Guyana chronicle 04 08 14

GUYANA No. 103909 MONDAY AUGUST 4, 2014

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

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President assures Wakapau of its importance to nation’s advancement

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––urges community to help fight to achieve it

At Banquet Hall opening...

Prime Minister hails Linden 2 couple’s indomitable entrepreneurial spirit Page

Study shows...

President Donald Ramotar and his delegation being accorded a warm welcome on arrival at Wakapau

August NIS, Old Age pensions payable Page 12 Stabroek News argues that ‘the people are ready’ for local government elections. By ‘people’, do they mean APNU and AFC, or the 10,000 disenfranchised voters?

Region 8 ‘Eagle Mountain’ gold project economically 12 viable Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

At Banquet Hall opening...

Prime Minister hails Linden couple’s indomitable entrepreneurial spirit ––sees investment as ‘another expression of investor confidence in economy’

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and proprietress of J&C Renaissance Banquet Hall, Mrs. Janice Mc Almont, share a light moment during the opening of the facility THE opening Saturday of J & C Renaissance Banquet Hall, in Ameila’s Ward, Linden, has been seen as yet another testimony of investor confidence in the local economy.

According to Prime Minister, Mr Samuel Hinds, who commissioned the building, the initiative also bears evidence that Linden is progressing, and is on par with other parts of the country in terms of development.

“It brings great pleasure to us in government to see progress taking place; an event such as this shows that someone has made a judgment, and has made an investment after seeing that Linden is advancing and progressing, and not too far behind compared to other parts of the country.”

Prime Minister Hinds said that as a Government, working to improve standards of living in the country is a priority, and will always be the end-point to which the administration works.

“We recognised that the achievements are firstly that of people; you may think of government handing out monies, but we only hand out what we receive in taxes,” he said. “So, the role of government, on receiving revenue, is to try to put in the infrastructure, and the general condition that would encourage persons to see opportunity and make investments such as this one.”

The banquet hall has been deemed by the Prime Minister as a good example of development for the mining town. And

conceding that Linden has had its fair share of challenges, like the rest of the country, PM Hinds noted that the community has withstood the tests, and continues to progress.

“We have moved on from those days of being a ‘Company Town’; this is a transformation that communities face all over the world,” he said, adding: “Most communities start on a single activity; but all situations change. And after some time, the conditions change, and the initial activity is no longer profitable, and there is the challenge of moving on and developing new activities.”

The Prime Minister cited the Amelia’s Ward community as a sign of development in Linden, and considered it “a match for similar communities across the Coast.”

“We in Government have been paying attention to Linden, and we believe that Linden should share equally in what we have,” he said, adding: “And, overall, we are pleased with the developments that have been occurring in Linden. We would like to see some more economic activities; it’s a job for both of us, making it attractive for investors to come.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that these investments seek to build the economic base of the community, which it serves while at the same time creating employment opportunities.

“Some of us provide different services that are needed and this activity here exemplifies what we need to do. We Guyanese want a better life; we have to look at needs in our community, regions and look to satisfy those needs in an excellent way.”

Mr. Hinds also took the opportunity to congratulate the proprietors of the Banquet Hall, Janice and Carlson Mc Almont on the venture.

The new facility will serve the community, and moreso the youths, as Mrs. Mc Almont has indicated that soon, a programme targeting youths would be launched. She explained that there will be session on etiquette, proper dress codes, catering and craft sessions will be offered at the facility. (GINA)

The J&C Renaissance Banquet Hall in Linden

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

President assures Wakapau of its importance to nation’s advancement ––urges community to help fight to achieve it

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar on Saturday Government. visited the Arawak village of Wakapau in Residents were also brought up to speed Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supe- on the Opposition’s cutting of the National naam) where he updated residents of the Budget, in the hope of scuttling those develindigenous community on national devel- opmental programmes that would bring about opment issues. significant benefit to all, and as a preamble to He was accompanied by Minister within passing a no-confidence motion against the the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Alli Baksh government for seeking to restore the funds cut and Region Two Chairman, Mr Parmanand from the 2014 Budget.

Persaud.

Noting that this latest action of the OppoThe Head of State updated the communi- sition’s clearly showed their dishonesty by ty on obstacles facing the government in carrying out its development agenda, the main one being the Opposition’s ‘anti-development’ stance against such projects as the Specialty Hospital and efforts to have hydro-power in the country.

The President also spoke of the Opposition’s continued malingering on passage of the critical Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, noting that the parties at reference are only looking after their own political agenda at the expense of the country and its people.

