Chronicle 02 4 2016

PLEA FROM WALES No. 104452

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

… cane farmers to table proposal to operate factory

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‘Partners in development’

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…President hails ties with China

President David Granger being escorted into the New Thriving Restaurant by Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Limin (centre). Also in photo are First Lady Sandra Granger and other officials of the Chinese Embassy (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

GRA seizes Budget will $20M in stimulate growth -PSC says 8 smuggled goods

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…but seeks review of ban on old cars

Williams clears air on GGMC, Bai Shan Lin 7 land deal Page

… says at all times followed procedures

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

Umana Yana foundation completed With its foundation completed and cured, the rebuilding of the actual structure of the historic Umana Yana is likely to commence today, Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams has said.

Williams, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, explained that a team comprising 35 persons from Masakenarie, in the Deep-South Rupununi, arrived in Georgetown yesterday, and is likely to commence working on the structure today.

Nothing however, that this is not set in stone, given the fact that the workmen only traveled to Georgetown yesterday, the Ministerial Advisor explained that there were some delays in the team’s travel arrangements. This was largely due to the weather, he stated.

Leading the team which comprises primarily of Wai-Wais, is Toshao, Paul Chikema who Williams said is eager to get this monumental project rolling. Responsible for the erection of the entire hut-shaped structure, the team will manually start with the framing and work their way down to the stitching of the thatch.

Williams noted that should there be a need for additional labour, this would not pose a hindrance since villages in close proximity such as Moraikobai and Santa Mission are equipped with persons who can aid in this regard.

The materials for construction which also include poles and rafters have already been cleaned and prepared, and this puts the team at an advantage given the fact that they would not have to spend time doing it. Most of these were sourced from Masakenari while others were sourced from Moraikobai and some from St Cuthbert’s Mission.

The design will mirror the previous structure, but will have increased space between the floor and roof. This, the advisor said, is to allow for freer passage of the incoming Atlantic breeze. Also, expertise from the Public Infrastructure Ministry will be sought, as the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry mulls having the facility powered by solar energy.

According to Williams, this reconstruction of the shed is a major undertaking by the ministry, given that the building represents the historical, current, and projected cultural contributions of the Indigenous people to Guyana.

The recently-completed foundation at the site where the Umana Yana is to be erected

Some of the materials which had already been sourced since last month

Stolen items Yesu Persaud, President discuss “matters of mutual interest” retrieved APPEARING before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate Court was 23-year-old Yonick Larose of Woodpecker Lane, Central Amelia’s Ward to defend the charges of unlawful possession of one cell phone, one charger and one camera. It is alleged that on Monday, November 9, 2015, Miss Larose stole the items which were found in her home after a search was conducted by ranks from the Mackenzie Police Station. The items were retrieved and she was arrested and charged with unlawful possession. She pleaded not guilty and was placed on $10,000 bail.

Ms. Larose will return to court on February 16.

BUSINESSMEN Dr Yesu Persaud on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency.

In an invited comment, Dr. Persaud said the meeting was an opportunity to discuss mutual areas of interest and described it as “very successful”. He said that the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and Demerara Bank Limited have made significant contributions to the country over the years, and it is within this context that

the meeting was convened.

Dr. Persaud is Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited, Trust Company (Guyana) Limited, Guyana Trust Unit, Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry, BEV Processors Incorporated, IPED, and the Guyana Youth Business Trust. He was accompanied by former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Chief Executive Officer of IPED, Mr. Ramesh Persaud.

President David Granger (first left) and IPED CEO Mr. Ramesh Persaud pay keen attention as Dr. Yesu Persaud, Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited and IPED, makes a point during a meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency (Ministry of the Presidency Photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

‘Partners in development’ …President hails ties with China

GUYANA looks forward to deepening economic ties with the People’s Republic of China to the mutual benefit of both states, so said President David Granger during an address at a reception to welcome the Chinese New Year on Wednesday at the New Thriving Chinese Restaurant.

He said the relationship between the two countries dates to pre-independence noting that Guyana is the first English Speaking Country in Caribbean to establish diplomatic ties with China.

“Since then, we have never wavered, we have never varied, [and] we have never altered our policy towards the People’s Republic of China.”

Given China’s contribution to the local economy over the years through infrastructure, health, defence, river transportation, energy, culture, education and information technology, the President declared that the two countries are “no longer

casual acquaintances” but partners in economic development.

President Granger said the Guyana-China relationship is reaffirmed by the ties of blood, history and friendship. He pointed to China’s economic growth over the period 2010-2014. “China’s economic performance re-

mains a source of inspiration to the people of Guyana.

China’s continued progressive trajectory growth. Its real growth and growth of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the period 20102014 averaged an impressive 8.85 per cent. This was more than twice that in the growth in the global output and

President David Granger greets China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin, on Wednesday night at the New Thriving Restaurant

President Granger (R); China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin (C), and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo lift their glasses for a toast

President David Granger addressing invitees of China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ambassador Zhang Limin, on Wednesday at the New Thriving Restaurant, Main Street.

RESOURCEFUL more than two times that of between Guyana and China Meanwhile, China’s Amother advanced economies in and other regional organthe world for the correspond- isations, that the develop- bassador to Guyana, Zhang ing period,” the President ment, trade, investment and Limin in brief remarks said whose wife is of Chinese cooperation can be further Guyana is a resourceful counancestry stated. The phe- intensified,” said President try and the Chinese Government attaches high imnomenal increase in output Granger. has spawned increased trade He congratulated the portance to the relationship with the rest of the world and Chinese on the celebration of between the two countries. the country’s imports and ex- the Chinese Spring Festival He pointed to the grants Chiports have both increased by and the start of the Year of na has provided Guyana with 40 per cent over the period the Monkey. “The monkey over the years while noting 2010-2014. The president as we know is smart, agile, that the grants demonstrate described China’s growth as active, curious…these are China’s commitment towards “spectacular” and noted that all important qualities that the economic advancement of it is “a modern economic are needed particularly by Guyana. Ambassador Limin legend.” small countries like Guyana said as China’s economy In 2013, China invested as they advance their de- remains stable, the country over USD$180M in Guyana velopment in the context of looks to deepen its level of while in Latin America and daunting global economic cooperation with countries the Caribbean, China has challenges such as declining like Guyana and spoke to a committed over USD$3B in commodity prices, effects of five year plan.

Additionally, the Ambasconcessionary financing for climate change and reduced eight countries. China has assistance from traditional sador congratulated Guyana on attaining its 50th year of also pledged $250M for the sources.”

Community of Latin AmerEconomic agility and Independence and said it is ican and Caribbean States adaptability, greater inge- “a new turning point” for (CELAC). “The Cooperative nuity, exploring new eco- the country and people and Republic of Guyana looks nomic horizons and livelier noted that the two countries forward to deepening its business activity cemented will “work in unison” so relations with the People’s under economic partnerships that the relationship with Republic of China, looks for- with friendly and supportive progress. Also present at ward to creating lasting eco- countries such as China, will the reception in honour of nomic partnerships, building allow small economies such the Chinese New Year were on solid relations of the past like Guyana to become more First Lady Sandra Granger, 34 years [and] we anticipate resilient and circumvent the Prime Minister Moses Nagthat throughout bilateral en- pitfalls associated with those amootoo and his wife Sita gagements and through op- challenges, the President Nagamootoo and several members of Cabinet. erational agreements signed added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Massy launches multi-million-dollar insurance company here

By Svetlana Marshall

MASSY United, one of the leading general insurance companies in the Caribbean, has officially launched a branch here, taking over the John Fernandes Insurance Company.

Chairman of John Fernandes Insurance Services, Christopher Fernandes; Massy Country Manager, Deo Persaud; and Chief Executive Officer of Massy United Insurance, Howard Hall collectively launched the branch during a reception at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday night in the presence of a number of stalwarts in the business community.

In his address, Fernandes explained that John Fernandes Insurance Services had encountered difficult times

during the early 1990s, and it was during this period that the company had turned to United Insurance Company, which was subsequently acquired by Neal and Massy through the acquisition of BS&T, a Barbadian conglomerate.

“It has taken a few years of negotiation, but I am happy today to announce that we have reached an amicable agreement. The pleasure of our agreement is not only for my benefit, but for that of our loyal policyholders who have stuck with us through the years as we changed from one principal to the next,” Fernandes explained.

Based on the agreement struck between the two companies, Fernandes will remain associated with the company for a minimum of five years to

ensure the smooth transition.

“I will continue to be their Principal Representative in Guyana, and take this opportunity to invite you to allow Massy United to advise you and service your insurance needs, either directly or through your preferred Broker,” Fernandes said.

The leadership and staff of John Fernandes Insurance Services were applauded by the Chief Executive Officer of Massy United Insurance for their excellent representation of United Insurance Company Limited over the past 14 years.

“Many of you may have known about United Insurance Company, but not realised that we were part of the Massy Group. In fact, we have been part of the group since 2009 and are proud to share the

(L-R): Massy United Insurance CEO Howard Hall, Chairman of John Fernandes Insurance Company, Christopher Fernandes, Massy Country Manager Deo Persaud, Roy Prashad, and Massy United Insurance Chief Commercial Officer Mark Sommerville

purpose of being a Force for Good,” Hall said, while pointing out that Massy United Insurance is one of the largest insurance companies in the Caribbean, operating in 19 countries, from Guyana, to the Bahamas and Belize.

“We are also one of the most financially strong general insurance companies in the Caribbean, with capitalisation of in excess of US$70M,” Hall said, adding:

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on a journey to become a great company, an objective that will be achieved through expansion.

“Last year,” he said, “we expanded our reach to a further two territories in the Caribbean, and this year we will commence operations in four more territories, giving us the distinction of the greatest reach of all General Insurance Companies in the Region.”

Wanted man, accomplice remanded Wanted man Delroy Joseph called ‘Barney’ who was shot after Police swooped down on a house at Nicolay Street in New Amsterdam, Berbice last week, appeared on Tuesday at the New Amsterdam Court and was remanded to prison after police instituted charges of trafficking narcotics, robbery under arms and break and enter and larceny.

Appearing shackled before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus, the prisoner, pleaded not guilty to the charge of trafficking narcotics but neither he nor his co accused Paul Wilson were required to plea to the remaining indictable charges.

However, the magistrate

Police on Wednesday destroyed a large ganja farm at Onderneeming Backdam, Essequibo Coast.

In a release police said acting on information received, ranks conducted another drug eradication operation in the Onderneeming Backdam, Essequibo Coast, during which a field that was under cultivation with approximately 525 cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants, at an average height of 7cms. was found and destroyed. No arrest was made.

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“This is also attested to in our A-Excelling rating by AM Best, the foremost rating agency for insurance companies worldwide, for 10 consecutive years.”

The company’s success, he said, was not without challenges, in that it has had to respond to numerous natural catastrophes over the years.

“However, we will not stop there,” Hall said, as Massy United Insurance is

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recognizing that Joseph remained shackled even as the charge was read, questioned the reason for the restraint, and was told by the Police that it was for security reasons.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sherriff, said on July 10, last year, ranks were on a mobile patrol along the Heathburn Public Road in the vicinity of the GuyOil gas station, when Joseph, who was riding a motor bicycle was observed with a black travelling bag acting suspiciously. Confronted by police, the defendant dropped the bag and fled. The bag, when opened contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems which amounted to one kilogram.

Since July, checks were constantly made for the defendant. However acting on a tip off, the police swooped on a house at Nicolay Street, where the defendant and others were arrested.

Meanwhile, on December

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16, Joseph and Wilson, are alleged to have been armed with a gun when they robbed Barof[ one name] of $150,000, property of David Armogan.

