Chronicle 02 14 2016

NO JUNKYARD No. 104462

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Price: $140

(VAT INCLUSIVE)

- Granger says ban on inefficient, ‘smokey’ vehicles good for Guyana

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New Hindu Sabhaa launched

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The Viraat Sabhaa, which has the backing of the country’s most respected Hindu leaders, was officially launched on Saturday evening. In photo, Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, joins Pandit Haresh Tiwari (left); Swaami Kaivalyananda Saraswati; and President of the Sabhaa, Pandit Rabindranath Persaud, to light the ceremonial lamp to begin the proceedings (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

No voting for Police mayor in Local promotions Gov’t polls Page

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- Five new assistant Page 24 commissioners named

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- Chief Elections Officer

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Mabaruma’s Independence Road to be upgraded Page

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- Independence Arch also being set up

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

New Hindu Sabhaa launched - With mandate to support social cohesion

By Ravin Singh THE Guyana Viraat Sabhaa, the organisation which rose to prominence at the time of the controversy surrounding last year’s Diwali date, was officially launched on Saturday evening with a promise to promote and foster social cohesion.

The launching ceremony was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre and was attended by a few hundred persons. The ceremony commenced with chants by the students of the Valmiki Vidyalaya Primary School, and this was followed by a skilfully-executed Kathak dance by well-known dancer Kiran Mattai.

In 2008, the Sabhaa established itself with the first national Pitri Pasksh programme at the Lusignan Tarmac, but the organization became well known last October when it differed with the longstanding Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and defended the date declared for Diwali by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

The Viraat Sabhaa is comprised of some of the country’s most powerful Hindu religious leaders, most of whom were once part of the Dharmic Sabha, but broke away from the organization over differences with the activities it was pursuing, such as commercial activities with no Hindu religious significance.

The Viraat Sabhaa also enjoys the support of the Guyana Pandits Council.

President of the organization, Rabindranauth Persaud, said the organization felt committed to provide a link between those whom had selflessly sacrificed their lives for a better Guyana and those who are prepared to pool their energies and other resources to secure a worthy environment for all.

“The Viraat Sabhaa is convinced that man, being gregarious, cannot exist without a philosophy. As such, spiritual education is placed at the pinnacle of the Sabhaa’s objectives.

“The Sabhaa is convinced that spirituality and divinity (are) the only way to unlock the gateway to civility and (create) a more cultured society. Godlessness nurtures negative

Executive members of the Viraat Sabhaa in light conversation just prior to the start of the launching ceremony propensities and vices which are adverse to human civilization,” he said.

Further, he revealed that the Viraat Sabhaa, with its national network, has already created an impact on the Hindu population by stretching its programmes to various regions within Guyana.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, in delivering her remarks, underscored the role of the organization in extending its services to people in a non-discriminatory way.

She sought to publicly recognize the rapidly growing network of the Sabhaa, which has initiative in various aspects of human and social development.

Suggesting that the organisation’s motto - The Universe is One Family – reinforces interpretation of Guyana’s motto, she explained that this demonstrates the deep concern to create a well-knit society in which all could co-exist.

And this supports the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote social cohesion, the Minister said, adding that this organization is setting the stage for the smooth implementation of the Government’s social cohesion programme.

She noted that, without reservation, Government is pleased to be associated with the Sabhaa. “We are concerned about people. We want every Guyanese to experience the good life, and so you [Sabhaa] have extended the right hand of friendship to Government for collaboration and partnership. And we,

likewise, extend our hand to you for partnership, since there is commonality,” Minister Ally stated.

She further related that the oganisation has recognized that there is a critical role for religion in human and social development, and Government as well recognizes the critical role of religion in nation building. As such, she offered that more diverse religious groups are encouraged to have with her discussions related to fostering national unity.

“Through this Government, political will is guaranteed for social cohesion, but we cannot do it alone. It is when groups like yours approach us (that) we are encouraged and recognize that here is another group that has caught vision for the need to collaborate,” the Minister said.

But while there is need to collaborate, she noted that the religious community has a distinct advantage over other groups when seeking to foster social cohesion.

According to her, religious groups are able to reach large numbers at one time, given that their interaction is more frequent than other groups.

Meanwhile, she also highlighted that in moving forward and building a unified nation in which all can coexist, time must not be spent reminiscing on the past.

“We have to stop referring to people as ‘dem black people’, ‘da coolie man’ and ‘dem buck man’. It is disrespectful. Our children are being socialized with this same culture, and it is unhelpful,” Minister Ally said passionately.

NO JUNKYARD

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

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- Granger says ban on inefficient, ‘smokey’ vehicles good for Guyana

By Ariana Gordon THE proposed restriction on the importation of vehicles that are more than eight years old from the date of manufacture and the ban on importation of used tyres are in the best interest of the country, President David Granger has said.

The measures, announced in the budget, have been met with criticisms from the political Opposition and others.

On the Ministry of the Presidency’s weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest’, aired on Friday, the President said developed countries will not be allowed to treat Guyana like a “junkyard.” He explained that while everyone has a right to represent his/her own interests, it must be understood that he (the President) is representing the national interest.

“The auto dealers have a right to express concerns because they feel their profits will be affected, but the Government has to think about the whole country.

The point is when you bring in old vehicles, old tyres, old equipment, that (vehicle) is less efficient. It pollutes the

atmosphere; it is more costly, because it requires more maintenance and more spare parts; and you get less life out of it,” President Granger said in response to a question posed on the subject.

On January 29, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced that as of May 1 this year, there will be a restriction of the importation of used and/or reconditioned vehicles, and only those under eight years old from the

“New equipment lasts longer, and we don’t want developed countries treating us like a junkyard, selling equipment which they can’t use themselves. If they are not going to put up with it because it is inefficient and smokey, why should be put up with it?” – President Granger

He also said that the environment and the people suffer, and Guyana can ill afford to be on a treadmill trying to replace old equipment.

“New equipment last longer, and we don’t want developed countries treating us like a junkyard, selling equipment which they can’t use themselves. If they are not going to put up with it because it is inefficient and smokey, why should we put up with it?”

He said he is not by any means attempting to shut the auto dealers up, but he noted that “I have a national interest to protect; they have a personal interest to protect.”

date of manufacture would be allowed into the country. This restriction shall be enforced from May 1, 2016. This ban will not apply to vehicles used in the manufacturing or agricultural sectors, according to legislation the Finance Minister has tabled to back up the plan.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has said that the measures to be implemented by the APNU-AFC coalition Government will bring hardship on the people of Guyana; but Finance Minister Winston Jordan has explained that Guyana is moving away from a

President David Granger “second hand” economy.

He said that coupled with guaranteeing that the coun-

try is greener is the thrust behind Government’s move to ban the importation of used tyres, reduce the taxes on new tyres, and restrict importation of used and/ or reconditioned vehicles under eight years old from the date of manufacture.

Jordan said it is clear that Guyana is becoming an environmentally-conscious country, and as such, the measures are geared at ensuring a green economy, clean environment, and ensuring that safer equipment and machinery are used by citizens.

“Take advantage of modern technology!” Jordan urged.

The decision, he said, would have long-term positive effects on the country and citizens, and as such should be embraced by all.

“There are so many cars in stock yards in this country, and I don’t know when they are going to begin to sell them, number one; and number two: there is no ban, there is a restriction on the age of the car that can come in,” Jordan clarified.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Police promotions - Five new assistant commissioners named

SENIOR Superintendents of Police Lyndon Alves, Dale Alves, Paul Williams, Nigel Hoppie and Ian Amsterdam have been tipped for promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police, while ‘G’ Division Commander, Superintendent Kevin Adonis, is to be promoted to Senior Superintendent of Police, sources close to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have confirmed.

Joining Adonis is Karim Baksh, second in command of the ‘C’ Division; Huge Jessemy, Deputy Crime Chief; and Hugh Denhert, Officer

in Charge of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).

Guyana Chronicle understands that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has submitted to President David Granger, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; and Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud the list of persons who are to be promoted. The official announcement of the promotions is likely to be made in the new week.

Last October, days after Opposition spokesman on security, Clement Rohee, had urged that the promotion of police ranks be put on hold due to a number of pending

disciplinary matters, the PSC had announced that it was putting a hold on

then that the delay in the announcement of the promotions would negatively

the ranks of Sergeant to that of Assistant Commissioner of Police. There are within the Guyana Police Force two promotion boards that deal

DALE ALVES

KEVIN ADONIS

HUGH DENHERT

the promotions.

The PSC, however, in justifying its move, said the list of nominees for elevation reached it late. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud had said

impact the Force and its ranks.

The Police Service Commission is responsible for promoting senior police officers from

with ranks at the level of corporal to sergeants.

This board is referred to as the Junior Promotion Board; while the Senior Promotion Board looks into recommendations

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for promotion of persons from the rank of Sergeant to that of Assistant Commissioner of Police. That board is headed by the Police Commissioner.

Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Omesh Satyanand, had said that decision to delay promotions was taken on December 21 at a specially convened meeting with the commissioners after they had received the recommendation list for promotion from the Police Force. Satyanand had also said the delay would facilitate the PSC membership to properly peruse the files of the police officers shortlisted to be promoted.

He said, too, that the PSC wanted to ensure that when publicized, the list would be clean and credible, and as such the Commission needs to take as much time as possible to ensure same.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Full List of promotions HERE IS FULL LIST OF SENIOR POLICE PROMOTIONS AS RELEASED BY THE POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION: SUBSTANTIVE APPOINTMENT FOR 2016 TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER Designation

(1) Senior Superintendent (2) Senior Superintendent (3) Senior Superintendent (4) Senior Superintendent (5) Senior Superintendent

Names

TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT Designation (1) Superintendent (2) Superintendent (3) Superintendent

(4) Superintendent

(5) Superintendent

TO SUPERINTENDENT Designation (1) Deputy Superintendent (2) Deputy Superintendent

(3) Deputy Superintendent

(4) Deputy Superintendent (5) Deputy Superintendent (6)W/ Deputy Superintendent

(7) Deputy Superintendent

(8) Deputy Superintendent

(9) Deputy Superintendent (10) Deputy Superintendent

(11) Deputy Superintendent

(12) Assistant Superintendent (13) Assistant Superintendent (14) Assistant Superintendent

Date of Appointment

Nigel Hoppie Dale Alves Lindon Alves Paul Williams Ian Amsterdam

2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01

Names Date of Appointment Paul Langevine

2016-01-01 Kevin Adonis 2016-01-01 Huge Dehnert

2016-01-01 Huge Jessamy

2016-01-01 Fazal Karimbask

2016-01-01 Names Date of Appointment Zulfikar Hamid

2016-01-01 Linden Isles

2016-01-01 Michael Kingston

2016-01-01 Anthony Vanderhyden

2016-01-01 Shivpersaud Bacchus 2016-01-01 Charmaine Stuart 2016-01-01 Ewart Wray

2016-01-01 Walter Stanton

2016-01-01 Boodnarine Parsaud

2016-01-01 Ramesh Ashram

2016-01-01 Norman Timmerman

2016-10-01 Julius Wright

2016-01-01 Joel David

2016-01-01 Natalie Barnwell

2016-01-01

TO DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT Designation

(1) Assistant Superintendent

(2) Assistant Superintendent

(3) Assistant Superintendent

(4) W/ Assistant Superintendent (5) W/ Assistant Superintendent (6) W/Assistant Superintendent (7) Assistant Superintendent (8) W/ Assistant Superintendent (9) Assistant Superintendent (10) Assistant Superintendent (11) Assistant Superintendent (12) Assistant Superintendent (13) Assistant Superintendent (14) Assistant Superintendent (15) Assistant Superintendent (16) Assistant Superintendent (17) Assistant Superintendent (18) Assistant Superintendent

Names

Date of Appointment

Mahendra Siwnarine Marlon Taylor

Claymont Johnson

Loraine Saul

Grace Davis

Denise Griffith Guy Nurse

Angela Carol Harding

Roger Martin

Huge Winter

Lonsdale Withrite

Motie Dookie

Ludovick Scotland

Karl Wilson

Dennis Stephens

Ravindra Stanley

Allison Moore

Raphael Rose

2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01

TO ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT:

Designation Names Date of Appointment (1) Chief Inspector

(2) W/Inspector

(3) W/Inspector

(4) Inspector

(5) Inspector

(6) Inspector

(7) Inspector

(8) W/Inspector

(9) Inspector

(10) W/Inspector

(11) Inspector

(12) Inspector (13) Inspector

(14) Inspector

(15) Inspector

(16) Inspector

(17) Inspector

(18) Inspector

(19) Inspector

(20) Inspector

(21) Inspector

(22) Inspector

(23) Cadet Officer

(25) Cadet Officer

(26) Cadet Officer

(27) Cadet Officer

Kedarnauth Bejaimal

Dorette Gibbons

Denise Charles

Kenrick Parris

Ralph Parks

Clifton Davis

Timothy Williams

Karen Lilkenny

John Singh

Myrna Halley

Khemraj Shivbarran

Frank Jackman-Wilburg Shreenarine Laljit

Mark Vigilance

Forbes Browne

Bernard Cox

Vishnu Hunte

Morris Fraser

Joseph Jack

Pamela King

Colin Henry

Krishnadat Ramana

Kevon Denny

Kevin Joel Whittaker Colin Primus

James Tappin

2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 2014-01-01

(28) Cadet Officer (29) Cadet Officer (30) Cadet Officer (31) Cadet Officer (32) Cadet Officer (33) Cadet Officer (34) Cadet Officer (35) Cadet Officer (36) Cadet Officer

Fredella Boyce

Otis Garraway

Rockel Delph

Collin Sullivan

Keith Williams

Roger Pilgrim

Seecharran Singh

Sherwayne Hilken

Kevin Das

2014-01-01 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 2015-01-01 2015-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01

TO CHIEF INSPECTOR Designation Names Date of Appointment

(1) W/Inspector

Karen Todd

2016-01-01 (2) W/Inspector

Debra Small

2016-01-01 (3) Inspector

Lennox Barrington

2016-01-01 (4) Inspector

Reynold Venture

2016-10-01 (5) Inspector

Clarence. Huston

2016-01-01 (6)W/ Inspector

Florence. Morrison

2016-01-01 (7) Inspector

Linden. Mc Koy

2016-01-01 (8) Inspector

Letisha. Wilson 2016-01-01 (9) Inspector

Cassandra Anthony

2016-01-01

TO INSPECTOR: Designation

Names

Date of Appointment

Sergeant 12173 W/Sergeant 14133 W/Sergeant 14492 Sergeant 14505 W/Sergeant 16385 Sergeant 12870 Sergeant 13480 Sergeant 14731 Sergeant 14237 Sergeant 15195 Sergeant 17187 W/Sergeant 16180 Sergeant 15969 Sergeant 18104 Sergeant 19377 W/Sergeant 15675 Sergeant 144774 W/Sergeant 15664 Sergeant 15537 Sergeant 15846 Sergeant 15763 W/Sergeant 17694 Sergeant 14863 Sergeant 14327 Sergeant 20822 W/Sergeant 18089 W/Sergeant 16423

Flyod Lewis

Syndilin Isaacs

Karen Thornhill

Denaise Adams

Marcia Sealey

Arvin Moore

Bernard Browne

Nigel. Stephens

Burton Rayville Carmichael Preston John

Sherwyn Matthews

Jacqueline Persaud Hamilton Ganeshan John

Joseph Grant

Haimwant Ramsewak

Donna Ferguson

Arunath Ramnauth

Michelle West

Jeffrey Layne

Doodnauth Chitram

Clay Rose

Dabbie Handy

Nevil Jeffers

Christopher Ross

Malcolm Melville

Petal Fypher-Langevine

Glenda Thomside

2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01

SPECIAL CONSTABULARY TO CHIEF INSPECTOR Designation

Names

(1) 8844 Sergeant

Lakhan Balram

TO INSPECTOR: Designation

W/Sergeant 8909 W/Sergeant 9040 W/Sergeant 9047

Names Pamela Phillips Sandra Bakker Debra Dey

Date of Appointment

2016-01-01

Date of Appointment

2016-01-01 2016-01-01 2016-01-01

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Sunday Editor

Neil Marks

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

Editorial

THE BUDGET DEBATE

THE parliamentary debate of the 2016 budget has once again confirmed what many Guyanese have come to dislike about our political process —- the political polarization.

