Guyana chronicle 01 09 14 by Guyana Chronicle

guyana No. 103937 monday september 1, 2014

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At Pork-Knocker’s Day...

President promises ‘Gov’t will fix Bartica Road’ Page 3 ––and address community’s garbage woes

President Donald Ramotar examines an important piece of implement used by pork-knockers in the mining industry

Remigrant scam exposé...

Glenn, Bhena listed as remigrant 8 couple’s closest relatives Page

One of the vehicles impounded by GRA

––not their son, Sankar

BSL makes good on road rehabilitation promise to Region Ten

Page

First Lady urges Page 11 ‘continued respect for our Indigenous Peoples’

First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar

––as Guyana celebrates ‘Amerindian Heritage Month’

Stabroek News is unwilling to report that GECOM is not ready for local government elections, and one must ask why

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

Digicel Guyana completes Ice-Bucket Challenge –in aid of local charity By Michel Outridge

HAVING accepted the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge” from Digicel Suriname, Digicel Guyana on Saturday completed that challenge at its headquarters at Fort and Barrack Streets in Kingston, Georgetown, after which Digicel Barbados was nominated to do likewise. Speaking to the media Friday, Digicel Communications Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara said that although the ASL Challenge was made within 24 hours, Digicel Guyana still went ahead and did what it had to do anyhow. She noted that by doing the ice bucket challenge, Digicel Guyana staffers think they have put a local twist to the challenge, and are calling on other companies, such as National Communications Network, Ansa McAl Trading, Wartsila, Minister Irfaan Ali

and his ministries, among others, to do likewise. Bijlall-Sanichara added that Digicel-Guyana has since uploaded the video to YouTube, and will also donate to a local charity. She said that Saturday’s exercise was planned, and Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James; Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Kelly; other senior managers, middle managers and other staff members participated outside Digicel headquarters at 16:30 hrs. Bijlall-Sanichara pointed out that those who forfeited the ice bucket challenge had to pay a fine by putting money in a specially marked box that is placed in the office, in an effort to support the cause. The Ice Bucket Challenge The Ice Bucket Challenge, sometimes called the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, is an activity in-

Digicel Guyana staffers being drenched with ice-cold water during the Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday afternoon

volving dumping a bucket of ice water on someone’s head to promote awareness of the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to encourage donations towards research. It went viral on social media during July-August 2014. In the U.S., many people participate for the ALS Association; and in the U.K., many people participate for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, although some individuals

have opted to donate their money from the Ice Bucket Challenge to other organisations. The challenge dares nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads, and challenging others to do the same. A common stipulation is that nominated people have 24 hours to comply, or forfeit by way of a charitable financial donation.

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

At Pork-Knocker’s Day...

President promises ‘Gov’t will fix Bartica Road’ ––and address community’s garbage woes

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar told miners on Saturday that the road from Bartica to the interior would be fixed, as money has been provided to execute works. He also stated that Government would work closely with the Bartica Interim Management Committee (IMC)to address the issue of garbage. “Just to let you know,” he said, “we are going to fix this road; and at the moment, we have just given the Ministry of Works $89M to try to do work to make this road and drain-

age better, until we can fix it to the standard of a highway. “But we are going to continue to work on that. We are working very closely with the IMC in Bartica in order to clear the drains and garbage, and if we had the resources that can become available from saving $9B per year (for electricity subsidy, which could be saved through hydropower), we will not have enough contractors and workers to do all the work we can do with $9 billion; and we can solve the problem we have with garbage and

President Donald Ramotar greeting an attendee at the Pork-Knocker’s Day event in Bartica

President Donald Ramotar addressing attendees at the Pork-Knocker’s Day event in Bartica

drainage etc.” He told those gathered for the Pork-Knocker’s Day event at Bartica, Region Seven, that the biggest impediment to development is the lack of cheap energy. “That is why the Government continues to pursue the Amaila Falls project that was scuttled. We should have already started building that, but because of shortsightedness

and narrow-mindedness, we have not started as yet to develop our power industry. “Let me just tell you what potential that has to transform Guyana: At the moment, the Government spends $9 billion per year to subsidise electricity across the country. The moment we get hydro-power, we will see page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

Obama faces bipartisan criticism over his foreign policy

Pakistan PM still surrounded by protesters after deadly clashes

By Andrea Shalal

ISLAMABAD, (Reuters) - PAKISTAN'S powerful army said yesterday any further use of force to resolve an escalating political crisis would only worsen the situation, after weeks of protests demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation turned violent. Peaceful anti-government demonstrations spilled over into deadly confrontation overnight after thousands of protesters tried to storm Sharif's residence. Police responded with teargas and rubber bullets. At least three people were killed and more than 200 wounded, further angering protest leaders. Activists demanding Sharif's resignation have camped outside government offices for more than two weeks but it was the first time violence broke out as protesters, some armed with sticks and wearing gas masks, tried to break through police lines. Army chiefs held an emergency meeting in the garrison city of Rawalpindi

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - PRESIDENT Barack Obama faced criticism over his foreign policy from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers yesterday as he wrestled with crises in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Ukraine. Republican lawmakers seized on Obama's comment on Thursday when he said, "We don't have a strategy yet" for confronting the Islamic State militant group, saying it suggested indecisiveness. On Sunday, influential Democrats chimed in with their own critiques of Obama's foreign policy, chiding him for being "too cautious" on Syria, and urging him to do more to help Ukraine resist Russian advances. "I've learned one thing about this president, and that is he's very cautious. Maybe, in this instance, too cautious," Democrat Dianne Feinstein, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told NBC's "Meet the Press" program on Sunday when asked about Obama's comments about dealing with Islamic State militants. Representative Adam

Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, cautioned that any U.S. action in Syria had to be carefully calibrated to avoid inadvertently supporting the regime of Bashar al-Assad. But he joined Republicans in urging Obama to provide more than just "nonlethal" aid to the Ukrainian government as it resisted Russian forces. "We should be more forceful when supporting the Ukrainian government," Smith told CBS's "Face the Nation" program. "I think it's appropriate to up that aid to make them a more capable fighting force, to resist this incursion." The critical comments came as the Obama administration faced myriad crises around the world, including a reported attack on an annex to the U.S. embassy in Tripoli, Libya. [ID:nL1N0R10F5] In response to the criticism of Obama's comment on the lack of a strategy, White House officials said it reflected the fact that the Pentagon was still developing options for possible military action in Syria. U.S. officials emphasized that the administration

President Barack Obama

does have a broader strategy, and the military plan is only one element. The lawmakers statements reflect growing concern about potential homeland security threats posed by hundreds of U.S., British and Canadian citizens who have trained to fight in Syria. But Obama may still have trouble winning support from a deeply divided Congress for expanded military action against the Islamic State. "His foreign policy is in absolute freefall," said Representative Mike Rogers, who heads the House Intelligence Committee. "This 'don't do stupid stuff' policy isn't working," Republican Senator John McCain said U.S. action against Islamic State would require more U.S. special operations forces, more air controllers; more advisers to train the Iraqi military, which was near collapse; and other countries to partner with. But McCain said Obama was having trouble building a coalition to take action against Islamic State militants after backing away from strikes against Syria last year. "These people ... are very cynical, particularly the Saudis and others, because we said we were going to strike Syria, and then the president reversed himself without even telling them."

DATE: 27/08/2014 M

By Syed Raza Hassan and Mehreen Zahra-Malik

22 07 26 11 14 10 27

29/08/2014

on Sunday night to discuss the crisis, prompting speculation that the military could take decisive action to end the crisis in a nation where power has usually changed hands via coups rather than elections. But in a brief statement, the army reaffirmed its commitment to democracy and said the crisis had to be solved politically. "Further use of force will only aggravate the problem. It was once again reiterated that the situation should be resolved politically without wasting any time and without recourse to violent means," it said. Small skirmishes continued into Sunday, with police occasionally firing teargas, but the crowd massing outside parliament appeared peaceful on Sunday night, with some dancing or sleeping on the grass. Smaller protests were also reported in the city of Lahore, Sharif's political power base, and other parts of Pakistan. How the crisis ends and whether Sharif survives ul-

timately lies in the military's hands in a country ruled by generals for half of its history. With tensions rising, last week the army said it was asked by the government to help defuse the crisis but has so far not directly intervened. It was unclear how the deadlock could be resolved with the opposition flatly refusing to leave the streets until Sharif quits. Sharif, who swept to office last year in Pakistan's first democratic transition of power, has resisted calls to resign while agreeing to meet other demands such as an investigation into suspicions of fraud during last year's election. His office reiterated on Sunday evening that his resignation was out of the question. "It was agreed that this undemocratic onslaught should be withdrawn and parties should come back to the negotiation table," his press office said in a statement after Sharif chaired a meeting with his top officials.