On that date, Barof, was the cashier at the Sand and Supplies Stores at Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, when the defendants armed with a gun demanded cash, before discharging a round and relieving the employee of the monies.

Between January 4 and 5, last the defendants broke and entered the home of Kenanther Adolph , of Budhan Scheme , Vryheid Village, and stole a 32’’ flat screen television valued $90,000.

On the following day at Alexander Street, New Amsterdam Police said the defendants broke and entered the home of Ockley Hinds, removing a 42’ television and a television stand totaling $179,760.

Police Sergeant Phillip Sherrif objected to bail, highlighting the prevalence of the offence.

The prosecutor told the court that several others matters were pending and charges were likely to be instituted shortly.

Questioned by the Court as to whether they had anything to say, the defendants responded negatively.

Consequently the men were refused bail and remanded to prison until February 15 for report.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Govt steps up fight to keep out Zika …Minister Cummings promises robust PR campaign GOVERNMENT has begun stepping up its fight to keep out the Zika Virus here and will soon launch a robust public relations campaign as well as other public health initiatives to safeguard citizens from the virus, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings has said. Guyana has only detected so far one case and the detection of Zika Virus in a sample of blood sent to Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Laboratory in Trinidad & Tobago.

Since then the Ministry of Public Health has been alert mode to ensure that this topical public health concern is kept at a minimum, and not contribute to any adverse economic and social burden, Cummings added in a statement.

Last week, Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation, Dr William Adu told this newspaper that there is no need for alarm, but stressed the need for more focus to be placed on staving off the spread of the virus here. “I must say that so far we have had about three batches of tests sent to

Trinidad. So far of the batches sent only one case is positive.

I think in Guyana what we need is to try to prevent ourselves from being bitten by mosquitoes.”

ALL FORMS OF MEDIA DR. CUMMINGS said the ministry will step up its public education campaign with the use of all forms of traditional and new media technologies which include the production of audio/audio-visual materials for radio and television. The productions will take the form of jingles, advertisements, infomercials, and public awareness messages, Cummings said, noting that social media will also be utilised particularly Facebook and WhatsApp to get short compelling messages to large numbers of people.

The ministry will also use text message blasts; flyers, posters, and brochures will also be created and distributed.

Additionally, he said Pro-Bono television and radio interview programmes will be employed, as well as feature articles in the daily and weekend newspapers. ”In areas where access to mainstream media is minimal to non-existent, loud hailers will be used to

get messages to the people of those communities. To continue with scheduled fogging exercises in all ten administrative regions of Guyana. To continue with the distribution of treated nets to the members of the public across Guyana, with particular focus on the pregnant women, to help in protecting them against the mosquito bite.” The minister said too that within the next two weeks, the spraying of different infrastructure with insecticides to assist in controlling the vector. The ministry will also soon introduce the In2Care mosquito trap as a pilot project at selected health facilities and ministries across Georgetown during the next few weeks.

GLOBAL RESURGENCE THERE has been a global resurgence and re-emergence of the Zika virus which was isolated in 1947 in the Zika Forest, Uganda in a Rhesus Monkey during the transmission of wild yellow fever.

However, five years later the virus was isolated from humans in Uganda and Tanzania. Unfortunately, there have been major outbreaks of the Zika virus in the neighbouring countries, namely Brazil and

Suriname. The insects responsible for this virus have been the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Polyneiensis mosquitoes, which incidentally are also responsible for Chikungunya and Dengue.

The incubation period (the period of exposure to the revelation of symptoms) is approximately three to twelve days. The common symptoms include a low grade fever (37.80 C), headache, joint pain, muscle pain, red eye, rash, swelling of the limbs. In addition there are the regular symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

It has been reported that this neurotropic virus could affect the brain, and lead to congenital microcephaly (which means that the children are born with small heads and can have severe learning difficulties) especially among the Zika infected pregnant women in the first and early second trimester, according to the epidemiological data in Brazil. Reports coming out of Brazil have indicated that close to 4,000 babies were born with small brains since May 2015 on isolating the Zika virus from the amniotic fluid of two women, and one infant’s brain and heart tis-

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings

sue. In addition, there could be seen flaccid paralysis in some cases, and the Guillian Barre Syndrome. The mode of transmission has been from mother to child and vertical transmission, though rare instances will include blood transfusion and organ transplant. The Zika virus has also recently been isolated in human semen and may be sexually transmitted.

PORT HEALTH Meanwhile, Dr Cummings said in addition to some of the measures outlined above her ministry will also sensitize relevant officers at the ports of health, in addition to strengthening the surveillance system at the said ports of entry to facilitate more public health promotion. She

said the Health Promotion and Communication Unit at the Ministry of Public Health will be strengthened even as the ministry engages and work with stakeholders including PAHO, UNICEF, the Ministries of Telecommunication, Citizenship, and Foreign Affairs. The ministry will also collaborate with representatives from CARICOM and CARICOM States, and Brazil.

Regarding preventative measures, Dr Cummings urged citizens to avoid travelling to areas where mosquito and destroy areas where mosquitoes breed; keep the surroundings clean, get rid of water in used tires, stagnant water, and standing water in outdoor containers like flower pots. “As the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, despite the probable economic and tourism threat, I will ensure that the health team and the policy leaders put measures in place to beat the virus, and by extension work towards removing our country’s name from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) List for the Zika virus. We will make every effort to control and eventually rid ourselves of this scourge,” Dr Cummings assured.

Trial begins in Plaisance bus driver’s murder

By Michel Outridge A 12-MEMBER jury was empanelled at the High Court yesterday morning before Justice Navindra Singh at the commencement of the murder trial of Orin Jerrick for the killing of Plaisance minibus driver Gavin Fiffee in 2014.

State Prosecutor Narissa Leander yesterday told the court in her opening address that on July 31, 2014 Orin Jerrick and the deceased Gavin Fiffee had a confrontation at the Plaisance minibus park at Regent Street and Mandela Avenue where Fiffee was stabbed.

He was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed and subsequently the accused was charged for murder.

About 11 witnesses are expected to testify.

The first witness who testified yesterday was the mother of the deceased, Sharon Payne. She told the court that she was at home on the evening of July 31, 2014 when she received a phone call and went to the GPHC and saw the motionless body of her only son, who was a minibus driver.

She observed the body of her son who plied the George-

town/Plaisance route lying on a bed in the Emergency Unit of the hospital.

Payne said that she also identified the body of her deceased son at the GPHC mortuary and on August 6, 2014 he was buried at the Plaisance Cemetery.

Police witness, Inspector Philip Bowman who was in 2014 attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Brickdam Police Station as a Sergeant testified that on August 2, 2014 at about 15:30 hrs he arrested Orin Jerrick who gave a type-written statement in relation to the incident in which Gavin Fiffee was fatally stabbed to the chest.

He added that he informed Jerrick that he was not obliged to say anything unless he wished to do so which will be taken as evidence in the matter and told him that “I will write a statement and give you”.

Bowman told the court that Jerrick was placed in custody and on August 4, 2014 he was present when a postmortem was performed on the body of Gavin Fiffee at the GPHC mortuary.

He stated that he also witnessed the burial of Gavin Fiffee on August 6, 2014 at Plaisance Cemetery at about

17:30 hrs.

The postmortem report was tendered and admitted as evidence in the trial.

Meanwhile, under cross-examination by Defence Counsel Nigel Hughes, Bowman said he observed bruises and wounds on various parts of Jerrick’s body and he was taken to GPHC for medical attention after which a medical certificate was issued.

Police Inspector Deborah Small also testified that she conducted the identification viewed by two witnesses, Georgina Dawson and Keisha Bruce, on August 4, 2014 at Grove Police Station.

Gordon Ifill and Georgina Dawson also testified yesterday and the original medical certificate of Orin Jerrick which was presented

by Inspector Philip Bowman was tendered as evidence in the trial.

According to reports, Fiffee, a father of two, was loading his minibus at the Plaisance bus park on Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, when Jerrick began urinating on the wheel of the vehicle.

Fiffee confronted him and an argument ensued. Jerrick reportedly stabbed him to the upper right chest. He was rushed to the GPHC by a

public-spirited citizen, where he later succumbed.

Following investigations into the incident, the accused, who had been evading capture for a few days, turned himself over to the police on August 2.

It was reported that at about 17:45 hours on Thursday, July 31, Gavin Fiffee, 30, of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was

involved in an argument with a man at the Plaisance Bus Park in the city during which he was stabbed to his chest.

Fiffee succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment at GPHC. Fiffee had reportedly objected to the accused Orin Jerrick urinating on his minibus when an argument ensued, which later escalated into a

brawl, during which he was stabbed to his upper right chest.

The state is being represented by Narissa Leander, Siand Dhurjon and Michael Shahoud while the defence counsel are Nigel Hughes and Peter Hugh in association with Savannah Barnwell.

The trial continues today at 09:00hrs.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

Education on the Constitution

THE Guyana Constitution is the instrument that has to be used in determining and guiding governance, and how we, as citizens, interact with and treat each other. The constitution is the nation’s supreme law, made explicit in Article 8, which expressly states: “This Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and, if any other law is inconsistent with it, that other law, to the extent of its inconsistency, (is to) be (made) void”. It is for this reason that citizens are required to acquaint themselves with what lies within the Guyana Constitution.

There is a notion that a constitution is for lawyers.

This perception couldn’t be further from the truth.

A constitution guides the day-to-day behaviour and life of every government and citizen. It is written in a manner the average person can understand in order that she/he can conform to its requirements, challenge any who seek to deny him/her their constitutional rights, or depart from what is constitutionally enshrined.

There is a section in the constitution identified as Title 1, which speaks to the “Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual”.

Among its provisions are the right to life, personal property and freedom of expression. Being conscious of these rights, it is important that citizens seek to have them respected and protected. If one is unaware of his/her rights and freedoms, then one can subject himself/herself to accept being treated with contempt, or can easily be denied.

While it is the individual’s responsibility to know what is enshrined in the constitution, there is a corresponding responsibility of the State to make sure that citizens are knowledgeable of /educated on what is in this instrument, and have access to a copy. Prior to independence, “British Constitution” was taught as a subject in schools, even though Britain does not have a written constitution. This knowledge/access was opportunity for persons coming through the school system to be conscious of the Westminster system of government; understand their rights and freedoms, roles and responsibility as part of the acculturation process to being ‘good’ British subjects.

With post-republican status, Guyana, in 1980, promulgated its own constitution, in which there are a number of indigenous articles pertinent to the nation’s geography, diversity, political realities and aspirations. Unfortunately, citizens of this nation have never been given the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the constitution through open, frank and honest discourse. Instead, constitutional conversation continues to be dominated by selective calls for enforcement simultaneously with condemnations from both influential and rank-and-file persons.

If truth be told, much has not been done as a matter of national policy to educate citizens on the constitution, which would create awareness of rights and responsibilities that would allow for holding oneself and others so accountable. In this 50th year

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Training needed for magistrates Dear Editor, ON THE 27th January, 2016, Mr. CML John became 91 years old, and he is now 64 years in practice. This makes him a Senior Counsel by years of practice and not by legal recognition. I can recall, in 1952, when he was admitted as a solicitor, there were only two solicitors in practice at that time, and both were female -- Ms. Hyacinth Bleaser, who from my personal knowledge became a solicitor in New Amsterdam, Berbice in the mid-1940s; and later, another Berbician, Ms. Luckhoo, became a solicitor.

She came from the famous Luckhoo family, who are well known lawyers from Berbice. These were the only two practising lawyers up to 1950.

The oldest female lawyer in Guyana now is Ms Elvy Edwards. I understand she is in her 90s and has retired just last December.