The debate began with instant attacks on the integrity of the Government, and ended with the now predictable walkout of the Opposition Members of Parliament before the last speaker on the Government side has made his presentation. That that speaker was until recently a leading member of the other side cannot be lost on observers of our political process.

A budget debate is meant to be a source of enlightened discourse and critique of the larger economic vision of the Government and the line items it proposes in pursuit of that vision. The Opposition is expected to challenge where such is necessary, and support those items which it feels are consistent with its own vision and the overall good of the country. The Government, on the other hand, is expected to explain its vision and justify its line items. In the end, the country should benefit from the exchanges.

Alas, this has not been the case for a long time, but the situation has gotten worse with each succeeding budget presentation. The number of times the Speaker had to rebuke members is shocking, given their longevity in Parliament; and they cannot plead ignorance of parliamentary rules and procedures. It is clear that the Parliament in general and the budget debates in particular have now become sources of political obscenity.

One commentator has correctly observed that parliamentarians treat the Parliament as an extension of street corner meetings.

This problem is not confined to the Parliament, it is part of our elite political culture: Our politicians simply do not respect our institutions and by extension our people.

Parliamentarians are being paid by taxpayers to do their jobs. Compared to the wages of most tax-payers, these politicians are paid very well for doing a part-time job, and it is a second job for most of them. Ours is a very parttime Parliament in which our lawmakers are not required to work most of the year. Yet, when they are required to work, the nation is treated to these heavy doses of political vulgarity that pass for debates.

We live in a polarized society — a polarization that is grounded in our history -- and the behaviour of our political representatives compound that polarization. In some regards, the polarization at the top (among our leaders)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

No voting for mayor in Local Gov’t polls - Chief Elections Officer

By Ariana Gordon

WHEN electors take to the polls on March 18, they would be voting to elect councillors, and not mayors, deputy mayors or chairmen of neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs).

The Chief Elections Of-

there are fifteen constituencies in one municipality, then the council of the specific municipality will have thirty councillors. He explained that the number of constituencies is not equal in each Local Authority Area (LAA) as the number of constituencies is dependent on the density of the population as

councillors. Those councillors will make a determination as to who among them will be elected to be mayor and deputy mayor and other designations.”

“Local elections elect councillors,” GECOM’s CEO stressed.

The Guyana Press Association is holding this workshop, which is being funded by the Canadian High Commission.

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield (right) makes a point to Commissioners Vincent Alexander and Sase Gunraj (left) ficer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Mr Keith Lowenfield, made clear this point on Saturday at the opening of a two-day Local Government Elections training workshop for journalists, held at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in Georgetown.

In his presentation on Guyana’s Local Government System, Lowenfield explained the importance of understanding what posts are being elected through the Local Government Elections (LGE).

“The contestants, being political parties, voluntary groups and individuals, will be vying for the amount of seats in the context of Guyana. In every instance, the amount of seats on council will be twice the amount of the constituencies in the Local Authority Area,” he said.

GECOM’s CEO said if

well as its economic viability, among other factors.

He noted that each LAA will comprise a number of constituencies; as many as fifteen in some instances, and as low as three in other cases.

“The amount of constituencies equals twice the amount of councillors in that Local Authority Area,” Lowenfield declared. He explained that after the Councillors are identified, they will then meet based on a time frame to be established by the Ministry of Communities. GECOM will state in writing who the elected councillors for the LAA are, and (those councillors) will then meet among themselves and have an election for Chairman in the case of the NDC, or Mayor in the case of a municipality.

“So there is no arbitrariness. The elections are intended as prescribed, for

far outstrips the polarization among the people. It is not out of place to conclude that the quality of discourse among our Members of Parliament and the political behaviour of our leaderships do not necessarily reflect the culture of the society at large. This is a sad commentary on our very independence, for we did not struggle to throw out the colonizers only to replace colonial decadence with a new form of socalled “independence decadence.”

It is high time our leaders on both sides of the political divide be made aware of the damage they continue to inflict on the collective psyche. Despite the crushing blows of slavery, indentureship and colonialism, our people have emerged with a sense of dignity, and they have always cherished that dignity. So it is most debilitating to witness the people we elect behave as if they are historical enemies who have no regard for the rest of us.

Politics is reputedly a blood sport in which the enemy

Meanwhile, Lowenfield, who was accompanied by his deputy Vishnu Persaud and GECOM’s Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Charles Corbin and Vincent Alexander, stressed the importance of journalists understanding the Local Government system.

Journalists from Georgetown, Linden, Berbice and Essequibo are attending the workshop. Lowenfield informed the gathering of media professionals that, in covering local elections, it is important to understand that there are three tiers of government, namely Central, Regional and Local; and not all communities fall under the umbrella of NDCs and municipalities.

“There are parts of Guyana that are not covered under the NDC or municipality; GECOM will not be treating with areas outside,” he added, emphasizing that LGE are pan-Guyana and

those areas that fall outside the NDCs and municipalities will not participate in the elections.

The Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2009 provides for Local Government Elections to be held in all municipalities and NDCs in Guyana using a mixed electoral system of Proportional Representation and FirstPast-the-Post.

50% or half of the number of Councillors of each municipality and NDC will be elected through the Proportional Representation component, and the other 50% through the First-Pastthe-Post or Constituency component of the electoral system. As such, voluntary groups, political parties and individual candidates can contest for seats in the municipalities and NDCs. It is important to note that only voluntary groups and political parties can contest in the Proportional Representation aspect of LGE. Both categories can contest any or all of the seats under the Constituency component of the elections. The candidates must be living in the constituency being contested.

Meanwhile, under the First-Past-The-Post component, an individual candidate can contest only for one seat in a single constituency in which he or she is registered and resides.

On day one of the workshop, journalists were briefed on the dos and don’ts of elections coverage and Local Government by President of the GPA, Neil Marks, and Vice President of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), Dennis Chabrol.

The President of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers delivered a presentation on Governance in some Caribbean countries.

The training continues today.

must be crushed. We reject that notion. Those who, for centuries, have had to endure the hurt of oppression cannot, and should not, treat the people’s business and institutions as mediums of hatefulness. We deserve better than that. We need in Guyana a new political awakening that seeks to restore a politics of representation that speak to the interests and concerns of the citizenry, and not to the narrow interests of the party and its leaders.

But that awakening has to arise from demands from the bottom. It is the people who would have to push back against the excesses of the politicians. It is the people who must rebuke their leaders when they transform the Parliament into a haven of disrespect. It is the people who must ask the leaders to explain how constant walkouts from Parliament advance representation of their interests. It is the people who must proclaim that they elect leaders, and not gods. Enough is surely enough.

HINDS’SIGHT

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Dr David Hinds

W

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Black Humanity: Race, Blackness, Obama and Granger

HEN Barack Obama assumed the presidency of the USA in 2008-09, Black people all over the world celebrated the occasion with tears of joy. Many non-Blacks were stunned at the depth of emotions. “What’s the big deal?” they asked. After all, it was just an election that was won; others had won that election forty-three times before.

But at the heart of the Black response to Obama’s victory was something the world has come to pretend it does not understand: Race.

RACE AND RACISM The practice of Race as a social-political marker is relatively new in historical terms. It emerged in the mid1700s in the USA as a justification for the enslavement of Africans as bonded labour. It was premised on the belief in the natural unequal worth of humans based on their skin colour. In other words, those who had the power to do so institutionalized human difference to justify their newfound economic privilege.

Race would soon become an all-encompassing phenomenon that infiltrated and shaped every other facet of humanity, from religion to science to culture and politics.

Citizenship came to be linked to Race; this was written into both constitutional and statutory law. Political power, therefore, was racially determined and exercised. The definition and the practice of the family were also racially determined. Who could marry, and whose children were legally theirs were functions of Race. We had moved from Economic Race to Political and Social Race. In all of this, the law was crucial; laws and the interpretation of law were guided by the logic of race.

By the time we got to the 18th century, Race had become biologized by the official scientific community of the day, and embraced by the policy-makers and the power structures. The fusion of Biological Race with Socio-Economic and Political Race ensured that Race was now an embedded concept in the human imagination, and was the overarching lens through which the world was seen and constructed.

Critically, Race came to define collective universal identity, which became grounded in the so-called Colour Code. Blackness and Whiteness were later joined by Brown-ness, Yellow-ness and Red-ness.

At the heart of Race and its ideological representation, Racism is therefore the linkage of wealth to privilege and power. Those who benefited from the slave trade assumed power in a world that institutionalized it as a function of wealth. From the USA to the British colonies, the right to citizenship and the exercise of power were determined by

property ownership. Since the enslaved were themselves property, they could not own wealth, and thus were shut out of power and privilege.

BLACKNESS Blackness has been at the centre of the evolution and practise of Race and Racism. Race created Blackness, gave meaning to it, and then demonized it. At every twist and turn, Black People, the primary victims of Racism, have had to construct their humanity within the context and reality of Racism. It was Race that dehumanized them; and so, naturally, the recovery and defence of their humanity have to be carried out within the context of Race. It is for that reason that Blackness is so inextricably tied to Race.

What Blacks have done in the long resistance to Racism is construct an identity that is grounded in the constant affirmation of their humanity. The descendants of enslavement and other forms of subjugation are defined by the convergence of Suffering, Survival and Overcoming. What we today call Black Identity is real, even if some Blacks silence or deny it.

Some Black people have today walked away from Blackness, but Blackness will never walk away from them.

This Black Escapism is what, for example, fuels the false argument and choice between Blackness and Guyaneseness.

I come back to Obama’s election in 2008. For Blacks, his election was about overcoming. For a Black person to achieve the highest office in a country that had written his group out of its constitution was a monumental achievement that proved to others and confirmed to Blacks that they were equal human beings, endowed with all that comes with humanity. The office was important, but it was the affirmation of Black humanity that caused the tears to flow and the emotions to be so openly expressed.

Do not take African Guyanese for granted.

And now to Guyana: What does all of this have to do with us? Well, Black People live here, and all of what I have been talking about reside with them. Unlike the USA and Europe, those who benefited from the privilege of Race and Racism have long physically left.

This year, we observe 50 years of that exit. But the exit of the plantation boss was not followed by the exit of the plantation. The social relations that governed the plantation are still present.

Despite the rise of a small Black Political Elite and Professional Class, the vast majority of Black People are still mired in poverty, want and powerlessness.

The movement of political power from the Black Elite to the East Indian Elite has had little beneficial impact on the condition of the vast majority of Black People. Many have asked why African-Guyanese were crying tears of

joy when the present Government came to power last year.

Why were they singing and dancing and rejoicing? Why were they braving the rain to come into the public space to welcome the new Government? Why were they so eager to catch a glimpse of David Granger, or to touch his garment?

The easy answer would be that they were simply celebrating the fall of an Indian-Guyanese government and the rise of one of their own. But that answer -- which is not without merit -- ignores something deeper; which I have tried to talk about in the foregoing: the affirmation of their humanity.

The extreme misuse of political power by the previous Government had an equally extreme racial effect on African-Guyanese. It had the effect of reintroducing notions of plantationhood to the Black Imagination —- the feeling that their humanity was not equal to others. Perhaps that feeling had never left, but the fact of the matter is that it was awakened.

I am arguing that African-Guyanese see the restoration and affirmation of their collective humanity as tied up with this new Government.

In our fickle and sometimes hypocritical politics, such an assertion is bound to be dismissed as racism. But I am arguing that the Government has to be made cognizant of this reality. The challenge for this Government, as it is for all Guyanese governments, is how to balance governing in the interest of all, and addressing the historical consequences of institutional Black disenfranchisement -- which is not a narrow political and economic marginalization, but a deeper dehumanization that troubles the Black collective spirit.

And yes, I insist that the Government must play a role.

Slavery and Colonialism were institutional, and so the healing of the scars they inflicted has to be addressed institutionally.

Black self-responsibility is important, but that by itself will not resolve the problem.

In the USA some in the Black leadership are asking the Clintons not to take the Black vote for granted. I seize this opportunity to ask the same of the Guyana Government: Do not take African-Guyanese and their support for granted. African Guyanese have had their humanity constantly broken in Guyana without any consorted effort by officialdom to correct it. They have invested in this Government.

There must be a way to aid in the historical mending of that broken humanity without discriminating against our other ethnic groups.

Do not fall into the trap of believing that African-Guyanese will always be there. Like poor people of all races, they need the good life; but above all, African-Guyanese need a dignified life. The scourge of poverty cuts across ethnicity, but its consequences are not always manifested equally.

There is a racial soul to Black impoverishment that is not usually captured by economic statistics.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

50 years on: The Geneva Agreement

By Ambassador Ronald Austin THE document which governs the Border Controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is the Geneva Agreement, which was signed in that famous city on the 17th February 1966. It was intended to “resolve the controversy over the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana.”

The signing of the Geneva Agreement was preceded by a two-day Conference at which the British Government, British Guiana and Venezuela were represented. Britain was represented by its Foreign Secretary, Michael Stewart; British Guiana by its then Prime Minister, Mr Forbes Burnham; it's Attorney General, Mr S.S Ramphal, and a team of advisers; while Venezuela was represented by its Foreign Minister, Mr Igancio Iribarren Borges.

The occasion was marked by intense discussions and speeches by the main protagonists. Mr Burnham delivered a strong speech, in which he stated that his country was not prepared to yield any territory. Along with the speeches, Great Britain and Venezuela exchanged views on how the controversy might be resolved on the basis of a draft agreement, which a team of British and Venezuelan Government officials and Mr Ramphal, representing British Guiana, had drafted before the Conference began. Consensus was finally reached and the Geneva Agreement was signed.

The Geneva Agreement is a short document, consisting of eight (8) articles. It has nothing to do with any adjustment or revision of the internationally defined and accepted border between Guyana and its western neighbour, Venezuela.

Article 1 makes clear what is the purpose of the Geneva Agreement. It states that it establishes a Mixed Commission whose task is to seek “satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom which has arisen as the result of the Venezuela contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela

is null and void.”

The differences between Guyana and Venezuela emerged almost immediately when the Mixed Commission met. Guyana insisted that Venezuela produce evidence that the 1899 Award is null and void. Caracas incorrectly regarded the

Ambassador Ronald Austin Geneva Agreement as providing the basis for a revision of the recognized and accepted frontier between the two countries.

This difference has continued to this day.

The Agreement also specified that “no new claim or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in these territories (of Venezuela and British Guiana) shall be asserted while this Agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed Commission while that Commission is in being.” But even

as the Mixed Commission was meeting, and in clear breach of the Geneva Agreement, Venezuela seized Guyana’s half of Ankoko Island.

Venezuela’s aggression -- military and economic -- would continue for more than sixty years. This aggression has also been costly and damaging to Guyana, as major investments in the Essequibo have been stymied.

A critical aspect of the Geneva Agreement is Article IV, which makes provision for the involvement of the Secretary General of the United Nations, who “shall choose another means stipulated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, and so on until the controversy has been resolved or until all means of peaceful settlement there contemplated have been exhausted.”