U.S., foreign fighters in Syria pose 'very serious threat' to U.S.: lawmaker WASHINGTON, (Reuters) HUNDREDS of U.S., British and Canadian citizens who have trained with Islamic State fighters trying to carve out their own state in Iraq and Syria pose a "very serious threat" to the United States, a top Republican lawmaker said yesterday. Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, urged the Obama administration to aggressively prosecute U.S. citizens who had trained overseas as it weighed options for how to respond to escalating violence by Islamic State militants in Iraq. He said an attack on the

29/08/2014

Jewish museum in Brussels in May had shown a new push by extremist groups to carry out attacks on Western targets, and growing efforts to recruit backers on social media. "I'm very concerned because we don't know every single person who has gone and trained and learned how to fight," Rogers told "Fox News Sunday." The United States carried out three air strikes on Saturday against Islamic State fighters near the besieged Shi'ite town of Amerli in northern Iraq and airdropped more than hundred additional bundles of humanitarian aid to civilians trapped there, the Pentagon said.

29/08/2014

President Barack Obama last week authorized the new military action, broadening U.S. operations in Iraq amid an international outcry over the threat to Amerli's mostly ethnic Turkmen population. Washington is seeking to build an international coalition to fight against Islamic State forces. Rogers said he believed hundreds of U.S. citizens had trained with Islamic State at least once, in addition to an estimated 500 British citizens and hundreds more from Canada, with their passports essentially allowing them "free travel" to the United States to carry out extremist attacks.

06 15 03 09 07 11 04

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

T&T observing 52nd anniversary of political independence

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – THE twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating its 52 anniversary of independence from Britain with Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar asking citizens to embrace change. In her message to the nation, the Prime Minister said Independence allows an opportunity to embrace change and pointed to the Government’s recent proposals towards Constitutional reform. “The passion, interest and dialogue elicited by my Government’s proposals for Constitutional reform have been unprecedented, clearly negating the view that our citizens are lukewarm on matters of national gover-

nance.” She said while there will always be dissenting voices on issues of political reform, economic thrust or social policy, democracy allows for “reasoned debate and a multiplicity of views.” “As citizens of an independent, democratic nation we have the responsibility to ensure that in the practice of our democracy, each and every citizen holds the right to determine how they are governed and by whom. We cannot allow fear and intimidation to impede the progress of our Nation,” she added. “In 2014, fifty-two years later, we have again displayed the confidence in ourselves and the temerity to forge a new political path. We now have greater power to choose the representatives, best suited to serve and service the needs of community and country.” She said all sectors must play a role in the sustainable development of the country as citizens possess the “ skills, intellect and talent to achieve every goal and task that we set ourselves.” The Prime Minister added that it is not business as usual.

“My Government understands that expectations are high among our citizenry in all aspects of national life. Areas of health, personal and national security, governance, job and wealth creation all dominate the national psyche. I give you the assurance that in our policies, programmes and projections; my Government will continue to seek the best interests of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Let us together make this 52nd Independence Anniversary a celebration which signaled the dawn of a new stewardship of our great nation,” she said. Meanwhile, opposition leader Dr. Keith Rowley has urged the nation to reflect on the journey since Independence . “As a young developing nation, Trinidad and Tobago has come a long way. We have experienced the proverbial highs and lows along the way. However, through it all, our people have demonstrated formidable will and strong resilience, with the ability to work together to overcome challenges.” “Our dedication to our democratic rights and freedoms serves as the corner-

stone upon which our nation is built. Trinidad and Tobago was, is and will always be forged from the love of liberty.” Rowley said as the country faced what was seen by many as an interference with fundamental democratic principles he remained confident that the majority of the people of T&T are “right-thinking and are ready, willing and able to work steadfastly towards a better, brighter future.” He added “at this independence time, even as we face what many see as

interference with fundamental democratic principles I continue to have confidence in the people of our young nation. I still hold out that the majority of us are right-thinking and are ready, willing and able to work steadfastly towards a better, brighter future,” he said. And US Secretary of State John Kerry has congratulated the people of Trinidad and Tobago on the anniversary of independence. “On behalf of President

Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate the 52nd anniversary of your independence on August 31. “Today our two nations co-operate not only on security issues, but also on clean energy, controlling the HIV/Aids epidemic, and exchanges in science and art. We are committed to strengthening the bonds of friendship as we celebrate our shared values of democracy and diversity," Kerry said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Ensuring Food Security G U YA N A i s e n d o w e d with abundant natural resources -- such as fertile agricultural land, minerals, expansive fishing grounds, forests, water resources, and a talented work force. The country is in a formidable position to ensure that the Guyanese population is provided with adequate and affordable agricultural products. Rising global food prices and acute shortages in some countries were observed in 1974. After 34 years, in 2008, this phenomenon again manifested itself. The causes for food prices’ increases globally

are based on many factors. These include an increase in the demand for food, with countries such as China, India, Brazil and Africa each having a rapidly growing population and a greater per capita income. Also, because of the rapidly escalating price for oil, many food producing countries have diverted agriculture crops, in particular cereals, to the production of cheaper forms of energy, such as bio-fuel. Then there is the issue of climate change, with floods and dry seasons that impact on production for staple products, such as rice, wheat and corn.

All countries in the world are affected by these and other factors, thus resulting in rising food prices. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), since its formation and while in Government, was always cognisant of the need to make Guyana the food basket of the Caribbean. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo had expressed Guyana’s willingness to provide its vast agricultural land resources to CARICOM countries under the Jagdeo Initiative, which aimed to significantly reduce the large food import bill of over US$3 billion, and further ensure food

security and sustainability in the region. The Jagdeo Initiative, as the programme is known, provides a blueprint for immediate food production and sustainability. Dr. Cheddi Jagan also held closely the vision to make Guyana a model country for agricultural production. He advocated and promoted new agriculture schemes such as Black Bush Polder, Tapacuma project, the Greater Canje, and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary (MMA) projects utilising the Hutchinson

Plan for comprehensive drainage and irrigation, with innovative interventions as the needs arise, such as the Hope and Cunia canals. It is during the time of the PPP administration that the country became a large exporter of rice, sugar and other foods. This country has also reached the MDG in food security, as it also produces abundantly for local consump-

tion. Farmers and consumers are benefiting from the proactive measures and strategic plans which are being implemented. The future for farmers and others in food production is assured from rapidly increasing incomes and an improved standard of living, and Government is taking all measures to ensure that food on the table is affordable and adequate.

The epitome of hypocrisy and double standards IF what the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Khurshid Sattaur, is saying is true -- and I have no reason to believe that a respectable man like himself would lie about something so serious -- then I am aghast at the revelations that owner and publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall, a self-proclaimed fighter of criminality and corruption, would stoop to such a low level as to excuse himself from his deceitful transgressions. I speak of the $40 million duty-free scam that he and his relatives are currently embroiled in. It was headlined in the newspapers recently how he defrauded the Government of such sums of money by having his remigrant family, with their duty-free status, import two brand new

2013 Lexus luxury SUVs, which were transferred to Mr. Lall and his wife in breach of the duty-free concessions conditionality/ law which stipulates that duty-free vehicles can only be transferred or sold after a period of three years. The vehicles are in essence really owned by Lall and his wife, but were imported by his remigrant relatives for him to benefit from their duty-free status. I say this because the vehicles are prominently parked in front of Lall’s and his wife’s (Bheena Lall, owner of Bheena’s Footwear) places of work daily, even though they were registered to his relatives and should be in their possession. What is now even more shocking is that Lall, who preaches about corruption, equity and fairness, has levied threats to Mr. Sattaur

that if he proceeds along the just line of accountability and investigates the matter under his remit as the Commissioner General of the GRA, he would be persecuted by Kaieteur News. See the Saturday, August 30th, edition of the Guyana Times paper under the caption “Glenn Lall threatens Kurshid Sattaur, Remigrant Scam deepens.” In this article, Mr. Sattaur has said, among other things, that Glenn Lall called him from an overseas number and “threatened to use his newspaper [Kaieteur News] to expose me; I don’t know what wrong I am doing. If I am trying to do the Government’s work…I don’t know why people should be upset, if they are doing wrong things they should be subject to the laws as well.”

What kind of double standards is Mr. Lall perpetuating? On one hand he uses his paper to malign and speak against all forms of corruption, unfairness and unaccountability, yet he himself operates as if he is above and beyond reproach when asked to be accountable. I think Guyanese are getting a clearer and clearer picture as to the type of person Mr. Glenn Lall really is. His character is clearly exemplified in an informal, haphazard attempt to justify his actions in his (Kaieteur News) satirical column ‘Dem Boys Seh’, dated August 27 under the heading “Thief man don’t like see he mattie wid bag.” The caption alone speaks volumes, but the content is more damning. Among other things, “Dem Boys”, who everybody knows is Glenn Lall, said

“Dem boys [he] know that a man can bring in a vehicle and get duty free. De only thing he can’t do is sell de vehicle before three years. If he do that, he got to pay taxes. He can lend out de vehicle, he can park it, and that ain’t no crime.” Well, in that case it might not be a crime, but it certainly is an unscrupulous act clearly aimed at depriving the Government of the necessary taxes needed to develop the country. So, for the so called “champion of corruption” to make such statements justifies that he is a hypocrite, and even suggests further that the work that he and his acolytes are doing with the Kaieteur News was never about truth and accountability, but about serving his interests. We clearly see this with his attempt to use his newspaper to influence and dis-

suade the Commissioner General from conducting his investigations into this scam, which was apparently facilitated by one of the GRA employees who shares a close relationship with Mr. Lall. I hope that all the parties involved would face the full force of the law, and that the two vehicles in question would be impounded until such time as it is determined that no crime was committed, or that the taxes would have to be paid. Additionally, we, as Guyanese, should start boycotting the Kaieteur News, which claims that it is representing the interests of the people but is clearly sensationally representing the interest of one man, who evidently feels he is above the law. SUNDAR NAUGHT