“They want power so bad, that they do not care if they hurt the ordinary people of our country,” the A young Wakapau resident shows her appreciation in the age-old community President said, adding fashion that the Opposition’s sole purpose is to hurt the country in the hope that things will become peddling the propagandist line that the Govso bad that the people would turn against the ernment, in restoring the cut projects, is acting People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) illegally, President Ramotar said: “The Consti-

tution gives us this right!”

He said too that the only reason they are getting away with it is that they have the advantage of having the country’s two main private newspapers on their side. “That is why they will never like us! That is why they will never write anything good about us in the paper, because of this different interest that they represent!” the President said.

During the meeting, the President also spoke of the many government efforts over the years to transform the economic landscape of the country. This transformation at reference includes the government identifying human resources development as a national priority, and investing in the provision of quality education.

The President noted that Government’s aligning education to the needs of society and Guyana’s future, has sought to live this philosophy and this is clearly shown through the annual budgets, whereby the largest chunk, is always allocated to the sector.

Government has also afforded access to enhanced education through the provision of more improved facilities, teacher training, computerisation in schools and homes, and building greater capacity in science and technology. Such programmes as the school uniform assistance, school feeding and the provision of books have also improved attendance.

Even as focus has been on education, other sectors including health, housing and agriculture, guided by prudent policies and programmes as implemented by the PPP/C administration, have also received much attention and have played their role in furthering the Guyanese economy and contributing to an improvement of livelihood country wide, the President noted.

He told the residents that the PPP/C needs their support to carry on the transformation of the country. He pointed out, too, that the Government has a lot of challenges ahead of it, but also with many things still to be achieved. This he noted can only be done collectively with support from residents to realise the full potential of the country.

(GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Ten dead in strike on school in new Gaza fighting

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ari Rabinovitch GAZA/JERUSALEM, (Reuters) - An Israeli air strike killed 10 people and wounded about 30 yesterday in a U.N.-run school in the southern Gaza Strip, a Palestinian

official said, as dozens died in Israeli shelling of the enclave and Hamas fired rockets at Israel.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the attack as a "moral outrage and a criminal act" and called for those responsible for the

denied reports by Israeli and some U.S. media that most Israeli troops had been pulled out of the coastal enclave.

"We are redeploying and regrouping, and we have extensive forces both on the ground in Gaza and on the border at this time," Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Lerner said.

Israel's troops were "awaiting further orders and preparing a course of action for the next stage," Lerner said.

In the town of Rafah, where the military has been battling militants, a missile from an Israeli aircraft struck the entrance to the U.N.-run school, where Palestinians who had fled their homes were sheltering, witnesses and medics said.

Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesman for the Gaza health ministry, said 10 people had been killed and 30 wounded, all from inside the school.

Robert Serry, U.N. Middle East Special Coordinator, said the school had been sheltering 3,000 displaced persons and the strike caused multiple deaths and injuries.

"It is simply intolerable that another school has come under fire while designated to provide shelter for civilians fleeing the hostilities," he said.

Last Wednesday, at least 15 Palestinians who sought refuge in a U.N.-run school in Jabalya refugee camp were killed during fighting, and the U.N. said Israeli artillery had apparently hit the building.

The Israeli military said gunmen had fired mortar bombs from near the school and it shot back in response.

"gross violation of international humanitarian law" to be held accountable.

The United States was "appalled by today's disgraceful shelling" and urged Israel to do more to prevent civilian casualties, according to a statement by State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki. She also called for an investigation into recent attacks on U.N. schools.

It was the second strike on a school in less than a week.

The Israeli military said it had "targeted three Islamic Jihad terrorists on board a motorcycle in the vicinity of an UNRWA school in Rafah" and added it was "reviewing the consequences of this strike."

Islamic Jihad did not report any of its militants killed or injured in the incident. A Palestinian health official said all those wounded or killed were from inside the school.

Amid Hamas accusations that Israel had misled the world about the alleged capture of an Israeli soldier, the officer, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, was buried on Sunday after the military said it recovered remains and he was killed in action.

Goldin's suspected abduction led to the collapse of a U.S.- and U.N.-brokered ceasefire on Friday. In Cairo, efforts to find a new truce were due to resume on Sunday.

TROOP MOVEMENTS With the fighting in its 27th day, Reuters TV footage showed a column of Israeli tanks and dozens of infantrymen leaving Gaza. But an Israeli military spokesman

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PRESSURE Earlier on Sunday, Israeli shelling killed at least 30 people in Gaza, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep up pressure on Hamas even after the army completes its core mission of destroying a tunnel network used by Palestinian militants to attack Israel.

