisition of meters, accessories, and tools for baseline information and monitoring,” Minister Patterson told the National Assembly.

The existing policy requires the Government to fund the infrastructure for expansion in unserved communities. However, by virtue of an agreement with the Ministry of Finance, GPL will now be required to finance some of the expansion works.

“To this end, during 2016, over 650 house lots will be provided with electricity for the first time, at a cost of approximately $70M. Other areas will be examined and implemented during the year,” the Minister announced.

Fraud accused Westford urges end to “eye for an eye” politics SCANDAL-tarred former Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford believes there is need for the ridding of “eye for an eye mentality” in Guyana‘s political framework.

Westford, who is facing numerous multi-million dollar fraud charges on Tuesday evening called on the government to address the issues relating contract workers, who she told the National Assembly during the budget debates, are being made to enter a pensionable establishment. After congratulating Finance Minister, Winston Jordan for presenting this year’s budget early in the calendar year, she told Parliament that public servants are suffering from an “anxiety syndrome.”

She said the contracted

workers are unsure about their fate. Westford explained that currently all contracted workers in government agencies who were employed under the PPP/C are being issued with application forms to enter into a pensionable establishment and according to her, little information is being divulged to such workers. She termed the move ‘undemocratic ‘and ‘unilateral’ noting that it takes away the fundamental rights of those workers affected.

According to Westford, the rules of the Public Service can be deemed the SOP (standard operating procedure) of the public servants, and they give an indication of how employment issues, such as promotions, transfers, training and discipline,

and severance should be dealt with.

For years, she said, the category of workers in question have been called “derogatory hacks” by members of the government while in Opposition. Westford urged the subject minister to review the issue to ensure that the public service rules are followed.

As regards the contract employees, she explained that a large percentage of those persons affected are over the age of 45 and she informed the House that the rules of the public service indicate that on attaining the age of 45, persons must have completed 10 years of pensionable service to be eligible for pension at age 55. She said that there are individuals within the public

service who are anxious, citing their inability to determine whether they would be joining others, whom she said were “unceremoniously” dismissed from their jobs after the current administration assumed office. She said too that this was related to their perceived association with former PPP/C administration.

Westford said this move is having an adverse effect on the performance of public institutions, since the persons occupying the posts currently are either inexperienced or unqualified. As regards the increase in salaries for public servants, Westford asked why collective bargain consultations could not be completed before this year’s budget, given the government’s close relations with

the labour unions. Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the National Assembly during his budget presentation that Government will await conclusion of discussions with the various unions before announcing salary increases.

“The Government understands the disappointment this will create among public servants, but wishes to assure them of our commitment to their welfare and advancement. We ask that they give the collective bargaining process an opportunity to work,” said Minister Jordan.

Meanwhile, Westford called on the government to revisit the proposed increase in fees for firearm licences, particularly as it affects Hinterland residents. Westford cited the use of firearms as

a tool of livelihood, specifically in Region 7 (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) and by extent the Hinterland communities. She said persons in those areas rely on the use of shotguns to engage in activities such as farming and hunting to supplement their families.

During his budget speech, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced that he would be moving to amend the Firearms Act to increase the annual fee for firearm licences. The fee for a shotgun licence is to be raised from $2000 to $5000; the cost for a handgun licence will move from $5000 to $25,000; and the rifle licence fee will be increased from $5000 to $40,000. As for dealers in firearms, their fee would be double the current price of $7500.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

8 out of 14 murder Intermediate Savannahs new agri frontier suspects charged …as police record 6% drop in serious crimes

By Tajeram Mohabir

EIGHT persons have been charged in relation to the 14 murders that have occurred this year so far, police said on Thursday in a statement.

Giving its periodic crime statistics, the Guyana Police Force said that it has managed to arrest the crime situation here, with a six percent decrease in serious crimes for the month of January; this is comparison to the corresponding period last year.

Among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

In a statement, the police said that at the end of January 2016, the Guyana Police Force recorded a 6% decrease in serious crimes in comparison to the same period in 2015. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including the higher level of networking and activities of the Joint Services under “Operation Dragnet,” which was launched on December 01, 2015; along with

capacity building of the Police Force under the fivepoint strategy to deal with crime, which was outlined

by His Excellency President David Granger, MSS. This situation has seen an increase in manpower and training in the Criminal Investigation Department and the increased deployment of ranks in the Police “F” Division; intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation from the public.

Additionally, the police said, a SWAT team along with ranks of the Major Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department have been dispatched to “B” Division (Berbice) in order to strengthen policing activities in the Division.

During the period, a total of 14 murders were recorded at the end of January 2016, in comparison to 13 murders at the end of January 2015, an increase of 8%. Of the 14 murders in January this year, five were committed during robberies, three were domestic related and six were of the disorderly type.

Police said that diligent investigations have led to a number of persons being

arrested and charged in eight of the 14 incidents of murder in January this year, while investigations are continuing into the others. At the end of January 2016, robbery under arms overall had increased by 5% in comparison to the same period in 2015. However, the statistics indicate a decrease of 13% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; while there was a 50% increase in relation to the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

The statistics have revealed that there has been an increase of 4% in the number of reports of rape, with 26 reports at the end of January this year compared to 25 for the same period last year.

Break and enter, larceny, and burglary have shown an overall decrease of 8%. At the end of January this year, a total of 6 illegal firearms had been recovered by the police, comprising 4 pistols and 2 revolvers. This compares to a total of 3 illegal firearms that were recovered during this time last year.

THE Intermediate Savannahs are set to become the new agriculture frontier as Guyana moves to narrow the gap between the coastland and hinterland regions.

Guyana’s agriculture is primarily concentrated on the coast, even though the potential for agricultural development in the hinterland regions is known.

The Intermediate Savannahs have long been considered as the next frontier for the nation’s agricultural development.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, in his budget presentation, told the House that in keeping with the Year of the Renaissance, the Ministry of Agriculture has been working assiduously for the revitalisation of agriculture in the hinterland.

“The Ministry of Agriculture has aligned its work programme to realise the Intermediate Savannahs as the next agricultural centre, and has also prioritised the implementation of policies for development of the Rupununi Savannahs,” he said.

This year will see the establishment, and in some instances re-establishment, of agricultural stations in each of the main eco-zones of Guyana.

According to Minister Holder, this is being done to nurture integration between the coast and hinterland and to increase access to the bountiful resources of the hinterland.

At Wauna, North West District, Region One, a Quarantine Agriculture Station will be built; at Kato, Region 8, the facilities there and

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

agriculture station will be rehabilitated; at Manari, Rupununi Savannahs, Region 9, an agriculture station will be built; while another will be built at Ebini, the Intermediate Savannahs, Region 10.

“These agricultural stations will demonstrate the agricultural potential of these areas, including demonstration orchards, nurseries and seed production units for the production of planting material relevant to each eco zone, breeding herds of cattle and small ruminants to provide breeding stock for farmers and seed stock for entrepreneurs. These stations will have multiple functions such as research areas, housing, and office space, mechanical and other workshops, recreational facilities and teaching facilities,” the minister said.

During 2015, work had begun on updating the various studies on the Agricultural Development of the Intermediate Savannahs.

And according to Minister Holder, large scale agriculture in the savannahs will commence in 2016 with the production of soybeans by the Brazilian company New Frontier Agriculture Inc in the Kimbia/Ebini Savannahs.

“While a feasibility study for the agricultural development of the Rupununi Savannahs does exist, this will be updated and expanded during 2016 with a view to the logical expansion in that area along the lines of the Santa Fe model which is in the process of development in the North Rupununi Savannahs.

“These initiatives will create new employment opportunities, both directly, and more so indirectly, as the country’s economic base is moved inland and will complement other activities such as mining, forestry and support service activities thereto appertaining,” Holder told the House.

The Intermediate Savannahs are set to become the new agriculture frontier as Guyana moves to narrow the gap between the coastland and hinterland regions

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

Religious women urged to be dynamic

By Shauna Jemmott

MINISTER of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, has urged religious women to be dynamic in leadership, and to join hands with Government to reach out and reduce the social ills that plague the Guyanese society.

The Minister was delivering an address to women at the Girls of Excellence and Moral Standards (G.E.M.S.) Conference staged by the Caribbean Union and Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Women’s Minis-

tries Department last Saturday at the Sophia Exhibition Complex in Georgetown.

The conference was attended by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Directors of local and Caribbean Unions of Seventh Day Adventist churches, pastors, members of the Women’s Ministries and the Young Women’s Ministries, among other participants.

“We need those who can minister to the needs of our sisters and brothers, for you and I know that many in our society are thirsting for

10 road deaths so far this year TEN PERSONS have lost their lives so far for this year, police said in a statement on Thursday.

Of that number, seven were recorded at the end of January 2016, in comparison with five fatalities from five accidents for the same period in 2015, an increase of 40%.

There have been decreases in the other categories of traffic accidents comprising serious, minor and damage.

According to the police, pedestrians have been the main category of road users affected so far in road fatalities, with four such persons having lost their lives at the end of January 2016. In addition, one pedal cyclist, one driver, and one pillion rider also lost their lives.

Speeding has been the major contributory factor to fatal accidents, having been the cause of four of the seven fatal accidents at the end of January 2016. Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 6,012 cases being made against errant motorists for this year, at the end of January 2016; of this total, 2,566 cases were for speeding, 304 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 84 for using cell phone while driving, and 199 for failing to wear seat belt.

Up to Wednesday, a total of three persons had lost their lives from three fatal accidents in February. The Police Traffic Department is urging that all persons use the roadways in a manner that is cognisant of the five Cs – Care, Consideration, Caution, Common Sense and Courtesy.

The Traffic Department has intensified its enforcement activities, with special focus on speeding and driving under the influence; in addition to other offences, such as driving motor cycles without safety helmets and using cell phones while driving a motor vehicle.

guidance, for a sympathetic ear, for someone with whom we can connect and share our anxieties, doubts and fears…. Make good your gorgeous creation in God’s image and reach out as the Lord did to all, irrespective of race, creed or age,” Minister Lawrence urged the women.

The minister said the breakdown of family values results in the prevalence of suicide, domestic violence, incest, trafficking in persons, and other social ills; and she has urged the church to analyze the reasons for the disconnection. She said we are responsible for being our brothers’ keeper, and should show love if there were to be the embodiment of the conference’s theme, ‘Gorgeous in God’s image’.

“We are all aware of the alarming numbers of our young people who, for some reason or the other, decide to snuff out the treasured life that God has given them. We cannot close our eyes, my brothers and sisters, to these issues and pretend they do not concern us. If we are to be the embodiment of this apt theme, “Gorgeous in God’s image”, then it’s our responsibility not only to look out for each other, but to love our neighbour as God loves us. There are many of our youth, our young women and men who are anxious, who are hurting yearning for that warm smile, that unique touch of affection, words of solace and comfort demonstrating that you care.”

She said that in helping those people, the church could play a crucial role in

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence

service to the community, by spreading the Word of God and helping to ease pain and despair, praying with others, and teaching them the significance and the rewards that can accrue if they abide

by God’s words.