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

BSL makes good on road rehabilitation promise to Region Ten THE initial stages of a massive road rehabilitation programme in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) have begun in the community of Kwakwani, with significant support from Bai Shan Lin International Forest Development Inc. The work, which began on Friday, will see approximately 5 miles of internal roadways in Kwakwani being rehabilitated, and is expected to be concluded within ten days. The newly-formed Linden Kwakwani Road Users Association (LKRUA), which represents several logging associations in Region Ten, is spearheading the efforts with key support from members of the Kwakwani Natural Resources Organisation (KNRO), and the Upper Berbice Forest and Agriculture Producers Association (UBFAPA). Bai Shan Lin has been meeting with representatives of the LKRUA over the last several weeks to map out a detailed plan on the Company’s support for road rehabilitation efforts in the Region. Bai Shan Lin and the LKRUA recognise that for the efforts to yield maximum results, all stakeholders, including other companies operating in the Region, must play a role in the overall efforts. In this regard, Bai Shan Lin has moved to take the lead, and is currently supporting the efforts with the loan of four trucks and a loader, as requested by the LKRUA. According to BSL Chairman, Mr Chu Wenze, the company is happy to be associated with this initiative, and

stands ready to continue lending support to the communities in which a significant number of people benefit both directly and indirectly, from the company’s operations. He pointed out that the Company has been supporting such activities for some time now, and welcomes the move by loggers to organise themselves into groups, so that they can more effectively work to bring about improvements.

Two of the five vehicles BSL has made available to the road rehabilitation project

President promises ... from page 3

be able to save that $9 billion a year; and not only that, consumers will be able to save as well, because it is expected that their bill is supposed to come down. More importantly, it will give us the cheap energy that is required to add value to our products, like gold,” the Head of State asserted.

can (derive) a good standard of living from mining these semi-precious stones that are present in our society,” he said. The President then spoke of the negative reporting which alleges that Guyana is destroying its forest. He explained, “Our extraction is way below the allowable extraction for a sustainable forest…. If we do not export

President Donald Ramotar takes a moment to chat with this little one He indicated that Government is looking at hydro-power development right in Region Seven, in cooperation with the Brazilians. He assured miners that they and the role that they have played have been recognised by his government, and he spoke of the developments that are soon to take place in the mining sector, such as the Aurora mines in the Cuyuni area, and Troy Resources coming into operation next year. He pointed out that what is badly needed is value added products, as not only the gold industry needs to be developed, but also a jewellery industry to produce jewellery on a large scale. “There are also lots of other resources: Semi-precious stones we can use, and people

Wenze said Bai Shan Lin has always operated in an atmosphere of openness and inclusivity, and holds in high regard the continuation and further development of a healthy and productive relationship with the communities in which it operates. The company has, and will continue to operate within the confines of regulations governing the forestry sector, and the laws of Guyana.

them, what will we do…? We do not have the cheap energy to do the value added that is so necessary for exports and to earn us more money.” Touching on the issue of investing in people, the President said, “We need to invest wisely. We need to invest in infrastructure, but most importantly, we need to invest in our people. That is why we are spending so much money on education. And I am proud to see that, among the top 100 students this year, Bartica has done extremely well in that regard.” Calling for people to be united, he said it’s only through unity that the country can be propelled, and he urged their support for Government’s policies, which are aimed at making the country better. (GINA)

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

Remigrant scam exposé...

Glenn, Bhena listed as remigrant couple’s closest relatives ––not their son, Sankar THE Kaieteur News, a leading newspaper synonymous with carrying sensational and misinformed information, has apparently gone its traditional route. This time, the news outfit is trying to defend its publisher, Mr Glenn Lall, who has been fingered in a remigrant duty-free concession scam that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is currently investigating, which, according to Commissioner-General, Mr. Kurshid Sattur, represents over $100M in tax evasions as opposed to the $40M that was reported. In the wake of a report that the two Lexus luxury vehicles were impounded by GRA for further investigations, Kaieteur News has reported that the seizure of the vehicles is an attempt by the GRA to silence its publisher from reporting on duty-free concessions that were granted to Bi Shan Lin. That information, however, is being refuted and labelled as totally irrelevant by the Commissioner-General, who has informed the Guyana Chronicle that the Kaieteur News is creating a smoke-screen around the issue, since Lall’s investigation and the granting of duty-free concessions to foreign companies investing in Guyana are two totally different matters that have nothing to do with each other. To begin with, according to Sattaur, “no one is saying that the company, Bai Shan Lin, is obtaining concessions on its own behalf and handing such concessions to others to use. If that were the case, you would have seen GRA immediately mounting an exercise not dissimilar to what we witnessed over the weekend to seize the items involved.” Sattaur is also contending that Bai Shan Lin is not guilty of falsifying import documents in order to qualify for concessions, as is the case with the two vehicles, where it is alleged that “not only are the values most shamelessly understated by supposedly using forged invoices to pay a very much depressed amount of taxes rather than the correct amount,

Police and GRA officers in front of Lot 8 Continental Park, East Bank Demerara, the address listed on the registration forms for both of the vehicles

Lall allegedly threatened Sattaur on Friday to use his newspaper to malign his character if he continued with his investigation into the alleged scam. “Lall called me from an overseas number and threatened to expose me, as if I’m a thief, and it is because I am using my office to deal with the matters I normally deal with. I don’t know what wrong I am doing if I am trying to do the Government’s work; I don’t know why people should be upset if they are doing wrong things,” Sattaur said. What’s more, Sattaur said, Lall is acting as if he is above reproach from the law and not subject to the laws of the country like everyone else. The business community has since come out against Lall for threatening the Commissioner-General, and his involvement in the alleged scam, with former President of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr Clinton Urling openly stating in the media, “I condemn this in the strongest possible forms. No media house must be used as a weapon against any businessman or public official.” Urling went on to say, “I think Lall and those close to him, if they are involved in fraudulent activity, directly or indirectly, are getting what they deserve. If they can preach transparency and wage war against corruption from one side of their mouth, while enjoying the spoils of backdoor activities through the other side, then it is time for someone to expose him.” The Chronicle has since One of the vehicles impounded by GRA learnt that the Commissioner-General has made a report of but if one were to apply the rate of taxes “45% duty 140% excise and 16% VAT to the correct value of about US$85,000 the threats issued to him by Lall at the Brickdam Police Station for each vehicle, then the vehicles would have attracted tax- since he feels threatened for his personal safety, as well as the es of approximately $US 251,000 or 51M G$ each and not safety of his family. The seizure of the vehicles followed the disclosure of details $20M per vehicle as was incorrectly referred to…” In other words, the total taxes that were evaded are close to G$100M, of an alleged duty-free concession scam, which were made pubafter allowing for just less than $2M paid by the supposed lic after a look by the Guyana Chronicle at the Government of Guyana’s review of the Remigrant Scheme. re-migrants. The Guyana Chronicle was able to obtain copies of all the relevant documents — from the application to and approval by Double Standards Stemming from the debacle over the remigrant scam, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, GRA, and shipping information. Information received indicates that this issue started with Sattaur has registered complaints and concerns over threats husband and wife Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, who issued to him by Glenn Lall over the Revenue Authority were, on July 3, 2013 granted permission by the Foreign Affairs investigating the matter.

Ministry to return to Guyana as “remigrants”, along with the concomitant incentives of the scheme. Under the remigrant programme, Guyanese who would have resided overseas for more than five years and are returning home to reside are entitled to a number of benefits. These benefits include an import duty-free waiver for vehicles, and tax exemption for household items, once the items at reference were owned for six months or more in the country where the remigrant was living. As husband and wife, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan were entitled to concessions as two separate individuals, although a joint application was submitted. The duty-free concession is awarded on condition that “the motor vehicle cannot be leased or transferred within three years of registration, and providing that the registration licence, fitness and registration and insurance are submitted for inspection at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) every six months,” according to a letter issued to the applicant. The Brijananans, on their application form, indicated that besides household items, they were returning with two 2013 Lexus Suburban L57 vehicles, the chassis numbers of which were listed along with other required information. It was noticed that the vehicles were not owned for more than six months before the application was made by the Brijnanans, but they were in the possession of Lall and his wife Bheana both prominently parked in front of their work places. This would be a clear violation of the regulation surrounding the application for remigrant status and duty-free concession if the vehicles were transferred by the Brijnanans to the Lall’s before the three year period. Glenn Lall has since said that it is not a crime to borrow vehicles from friends, and highlighted in his newspaper that “Yes, the Brijnanans have been my close family-friends for over 25 years. What is wrong if I borrow their vehicles? I also ride motorcycles and use other vehicles because of what I do on a daily basis. I have to be cautious.” However, one businessmen speaking exclusively with the Chronicle on condition of anonymity said Lall is clearly exhibiting “double standards” in trying to justify the duty-free scam and charged further that GRA is doing a good job investigating this alleged scam. Said he, “The explanations given by Mr. Lall are weak, and clearly show guilt on his part, he should explain to the public why the Brijnanans listed him as their closest relative on the exemption forms when they have a son, Mr. Navin Sankar, it clearly shows that the vehicles were intended for Lall and his wife.” He further said that “in the exercise of caution and security, which is what Mr. Lall is contending, he should not be flaunting himself and his wife around in luxury vehicles worth millions of dollars, since that would defeat the whole purpose of one wanting to be ‘cautious.’