The late Mr. Fred Wills, S.C., who was once Minister of Foreign Affairs, was a very marvellous gentleman. He did excellently in legal practice, and has been responsible for actually teaching a lot of young ladies and men in the afternoons to become lawyers; and he has been able to produce from among them a lot of prominent lawyers, such as Ms Desiree Bernard, Ms. Natalie Agard-Stephenson, Mr Stanley Moore, and the late Ms. Norma Jackman.

In the early 1960s, two other females were admitted to practice -- Ms. Sheila Chapman, Minister Raphael Trotman’s mother, and the late Ms. Shirley Field-Ridley, who later became Mrs. Green, the wife of Mayor Hamilton Green.

Today the legal profession is flooded with women lawyers, who overtime have made their mark. As far as I can recall, Ms Claudette La Bennett was the first female Attorney-at-law who ever prosecuted criminal cases for the

DPP at the Criminal Assizes. She later became a Magistrate and then a High Court Judge, and is now retired.

Today we have a retired Chancellor, Ms Desiree Bernard; an Acting Chief Justice, Ms Cummings-Edwards; and five female Judges in the High Court: Justices Gregory, George, Insanally, Kurtzious and Barlow.

The Magistracy is actually taken over by women. There are more female Magistrates than male.

Looking at this entire change in the legal profession, where there are more female legal practitioners in the field, it can clearly be said that the legal profession in Guyana is dominated by women.

However, a female Senior Counsel has, to date, never ever been appointed.

This leads me to question the principles the Justice system in Guyana uses to appoint Senior Counsels. In the good old days -- that is, going back to the 1940s and the 1970s, there were people like Sir Lionel Luckhoo, Mr Edward Luckhoo, Mr Ashton Chase, Mr Miles Fitzpatrick, Mr Donald Roberton, Mr Keith Massiah, Mr Clarence Hughes, Mr Byron Pollard, Mr.Desmond Hoyte, Mr. Rex Mc Kay, HDS Hordid, Mr Bhairo, Persaud etc. These named persons have all been admired, both in the way they practised their profession and also how they conducted themselves in public.

Having said that, I would like to know why female lawyers in Guyana have never ever been appointed Senior Counsel, and why prominent persons like Mr CML John and the late Mr Benjamin Gibson have never been so appointed.

Mr CML John has been both an excellent solicitor and lawyer. He has been involved in several leading cases in land law and civil law, electoral law. He was even involved in drafting the electoral law for a Caribbean island.

Guyana is now at a point of serious development, and I am urging all

concerned to take a serious look at a number of issues; and that is why I take time to voluntarily write letters in the newspapers to bring attention to matter which I feel will help to make Guyana a better country.

Now, in the good old days, Senior Counsel status was given to lawyers holding certain positions, such as Solicitor General, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecution and Chief Justice.

Two of these positions are now held by females, the Solicitor General and the DPP. Also, we have retired Justice of Appeal the Honourable Claudette Singh who is still active. There is also a prominent female Attorney at Cameron & Shepherd, and Ms Elvy Edwards is the oldest female Barrister-at-law.

Do none of these women qualify to be appointed Senior Counsel? There are female Senior Counsel in Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean, but there is none in Guyana, a country known for outstanding lawyers.

In an earlier letter, I made a suggestion that Judges should have young lawyers to assist them in their research, and this would help in having written decisions in civil matters handed down without delay. I would like to make a further suggestion: before Magistrates are appointed, they should undergo some training on how to handle cases. This can be done easily. We presently have retired Justices Perry and Claudette Singh from the Court of Appeal, and Justice Claudette La Bennett and other retired Judges from the High Court. I feel that they could form an advisory group to assist in making the legal profession more professional and respectable by training Magistrates before they take the Bench.

JONAS MF. CODDETT Attorney-at-law

Corporal punishment should be abolished Dear Editor, I AM not a betting person, and I seldom play the lottery in the hope of winning a large sum of cash.

However, if I was to place a bet and not hope, but be certain of winning, it would be on the return of (a) the steam train from Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika, or Kingston to Rosignol; or (b) the steamer from Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown.

I feel this way, and very sadly, because there are many of my colleagues in the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU)

and other parts of Guyana and abroad who believe in and still live in the past.

Change is not on their radar despite progress in information technologies, hybrid cars, the international space station, etc.

Editor, my gripe here is specifically targeted at these persons, who are opposed to the abolition of corporal punishment for the wrong reasons. In my efforts to help these doubters embrace change for the better, I would refer them to the article below by Psychologist Elizabeth T. Gershoff (More harm than good), and remind them of an article I

of political independence, designated the year of ‘National Renaissance’ it would augur well to begin the process of correcting this anomaly.

In fact, the exorbitant price for the constitution makes it prohibitive for the average person to acquire/own a copy. Where this hindrance to knowledge exists, it should be fixed. Further, the State shoulders a responsibility to facilitate every citizen in his/her quest to acquire education and information. The best place to start would be in the classroom, by having the Constitution become part of the nation’s education curriculum as a subject and/or text.

wrote in October, 2012 on the alternatives of corporal punishment.

Elizabeth T. Gershoff, More Harm Than Good: A Summary of Scientific Research on the Intended and Unintended Effects of Corporal Punishment on Children, 73 Law and Contemporary Problems 31-56 (Spring 2010). Available at: http://scholarship.law.duke.edu/ lcp/vol73/iss2/3.

Editor, I saw and read with delight commitments made by both the Hon Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, and His Excellency, Hon David Continued on page 7 ►

The conversations on good governance as a perquisite to development would be enhanced when the constitution is factored in from a position of knowledge, since it would add substance to the discourse. Such an approach would inform any decision-making on whether to maintain, amend and/ or discard the constitution in whole or part.

It should be said that Guyana is not singular in calling for constitutional reform, yet it becomes important to recognise the life of a constitution is determined when it is being applied or put to work, and of which knowledge judicious application and adherence are pivotal.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Williams clears air on GGMC, Bai Shan Lin land deal …says at all times followed procedures

FORMER Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Clinton Williams, on Wednesday refuted claims that he was part of corrupt practices while he sat as Chair of the Mining Commission.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at his Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) office on Lombard Street, Williams said he had, at all times, followed the protocols and procedures prescribed to his post as Chairman.

“I have done nothing wrong; all I did was try to clean up the place,” he said in reference to the magnitude of alleged corruption that exists within the GGMC. The former GGMC Chair labelled as 'inaccurate' the article published by the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 under the headline “Underhand dealtransaction that takes months completed in days; Gov’t probes alleged corrupt land deal between Bai Shan Lin and GGMC.” “The Commissioner wrote me since June on that matter.

I kept it on my desk because I was waiting on a response from him in relation to the correctness and the legality of the transaction, because the company had made an objection against what the Commission did. So, based on that objection, I held up

The document written to former GGMC Board Chairman Clinton Williams by former Commissioner Rickford Vieira, requesting his signature for the mining permits

that transaction. When I got the call from him that said everything was in order, then I signed,” he stated as he showcased the document at reference.

Williams explained that the document requesting his signature for the grant of ten mining permits for gold and precious stones in the Mazaruni District #3 to be is-

sued to New East International Inc. was in his possession for approximately five months.

He told Guyana Chronicle that the document presented by former Commissioner of the GGMC, Rickford Vieira, for signature was the subject of investigation.

“It was sitting on my desk for five months, pending the outcome of the investiga-

Crime on the decline

– Police response time improving MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has informed Cabinet that there was a general reduction in crime from January 23 – 29, 2016, during which time there were 27 reported cases of serious crimes, and 21 road accidents but no fatalities.

At a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman revealed that the Guyana Police Force was responsible for the seizure of 402kg and 491 grams of cannabis, and ten persons being charged.

He also noted that 777

grams of cocaine were also seized, and four persons charged, while the police destroyed 4,000 cannabis plants and 44kg of dried cannabis.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) also seized 63kg of cocaine recently, Trotman said.

Meanwhile, Cabinet was informed that there has been a marked improvement in police response to criminal activities, whereby the police have been able to arrive at crime scenes in a more timely manner.

“The police were also able to make several arrests, very soon after some

incidences of criminality.

This has resulted in a very positive impact on the citizen/police relationships,” Minister Trotman said.

He noted that a National Security Committee was recently established, and is being headed by President David Granger. Other members of that committee include Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister Ramjattan; and heads of the security forces.

The committee meets on a weekly basis, where crime statistics and analysis are presented.

tions; not the same date that the Guyana Chronicle has suggested. There was no such thing as money transfer. I don’t deal with those things,” he said.

In the document, seen by this publication, Vieira questioned Williams as to why only three of nine mining permits were approved.

“Is there a reason for such decision?” the former GGMC Commissioner penned on the document. On the very document, Williams responded by informing Vieira that the former subject Minister, Robert Persaud, had requested that the transaction for the mining permits be reviewed.

“So we held off on it, pending investigations on whether the process within the GGMC was indeed followed according to procedure. That is why I wrote that note to the Commissioner: ‘Please indicate whether this particular person to whom this thing was awarded initially has withdrawn his objection’.

There was an objection by two people,” Williams told Guyana Chronicle.

The document referred to was dated June 17, 2015 and Williams’s response to the request was dated October 2015.

Williams stressed the importance of understanding the standard operating procedures of the GGMC, and he said the GGMC Board of Directors, which includes the Chairman, is responsible for the processing of applications for mining permits, and as such, does not approve mining permits.

He said that by law it is the relevant authorities within the respective departments that are required to process the applications for mining

Former GGMC Board Chairman, Clinton Williams

permits. The Commissioner signs them and then submits them to the Chairman for him to countersign, thereby making the document legal.

The Chairman’s signature is required for all mining properties, and this is not limited to mining permits.

“On this occasion, for these transactions, we received a request by the then minister to review these two sets of mining permits, and so we held off on it pending investigations whether the process within GGMC was indeed followed according to procedure. Fortunately, the other objection that was raised by Mr. Hopkinson is still upheld, but this particular person that they are referring to, the objection was in fact withdrawn. It was on that basis that I signed off on that thing,” the former GGMC Board Chairman told Guyana Chronicle.

With reference to money being collected by both Williams and Vieira and an existing feud between the

two, Williams said he does not handle finances at GGMC. He explained that many senior officers at GGMC became uncomfortable when he, along with other board members, agreed to have a review of the management systems of the Commission following numerous complaints of corruption.

“In that review, the report suggested a number of allegations of which the Commissioner was aware. Since that time, it was felt that because I, as Chairman of the Board, (had) approved for this system of review to take place, that I had some issue with the Commissioner,” he added.

Williams noted that the discomfort by some officials of the GGMC did not affect him much, as he was there to carry out his functions.

He said, too, that he never handled money on behalf of the GGMC, as it was not his place to do so.

“If I had to do it again, I would,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

Corporal punishment...

A. Granger, to eradicate and abolish corporal punishment in our schools. I have written on this topic numerous times, and to triangulate with these two scholars is an honour. However, in the middle of this equilibrium lies the GTU, and it is my hope that members of that union read the above article and persuade themselves that the alternatives are better for creating a progressive learning environment. Corporal punishment is the root cause

of domestic abuse, truancy, violent behaviour and public disorder.

There is overwhelming evidence that physical punishment is both ineffective and harmful to child development. Some senior educators have argued that the word ‘debate’ should be left out of the spanking conversation because the science against it is so clearly one-sided.

Frankly, there aren’t two sides. There is a preponderance of fact, and there are

From page 6

people who find it inconvenient to accept those facts, especially when the finding shows that spanking children has vast negative effects.

Gershoff’s (2002) studies found there was a strong correlation between corporal punishment and negative behaviours, including increased aggression and antisocial behaviour. Please give change a chance.