Netanyahu says Gaza's dominant Hamas faction bears

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A United Nations worker gestures after what witnesses said was an Israeli air strike outside a U.N.-run school, where displaced Palestinians take refuge, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. Credit: REUTERS/Ibrahee

ultimate responsibility for civilian casualties, accusing gunmen and rocket-launching squads of using residents in densely populated areas as "human shields".

In Rafah, Fatah faction leader and local resident Ashraf Goma said locals were unable to deal with the casualties.

"Bodies of the wounded are bleeding in the streets and other corpses are laid on the road with no one able to recover them.

"I saw a man on a donkey cart bringing seven bodies into the hospital. Bodies are being kept in ice-cream refrigerators, in flower and vegetable coolers," Goma told Reuters.

The Israeli army said that more than 55 rockets had been fired from Gaza at Israel on Sunday. Shrapnel from a rocket shot down by Israel's Iron Dome interceptor fell inside a playground in the Tel Aviv area but caused no injury, media reports said.

Israeli troops had discovered a cache of 150 mortar bombs in the southern Gaza Strip. They had clashed with Palestinian fighters who emerged from a tunnel and with others preparing to launch an anti-tank missile from a house in the area, a military statement said.

Israel began its offensive against Gaza on July 8 following a surge of cross-border rocket salvoes by Hamas and other guerrillas.

The fighting on Sunday pushed the Gaza death toll given by Palestinian officials to 1,775, most of them civilians. Israel has confirmed that 64 soldiers have died in combat, while Palestinian rockets have also killed three civilians in Israel.

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TRUCE EFFORTS In new truce moves, a delegation from Hamas and the Islamic Jihad group arrived in the Egyptian capital, but a quick breakthrough seemed unlikely in the absence of Israeli representatives.

After accusing Hamas of breaching Friday's short-lived ceasefire, Israel said it would not send envoys as scheduled.

Israel says it wants Gaza demilitarized under any long-term arrangement.

Hamas, sworn to Israel's destruction, demands Israel withdraw its troops and a lifting of Israeli and Egyptian blockades that have choked Gaza's economy.

A Palestinian official said Palestinian representatives in Cairo had formulated a joint paper listing those conditions as well as demands for the release of Hamas prisoners held by Israel and the start of a Gaza reconstruction process.

In Gaza, Israel intensified attacks in the area of Rafah along the border with Egypt, where Goldin had been feared captured on Friday. Hamas described Israeli shelling in the town as unjustified retribution for what the group said was a false accusation that the officer had been abducted.

Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said Goldin was a relative of his. "He and other soldiers who fell embarked on the campaign to restore quiet and security to Israel," he said.

The Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, said three dozen tunnels had been unearthed and destroyed and "we are finishing up de-commissioning these tunnels".

"We hope that that job will be completed in a matter of hours, not days," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press".

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Political parties reaffirm Hundreds in Spain demand release of El Salvador priest commitment to ties with Taiwan KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, (CMC) - THE two main political parties here have restated their commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, following a suggestion by an opposition politician that Kingstown was giving Taipei “fishing rights” in return for “wax apple”.

The statement was made by the opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate for Central Leeward, Ben Exeter, who recently returned to St. Vincent from Canada, where he had been living for some 40 years.

“As far as I am aware, Exeter is the first candidate of any major political party since we have established relations with Taiwan to have questioned to the point of opposing our relations with Taiwan, and he did so on an incorrect factual base,” Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves told Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Saturday.

“We have given Taiwan no fisheries rights to fish in our waters or in our exclusive economic zone. Absolutely not! And, obviously, this man is taking his leadership from the Green Party and not from his own party,” Gonsalves said.

Both the Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the NDP have restated their commitment to maintain

diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which have remained unbroken since they were established in 1981.

The Green Party, which got less than one per cent of the votes in the 2010 general elections, has remained opposed to the relationship with Taiwan.

Gonsalves noted the improved relationship between Beijing and Taipei, since Ma Ying-Jeou was elected president of Taiwan in 2008.

He said it is perfectly in order for somebody to advocate pursuing “some amended China policy” in light of the rapprochement between Beijing and Taipei, both of which say they are the legitimate seat of government for both China and Taiwan.

“Of course, the point is this, there is a difference nowadays, particularly since President Ma and the lessening of tensions across the Taiwan Strait and that is an issue which reasonable people can discuss.