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

I am now convinced ...

Glenn Lall and his minions at Kaieteur News feel Guyanese are gullible

OLD Kai read, with keen interest, the Kaieteur News’ version of the ongoing saga over those two SUVs which apparently were permanently lent to Glenn Lall and his wife for their personal use. The first bit of contradiction came when the article noted that Lall uses these vehicles as part of his security detail. “Publisher Glenn Lall, who has been receiving constant threats for his newspaper’s exposure of several instances of corruption, has been using several vehicles, including motorcycles, as part of his security detail. From time to time, he and his wife had been using the two Lexus also.” If we are to believe that he did indeed receive threats, and was concerned for his safety and that of his wife’s, using two high-end luxury vehicles so as not to look conspicuous could only be construed as a masterstroke of pure genius. But, later on in the very article, Lall himself is quoted as relating an entirely different scenario, as he indicated that the vehicles are not really used as a security detail, but rather by him personally. “Yes, the Brijnanans have been my close family friends for over 25 years. What is wrong if I borrow their vehicles? I also ride motorcycles and use other vehicles, even from my staffers, because of what I do on a daily basis. I have to be cautious.” Cautious? Is this the same Glenn Lall who has been observed at various public and private functions having a grand ole time? Some months ago, he was even pictured at

the birthday festivities of a Government Minister looking heavily inebriated. He did not appear to be so concerned about his safety then, as he so suddenly has become following the disclosure of his controversial links to these SUVs. The deceptive nature of the Kaieteur News if further exposed when, on one hand, the article contends that, “… at the time of the seizure the vehicles were at the registered address in the possession of the remigrants’ son”; but then the article later reveals, “Shortly after 14:00hrs, the two Lexus’s were driven out by Sankar and another man, and taken to the GRA bond at Eccles.” So which was it, Kaieteur? Were they seized at Sankar’s premises, or did he and his friend, on their own accord, drive them to the GRA bond? Old Kai also observed that there was absolutely no mention in the Kaieteur News of the allegations by the Head of the GRA, Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, that Lall, who wants us to believe that he is fearful for his own safety, had actually called and threatened the GRA Head to cease his investigations into the allegations, lest his (Lall) newspaper unleashes a barrage of attacks against the character of Sattaur. Sattaur rebuffed the threats, and promised to continue with the investigations; and, no surprise, the Kaieteur News, in a series of articles on Sunday, unleashed its wrath. Sattaur was referred to as faeces and as someone suffering from mental problems; or, more specifically, a “madman,” among a number of disparaging remarks. And at the same time, the very newspaper attempted to paint

Glenn Lall as nothing short of an ‘angel’, who did no wrong and is being attacked only because he is exposing corruption by public officials. Let us also not forget that this very individual is before the courts on tax evasion charges. Therefore, if we are to believe the Kaieteur News, then all of those alleged wrongdoings by Lall are justified, and should be permitted for the greater good, as he is exposing corruption elsewhere; more specifically, in regard to the newspaper’s current attacks against the Chinese logging company Bai Shan Lin. Yet, Old Kai is still waiting on Kaieteur News to publicly debate the small loggers’ representative and community activist Philip Bynoe, who has consistently exposed its misinformation and ignorance of the forestry sector. The newspaper has also staunchly refused to carry several statements from the statutory bodies responsible for the sector to correct their falsehoods. Therefore, all this is simply unnecessary digression from the current issue at hand, which is while Kaieteur News is contending that, “There is nothing in the law that bars a re-migrant from lending a vehicle that was granted under concessions to a friend, or even to another family member.” the operative word is “concessions.” The duty free exemption was approved under certain concessions accepted by the beneficiary, chief of which is that the vehicles were for his personal use and not to be confused with the personal use of Glenn Lall and company.

Crime Chief to hold security meeting with business community this week By Michel Outridge IN light of the recent armed robberies in which persons have lost their lives, Crime Chief Leslie James disclosed that he will be meeting with members of the business community this week to focus on crime and security issues. He told this publication that the meeting is relevant at this time because of the recent incidents in which several businesses were robbed and the ‘business people’ need to be in the know and a discussion will decide the way forward. James stated that it is advisable that business owners invest in their business with good quality surveillance cameras, so if the need arises the police can request a copy of the footage and the identity of the culprits can clearly be viewed. The Crime Chief said, “It makes no sense you have a $1M business with a $50 security system - that is because most times in the event of a robbery at that business the police are unable to get proper footage of the incident since the quality is poor.” James said that some attention must be paid to the security system in place at businesses to ensure the safety of the business and its owners and employees. CG MOTORCYCLES As it relates to the “CG motorcycle” bandits, the police have noted the trend in which these motorcycles are being utilised by persons to carry out criminal activities and some initiatives are in place to effect change, he said. However, James told this publication that they are not overly alarmed since they have a hand on these incidents. He said further that the meeting with businesses, including those in the Chinese community, will be held to iron out

matters of concern regarding crime and security. Within recent times there have been several brazen attacks on businesses and citizens which include the one in which a waitress/cashier was shot and killed while on duty at a Chinese restaurant. Police reported that at about 19:30 hours on August 23, 2014, two men on a motorcycle drove up to the Delicious Chinese Restaurant on D’urban Street, Georgetown, and the pillion rider entered the restaurant. He ordered and paid for a meal after which he pulled out a firearm and shot cashier Debra Blackman, 48, of Critchlow Street, Georgetown, to her shoulder and neck and escaped on the motorcycle. Black was pronounced dead on arrival at the GPHC. In another incident, police reported that at about 13:00 hours on August 18, 2014, businessman, Ashook Ragghu, 43, of Pike Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, and his wife Shyrazabin Ragghu, 49, were in a motor vehicle at a traffic light on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, when they were attacked by two men on a motorcycle, one of whom was armed with a firearm. The man discharged rounds at the victims, fatally wounding Ashook Ragghu to his chest and injuring Shyrazabin Ragghu to her right foot. The perpetrators escaped with a bag containing an undisclosed sum of cash and a licensed firearm and ammunition. In an earlier interview Crime Chief James had said that while the police are working around the clock to reduce these incidents, citizens need to observe simple security measures to safeguard themselves. Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has highlighted some other measures that can be taken by citizens to avoid

being easy targets for criminals: •Keep the telephone numbers of the nearest police station in your community in a place where it could be easily accessed in time of need. •Keep the telephone numbers of the members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) in your community in a place where it could be easily accessed when needed. •Call the police and/or members of your CPG and inform them of the presence of suspicious-looking vehicles and persons. •Ensure your gates, doors, and windows are properly secured before leaving your premises or retiring to bed. Moreover, and as far as possible, ensure someone is left to overlook your premises if you are leaving for a long stay, such as a holiday. •Walk in groups, avoid lonely and not-well-lighted places, and beware of suspicious-looking persons on pedal and motorcycles. •Instead of walking home, utilize taxis or other vehicular arrangements when leaving night clubs. James added that in line with the foregoing measures, the GPF reminds citizens that public security is a shared responsibility and is encouraging the public to continue partnering with it in order to strengthen the safety and security of all. He advised that members of the general public remain vigilant and conscious of their surroundings and report all suspicious activities to the police so they can respond in timely manner. James said that many times persons become complacent but there is the need to utilise more ‘plastic’ such as credit cards to diminish the use of cash on persons to reduce armed robberies.

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

New lawyer Riaz Seecharan called to the Bar of Guyana

NEW lawyer, Mr. Riaz Seecharan was called to the Bar of Guyana on Friday, August 29, after he appeared before Justice Reynolds, who accepted a petition presented on his behalf by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana, the Honourable Mr. Anil Nandlall. In presenting the petition, the Attorney-General spoke of Seecharan’s academic and scholastic achievements, and the high competence he displayed during his short stint at the Office of the Attorney General. Nandlall indicated to the court that Seecharan, a product of two parents who are both practising attorneys-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago, showed distinction practising out of their law firm, Shaama Seecharan & Co., based in the heart of the legal district in Port–of–Spain; and they recognise the importance of continuing to establish ties regionally with the legal community. The court, in accepting the petition, stated that the fact that the Attorney General came

himself to present the petition was testament to Seecharan’s ability, and that the young attorney was sure to contribute to developing the Bar locally. In response, Seecharan expressed his gratitude to the Attorney-General and to the court, and said that his presence in Guyana was to encourage the development of building a regional jurisprudence. Seecharan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada in Legal Studies and Computer Science, which he completed in 2007. He completed the direct entrant programme at the Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, at the University of the West Indies, obtaining his Bachelor of Law with Honours in two years, in 2009. He went on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law from the BPP Law School, London, England, and the Bar Professional Training Course from the BPP Law School, London, England, with ‘Very Competent’

From left are: AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Riaz Seecharran, and Justice Brassington Reynolds designation. He was called as an Utter Barrister in England and Wales, having completed his dining at the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in 2011. He was called to the Bar in Trinidad and Tobago in 2012, and has since

been practising as an attorney-at-law in that jurisdiction as an advocate. He has obtained his Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, and is certified by the ADR Group in London, England as a Civil and Commercial Mediator.