Regards, BRENDON MOUNTER

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Budget will stimulate GRA seizes $20M in smuggled goods growth - PSC says …but seeking review of ban on old cars THE Private Sector Commission (PSC), though generally pleased with the 2016 budget as presented

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, noted that it is particularly concerned about Minister Jordan’s announcement that there will be restriction on the importation of vehicles older than eight years.

The private sector body believes that such a restriction “has a negative connotation, and seems unnecessary at this time, and should be seriously reviewed and reconsidered.” It is the belief of the Commission that such a restriction will “place undue pressure on low and middle income persons.”

The PSC expressed disappointment that its recommendation for a comprehensive reform of corporate taxes and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) was not reflected in the budget.

“We understand that such reform may have to await the findings of the Tax Reform Committee. The increase in the tax threshold is welcomed, though we feel that this should have been higher to provide relief to low income earners,” the PSC said in a statement to the media on Wednesday.

Additionally, the private sector body expressed concerns over the implementation of measures geared at ensuring compliance. “One of the concerns of the Commission is the planned early implementation of the requirement to provide compliance certificates in order to obtain licences, but there needs to be some clarification of the impact of this.

We feel that this measure, while being a good way to ensure compliance, should have been implemented at least a year after the date of (Govt’s) announcement to give persons time to get their taxes in order.”

But while the PSC made no qualms about its concerns, it said the budget generally will provide “significant

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

stimulus to the economy as it recovers from a sluggish 2015.” The body believes that the budget will ensure growth, and is pleased about the planned expenditure on infrastructure, particularly the $2B allocated for the hinterland airstrips.

Once hinterland airstrips are improved, producers from those regions will be allowed access to markets in the city and beyond, along with improved connectivity with the hinterland.

The budgetary allocations for education, health, public security and agriculture, the PSC said, reveal that the focus of the Government is on what is needed by the country and for the good of the people.

“The PSC is pleased that the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project is being studied again, and would urge the Government to see this project through, since it would have untold benefits to business and to all consumers of energy.”

The new Demerara Harbour Bridge and the East Bank to East Coast bypass were also praised by the private sector body. The PSC hopes however, that public servants will receive substantial increases in salary soon, as it is not only needed by the individuals, but the resultant spending will see the economy recovering.

Meanwhile, the PSC is pleased that there has been no reduction in the rate of

…detains vehicles

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Norman Mc Lean

the Value Added Tax (VAT), and is also pleased that packaging materials have been exempted from VAT, as well as the fact that tax refunds can be applied across the board.

“The increases in gun licence fees are also fair, and will boost Government revenue, but we are concerned about the impact on indigenous people who rely on shotguns for their livelihood,” said the PSC. The PSC has expressed reservations about the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) capacity to ensure the smooth implementation of new measures aimed at ensuring compliance. “We do not believe that the agency is currently capable of handling the expected thousands of persons who will be seeking, in a short-time, to regularise their status as taxpayers.”

The PSC said it is generally pleased with the budget, and urged the Government to ensure that all provisions of the budget are implemented, and the allocated sums are spent, since approximately 60 per cent of the economy relies on Government spending.

This, the body said, is also crucial in relation to investor confidence.

“Too many investors have been adopting a ‘wait and see’ attitude, and we feel that this budget will restore that confidence and stimulate investment.” This year’s budget stands at $230B.

Some of the items seized by the GRA

THE LAW Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized almost $20M in goods, and has detained a number of vehicles which were used to transport the seized items.

According to the GRA in a press release, the agency has been relentless in its pursuit of smugglers; and acting on information received, and with the use of coordinated patrols, LEID has, for the

month of January 2016, had reason to seize a large quantity of uncustomed goods.

The tax agency said the countrywide enforcement campaign has netted a quantity of frequently smuggled items, with the most notable items being foreign chicken and mosquito coils which have not been approved for use in Guyana.

“For a number of these offences, the offenders have been identified for the first time. However, in some

cases, it has been noted that the perpetrators are repeat offenders; in which case, the penalties levied as payment is triple the value of the duties,” GRA stated “ It is important to note that the cross-border trade has reduced due to the establishment of in-transit bonds in Suriname. This has resulted in the need for importers to containerize cargo, which gives more control as it relates to the importation of goods.”

The GRA noted that the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division will continue to work with the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband in ensuring that the issue of smuggling is effectively addressed.

Moreover, the GRA will continue to put systems in place to ensure its enforcement activities are enhanced.

The effectiveness of this, however, is dependent on cooperation from the public as it relates to sharing information on incidents of corruption and illegal activities that are geared at depriving the State of revenue, or results in unfair competition with the local manufacturing sector and legitimate importers.

As such, persons with information can utilize various methods of providing information to the GRA.

Training centre for disabled youths closer to fruition THE creation of a training centre in Guyana for disabled youths is moving closer to realisation, as President David Granger has mandated the relevant ministries involved to identify a location for the facility.

The purpose of the centre is to stimulate the development of children, adolescents and youths who have special education needs associated with disabilities.

This project has its genesis in the 4th CARICOM/Cuba summit held in Trinidad and Tobago in December 2011, and the 15th Meeting of the Councils for Foreign and Community Relations held in Suriname in May 2012, where Guyana agreed to undertake the lead role in the creation of the training centre.

Consequently, an oversight committee was established in November 2012, comprising of representatives from the CARICOM

Secretariat, the then Ministries of Health, Human Services and Social Security, and the National Commission on Disability.

According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Cabinet has approved the conclusion of a cooperation and technical assistance agreement with CARICOM, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Cuba and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana.

This agreement will lead to the establishment of the centre, and according to Minister Trotman, Cabinet has also mandated that the relevant ministries within the oversight committee meet urgently with the CARICOM Secretariat to resolve all outstanding matters, including the selection of a suitable site to locate the centre and enable the effective implementation of the project.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

Linden rally against suicide HUNDREDS of Lindeners on Wednesday braved the inclement weather and turned up at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in support of a grand march and rally against suicide.

The rally, organized by the Youths for Change organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, saw scores of school children, parents, teachers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth activists, among others, participating in this initiative.

The procession left the Barack Community Centre at 9 a.m. and made its way to the Mackenzie ground, where persons patiently awaited the start of the rally and a concert.

The marchers wore yellow to represent hope, and gave loud chants of encouragement to the onlookers to choose life.

Leading the march was Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Regional Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira. Figueira commended the organizers and all residents and businesses for their support. He said that suicide has become a plague in the society and it was affecting a number of youths in communities across the country.

He posited that community leaders and religious bodies each have a part to play in addressing the very serious social ill. “Our young people must have options where they can go to freely express their hurts, pains and concerns,” he posited.

The Sports Club ground was filled with supporters, who enjoyed a programme of calypsos, dramatic pieces, motivational talks, testimonies, stand-up comedy and dances, all aimed at encouraging persons to choose life and to keep Linden free from the suicide epidemic plaguing our nation.

Co-Coordinator of the event, Devin Sears, told the audience that the aim behind the initiative was to edify the depressed and the down-hearted that suicide was not an option and there was no benefit to taking one’s life. “Today we are saying no to suicide and to abuse, and that you must remember that you have a purpose in life,” he remarked.

Linden “Jumbie” Jones, a well-known

Five in custody over Parika pensioner’s murder - post-mortem reveals manual strangulation

FIVE persons have been arrested by the police in connection with the robbery and murder of a 63-year-old pensioner on Monday night.

A post-mortem yesterday revealed that Ramroop Rameshwar of Parika Sea Dam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) died from asphyxiation due to manual strangulation and suffocation. His right wrist was also broken in two places.

Rameshwar, who was robbed and killed at his home, was a cleaner at the Hydronie Market, also located on the East Bank Essequibo.

The father of one, who had lived alone for decades, was discovered gagged and bound at the entrance of his home. Residents in the area said he had recently been seen at the Parika Market wearing lots of gold jewellery, which he had been seeking to sell. It is believed that this may have been the motive behind the robbery/murder.

His son, Annand Rameshwar, said a neighbour called him at around 06:30hrs on Tuesday and

Dead: Ramroop Rameshwar told him that she had heard his father screaming. “She said he was hollering for ‘Murder!’ and ‘Help!’ But when she peep outside, she didn't see anything,” the young man said. He further explained that his father had a collection of gold jewellery that was worth almost $3M. One woman said the pensioner had borrowed $3,000 from someone, and surmised that he was probably seeking to repay the debt, which may have prompted him to sell his jewellery. (Rabindra Rooplall)

comedian, hosted the programme and revealed that he was forced to life a very difficult life without a mother after she committed suicide when he was only eight years old, giving up on an abusive relationship. It tore the family

apart.

“Me and my five siblings had to be distributed all over the place. It wasn’t easy growing up without a mother, and when she thought her woes ended when she (killed herself), she didn’t think

Procession led by Regional Chairman Renis Morian

about the six children left to fend on their own,” he said.

Linden Jones used his anecdote to encourage the parents to remember their offspring before committing such a selfish act. He encouraged everyone not to remain silent about this social ill, but to lend a helping hand in any way possible.

Popular comedian “Chow Pow” gave a mind-blowing testimony on how he tried to commit suicide twice because of being a drug addict, living on the streets and having no hope. He spoke about being addicted to marijuana and crack cocaine for 20 years, which caused him to lose everything in life. “I used to live on the streets, eating with the dogs and out of garbage bins; and I first attempted to commit suicide by cutting my wrist with a razor blade, and after it didn’t work I drank kerosene, but because the Heavenly Father had a purpose for me, I am alive today,” he said.

After going through a series of rehabilitation,

Chow Pow said, he realized that he needed to live for his purpose, and that was to serve humanity through love and laughter. He encouraged everyone to seek their purpose and to fulfill it.

Co-coordinator of the event, Lester Gill, said he was encouraged to put on the event after being cognizant of the upsurge in suicide in the country, and even though there was no case in Linden, prevention was always better than cure. He encouraged youths to seek God whenever the thought of suicide comes up. “I would say go to a Bible-believing church, seek Christ or call the local suicide hotline (444-2728) whenever you need someone to talk to, and rebuke the devil,” he said.

Present at the rally were Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Regional MP Jermaine Figueira, Former Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon, Former Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon, several officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives from several NGOs in Linden, and several candidates for the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Murder accused Pharbu to know fate today -verdict to follow judge’s summing up

By George Barclay MADAM Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, presiding in the Pharbu manslaughter trial, will this morning sum up the evidence to the jury before handing them the case for their consideration and verdict.

Seelall Pharbu is the accused in the unlawful shooting death of Premaul Rampersaud in 2011.

Yesterday, both counsel for the defence, Mr. Glenn Hanoman, and prosecutor Miss Shonette Austin addressed the jury, each urging the jury to return a verdict that accords with the case they had presented.

Mr. Hanoman, the first to address the jury on behalf of his client Pharbu, urged the jury to find that the prosecution’s case had produced more questions than answers. Consequently, he said, the prosecution witnesses could not give a full story of what the evidence was all about.

Defence counsel said his client admitted that he was so drunk on that day that what he had said in the caution statement was not something of his own knowledge, but what was told to him by a suspect who was sitting next to him.

According to the defence counsel, Pharbu could not drive on that day, and had to ask someone to take over the wheel. Therefore, it was no surprise that he had to say he was about to clear the gun when his fingers accidentally touched the trigger.

Prosecutor Ms Austin disagreed with the assertion that what had occurred was an accident, as the defence would like the jury to believe. She contended that when one thing happens over and over again, it can no longer be termed an accident. According to the prosecutor, the accused was involved in a deliberate act, and not an accident, as he alleges.

Prosecutor Tamieka Clarke was delivering her opening address in the Pharbu manslaughter case when she told the jury that witnesses would tell them of hearing two bangs that

left Rampersaud a dead man while the accused was armed with a gun.

She went on to say: “Seelall Pharbu has been indicted by the State for manslaughter, the unlawful killing of a human being by another without malice aforethought; which is, intention to kill.”