Minister Lawrence said women must pursue personal development to be proactive, and those not academically inclined should tap into the power within, use their gifted hands, and explore entrepreneurial possibilities to find their calling.

“We are in the ever-developing era of globalization, which calls for the interventions of both genders…

Respond to the present day demands and develop themselves personally so that

(they) can make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability of (their) families and the society as a whole.”

The minister told the women their potential for greatness lies within, and they should be eager to affirm the purpose for which they had been created through personal development and social refinement, and adhering to the call of God. “He has given each of us talents, which we need to develop not only for our personal worth and self-esteem, but for others to emulate so that we can nurture God’s vineyard and execute the tasks He has assigned us,” the minister said.

Lawrence pointed out

that women sometimes tarnish their character by their attitudes and appearance, and she urged the women to remain gorgeous in their climb to upward mobility and acceptance in social milieus, and not to compromise themselves just for material and social gains.

“I am referring to those who compromise their womanhood to achieve material and social gains. There is no harm in beautifying ourselves, in acquiring the social graces (etiquette, social mannerisms and good speech), but the image is marred in the way we dress and behave sometimes. There is no need for us to lower our standards and dress and behave inappropriately, without decorum. We can achieve a greater effect with attire and accessories that are becoming; and when coupled with God’s innate beauty, we can stand tall and proud and beam with joy and radiance, happy in the knowledge that we mirror the image God expects of us. Our appearance will denote who we are and the standards to which we bear witness,” Minister Lawrence said.

She said the objectives of the conference complemented the mandate of the Ministry of Social Protection, which has been encouraging more women to assume leadership roles and decision-making positions for which they are capable.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be marginalized, we need to take up the mantle and act as motivators, so that we fulfil that divine purpose,” she challenged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 12, 2016

$1.8B to push ICT this year ‒ to make the sector one of job creation OVER $1.8 billion will be spent on the development of information and communications technology (ICT) this year, with major emphasis on facilities that would encourage job creation and ease the way people conduct business with Government agencies.

Speaking during the 2016 Budget Debate, Minister Cathy Hughes said that fundamental to the Government’s ICT strategy is providing Internet access and connectivity across all regions of the country, designing a national broadband policy, and implementing a supporting strategy.

She said that Government hopes to iron out all the issues in order to ensure that the telecommunications sector is liberalised this year. $80 million have been budgeted to acquire office productivity, e-mail and collaboration software for the Public Sector; and $105 million have been allocated for the creation of an offsite data centre and secure electronic document storage solutions for Ministries and Government agencies. This combined system will serve to enhance Government business processes, improve

service delivery in terms of timeliness, and heighten document security. $326 million have been earmarked to design and implement interconnections among Government Ministries, agencies, State buildings and educational facilities; and to pilot interventions to support access to ICTs in hinterland, poor and remote communities.

This amount will fund the setting up of ICT hubs in communities which will be identified on the following criteria: level of poverty, remoteness, and social vulnerability. This sum will also fund the provision of Internet access to hubs set up in the indigenous communities.

The Government will also set up Public Internet Access Points (PIAPS) at Government Ministries and agencies with intention to increase citizens’ access to information and e-services.

Government will also support a larger project that will focus on providing Internet access and computer devices to hinterland and indigenous communities.

The expanded project aims to create a platform for hinterland distance learning, so as to build capacity in

hinterland communities; expand and improve public service delivery through ICT to these communities; bridge the developmental gap between coastline and hinterland communities, and create opportunities for hinterland communities to explore and access markets for their products.

Government will invest $60 million to set up ICT Business Incubators in all regions, and plans to expend an initial $25 million towards establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) which will provide training for public sector ICT professionals.

Moreover, in supporting widespread access to information and e-Government services, Government will spend a further $100 Million to repair and upgrade the Georgetown–Linden Fibre Optic Cable. After spending approximately $1.2 billion, this project was abandoned by the previous administration. The Government will invest $140 million to consolidate, monitor, maintain, and extend the existing e-Government Fibre Optic and LTE Network around Georgetown and along the coast from Moleson Creek

to Charity.

In addition, Government will, in 2016, accelerate its drive to fulfill its expressed commitment to supply educators and institutions of learning with computers, laptops and tablets, along with access to the Internet.

Minister Hughes said it was regrettable that, over the years in Guyana, the development of ICT as a contributing productive sector has been slow. “The high cost of supporting infrastructure, absence of enabling legislation, and limited skillsets have been a significant contributor to this state of affairs,” she noted.

But she underscored the need to drive a robust sector, as the appropriate utilization of ICT can improve the lives of all Guyanese, “…and must therefore be the fundamental cross-cutting component in the overall national vision to build an information society and, by extension, attain developed country status in the coming years,” she said.

“We will need to grow and nurture the industry with policy and legislative frameworks. Traditional ways of incorporating technology -- such as importing machinery and equipment or direct foreign investment -- are not enough to confront the challenges of inclusive economic development,” she declared.

As a result, she said, the mandate of her Ministry this year is the effective implementation and utilization of ICT to modernise Guyana, to the benefit of its citizens.

To achieve this, she said, ICT should be used to improve the delivery of Government services.

“We must be able to process our various applications online quickly, and get immediate responses to our queries via electronic and live helpdesks.

“Visits to Government offices to collect a form and having to return to drop it off must become a thing of the past,” she said.

In practical terms, she said, this means that children attending the Bina Hill Institute in Annai, or those in Aranaputa (in Region Nine) must be able to benefit from the knowledge and tuition of the biology teacher at Bishops’ High School or Queen’s College.

“Today’s technology makes this easy with Skype.

Distance or location must not be an impediment to this goal,” she declared.

In the area of health, she said that if a medic in Morawhanna (North West District) needs support with a medical issue in his community, he must be able to communicate online with a doctor in Georgetown or close by, for consultation and related assistance.

“We can generate economic growth and stimulate innovation in sectors such as health, education and trade; and here we are not talking about just handing out laptop computers, but by designing appropriate policies, establishing a proper regulatory framework, institutional strengthening, training and infrastructure, which have never been done on a national level to date,” she said.

She said the Government will ensure that affordable universal broadband access is available for all citizens, the

private sector, Government and civil society, thereby eliminating the digital divide.

“Universal access will extend beyond voice to include Internet, computing devices, information literacy, and access to telecommunications services,” she declared.

Minister Hughes said the Government will create the enabling environment to ensure information and communications technology not only provides cross-cutting support to the existing productive sectors, but also becomes a standalone sector that will create revenue streams, employment, and contribute significantly to the country’s economy.

“Guyana, because of its competitive position in terms of salaries and cost of operations, has a tremendous opportunity to become a leading provider of ICT services in the Caribbean Region.

The local operations of two of the largest call centre providers in the industry and the call centre that I opened two months ago are already testimony to our long-term potential,” she stated.

“There are lots of young people with great ideas who are unable to convert those into sustainable income-generating operations. We will do that,” she added.

She said the enabling legislative environment must also be created to achieve the goals set out.

Further, the minister noted that all of these things cannot be implemented in a vacuum. “We will collaborate with all stakeholders to build a national ICT plan,” she promised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

President meets with members of Canada’s CPA branch PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday met with members of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), who are in Guyana to explore possible areas of collaboration in an overall effort to foster closer ties among Commonwealth Parliamentarians.

The visiting delegation was accompanied by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Pierre Giroux, during the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency. In a brief comment after the meeting, Member of Parliament (MP) of the House of Commons in Canada, Ms. Alexandra Mends, said that the Canadian Branch of the CPA is interested in collaborating with Guyana, particularly as it relates to exchanging experiences and services of training.

“There are many opportunities to learn from each other, and that is one of the reasons why we came,” Ms. Mends said. The initiative was promulgated by former Canadian MP Mr. Joe Preston to establish working relationships with legislatures in the Commonwealth Caribbean and foster greater collaboration among Commonwealth Parliaments, she added. “We are following President David Granger greets Member of Parliament of the on Mr. Preston’s first project… to make it a little more concrete and bring Canadian House of Commons, Ms. Alexandra Mends, at the Ministry it a more definite agreement between the two countries,” Ms. Mends said.

(Ministry of the Presidency) of the Presidency

Major sea defence works underway at Leguan

By Rabindra Rooplall THE poor quality work done on sea defence projects at Leguan years ago is appalling, and now the new government is tasked with executing additional and corrective works, according to Regional and Government Councillor Dr. Kamal Roy Narine.

There are four major projects being carried out on the sea defense to protect the foreshore at La Bagatelle, Endeavour, Maryville and Cane Garden.

“I am very happy to see what has been going on for the short period of time,” he said, adding that the targeted areas were neglected, and overtopping always affected the residents.

GROYNES According to Dr. Narine, the island needs groynes,

which are man-made structures designed to trap sand as it is moved down the beach by the long shore drift. As the longshore drift current approaches the groyne, it is forced to slow down and change direction.

He explained that the improper placement of boulders (often improperly sized) also causes a distortion and sagging of the sea defences, especially when the sand washes out.

The councillor further said that if the sea defense is done properly, there will be no flooding and roads, bridges and other infrastructural work can be done.

“Sea defence is a priority for the island, then every other investment will fall into place…

Anytime there was a spring tide, because of the poor condition of the sea defence, many residents were usually flooded.”

Works underway at the Endeavour, Leguan sea defence ENGINEERING AUDITS Suggesting that engineering audits be conducted on all sea defence works done so as to identify the problems and take corrective action, Dr Narine noted these projects cost hundreds of millions of dollars and are a severe burden to the taxpayers swhen poor work is done.

Last year, the Public Infra-

structure Ministry, through its Sea and River Defence Division (SRDD), strengthened the sea and river defence within the country’s geographically defined sea defence districts.

Work Services Group Coordinator Geoffrey Vaughn had noted that activities in 2015 included advancing sea defence construction (new construction/ reconstruction, rehabilitation

and maintenance work). There was also procurement of equipment and materials for the execution of routine maintenance and emergency works (by the WSG Force Account Unit), monitoring and research activities, and public awareness and community evaluation, Vaughn said.

The following areas in 2015 that benefit under the

CDB-funded 3rd sea defence project focused on flood protection infrastructure and targeted a total of 5.4km of reconstruction work.

The eight critical locations are as follows: Johanna Cecelia/Zorg, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (1,000); Success, Leguan Island, Region 3 (500m); Endeavour/Blenheim, Leguan Island, Region Three (430m); Grove/Look Out, East Bank Essequibo, Region 3 (530m); Crane/Harlem/Rotterdam/ Mary, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (1,000m); Good Success/New Hope, East Bank Demerara, Region Four (500m); Lonsdale/ Sister’s Village, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (700m); and Number 78 Village to Line Path, Corentyne, Region Six (700m).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 12, 2016

Region 1 launches ‘Jubilee’, ‘Ma

Members of the Mabaruma Faith-Based Committee, who also contributed to the proceedings SCORES of Region One (Barima-Waini) residents last Monday gathered at Mabaruma’s main recreational ground for the grand official launch of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary

(Golden Jubilee) celebrations.

The occasion was also used to usher in Mashramani 2016.