Crime Chief advises citizens how to avoid being easy criminal targets By Michel Outridge IN the wake of brazen daylight armed robberies, including the recent robbery/murder at the Vlissengen Road traffic light outside the Botanical Gardens, Crime Chief Leslie James said that while the police are working around the clock to reduce these incidents, citizens need to observe simple security measures to safeguard themselves. Consequently, Crime Chief James has highlighted a number of measures that can be taken by citizens in order to avoid being easy targets for criminals. •Keep the telephone numbers of the nearest police station in your community in a place where it could be easily accessed in time of need. •Keep the telephone numbers of the members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) in your community in a place where it could be easily accessed in time of need. •Call the police and/or members of your CPG and inform them of the presence of suspicious-looking vehicles and persons. •Ensure your gates, doors, and windows are properly secured before leaving your premises or retiring to bed. Moreover, and as far as possible, ensure someone is left to overlook your premises if you are leaving for a long stay, such as a holiday. •Walk in groups, avoid lonely and not-welllighted places, and beware of suspicious-looking persons on pedal and motorcycles. •Instead of walking home, utilise taxis or other vehicular arrangements when leaving nightclubs. James added that in line with the foregoing measures, the GPF would also remind citizens that public security is a shared responsibility and is therefore encouraging the public to continue partnering with it in order to strengthen the safety and security of all. He advised that members of the general public remain vigilant and conscious of their surroundings and report all suspicious activities

to the police so they can respond in a timely manner. James added that many times persons become complacent but there is need to utilise more ‘plastic’, such as credit cards, to reduce the carrying of cash on one’s person in order to curtail armed robberies. The Crime Chief also urged citizens, especially persons conducting business, carrying large sums of cash on their person to be extra alert. Police reported that at about 13:00hrs on August 18, 2014, businessman Ashok Raghu, 43, of Crime Chief Pike Street, Leslie James Campbellville, Georgetown, and his wife, Shyrazabin Raghu, 49, were in a motorcar at a traffic light on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, when they were attacked by two men on a motorcycle, one of whom was armed with a firearm. The armed man discharged rounds at the victims, fatally wounding Ashok Raghu to his chest and injuring Shyrazabin Raghu to her right foot. The perpetrators escaped with a bag containing an undisclosed sum of cash and a licensed firearm and ammunition. Shyrazabin Raghu has been admitted to hospital for medical treatment. Since the incident a person of interest has been arrested and is being questioned by sleuths in the ongoing probe.

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

Russian Ambassador addresses current situation in Ukraine By Shivanie Sugrim RUSSIAN Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Nikolay D. Smirnov, has underscored that the Russian Government aims to have political negotiation with the Ukrainian Government to combat the current situation in Ukraine. At an organised forum on “The Current Situation in Ukraine”, hosted by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) on Thursday eve-

its economy, with current effects being felt throughout the Region, since Russia will not tolerate EU dumping. Added to that, he noted the consequences of interventions by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, whilst refreshing the audience on the EU’s harsh treatment of Guyana and the Caribbean with respect to rum and sugar exports. He then warned about the possible implications for bauxite from Guyana using Ukrainian ports.

Russian Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Nikolay D. Smirnov, addressing the current situation in Ukraine at the GAWU conference room on Thursday evening ning, the Ambassador provided possible solutions and a synopsis on the present Russia/Ukraine humanitarian crisis. To demonstrate his explanations, the

Furthermore, there has been an uproar surrounding the humanitarian relief aid to be delivered to the Pro-Russians, whereby the Ukrainians were not allow-

The gathering at the organised forum on the current situation in Ukraine at the GAWU conference room on Thursday ambassador illustrated his enlightenments via pictorial slides by which he traced the American interference in the new republic’s affairs since independence was gained in 1991. He emphasised Russia’s military non-involvement in Ukraine, even though Ukrainians are still on the verge of sabotaging Pro-Russians. The underlying causes of the escalating conflict were also addressed, particularly the US interventions. The ambassador pointed out Ukraine’s misguided efforts to join the European Union (EU) as well as the palace coup d’état against the previous democratically elected Government of Ukraine. He emphasised that Ukraine’s desire to join the EU would militate against

ing the aid to reach its people. However, the ambassador was pleased to announce that the aid was delivered just last week. From the Russian Government perspective, there is the desire to help Ukraine. The ambassador said the Government wishes for a “prosperous democratic country (Ukraine).” He added, “We (Russia) do not want to impose anything on our neighbour, since, for centuries, we have been together.” He then made reference to Guyana and its neighbouring countries, since, despite all its conflicts and disagreements, solutions have been made, “thanks to the wisdom of today’s government,” he said.

First Lady urges ‘continued respect for our Indigenous Peoples’ ––as Guyana celebrates ‘Amerindian Heritage Month’ “IT IS that time on our calendar of National Events that we, as a nation, celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month, and I extend heartfelt greetings on behalf of the First Lady’s Foundation and myself to the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. “The many observances during this month will focus on the rich culture and other traditions of our Amerindian People’s, and their positive impact on our cultural mosaic as a whole. “I urge continued respect for our Indigenous Peoples and for all Guyana to celebrate their achievements while respecting their traditional way of life. “Happy Amerindian Heritage Month 2014.”

First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

Police give tangible help to “A” –to ready kids for Division communities the new school year

By Leroy Smith

OVER the last few days, ‘A’ Division police have rolled out an initiative that has played a decisive part in contributing to the readiness of dozens of children for school, which reopens today. The initiative, made possible largely through

corporate support from the business community and other generous givers, saw ‘A’ Division police being able to distribute school clothing, footwear, books, haversacks, sporting items, and groceries to families in the depressed communities of Rose Mary Lane, aka Tiger Bay, Georgetown; Agricola; Albuoystown;

Grove, East Bank Demerara; and on Saturday, to the school-aged children living aback the Chinese Embassy on Mandela Avenue. Distribution was largely done by Commander Hicken and his deputy, Commander Dion Moore, who were both assisted by other ranks of the division. Also, on Saturday, the

Deputy Commander Moore handing over supplies to a community leader of Tiger Bay

Commander and his team paid a visit to the home robbery victim, Mark London, and the mother of the dead man was given school supplies to distribute to the members of the family who usually depended on London for a small stipend to assist with their schooling needs whenever he was employed.

At all handing-over of items, the children and adults expressed satisfaction at being thought about by the Police Force. The police stayed clear of the distribution processes, and entrusted those tasks to the various community leaders. Over the last few months, persons who

were willing to give back to various communities have been approaching the police and attempting to do those distributions along with the police, who have largely been present in almost every community in the main division by way of youth groups or other programmes that focus on children.

Commander Hicken speaks with adults and children of Grove at the Community Centre ground

Experts hail Guyana’s systems for credible verification of tropical forest uses By Clifford Stanley DEFORESTATION and forest degradation account for nearly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions which cause global warming which triggers climate change. Monitoring systems that allow for credible measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) are therefore among the most critical elements for the successful implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). MRV experts from several countries last week hailed Guyana for being the first country to develop a functioning national scale MRV system as well as two model community MRV projects which are enabling residents to use indigenous knowledge and local capac-

ity to ensure that the benefits of REDD+ are realised through correct measuring, reporting and verification of tropical forest uses. They did so during the closing session of a southsouth international exchange workshop on CMRV hosted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) office in Guyana from August 22nd to 28th . Experts from Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Nepal, United States of America, Great Britain, Austria and the Netherlands participated. Guyanese participants represented the Guyana Forestry Commission, WWF Guianas, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and Iwokrama. Spokesmen said that the one-week programme had been very beneficial since they were able to learn

lessons from Guyana and to share experiences with other colleagues on how MRV and CMRV systems can be improved. Mr Naikoa Amuchastegui, MRV Coordinator, WWF International Forests and Climate Program said that the CMRV projects that are currently being done by the NRDDB and at Masakenari, Deep South Rupununi also provided useful lessons on implementation of MRV and CMRV systems. “So it was a very enriching experience because at all levels we were talking to each other; sharing technical exercises in which we got to use the MRV tools and assess their usability for the whole process of knowing what’s going on with our forests,” he said. The south-south workshop had been organised through a collaboration of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas with the

Some local and international MRV practitioners with Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud at the end of a one-week workshop on CMRV by WWF Guyana

WWF’s Forest Carbon Program (FCP) the Global Canopy Program (GCP) and the Global Forest Observation Initiative’s Silva Carbon program. Mr Jon Parsons, Technical Lead Global Canopy Project (GCP) said that the

workshop and the lessons learned from Guyana had helped participants to understand how much technical knowledge, how much equipment and how much capacity building was required for the establishment of effective MRV and

CMRV systems. He said: “We have had some great experiences in Guyana. We learnt a lot not only from Guyana’s working MRV and CMRV systems but also from our colleagues from other countries represented.