She continued: “Members of the jury, it is the prosecution’s burden to prove this case against the accused.

As he sits in the prisoner’s dock, he has nothing to prove.

So as you listen to the evidence, you are to bear in mind that the prosecution has to prove the following elements or ingredients of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt: i. The accused inflicted the injuries on the deceased, Premaul Rampersaud. ii. The deceased died as a result of these injuries. iii. The deceased died within a day and a year of receiving the injuries. iv. The incident was not an accident, it was not done in self-defence, nor was there any provocation.

“These ingredients will be proven by the evidence of the witnesses. You heard a story that the deceased, Premaul Rampersaud, was in the front passenger seat with three other persons in the car. Earlier they were at a shop where they had something to drink, then they were at a wedding house.

On the way from the wedding house, they heard a loud bang and then another.

“After that, two witnesses observed the accused with a gun in his hand; the deceased was not moving. They got out of the car to see what was wrong with Premaul. The accused got into the driver’s seat and drove away the car. They followed in another car, where they met Premaul and the accused at the GPHC, where Premaul was pronounced dead on arrival.”

The judge will begin summing up the evidence at 10:00hrs today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

Govt puts on hold reduction in VAT …says “not as straightforward as it seems”

By Ariana Gordon REDUCING the Value Added Tax (VAT) is not as “straightforward” as it may seem, says Minister of Finance Winston Jordan.

He said should government move to reduce VAT, a number of other measures have to be put in place to cushion revenue loss.

With recommendations from the Tax Review Committee (TRC) in hand, Jordan said the team noted that, should VAT be reduced, it would become imperative on the government to condense the number of zero-rated and non-taxable items.

“The recommendation suggests that we should have less zero rated items, so it’s natural for that to happen if you want a reduction of the VAT in the kind that you are talking, from 16 maybe to 12 or thereabout. We have to have revenues to develop the country, so you have to relook at the entire revenue potential that you’ll need,” Jordan said.

As such, the Finance Minister noted that before VAT can be reduced, government has to engage in “wide consultations” to ensure it takes into consideration the views of all, and how it would affect the livelihood of citizens. VAT was introduced by the then People’s

Progressive Party (PPP) government in 2007, despite much public displeasure on the issue. Since then, there have been many calls by stakeholders to have the tax reduced. The now opposition PPP has also called on government to reduce the tax, with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo now stating that the tax is too high.

But Jordan said his government will not succumb to pressure, and will carefully study the report of the TRC along with deliberations resulting out of Cabinet and consultations. The TRC report was handed over to government on January 18, but could not be considered by Cabinet prior to the 2016 budget presentation last Friday, as it Minister of Finance was submitted late.

Winston Jordan “In clamouring for something, be careful what you ask for,” he warned.

The Finance Minister emphasised the need for due consideration to be given and consultation done to ensure that the issue of VAT is addressed properly. Asked when consultations are likely to begin, Jordan said, “I first have to consult with my cabinet, for them to look at it and for them to determine whether it is an approach that they really want. This hasn’t been done.”

If government decides to reduce VAT, then Guyana’s situation could mirror that of Trinidad and Tobago, where several VAT free items will become taxable, the Finance Chief added.

“It is not as straightforward as people make it out to be. It is not just about reducing it from 16% and think everything will be ok, we have to re-look at the entire revenue potential needed,” he told reporters.

He added that Guyana has a long list of VAT-free food items, and noted that electricity and water do not attract VAT. “One has to put all of that into the picture when you are making a determination of reducing VAT and by how much,” the Finance Minister added.

Jordan alluded to the current “leakages” that exist in the system and said more emphasis has to be placed on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), under whose ambit it is to enforce the tax laws.

He called on the Revenue Authority to be proactive and ramp up its presence.

“When the VAT first started, the collections were extremely high. GRA’s lack of a presence out there has made people feel comfortable in cheating the VAT. So VAT collections are decreasing. If you sat down there and do your analysis, you’d see something is wrong.”

The economy, he said, is growing, but unfortunately VAT collections does not match the economy’s growth. “GRA has no presence, so people feel comfortable in cheating the VAT, so VAT collections are increasing at a declining rate,” the Minister stressed.

Jordan added that he had hoped to see an 80 per cent tax collection rate from the current average of 65 per cent. In his budget presentation last Friday, the Finance Minister said GRA collected $34.4B in VAT, but that amount represented a 5.2 per cent decline; the reason, he said, is the increase in the number of zero-rated items introduced in the 2015 budget.

Before assuming office last year, the APNU-AFC coalition had promised to ensure VAT is reduced.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

‘No mass hiring of contract workers’ – Trotman clears the air THE APNU+AFC government has dismissed reports that the number of contract employees has drastically increased at the Ministry of the Presidency since it took office in May 2015.

A recent Budget 2016 report released by chartered accountants Ram and McRae pointed out that the retention of public servants as contracted employees had increased under the new government -- from 298 in 2015 to 505 in 2016.

But Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, told a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday that it was “virtually impossible” for such an increase in contract employees to occur. The Minister explained that critics need to take into consideration that there are a number of departments and ministries that now fall under the purview of the Ministry of the Presidency, thus the number of contracted employees has increased.

“It is not as if this government has gone out and hired hundreds of people, because it feels it wants to do so,” Minister Trotman said.

POST MAY 2015 Following the May 2015 election, the Ministry of the Presidency is now comprised of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Ministry of Citizenship, and still includes the Public Service Department, the General Registrar’s Office, Immigration, E-Gover-

nance, and the National Community Development Council.

The Ministry of Natural Resources was only recently designated a separate Ministry, and was also a Ministry within the Ministry of the Presidency until January 2016.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman “So this is why you will see what appears to be a jump. But, as I said, there has not been this mass hiring of people; but because of the bundling and the new functions of the Ministry of the Presidency, the collation of the numbers would give you what appears to be a frightening figure,” Minister Trotman explained.

It was noted that, in May 2015, the total amount of staff at the then Office of the President was 375, and that as of January 2016, that number is now 325.

Agricola ‘cuss bird’ jailed for assault A MAN from Agricola was yesterday sentenced to prison by City Magistrate Faith McGusty after he made his appearance before her, charged with assault and abusive language.

Fifty–nine-year-old Aubrey Carrington of Lot 45 Public Road, Agricola was yesterday sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment on an assault charge, and fined $10,000 or seven additional days by default on an abusive language charge.

According to the facts, on the day in question (Sunday, December 13, 2015) Leslyn Thompson, along with friends, went to the same bar where the defendant and his friends were, at Cato Street, Agricola.

The defendant is said to have shouted out to her, using offensive words to describe her physical appearance, but she ignored him.

Some time later, she got up to use the washroom, and on her way back, Carrington scrambled her. He then told her that she was a “nobody”, and he continued to use offensive words while stating she was “damage goods.”

TAKEN UMBRAGE Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Presidency has taken umbrage at the article carried in the February 3 edition of the Stabroek News, headlined “Hiring of contract workers balloons under new government”, saying that the report is inaccurate.

A statement from the said ministry has expressed disappointment that the newspaper did not seek to garner the facts on the matter. According to the statement, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has said that the publication of the article was “misleading” at best. He pointed to the fact that no effort has thus far been made by any journalist of any media house to attempt to clarify the matter.

“The operational strength of the Ministry has gone down,” Harmon is quoted as saying. “In May 2015, we had 375 staff working at OP. In January 2016, we have 325, specifically for the Office of the President complex… So, it is not accurate to say that the Ministry’s hires are skyrocketing; it is that there have been organisational changes that have taken place.”

He further noted that, as of January 2016, total staff at the Public Service Department, previously the Public Service Ministry, was 50; Department of Natural Resources, 58; Ministry of Citizenship, 141; and E-Governance, 69.

Minister Harmon said

all of those questions could have been answered if only media houses had used the opportunity to obtain the government’s response.

“I believe that journalistic ethics require that people call and ask you for a comment, which I am always prepared to give,” Minister Harmon said.

CONTRACT HIRES He explained that there were a number of persons hired on contract under the previous administration, many of whom were actually unable to perform at the required standards.

“Some of the people were here because of some ‘Freedom House’ arrangement, and were all contract workers; but in a structured environment, you could not get them to perform. These are things we had to address. Contract employees brought on are people with a skill; people who are there to replace those people who were brought by the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] and just stuffed into positions; a lot of square pegs they had there. And so to retain them, we have to retrain them,” the Minister said.

Minister Harmon made it clear that all contract workers who have been added to the Ministry of the Presidency were aptly qualified and skilled professionals, and were meant to add to the reform process of the Public Service sector.

Minister Hughes attending broadband workshop in Haiti CABINET has approved the participation of Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organisation’s (CANTO) workshop on forged broadband infrastructure inventory and public awareness in the Caribbean.

Minister Hughes is attending in Port-au-Prince, Haiti a two-day workshop that commenced on Wednesday.

Mr. Lance Hinds who is advising the minister is also in attendance. This was announced to the media at a post-Cabinet briefing held by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

The workshop will focus on public policy recommendations for the design of national broadband strategies and the next steps that are to be taken. It will also provide the opportunity Minister of Public for the CANTO members and key Information Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes Computer Technology (ICT) Ministers, policy makers and regulators to share perspectives and ideas on ICT issues in the Caribbean.

CANTO was founded in 1985 as a non-profit association consisting of telephone operating companies in the Caribbean. That was the first time operating companies had come together to deal with telecommunication issues independently, out of mutual concern. In 1999, under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, CANTO was registered as a non-profit organisation.

The secretariat was established in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Its membership is available to educational institutions, equipment suppliers among other users of telecommunication services.

Thursday February 4th, 2016 - 14:00 hrs Friday February 5th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Saturday February 6th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

PLEA FROM WALES … cane farmers to table proposal to operate factory

By Alva Solomon A GROUP of West Bank Demerara (WBD) private cane farmers are desirous of approaching the Government with plans to operate the Wales Sugar Estate, even as they flayed the former PPP administration for mismanaging the estate, leading to its present parlous state.

The group, which comprises eight cooperatives from the area with some 500 to 700 members, met on Tuesday at Bel Vue, WBD to discuss its proposal. Its members’ plans include cultivating the land and operating the factory.

Sam Naik, a private farmer who represents the cane farmers from the Canal Number Two Co-op Society, told the meeting that the farmers have been supplying approximately half of the volume of cane which has been utilised by the Wales Estate. He said ferrying cane to the Uitvlugt Estate on the West Coast of Demerara may be difficult in light of the Government’s plans to merge the two facto-

ries. He said the farmers have been examining all avenues which can be explored by the authorities, and noted that the Government, being a concerned one, can examine the issue of cultivation at the estate and production through the farmers’ contribution.

“I think the good historian that the President is, he can consider our plans”, Naik added. He said the groups met last Thursday among themselves, and the consensus taken at that meeting led them to take the position of making a proposal to run the factory on their own. He said their proposal may not be the only way forward for the estate, “but all we are saying (is that) we are able to keep the estate alive, and we know somebody will listen to us”.

MAJOR BLUNDERS Farmer Deodat Deokenanan, Chairman of the Bel Vue Marketing Co-op Society, bluntly declared that the previous administration had made “major blunders” in managing the sugar in-

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Harrinarine Deokenanan, interacts with the private cane farmers

dustry, and some of those blunders cannot be corrected.

He commended the present administration for its work in the sector thus far, noting that although less than a year in office, the Government has been able to find the faults affecting the sugar industry.

He said the issue of the Wales Sugar Estate “is not about politics”, but about the daily lives of persons, and he added that his co-op society has been producing 15,000 tonnes of cane annually from the 700 acres of land cultivated by the society. “We are asking the Government to run the factory and give the farmers the land and time to operate the factory”, Deokenanan said. He said the private farmers have been very productive over the years, and he called on the authorities to consider the farmers’ proposal.