This was how the “Good Officer” process was born.

This mechanism did not yield any positive results. Guyana has come to the conclusion that Caracas is using the process to frustrate the achievement of a solution to the controversy.

In July of last year, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge was quoted in the Guyana Chronicle as saying “We have indicated very clearly to the Secretary General of the United Nations that the ‘Good Officer’ Process to which we have adhered faithfully does not seem to offer any prospect of moving forward.” He also said that the border controversy must now be resolved by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The Government of Guyana is now intent on taking the matter to the World Court, where it is confident that its case will be upheld.

The signing of the Geneva Agreement was an important event, and has a bearing on our survival as a nation. The Guyana Chronicle has therefore decided to reprint this document in full, as well as relevant excerpts from it, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of its signing.

This exercise is also part of the Government’s programme to inform and further educate the Guyanese people about the ongoing border controversy.

The Geneva Agreement No.8192 VENEZUELA and UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND Agreement to resolve the controversy over the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana. Signed at Geneva, on 17 February 1966 Official texts: Spanish and English Registered by Venezuela on 5 May 1966 The Geneva Agreement

No.8192. Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Government of British Guiana, and the Government of Venezuela, Geneva, 17th February, 1966.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Government of British Guiana, and the Government of Venezuela; Taking into account the forthcoming independence of British Guiana; Recognising that closer co-operation between British Guiana and Venezuela could bring

benefit to both countries; Convinced that any outstanding controversy between the United Kingdom and British Guiana on the one hand and Venezuela on the other would prejudice the furtherance of such co-operation and should therefore be amicably resolved in a manner acceptable to both parties; In conformity with the agenda that was agreed for the governmental conversations concerning the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom over the frontier with British Guiana, in accordance with the joint communique of 7 November, 1963, having reached the following agreement to resolve the present controversy: Contiuned on page 9

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Forbes Burnham, Prime Minister, British Guiana From page 8 ARTICLE I A Mixed Commission shall be established with the task of seeking satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom which has arisen as the result of the Venezuela contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void.

ARTICLE II 1. Within two months of the entry into force of this Agreement, two representatives shall be appointed to the Mixed Commission by the Government of British Guiana and two by the Government of Venezuela.

2. The Government appointing a representative may at any time replace him, and shall do so immediately should one or both of its representatives be unable to act through illness or death or any other cause.

3. The Mixed Commission may by agreement between the representatives appoint experts to assist the Mixed Commission, either generally or in relation to any individual matter under consideration by the Mixed Commission.

ARTICLE III The Mixed Commission shall present interim reports at intervals of six months from the date of its first meeting.

Michael Stewart, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, UK 2. No acts or activities taking place while this Agreement is in force shall constitute a basis for asserting, supporting or denying a claim to territorial sovereignty in territories of Venezuela or British Guiana or create any rights of sovereignty in those territories, except in so far as such acts or activities result from any agreement reached by the Mixed Commission and accepted in writing by the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela.

No new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim, to territorial sovereignty in those territories shall be asserted while this Agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed Commission while that Commission is in being.

ARTICLE VI The Mixed Commission shall hold its first meeting at a date and place to be agreed between the Governments of British Guiana and Venezuela. This meeting shall take place as soon as possible after its members have been appointed. Thereafter the Mixed Commission shall meet as and when agreed between the representatives.

ARTICLE VII

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signature.

ARTICLE IV 1.

If, within a period of four years from the date of this Agreement, the Mixed Commission should not have arrived at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy it shall, in its final report, refer to the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela any outstanding questions.

Those Governments shall without delay choose one of the means of peaceful settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations.

2.

If, within three months of receiving the final report, the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela should not have reached agreement regarding the choice of one of the means of settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, they shall refer the decisions as to the means of the settlement to an appropriate international organ upon which they both agree or, failing agreement on this point, to the Secretary–General of the United Nations. If the means so chosen do not lead to a solution of the controversy, the said organ or, as the case may be, the Secretary–General of the United Nations shall choose another of means stipulated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, and so on until the controversy has been resolved or until all the means of peaceful settlement there contemplated have been exhausted.

ARTICLE VIII

Upon the attainment of independence by British Guiana, the Government of Guyana shall thereafter be a party to this Agreement, in addition to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Venezuela.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done in duplicate at Geneva this 17th day of February, 1966, in the English and Spanish Languages, both texts being equally authoritative.

For the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:

MICHAEL STEWART ARTICLE V

1. In order to facilitate the greatest possible measure of co-operation and mutual understanding, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be interpreted as a renunciation or diminution by the United Kingdom, British Guiana or Venezuela of any basis of claim to territorial sovereignty in the territories of Venezuela or British Guiana, or of any previously asserted rights of or claims to such territorial sovereignty, or as prejudicing their position as regards their recognition or non-recognition of a right of, claim or basis of claim by any of them to such territorial sovereignty.

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

L.F.S BURNHAM Prime Minister of British Guiana For the Government of Venezuela: IGANCIO IRIBARREN BORGES Minister of Foreign Affairs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

THE ROAD TO GENEVA

By Ambassador Cedric L. Joseph

(Excerpted from the book Anglo-American Diplomacy and the re-opening of the Guyana Venezuela Border Controversy, 1961-1966) IT was this highly charged milieu which defined British policy to commence negotiations on the arrangements for a tripartite study of the documents, or in the State Department’s projection, “a thorough airing of the Venezuelan claim.”

The British Government had completely reversed the admonition which the Foreign Office had transmitted to Ambassador Busk in March 1962 -- that it was not attracted to receiving the Venezuela Ambassador and others in London to discuss the border issue on the most informal basis, and that starting negotiations could be easily represented in Caracas as evidence that Britain admitted to the existence of a dispute, and that such danger should be avoided.

Thus, on 12 November 1962, the Chairman of the Special Political Committee announced in his closing speech that the United Kingdom and Venezuela had agreed to a tripartite study of the relevant documentation, and that the United Nations would not proceed further in its debate on the subject.

The British Government would be happy that at least it had curtailed a United Nations debate on British Guiana, though at the expense of promoting boundary issues.

By March 1963, discussions commenced on the procedures to be adopted for pacific settlement of the issue.

Britain desired an academic approach, with relevant experts evaluating documents. Venezuela, on the other hand, insisted that the negotiations should also be held at the ministerial level, a very substantive adjustment. In the end, a two-phase diplomatic agreement was reached. First, the experts of both countries would study the document; and second, talk at ministerial level would follow.

Regarding the agreement for the tripartite approach, it should be noted that, on 16th August, 1963, Governor Gray had conveyed to Duncan Sandys some doubts about the British position on the debate at the United Nations, leading the agreement.

Replay on 4th October, 1963, Sandys advised that the Government Ministries should be informed that there was no erosion by the Venezuelans of the position which HM Government took during the debate when the formula for the tripartite examination was devised with the concurrence of your government. This reminder points to the continuing consultation taking place with Dr Jagan’s Government at a critical stage, and recalls Dr Jagan’s meeting of 20th September, 1962 with Sandys in London.

And the position of HM Government, according to Sandys, was explained repeatedly to Venezuela: that Britain was not prepared to engage in substantive talks about a revision of the frontier.

The first ministerial conference convened in London during 5th–7th November, 1963. Participating were British Foreign Secretary R.A Butler; Venezuelan Foreign Minister Dr Marcos Falcon Birceno; and the Governor of British Guiana, Sir Ralph Gray. On the basis of the examination of the documents, Venezuela submitted that there was enough evidence for a review of the arbitral award. Britain retorted that examination of the documents showed that there was no case, and that the award was a full, perfect and final settlement on the issue. The Joint Communiqué issued at the end of the conference called for further study by the experts of the documents in the Venezuelan archives prior to future discussions.

These discussions among the experts took place in London during February to May 1964. On 3rd August, the two Governments exchanged reports, and another round of discussions followed in preparation for the next ministerial meeting. The second ministerial meeting was held in London on 9th–10th December, 1965, while another Independence conference was in session and the date for Independence was set. The PPP did not attend. In attendance were British Foreign Secretary Michael Stewart; the Venezuelan Foreign Minister Dr Igancio Iribarren Borges; and there being a change in Government in British Guiana in December 1964, the new Premier, Forbes Burnham. The agenda reflects the continuing and progressive change in British policy, and the further drifting to more substantial negotiations on the boundary. Yet, Britain maintained that there was no dispute over the borders, as it acknowledged the existence of a controversy over the award.

These matters include: 1. Exchange point of views about the report of the experts on the study of the documents 2. Seek satisfactory solution for the practical settlement of the controversy which had arisen as a result of the Venezuelan contention that the award of 1899 is null and void 3. Formulate concrete plans or collaboration in the development of British Guiana 4. Determine time period for the fulfillment of the agreement with respect to points 1, 2 and 3 above.

This meeting ended without any agreement. A proposal that talks should continue on a limited basis in Caracas in January 1966 was rejected by Venezuela. Thus the stage was set for the Geneva meeting of 16th and 17th February, 1966, which took up the inconclusive debate of the ministerial meeting of December 1965.

The discussion examined a number of fora for a resolution of the issue. In the course of this, Venezuela restated its proposal for joint administration of the Essequibo region Ambassador Cedric for a period to be determined.

L. Joseph This was rejected by Britain, with Forbes Burnham stating that no fruitful joint development was possible once the territorial claim was maintained, a position he was obliged to repeat on several occasions.

GENEVA AGREEMENT The Agreement finally reached at Geneva established a mixed commission with “the task of seeking satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom, which has arisen as the result of the Venezuelan contention that the arbitral award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void.”

The phrase “practical settlement” resisted common interpretation and ultimately crippled the work of the mixed commission.

Worse, the Geneva agreement and the circumstances which inspired its formulation entered the domain of contentious domestic politics in British Guiana, and later independent Guyana. The two leading political parties, the PPP and PNC, took diametrically opposite positions at the time and in later years.

Forbes Burnham, who concluded the Geneva Agreement, has maintained that its language did not admit to ambiguity.

That the issue before the mixed commission, he said in a debate in the National Assembly on 12 July 1968, was whether, as Venezuela contended, the arbitral award was a nullity. Like Britain, Burnham took the position that the award was a full, perfect and final settlement, and was valid.

Accordingly, it was Venezuela to prove invalidity, and Guyana would afford every opportunity to examine the matter thoroughly with a view to securing a practical settlement of the controversy.

And imminent legal position was that the award already had the sanction of an international treaty and its validity the endorsement of international law.

Dr. Jagan, Ashton Chase and HJM Hubbard of the PPP rejected the new Geneva Agreement, which they felt should not have been concluded at all, and should be scrapped. On the legal side, the PPP argued persuasively that the examination of the documents did not establish a case for any revision of the frontier, and consequently there was no substance to the Venezuela claim.

This was a position adopted by the PPP administration in office from August 1961 to December 1964.

British Policy on the territorial claim would not have been formulated in a vacuum; it would have been responsive to the cluster of prevailing influences: the political contentions in British Guiana, the increasing divergence between the main political parties on matters relating to independence; and the unceasing and bold assertions of the United States’ national interest at the highest levels.

Indeed, the timing of the reopening of the border issue by Venezuela constitutes good reason for a related examination into factors of hemispheric bearing.

At the core was the thesis premised upon the security aspects perceived in the probability of the establishment of a communist state under Dr. Jagan at the height of the Cold War. The probability may have been modified when the PNC Administration took office in December 1964. Yet, the momentum of negotiations with Venezuela had been afforded enough impetus as to be irreversible.

The British Government, as noted earlier, took a more measured view of Dr. Jagan than the Americans. After all, in the evening of British colonialism, the campaign for political independence had produced many assertive nationalists in the colonies. Hence the British were less inclined to regard Dr. Jagan as a communist, and viewed the American interest in the colony as “morbid”, “hypersensitive”, and out of proportion with the realities.

To the British, it was not clear to what extent Dr. Jagan “liked to describe himself as a Bevanite”, although his contacts tended to be further to the left. The British Government has therefore concluded that Dr. Jagan was “at least suspect in his political leaning towards the Soviet bloc”, and that this posed “an international security problem” and diminished his chances for effective aid from the West.”

British concerns were with the continuing intense political rivalry in British Guiana, with its offshoots of racial antagonisms with advancing the colony of independence.

Britain did not wish to return to the situation of 1953, when the constitution was suspended, the administration dismissed, and direct rule re-imposed. Britain realized that international indignation, which was sensitive to colonialism, would be aroused; and the new Afro-Asian Bloc, already displaying sympathy in the United Nations with Dr. Jagan’s pleas, would strongly condemn such action. Moreover, the Government would also have to contend with opposition at home from the Labour Party, and comparison with its relative inactivity in Southern Rhodesia. Further, to delay or refuse independence would bring both PPP and PNC into “excited” clamour against the British Government, though not unite the two parties.

The British Government felt that as long as British Guiana remained under it tutelage, the tendency would be for the United States and others to regard Britain as primarily responsible for aid to the colony, and that aid sought was beyond British resources.

Moreover, the imposition of direct rule was an expensive commodity for the British treasury. The sooner British Guiana was put into a position to tap other resources, the better.

And with the Americans insisting that whatever happens in British Guiana was not merely a matter of colonial policy but had a general bearing on Anglo-American relations, this only reinforced British inclination about an early departure from British Guiana.

On balance, therefore, the British Government considered that to delay independence, as the Americans were urging, would have no practical advantage; and that there was no strategic or economic reasons for delaying independence.

Arising from the London formula of March 1960, which had devised that after general election was held under the new constitution, that on August 1961, independence had been determined possible sometime no later than 1962.

Partly due to the domestic political situation and partly to American intervention in May 1962, Macmillan revised the scheduled interjection of another election prior to independence, and as later determined under proportional representation.

The United States, for its part, did not misread the British position on Dr Jagan and Independence for British Guiana. The correspondence of President Kennedy, Secretary of State Rusk, and Special Assistant Schlessinger, available from the United States Foreign Relations files on British Guiana, 1961-1963, gives valuable insight into US policy.

An intelligence estimate of April 1962 captures the position accurately. It states that the British assert in private that British Guiana was in US sphere of interest and that the British Government probably considered that the colony’s future was not properly their problem, but one for the US. Further, the estimate indicates that Britain was less inclined that the US to believe that communism would dominate the colony, and was not disposed Continued on page 11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Mabaruma’s Independence Road to be upgraded

11

- Independence Arch also being set up

By Alva Solomon AS Guyana prepares to usher in its Golden Jubilee festivities this year, an Independence Arch is being set up at Independence Road, a narrow but significant roadway in the Mabaruma sub-Region in the North West District.

That arch will be the first such structure to be erected in Region One, and it will be laid prominently on the roadway, which stands at the bottom of the community of Hosororo Hill, located some three miles from Mabaruma, the administrative capital of the region.

The roadway, built in May 1966, the year Guyana attained independence from the British, and is set to undergo major transformation in the weeks ahead. It will be upgraded with sand and bitumen, while adequate drainage facilities are to be erected at the sides of the roadway. In addition, street lamps will be installed on the electrical poles which line the roadway.

Stretching for some two miles in length, Independence Road connects the Aruka River with Hosororo Hill, and provides access in the form of a shortcut. Over the years, due to migration of persons from the waterfront area where the road reaches the Aruka River, the roadway became less utilised.

However, some 6 families still reside along the road.

“I think it is significant because of the history it has, and to remind villagers of togetherness it had back in the days”, Renatto Srikumar, a resident of the area and coordinator of the Golden Jubliee activities in the region, told this newspaper recently from Mabaruma.