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

Farm Supplies makes possible relevant training for GTI Agri Dep’t By Clifford Stanley

LOCAL privately-owned company Farm Supplies Ltd. has given tremendous assistance to the Agricultural Department of the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) in its work of turning out well trained agricultural equipment mechanics. This assistance, given free of charge, is entering its third year, an appreciative Renato Yearwood, Head of the Agricul-

monday, september 01, 2014 –– 8:30 hrs tuesday, september 02, 2014 –– 9:30 hrs

tural Machinery and Heavy Duty Equipment training at GTI, week for practical classes at its location at Plantation Rome, recently disclosed during a recent handing over ceremony of Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown, where youths are exposed to several pieces of mining equipment to the Australian Mining the technology of the modern equipment and machines, parCompany Troy Resources Inc by Farm Supplies Limited, lo- ticularly those manufactured by the South Korean equipment manufacturer Doosan. cal agents of the South KoreYearwood said that more an firm Doosan. than one hundred students have Yearwood said the phibenefited, and have graduated lantrophic support of Farm to date. Seventy others simSupplies Limited was a great ilarly trained on up-to-date example of how a public-priequipment made accessible by vate partnership can make a Farm Supplies are to graduate big difference in the educain November next. tional upliftment of youths. The company has also “Prior to Farm Supplies’ granted employment to the top intervention, the equipment graduates from the GTI Agwe had for training purposricultural Machinery training es were old, even obsolete. programme, Yearwood said. Hands-on training for stuAcknowledging the supdents was not realistic, since port of the company for GTI, they would not interface with Representative Mr. Schelte such types of outdated equipment after they left the class- Farm Supplies Office at McDoom, on the lower East Van Dijk said the development of Guyana with sustainability, room. Training was mainly Bank innovation and determination theoretical,” Yearwood said. from everyone is the company’s Farm Supplies came on board and refurbished the entire GTI training workshop. The primary goal. The previously mentioned Doosan machines acquired company refurbished the GTI Agri-mechanic workshop, supplied modern engines, equipment and tools, facilitating much by Troy Resources Inc. are destined for gold mining at needed “hands on” training for youths seeking a certificate in Karouni in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), and successful graduates from the Agri-Mechanic Course at GTI will be Agricultural Mechanics after a two-year period of training. The company also accommodates students two days a among those employed as operators.

GPL donates $50,000 book voucher to Jeremiah Bentham ––who placed sixth at the NGSA By Michel Outridge THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) recently donated a $50,000 book voucher that is valid at Austin’s Book Store to Jeremiah Bentham of Canal No. 1/La Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, who attained a place at Queen’s College through his success at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The boy’s success story despite many challenges has touched the hearts of many and so he has received awards for his effort from a few organisations, including the Mark Benschop Foundation. Jeremiah Bentham, a 12-year-old of La Parfait Harmonie was overwhelmed when he got the news of his outstanding performance. He placed sixth at the NGSA, having acquired 524 marks. T h e p u p i l o f Wi n fer Gardens said that he “studied all night, gave up television…and a lot of things,” which he believed

propelled him in the right direction. “It’s like I can run, skip, jump all at the same time, but I’m generally grateful to God, my mother and my teachers for my success,” he noted. Mark Benschop Foundation presented Jeremiah, the top student at Winfer Gardens Primary, who is

also in the top 10 of the country, with a quantity of reading books. Jeremiah’s story is quite touching...his mother is a cook and sometimes she walks and sells around Georgetown. He wants to become an engineer and in the new school term he will attend Queen’s College.

GPL PRO Shevion Sears-Murray presents the cheque to Jeremiah as his mother Ihebaa looks on

guyana CHRONICLE monday september 1, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

Chigumbura leads Zimbabwe Forde, Josiah-Tanner retain to famous win over Australia Neal & Massy 10K titles

(REUTERS) - Captain Elton Chigumbura hit a fluent half-century as Zimbabwe secured a shock three-wicket win over Australia in the triangular series yesterday. Zimbabwe’s only previous success against the world’s top-ranked 50-over side came in their very first meeting in Nottingham in 1983 and since then have endured 27 defeats and one abandoned match. After Australia elected to bat, the tourists were restricted to 209 for nine in their 50 overs, a target Zimbabwe chased down with two overs to spare. Chigumbura came to the wicket with his side floundering on 106 for five at the halfway point of their innings, and along with number nine Prosper Utseya (30 not out), added 55 in an unbeaten eighth wicket partnership. The Zimbabwe skipper was unbeaten on 52 from 68 balls and provided the anchor for the win. Utseya scored the winning runs by belting a six off Mitchell Starc that prompted a field invasion by jubilant fans who had never seen a day like it at the Harare Sports Club. “I had to be there at the end and the most important thing was to stay calm under pressure,” Chigumbura said in a pitchside interview. “The guys have worked really hard for this and the pleasing thing was that everybody contributed today.” Adding to Australia’s misery, skipper Michael Clarke had to battle through the pain barrier to score an unbeaten 68 after he suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury. Clarke, returning to the side after missing Australia’s first two games of the series, retired hurt in the 43rd over as he battled with his hamstring, but returned for the final two balls of the innings to ensure the tourists were not bowled out. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin scored 49 to help the visitors pass 200 as he put on 50 with Clarke before the latter retired hurt, and 51 with number 10 Ben Cutting (26). The home spinners managed to both contain and pick up wickets, with Sean Williams recording excel-

The Zimbabwe players take a victory lap around the ground after beating Australia in Harare..

lent figures of two for 21 in his 10 overs, as Australia stuttered to their lowest ever score against Zimbabwe of 209 for nine in 50 overs. Utseya finished with two for 45 in his 10 overs. “Credit to them, they deserved their win,” Clarke said. “The wicket was a bit tacky and although we thought it would take spin, not throughout the whole game. They showed us how

AUSTRALIA Innings A. Finch b Nyumbu 11 P. Hughes c Nyumbu b Utseya 10 M. Clarke not out 68 G. Bailey b Williams 1 G. Maxwell b Waller 13 M. Marsh c Utseya b Tiripano 15 B. Haddin c Waller b Tiripano 49 J. Faulkner c Nyumbu b Utseya 0 M. Starc b Williams 3 B. Cutting run out (Waller, Taylor) 26 N. Lyon not out 8 Extras (lb-2 w-3) 5 Total (for 9 wickets, 50 overs) 209 Fall of wickets: 1-11 A. Finch,2-38 P. Hughes,3-39 G . B a i l e y, 4 - 5 7 G . Maxwell,5-97 M. Marsh,7-150 M. Starc,8-201 B. Cutting,9-202 B. Haddin Bowling: T.Chatara 8-0-560, J.Nyumbu 10-1-30-1(w2), P.Utseya 10-1-45-2 (w-1, D . Ti r i p a n o 6 - 1 - 3 4 - 2 , S.Williams 10-2-21-2, M.Waller 6-0-21-0.

to play spin, especially at the end of their innings.” Zimbabwe took a patient approach to their reply but looked in trouble as they slipped to 106 for five before Chigumbura grafted to get his side home. Nathan Lyon used the conditions well to record figures of four for 44 in 10 overs, with all of the regular bowlers economical in restricting the home batsman.

ZIMBABWE Innings T. Mawoyo b Lyon 15 S. Raza c sub b Lyon 22 H. Masakadza b Starc 18 B. Taylor b Lyon 32 M. Waller c&b Maxwell 11 S. Williams c Clarke b Lyon 4 E. Chigumbura not out 52 D. Tiripano b Starc 3 P. Utseya not out 30 Extras b-2 lb-3 nb-1 w-18) 24 Total (for 7 wickets, 48 overs) 211 Fall of wickets: 1-42 S. Raza,2-44 T. Mawoyo,3-100 H. Masakadza,4-102 B . Ta y l o r, 5 - 1 0 6 S . Williams,6-142 M. Waller,7-156 D. Tiripano Did not bat: J. Nyumbu, T. Chatara Bowling: M.Starc 10-3-412 (w-4), M.Marsh 4-1-130(w-1), B. Cutting 6-0-18-0 (w-1), J. Faulkner 7-0-28-0 (nb-1, w-2), N. Lyon 10-1-44-4 (w-2), A.Finch 2-0-19-0, G. Maxwell 8-0-41-1 (w-2)

CLEVELAND Forde and Euleen Josiah-Tanner retained their male and female titles respectively at the fourth Annual Neal and Massy 10 kilometres athletic Road Race from Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara to Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) head office at Ruimveldt, yesterday. It was a fourth consecutive victory for Forde, the national distance runner who finished the race in a time of 33 minutes 20.12 seconds, as the race crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the first time this year. He was closely followed by arch-rival Cleveland Thomas who clocked 33 minutes 48.81 seconds for second position, while Nathaniel Giddings was third in 34.07.64, Dennis Horatio fourth in 34.40.52, while Winston Missinger was fifth in 35.34.08. United States-based Josiah-Tanner continued her domination of the local race circuit as she crossed the finishing line in the time of 39 minutes 25.89 seconds, two minutes ahead of second place finisher Alika Morgan (40.37.75) who was the inaugural race winner. Andrea Foster was third in 42 minutes 06.76 seconds followed by Carlissa Atkinson (fourth) in 45:18.71 and Jevina Straker (fifth) in 45:06.13. In the Boys category, Grivon Grant was the top finisher in a time of 35:27.19, followed in second position by Ornesto Thomas in 35:57.53, Colvis Saul 36:13.05 (third), Matthew Mackenzie fourth