The event, which was organised by the Mash and Jubilee Committee and attracted a large and colourful gathering of

keenly enthusiastic and patriotic residents, got off to a spirited start with a spectacular parade and ‘march past’ by ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Taking the salute was Regional Chairman, Brentnol

Ashley, who also declared the event open, while among those making presentations were

Children from the Assembies of God Church performing at the launch in the celebrations

More vehicles outside than insi

By Shauna Jemmott

IN a bid to regularize parking in the capital city, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has installed a paid parking lot along East Street, but support for the initiative has been poor ever since it started operations six weeks ago.

The parking lot manned by the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has been in operation approximately six weeks now and there is a charge of $360 for the first hour and an additional $180 is required every hour after.

It is said to be constructed to accommodate vehicles belonging to staff and visitors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Guyana Chronicle understands that on a daily basis vehicles are parked outside of the parking lot instead of inside, and a visit to the area around 2:30pm yesterday afternoon confirmed this as only six vehicles were seen inside while more than twenty were parked along the area.

Public Relations Officer of the M&CC Debra Lewis told Guyana Chronicle the regularizing of parking in the area is in keeping with the laws, since Section 274 of the Municipality and District Council Act gives the council the right to regularize

parking and parking spaces in Georgetown.

She said because citizens of Georgetown are not yet accustomed to the new system, the M&CC will consult with stakeholders, including citizens living in the area, to enter into a public/private partnership in managing the parking lot. A meeting will be held in two weeks.

The parking space will be divided into two parts, one of which will be free, and the M&CC will negotiate with stakeholders to settle at a price since many have complained that the price is too high.

When Guyana Chronicle spoke to a few drivers parked along the area, one man said the fee is indeed high. He said he is a hire car operator at the East Bank short-drop park, and the council has instituted a new system in which each of those drivers must pay $200 daily for parking.

He said while at that park drivers are generating revenues, someone parking in the hospital parking lot would not be making money there.

Another individual said many of the people parking vehicles in the area are waiting on persons who visit the hospital for medical care, and sometimes have to wait long hours. She said she prefers parking outside for free instead of wasting thousands sometimes.

Parking in the lot also ensures the security of the vehicles since there is a toll security hut constructed at its entrance where staff is on duty.

A businessman in the area said though the parking lot system does not affect him directly, his customers sometimes find it difficult to get suitable parking as vehicles mostly surround the new parking lot.

Meanwhile, Lewis told Guyana Chronicle that the council had instituted a system in which minibuses and other public transportation will pay $200 daily for parking at bus and car parks in the capital city, with effect from Monday last.

She said that, while most minibus operators are cooperating, those who join the lines at the bus park in an orderly manner have complained that they are being cheated as other buses rush ahead without joining the lines and are filled soon after they arrive at the park.

The M&CC, on Sunday will host a consultation with drivers at City Hall regarding negotiations for a more organized operation.

Lewis told Guyana Chronicle the the M&CC is currently training fifteen new staff and will soon recruit more to work a shift system so that their presence will be at the park daily to collect revenues and ensure order.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

ash’ celebrations in fine style

ide East Street paid parking lot The empty parking lot on East Street

Leguan’s New Endeavour Primary almost completed ALMOST three months after the old Endeavour (East Leguan) Primary School was torn down, a new concrete structure is almost completed.

According to Government Councillor on the island, Dr Kamal Roy Narine, through consultation with parents and members of the community, a new school was built.

“It’s also an encouragement for the students and children,” Dr Narine said. “The school is now placed more to the back, so that the playground is at the front.

Hopefully, the upcoming budget will expend funds for the painting of the school, tiling of the floor, electricity and the roof needs gutters,” the councillor explained.

He said further that 52 students are being accommodated at the Leguan Community Centre for classes along with six teachers. Dr Narine said, “This school is a prime example that this government is showing the people of Leguan that things are being done for their wellbeing.”

Government Councillor on the island of Leguan, Dr Kamal Roy Narine and advisor to the Prime Minister Harry Narine Deokinanan in discussion in front of the new Endeavour (East Leguan) Primary School He noted also that since the APNU+AFC Government was elected to office, three bridges were constructed in three villages: Endeavor, Blenheim and Enterprise La Bagatelle.

“This island can be a paradise for tourists and Guyanese to visit and have a wonderful time. Decades passed, and the island is yet to see its true potential; now the present government wants to change that so that development can pave

the way forward for the island.”

He continued: “I lived abroad for 43 years and I am originally from Leguan and came back and retired and this is the place I prefer to live until I pass away. Many take it for granted, but Leguan is a paradise. I am hoping that all the ministers and leaders in government take the opportunity to assist in the development of this island that will create history.”

religious, cultural and youth components of civil society, much to the amusement and appreciation of the cheering and excited audience.

Ashley, who also delivered the feature address, stressed the importance of this signature milestone in Guyana’s history, and called for peace and unity among the peoples of Region One. He also urged that they live and work in harmony in order to attain great heights, and contribute to the nation’s development.

As the Region joins the rest of Guyana in reflecting on the attainment of Nationhood, and the challenges encountered and the gains achieved along the way (from 1966 to 2016), their leader urged those gathered at the event to stand up for Guyana; and to be proud and patriotic citizens who will continue to work resolutely in defence of our beloved country as “One People; One Nation; with One Destiny.”

In closing, he urged that in the coming weeks, they continue to celebrate in the spirit of the season, and make every effort to attend a Gospel Fiesta billed for the Mabaruma recreational ground on February 14.

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Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley addressing the gathering at the launching of the Region’s ‘Golden Jubilee’ celebrations at Mabaruma

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 12, 2016

Guyana commits to upping aviation compliance standards

By Alva Solomon

GOVERNMENT is committed to raising Guyana’s aviation compliance rating very shortly, by at least 20% from the 40% rating it currently holds in the region.

This is according to Min-

ister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who made the startling disclosure during her budget debate contribution on Tuesday evening that Guyana, which follows the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines, has suf-

fered the “indignity” of having the lowest level of effective implementation of the standard and recommended practices of the world oversight body to ensure the safe and orderly development of civil aviation in South America.

“A paltry 44%! The re-

gional average stands above 70%!” Minister Ferguson exclaimed, adding that this ignominy will not be allowed to continue under the APNU/ AFC government.

To show how poorly managed the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

was when the Coalition took office last May, Minister Ferguson said not only was it “grossly understaffed”, but it “resembled “Hollywood”, due to the number of staff that had been ‘acting’ for many years.

PROACTIVE MOVE But all that is now in the past, she said, as the new government, in a proactive move, has adopted to have a posture, by which it can no longer be ‘business as usual’ at the GCAA. The work mandate of the Coalition has been two-fold, she said: Fixing the broken, and advancing the economy for a better life for all.

Work, she said, has already commenced on improving the Authority’s oversight capability, as additional staff have been employed in the air transport management department.

And those staff who’ve been ‘acting’ all along, were appointed, in consultation with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), while those who were on “wrong salary scales” were correctly appointed.

“I intend on getting the nation’s business done properly,” Minister Ferguson said, adding that in last November, she had the privilege of attending the ICAO’s world forum, where a draft project document to aid Guyana’s institutional strengthening of the GCAA oversight system was discussed with donor and lending agencies.

Coming out of those discussions, she said, the ICAO has committed CDN$80,000 towards improving GCAA’s safety oversight system.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS As regards developments here, she said that on November 12 last year, the use of automatic dependence surveillance broadcast (ADSB) began in Guyana’s upper airspace, which is a significant milestone in air traffic management.

In the coming years, the system to monitor air traffic will be commissioned in the middle and lower airspace.

Testimony that the government understands the importance of civil aviation, Minister Ferguson said, is the allocation of $430M to the continued institutional strengthening of the GCAA, whereby two guidance projects have

Minister Annette Ferguson already been identified to upgrade the sector.

One of the two projects at reference is a study on the impact of civil aviation on the economy, which will greatly assist the government, industry stakeholders, and decision-makers to better understand how the air sector contributes to the economy. The study will also assist the administration in determining investment priorities and policy directives, the minister said.

The other is the drafting of a National Aviation Policy aimed at providing guidance on the development of the aviation sector in an orderly and well-coordinated manner.

DISSATISFACTION Minister Ferguson had earlier in her presentation noted the government’s dissatisfaction with the state of hinterland airstrips when it assumed office last year.

As such, the authorities will work on ensuring that those airstrips are upgraded, given the importance of air transport to linkages between the Hinterland and Coastland.

Among the lapses, she said, are “...weak and non-existent security, navigational aids... no air traffic centres, and poor infrastructure and inadequate maintenance.”

Under the 2016 Budget, over $241M has been dedicated to the completion and rehabilitation of airstrips across the country, and according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, a study has been initiated for the development of a comprehensive aerodrome policy and strategy to assess the problems affecting all aerodromes countrywide.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Outgoing UG VC hails tenure as “very successful”

-amid protest, routine strikes Ravin Singh OUTGOING Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Professor Jacob Opadeyi has deemed his three controversial years at the institution as “very successful,” despite it being marred with protests and routine strikes.

According to Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Barbara Reynolds on Wednesday last at a press conference held at UG, Opad-

eyi’s three-year contract officially ends on February 15, and subsequently, a new Vice Chancellor will be installed.

And speaking to the media yesterday at the launch of the university’s transformational task force, the Vice Chancellor noted that he has not been asked, nor did he apply for the position which was advertised.

But what was surprising, was the fact that Opadeyi has no clue when his contract was coming to an end. When questioned yesterday by the

Spoilt milk supplier under investigation

SUBSEQUENT to the discovery of spoilt milk being delivered to the Diamond Hospital, the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAF&DD) has confirmed that investigations are underway into the matter.

During a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Head of the GAF&DD, Marlan Cole, disclosed that, “we have gotten hold of samples of the spoilt milk from the importer’s bond and the Ministry’s bond, which we brought for examination and analysis, and discovered other problems with the milk.”

When asked about the quantity of milk that was spoilt, the Director could not say as he is awaiting the submission of the report from the probe.

As such a report, he said, was drafted and investigations are underway, as well as consultations with the Ministries of Public Health and Business to decide on the way forward for the proprietor who supplied the milk.

Cole also pointed out that, this is not the first time they have received complaints of this kind, however, in the past they were inundated with other issues and could not have dealt with it at that time.

Meanwhile, a source from the hospital said that, a few persons fell ill after drinking the milk, but were treated immediately, after which the report was made to the GAF&DD. Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton told a section of the media that he was made aware of the situation on the same day, but was not fully briefed on what transpired. Stating, however, that all the milk was confiscated and the spoilt ones have been destroyed, “I know for a fact that this milk was destroyed because it was found to have larva inside,” the Minister revealed.

Friday February 12, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Saturday February 13, 2016 - 08:30 hrs

Outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi

media, as to when his contract expires, he responded by saying “I don’t know… I think my secretary should know.”

“I have served my three years with excellence and it’s time to move on,” he said, adding that he feels great that the Government did not renew his contract.

Quizzed further on what he thinks of his tenure, Opadeyi confidently boasted that he deems it to be “very successful,” and that he will soon publish a list of 33 things that he has been able to achieve during his stay at UG. “Several of these [things] for the first time, the University had not

even think of doing,” he stated.