He said that when erected, the arch will truly signify what it means to be an independent nation.

“This tells a history which is important to the younger children in this generation,” he added.

He said residents are looking forward to the road being upgraded. “And with help from the Government, hopefully more land owners who have land there can actually come back and build and do more farming, provided that the road is maintained,” he disclosed.

Independence Road is characterized by the tall trees which hang over the road’s shoulders. It is also famous for the noisy creaking of branches of the bamboo trees, which are a feature of that section of the community. Its meandering turns are synonymous with the swampy terrain of the area.

Today, the laterite road is used mainly by farmers who sell their produce in the more hilly communities there. The farmers would travel downriver, along the Aruka River, and disembark at the end of the roadway, where it connects to the river. The farmers travel to the populated areas to sell their produce.

“It’s a roadway that is there, and you would think it is not

Boats moored at the end of Independence Road, where the roadway meets the Aruka River utilized, but in reality people still use the road to go about their business”, one resident of Independence Road related recently. Another noted that it was a “normal” road which the administration of the day considered being significant.

School children who live in the riverine communities outside of Hosororo Hill also utilize the roadway to travel to and from the schools there. The road provides access to other roads which the children use as “shortcuts” to get to school.

In addition to the roadway, a large concrete reservoir which was built in the 1960s to supply water to the hill-top communities is also a major landmark on Independence Road.

The project was undertaken with the intention of supplying water to several households located miles away. However, given the hilly nature of the landscape, this never materialized since the water pumps developed mechanical problems after installation. The water which is retained in the reservoir is sourced from a natural spring which was discovered near the roadway. Minibus drivers and residents utilise the water from the reservoir for the purpose of washing, while a few persons

THE ROAD TO GENEVA From page 10

to make available more financial support because it wanted to get out.

Thus the general policy in both British Foreign Office and the Colonial Office was to exert every effort to keep Dr. Jagan in the West and make him salvageable, in part to counter any attempts which Britain felt would surely be made by the Eastern bloc to woo Dr. Jagan away from the West.

The invitation to Dr. Jagan to visit the US in October 1961 was a great source of satisfaction to the British. The British engaged in a well planned and co-ordinated programme, involving the Foreign and Colonial Offices; the British Embassy in Washington DC – John Hennings, the colonial attaché being key official; the Permanent Mission to the United Nations – where the Permanent Representative Sir Hugh Foot was the critical personality; the High Commission of Ottawa and Sir Ralph Grey, the Governor. As Sir Ralph

Grey stated when he congratulated John Hennings and Sir Hugh for their joint efforts: “to keep Jagan on the rails in the US so as to persuade the Americans of the need to establish the proposed economic mission, putting it to work, and acting on its report in as short a time as possible.”

Indeed, Governor Grey was so concerned about Dr. Jagan’s visit going well that he took to “counselling” certain members of Dr Jagan’s delegation. He reported that he had “barely recovered” from counselling one member, name mentioned, when the official told him that, as “a Roman Catholic, attending mass daily, he considered the development of “Jagan to be dangerously out of line with his ultimate obligations.”

It is submitted that the intensity of the pressures from all quarters on the British Government and its strong inclination to get out of British Guiana and grant Independence earlier rather than later stimulated the drift towards “talks” and

Hubert Dias, a resident of Independence Road, stands near Hosororo Hill, along the roadway recently use the water for drinking purposes.

Last Monday, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Mabaruma officially launched its Golden Jubilee celebrations, with Mashramani activities set to officially usher in the festivities. Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley stressed the importance of the signature milestone in Guyana’s history, and called for peace and unity among the peoples of Region One. This year, the Government has budgeted $300M for the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Finance Minister Winston Jordan, while presenting the budget, stressed the importance of the celebrations this year.

“This year is the beginning of the creation of that legacy. Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the allocation for the specific events surrounding our 50th Anniversary, Budget 2016 — indeed, all future budgets — is dedicated to ensuring the path to the good life is secured for generations to come. A sum of $300 million has been budgeted to support activities in celebration of our Golden Jubilee year”, he told Parliament. “negotiations” with Venezuela.

It was important, therefore, to include representatives from the soon-to-be-independent colony in any deliberation.

First, in view of the major responsibility which would fall to them after Independence; second to ensure their prior endorsement of proposals, which would carry far-reaching implications in the post- Independence period; third, to appease the influential Afro-Asian group at the United Nations, who had been quite receptive to the appeals of Dr. Jagan and of Venezuela; and fourth, to avoid international censure by seeming to abandon the new state without doing anything about the territorial claim.

Accordingly, even the available documents have established that negotiations with Venezuela, as did Independence for British Guiana, offered Britain a diplomatic escape route from an imperial responsibility, which had become unwieldy. As it turned out, the territorial and societal solidity of the state was compromised by the political exigencies of the Cold War. And the diplomacy of this turbulent era bequeathed to the young state of Guyana, and nurtured over the years, “a period of consequences”: a fractured national movement, a well-entrenched polarised society, and a substantial territorial claim.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

PRESIDENT DISAPPOINTED - Rodney report handover missed deadline - Cheltenham says was told to drop off report

PRESIDENT David Granger has expressed much disappointment at the inability of the Commissioners of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry to properly arrange their work, so as to enable them to present the Report at the agreed time and date after several requests for extensions had been granted.

“The President was extremely disappointed to learn that the Commissioners were unable to present the Report at the agreed time and date.

The President, after waiting a while, thereafter resorted to keeping the appointments which he had previously scheduled,” a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said on Saturday.

The Ministry’s statement follows a statement by Sir Richard Cheltenham, Chairman of the CoI into the death of Dr Walter Rodney, who in his statement sought to clear Sir Richard Cheltenham the air about what really transpired and resulted in the CoI report not being presented to President David Granger on Monday, February 8.

Sir Richard has claimed that the Commission was instructed to deliver its report to the Secretary of the Attorney General, as President David Granger was unavailable to meet with Commissioners last Tuesday; but the Ministry of the Presidency says the excuse provided by the Commission is unacceptable.

According to the Ministry, President Granger was informed that the Commissioners were preparing to hand over the report, and, as such, he facilitated them.

“President Granger was informed that the Commissioners were prepared to hand over the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Death of Dr. Walter Rodney to him in person.

The President immediately agreed to receive the report, and actually altered his schedule to meet with the Commissioners

at 12:00 hours on Monday, February 8, 2016.

“The President was informed at that time, however, that the Commissioners would not meet him because the report had not yet been printed,” the Ministry of the Presidency said.

Referring to the number of times the Commission received extensions from both former President Donald Ramotar and current President David Granger since the Commission began, the Ministry noted that: “After two years, the Commissioners still found it impossible to keep an agreed appointment to present the Report of the Commission of Inquiry.”

The release stated noting that after waiting a while for the Commissioners to present the report, President Granger “resorted to keeping the appointments which he had previously scheduled.”

The Commission was scheduled to hand over the report to the President on Monday, February 8, but Sir Richard Cheltenham had claimed to have run out of ink to print the report.

In a statement to the media dated February 12, Sir Richard said it was first the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams who told the Commissioners to take the report to his office, as both he (Williams) and President Granger would be unavailable the Tuesday.

Finding the instruction to be improper, the Chairman and Commissioner Seenath Jairam decided to make a pitch to the President with the hope that he would accommodate them on Tuesday. Attempts by the Commissioners proved futile.

“As the Commissioners, we felt that it would be improper and inappropriate to deliver a Presidential Report to the Office of the Attorney General, and that we should try to discover when, on the next day, Tuesday, the President could receive us.

“With that in mind, the Chairman did try twice, unsuccessfully, to reach the President to explain our unavoidable difficulty, and ascertain whether we could deliver the Report to him personally on Tuesday,” said Sir Richard.

On Tuesday morning, the Chairman of the CoI instructed Hugh Denbow, the Commission’s administrator, to contact the President’s office to find out when on the said day the President could accommodate the Chairman and Commissioner.

According to Sir Richard’s statement, Denbow advised him that the time slated for the delivery of the report was set tentatively at 12:30pm, but that time needed confirmation.

Denbow was unable to confirm the said time, after repeatedly calling the Ministry of the Presidency. As such, the Commission’s Chairman, along with Commissioner Jairam, visited the Ministry of the Presidency, identified themselves, cleared security and were taken to a waiting room.

“We were taken to a room where we waited for the Presi-

dent. After about twenty-five (25) minutes, a lady (whom we assumed to be the President's secretary) came and informed us that the President would not be able to see us, as he was otherwise engaged.

“She added that he had instructed that we should take the Report to the Secretary to the Attorney General and leave it with her. That we did just before 2:00 pm,” the statement said.

Sir Richard said the Commission was keen on discharging its obligation by handing over the report.

PREPARATIONS FOR COMMISSIONERS The CoI Chairman noted that prior to the commissioners’ arrival in Guyana, all assurances were given that the requisite preparations would be made to facilitate their visit. On arrival, the Commissioners appreciated that that had not been done.

“On the first working day in Guyana, Monday 1st February, 2016, no fixed space had been assigned for the completion of our work. We were taken to a building being outfitted as the headquarters for all future commissions. We also visited the premises previously assigned to us.

“We agreed that we would work there, but the premises had to be cleaned overnight and staff recruited to begin work the next day. It was only close to midday on Tuesday, 2nd February, 2016, that the premises were made available. However, the Secretariat had no printer, but only a photocopying machine.”

According to the statement, on February 8, while the “typed version of the Report” was being printed at the hotel at which the Commissioners were staying, the Chairman was notified that ink had run out. The Secretariat was contacted for a replacement, and the Commissioners were advised that the Secretariat had no ink and it would have to be procured by the Administrator of the Commission’s Secretariat, Denbow.

“We were further advised that the Secretariat had tried and failed to reach Mr. Denbow.

“The Chairman tried to reach Mr. Denbow, without success. At 11:15 am on that said morning, he came to see us at the Marriott Hotel, and explained that he had been meeting with aviation officials visiting the country and apologised for being out of reach.

“He said further that he had provided ink days before in anticipation of the printing, and was surprised that it had run out. He, however, left the hotel and returned at 11:45 am with the additional ink, which he purchased personally. We then re-commenced the printing of the report.”

Sir Richard said that when he first learned of the issue with the ink, he “immediately contacted Attorney General Basil Williams” and advised him of the difficulties.

“He said that the President, who was already fed-up, would be disappointed, and he gave us the contact numbers for the President at his Monday office,” Sir Richard’s statement said.

It was the intention of the Commission to submit the report to the President the said day, but was informed that he was unavailable.

NO CONTRACT; NO WRITING FEE Meanwhile, Sir Richard noted that the Commissioners were working without a signed contract, something he said was not uncommon in Commissions of Inquiry. Notwithstanding, the Chairman sent a letter to the then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, on February 10, 2014, reflecting on the terms of engagement which had been agreed with the Chairman and the other Commissioners at the Amaryllis Hotel in Barbados on February 8, 2014.

The Commissioners have since agreed to a reduction of their fees, and were paid in accordance with the agreed reduction.

“One of the elements of our engagement included a writing fee for the Commissioners, as is the norm. A writing fee is a standard part of the engagement of Commissioners. It reflects the reality that Commissioners have to spend considerable time, separate and apart from hearing the evidence, in analysing and writing up the Report.

“It is the fee paid to Commissioners for the final phase of their responsibilities.”

Sir Richard noted that the writing fee was scheduled to be paid in full ten days before the delivery of the report, but this was not done. The Chairman also dispatched letters on the subject of the writing fees to the Administrator, Hugh Denbow, and Attorney General Williams.

“Notwithstanding that, none of the writing fee was paid. The Commissioners went to Guyana determined to discharge their responsibilities under the Terms of Reference, and have done so,” he added.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Granger courts civil society to help correct social ills

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“I propose a social contract which will involve members of civil society, political parties, NGOs and other organisations, to promote betterment for communities and the promotion of a good life.” - President Granger.

By Navendra Seoraj PRESIDENT David Granger has reiterated the need for inclusionary governance and social cohesion to bring about balance and order in today’s society.

Last Friday evening, he said there is a place for civil society to help in correcting social ills.

Speaking at the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s World Understand Dinner at the Pegasus Hotel, The President said: “We must collaborate and understand that working together is the formula for the future, given that problems cannot be addressed by any single groups.

“Problems need national responses, so civil society and the Government have to work collaboratively to bring about change.”

Thus with the topic being World Understanding, he said Guyana has to understand that the only way forward is through social cohesion, which is needed to bring a once “broken country” full on its feet.

The nation cannot continue to move from crisis to crisis, the President said, as he stressing the importance of social cohesion. He said this would be the only way by which there can be an end to evasiveness and for the constitution and inclusionary democracy to be thrive.

“As such, I prescribe an opportunity for civil society to assist in the management of the state, and to ensure that its efforts are directed to the broader objective of developing today’s society,” the President said.

His statement was welcomed by the distinguished audience.

Civil society understands the plight of the poor, hence it can support the Government in solving many existing problems in the country,

such as the plight of the uneducated, the President said.

He estimated the number of school dropouts over the last five years at approximately 4,000, and said there are many communities which are regarded as unsafe, not to the extent of their collapsing, but they are at the stage where there is a need for change.

“We must work together to bring about the change that is needed if we are to avert another decline into the era of violence.

There is definitely a social problem as a result of drug abuse, poverty, suicide, and so forth; thus urgent attention and action is needed to counter the effects of these social problems.

“I propose a social contract which will involve members of civil society, political parties, NGOs and other organisations, to promote betterment for communities and the promotion of a good life,” President Granger announced.

President David Granger; Rotary’s Immediate Past District Governor, Elwin Atmodimedjo; and Past District Governor Dunston Barrow interact during the World Understanding Day Dinner at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) The Rotary Club’s Past Assistant District Governor, Mr K.A Juman-Yassin, during his remarks, highlighted the need for a commitment between the Government and the civil society, given that, with a combined effort, the fight against corruption would be far easier.

The work of the Club has focused on six key ar-

eas; namely, peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, as well as economic and community development.

Over the years, he noted, the Club has rendered support to communities in many ways, with the most recent

project being the Coomacka multi-million-dollar solar water system.

He gave the assurance that the club will continue to contribute towards the development of Guyana’s society.

The Rotary is a service Organisation of 1.2 million business and professional leaders, united worldwide to provide humanitarian service

and help to build goodwill and peace.

At Friday’s event, President Granger received the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award, which honours those who have contributed, or who have contributions in their name totaling US$1,000 to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Iwokrama showcases model forestry operation in London THE Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development recently partnered with local industrial company Farfan and Mendes Limited (FML) ton showcase a model forestry operation at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

According to a release from Iwokrama, the entity, on February 5th, showcased its model forestry operation in London at Marlborough House, the Headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. According to the release, both technical and strategic presentations were made on the forestry model by Iwokrama’s CEO Dane Gobin, and forest management personnel and FML, Iwokrama’s partner in the development of the model.

The discussions that followed the presentations included areas such as species selection, volumes and products, FSC certification, sustainable forest management, processing equipment and techniques, involvement of local communities in the model, and research and science opportunities.

The participants expressed satisfaction that

Iwokrama’s forestry operation was up and running, and said they were looking forward to contributing to the development of the model.

The international buyers, the release said, were particularly interested that Iwokrama would be able to provide FSC certified wood.

Currently, no one in the world produces FSC-certified greenheart, a major species for marine construction works in Europe and North America.

Invitees to the event, which was supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH and the Commonwealth Secretariat, included representatives from Guyana’s High Commission to London and Iwokrama’s Science Committee; international timber buyers from the UK, Holland and the US; the Commonwealth Forestry Association; and international scientists on climate change and ecosystem services, among other stakeholders.