Knockouts (From Backpage)

Gym, as he forced his man to quit the proceedings at 1 min 42 seconds in the second stanza of a contest which saw both pugilists exchange punches, much to the delight of the spectators. But it was back to the losing end of things for GDF, whose management team that was headed by Technical Director of the GBA Terrence Poole, saw his next four fighters suffering TKO defeats from their opponents, three of whom were fighting out of the Republican Gym. Ryan Junior, Enoch John and Terrence Nero will all have to go back to the drawing board and replan their strategies for the next GBA tournament they wish to enter, after they were all knocked out by Anandram Dharamraj, Klaus Daniels and Clifton Graham of Republican

36:17.06 and Carl Mackenzie 36:42.88 fifth. Shontel Hinds placed first in the girls category in a time of 45:14.56, in second place was Mariah Mackenzie 46:19.8, Yolit Charles 50:26.13 (third), Keneshew Stephenson 52:14.51 (fourth) and Endia Forte (fifth) in one hour seven minutes, 40 seconds. Alisha Fortune maintained her stronghold of the Veteran women’s category as she crossed the finishing line in 52:48.77 followed in second position by Cryleen Phillips in 54:07.12 and Carla Benjamin third in 1:01.49. Eon Archibald was first in the veteran 40-55 age category in 38:40.77, followed by Lindon Hornson (42:30.51) and Kwame Bright (42:32.05). The winner of the men 55 years and over was Llewellyn Gardner who finished in 41:14.71, followed by Ravi Purohit in 49:16.03 and Maurice Fagundes in 50:36.28. The event also had a five kilometers component from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to AINLIM which attracted employees of the Neal and Massy as part of their Health and Wellness Programme. Deo Persaud, Chief Executive Officer of Neal and Massy Guyana, expressed the Group’s commitment to sponsoring the race once again next year, with a few changes including the name of the race. He said the Group is going through administrative changes which will be rolled out shortly to coincide with its Anniversary to be celebrated on September 16th.

Gym, while Glenroy Smith of Essequibo joined the TKO feast, winning by such margin over Mervin Rawlins of GDF. Following a break in the action, Colin Martin of Republican Gym survived an onslaught from Warren George of GDF early in the first round before recording a TKO victory at 1 min 36 seconds of the same round, followed by Delon Gordon winning by split decision over Sean Philips also of GDF. After Jason Philips out boxed a determined looking Thomas, the night culminated with Farley being stopped by his gym mate Wayne Murray at 27 seconds in the second round. Following yesterday morning weigh in session at the Andrew Lewis Gym in Albouystown, the finals of the Championships sponsored by COURTS and Banks DIH Limited, was contested at the same venue last night.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

Wozniacki upsets Sharapova, Ferrer falls at US. Open By Larry Fine NEW YORK, (Reuters) Caroline Wozniacki upset French Open champion Maria Sharapova in a groundstroke marathon to reach the U.S. Open quarter-finals, while Gilles Simon registered the first big surprise in the men’s draw yesterday. France’s Simon, the 26th seed, defeated Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer, who became the first top 10 men’s seed to be shown the exit when he fell 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-3 in the third round on a hot, humid day at Flushing Meadows. But it was the women’s fourth-round match-up between Sharapova and Wozniacki that stole the show at the U.S. National Tennis Center. The 10th-seeded Wozniacki, who ruled as world number one for 67 weeks but never won a grand slam crown, showed great grit in battling to a 6-4 2-6 6-2 victory over fifth seed Sharapova in a two hour 37 minute slugfest in sweltering conditions. “It means so much to me,” Wozniacki told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. “It’s been a bit up and down year for me. To win against a champion like Maria is an unbelievable feeling.” Victory sent the 24-yearold Dane to her first grand slam quarter-final since the 2012 Australian Open, a stretch of 11 events, with Italy’s Sara Errani awaiting as her opponent. Errani, the 13th seed, ended the rejuvenated run of 32-year-old Mirjana LucicBaroni of Croatia 6-3 2-6 6-0 in their fourth-round match. Shortly after Wozniacki’s victory, the remainder of the day session was ruled over due to lightning and heavy rain.

Maria Sharapova

Second seed Roger Federer’s match against Spain’s Marcel Granollers was suspended with the Swiss master trailing 5-2 in the first set. Before the deluge, Wozniacki used stellar footwork and notable fitness to stymie Sharapova, who was forced into a slew of 20-stroke rallies that fit the Dane’s game plan. “I thought she played really well,” said a disappointed Sharapova. “She made me hit a lot of balls. That’s always been her strength. But she did extremely well today. She’s a great retriever.” Wozniacki, who is training to run this autumn’s New York City Marathon, won the hard-fought first set by breaking Sharapova in the last game. Sharapova dominated the second set to level the match at one set apiece when officials gave the players a 10-minute break invoking the heat rule. S P E C TA C U L A R POINT Once they returned to the court, Wozniacki took charge. The critical break in the third set came after a spectacular point when Wozniacki three times raced across the baseline to retrieve in miraculous fashion, with Sharapova netting a backhand volley on the last shot to fall beind 3-1. Wo z n i a c k i b ro k e Sharapova again for good measure in the final game. A slew of upsets in Wozniacki’s half of the draw make her possible passage to the final a bit less daunting with second

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Abdur Razzak-207 ODI wickets (153 matches) (2)Carl Hooper-193 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) How many WI have now scored centuries against Bangladesh in ODI cricket? How many Bangladeshis have done so against the WI? (2)Who is the first Bangladeshi to win the Man- of- the- Match Award in an ODI game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

seed Simona Halep, fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska and sixth seed Angelique Kerber already removed. It was an emotional triumph for Wozniacki, who has had a tumultuous year in her personal life. Her slide down the rankings starting a couple of years ago coincided with her dating and subsequent engagement with major golf champion Rory McIlroy. This year the Northern Irish golfer called off their wedding days after invitations were mailed. Asked if she would skip further Sunday training for November’s marathon run, Wozniacki said: “I think this afternoon I’m just going to

take a nice bath, have a massage and chill. And I think I deserve to have some chocolate or something.” FERRER FALLS Simon, who had lost five of six matches against Ferrer, turned the tables on the Spaniard who had advanced to the third round through a walkover against Australian Bernard Tomic. Rather than looking refreshed, the Spaniard was off his game and appeared exhausted. By the end, Ferrer was hunched over between points, dripping in sweat before the Frenchman finished off the nearly three-hour match. “David is always fighting

until the end,” said Simon. “I just stayed relax today and had nothing to lose.” Simon advanced to a fourth-round match against Croatian 14th seed Marin Cilic, a 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 winner against 18th seed Kevin Anderson of South Africa. Errani played deft defense to thwart the 121stranked Lucic-Baroni, who had bounced Halep in the third round. “I like to run. I love running, so I try to be consistent to run, to be in every point, fight a lot,” said Errani. “Others have a lot more good shots than me, but I try to stay there and try my best.” Her best was good enough to end an inspired

run by Lucic-Baroni, who made her best slam advance since reaching the 1999 Wimbledon semi-finals. The winners/unforced errors ledger illustrated: LucicBaronia had 46 winners and 64 errors, Errani struck four winners and made nine unforced errors. “This has been a great two weeks, the best so far since I can remember for a long time,” said Lucic-Baroni. “Today I felt like I ran out of gas a little bit. “Today I felt like my body...just kind of broke down a little everywhere. I have blisters, tapes, pain everywhere in my body, so I burned out a little bit today.”

WICB president optimistic about regional game

KINGSTON, Jamaica President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron is expressing optimism ahead of the revamped regional cricket set-up which should see the more players acquiring annual retainer contracts. In lauding Melbourne Cricket Club for the successful staging of their cricket summer camp, Cameron used the platform to elaborate on the new professional dispensation. He declared that West Indies cricket is at an “exciting period” and that the professional system will replace the “amateur cricket” that was played amongst territorial teams. “When England barred us from being a part of the county set-up we have not replaced that. In 1997, we tried the retainer system but we didn’t get the support of the entire region and that failed. “We have now redoubled our efforts and again partnering with WIPA (West Indies Players Association),

WICB president Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron

and in particular its leadership, we have been able to look at West Indies cricket and one thing we agree on is that we have to get West Indies cricket better,” he said, while speaking at the camp’s closing ceremony at Melbourne last Friday. The new system will take effect tomorrow and will see the WICB having six professional set-ups across the region which will hire a minimum of 105 cricketers annually. That number will amount from 15 players in each of the six territories, along with the 15 already

on contracts at the West Indies level. “We are just trying to set up a professional structure that will have our players working all the time, and for you to be a professional at anything you need a minimum of 10,000 hours,” Cameron told the Jamaica Observer. He continued: “If you are on a retainer [contract], as a good player you should make a minimum of US $30,000 [per year] and as a West Indies player you could earn in excess of $2 million if you play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “That is actually better than a student coming out of university at entry level. So we believe it is a reasonable income and with that kind of a making we will see the cricketing structure getting better going forward.” Cameron further explained that the professional structure will be similar to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and will see players drafted to

represent foreign territories. “This year a minimum of 10 players will be from Jamaica and the other five will be through a drafting system. Next year it will be the best 15 that Jamaica would like to sign. “That means you may not have more than 15 Jamaicans playing around the region, so there are more opportunities for Jamaicans. If you are good enough, then there is no reason why we shouldn’t have 20 or 30 guys plying their trade throughout the region, very similar to what is happening with the CPL,” he explained. The season will start in November and will have four-day cricket played in a home and away format, paving the way for a minimum of 10 games in the tournament. The four-day tournament will then break in January to make way for the Super50 limited-overs tournament. The four-day competition will resume thereafter and culminate in March. (Jamaica Observer).