One of these accomplishments, he disclosed, was the introduction of a PhD programme at the University, which he said was the first to be introduced under his watch.

In January of 2015, UG experienced a delay in the commencement of the new semester, after students protested the deplorable conditions which they were forced to face despite paying $50,000 facility fees annually.

This was coupled with strikes by workers at the institution who were, according to them, being treated unfairly.

These strikes had been fueled

21

by the administration’s refusal to increase, and in some cases pay salaries on time, for academic and non-academic staff.

And having described this as “a good experience”, Opadeyi stated that his family was most affected by this, and had elections not been forthcoming, then those events would not have been featured at the university that year.

“The politics transferred to the University… the protest to improve the university is long overdue. The facilities need to be improved, but closing down the University is uncalled for and we got nothing out of it,” he stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

No Hobby? No problem!

Birdwatching to the I rescue

By Jasmaine Payne

N looking for new things to do, many Guyanese often search for hobbies that can make them more in tune with their natural surroundings.

Yet, few are aware that the little known past time of birdwatching could help them do just that.

In fact, Vice-President of the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society (GATBS), Andy Narine believes that Guyanese can comfortably slip into this hobby, as many locals already interact on a personal level with birds in their everyday lives.

“Birds play a large part of Guyanese lives,” he says.

“Right in Georgetown, on a daily basis, you would find men riding every morning with bird cages; these men would meet with each other on the corner and talk about bird-racing and whistling, and all these kinds of things, and have that social bond among themselves. Many housewives have parrots or macaws as their pets; as a

which of them are pregnant.

In many ways, Guyanese see birds as a charm; we have grown up with it.”

With this remarkable information in mind, it begs the question: Why isn’t birdwatching a bigger part of our lives?

According to Andy, that is perhaps because ‘Birding’, as the professionals call it, is a more intricate science that requires one to become educated in the physical and instinctual characteristics of varying species of birds. And with the most recent estimation recording more than 900 species in Guyana, it means

A group of birdwatchers on a mission

a break from technology, and spend a moment with the natural splendour that surrounds us.

Andy wishes that more Guyanese would become involved with the sport, especially young people, for whom he believes birdwatching could be especially entertaining.

Tourists on a birdwatching expedition here in Guyana companion to chat with,” he told The Buzz.

“In the ‘Interior’, in the mining sector, pork-knockers interact with birds to know if they will find gold or not. In some Amerindian communities, if a certain bird whistles, the elder women would look at the younger women to see

Andy Narine (right, with ‘locks’) conducting a demonstration for children on bird species

that our beautiful country is rife with the potential of being a birdwatching haven for those willing to indulge their passion.

ALMOST A SCIENCE So, how does one become a birdwatcher? Well, since it is practically a “sci-

ence”, Andy says that the only way is for one to become part of a society. “You have to do research and start inventories,” he says.

“It is not something that you can learn by just being on a computer; you have to go out and do field trips.”

It could very well be one of the best ways to take

NEW VENTURE Hence comes the role of the newest venture of the GATBS: The publishing of the first Annual Birdwatching Zones Magazine: Birding Guyana.

The publication will also serve as a checklist for all the birds found here, and will have vital information to help beginners identify different species of local birds.

Upon releasing the publication, the GATBS hopes to have it distributed across the country, with focus on schools and other groups, so as to get youth involved.

“We’d like to get it into the school curriculum to encourage kids to get into the

fields and interact with the environment,” Andy said, adding that ‘birding’ can help persons get in touch with another part of themselves as well: “Looking at birds encourages people to develop a heart of compassion,” he says. “You look at the things around you and learn to take care of those things.”

The GATBS also hopes that the publication will help to create a wider network of birdwatchers, so as to help identify more birds that may not have yet been recorded.

PUSH TOURISM On a larger scale, birdwatching can also help to push Guyana’s tourism product. Being part of the North Amazon District, which hosts one-quarter of the world’s species of birds, the country can therefore benefit significantly, should the niche be developed.

“Birdwatching is one of Guyana’s niche tourism products,” Andy says. “If we develop our marketing

strategy, we could attract a large number of tourists on this hobby alone.

“There are 17.3 million birdwatchers in the US. Imagine the tourists that would come here, if Guyana’s potential for birdwatching was more widely known,” he added.

Since the establishment of the GATBS in 2002, he said, much progress has been made in the area of expanding the scope of birdwatching in Guyana.

There are approximately 125 society members across the country’s ten administrative regions, and these members are now opening businesses to promote tourism through birdwatching.

Coupled with the upcoming launch of ‘Birding Guyana’ on May 24, which will also be at the height of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations, Andy says that these initiatives could indeed place Guyana on the map as a birding destination like no other.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Latin Dancing...

The new ‘spice of life’ OFTEN referred to as the “Universal language of love”, Latin dance has, since the early 15th Century, provided for its practitioners a form of self-expression through sensual rhythm.

Here in Guyana, our very own Latin Heat dance group has provided locals with the opportunity to indulge in this pastime. Run by Elvis Chris Solomon, Latin Heat provides members with classes in Salsa, Merengue, Tango and Waltz, techniques which are among the most popular forms in the Ballroom Dance arena.

“Dancing is a very fun pastime; it keeps you mentally and physically fit. When you’re on the dance floor, you think about nothing but the music and your steps; and that helps you to forget whatever you may be going through at the time,” Elvis said.

Looking at him dance, one can tell that this ballroom ‘pro’ was practically born with the talent. Light on his feet, and elegant in posture, Elvis leads his dance classes with the utmost professionalism and pride.

SINCE 15 This 28-year-old has been at it since he was 15, starting out under the guidance of a ‘family-friend’ who held his own professional classes. Elvis instantly fell in love with Latin dancing after watching the 1990 film, Lambada, and has not looked back since.

In 2008, after participating in several competitions and performances, Elvis began his own Latin Dance Classes at the Gourmet Pavilion. From there, his classes moved to the Princess Hotel, then to its current location at 55, Sandy Babb Street Kitty.

When he’s not training his 25-member group (both beginners and advanced), Elvis can be seen attending Latin Night at the Princess Hotel on Fridays with members of his team.

Otherwise, Latin Heat is popularly known to perform at private and other events. Yet, Elvis wishes that there were

Coming out of the shadows THE capoeira faction in Guyana has long been silent, but not because of inactivity; it has been silent, but it has been slowly garnering support and recognition.

What had initially started as just another cultural presentation at the Brazilian Embassy in 2006, soon morphed into an activity that held the interest of hndreds of Guyanese.

more public opportunities to showcase the dance skills of his group, but realises that apart from his own group, only two smaller groups exist that provide such classes.

He, therefore, recognises that in order to make this wish come to fruition, it is partially his responsibility to spread the word, which brought him to the point of his “army”.

“I am currently trying to gather an “army” of dancers, so that I can have people perform at shows, because I want other people, apart from myself, to showcase their talent,” Elvis said.

Elvis Solomon teaching one of his students the art of the craft

The Capoeira Factor...

By Daniel Haynes

‘Latin Heat’, the local dance group

A BRIEF HISTORY Capoeira, or “The Dance of Freedom”, is an Afro-Brazilian cultural practice. It is simultaneously a fight and a dance that can be interpreted as a tradition, a sport, or even an art form. Originally from Angola, in southern Africa, it was brought to Brazil through slavery, and used as a form of martial art, disguised as dance. The idea was to teach slaves how to fight, in case

EIGHT-STRONG So far, his “army” is eight-strong, and Elvis plans on hosting larger events when he feels that his team is fully ready. But for now, he’s content with hosting his classes, and helping persons enjoy themselves in a more private setting.

“We try to keep our dances as modern as possible, while fitting in the traditional forms of dance. It keeps the young audience interested,” he said.

For the older folks, the more traditional waltz and tango forms of dance are usually a hit, but Elvis says he does not discriminate. “Our classes are open to everyone. Once you have two feet, you can come and dance; we don’t turn away anyone,” he said.

Latin Heat classes are usually held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 18:30hrs to 20:00hrs.

Dancers usually graduate each level after two months of attendance. When not partaking in his passion for dance, Elvis manages two businesses in beverage distribution, and is currently pursuing a degree in Optometry.

there was a revolt, or defend themselves in times of resistance without arousing the suspicion of the slave masters.

CAPOEIRA TODAY However, capoeira, as the world knows it today, was adapted in Brazil and formed part of the nation’s culture. The form suffered a major setback in the early 1930s to 1940s with rival gangs in Brazil using it in gang wars, which resulted in its being banned.

It was not until the 1950s, under petition of Master Bimba, the man behind Capoeira’s success in Brazil, that the form returned to the right side of the law.

THE GAME Capoeira players form a circle, at the centre of which two players engage each other. The other players around the circle sing, chant, clap and play percussion instruments. Capoeira circles are formed by a group of people of any gender, and comprise a master, counter-master and disciples.

The master is the bearer and guardian of the knowledge of the circle, and is expected to teach the repertoire and to maintain the group’s cohesion and its observance to a ritual code.

The master usually plays a single string percussion instrument, starts the chants, and leads the game’s timing and rhythm. All

participants are expected to know how to make and play the instrument, sing a shared repertoire of chants, improvise songs, know and respect the Codes of Ethics and Conduct, and perform the movements, steps and strikes.

The capoeira circle is a place where knowledge and skills are learned by observation and imitation. It also functions as an affirmation of mutual respect between communities, groups and individuals, and promotes social integration and the memory of resistance to historical oppression.

CAPOEIRA IN GUYANA In Guyana, capoeira has seen its steady rise due to the hard work of the sole Capoeira club here: Capoeira Mesticagem.

The Mesticagem group works in tandem with an association under the same name in Suriname, French Guyane and France.

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The club has changed membership from other clubs in Brazil more than once within the last few years, due to the lack of follow-through from these parent clubs.

There are four masters in Guyana: Aziza Yasharael, William Gabriel Thijs, Greame Greaves and Vandyke Loncke. These four have worked fastidiously to raise the standards of Capoeira in Guyana.

According to William, who, in addition to being a teacher, is the club’s see page 24

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Valentine’s Day...

Traditions old and new

By Jasmaine Payne

IN two weeks’ time, Petal will celebrate her 90th birthday. At this age, there is not much that tickles her fancy; she has seen it all and done it all, and she feels her life is complete.

In another two days, Valentine’s Day will most likely find her doing the same thing she does every day: Sitting at her window, knitting or otherwise reading a book.

Her husband has been dead 20 years now, so there’s not much to do in the area of romance.

Yet, Petal remembers when Valentine’s Day meant something. Back in those days, in her native Linden, times were significantly simpler. Valentine’s Day meant a chance for the men to go all out to impress their women by showering them with gifts to symbolise their love. “We would receive a single rose sometimes. Other times, if money was there, we could get a nice little bouquet,” Petal said.

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED In those days, Valentine’s Day was also highly anticipated, due to the extravagant village dances that would be held at neighbouring sports grounds or community centres. In that regard, it was also a time for the women to ‘dress to the nines.’

“If you didn’t have money, your fellow would buy the cloth and give you, so that you could get a dress sewn,” Petal said, because, apparently, showing up at the dance with the prettiest dress and a handsome man on your arm was the climax of the day’s proceedings.