Stakeholders were provided with background information on sustainable forestry operation, the release stated. Last year, the Centre and FML commenced oper-

ations in keeping with the Centre’s mandate to develop sustainable businesses using multiple forest resources and international best practices.

The release stated that all of Iwokrama’s business models are designed to follow international economic, social and environmental best prac-

In accordance with Section 9 of the Iwokrama Act (1996), a complex and extensive exercise was conducted on the Iwokrama Forest, resulting in the zoning of the Iwokrama Forest into a Wilderness Preserve (WP) and a Sustainable Utilization Area (SUA). The SUA was demarcated as the area where development work for the Centre’s experimental timber model and all of its other business models, including tourism and training services, are undertaken.

tices, and employ innovative governance systems involving various stakeholders.

According to the release, the Centre will use the results of the research and experience it acquired in Phase I of its operations in areas such as forest dynamics, pre-harvest and post-harvest inventories, community engagement, certification, facilities layout and logistics to help refine and improve operations and forest management in Phase 2.

As with its other businesses, the Centre will replicate its overarching management and sustainability protocols in the timber operations by (1) informing forestry policy by providing practical results to policy holders and (2) building local, regional and international capacity in areas of sustainable forest management.

The Centre will employ

a 60-year cutting cycle, harvesting a maximum of 1,800 ha per year (which is less than 0.5% of the Iwokrama Forest) under a very selective harvesting regime, which will result in only a few stems per ha being removed, and no large gaps created in the forest canopy.

Iwokrama noted that the operations will employ best practices in forestry, including a strict no-log-export policy and the employment of Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) and Directional Felling (DF) techniques. One key area that will be addressed and demonstrated is that it is much more efficient to employ a “cutting for value” (which allows for the highest recovery of high grade lumber from the log, and therefore the greatest value) strategy rather than the industry standard of a “cutting to order” that precludes getting the highest volume and grade recovery.

New technologies will also be tested – a new Tigercat 635D skidder and a model 234 knuckleboom log loader are also being tested. This brand is new to Guyana and the technology should allow for the faster and more efficient harvesting operations and a reduced environmental footprint.

According to the release, forestry research studies such as testing inventory and log measurement methods and sawmilling efficiencies will be done, and the impact of harvesting on the forest by conducting pre- and post-harvesting inventories on indicator species etc. will also be evaluated.

As it develops the model, the Centre intends to continue to work closely with its community partners, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), which represents the 20 villages of the North Rupununi. In January 2016, the Centre renewed its collaborative management agreement (CMA) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NRDDB after a six-month period of consultation and review. The CMA and MOU are the guiding documents through which Iwokrama and its community partners co-manage the Iwokrama Forest.

To validate its employment of best practices in its operations, the Centre is once again on route to achieving international accreditation of its forest management practices and operations by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), for which funding has already been secured.

FSC is the most prestigious international forest certification scheme, and in 2008, the Centre was the first to have achieved and maintained FSC certification in Guyana. From all indications, the Centre will again repeat that distinction in 2016, as it is likely to be the only institution in Guyana to be FSC-certified.

Iwokrama said the Centre would ensure all its operations continue to comply with the stipulations of all national regulators, including the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), with whom the Centre works closely, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Failure to learn from history carries dire consequences

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UGAR has always been at the centre of our political struggles. Whereas, in the 1940s, sugar was used as a rallying call to unite the nation in the fight for self-determination, inclusive of internal self-government, sugar is today being used to divide the nation.

Workers’ struggles have not only been to advance their cause, but also to resist domination and marginalization wherever and whenever they occur.

In 1947, there was the bauxite workers' struggle to improve their lives, inclusive of freedom from domination and marginalisation.

The 1948 Demerara sugar workers' struggle, which saw the loss of lives, was rooted in similar principles.

The nation needs not forget that the State, under colonial authority, turned its guns on sugar workers in an effort to silence and deny them what was justly theirs.

In 1999, an independent Government that had Bharrat Jagdeo as Minister of Finance saw police shooting peaceful, unarmed protesting public servants who were demanding the Government -- their employer -- meet with their unions and negotiate in good faith on wages/salaries and improved working conditions. Jagdeo was the one who resisted every effort at engagement between the unions and Government.

In 2012, a decision that would have impacted negatively on the citizens of Linden/Region Ten was made without any consultation with the people and their local representatives.

The disregard for the right to involvement resulted in weeks of peaceful protest.

The State, under the stew-

ardship of Donald Ramotar, responded to the pleas for justice by turning its guns on citizens, resulting in loss of lives and injuries to people.

The Jagdeo government, in 2007, handed BERMINE and Aroaima bauxite companies to the Russians, and proceeded to dismiss all the workers at LINMINE. Thousands of workers were affected and placed on the breadline. Those decisions were made without regard for the socio-economic consequences the workers would suffer, or their right to be heard/involved in the change that would impact their lives.

The blow to bauxite workers and their communities was far-reaching and multifaceted, and is still being felt to this today.

Jagdeo’s arbitrary decision also saw the breaking up of the workers’ Pension Plan, worth in excess of $2.5B, which was the single largest pool of money owned by a majority of Africans.

His government refused to entertain any idea from the unions, workers and communities to save the plan through investment.

At successive regional elections, Region Ten has overwhelmingly rejected Jagdeo and Ramotar’s compulsive behaviour of domination and marginalisation.

The PPP/C uses the race card as a scare tactic in the sugar industry to ensure the allegiance of East Indians workers/citizens.

But this party, during the Jagdeo government, closed down LBI and Diamond estates with no regard for workers’ rights, and refused to engage stakeholders. The union had to approach the court for redress for the workers, and some workers have still not received their redundancy benefits.

Under Ramotar and Jag-

deo governments, the GuySuCo Board was used as a cash cow to reward friends and cohorts, with the welfare of the industry and its workers placed on the backburner.

Where the PPP/C government failed to respect laws and rights of workers/ citizens, the Opposition condemned such acts, and called for the upholding of rights and the rule of law.

Today, the said Opposition is in the Executive. It is important to note that, having campaigned on change, the Government shoulders responsibility to do better than the PPP/C; and, where possible, correct their mistakes.

More than six years of atrocities are being committed against workers employed at the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI). The APNU and AFC, when in the Opposition, condemned these acts. Today an APNU+AFC Government gives support to a foreign management trampling our laws and denying workers their rights and freedoms protected in the laws.

Let me reiterate a position made known before: Minister Simona Broomes, who is a minister within a ministry, has discharged her duties, given the tasks assigned her and consistent with the laws. Resolution to the BCGI/Workers impasse is vested in the instrument of Cabinet Minister Volda Lawrence, and she refuses to act.

T h e s u g a r i n d u s t r y, where the PPP has strong reach and control and displays contempt for these workers, continues to be a political battleground. This was so during PNC governments; it continued under PPP governments, and continues to exist today. This Government was elected on the platform of change, but

workers and the sugar industry are being treated in similar fashion as during Jagdeo and Ramotar governments, as ministers harbour the notion that different results can be achieved.

Talking about uniting Guyanese for the 50th anniversary cannot be realised by bullying people, stripping them of their rights and dignity, and violating the Constitution and

laws. To continue along the PPP’s course is setting the stage to ensure a nation divided, come 26th May. Those who fail to learn from history are writing their obituaries.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

New rules for importing vehicles clarified - No need for tax compliance to get driver’s licence

THE importation of heavy-duty vehicles, particularly those used in the industrial and agricultural sectors, will not be affected by the proposed restriction on importation of vehicles older than eight years, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has said.

In his 2016 Budget presentation, he had announced a proposed ban

on the importation of used and/or re-conditioned vehicles older than eight years from the date of manufacture. This measure, like many others, has failed to gain the support of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who contended that persons operating within the agriculture and mining sectors would be severely affected, in addition to the “poor man”

who would not be able to afford a vehicle within the eight-year range.

But on Friday evening, in the National Assembly, the Finance Minister declared that either the Opposition did not read the proposed legislation which will validate the budget measure, or did not understand the document.

In order to address the “misinformation” being

peddled by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Minister Jordan clarified the measure: “The restriction excludes heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, lorries, vehicles used in the agriculture and industrial sectors, and special-purpose vehicles. Only motor cars, SUVs and so on will be affected by the age limitation,” he explained.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan The Customs (Amendment) Bill, which details the proposed measures, was presented to the National Assembly on Thursday by the Finance Minister.

Minister Jordan has also notified the National Assembly of Government’s intent to ban the importation of used tyres, but this measure was also misrepresented by the Opposition.

Minister Jordan said that the ban would not affect vehicles used in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

In addition to the proposed ban, Government has also proposed to reduce the taxes on new tyres, to encourage their use.

Though not objecting to the proposed ban on used tyres, taxi drivers and dealers in the trade are of the opinion that used tyres should be phased out. A driver of a private car told Guyana Chronicle that the phasing out of the importation of used vehicle tyres should be seen as part of a wider effort to enhance road safety and gradually reduce the environmental hazards associated with

the disposal of tyres.

“Guyana should not be a dumping zone for old and used stuff,” he said.

Meanwhile, Forbes Garraway of Forbes Vulcanising said the ban will affect the business overall, as the used tyre trade is a US$30M business in Guyana. He recommended that “Government should drop the duty on the new tyres and eventually the used ones will be phased out naturally.

“You won’t find car dealers bringing AT170 Toyota Carinas anymore, because no one wants (them). The same way (Government) can do with the used tyre business. If you really drop the taxes on new tyres, people will buy them instead; but now you’re forcing people to go deeper into their pockets,” he contended.

The proposed ban on used tyres and the restriction of vehicles older than eight years old form part of a menu of measures which support the APNU+AFC Government’s programme of ‘greening’ the economy and protecting the environment.

Under the measures Please see page 18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

New rules for importing ...

From page 17 to improve tax administration, the Leader of the Opposition had told citizens through the press that they would now be required to be tax compliant in their effort to secure a driver’s licence. Jagdeo had told reporters that minibus and taxi drivers would suffer the worst.

Minister Jordan has, however, told the House there is no need to drive fear into the hearts of people. He explained that the amendment announced will not affect the Motor Vehicles Act, but the Tax Act; hence it does not affect the issuance of driver’s licences.

The Amendment to the Tax Act will ensure that prior to the issuance of all licences for public use, including those all forms of trade and business, applicants fulfill their obligations to file their annual tax returns and pay all their taxes.

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Major development projects for Indigenous communities

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

“These interventions will create jobs, restore hope, and improve Village economies.”

- Minister Sydney Allicock

By Ravin Singh THE 2016 Budget highlights plans by the Government to carry out major infrastructural development projects for the benefit of Indigenous communities, and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, outlined those plans when he spoke during the Budget Debates in the National Assembly on Thursday.

He revealed that the villages of Akawini and Waramuri will be benefiting from establishment of a new nursery and secondary schools respectively; and a number of other primary and secondary schools in hinterland

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, speaks during the 2016 Budget Debates (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) regions will benefit from either repairs or expansion works, he said.

Schools in Region One, namely at Port Kaituma, Santa Rosa, Baramita, Matthews Ridge, Powaikuru and Barabina, will benefit from improvements and the addition of living quarters.

In Region Two, Karawab and Bethany Primary schools will be improved in terms of facilities; both secondary schools at Yarashirima and Warapoka will be extended; and Mashabo and Bethany Primary schools will also be provided with living quarters for staff.

This, according to the Minister, forms part of a package amounting to $196M. Paramakatoi Secondary and Micobie Nursery schools in Region Eight are also expected to benefit from significant improvements, valued at $36M. In Region Nine, schools to be constructed include one at Pai Pang and another at Tabatinga in Lethem; and while living quarters will be built at Sand Creek school, major improvements are planned for Surama, Aishalton and Wowetta Nursery and Quatata Primary schools in Region Nine. Those works are valued at $94M. The electricity system at St. Ignatius Secondary in Region Nine will be upgraded at a cost of $9M. Schools to benefit from solar systems valued Please see page 19

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Major development projects ...

From page 18

at $4.4 million include Kairuni Nursery and St. Cuthbert’s Primary, along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway; and Arau and Phillipai Primary in Region Seven.

The minister also pointed out that Budget 2016 provides for construction of a new dormitory to house tertiary-level students from the hinterland.

This is pegged at $10M. Expansion of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Services (HEYS) will be facilitated through an allocation of $997M, while support via subvention to the Bina Hill Institute of Learning is fixed at $35M. Also, a Resource and document centre for Indigenous Peoples will be established at an estimated cost of $6M. The sum of

$25M has been allocated to acquire boats, outboard engines and minibuses to transport children to and from school.

Minister Allicock pointed to several other infrastructural development plans for 2016, but those plans do not fall within the ambit of the education sector.

He highlighted also that roads will be constructed at Mabaruma and Moruca to the tune of $31M. “We are rebuilding the Umana Yana. It is the pride of Guyana. Its place in the history of Guyana is precious,” he said.

The electricity supply system for Matthews Ridge, Port Kaituma, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Siparuta, Orealla, Moraikobai, Moco-Moco, Wauna and Sugar Hill will be improved at a

cost in excess of $120M, he said.

The Minister also revealed that rehabilitation of roads at Port Kaituma and Matthews Ridge is expected to be done this year. More roads will be rehabilitated at Baramita, Bartica, Puruni, Itaballi, Mabura, Kurupukari to Tabatinga, Ituni to Kwakani, and Mahdia, he added.

As it relates to bridges, he explained that these will be built and fixed at Cassandra Crossing and Sand Creek; Aishalton, Baishaidrun, Paruima, Hosororo, Papaya and Arocuro. These works will be done at a cost of more than $1.7B. Additionally, the Bartica Stelling and the goods wharf at Kingston, which serves the North West District, will also be rehabili-

tated. And according to the Minister, Mahdia Airstrip will be completed and the following hinterland airstrips will be rehabilitated: Eteringbang, Annai, Paramakatoi, Kurupung, Kato, Kopinang and Monkey

Mountain. These projects are listed in the budget to cost $241M. “The listed developmental projects represent but a sample of the interventions which are geared to take Guyana’s

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hinterland and Indigenous residents closer to the good life. These interventions will create jobs, restore hope and improve village economies,” Minister Allicock told the House.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Russia casts doubt on Syria ceasefire deal as army gains ground

MUNICH/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Russia said on Saturday a Syria ceasefire plan was more likely to fail than succeed, as Syrian government forces backed by Russian air strikes took rebel ground near Aleppo and set their sights on the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa province.

International divisions over Syria surfaced anew at a Munich conference where Russia rejected French charges that it was bombing civilians, just a day after world powers agreed on the “cessation of hostilities” due to begin in a

week’s time.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated accusations that Russia was hitting “legitimate opposition groups” and civilians with its bombing campaign in Syria and said Moscow must change its targets to respect the ceasefire deal.

The conflict, reshaped by Russia’s intervention last September, has gone into an even higher gear since the United Nations sought to revive peace talks. These were suspended earlier this month in Geneva before they got off the ground.

In another sign of that escalation, Turkey’s military shelled Kurdish militia targets near the northern Syrian town of Azaz on Saturday, a Turkish military source said. A Kurdish official said the shelling targeted the Menagh air base in the northern Aleppo countryside, which he said had been captured by the Kurdish-allied Jaysh al-Thuwwar group.

The Syrian army also looked poised to advance into the Islamic State-held province of Raqqa for the first time since 2014, apparently to pre-empt any move

by Saudi Arabia to send ground forces into Syria to fight the jihadist insurgents.

A Syrian military source said the army captured positions at the provincial border between Hama and Raqqa in the last two days and intends to advance further.