Farmer Derick Venture said the group has written President David Granger, requesting a meeting with the Head of State to discuss its members’ plans. He said the farmers are requesting to be

Private cane farmer Deodat Deokenanan making a point during the meeting

Sam Naik, a private cane farmer of the Canal Number Two Co-op Society, discussing the plans by the group at the meeting allowed a two-year period to cultivate the estate, with the setting up of a board among the proposals. The board can comprise farmers and members of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and would be responsible for managing the factory and cultivation during a transition period.

He said that during this period the group proposes to request funding to operate the factory, and he noted that more details can be ironed out if the group’s request is acceded to.

Venture said the private farmers have been contributing some 60% to 70% of canes to the estate, and while the group understands the position taken

by GuySuCo and the administration for its reasons to close the factory, the moving of canes to and from the area to the Uitvlugt Estate may be costly. He said the move will

involve moving canes from the tractors to punts, and vice versa when the stalks arrive on the West Coast.

Cladius Charles of the Free and Easy Cane Farmers Society told the meeting that the farmers have the ability to grow canes and operate the Wales factory with initial assistance from the Government. ”So I would like to ask the Government to give us a chance to manage this factory and cultivation,” Charles said.

Last month, the Government announced that it was unable to finance the operations of the Wales Sugar Factory. Government said that to continue diverting funds from the industry to keep Wales factory afloat would jeopardise the industry.

Among the steps announced in light of the plans to close the factory, the Government

informed through the Ministry of Agriculture, further land preparation and planting will not continue at the estate, and as the estate’s cultivation is harvested, the land would be retired and held for other diversification ventures.

The Wales factory would operate throughout 2016, milling both the estate’s and farmers’ canes, with final closure at the end of the 2nd crop this year. It addition, with effect from 2017, the Government said, farmers’ canes will be milled at the Uitvlugt factory; and during this year, the routing of the farmers’ canes to Uitvlugt would be determined to ensure the least additional cost.

Agricultural workers at Wales will be absorbed by Uitvlugt up to the extent of suitable vacancies on that location, the administration announced.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

Renaming road gives Parikans sense of pride

By Alva Solomon “PARIKA Agriculture Road” is the new name residents propose giving the former ‘Parika Backdam’ Access Road, which, as is implied, gives access to the farming communities on the East Bank of Essequibo.

In recent months, work has been ongoing in the predominantly farming area linking the ‘Parika Backdam’ Access Road to the Ruby Access Road and the busier

parts of Parika.

Residents from in and around the area where work is being done told this newspaper on Tuesday that being allowed to rename the roadway will make many of them “feel proud”.

During a visit to the area by the Guyana Chronicle, road works were seen to be moving apace on the Ruby Access Road, with just one final stretch of roadway still under construction.

The upgrade includes the building up of the road with

sand, loam and bitumen, which, according to residents, has already resulted in an increase in vehicular traffic in the area.

As ‘Ruby Backdam’ resident Deodat Seodat told this newspaper, there are currently three generations of families living in the area and utilising the roadway, and many of their members were born there.

He said that because livelihood in the area predominantly revolves around farming, access to and from

A cyclist manoeuvres along the Parika Backdam Access Road, which has been upgraded in recent months

Works ongoing on the Ruby Backdam Access Road on Tuesday afternoon. The roadway provides direct access and a shortcut for residents who once travelled further north to Parika, en route to their homes.

A farmer from the Parika Backdam explains the benefits of the roadway to his farming activities (Photos

by Alva Solomon) central Parika, popularly referred to as ‘Parika Front’, has for decades been a worry.

“In the end we lost because the vehicles use to be drop side-to-side, and in some cases it couldn’t reach out in front,” Seodat said.

Another farmer noted that with the coming of the new road, he will now be able with less hassle to take his produce and other perishables to the market at Parika.

He said that in years gone by, when crusher-run was the preferred material used in road repair, things became pretty dicey whenever it rained, as the roadway was rendered almost impassable in some places.

In addition to the road’s current upgrade, power lines have also been erected for the first time in some communities in the area, an initiative for which the relevant authorities have come in for high praise from residents.

One resident has even gone a step further in asking that the authorities consider connecting the wires to the ‘Parika Back’ Primary School in the community, since medical clinics are held there monthly, and cold storage is a major requirement.

Additionally, persons are asking for a police outpost

to be set up in the neighbourhood as part of the area’s development plan. “We cannot wait for crime; we want to prevent that! So we are thankful for all that has happened here,” Seodat said.

Harrinaine Deokenanan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, told this newspaper at Parika that more than 1000 cash-crop farmers are benefiting from infrastructural works done in the ‘backdam’ area.

He said that farmers from Naamryck and other neighbouring agricultural communities are reaping the benefits of the infrastructural works; and if all goes well, the wooden bridges in the area will be replaced by concrete structures, thereby giving longevity to the structures.

On Tuesday, while this newspaper traversed the access roads in the communities, several residents gathered at the junction where the Ruby and Parika Backdam Access roads intersect, as motorists and cyclists zoomed by. “We want to rename this place; this roadway needs a better name,” one resident said, adding that as the infrastructure in the community is upgraded, renaming the Parika Backdam Access Road will give a sense of “pride” to persons who live in the backdam.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

Eddy Grant calls on President Granger LEGENDARY Guyanese singer Eddy Grant yesterday paid a courtesy call on President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Grant will be bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award that he is to receive at the Guyana Music Festival, scheduled for April 30 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

President David Granger with world-renowned Guyanese singer Eddy Grant, at the Ministry of the Presidency (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Presidency)

Women in combat…

GDF putting female troops at borders CHIEF-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, announced yesterday that women will soon be placed on Guyana’s borders to assist with the defence of the country’s territorial integrity.

The Chief-of-Staff was signalling his aim to promote gender equality within the army while delivering his address at the 49th Anniversary celebrations of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women’s Army Corps at Camp Ayanganna.

“The women officers are no less able than the men; therefore, we expect equal

participation in all areas of work. Thus, soon we will be deploying women on some of our border locations,” Brigadier Phillips said.

His announcement was welcomed with much applause, not just from the female ranks, but also from the men who were part of the Thanksgiving Ceremony of prayers and songs of worship at Camp Ayanganna.

A section of the gathering yesterday as the Guyana Defence Force Women’s Army Corps celebrated its 49th Anniversary (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

RECRUITING WOMEN Soldiers had to be found

Brigadier Phillips during his address to the gathering at yesterday’s Thanksgiving Ceremony at Camp Ayanganna, as the Women’s Army Corps celebrated its 49th Anniversary

ESTABLISHMENT The establishment of the GDF’s Women’s Army Corps in February 1967 was as a direct result of Venezuela’s seizure of Ankoko in the Cuyuni River in October 1966.

During that year, when Guyana gained independence, the GDF had barely established its first battalion of fewer than 500 men when it was forced to deploy troops to Eteringbang, on the country’s western frontier, to confront Venezuela’s aggression.

The sudden removal of such a large number of men from such a small Force had severely impacted the work of the GDF, as some recruits were still undergoing basic training. Others were deployed along the coastland, which only two years earlier had been the scene of murderous ethnic strife, creating huge manpower problems.

quickly to secure the borders, and others had to take their place in the camps. The GDF’s solution was to recruit women.

On January 30, 1967, just three months after the Ankoko incident, four women -- Captain Joan Granger and Officer Cadets Brenda Aaron, Clarissa Hookumchand and Hyacinth King -- started training at the GDF Training Wing at Timehri.

On February 6 of that year, 56 other women joined them as recruits.

After six weeks of training in drills, field craft, skill-at-arms, shooting, and physical fitness, the 60 women were formally inducted into the GDF in March, at a parade which was inspected by Mrs Winifred Gaskin, the then Education Minister.

The female soldiers have since been making strides, proving that they are no less capable than their male colleagues.

Against that background, Brigadier Phillips called on women soldiers to take advantage of all that the army offers, including opportunities to study at the University of Guyana, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, and so forth, so that they can be qualified in many areas and help the Force to fight off any threats.

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Guyanese hurt in Brooklyn arson dies after 2 months in coma A BROOKLYN father injured in an arson attack has died after lingering in a coma for nearly two months, his family told the Daily News on Wednesday.

Jermain Simon, 38, a Guyanese, was taken off life support and died Tuesday, grieving relatives said.

He is the second victim to die from the Dec. 11 arson in the two-family home on E. 26th St. near Clarendon Road in East Flatbush.

"That's two people murdered," Odetta Nurse, a distraught relative of both victims, said Wednesday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

Kevin Nurse, who was in the apartment when the fire erupted, said Simon collapsed in a hallway after rescuing his daughter from the flames.

Simon had just thrown the 7-year-old girl into Nurse's arms through a second floor window when he turned back to pull Fanta Adams from her burning bedroom, Nurse said.

Fire fighters found the two together in the corridor lying unconscious.

Adams, 23, suffered burns on 90% of her body, and died the day after the blaze.

Simon collapsed in a hallway after rescuing his daughter from the flames, a witness said The burgeoning fashionista was buried on Dec. 18 in one of her black dresses — the only thing that was discovered unscathed among the ashes. Police initially took one of the building's first-floor residents into custody for questioning about the arson, but later released him.

That resident, Jason Metellus, was arrested about a month before the fatal fire, after Simon caught him breaking windows in the building. He was charged with criminal mischief, and was released two days before the blaze.

Nobody has been charged for the arson, cops said Wednesday. The conflagration was sparked on a stairwell leading up to the second floor unit where both victims lived, FDNY officials said. Simon collapsed in a hallway after rescuing his daughter from the flames, a witness said.

(NY Daily News)

Quick response strategy to block El Nino effects THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has activated a National Response Mechanism to address the acute shortage of water being experienced in some sections of the country as a result of El Nino weather conditions.

The rice industry and, by extension, farmers on the coastland are mostly affected by the severe dry weather, since they are in dire need of water. As a result, many farmers are unable to plant the current crop.

At a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, reported that the situation was “grave” in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where there continues to be an acute shortage of water.

It was noted that the CDC will meet with Cabinet tomorrow to fully brief President David Granger on the issue. In the meantime, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) continues to urge citizens in the city to conserve water, since the water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy has dropped considerably.

The weather pattern, which has been persistent, is anticipated to continue throughout the first quarter of 2016. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), in conjunction with the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMAADA), is working vigorously to assist farmers with their drainage and irrigation needs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 4, 2016

National cyclist tried to raise ‘quick money’

A FORMER national cyclist, who ingested cocaine pellets to smuggle them to Barbados, was on Tuesday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after confessing to the crime.

Kwame Cumberbatch, 26, of Cummings Street, Georgetown admitted to ingesting over 190 grammes of cocaine when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

According to the charge, between January 28 and 29 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), he had in his possession several grammes of cocaine.

Following his guilty plea, Cumberbatch’s lawyer, Paul Fung-a-Fat, begged the court to be merciful by imposing the minimal penalty on his client, since Cumberbatch was under financial

constraints, and had taken a chance to raise ‘quick money’.

Recapping the events that led to his arrest, Police

outgoing passenger at the Ogle Airport, where he checked in to travel with a LIAT flight destined for Barbados.

He said that as the 26-year-old was going through a check point, at about 03:30 hours, a police rank from the Narcotics Branch, during a routine search, found 46 pellets in a parcel wrapped in plastic in Cumberbatch’s underwear.

After being interrogated, he reportedly admitted to swallowing additional pellets.

He was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was given a laxative to assist in the Former national cyclist excreting of the drug.