For some women, their choice in men was not always favourable in the eyes of their parents, so lots of sneaking around would occur as well. Petal recalls having a boyfriend that her parents just couldn’t stand; and while sneaking around was a constant task, Valentine’s Day was extra difficult to pull off.

“They knew that he would want to take me out on that day, so they used to do everything in their power to keep me home. So, what I would do some years, I would have my female friend come to pick me up, then when we leave the house, we would walk down the hill, and he would be right there waiting for me,” Petal said.

She chuckled at the thought of her little shenanigans, and perhaps a little bit at the

irony of it all, because the same man from whom her parents tried to deprive her, was the very same man who became her husband for 46 years.

BITTER TEARS But, for some, Valentine’s Day also had a dark side too. “Valentine’s Day and Old Year’s Night were two nights when women knew the ‘real’ status of the relationship they were in,” said Linda.

As a child, she remembers seeing many a women shed bitter tears, waiting in vain for a Valentine’s date that never showed up. “Those were the days when men would ride bicycles. Some men in the higher

classes would have an old motorbike; if you were lucky. But imagine getting stood up by a man on a bicycle! How rude!” Linda recalled.

NEW-AGE REALITY Now, fast-forward to 2016, the age of dynamism and freedom of expression.

Much has changed in the area of Valentine’s Day. Though the theme of love still echoes faintly in the distance of things, commercialism has hijacked the February 14 occasion, and instead highlights the flashier, more exciting side of things.

Restaurants will all adjust their menus, offering paired lovers competitive dining packages; boutiques will change their colour scheme to mirror the red-and-white theme of love and romance; and Hallmark will make a fortune as card stores dedicate shelves and shelves to quirky, romantic and even dirty cards, all aimed at Cupid’s special holiday.

THEMED PARTIES The traditional “dance” has long been replaced by themed parties and bar events with ironic names like “Cupid’s Chokehold” and “Rescued Rabbit”. Meanwhile, simple gifts have made way for extravagant gestures like oversized fresh or even edible bouquets, and expensive jewellery. For the millennials, the expression of love now holds significance in worth and exorbitant gestures.

On the other hand, with the feminist and LGBT movements in full swing these days, the meaning of Valentine’s Day has also shifted. For the former, women have stepped out of the position of “waiting to be pampered” and “feeling left out if they are not”, to “valuing yourself, with or without the presence of a significant other”.

The prominence of both groups have also now diminished the socially construct-

ed ideals of the roles of men and women, taking much responsibility (and dare I say pressure) off of men as being “the givers”, and bringing forth a sense of equality in relationships for both partners to share in the gift-giving and expression of love.

NEW ‘TUDE’ With the new age, also, came a new attitude of cynicism: Large groups of people have begun to reject the notion of Valentine’s Day, as they believe that it is hilarious to place all this effort and pressure on lovers to “prove their love” on this one day.

As such, many of these persons have begun to plug their efforts into “Anti-Valentine’s Day” practices, such as wearing any colour but red, and going so far as to throw parties celebrating “singledom”.

Though such practices are mostly seen in Western cultures, anti-V-Day parties have been held on a smaller scale in Guyana in the past.

Regardless of the generation to which we belong, one thing is clear: The day still holds significant merit in the lives of lovers and non-lovers alike, since its rumoured beginnings in the 5th Century.

And though the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery (from the namesake Saints that were rumoured to have been martyred for love, to Pagan rituals, to the Roman God, Cupid), many people still place much effort into observing this day.

Either way, it is certainly amusing to get an insight into how things have transformed over the years.

Above all, however, no matter your relationship status this V-Day, it is most important to remember the theme of Love; be it love for your partner, your family or yourself. That way, regardless of its history, or transformation, love -- the most precious of things in life -- will forever be at the heart of it all.

Coming out of the ...

From page 23 secretary, the club is not just limited to Capoeira, but also teaches Brazilian Jujitsu and MMA techniques.

“Players get the opportunity to come and learn, and be a part of a brotherhood and family that we have.

“Not only do they learn to defend themselves, but it teaches them to release their anger and to control themselves,” William said, when asked about the benefits to be derived from Capoeira.

‘Mesticagem’ is working on hosting a Capoeira championship within the next five years, and is currently making plans to host an indoor championship here. Players from around the world who practice the art will be able to come to Guyana and witness what the locals have to offer, and also take part in spars against more seasoned countries.

Capoeiristas in motion

TRAINING

Currently, classes are held at the Brazilian Embassy, as well as at the YWCA on upper Brickdam from Monday to Thursday, and are not limited to adults, but are also open to children of both sexes.

Membership was formerly free of charge, but since taking a more serious approach to the game, it is no longer so.

As such, membership now comes in two packages, one of which is the Capoeira-only programme, which has a $1000 sign-up fee and a $2000-a-month charge.

The other programme is the Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ) method which has the same registration fee, but carries a monthly charge of $1000.

Capoeira in Guyana is growing and on a steady course to gaining more renown within the nation, and the masters have plans to gain a spot as a national sport. With the attention to detail, effort and passion for the sport the masters display there is no fathomable reason this should not happen.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Buzz ‘Valentine-weekend’ events THIS weekend being Valentine’s weekend, the Buzz has you covered. So, whether you’re single, or coupled up with ‘bae’, we have a few events for you to check out.

TONITE For those of you who are not fans of Valentine’s Day, or those who are celebrating the day alone, Club 704 on Albert and Lamaha is the place to be, where, depending on how you look at it, ‘Love can Bite’, or ‘Cupid can be plain Stupid’.

If you’re a lady, entry is free; but for you men, it’s $2000. The party kicks off at 20:00hrs sharp.

TOMORROW NITE THE ‘Gully Gad’ himself will be performing here in Guyana live tomorrow night, Valentine’s Eve, @ HJ Waterworld.

Gully Ras Entertainment will be there; and so will be other artistes. Tickets are $3000, and are available at HJ Waterworld.

TOMORROW night also is Pulse Entertainment’s annual ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’ party, except that this time around, it’s called the ‘Mardi Gras’ edition, coming just after Carnival and all that.

As such, there will be free ‘Mardi Gras’ giveaways at the door, such as beads and masks.

Speaking of doors, they open at 21:00hrs, and admission is $2000 before 22:00hrs.

VIP tickets are $4000 each, and finger foods are on the house.

Tickets can be had at Movietown DVD Club, Gizmos and Gadgets, Glamour, and, of course, the Pulse Office on South Road.

SUNDAY NITE ON Sunday night, being the ‘big night’ and all, ‘Pulse’ will be playing host to yet another Valentine’s Night event, but this time around with a formal twist.

Couples as well as singles can first have dinner at the 704 Sky Lounge, before repairing to Club 704 for the ‘after party’. Prices are $15000 per couple, and $8500 for singles.

For those interested in just the ‘after party’, it’s $2000.

Randy Lee Kirton...

Guyana’s very own ‘Weeknd’

By Daniel Haynes RANDY Lee Kirton is one of the few voices of ‘new-school’ RnB music in Guyana; and while everyone is clamouring to be either a rapper, or the next Adele, Randy is carving out his niche with his individualism as a singer and song-writer.

Born October 22, 1995, Randy’s story is not a tale of sunshine and roses. He is an ‘only-child’ who grew up in a single-parent home where it was just he and his mother for most of his life.

His mother being his sole role model played a part in raising a young man who was described by his peers as well as himself as a “goodietwo-shoes”.

He attributes this fact to his growing up with a strict but loving mother, and within a strong Christian background, since his mother is a pastor.

Throughout his childhood, he was a quiet person at times, always keeping to himself but yet he was curious, experimental and adventurous.

“You could always find me at some ‘trench corner’, fishing or playing with some animal or insect I found. I’m still like that to this day,” he said.

Randy wasn’t really into sports when younger; sports was something he grew into. He was more into reading, writing and ‘tech’ stuff, and was always taking his toys apart and putting them back together again.

RANDY KIRTON Randy started his school life at the Kingston Nursery; and that’s where he was first introduced to the arts as a part of the Children’s ‘Mash’ Poetry Competition.

He then moved on to Sacred Heart Primary, and subsequently Covent Garden Secondary, where his singing ability was discovered fully.

When heading into his teen years and everything

became confusing, music was where he found peace and his centre of gravity. “I could find myself listening to music for hours on end, from all genres, and just get filled with emotion. Then those emotions would lead me to write lyrics,” he said.

Having friends who always kept reminding him about his talent, he said, made him really believe that it was possible. It was his friends who helped him discover his “singer’s voice”, he said.

Third Form was what he called his “discovery”, since while humming to himself in class, two of his friends, Rachel and Neanda, overheard him. They subsequently made him sing, and from their reaction, he was finally convinced that he was on to something.

Even though Randy’s musical style is primarily PBR&B/Urban Pop, his influences span across different genres. Singers like SZA, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Tony Bennett, FKA Twigs, MNEK and Bruce Springsteen are the artists he listened to develop his sound.

Apart from music, he’s an “artsy” person, or at least so he’s been told. When not writing songs or short stories on either his phone, a piece of paper, or the computer, he can be found with his camera practising photography, or doing abstract graphic designs.

“I’m just excited about making my own music; I was fortunate and blessed to be introduced to DRWTHVN, now one of my best friends. We made, and will continue to make, great music together.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Springer, Hetmyer carry ...

From back page quarter-final against Nepal Under-19s. He forged an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mohammed Saifuddin, lifting the side from 113 for 5 to close to 200.

West Indies opening bowlers, Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder, started poorly after the hosts opted to bat. They conceded nine extras out of the total of 10 in the first two overs but later succeeded in removing the openers by the seventh over.

They continued their barrage of short deliveries with varying lines, while Bangladesh found the odd boundary.

Just when Bangladesh were looking to lift the run rate after the first Powerplay, they lost Nazmul Hossain Shanto, their best batsman in the tournament so far, for 11, and medium-pacers Ryan John and Springer then choked the flow of runs.

Joyraz Sheik, who was dropped off a tough chance on 6, led them on even as Zakir Hasan struggled to rotate the strike.

Sheik, however, dragged one onto his off stump and Zakir was bowled once Holder was brought back for his second spell.

Mehedi eased the flow of runs and pulled his team out of trouble once the spinners

Jyd Goolie, Pope and Frew came on, relying on plenty of back-foot strokes. Once the hosts looked comfortable, the spinners sent down more loose deliveries and the fielders started to misfield, too.

Saifuddin played a more patient role in the partnership with Mehedi and was content giving strike to the captain, who brought up his fifty off 63 balls.

Their comfort ended in the 45th over. Pacer Keemo

Paul, who had injured himself while fielding earlier, came on in the 46th over and struck off consecutive deliveries to remove both set batsmen and hurt Bangladesh’s chances of a total close to 240.