“It is an indication of the direction of coming operations toward Raqqa. In general, the Raqqa front is open ... starting in the direction of the Tabqa area,” the source said.

Tabqa is the location of an air base captured by Islamic State two years ago, and the source said the army had moved to within 35 km (20 miles) of the base.

The cessation of hostilities deal agreed by major powers falls short of a formal ceasefire, since it was not signed by the warring parties - the government and rebels seeking to topple President Bashar al-Assad in a five-year war that has killed at least 250,000 people.

If its forces retake Aleppo and seal the Turkish border north of the city, Damascus would deal a crushing blow to the insurgents who were on the march until Russia intervened, shoring up Assad’s rule and paving the way to the current reversal of rebel fortunes.

Russia has said it will keep bombing Islamic State and the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, which in many areas of western Syria fights government forces in close proximity to insurgents deemed moderates by Western states.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Sunday February 14th, 2016 - 09:00 hrs Monday February 15th, 2016 - 10:00 hrs Tuesday February 16th, 2016 - 11:30 hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Islamic Development Bank to accept Guyana by mid-year

By Svetlana Marshall AS GUYANA courts new financing institutions, it is looking to accede to the Islamic Development Bank by mid-year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has announced.

On Friday, he told the National Assembly that, over the last 23 years, the country had capitalized heavily on concessional lending; however, when it acquired the status of a low-middle-income country, as against being a low-income country, access to loans on concessionary terms from traditional lenders became difficult, and Guyana must consequently find other ways of accessing financing for development.

With much optimism, the Finance Minister then disclosed that by mid-year Guyana should be accepted by the Islamic Development Bank, paving the way for greater access to funds. “That will open another avenue of lending for us,” he told the House.

The purpose of the Islamic Development Bank is to foster the economic development and social progress of member countries. The functions of the Bank are to participate in equity capital and grant loans for productive projects and enterprises, besides providing financial assistance to member countries in other forms for economic and social development.

Minister Jordan has, however, stressed that in maintaining a sustainable debt, there must be a judicious mix regarding the debt and the expenditure that the Government intends to undertake.

He then addressed the issues of “fiscal space” to initiate new large-scale projects. Fiscal Space is the amount of manoeuvring room that the government has to implement some of its pet projects and programme, Minister Jordan explained.

With Government only eight months in office, the focus is now on rollover projects from the last regime. He emphasized that billions of dollars in loans from the rollover projects have crowded the fiscal space, and so even if Government finds additional funds for large-scale projects, such a move would widen the fiscal deficit.

“That's the dilemma you face. If the Government were to bring in new projects, it would have to crowd out other projects to prevent the deficit from ballooning,” he explained.

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Dr. Ally appointed Deputy Chairman of GO-Invest DR. SHAMIR ALLY has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), complementing the leadership of the Chairperson, Patricia Bacchus.

Dr. Ally, who holds approximately seven ‘offices’ across the world, was appointed to the position on Friday by Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that it is an honour for him to serve his country once again. “I am highly appreciative of the appointment as Deputy Chairman, and will use servant-leadership principles, practices and ethics -- especially listening, empathy, and healing -- to all points of views on an item before voting, remembering there are three sides to each story: my side, your side and the truth,” he said.

Under the stewardship of Bacchus and Dr. Ally, ExxonMobil oil business and all supporting new businessGO-Invest Deputy es will be passed through Chairman, GO-Invest, which has a misDr. Shamir Ally sion to contribute to Guyana’s economic development by promoting and facilitating local and foreign private sector investment and exports, in accordance with the country’s approved investment and export strategies.

Dr. Ally is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of International Consulting Services. He has 20 years of experience in the field of business in Guyana (1960-1979). In the US, he has acquired 27 years of experience in the field of business, operating as Corporate Controller, Chief Accounting Officer, Vice-President of Finance, and Chief Financial Officer at AMEX, NYSE, and NASDAQ, Listed Public Corporations in New York and Pennsylvania, USA. Additionally, he has global experience in 15 industries and services: electronics, apparel, printing & packaging, insurance, financing, lotteries, pharmaceuticals, sugar, rice, spices, gold, diamonds, accounting, auditing & consulting services, and universities.

On May 11, 1994, he received the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle Medal of Freedom from then US President George Bush for ”Dedication, Unwavering Support, and as a Prominent Leader in the Republican Party.” This is the highest honour the Republican members of the US Senate can bestow.

On October 31, 2010, the Alliance For Change (AFC) gave Dr. Ally the “GOLD KEY”, and by August 17, 2015, the “Dr. Shamir Ally Reading Corner” at the University of Guyana Library was established.

This year, on January 17, he received the Prime Minister’s Award.

In addition to Bacchus, he complements the other 10 directors on the Board.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Lady Jags to show ‘no love’...

From back page

two in Group ‘B’ of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier Tournament.

Both teams lost their opening matches in the group, with Guyana going down 5 – 0 to Canada, while Guatemala went down 2 – 1 to Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana, by virtue of their defeat against Canada are -5 as compared to Guatemala’s -1, setting up today’s intriguing match which gets underway from 12:30 hours (14:30 hours GY Time).

In the game against Canada, Head Coach Mark Rodrigues started with 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.

Based on reports emanating out of the Lady Jags camp, the starting team is unlikely to see any changes, and with the exception of defender Kelly Butler (out for the rest of the tournament), the team has no injury worry.

It will be the first meeting between Guyana and Guatemala in female football (men played twice) and one in which both countries will want to earn their first three points in the tournament, with a hope of winning another ,to be one of the two teams in Group ‘B’ to advance.

Apart from Sandiford (UMF Selfoss – Iceland), Charles (UK), Ruth George (Lil Diva’s – Guyana), Heydorn (Ann Arbor United – USA), Rodrigues (USA), Savona (USA), Danna Bally (York University – USA) and Derienne Busby (University of Evansville – USA), all of the other members of the Lady Jags play either professionally or at the collegiate level in Canada.

Their opposition, however, has a majority of their roster from home- based players, while the others feature for their respective Universities in the USA. Against Trinidad, Guatemala put together a potent attack, which saw them scoring just 17 minutes into the contest from the penalty spot, in what is so far described as one of the most bizarre and highly questionable calls of the tournament.

However, while their (Guatemala) attack was strong, defensively, there was nothing to cheer about and if played the same way, the Lady Jags will have a field-day.

Charles and El-Masri are Coach Rodrigues’ main ‘marksmen’ but his daughter and captain Ashley (Rodrigues), and Savona could cause tremendous trouble for the porous Guatemalan defence.

Meanwhile, Group B’s two undefeated teams, Canada and Trinidad ,will face each other in today’s second match.

The United States have won the past three tournaments that determine the Olympic representatives from CONCACAF, and went on to win the gold medal in the last three Olympics.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Khawaja,Voges centuries put Aussies in control

By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON, (Reuters)-Adam Voges continued to capitalise on an early reprieve by scoring his fifth Test century as Australia eased to 463 for six by the close of the second day’s play of the first match against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

Voges was unbeaten on 176 at stumps with Peter Siddle on 29 as the Australians stretched their advantage to 280 runs, snuffing out any hope New Zealand had of claiming victory in captain Brendon McCullum’s 100th Test.

The 36-year-old Voges has made the most of a lifeline when he was bowled by Doug Bracewell for seven with two deliveries remaining on Friday, only for umpire Richard Illingworth to signal a no-ball.

Te l e v i s i o n r e p l a y s showed the delivery was legal but because the infraction had been called on the field, New Zealand were unable to

ask for a review.

Voges was involved in partnerships of 168 with Usman Khawaja (140) and 96 with wicketkeeper Peter Nevill (32) to prevent New Zealand from gaining any momentum on a tough day for the hosts.

New Zealand briefly appeared to be in position to expose the Australian tail during the middle session when Trent Boult took two wickets, including Khawaja’s, in three deliveries but Voges calmly ensured that the visitors maintained their dominance.

The late-blooming Voges, who was 35 when he made his debut against West Indies last June, has scored 1,204 runs in a bountiful Test career to date, boasting a high score of 269 not out and an average of 100.33.

“He’s got an average higher than (Australian batting legend) Don (Bradman) at the moment, so I might just have to call him Sir Voges,” Khawaja joked.

SLIM HOPE “He’s almost faultless the way he went about it. Batted

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his second goal. Reuters/ Andrea Comas Barca, at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday, have 54 points, Real are on 53 and Atletico Madrid 51 before their trip to Getafe today.

Real made a blistering start and Ronaldo opened the scoring after three minutes, attacking into the box from the left, cutting

Corey Anderson claimed the only other wicket of the day when he enticed Nevill to edge behind to make the score 395-6.

While Australia have batted themselves into a position they are unlikely to lose from, New Zealand’s past record at the Basin Reserve should provide local fans with some hope.

In their last two matches at the Wellington ground, they conceded large first innings leads before scoring 680-8 to save a test against India two years ago and 524-

5 to set up a win last year against Sri Lanka.

“We can see how flat the wicket has become. We’re not getting a lot of movement out of it,” New Zealand bowling coach Dimitri Mascarenhas said.

“Hopefully that will be the same for the Aussie boys when they have to bowl on it.

We just have to get through that new ball because you can take wickets with it.”

The second Test of the two-match series is in Christchurch from Feb. 20-24.

SCOREBOARD Centurions Usman Khawaja and Adam Voges shared a fourth-wicket partnership fo 168 on the second day in Wellington. very sensibly, patiently at the start, was hitting a lot of good shots straight to fielders, but didn’t get frustrated with it.

“The way he’s been batting lately it feels like he’s

Real keep up pace behind Barca with 4-2 win MADRID, (Reuters)-Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 4-2 in a thrilling match at the Bernabeu to move within a point of leaders Barcelona in La Liga yesterday.

not going to get out.”

As Australia resumed on 147-3 in response to New

inside Xabier Etxeita and beating Gorka Iraizoz for his 15th goal in 14 matches.

Athletic replied in kind, hitting Real with a string of counter-attacks and were on level terms seven minutes later when midfielder Javier Eraso pounced on a poor back pass from Raphael Varane to Keylor Navas and made the most of the gift.

James restored Real’s lead in the 37th with a ferocious shot from the edge of the edge of the box that the Colombian, who has struggled for form and goals, celebrated with clenched fists.

Real led by two goals at halftime after Toni Kroos scored from Ronaldo’s pass in first-half added time.

“If it had been 1-1 at the break, it would have been possible to get a good result.

When we were at our best, they scored two goals,” Eraso told reporters.

Athletic were equal to Real in the first half and Aritz Aduriz hit the bar in the 28th minute but the home side controlled play after the interval and cruised to victory.

The home side had Varane sent off for a second booking after he elbowed striker Aduriz for the second time in the match as they went for a high ball.

The match ended in a flurry with Ronaldo scoring his 21st league goal in the 87th, Iraizoz denying him a hat-trick with a save a minute later and Athletic pulling one back with substitute Gorka Elustondo’s header in added time.

Zealand’s 183 all out, the only excitement for locals at a sold-out Basin Reserve came during that eventful Boult over in the middle session.

NEW ZEALAND1st innings 183 (J. Hazlewood 4-42) Australia 1st innings (Overnight: 147-3) J. Burns c Watling b Southee 0 D. Warner c Watling b Southee 5 U. Khawaja not out 115 S. Smith c&b Craig 71 A. Voges not out 40 Extras (b-4 nb-2 w-1) 7 Total (for 3 wickets, 69 overs) 238 Fall of wickets: 1-0 J. Burns,2-5 D. Warner,3-131 S. Smith To bat: M. Marsh, P. Nevill, P. Siddle, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon, J. Bird Bowling: T. Southee 18 - 4 - 46 – 2,T. Boult 16 - 4 - 47 – 0, D. Bracewell 16 - 2 - 71 - 0(nb-2), C. Anderson 3 - 0 - 11 - 0(w-1) M. Craig 16 - 1 - 59 – 1.

Bangladesh ace tense chase to secure third place A knock of 53 from captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz and an unbeaten 31 from Jaker Ali helped Bangladesh Under-19s seal a tense chase of 215 against Sri

Mehedi Hasan Miraz led Bangladesh Under-19s from the front with three top-order wickets and a steady 53 © Lanka Under-19s to secure a thirdplace finish at the Under-19 World Cup. Having dismissed Sri Lanka for 214, Bangladesh were progressing steadily during the course of an 88-run third-wicket partnership between Miraz and Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Sri Lanka bowlers had tied down the big shots early in the chase - Bangladesh went 105 balls without a boundary between 8th and 25th over but the low target meant that the batsmen could rely on singles and keep the equation in check.

Sri Lanka, however, began turning the

match around in the 36th over when Miraz was run-out for a 66-ball 53, his fourth successive half-century in the tournament.

Two overs later, they lost a wellset Nazmul for 40 in the same fashion.

Shafiul Hayet and Mosabbek Hossain consumed 8.1 overs for a partnership of 28 for the sixth wicket and once they fell quickly, Bangladesh were left needing 15 runs off the last two overs.

With the score at 200 for 6, Jaker, who had retired earlier in the innings due to cramps, returned to the crease and hit a crucial four in the penultimate over, playing a lap-scoop off Asitha Fernando to ease some pressure. Bangladesh went into the final over needing four runs and sealed the win off the third ball, through another four from Jaker, this time over midwicket.

Earlier, Sri Lanka lost their way in the middle overs after a promising start and were held together by captain Charith Asalanka’s 76. Openers Kamindu Mendis and Salindu Ushan, got starts in their 60-run stand, but Miraz dismissed the top three batsmen with his offspin to leave Sri Lanka in trouble at 70 for 3 in the 18th over.

That score turned to 131 for 5 before Asalanka rebuilt in the company of Wanidu Hasaranga; the pair adding 55 runs for the sixth wicket. Once the latter was dismissed however, another collapse ensued and it was only Asalanka’s third fifty of the tournament that pushed the score to 214. Miraz had returns of 3 for 28 and won the Manof-the-Match award for his all-round performance.(ESPNA Cricinfo).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Gloom returns for Man United, Chelsea crush Newcastle

By Martyn Herman

LONDON, (Reuters)-Manchester United missed the chance to steal a march on the Premier League’s top four when an own goal by keeper David De Gea cost them a 2-1 defeat at Premier League strugglers Sunderland yesterday.

With the sides above them all playing each other in a mouth-watering Sunday programme, United could have closed to within three points of fourth-placed Manchester City but the gloom that has enveloped them most of the season returned as their hopes of Champions League qualification receded.

A n t h o n y M a r t i a l ’s dinked finish shortly before halftime cancelled out Wahbi Khazri’s third-minute opener for Sunderland but United fizzled out after the break and Spaniard De Gea could only help

Lamine Kone’s late header into his own goal.

While United’s limp defeat put the spotlight back on under-pressure manager Louis van Gaal, Sunderland’s first home league win over United since 1997 raised spirits after a week which saw them sack midfielder Adam Johnson after he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

Sunderland remain second from bottom but with the Newcastle United, Swansea City and Bournemouth losing and Norwich City surrendering a two-goal lead against West Ham United, their hopes of avoiding relegation rose.

“This is more than an added bonus for us; this is a massive, massive three points,” Sam Allardyce, whose Sunderland side are now only one point away from the safety zone, said.

Newcastle were

thumped 5-1 at Chelsea in the late kickoff as the champions produced their best performance of a poor

competitions to 12 since Guus Hiddink replaced sacked Jose Mourinho.

Pedro scored twice for

Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with Manchester United’s Memphis DepayReuters / Phil NobleLivepic

league season to extend their unbeaten run in all

Chelsea, while Diego Costa, Willian and Bertrand Traore

also punished a wide-open Newcastle defence to leave the north east club back in the bottom three on goal difference below Norwich who drew 2-2 with West Ham United.