Kwame Cumberbatch Cumberbatch was later taken to the Prosecutor DeNiro Jones headquarters of the Crimisaid Cumberbatch was an nal Investigations Depart-

ment (CID) where the drug was weighed and he was subsequently charged. The amount excreted weighed 196 grammes, while 518 grammes were found in his underwear at the airport.

Cumberbatch was sen-

tenced to three years in prison and fined $873,000, three times the street value of the drug.

H e a l s o a p p e a re d before Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul yesterday and

accepted that on January 28, he had 518 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Cumberbatch was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment along with a $1.3M fine.

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SUDOKU

Yesterday’s Results

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CROSSWORD

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:25 hrs Urgent Fury 09:00 hrs Escudo 09:40 hrs Extreme Dubai 10:15 hrs Captain Leon 10:50 hrs Wendish English Racing Tips Towcester 09:10 hrs Hassadin 09:40 hrs Caitys Joy 10:10 hrs Basford Ben 10:40 hrs Flashjack 11:15 hrs Notebook 11:50 hrs Mr Bachster 12:25 hrs Boudry Wincanton 09:30 hrs Lifeboat Mona 10:30 hrs Crin Au Vent 11:05 hrs Norse Legend 11:40 hrs Stilletto 12:15 hrs Join Together 12:50 hrs Crank Em Up Southwell 09:50 hrs Extreme Supreme 10:20 hrs Peeps 10:50 hrs Carragold 11:25 hrs Virnon 12:00 hrs St Patrick’s Day 12:35 hrs Afkar Irish racing Tips Clonmel 09:25 hrs Kashmiri Sunset 09:55 hrs Billy’s Hope 10:25 hrs Westend Star 10:55 hrs Tethra 12:05 hrs Vicangelome 12:40 hrs Strangford Lough American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 No Entiendo Race 2 Dr Luber’s Kiss Race 3 Box Office Race 4 Memory Keeper Race 5 Chelios Race 6 Boomerang Becky Race 7 L X Sunrise Race 8 Taken by Surprise

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Malta Supreme champions Half Mile Bulls are Linden’s number one club

George McDonald pose with the Bulls team.

HALF Mile Bulls are now the number one-ranked division one club in Linden. This was confirmed in a release from the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), following the Malta Su-

preme Open Christmas championship, which the Bulls won from the Retrieve Raiders on January 2.

The Bulls received their championship trophy and $100 000 and their power

forward Travin Dryden copped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the Banks DIH Shareholders Meeting in Linden.

Raiders collected $75,000, a trophy and replicas and the Victory

Valley Royals received a trophy and $25 000.

Amelia’s Ward Jets were rated fourth and Block 22 Flames were fifth, with Bankers Trust Falcons occupying the cellar sixth spot.

Curry 'very comfortable' with Warriors team amid Durant rumours

REIGNING MVP Stephen Curry says he is comfortable with the Golden State Warriors amid talk of a move for Kevin Durant.

Stephen Curry refused to be drawn on speculation the Golden State Warriors could sign Kevin Durant in the off-season, insisting he is "very comfortable" with the make-up of the team.

Reports have indicated the defending champion Warriors, who are 44-4 on the season, are the "significant front-runners" to sign 2013-14 MVP Durant - who is a free agent at the end of the season - should he choose to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Asked about the rumours surrounding a potential Warriors pursuit of Durant in an interview with ESPN, Curry said: "I hear that stuff and it’s human nature to be interested

Stephen Curry goes for a layup between OKC’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

in it. I'm very comfortable with our team and obviously being 44-4.

"In the NBA, you're never immune to rumours and trade rumours, and free agency stuff. That's a good lesson for us: No matter if you're 44-4,

or 4-44, it's always going to be a topic of conversation.

"We can't control any of that. We can only control how strong we are as a group.

"The NBA is so fluid. We just want to enjoy what's going on right now, instead of

talking about what might be."

Curry and his teammates will come face-toface with Durant, Russell Westbrook and the 37-13 Thunder on Saturday in a mouth-watering clash at Oracle Arena.

Prince Ali questions ‘collective punishment' of CONCACAF, CONMEBOL PRINCE Ali bin al-Hussein has asked questions of FIFA following the suspension of payments to CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al-Hussein believes FIFA has questions to answer after the suspension of payments to CONCACAF and CONMEBOL amid the corruption scandal involving world football's governing body.

In a statement this week, FIFA confirmed it had put financial contributions to both CONCACAF and CONMEBOL - governing bodies for North, Central American and Caribbean and South American football respectively - on hold and that it would seek to "increase the level of assurance" before releasing further funds.

Officials from CONCACAF and CONMEBOL were among those indicted by the U.S. department of Justice on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption.

The federations are set to jointly put on the Copa America Centenario in the United States this year and Prince Ali - who will seek to succeed Sepp Blatter at FIFA's Extraordinary Congress this month - described the decision as "collective punishment".

"I have read reports that a FIFA spokesperson has announced that funding to CONCACAF and CONMEBOL has been suspended

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein

with immediate effect," he said.

"Who is the spokesman; which FIFA committee does he represent; who decided that 45 Member Associations should suffer collective punishment as a result of individuals' bad actions; who decided to hold these votes to ransom less than three weeks before the election and who exactly will decide when the funding will be reinstated."

The last three CONCACAF presidents, Jack Warner, Jeffrey Webb and Alfredo Hawit, were among those indicted while former CONMEBOL presidents Nicolas Leoz and Angel Napout have both agreed to extradition over the past two months.

Prince Ali will go up against Jerome Champagne, Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa and Tokyo Sexwale to be the next FIFA president, with elections set for February 26.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Sunil Narine completes CPL transfer to T&T … World number one ‘proud’ of Guyana spell; admits ‘excitement’ ahead of move home WORLD T20 number one bowler Sunil Narine will line out for Trinidad & Tobago in the forthcoming HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign after becoming the first high-profile transfer of the Player Draft from Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Narine, 27, first occupied the summit of the ICC rankings in 20-over cricket in March 2013 and has been virtually ever-present at the summit of the bowler rankings since.

In 34 T20 Internationals for the West Indies to date, he has captured 40 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5.69.

An ICC World T20 winner in 2012, Narine has been named in the West Indies

squad for the forthcoming ICC World T20 2016 in India next month.

The off-spinner will return to Trinidad & Tobago after three successful seasons with the Warriors.

Narine has also helped deliver a brace of IPL titles to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012 (where he was the tournament’s Player-of-the-Tournament after taking 24 wickets at a little under 5.50 runs per over) and again in 2014.

Reflecting on his time with Guyana and explaining the reasons behind his move, Narine said, “First I must say that I have really enjoyed my three years with Guyana. As a team we had been a little disappointed not to have won a CPL

Sunil Narine

trophy in that time, which we really wanted to do and make Bobby (Ramroop) proud. But I am sure Guyana will look to take this

opportunity to build a new team that will be a force to be reckoned with.”

He added, “Some things are out of my control, and I always said from the start when the CPL were appointing various icon players that if I wasn’t able to play for Trinidad then I would like to play for Guyana. So I have done my best and I hope Guyana recognise that “I am from Trinidad so naturally, in an ideal world, you want to play for your country.

Although I am moving from one team to another, it is with excitement and I will be doing my best regardless.

Guyana have their plans, so do Trinidad & Tobago, and I will just look to fit in as best as possible.”

Narine is also excited

about the prospect of teaming up once more with the owners from KKR, stating “KKR prides itself on being a family and that is exactly what it is. Yes, the team is competitive and we have won titles, but a lot of that can be attributed to how the franchise is run from top to bottom. The owners and management care and make themselves available. Players are comfortable and well looked after and I am sure the same style of ownership and management will be seen at Trinidad & Tobago.”

Narine hailed the growth of the CPL and looking ahead to the CPL Player Draft, which takes place on February 11 in Barbados where the identities of all the players on each team

will be revealed.

Meanwhile, commenting on the transfer, a delighted CEO of KKR, the new owners of the ‘Trin-bago’ franchise, Venky Mysore, said, “Sunil has been an integral part of KKR since 2012 and ever since we first came to Trinidad & Tobago, people have been asking me, ‘When are you going to bring Sunil back?’

“With this exciting announcement it is a clear signal of our intent and is a great day as we plan ahead for the forthcoming CPL campaign. It is also another important step as we bid to extend the commonalities between the franchises, with Jacques Kallis featuring for both sides in recent times”.

Annandale Secondary GCB acquires lawn mowers to are ECD champions assist in ground maintenance ... Lower Corentyne Secondary and Parika Secondary also victorious

ANNANDALE Secondary defeated Cummings Lodge Secondary to win the East Coast Demerara Zone, while Lower Corentyne Secondary and Parika Secondary also recorded victories in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd’s Coco Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel.

At Enterprise ground, Annandale Secondary who were inserted to bat reached 151-9 in 30 overs.

Damuka Ngquindo topscored with 30. Bowling for Cummings Lodge Secondary, Hemraj Mohabir took 3-21 while there were two wickets each for Andrew McCurdy, Naranjan Ori and Prakash Debidyal.

In reply, Cummings Lodge Secondary lost wickets at regular intervals and eventually folded for 115 in 19.2 overs. Reaz Mohamed topscored with 27 while Prakash Debidyal and Hemraj Mohabir both made 21. Tameshwar Motiram had terrific figures of 5-26 and Tyrese Assanah claimed 4-24.

At Port Mourant ground,

The victorious Annandale Secondary School team

Lower Corentyne Secondary got the better of Manchester Secondary by seven wickets.

Batting first, Manchester Secondary were bowled out for a meagre 88 in 19.1 overs. Junior Sinclair returned with excellent figures of 5-27 while Keith Simpson supported well with 3-17, bowling for Lower Corentyne Secondary.

In reply, Lower Corentyne Secondary made light work of the small target, reaching 89-3 in 17 overs.

Junior Sinclair showed his all-round ability by returning with the bat to make 36. Ramesh Kasinauth contributed 19 not out. Bowling for Manchester Secondary, Godwyn

McDonald had tidy figures of 3-5.

At Parika, the home team crushed Vergenoegen High by 108. Batting first, Parika Secondary amassed 188-6 in 25 overs. Azim Mohomed struck 44 while Wazim Mohamed and Devendra Drahaled contributed 28 and 21 respectively. Bowling for Vergenoegen High, Kennard Paul took 2-26.

In reply Vergenoegen High were dismissed for 80 in the 14th over. Bowling for Parika Secondary, Wazim Mohamed bagged 3-9, Junior Albert 3-10 and Azim Mohamed snared 2-22.

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has acquired three John Deere motorised lawn mowers to assist in the development and maintenance of pitch squares and grounds in a number of associations.

This aspect of development is perceived as critical in the GCB’s lateral cricket development structure, which encompasses the human resource empowerment such as players, coaches, tutors, scorers, umpires match referees and other cricket personnel.

The GCB has conducted a countrywide ground assessment and analysis, and found the upkeep of grounds to a highly suitable standard to be a major challenge for ground authorities, with one of the main reasons being inaccessibility of appropriate equipment.

GCB Assistant Administrator Melinda BishundyalChaitram, TDO Colin Stuart, and Driver/Office Assistant Alexce Bobb take the lawn mowers for a test drive.

It has been observed over the years that the maintenance of a number of facility grounds posed a challenge, especially

during the period where sponsorship was not as readily available as in the years of West Indies dominance in world cricket.

Rosignol Secondary and Berbice High School to clash in final today ROSIGNOL Secondary School and Berbice High School will contest the final of the inaugural A. Ally & Sons Inter-Secondary School Under-17 cricket today at the Cumberland ground in Canje.

Spearheading Rosignol will be former Berbice Under-15

all-rounder Javed Karim as well as Chandradat Veersammy and Keyon Gangoo, while Berbice High will have at their disposal, former Berbice Under-15 batsman Alex Algoo, Berbice Under-17 leg-spinner Dion Sinclair and Malcolm Mickle.