Springer was economical in the slog overs, too, and a couple of fours and a six from the tail pushed Bangladesh past 220. They were dismissed for 226 off the last ball of the innings.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH Under-19s Pinak Ghosh c Paul b Holder 0 Saif Hassan c Goolie b Joseph 10 Joyraz Sheik b Springer 35 Nazmul Hossain Shanto c Hetmyer b John 11 Zakir Hasan b Holder 24 Mehedi Hasan Miraz c Frew b Paul 60 Mohammad Saifuddin b Paul 36 Saeed Sarkar b Paul 3 Mosabbek Hossain b Springer 14 Mehedi Hasan Rana not out 10 Saleh Ahmed Shawon run-out 1 Extras: (lb-6, w-13, nb-3) 22 Total: (all out, 50 overs) 226 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-27, 3-58, 4-88, 5-113, 6-198, 7-198, 8-205, 9-217.

Bowling: Joseph 7-1-33-1 (nb-2, w-5), Holder 10-1-36-2 (nb-1, w-3), John 8-0-29-1, Springer 10-0-36-2 (w-4), Goolie 2-0-13-0, Pope 6-0-350, Frew 4-0-18-0, Paul 3-0-20-3.

WEST INDIES Under-19s innings G. Pope b Mehedi Hasan Miraz 38 T. Imlach lbw b Mehedi Hasan Miraz 14 S. Hetmyer c Saif Hassan b Mohammad Saifuddin 60 K. Carty b Saleh Ahmed Shawon 22 S. Springer not out 62 J. Goolie lbw b Saleh Ahmed Shawon 9 K. Paul b Saleh Ahmed Shawon 4 M. Frew c Zakir Hasan b Mohammad Saifuddin 12 R. John not out 2 Extras: (w-6, nb-1) 7 Total: (7 wickets; 48.4 overs) 230 Fall of wickets 1-44 , 2-56 , 3-118, 4-147, 5-177, 6-181, 7-217, Bowling: Miraz 10-0-57-2, Rana 6-1-28-0 (w-5), Saifuddin 9.4-0-46-2 (nb-1),Shawon 10-2-31-0, Sarkar 2-0-21-0, Shanto 1-0-10-0.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Kempton 09:05 hrs Flashman 09:35 hrs Label Des Obeaux 10:05 hrs Exmoor Mist 10:40 hrs Al;bert D’Olivate 11:15 hrs Jossies Hill 11:50 hrs Silvergrove 12:25 hrs Peppay Le Pugh 12:55 hrs Golden Birthday WETHERBY 09:20 hrs Ikrapol 09:50 hrs Cotillion 11:35 hrs Lake View Lad 12:10 hrs King Of The Wolds 12:40 hrs Navaman WOLVERHAMPTON 13:15 hrs Fine ‘N Dandy 13:45 hrs Secret Millionaire 14:15 hrs Fortinbrass 14:45 hrs Sandacres 15:15 hrs Mr Boss Man 15:45 hrs Dougan 16:15 hrs Little Indian SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

Greyville 12:20 hrs Lord Luton 12:55 hrs Golden Mirabilis 13:25 hrs Mater Famillas 13:55 hrs Antwerp 14:25 hrs Peace Again 14:55 hrs Fashion Talk 15:25 hrs Royal Tree 15:55 hrs Roy’s Princess IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 13:40 hrs Shukhov 14:00 hrs Rocking The Blue 14:30 hrs Enzani 15:00 hrs Love In The Sun 15:30 hrs Tribal Path 16:30 hrs Hasselnott 17:00 hrs Hat Alnasar AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Picture Day Race 2 Resolve Race 3 Blind Devotion Race 4 Saluda Race 5 Reverend Green Race 6 Golden Gem Race 7 Surfspun Race 8 Geaux Mets

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

‘Proud’ McCullum set for another milestone with 100th Test

By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON. New Zealand (Reuters) - As the clock ticks down on Brendon McCullum’s international career, the New Zealand captain will achieve one more milestone today in the first Test against Australia at the Basin Reserve.

The 34-year-old will become the third New Zealander to play 100 Test matches for his country, behind Daniel Vettori (112), who played one for a World XI in 2005, and Stephen Fleming (111).

McCullum, who is to retire from all international cricket after the second Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch that starts on February 20, has played all 100 of his Tests in succession since debut, which is a world record.

South Africa’s AB de Villiers played 98 successive Tests from debut, a run

that ended last January. Allan Border played 153 successive Tests for Australia, though not all from his debut.

“To be able to play 100 straight Tests ... I’m pretty proud of that,” McCullum told reporters at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

“Not only the longevity but being able to overcome injuries and the toughness of touring and the ups and downs with performances and still being able to pick yourself back up ... and warrant a place in the team is something you can look back on with a bit of pride.”

Initially a swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman when he made his debut against South Africa in Hamilton on March 10, 2004, McCullum gave the gloves away in the longest form of the game in 2010 as he fought a painful, chronic back condition.

He floated up to the top of the order

ICC confirms USA to host six CPL matches THE Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is heading to the United States later this year in a bid to drum up new support in cricket.

The ICC has taken a further step to boost the popularity of cricket in the United States by approving the staging of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches in America later this year.

The governing body has sanctioned six CPL fixtures to take place in July, with dates and venues yet to be confirmed.

CPL chief executive officer Damien O’Donohoe welcomed the announcement as a “landmark day” for the Twenty20 competition and believes the matches will attract new fans stateside. “(This) is a landmark day for the CPL and a massive boost for cricket followers across the USA ahead of the CPL player draft in Barbados on Thursday (yesterday),” he said in a statement on the CPL’s official website.

“This project has been in discussion for many months and we are grateful to the ICC for supporting this move which enables us to step up our planning and open up opportunities for the cricket-hungry American public.

“The CPL has already had a positive impact in the Caribbean and we are excited about bringing top quality cricket to the USA. “We are committed to developing the next generation of cricketers and we believe that by exposing the best talent from across the Caribbean and the Americas region in the CPL, we can inspire a new generation of cricketers in the USA.” The ICC’s Head of Global Development, Tim Anderson, added: “In partnership with the U.S. cricket community the ICC has recently established a strategic framework for the future development of cricket in the USA. “The staging of high-level international cricket is a key part of this strategy; therefore we see the approval of several CPL matches in the USA as a positive step forward for all cricket followers in the US.” The ICC has been keen to develop interest in cricket in the USA and last year Australia great Shane Warne and India legend Sachin Tendulkar captained teams in three T20 exhibition fixtures in the Cricket All-Stars Series held in New York, Houston and Los Angeles.

after that, scoring his first double century against India in November 2010 at Hyderabad, but once he assumed the captaincy he settled into the middle order, where he has played 19 of his last 22 Tests.

Batting at number five, McCullum scored New Zealand’s first Test triple century, against India at the Basin Reserve two years ago, but it is the development of the side since that match is what McCullum said he would remember the most.

“The last 15-20 Tests have been an incredible part of (my) life,” he said. “The changes we have been able to make and the evolution in the environment and the performances we have been starting to put up.

“For me it’s about dirty whites, sweaty black caps, a beer in hand and you’re able to look back on hard work achieved ... with a sense of pride.”

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum walks off the ground after being dismissed for four runs during the first day of the third cricket Test match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, in South Australia, November 27, 2015.

(Reuters/David Gray)

Umroa, Hussain and Lovell highlight latest round … Mahaica beat Mahaicony of matches in Combine Elite League NATIONAL Under-15 spinner Kevin Umroa, six-wicket haul which included a hattrick led Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary to a win over Skeldon Line Path Sec-

KEVIN UMROA ondary despite a five-wicket haul by Afseer Hussain.

And a well-compiled half-century from Kurt Lovell saw Chase Academy to victory over Annandale Secondary as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH

Ltd’s Coco Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel, continued.

In the Corentyne Zone, Corentyne Comprehensive booked their place in the final by defeating Skeldon Line Path by 45 runs.

Batting first, Corentyne Comprehensive were bowled out for 94 in 18.4 overs with Jermaine Pollard scoring 29.

Afseer Hussain was the pick of the bowlers claiming 5-21 while Myron Kurt and Mahendra Chitnarine had 2-8 and 2-23 respectively.

Chasing 95 for victory in 30 overs the Skeldon Line Path students were bowled out for 49 in 14.2 overs. The damage was inflicted by Umroa with figures of 6-21 and Surendra Budhoo 2-7.

At Everest, in the quarter-final played between Chase Academy and Annandale Secondary. Chase Academy took first strike and amassed 215-7 in their 30 overs. Kurt Lovell’s 54 which included six fours and one six led the way for Chase Academy.

He was well supported by Joshua Persaud who

made 44, Lester Cupidore scored 29 and Ashmead Nedd smashed a quick-fire 25. Bowling for Annandale, Trevet Shivpersaud took 3-32 while Chanderpaul Ramraj had 2-22.

In reply, Annandale, who hardly threatened Chase Academy’s total, were eventually dismissed for 123 in 26.5 overs.

Four bowlers had two wickets each bowling for Chase Academy; Nedd 2-13, Sese Norville 2-14, Dwayne Dick 2-21 and Orunde Chase 2-22. Chase Academy have now booked a place in the National semi-final against the Berbice District winners, who are still to be determined.

Meanwhile, Mahaica overcame Mahaicony by six wickets in a Combine Elite match at Fairfield. Batting first, Mahaicony made 109-5 off 25 overs. The top scorer for Mahaicony was Wendell Fordyce, who made 49. Bowling for Mahaica, Shaquille Weekes took -/17.

Mahaica in reply got to 114-4 in 18 overs with Phillip Doodnat making 43 not out.

The NSSCL will continue today. Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary will battle Lower Corentyne at Port Mourant in the Corentyne Zone.

In the Combine Elite

KURT LOVELL League, West Coast Demerara face West Bank Demerara at Wales, Upper Demerara play Highway at Bayroc and North Georgetown battle East Georgetown at Everest. All Combine Elite matches are 50 overs per innings.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Sunderland sack Johnson after CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 12, 2016) child sex charge admission LONDON, (Reuters)-England international Adam Johnson has been sacked by Premier League Sunderland after he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, the club said yesterday.

“In light of Adam Johnson’s guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect,” Sunderland said in a statement. “The club will make no further comment.”

ADAM JOHNSON

Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, but denied two other charges, when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old winger, who has played 12 times for England, also admitted one count of grooming a girl under the age of 16, a court official said.

Sportswear firm Adidas said in a statement yesterday that it had cancelled its boot contract

with the midfielder.

Johnson, who began his career at Middlesbrough and also played for Manchester City, joined Sunderland for 10 million pounds ($14.46 million) in 2012 on a four-year contract.

He has been a regular for the north-east side this season and scored in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last week.

When asked about the winger’s future at a news conference earlier on Thursday, manager Sam Allardyce said: “He’ll not be available for this weekend. We will see how it goes after that.”

Johnson’s case is expected to last two weeks.

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Geoffery Greenidge & Clyde Butts (2) WI vs AUST, Lord’s, 1975

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many runs Seymour Nurse made in his final Test innings?

(2) How many runs Brian Lara made in ODI cricket?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

NOTABLE DATES WAYNE `Big Truck’ Braithwaite proved that he could stand up against all odds when he retained the World Boxing Council International cruiserweight title and took away Dale Brown’s North American Boxing Federation (NABF) cruiserweight crown on February 12, 2000.