Thompson, Stewart sweep 100 metres BERLIN, Germany, (CMC) – Trinidadian Richard Thompson won the men’s 100 metres at the ISTAF athletics meeting here Sunday, as the Caribbean swept both sprints. Thompson, a double silver medallist at the Beijing Olympics six years ago, clocked a pedestrian 10.15 seconds to cross the line

ahead of American Dentarious Locke who was timed at 10.16 seconds, and fellow Trinidadian Keston Bledman who was third in 10.23. Thompson’s time was well off his 9.82 seconds posted at the National Championships in Port of Spain back in June, which was then the fastest time in the world this year.

Jamaican Kerron Stewart, meanwhile, narrowly won the women’s 100 metres, beating American Joanna Atkins into second in a tight finish. Stewart, who has fond memories of Berlin with sprint relay gold at the 2009 World Championships, was timed at 11.25 while Atkins clocked 11.26.

Another American, Jessica Young, was third in 11.32. In the women’s shot putt, Trinidadian Cleopatra Borel clinched third place with a throw of 18.53 metres, as German Schwanitz Gerger took victory with 19.53m. The Berlin meeting was the 11th of the IAAF World Challenge series.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 1, 2014

Jeffers takes centre stage with aggressive 118, Chanderpaul unbeaten on 70 BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Shiv Chanderpaul warmed up for this week’s first Test with a fluent, unbeaten half-century but Shane Jeffers took centre stage with a stunning century, on the second day of the three-day tour match against Bangladesh here Sunday. The veteran left-hander finished the day at Warner Park on 70 as St Kitts and Nevis, responding to Bangladesh’s 377 for seven de-

Shane Jeffers

clared, reached 232 for four. Opener Jeffers stroked 118 from 130 balls, slamming 22 fours in an innings lasting just over four hours. He dominated an opening stand of 77 with Shaquille Martina who made just nine and put on another 51 with Chanderpaul for the third wicket. Once he fell, Chanderpaul shepherded the innings, adding 65 for the fourth wicket with Tonito Willett who scored 21 be-

fore falling late in the day. Chanderpaul, who will face Bangladesh in the first Test at Arnos Vale starting next Saturday, faced 152 deliveries in 3-1/4 hours at the crease. Bangladesh had earlier declared their first innings after captain Musfiqur Rahim (106 not out) and Nasir Hossain (100) completed centuries. Mushfiqur began the day on 82 while Nasir resumed on 78, and they both

reached three figures before Nasir played over a full length delivery from seamer Willett and was bowled. Jeffers than dominated from the outset, racing to his half-century with his tenth boundary off just 49 balls before bringing up three figures off 90 balls with his 20th four – a sweetly timed cover drive off seamer Rubel Hossain. Chanderpaul, arriving at the wicket when Ja-

Shiv Chanderpaul val Hodge was well caught by Mominul Haque at midwicket off left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, proceeded in now characteristic fashion to gather his runs in workman-like fashion.

DeNobrega outfoxed ‘Park Ranger’ to win the spoils in United Bikers’ `Dash for Cash’ cycle race By Michael DaSilva PAUL DeNobrega outfoxed Robin `Park Ranger’ Persaud to win the feature 40lap event of the United Bikers’ `Dash for Cash’ cycle race in the National Park yesterday. Upon winning the event,

DeNobrega walked away with $48,000 in prize money as he won the overall race and eight prime prizes including one for $30,000. Persaud, who placed second, was presented with $17,000 while Mario King finished third and was presented with $8,000 for his

efforts. DeNobrega made his move in company with Persaud from after 20 laps were completed and the duo never relinquished the lead. As the race progressed, the two kept extending the lead, but after 30 laps

August 31 down the years

were completed, Delroy Hinds, King and Mark Harris jumped the main chasing pack and started to close in on DeNobrega and Persaud but their effort was not enough to connect. Coming for the finish, DeNobrega led Persaud at the 159-metre mark but rounding the final turn for the finish, Persaud

Paul DeNobrega

attacked on the inside and sailed past DeNobrega and looked all over a winner, but with 10 metres remaining, DeNobrega changed into overdrive and pointed his front wheel cross the finish line to take the spoils. King then outsprinted the chasing bunch to take third.

Supercat arrives `Violence’ wins The man who led a juggernaut 1944

Clive Lloyd-a mighty big hitter

THAT mighty hitter and all-round cool dude Clive Lloyd was born. He bludgeoned 7515 Test runs with that oversized bat of his but will be remembered mainly as the man who restored West Indies to a position of dominance. Captain in 74 of his 110 Tests (the first West Indian to win 100 Test caps), he led them to a record 27 without defeat, which included a “blackwash” of England in 1984. In the one-day arena, he took West Indies to two World Cup titles (1975 and 1979) and to the final in 1983. His sparkling 102 in the 1975 final is one of the best innings in the tournament’s history. He joined the Packer circus in between, before returning to captain West Indies. Before bad knees took their toll, he was also one of the great cover fielders.

Hubbard lose

GUYANA suffered mixed fortunes after winning one fight and losing the other at the Carlton Hope/Lionel Hall Memorial Boxing Tournament held in Barbados Saturday night. Guyana’s light heavyweight Markember `Violence’ Pierre was too much for his Barbadian opponent Arkeem Isadore winning by a TKO in round three. Reports out of Barbados stated that Pierre forced the referee to call a halt to the violence in round two of the contest to make sure team Guyana did not return empty handed. Pierre’s compatriot bantamweight youth Travis Hubbard lost by point decision to home boy Jabali Breedy. The Barbadian went on to be adjudged the Best Boxer of the tournament. Pierre and Hubbard along with coach Francisco Hernandez

Markember `Violence’ Pierre proved too much for his Barbadian opponent formed the three-man team representing the Guyana Boxing Association at the games.

The team is the second to compete in Barbados for the year and is expected home today.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Jeffers takes centre stage with aggressive See 118, Chanderpaul Story on unbeaten on 70 Page 23

Knockouts run things on opening night of GBA action -Republican Gym dominates GDF

By Calvin Roberts

That is it for you tonight. A seasoned Kevin Allicock of Republican Gym stands over a fallen Arthur Scipio of the Guyana Defence Force Gym, during their 52 kg contest which Allicock won by TKO in the second round

TECHNICAL knockouts were the order of the night, when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) punched off their Intermediate Championships with 15 bouts at the East Ruimveldt based California Square last Saturday night. On a night wherein Republican Gym met and dominated the well-known Guyana Defence Force (GDF) gym in 8 of the 15 bouts, boxing fans who turned up at the venue, including two-time world champion Gairy ‘Superman’ St Clair, were truly entertained, leaving with broad smiles on their faces. The action commenced with Jason Philips of Young Achievers, meeting and defeating Jamal Glasgow of GDF by unanimous decision, followed by Devon Thomas of Rose Hall Jammers, recording a split

decision victory over Jamal Evans, also of GDF. The Army Boys had something to smile about following their disastrous start in the tournament, when Kevon Farley won by walk over from Steven Chan of Forgotten Youth Foundation, after Chan failed to show for their 75kg contest. Later in the night, Philips met and defeated Thomas in the penultimate bout of the night, winning by TKO at 2 minutes 5 seconds of round two, with Thomas refusing to even rise from a crouching position, after enduring several shots to the body from a determined Philips. It was back to defeat for the GDF Gym, when a seasoned Kevin Allicock of Republican Gym, unleashed a barrage of unanswered combinations to the body of Arthur Scipio in the first round, at the end of which Scipio was flinching at every body blow he received from

the gloves of Allicock. To add insult to further injury for Scipio, he touched the canvas three times during the second round and showed no signs of continuing the contest with Allicock after the first knockdown, forcing the referee to count him out after knockdown number three occurred at 54 seconds inside the second stanza. Dellon Naitram and Stephen Andrews continued Republican Gym dominance over their counterparts from the GDF, when they both recorded TKO victories over Jamal Mona and Quacy Semple, with Naitram stopping his man at 2 mins 13 seconds inside round two, while Andrews did so at 1min 32 seconds inside the first round. Rupert Gillis brought back smiles to the GDF camp, with his TKO victory over Stephen Julien of Republican

(See Page 21)

Forde, Josiah-Tanner retain Neal &Massy 10K titles See Story on Page 21

Cleveland Forde wins the Neal and Massy 10k for a fourth consecutive time. Neal and Massy Group CEO Deo Persaud strikes a pose with the winners of the fourth Annual NM (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) 10 Km athletic road race. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2014