Norwich, on a run of five consecutive defeats, led 2-0 with second-half goals from Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan but their leaky rearguard buckled again and Dimitri Payet and Mark Noble earned West Ham a point.

West Ham could have moved above Manchester United into fifth spot with a win but dropped to seventh, below Southampton after they beat Swansea 1-0 in south Wales.

United have 41 points and look destined for a battle for a Europa League place with Southampton and West Ham who have 40.

“It will be difficult to qualify for the Champions League and the top four now, we know that,” United

skipper Wayne Rooney told the club’s website.

“So it’s a sad day in terms of losing three points and we have to somehow move on.”

West Bromwich Albion eased their relegation fears, winning 1-0 at mid-table Everton, but Bournemouth’s 3-1 home defeat by Stoke City left the south coast club in 15th place and four points above third-from-bottom Newcastle United.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored his first goal since joining Crystal Palace but could not prevent a sixth defeat in seven matches for Alan Pardew’s side who lost 2-1 at home to Watford.

Attention turns to the title race todaywhen leaders Leicester City try and consolidate their five-point advantage at third-placed Arsenal before fourthplaced Manchester City host second-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Lower Corentyne Secondary wins Corentyne Zone Khalil overcomes handicap to continue winning ways ....Uitvlugt Secondary book semi-final berth Bounty Farm/Digicel squash

JASON Ray Khalil overcame his minus 25 (-25) handicap to continue his winning ways when the Guyana Squash Association/Bounty Farm/ Digicel Annual Mashramani Squash tournament continued on Friday evening at the Georgetown Squash Courts.

According to a release from the GSA,defending champion Khalil, playing in the open category, easily overcame his handicap in the first game against Brian Yong (+9), only conceding one point. However, he was made to fight harder in game two, losing just fivepoints. Final scores were 15 - 9, 15 - 13.

National champion Nyron Joseph (-20) defeated veteran player Dennis Dias (+10) in two close games. scores were 15 - 13, 15 – 14; while former national champion Regan Pollard (-14) disposed of Ryan Rahaman, only conceding a total of ten points,winning 15 - 10, 15 - 13. Raphael De Groot (-12) had two nail- bitters against Satesh Singh (+7), winning both games at sudden death 15 - 14, 15 - 14.

Leading the fight for the plus players who are still left in the tournament are Theron Mohabeer, Joe Mekdeci, Jonathan Hohenkirk and Taylor Fernandes. Joe Mekdeci (+4) easily defeated Lucozade handicap tournament winner Peter Michael De Groot (-10), 15 - 13, 15 - (-3); while Taylor Fernandes (+5) had to come from one game down before being victorious against fellow junior national player Alec Melville (-2), 12 - 15, 15 - 12, 15 - 9. Theron Mohabeer (+7) had an epic battle with national player Ashley De Groot (+3). After losing the first game 10 - 15, he was down match ball at 11 - 14, then staged a remarkable comeback to

win the second game 15 – 14, and then the third game 15 - 8. Jonathan Hohenkirk (+7) defeated veteran player Henry Jeffrey (+10) 15 - 13, 15 - 10.

In Category’A’ Samuel Ince-Carvahal (-8) dropped the first game before storming back to dispose of Jason Gomes (+5) 14 - 15, 15 - 11, 15 - 9. Kirsten Gomes (+5) easily defeated Georgiana Fernandes (+8) 15 - 9, 15 - 5 while Madison Fernandes (+5) brushed aside Nathan Rahaman (+10) with the loss of only five points 15 - 7, 15 - 8.

Results of the other matches played on the evening were as follows: Category A Shiloh Asregado (+12) defeated Beau Fernandes (+12) 15 - 6, 10 - 15, 15 - 10 Nechemiyah Levans (+9) defeated Aliyah Persaud (+7) 15 - 14, 14 - 15, 15 - 13 Mashal Allicock (+11) beat Grant Fernandes (+13) 15 - 5, 15 - 5 Christiana Fernandes (+13) beat Malia Maikoo (+13) 15 - 13, 15 - 13 Open Category Plate Nicholas Narain (-16) beat Connor Allen (+12) 15 - 14, 15 - 12 Steven Xavier (-4) beat Medhi Ramdhani (+7) 15 - 13, 9 - 15, 15 - 13 David Fernandes (+10) beat Maya Collins (+11) 15 - 14, 15 - 9 Daniel Islam (+7) defeated Dominique Dias (+10) 15 - 6, 15 - 13 Timothy Jonas (+10) defeated Andrea King (+10) 15 - 9, 8 - 15, 15 - 6 Jonathan Antczak (+9) beat Robert Hiscock (+10) 15 - 13, 15 - 13 Stephan Jeffrey (+6) beat Johan Da Silva (+10) 15 - 12, 15 - 14

LOWER Corentyne Secondary demolished Corentyne Comprehensive to win the Corentyne Zone, while Uitvlugt Secondary whipped Linden Foundation Secondary to book a place in the national semi-final as the Guyana Cricket Board

hensive Secondary, Emanuel Seecharan and Kevin Umroa each had 2-14.

At Zeeburg ground, Linden Foundation Secondary won the toss and sent in Uitvlugt Secondary to bat. Uitvlugt Secondary was then dismissed for 120 in 15.3 overs. Chan-

The winning Lower Corentyne Secondary School team (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd’s Coco Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel continued.

At Port Mourant, Lower Corentyne Secondary bowled first after winning the toss. Their decision to bowl first was soon vindicated as they routed Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary for a paltry 56 on 20.4 overs. Junior Sinclair led the destruction with 4-12, while Keith Sinclair supported well with 3-9.

Lower Corentyne then knocked off the required runs in 12.4 overs losing four wickets in the process. Kevlon Anderson made 20. Bowling for Corentyne Compre-

derpaul Mohabir was the top scorer with 24 while Reaz Khan was left not out on 16.

Bowling for Linden Foundation Secondary, Vashon Browne was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-11.

In reply, Linden Foundation Secondary folded for 55 in 14.2 overs as Troy Drakes had impressive figures of 4-8 while Reidell Reddy claimed 3-1 and Reaz Khan took 2-2.

Uitvlugt Secondary will now await the winner of the Anna Regina Secondary and Essequibo Islands Secondary game while Lower Corentyne Secondary will now play New Amsterdam/Canje zone winners New Amsterdam Secondary on Monday at Cumberland ground.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Guyana-based dominoes club gearing for Palm Beach tourney

TORONTO, Canada – The Scarborough Dominoes Club (SDC), comprising mainly of Guyanese nationals here, is gearing for the next staging of the North American Dominoes Federation (NADF) tournament, set for West Palm Beach Florida during the upcoming Easter weekend.

The club is also celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.

The NADF comprises teams from Canada and the United States of America and these include SDC and Montreal from here, Guyesco (New York), Maryland, Orlando, and Palm Beach.

Two other teams, Atlanta and Washington, which previously participated, are no longer involved.

The tournaments are normally played three times per year with one of the

The Scarborough Dominoes Club (SDC) players in a celebratory mood following their victory in Montreal last October. teams playing hosts and October, saw the SDC occupied the second spot SDC was formed in is responsible for provid- emerging as the champi- while Montreal placed 1995 by long-standing presing the winning and other ons in the five-team race third. ident Austin and his deputy incentive trophies and re- with skipper Godfrey Austin copping the Most freshments.

The last tournament, Valuable Player (MVP) held in Montreal last award. West Palm Beach

Khawaja finally feels he belongs

Brathwaite hits 117 in Barbados’ 272 for 2 BRIDGETOWN – Barbados Pride, replying to the Windward Islands Volcanoes’ first innings total of 250, were 272 for two off 90 overs at the close of play on the second day of their sixth round match in the WICB Regional Professional Cricket League first-class championship at Kensington Oval here yesterday.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite was out for 117, his 15th first-class century while Shai Hope is not out on 98.

By Greg Stutchbury

KRAIGG BRATHWAITE The pair added 168 runs for the second wicket after opener Kyle Corbin fell for 38 following a 93-run opening stand with Brathwaite, who hit eight fours and a six off 271 balls in 346 minutes and passed 6 000 runs in his 89 first-class match.

Hope has so far struck eight fours in his unbeaten 98 off 187-balls in 244 minutes while Corbin hit two sixes and three fours in his 83-ball innings.

Notable Dates

VALENTINE’S Day is supposed to be a day put aside for showing of love. However, that news did not reach the ear of Panamanian featherweight boxer Eusebio Pedroza.

On February 14, 1981 Pedroza cast gloom on the entire Guyana when he knocked out local hero Patrick Ford in round 13.

The fight was held in Panama City and Ford was attempting to capture his opponent’s World Boxing Association (WBA) title.

Pedroza unleashed a vicious head and body attack on Ford who was unable to withstand the onslaught.

A genuine thoroughbred in the regional circles, Ford found the going tough when he met world champions.

Five months before the clash with Pedroza the Guyanese lost to Mexican Salvador Sanchez by points. At stake was Sanchez’s World Boxing Council (WBC) crown.

Earlier in his career Ford won the Commonwealth featherweight title

Dereck Hing, also a Guyanese. For several years, the club operated out of 101 Ironside Scarborough from a leased building but have since moved to Bing’s Tower, Danforth Avenue, also in Scarborough.

Apart from Austin and Hing, the other executive members are secretary Jennifer Lindo and treasurer Nazim Bacchus while the other players are Charles “Charlo” Telesford, Basil Jeet, Nigel Guinness, Edgar Douglas and Lloyd Hing.

Meanwhile, the SDC which is a non-profit organisation, will be holding a fund-raising bus ride on Saturday, March 5 next to Falls View Casino. (Frederick Halley)

PATRICK FORD with a TKO win over Nigerian Eddie Ndukwu. After his career ended in 1987, Ford turned to training. He had an outstanding stint at the world famous Gleason’s Gym in New York and died in November 2011 at the age of 55.

WELLINGTON, (Reuters)-With four centuries in his last six Test innings, Usman Khawaja finally feels like he belongs in international cricket after a rocky start to his career.

Khawaja scored 140 as Australia eased to 463-6 at the close of play on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand yetserday to give the visitors a massive 280-run lead.

The 29-year-old, who was recalled to the Test side last November after more than two years in the international wilderness, has scored a century in each of the four matches that he has batted in since his return.

That form has netted him 644 runs at an average of 128.80 since his recall against New Zealand at the Gabba in Brisbane, where he scored his maiden test century of 174.

“In my head I always felt like I was good enough to play Test cricket,” he told reporters at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. “But it was not until I got that first test century I thought ‘yeah there ya go’ and that was

the feeling I needed.

“As much as you know you’re good enough it’s not until you actually do it, it’s not the same.”

Initially selected as an injury replacement for

USMAN KHAWAJA Ricky Ponting against England in early 2011, Khawaja struggled to cement his place in the side.

He played six tests in 2011 and was then not required for more than 18 months before being recalled for the Ashes tour of England in 2013 where

he made starts but failed to kick on and was dropped after the fourth Test at Durham.

“I didn’t set the world on fire and ...I always felt that when I first played for Australia I was playing for my spot a little bit,” he said.

“I never really felt like I was in the team.”

The retirements of Michael Clarke and Chris Rogers after last year’s Ashes tour of England opened up two top order spots and Khawaja was recalled for the series against New Zealand, where his first Test century helped his mindset.

“That relieved the pressure a lot, (though) even before I played that first game Boof (coach Darren Lehmann) told me to relax and that I’d get a fair crack at it so that helped too,” Khawaja said.

“It’s been nice to come back and see familiar faces. It’s just been a relaxed atmosphere and it’s what you want when you’re playing at the highest level because there’s enough pressure.

“I don’t put too much pressure on myself any more. Every time I go out there now I’m just having fun.”

37

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Anthony wins R&R feature 35-lap race in National Park DESPITE the cloudy conditions and short showers of rain yesterday, Team Gillette Evolution’s Michael Anthony, supported

by Berbice’s Andrew Hicks and Linden’s Shaquille Agard romped home victorious in yesterday’s R&R International Limitedsponsored feature 35-lap cycle race in the National Park.

The 11-race programme, which was organized by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed for the 25th consecutive year,saw Anthony, who hails from the mining community of Linden, winning the 35-lap event in one hour, 15 minutes, 16.62 seconds, ahead of his team mates and fellow Lindeners Orville Hinds and Shaquille Agard respectively.

Mario King, Alonzo Ambrose and Andrew Hicks occupied the fourth, fifth and sixth places respectively.

Of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs, Anthony won three, Agard and Hinds won two each,and Andre Abdool won the other one.

After completing seven laps in the 35-lap event, Anthony, Hicks and Agard broke from the pack, which consisted of over 35 starters,and immediately opened a huge lead,which was maintained until the completion of the 31st lap, when Hicks started to feel the effects of

cramps in his left leg; and that was when Hinds who was in the main chasing bunch joined the other two leaders.

But with two laps remaining, Anthony broke

then Anthony, Hicks and Agard staged their attack and opened a lead, which overtime extended to approximately 350 metre;, but with seven laps remaining, the lead closed due to an

Team Gillette Evolution’s Michael Anthony crosses the finish line all alone to win the feature 35-lap event of the R&R International Limited- sponsored cycle programme in the National Park yesterday. from Agard and Hinds, and opened a 100-metre lead which he maintained to the end.

In the race for second and third, Hinds out-sprinted Agard to take second.

Earlier in the race, there was a minor break during the second lap, but this was breached four laps later; and

attack by Hinds and six other cyclists. However, with four laps remaining, Hicks started to cramp and fell back, and Hinds attacked the chasing pack and connected.

Hicks, however, recovered and managed to finish sixth.

Earlier in the day,Hinds won the 10-lap race for juveniles. Second was Berbician

Romello Crawford and third was Duraj Garbarran.

In other results, john Niles won the BMX boys 6-9 years old two-lap race ahead of Shay Sue-Hang and Antoine Vandenburg respectively.

The BMX boys 9-12 years old three-lap race was won by Zad James.

Second was Jeremiah Harrison and third was SueHang.

The BMX boys 12-14 years old three-lap race was won by Adealie Hodge who finished ahead of Taran Garbarran.

Zamal Khan was the winner of the boys and girls 12-14 years three-lap race.

Second was Toshawana Doris and finishing third was Whitney Poyer.

Warren McKay was the winner of the five-lap race for veterans under 50 years of age. Second was Junior Niles and third was Stephen Fernandes.

Andrew Spencer won the five-lap race for veterans over 50 years of age, ahead of Shameer Baksh and Linden Blackman respectively, while Monty Parris won the five-lap race for veterans over 60 years of age.

The five-lap race for mountain bikers was won

by Nicholas Alphonso. Second was Sean Budhan and placing third was Keon Thomas.

Mohan Memorial Cup set for Mash Day WHEN long-standing president of Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) Narchand “Archie” Mohan and other founding-members established the body more than 20 years ago in Canada, they also formed a youth club under the same name at his birth place, Cotton Tree Village, West Bank Berbice.

While the success of the club in Toronto is well documented, moreso in the last six years, being champions of the Premiere League of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) tournaments, the youth club has faded into oblivion.

Spurred by his team’s unprecedented feats in Canada, Mohan is bent on resuscitating the youth club at Cotton

Tree and towards this end, a grand four-team Under-19

NARCHAND “ARCHIE” MOHAN tournament and fun day is planned for Mashramani Day at C-3 Park in the same area.

The teams to be in contention are HACC Under-19, Blairmont Blazers, DeEdward and West Berbice Achievers. The action starts at 10.00 am.