A hard-hitting southpaw from Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara, Braithwaite, due to visa problems, arrived in the USA at 04:30hrs for the fight which was held at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.

The `Big Truck’ arrived in the

Two upsets recorded on second night of Bounty Farm squash tournament TWO upsets were recorded on the second night of the Guyana Squash Association’s (GSA) Bounty Farm/Digicel-sponsored Annual Squash Tournament, currently underway at the Georgetown Club’s squash courts.

Playing on Wednesday evening, the first major upset of the night occurred when Jonathan Hohenkirk (+7) defeated national player Nicholas Narain (-16) 12-15, 1511, 15-12 and this was followed by another upset when Ryan Rahaman (+7) defeated former junior national player Stephan Xavier (-4) 15-10, 15-13.

According to a GSA release, in the Open category Jason Ray Khalil (-25) started the defence of his title against a vastly improved Daniel Islam (+7) with a comfortable victory 15-11, 15-14 while Nyron Joseph (-20) had to work extremely hard before securing victory against Stephan Jeffrey (+6) 4-15, 15-12, 15-6. Regan Pollard (-14) cruised to victory against Anthony Islam (+8) 15 - 10, 15 - 11 and Raphael De Groot (-12) held his nerve while winning in two close games against Alex Cheeks (+7)15-14, 15-13.

In category A, Gianni Carpenter (-6) easily disposed of Wade Beckles (+12) 15-12, 15-13 while Lucas Jonas (-1) had to overcome a valiant effort by Michael Alphonso (0) before winning 13-15, 17-14, 15-10. Ethan Jonas (-3) dropped a game before defeating Louis Da Silva (+12) 15-13, 14-15, 15-13 and Demetrius De Abreu (0) dominated Teija Edwards (+12) winning 15-12, 15-13.

Results of the other matches played on Wednesday evening were as follows: Open category Ashley De Groot (+3) beat Jonathan Antczak (+9) 15-11, 11-15, 15-12.

Henry Jeffrey +10) defeated Connor Allen (+12) 15-11, 15-12.

Dennis Dias (+10) beat Johan Da Silva (+10) 15-13, 14-15, 15-9.

Alec Melville (-2) defeated Jan Verwey (+10) 5-15, 17-15, 15-13.

Brian Yong (+8) beat John Maikoo (+7) 15-7, 15-9.

Theron Mohabeer (+7) beat Robert Hiscock (+10) 15-10, 15-12.

Taylor Fernandes (+5) defeated Medhi Ramdhani (+7) 15-12, 15-6.

Satesh Singh (+7) beat Adam Alves (+8) 15-14, 15-11.

Category A Dominic Collins (0) beat Chad De Abreu (+11) 15-11, 15-12.

Mikhail Persaud (+11) beat Kamir Khan (+9) 15-14, 15-8.

Damian Braam (+11) defeated Noah Rahaman (+13) 15-12, 15-7 Matches continue in both of the categories this evening starting at 18:00hrs.

USA without mouthpiece, cup, trunks or trainer and was forced to take Bobby Cassidy, who was looking for a ticket to the fight, to work his corner. The result was several rounds of punishment for the Canadian Brown, which compelled referee Vic Drakulich to call a halt at one minute and 44 seconds of the eighth round.

The win was the 11th straight for Braithwaite who also earned his eighth stoppage. Two years later the undefeated Guyanese became the second from his country to win a world title following a 10th round TKO of Vincenzo Cantatore.

WAYNE BRAITHWAITE

Emergency Basketball referees meeting planned … Several teams cry foul over officiating THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) will hold emergency meetings with referees following allegations by several teams of poor officiating during the Georgetown Basketball Association’s recent league championship.

According to Director of Operations of GABA, Michael Singh, reports and complaints have been registered as to the quality of the officiating at games.

“All of the teams are crying foul, they are looking at the referees as an entity that has no regulation; there will be an emergency meeting where we will meet referees,” according to the Singh.

“We can’t have referees deciding games. A lot of teams in the GABA league were hurt based on the fact that officials made some terrible calls,” he continued.

He noted that with the, National Club Championships: The Road to Mecca III, coming up later this month, the black and white clad officials need to get their calls correctly, adding, that “the officiating sets the tone for quality basketball.”

Singh said that the poor ‘game -calling’ lately has been due partially to lack of fitness on the part of the referees, continuing, “high on the agenda , we are going to be focusing on the referees; if we have to incorporate out-of-country referees, we will be doing that.”

“I know the federation over a period of time, we have been assisting in relation to referees but if we don’t look at them as a single independent arm and inject and assist, the game is going to break down further,” the GABA director noted.

He noted that they will be relying heavily on Mr Sherwin Henry, the only FIBA (International Basketball Federation)-accredited referee to assist in this regard.

Singh noted that for the federation to raise the bar on the game itself the quality of officiating needs to be of the highest standard, commending the referees for a doing a professional job because it was the right call.

The National Club Championships, The Road to Mecca III, is set to begin on March 4 and conclude on March 19 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

Lady Jags go down Cyclists to converge on West to Canada 5-0 Demerara Sunday for R&R 40-miler

By Rawle Toney in Houston Texas

GUYANA started their Group ‘B’ campaign in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier Tournament at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston Texas on a losing note, going down 5 – 0 to Canada last evening.

Playing in the night’s second game, Ashley Lawrence had a hat-trick of goals for Canada, while Deanne Rose scored the other two.

Guyana came out playing very tight defensively, but, from a cross, Canada’s Christine Sinclair header missed the goal by inches.

Canada was by far more aggressive but Guyana, collectively held up very well defensively.

Guyana’s Chante Sandiford pulled off a nice save to deny Desiree Scott’s shot from about 25 yards from goal, just when the Canadians were getting warm.

Rose’s first goal came in the 29th minute when she scored from a header inside the six yards area, climbing high above the Lady Jags defender to net from a Sophie Schmidt cross.

Lawrence quickly made it 2 – 0 and then ten minutes later, Rose broke down the left wing and rushed onto a Schmidt through-ball and nicely placed her effort passed an outstretched Sandiford in goal to make it 3 – 0 Canada.

While Coach Mark Rodrigues ladies held firm defensively, the Canadians with their superior speed and distinct height advantage, controlled the game at both ends of the pitch.

When the second half resumed, Canada scored back-to-back goals, all coming off the cleats of Lawrence.

According to the match statistics the Canadians made 28 attempts on goal, 15 of which were on target. However, for Guyana, it was a completely different story as the Lady Jags failed to get off a shot or even trouble their North American counterparts’ defence.Guyana will next play Trinidad and Tobago on February 14, and then Guatemala two days later.

Earlier in the evening, Kennya Cordner and Tasha St Louis scored a goal each to help the Twin Island Republic overcome Guatemala 2 - 1.

GUAYANA STARTING XI: Chante Sandiford (GK), Alison Heydorn, Briana De Souza, Kayla De Souza, Justine Rodrigues, Ashlee Savona, Ashley Rodrigues (Captain), Otesha Charles, Kailey Leila, Mariam El-Masri and Oliva Gonsalves.

CANADA STARTING XI: Erin McLeod (GK), Allysha Chapman, Kadeisha Buchman, Shelina Zadorsky, Deanne Rose, Diana Matheson, Jossé Belanger, Ashley Lawrence, Desiree Scott, Christine Sinclair (Captain) and Sophie Schmidt.

Scorpions 54-4 in reply to Hurricanes’ 155 KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Scorpions were 54-4 at the end of the first day’s play yesterday in response to Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ 155 in the Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound Antigua.

Batting first, the Hurricanes were blown away for a modest total after being 89-1 at one stage. Daron Cruickshank made 51, while opener Montcin Hodge contributed 41. For the Scorpions, leg-spinner Damion Jacobs grabbed 5-51, while left-arm finger spinner Nikita Miller had 4-63.

Jamaica struggled to 54-4 at their turn to bat.

Jermaine Blackwood has top-scored so far with 26.

In-form batsman Andre McCarthy is not out on 19 and Devon Thomas is yet to get off the mark.

THE cream of Guyana’s cyclists will converge on the West Demerara area on Sunday to do battle in the 25th Annual R&R International Limited-sponsored 40-mile cycle road race which begins at 08:00hrs from the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The event, which has been organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed over the past 24 years, will see senior, junior, veterans and female cyclists battle for honours. The first six overall finishers as well as the top three, juniors, top three veterans and the top three females will receive trophies and cash prizes for their efforts.

During the course of the event, eight sprint prizes will be on offer.

After wheeling off from the Demerara Harbour Bridge area, the cyclists will proceed to Bushy Park, East

Bank Essequibo, before returning to

MARLON WILLIAMS the place of origin.

The defending open champion is Team Gillette Evolution’s Marlon `Fishy’ Williams who won last year’s event in one hour 38 minutes 59 seconds.

Jamal John will be out to defend the junior title, while Junior Niles, Keon Thomas and Markia Dick are the defending champions of the veterans Under-50 years of age, Mountain Bike and Ladies categories respectively.

Event organiser Mohamed said Managing Director of R&R International Limited, Jacob Rambarran, is a former racing cyclist who has always been very enthusiastic about the uplift of Guyana’s cyclists and the country’s sportsmen and women.

Jacob Rambarran’s son, Jacob Jr, is expected to be present to assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

‘The Hammer’ confident of crushing Conquerors - Dover DESPITE having two of their main players sidelined by injuries, Alpha United are confident of defeating Fruta Conquerors when the STAG Beer finale kicks off at the GDF ground this evening.

The country’s leading club would be without tested midfielder Dwayne Jacobs and defender Chris Camacho both of whom are nursing injuries.

However, Alpha coach Wa y n e ` Wi g g y ’ D o v e r believes that a victory is within grasp once his side remain focused. “We have a firm, well-trained and confident team going into the match against Conquerors. I see a confident group of players who want to do well,” Dover said.

According to Dover, the question mark that lingered

over the head of dependable midfielder Dwight Peters has been lifted. Peters had

Alpha United coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover sustained an injury to his left ankle which has healed. “I am glad to say that Peters has been cleared to play which

adds to the overall confidence in the team.”

In addition, talented striker Anthony `Awo’ Abrams is set to play his first game for the club in two years.

Abrams sought a transfer to Slingerz but recently returned to Alpha. “`Awo’ adds to the roundness of the team and I cannot see why we shouldn’t come out with a victory,” Dover declared.

Marksman Delon Lanferman will lead Alpha’s strike force. Lanferman was the joint top scorer in the first round of the competition with a tally of 10 goals. Philbert Moffatt, Anthony Benfield and Peters are down to control the midfield.

Just two days ago Alpha president Odinga Lumumba read the Riot Act to club members and threatened to pull the plug on supporting the entity if there were

no visible signs of overall improvement in the near future.

The outspoken Lumumba lashed out at the lackadaisical attitude shown by players and warned that the writing may be on the wall for quite a few players.

Alpha, arguably one of the English-speaking Caribbean’s best teams, have been winning competitions over the years but in recent times have been forced to scrape home.

Lumumba, who became president of the Alpha over a decade ago and has guided the club from being the whipping boys of Guyana to one of the Caribbean finest, underlined absenteeism at practice, and players’ general conduct during matches as the genesis of the club’s poor showings.