The match is a two-innings affair with the first innings lim-

ited to 50 overs for each side.

Regional Education Officer of Region Six and representative of the sponsor, A. Ally & Sons of New Amsterdam, will be introduced to both teams before the start of the match, and will also be at the presentation ceremony at the conclusion of the game.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Rodrigues welcomes Lady Jags ‘underdog’ status at CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier Tournament

By Rawle Toney IN EXACTLY seven days (February 11) Guyana’s female football team – The Lady Jags – will begin their quest to go to Rio Brazil, when they face Canada at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston Texas, in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier tournament.

Guyana were placed in Group B of the tournament, along with Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala, while World Champions USA head the perceived ‘Group of Death’ that also includes rivals Mexico, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica.

By virtue of defeating Jamaica 2-1 to finish third in the CFU tournament (behind winners Trinidad and second place Puerto Rico) in the Twin Island Republic, Lady Jags would have qualified for their second CONACACF tournament, making them the country’s most successful football programme, given the fact that our men’s national team are yet to play in a major confederation championship.

“The players are extremely excited and hon-

Mark Rodrigues

oured to be on the same stage as a powerhouse like Canada, Guatemala and Trinidad. They will give them their due respect but they sincerely believe that they can compete,” said head coach Mark Rodrigues during an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport.

Asked about the mood of his players ahead of their second showing on CONCACAF’s main stage, Rodrigues said the players “have been displaying a lot of pride in the fact that Guyanese blood courses through their veins and want to prove that the adversities we faced in 2010 are in the past”.

“This is a new era of the Lady Jags. One that is more focused and committed, who understand the level of fitness that is required to compete, are more mature and experienced. They are determined to show and prove their worth as Guyanese,” Rodrigues said.

Considered the ‘underdogs’ for the second time, the US-based coach highlighted that while some might see the Lady Jags being pressured to produce, he sees it as a challenge.

Rodrigues told Chronicle Sport that “understanding what you have to work with, the limited time with the players, little or no finances and resources only highlight any success - as limited as it may be to some, even more: We are already successful.”

North American Media outlets have already written off the Lady Jags from advancing further in the tournament, given the fact that Guyana are the lowest ranked team, and taking into account, the result of their first showing in the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Nonetheless, the always optimistic Rodrigues pointed

out, “It's actually very good that the media, the public, the coaching staff and the players have 2010 to look back and reflect on. We went in as the underdogs then and are still viewed that way, which again is how we ‘The Lady Jags’ fully embrace it again. This only makes us even more determined to build on our successes to date. The legacy of the Lady Jags will continue to be written in Houston, Texas.”

Coach Rodrigues’ roster reads: Chante Sandiford, Simone Busby, Ruth George (GK), Defenders: Julia Gonsalves, Kelly Pelz-Butler, Justine Rodrigues, Briana DeSouza, Bria Williams, Leah-Marie Ramalho, Kayla DeSouza.

Midfielders: Mariam El-Masri, Alison Heydorn, Ashley Rodrigues (C), Kailey Leila, Ashlee Savona, Dana Bally, Olivia Gonsalves, Brittany Persaud and Forwards: Calaigh Copland and Otesha Charles.

Clement Brown will serve as Rodrigues’ assistant; along with goalkeeping coach Richard Reynolds, Sheron Abrams as manager and physiotherapist David

Wednesday, February 10 – Toyota Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Puerto Rico vs Mexico 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) USA vs Costa Rica Thursday, February 11 – BBVA Compass Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Guatemala vs Trinidad & Tobago 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) Canada vs. Guyana Saturday, February 13 – Toyota Stadium 13:30hrs (12:30hrs) Costa Rica vs Puerto Rico 16:00hrs (15:00hrs) Mexico vs USA Sunday, February 14 – BBVA Compass Stadium 13:30hrs (12:30hrs) Guyana vs Guatemala 16:00hrs (15:00hrs) Trinidad & Tobago vs Canada Monday, February 15 – Toyota Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Mexico vs Costa Rica 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) USA vs Puerto Rico Tuesday, February 16 – BBVA Compass Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Trinidad & Tobago vs. Guyana 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) Canada vs Guatemala Friday, February 19 – BBVA Compass Stadium 17:30hrs (16:30hrs) 1B vs 2A 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) 1A vs 2B Sunday, February 21 – BBVA Compass Stadium 17:00hrs (16:00hrs) Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2

Lawrence.

The World Cup champions (USA) will face Costa Rica to open the eight-team CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament.

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.

Cool Runnings win big on opening night ... Tournament moves to Kuru Kururu this weekend COOL Runnings demolished Attention Family (10-3), to end the opening night of the Guyana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA)

National championship last Sunday at the Bayrock Community Centre Beach Soccer facility.

The first game, however,

was a drawn game between Linden’s Hi Stars and the visiting Buxton Youth Developers ending 3-3.

Jashawn Douglas began

the scoring for the Buxton team and other strikes were

by Vincent Stephens and Yannick Simon, but Hi Stars replied through a double

Regional Chairman of Region Ten Renis Morian and other officials being introduced to the Buxton Youth Developers.

from Colwyn Davidson and the other through Thaddeus DeFreitas.

In the second game Royal Youth beat West Front Road 4-1. Quacy Tavafa netted one, while Allan Halley scored a hat-trick and ensured Royal Youth West came away winners. Front Road’s lone goal was netted

by Randolph Wagner.

Linden-based Silver Bullets hammered Alexander village 4-1 with Colwyn Drakes netting twice. Romel Matthews and Michael Wilson scored one apiece while Alexander Village’s Jermane Junior got the consolation goal.

The fourth game saw Sparta Boss easing ahead of KK Warriors 3-1 as Dennis Edwards scored two and Roberto Osborne one for the winners. Ryan Scott was the lone scorer for the Warriors.

The competition continues on Sunday at the Kuru Kururu ground with another five matches.

In the final game on the opening night Cool Runnings brushed aside Attention Family with a quadruple of goals off the boot of striker Deon Charter, a hat-trick from Marmarlaque Davidson and one each from Jermaine Grandison, Keon Sears, Kennard Simon.

Attention Family’s Jamal Haynes, Hosea Waddell and Antawaine each netted once for the losers.

Prior to the kick-off, the teams were met by representatives from the Corona Beer product - the tournament’s major sponsor and Regional Chairman of Region Ten, Renis Morian, along with GBSA president Rollin Tappin among other officials.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2016

Walter Moore eyes Golden Jaguar return for CFU Caribbean Cup

By Rawle Toney

FINLAND-based Guyanese defender Walter Moore said that he’s hoping to get a call from head coach Jamaal Shabazz to be included on the Golden Jaguars for the 2016/2017 CFU Caribbean Cup. The competition, which is scheduled to take place during officially-sanctioned FIFA international match periods, giving Member Associations the opportunity to select their best possible teams, will kick off in March (21-29) with all of the countries except Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago, who are all still participating in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The Golden Jaguars were drawn alongside Puerto Rico

and Anguilla, in the 26-team Caribbean Football Union (CFU) tournament which is being sponsored by Scotiabank.

“I'm still fully committed to the Golden Jaguars programme and looking forward to the CFU Caribbean Cup,” Moore told Chronicle Sport in an interview yesterday.

Moore was an important component on Shabazz’s team that narrowly missed out on a spot in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 31-year-old Moore, in reflecting on what he still believes was Guyana’s best assembled National team, said, “For me this tournament is where it all began with the likes of Nigel ‘Powers’ Codrington, the late Sean Bishop and Leslie ‘Fat Man’ Holligan and other great players in 2006/07

... seeing us go all the way would be a massive achievement for me.”

Moore plies his trade in Finland with FF Jaro in the Finnish Premier League;

the top flight of professional football in the Nordic countries.

“Like (Christopher) Nurse pointed out, with the STAG Elite League back

home no one position is safe and I'm not one to shy away from a challenge,” said Moore.

Meanwhile, the player whose name is always mentioned in an argument, as the best Guyanese left-back, said that he’s “also looking ahead of my career I'm a assistant coach for our U-15 team which is rank 4th best team in the country (Finland)”.

“My new season is looking good so far, we played four games and won three and the team is getting stronger with the players getting confident ahead of the 2016 season in Finland. I have one year left on my contract with FF Jaro so the coach asked me to take more responsibility in the team, and so far I’ve been doing that as a leader and also as the captain,” Moore highlighted.

Moore’s first taste at professional football was at Trinidad and Tobago ProLeague Club North East Stars in 2006, and had played for the Shabazz-owned Caledonia AIA (2007–2013) as well as Charlotte Eagles Football Club in the USA. In 2013, Moore signed with FC Vostok in the Kazakhstan Premier League, making 31 appearances for the outfit but then transferred to their rivals FC Astana-1964 the following year.

While many only want to be remembered as the best in the game, the former Fruta Conquerors defender’s goal is to play a part in helping as much as he could his fellow countrymen to play overseas, while achieving as much as he could before saying goodbye.

Exciting year ahead for Hockey ... Enhanced youth emphasis to headline 2016

By Stephan Sookram HOCKEY in Guyana is poised for an exciting year, both internationally and locally, with special emphasis being placed on youths according to president of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Philip Fernandes.

The year will commence with the Annual General Meeting and Election of office-bearers on February 20 and Fernandes has indicated that he is open to stepping down as president once the executives see it fit, but can also continue in the role until those capable feel they are ready.

Immediately, following the AGM, the local season will begin with the Farfan and Mendes men’s first division and the John Fernandes Insurance Services second division competition which will take the body into its indoor calendar in time for the May/ June rainy season.

According to Fernandes, who spoke to the media yesterday, the GHB also

GHB president Philip Fernandes

the date of the tournament as logistical arrangements among other things have already been set.

However, Fernandes is of the view that the pool of talent is deep and wide enough to absorb that blow and produce a team that can perform on par with the rest of the countries.

ENHANCED YOUTH FOCUS Another important feature of the board for 2016 will be its drive to ensure that youths are encouraged to continue along the hockey path.

“This year also we want to have a very strong fo-

cus on youths; we’ve been having a lot more young people joining the game; a lot more young people appreciating hockey and we hope to have at least three tournaments for young people such as Under-13, Under-15, Under-19 and Under-21,” said Fernandes.

The GHB boss added that in order to sustain the youths coming into the sport, the GHB will also discuss during its AGM, the possibility of further camps educating the students on further tactics that will help them to advance their game with an eye to one day making them national players.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Flashback! GCC Tigers Princessa Wilkie makes a diving attempt that passes inches from the goal during the Bounty Farm one-day hockey tournament.

has an international junior team (Under-21) in training to attend the Pan American Junior Championships in Toronto, Canada during the month of May, adding, “This team is well prepared, we feel excited” He, however, noted that there is one issue: “The dates of the tournament ac-

tually clash with the dates of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams and in fact, some of our players will then therefore be unable to make the tour.”

This issue, he noted, is not limited to Guyana as those countries writing CXC examinations - Jamai-

ca, Barbados and Trinidad included - will ultimately be affected, with their respective organisations writing to the Pan American Hockey Federation, (PAHF) to move the date.

The parent body, in response, indicated that due to circumstances beyond its control, cannot shift

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 192 wickets (2) Jimmy Adams

(1) (2)

Today’s Quiz: Where in the WI Brian Lara made a Test century for the first time?

How many ODIs Alvin Kallicharran played?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Exciting year ahead for Hockey 27

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Walter Moore eyes Golden Jaguar return for CFU Caribbean Cup

ry to e s age e S np o 7

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Rodrigues welcomes Lady Jags ‘underdog’ status at CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier Tournament

Story on page 26

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016