Mohan is also using the occasion to honour his late mother Kuntie Mohan who passed away five years ago, hence the winners will cart off the Mohan Memorial Cup. Several other incentive cash awards and trophies will also be presented to the man-of-thematch in the final and other outstanding players and among the sponsors expected to be on board are HACC, Mohan Contracting Inc, Trophy Stall, Iqbal Construction, R&R Auto, T&M Enterprise

and Jusmat Inc. Among the players expected to be on show for the HACC Under-19 team is Leonardo Seetayah who had the astonishing figures of five for four in a losing cause, playing for Cotton Tree Diehard against Blairmont Community Centre in the Elizabeth Style sponsored Under-19 tournament.

Meanwhile, the HACC team will come from: L. Seetayah, D. Samuels, A. Shewtahal, A. Khalid, Keran Arjune, Kishan Arjune, F. Gaffoor, H. Singh, A. Hemra, S. Ramah, A. Khan, R. Critchlow, M. Sibdhanny, D. Bishun, and C. Hamchandra. Manager is Nigel Seetayah, who is also the president of the club while the coach is Iqbal Alli.

St Lucia accepts invitation for Schoolboys boxing tourney THE St Lucian Amateur Boxing Association(SLABA) has said yes to an invitation from the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) to participate in the region’s first International Schoolboys and Junior tournament. This was conveyed in an email by head of the SLABA David `Shakes’ Christopher.

The email was sent to GABA president Steve Ninvalle on Thursday confirming that St Lucia would be having a team at the April 29-30 event. St Lucia is expected to join three other CARICOM states to arrive here for the tournament. The other countries are Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

GABA has named Sebert Blake as the coach of a 40-man squad shortlisted to prepare for April.

The squad has three females in Akea Lamazone, Rianna Rogers and Rondessa Bagot all of whom hail from the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym in Linden.

Eleven members of the shortlisted squad are from the Forgotten Youth SLABA president David ‘Shakes’ Christopher Foundation Gym in Albouystown, while 10 fighters will represent the Essequibo Gym, run by Clifton Moore.

Essequibo was crowned Champion Gym at the last DDL Under-16 competition and leading its charge would be the talented Shaquancy Wright, a member of Team Guyana at last year’s Caribbean Development Tournament.

The International Schoolboys and Juniors competition is scheduled at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and it is said to be the first of its kind in the Region.

The shortlisted boxers are: Forgotten Youth Foundation: Seon Griffith, Stephon Smith, Orin Bancroft, Jamie Kellman, Dwayne Baptiste, Sean Graham, Travis Inverary, Shakiem Jones, Brian Harris, Orin Harris and Shamar Bumbury.

Essequibo: Shaquincy Wright, Delroy Elcock, Deron Williams, Quancy Wright, Junior Hyman, Deshon Elcock, Shaquille Wright, Christopher Moore, Shaka Moore and Akiel Mounter.

Harpy Eagles: Akeem Ali, Deandre Linton, Joseph Semple, Kevon Mulling, Kevin Allicock and Travis Hubbard.

Pocket Rocket: Akea Lamazone, Rianna Rogers and Rondessa Bagot, Herman White, Joel Allicock and Duel Augustine.

Guyana Defence Force: Quincy Boyce and Kevin Walton.

Carryl Boxing Gym: Joshua Corbin and Mohammad Bacchus Rose Hall Jammers: Jamal Eastman.

New Opportunity Corps: Kevin Griffith and Nicko Jodha

38

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

South Ruimveldt, Bishops’ High score wins in Milo U-20 football SOUTH Ruimveldt Secondary School and Bishops’ High School were in winners’ row yesterday with commanding victories over their opponents when the Milo Under-20 Schools Football Tournament continued at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Bishops’ High sank School of the Nations 5 – 1 in a team oriented effort on a rainy, overcast day for action. However, it was Nations who actually scored first after 20 minutes of tussling in the centre on a slippery turf.

Raymond Perez’s first blood strike was answered four minutes

later when Kofi Victorine equalized. In the 28th minute the even-

ar Britton strike then made it a two-possession difference when

the 30th.

Nations seemed to have no clue as Bishops’

his named in the 32nd before Lemar Williams (35th) struck on the brink

Part of the action in yesterday’s Milo U-20 schools football (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) tual victors gained the lead through a Shem-

Joel Morrison found the back of the net in

High continued to add goals. Mark John marked

of half-time.

In the match that fol-

lowed South Ruimveldt disposed of Central High 4 - 0. Junior Thomas gave his side the upper hand in the 24th while Leon Charles added another in the 34th so his side could operate with a bit more comfort.

Adrian Aaron (55th) and Cecil Jackman (60th) accounted for the second half goals which put the win beyond doubt.

Meanwhile, Christ Church and Richard Ishmael contested the day’s opening match which ended in a nil all stalemate while Carmel Secondary claimed a walkover victory from Sir Leon’s Lessons.(Kizan Brumell)

Scorpions 56-2 in search GSSF hold AGM after successful 2015 season of daunting 366-run target THE Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) which was held recently at the Grand Coastal Inn saw Ms.Vidushi Persaud returning to the helm of the Federation while the other executive members were re-elected en-bloc.

According to a release from the Federation, the Annual General Meeting was well attended and members were given an opportunity to discuss the activities and plans for the Federation’s way forward to promote sport shooting in Guyana.

Persaud opined that 2015 was a phenomenal year for the Federation and the various shooting entities it encompasses which success was due entirely to the support of the members who un-hesitatingly came on board.

Secretary of the Federation Steve Ninvalle then proceeded to deliver a comprehensive report to the membership, giving a brief background from its establishment in August 2014 to the end of the reporting period of 31 December 2015.

Ninvalle indicated that the Federation conducted thirteen G.S.S.F.’s Range Discipline and Firearms Safety Courses which is the elementary and essential

safety seminar offered by the Federation. The theoretical part of the two-day course for the last year was hosted at various venues: the National Resource Centre, Persaud & Associates Law Firm, con-

GFSS secretary Steve Ninvalle ference room at National Hardware and thereafter, Mohamed Qualander made a conference room available at his building which houses Queensway Security. He has since kindly collaborated with the Federation to make these facilities accessible on a regular basis.

For the reporting period one advanced Practical Shooting course was con-

ducted by the Federation for its members.

Ninvalle went on to indicate that monthly live-practice sessions were hosted by the Federation for 2015.

For internal competitions, the GSSF was reported as being represented by three members at a Police Combat Shoot hosted by the Chairman T.T.P.S. Sport Shooting Section, Superintendent James and the members of the T.T.P.S. Sport Shooting Section on Sunday 27th September 2015 at the International Defensive Pistol Association Range, Gran Couva, Trinidad & Tobago.

Ninvalle indicated that for 2015, the Federation has successfully hosted five Steel Challenge competitions and four Practical Pistol matches at the GDF’s Timehri Ranges with the fifth Match unfortunately being cancelled because of a prior event at the Range.

The Practical Shooting Ninvalle reported that the Federation has seen a continuous growth in number of competitors, as GSSF has been able to continue to conduct safe and successful matches. Every Match was noted to have a very high standard, with capable Range Officials officiating and ensuring that all rules are followed.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Scorpions were 56-2 at stumps chasing a daunting 366 runs against Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.

Scores: Hurricanes 155 & 368-8

decl; Scorpions 158 & 56-2.

Resuming yesterday’s third day on 124-3, the Hurricanes rattled up 368-8 declared with Jahmar Hamilton cracking an unbeaten 130 and Montcin Hodge contributing 72.

Left-arm finger spinner Nikita Miller took 4-107, while Damion Jacobs had 3-100.

UDFA 2015/16 League resumes tonight with double-header FEDERAL Winners Connection, currently lying in second position, will be aiming to improve their showing when the Upper Demerara Football Association’s Division One League championship resumes play after over a month.

They face Hi Stars tonight in the second game of a double- header feature, as the first game brings together Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Blueberry Hill at 18.30hrs, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The Winners Connection, fresh from their win in the GT Beer year- end championship, will be seeking to improve on their record with a win tonight, against Hi Stars

who have five points from four games in which they have one win, two draws and one loss as against playing five games, with two wins and two losses and one draw.

The three times GT Beer champions will field a front line led by the dapper Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens and exciting youngster Marmalaque Davidson, at midfield Keon Sears, Gary Thompson and Chris Young along with the back line of captain Marlon Maxius, GT Beer MVP Derrol Dainty and Linden Nicholson.

Their opponents, Hi Stars will be led by the ever present striker ‘Spirit’ Adams who can be a one- man show ,but they lack the quality

players to make this Winners side uncomfortable.

The game between Blueberry Hill and Amelia’s Ward Panthers brings together the Panthers who have played four matches losing two, winning one and one draw for four points, while Blueberry Hill also have four points but have played five games, winning one, losing two and drawing.

Blueberry Hill has their forward Devon Caesar and Levi Fraser, but their opponents, the Panthers will bring their best game with players like Ray Bobbsemple and Jevon Babb up front with Marlon Simon and Kevin Plowell providing adequate support at the back.(Joe Chapman)

39

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 14, 2016

Red Force make strong reply to Guyana Jaguars 237

By Rajiv Bisnauth

YANNIC Cariah scored a fighting unbeaten half-century to steer a battling Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to 136-3, at the end of the rain affected second day of their sixth-

Earlier, the 27-year-old Vishal Singh struck his fourth first-class hundred, and was eventually left unbeaten on 104; an innings that spanned 295 balls with 14 fours.

Resuming under hazy conditions on 204-7, the

Yannic Cariah on the attack during his unbeaten 58 round West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-Day game against host, Guyana Jaguars at the Guyana National Stadium.

At the forefront of the battle were the unflappable pair of left-handed Cariah, who batted responsible to be unbeaten on 58 , and skipper Jason Mohammed, who was on 18 at the close.

Jaguars were bowled out just before the lunch interval. Off-spinner Jon Russ Jagessar quickly removed overnight batsman Devendra Bishoo and Gudekash Motie for 11 and two respectively, but Singh, who resumed on 88, remained firm at the other end.

He eked out his hundred in company with tailender Keon Joseph, amid con-

gratulations from his teammates and the sprinkling of spectators from beyond the boundary ropes.

However, Joseph was then removed by Rayad Emrit, as the innings came to a close after 90.4 overs.

Seamer ,Marlon Richards (3-41), Emrit (3-44), and Jaggesar (3-59), were the destructive bowlers for the visitors.

When Red Force started their reply,Kyle Hope (09), who welcomed Permaul with a four, was eventually removed by Permaul on the stroke of lunch at 19-1.

Persistent afternoon showers restricted the post-lunch session to just 36 minutes of play. Evin Lewis struck a six and three fours, but did not hang around for too long during that period. He was removed by Joseph for 26.

Guyanese-born Narsingh Deonarine started positively with a straight- driven boundary off Permaul, and by the tea interval the Red Force were 62-2, with Yannic Cariah on 22.

When the action resumed ,the pair safely navigated their way to 98, but Deonarine’s resistance ended when he was trapped leg before wicket to Raymond Reifer for 18.

On the other hand, the left-handed Cariah who was

Today is the deadline for West Indies players to sign World Cup contracts THREE players, yet to be named, have signed contracts to play in the T20 World Cup for the West Indies amid a despute between those selected and the West Indies Cricket Board over pay.

The dispute, brought to light by captain Darren Sammy, is over wages said to have been agreed upon in the aftermath of a walkout of a tour of India last year.

The disclosure that some players had already signed the contract came from West Indies Cricket Board CEO Michael Muirhead.

W i t h t h e t o d a y ’s deadline for signing the contracts fast approaching, Muirhead says he

believes all the players will make themselves

World T20 captain Darren Sammy available for selection.

“I am confident I think they will sign. I think just the tone of Sammy’s letter.

I think he almost sound

like he is speaking for himself but I assume he is speaking on behalf of most of the players if not all,” said Muirhead.

“I assume that most if not all will sign not withstanding they may be some outstanding issues that he may want to take up after but certainly nothing could happen before.

So I am confident that they will sign”.

Sammy has since said he wants to go to the bargaining table after the World Cup, however, according to Muirhead, the WICB will not bargain with a small group of players. Any negotiations, the CEO said, would have to be done with the West Indies Players Association.(Sportsmax.com)

looking at ease against the Jaguars attack, reached his

spanned 125 balls with five fours and a six, and Jason Mohammed batted wisely to ensure they returned to the crease today after rain

stopped play prematurely yesterday .

Play continues today at 09:30h, and admission to the venue is free.

SCOREBOARD

Vishal Singh acknowledges his teammates and the sprinkling of spectators from beyond the boundary ropes after reaching his fourth firstclass hundred seventh half-century from 116 balls.

Cariah, whose innings

GUYANA JAGUARS 1st innings T Chanderpaul b R Emrit 3 R Chandrika b R Emrit 15 A Fudadin b Richards 18 L Johnson run out (Richards) 23 V Singh not out 104 A Bramble lbw b Richards 1 R Reifer lbw b Jagessar 1 V Permaul c wk b Richards 47 D Bishoo c Hope b Jagessar 11 G Motie lbw b Jagessar 2 K Joseph c Ottley b Emrit 6 Extras: (7-lb) 7 Total: (all out; 90.4 overs) 237 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-18, 3-47, 4-73, 5-84, 6-85, 7-198, 8-218, 9-229, 10-237 Bowling: R Emrit 17.4-6-44-3, M Richards 21-6-41-3, J Jagessar 27-759-3, N Deonarine 7-1-17-0, I Khan 10-1-46-0, J Mohammed 3-0-13-0 T&T RED FORCE 1st innings E Lewis c Bishoo b Joseph 26 K Hope c Johnson b Permaul 9 Y Cariah not out 58 N Deonarine lbw b Reifer 18 J Mohammed not out 18 Extras: (nb-6, lb-1) 7 Total: (for three wickets; 44.1 overs) 136 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-49, 3-98 Bowling: Joseph 9-1-25-1, Reifer 10-2-21-1, Permaul 9-2-41-1, Bishoo 11-2-38-0, Motie 5.1-3-10-0

story Red Force onSeepage 39 make strong reply to Guyana Jaguars 237

Lady Jags to show ‘no love’ today against Guatemala

By Rawle Toney in Houston, Texas DESPITE today being Valentine’s Day, the Lady Jags will show no love to Guatemala, when the two teams collide at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston,Texas, on Match-Day See page 33

Guyana’s Senior Female National Football Team – The Lady Jags

Calvin Ming sits in the Team K-Hill Motor sports F1600 car. He is flanked by his technicians

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9

Guyana’s Ashlee Savona defending Canada’s Sophie Schmidt during their 5 – 0 loss on Thursday last the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Victory for Ming and Team K-Hill Motor sports OVERSEAS based Guyanese Calvin Ming continues his triumph in North America, as he picked up a win during demonstration testing for the f1600 Team K-Hill Motor sports yesterday.

The F4 and Suzuki SR-3 Radical driver started the race in position four but quickly climbed to position two at the second corner on the first lap, before taking the lead just a short while later.

Ming came under pressure from Pelfrey boys, swapping the lead several times before clipping one of their cars while going into one of the corners, sending it into the air and prompting a yellow flag.

The driver of the car escaped unhurt.

Shortly before the yellow flag, the 19 year old Ming held the lead.

Upon the resumption of racing, the remaining team Pelfrey driver was able to draft Calvin and took P1, much to the cheer of the fans in attendance. He looked set to win the race, but in the dying seconds of the final lap, Calvin produced a gutsy move and was able to drive around the Pelfrey car and was able to make it stick,before defending his line for the remainder of the race.

On Friday, Ming and his team mate Neil qualified P4 and P3 respectively and concluded qualifying early as a strategic effort to conserve tyres. (Stephan Sookram)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016