GCB congratulates WI U19 Team on reaching World Cup 2016 Final THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) extends congratulations to West Indies Under-19 Team on reaching the ICC U-19 World Cup 2016 Final, by virtue of defeating Bangladesh today. An enthralling final is expected when the flamboyant Caribbean boys meet India on Sunday.

“The GCB is delighted with the performances of the Guyanese boys, Shimron Hetmyer, Tevin Imlach and Keemo Paul, who have all contributed significantly in the team’s success. The Board gives credit to its Professional Cricket Development Structure, which encompasses collaborated training between established senior contracted players and emerging national players under the academy programme.

This collaborated component of cricket development has advanced valuable support to all players involved,

providing a great blend of youth and experience, and promoting the treasured purpose of technical soundness - physical fitness, nutrition, healthy lifestyle and mental toughness.

The GCB is of the view that these youths’ maturity, grit and determination are semblances of the product of future great cricketers, who have been nurtured under a purposeful and meaningful professional cricket development structure.

We encourage the West Indies U19 team to continue to demonstrate attributes of professionalism, to be goal-oriented and tolerant by exhibiting an unwavering commitment towards attaining set individual and group goals. With such talented youth players, we are confident that they will lift the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016.”

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 12, 2016

AB de Villiers to play for Tridents in CPL 2016 AB de Villiers has signed up to play for Barbados Tridents in the 2016 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in July despite an assertion that he will look to reduce his workload after the World T20.

Faf du Plessis (St Kitts and Nevis Patriots), Martin Guptill (Guyana Amazon Warriors), Brendon McCullum (Trinbago Knight Riders), Kumar Sangakkara (Jamaica Tallawahs) and Shane Watson (Zouks) were the other five ‘marquee’ players to be drafted yesterday.

In a statement from the franchise, de Villiers confirmed he will not miss any South Africa matches even if there is a clash and that he had turned down offers to play in the Big Bash League for exactly that reason.

“I’ve had a careful look at my schedule and am looking forward to the next few months. For players in my position, it is important to find a balance between playing international cricket and participating in the various T20 leagues around the world,” de Villiers said.

“I remain absolutely committed to international cricket but, this year, it just so happens I can play in the CPL as well; in contrast, for example, I have declined offers to play in the Big Bash League in

AB de Villiers said he committed to playing CPL because the tournament does not appear to clash with South Africa’s international calendar.

Australia because it clashed with our home series against Sri Lanka.”

During the ongoing series against England, in which de Villiers was made Test captain, he dominated headlines with talk of managing the amount of cricket he played. de Villiers stressed the importance of international cricket while also explaining the financial value of playing in T20 leagues around the world.

The declining South African Rand has made it even more lucrative for players from the country to earn in foreign currency.

South Africa have sparse winter fixtures this year, which include a tri-series in the West Indies that also features Australia. This will not clash with the CPL and the two home Tests against New Zealand in August.

Marquee players Barbados Tridents - AB de Villiers, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots - Faf du Plessis Guyana Amazon Warriors - Martin Guptill, Trinbago Knight Riders - Brendon McCullum, Jamaica Tallawahs - Kumar Sangakkara, Zouks - Shane Watson.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament

Guyana Jaguars seek to stretch lead against T&T Red Force

By Rajiv Bisnauth FRONTRUNNERS Guyana Jaguars will aim to stretch their lead when they play the visiting Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in round six of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional Four-Day Competition from today at the Guyana National Stadium.

The Jaguars are leading the points table after an impeccable record in the first five matches, winning all by comprehensive margins.

They currently sit on 85 points, 22 more than second-place Barbados Pride.

Jamaica Scorpions are third on 53 points, followed

by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (37), Windward Islands Volcanoes (29) and Leeward Islands Hurricanes (13).

Playing their first three matches at home, the Guyana Jaguars defeated Windward Islands Volcanoes by 104 runs, Leeward Islands Hurricanes by an innings and 35 runs, and Barbados Pride by nine wickets.

In the two away matches to close off the first half of the tournament, the Jaguars whipped Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by an innings and 49 runs, and Jamaica Scorpions by 117 runs.

However, the contest will still generate a lot of interest in both countries. The

Red Force will be no easy opponents, but historically speaking, the Jaguars will definitely start as favourites.

Head coach Esaun Crandon highlighted the importance of home advantage, adding that the team will have to come out and

them to remain at the top of the points table.”

The Jaguars have definitively clicked as a unit so far this season, with newcomer left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie being the standout performer, finishing the first half as the leading wicket-taker

Test players, and will see opener Rajendra Chandrika and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo make a return to the national set-up after duties with the West Indies senior

DEVENDRA BISHOO

RAJENDRA CHANDRIKA

ROBIN BACCHUS

play good cricket in order to be victorious.

“It is important that we press home any advantage we have. We know that T&T is a very fierce opponent over the years, but we have our game plan in place and all we need to do is to remain focused and execute well,” Crandon said.

“Once we continue doing the things we have been doing and doing so well, then I know we can come out victorious over T&T in the upcoming match, taking maximum points from

with 34 wickets from five games.

Left-hander Vis haul Singh, with 421 runs at an average of 60.14 with two hundreds, is the Guyana Jaguars’ leading run-scorer and the competition’s second highest run-getter behind Roston Chase (436) of Barbados Pride.

Further, left-hander Robin Bacchus is the only uncapped player named in the 13-man squad announced by the local board on Wednesday evening.

The squad includes five

… Bacchus lone new face in 13-man squad team during the Australia tour recently.

Meanwhile, Jon Russ Jaggesar has been given a shot in the four-day set team as one of three specialist spinners selected on the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

Jaggesar, who made his national debut in the Super50 and grabbed 14 wickets in six matches as the Red Force won the tournament, joins left-arm orthodox spinner Akeal Hosein and leg-spinner Imran Khan in the 13-member Red Force team.

The squad, captained

by Jason Mohammed, saw the return of former captain Rayad Emrit after missing the last two games due to competing in the Bangladesh Premier League.

The game is set for a 09:30hrs start, with admission to the venue absolutely free.

Guyana Jaguars squad: Rajendra Chandrika, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson (captain), Vishaul Singh (v-captain), Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Robin Bacchus, Esaun Crandon (head coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach/manager).

Red Force squad: Evin Lewis, Jeremy Solozano, Kyle Hope, Narsingh Deonarine, Jason Mohammed (captain), Yannick Ottley (v-captain), Steven Katwaroo, Rayad Emrit, Imran Khan, Marlon Richards, Akeal Hosein, Jon Russ Jagessar and Yannic Cariah.

WICB President congratulates Under 19 Team KINGSTON, Jamaica – President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron has congratulated the Under 19 team following the emphatic three wicket win over Bangladesh in the semi-final, which ended yesterday.

“On behalf of the WICB I would like to offer the team best wishes as they look forward to the final on Sunday against India,” says the President. “The team in spite of challenges in the earlier rounds remained focused and that has been evident in the way the team has conducted themselves,” added the President.

“This is indeed a time for us to celebrate and cheer on the young men as they try to create history,” urged the President.

In acknowledging the progress made by the team the President noted the key roles played by each player and the management team and wishes them “the best of luck in the final game. The Caribbean is fully behind the team.”

The last time the Under 19 team reached this far in a World Cup was back in 2004 where they played against Pakistan. Pakistan won by 25 runs.

AB de Villiers to play for Tridents in CPL 2016 See story on page 35

ICC Under-19 World Cup

Springer, Hetmyer carry West Indies Under-19s into final

WEST Indies Under-19s ended up stunning over 10 000 fans at the Shere Bangla Stadium yesterday by chasing down 227, with three wickets in hand, in an anxious fashion against Bangladesh Under-19s in the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup. West Indies were cruising at 147 for 3 and seemed to be buckling under pressure after captain Shimron Hetmyer fell for 60. They lost two more wickets for 34 runs but were salvaged by Shamar Springer’s unbeaten 62 after his incisive spell of 10-0-36-2. West Indies will make their second appearance in an Under-19 World Cup final when they take on India Under-19s in Mirpur on Sunday.

The West Indies’ chase started in the usual aggressive mode when Gidron Pope clobbered 14 runs in the first over. He continued to attack and was dropped on 23 in the fourth over before he took his team to an intimidating 56 for 2 in

Caribbean delight! Captain Shimron Hetmyer, Shamar Springer along with Keemo Paul played crucial roles as West Indies sail through to the final of Under-19 World Cup, thrashing Bangladesh by three wickets.

Also in photo is not-out batsman Ryan John. (ICC photo) seven overs. threatened to tilt the game knock in the company of fashion.

After Pope fell for 38, Keacy Carty. The required They had no difficulty the other way.

Hetmyer led the charge just run rate was just under four playing the spinners and Springer was joined by like his counterpart Mehedi when they got together and Hetmyer brought up his Jyd Goolie and with no Hasan Miraz had done earlier they carried out their part- second straight fifty but his scoreboard pressure to face, in the day, with a measured nership of 62 in composed dismissal in the 28th over they took the score past

Hinds calls on Sammy to justify claims WAVELL Hinds, the president and CEO of the West Indies Players’ Association, has called for West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy to substantiate claims that the players association compromised itself and that it could not and does not act in the best interest of all West Indies players.

Sammy made those claims in a letter to WICB CEO Michael Muirhead as he sought to get increased wages for the squad of players selected to represent the West Indies at next month’s ICC T20 World Cup in India.

Sammy is seeking a doubling of the US$6900 match fee the players have

been offered plus all of the US$1.6M purse, should they win the World Cup and not the 80 per cent the WICB had put on the table.

In a letter to Muirhead, Sammy wrote: “As a group we don’t accept that WIPA can represent us. WIPA became conflicted during its negotiations with you and compromised itself. It could not and did not actively represent the best interests of all West Indies cricketers…”

However, Hinds in responding to Sammy’s claims said he would like Sammy to justify his statements.

“It would be interesting to see him substantiate that claim with empirical evi-

LadyJags go down to Canada 5-0

175 until left-arm spinner Saleh Ahmed Shawon struck twice in four balls and West Indies were still 46 adrift with four wickets in hand.

Springer was still there, and he and Michael Frew ran well to steal ones and twos in a patient stand of 36 in 8.2 overs. Bangladesh struck again when Mohammad Saifuddin removed Frew for 12 but Springer’s presence saw them through as he hit the winning runs with eight balls to spare.

Bangladesh showed signs of nervousness too.

They dropped Springer when he was on 15, fumbled when they shouldn’t have and conceded overthrows when the match was in the balance, possibly feeling the pressure of playing in front of a massive crowd that had gathered in Mirpur.

Earlier, Mehedi had to rescue his team again from a precarious position, just like he had done in the See page 31

See story on page 34

DARREN SAMMY dence,” Hinds said.

He said the players were aware of the changes made to the payment structure from May 2015 at a retreat that was held in Barbados so he is surprised that they are only now objecting to it nine months later. (Sportsmax.com)

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Deanne Rose, who scored twice in her team’s win over Guyana, being defended by Kayla De Souza.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015