“You don’t, in a crass way, make the opposition to our relationship with Taiwan or argue for the diminution on the basis of something false,” Gonsalves said.

He explained that some Taiwanese vessels are registered in St. Vincent and fly the Vincentian flag.

“But that registration does not give them the right

Ben Exeter - NDP candidate

to fish in our exclusive economic zone,” Gonsalves said.

He told CMC he is “very pleased” with the relationship between Kingstown and Taipei.

“Our relations are excellent, as symbolized by the recent visit of President Ma to us and an invitation for me to go very shortly to see President Ma,” Gonsalves added.

Ma visited Kingstown in August 2013 as part of a tour of some of Taiwan’s allies in the Americas.

“We have excellent relations. Our co-operation is taking place on matters of interest to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to Taiwan.

We get a lot of material assistance from them and we assist them on a number of matters, internationally,” Gonsalves said.

He noted that ULP senator, Jomo Thomas, the party’s

candidate for South Leeward, used to call for a relationship with mainland China rather than Taiwan.

“Obviously, you can’t ignore 1.3 billion people, the second largest economy in the world. But we have an excellent relationship with Taiwan, and the government doesn’t see any reason to change that.

“Even though we co-operate with mainland China in the UN General Assembly, we co-operate in the G77 and China, but we don't have diplomatic relations with mainland China.

“I am not saying that Exeter is a stupid man, it just shows that on this matter he is ignorant of the foreign relations. And if he doesn’t know about things, he should not talk about them, and be educated by his leadership.”

Meanwhile, Godwin, the NDP’s spokesperson on foreign relations, told CMC on Friday that the NDP remains committed to St Vincent's ties withTaiwan.

HUNDREDS of people in the Spanish town of Daimiel have marched to demand the release of a Roman Catholic priest detained in El Salvador.

Father Antonio Rodriguez, who was born in Daimiel, has been accused of smuggling mobile phones to imprisoned members of El Salvador notorious gangs.

Demonstrators say Father Tono has dedicated much of his life to helping gang members turn away from crime.

El Salvador has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

More than 300 of Father Tono's supporters, including Mayor Leopoldo Sierra, marched through the streets of Daimiel in Spain on Sunday.

He was doing whatever imprisoned gang leader Mojica Lechuga asked him to do” Allan Hernandez El Salvador prosecutor Among them was a former Salvadoran gang member, Isamar Orellana, who now lives in Spain.

"I am a living example of how much Father Tono has done to help us get out of that difficult world," Ms Orellana told the EFE news agency.

"He was a wonderful person to me, the father I never

had."

Gangs truce In March 2012, the two main gangs in El Salvador - or maras - signed a truce mediated by the Catholic Church.

The 18th Street (or M-18) and the Salvatrucha (or MS13) gangs, which operate across Central America, also agreed to a truce in Honduras.

The authorities say the move has saved thousands of lives.

But critics accuse the Church and the authorities of being lenient with criminal organisations involved in extortion, drug trafficking and murders.

Father Tono, who has lived in El Salvador for more than 15 years, was arrested on 29 July in the capital, San Salvador.

The Prosecutor's Office say the priest had been under investigation since March 2013.

"After monitoring his phone calls, we gathered evidence of his links with the leader of the 18th street gang, Carlos Ernesto Mojica Lechuga, who is in jail" said prosecutor Allan Hernandez.

"He was doing whatever Mojica Lechuga asked him to do," Mr Hernandez added.(BBC News)

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EDITORIAL

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Guyana

The culture of begging THE art of panhandling has been refined and redefined, and now it is neither homeless people nor the traditional beggars -- destitute, ill-clad people with hands stretched out -- that the average citizen or visitor has to contend with, but strong men and women, many of whom are young and healthy.

There are legends of people who got rich merely by begging and living off others, while they squirrel away their loot then invest in profit-making initiatives, although they continue to beg, occasionally changing locations when their tricks are discovered or when someone who knows them reveals their reality.

Then there are those who loiter around, cadging cigarettes and drinks from colleagues, and even strangers, as they indulge a most disgusting habit.

Japheth J Omojuwa, an associate of AfricanLiberty. org, wrote: “If you frown at a man who has decided to live his life begging, what would you say or do about a people whose lives are collectively lived as a race of beggars? If you think it is impossible for that to be possible, then you have not met Africa. (See more @: http://www.africanliberty.org/content/beggar%E2%80%99s-bowl-how-africans-become-beggars#sthash.6rvMNkbe.dpuf.

Despite India’s rapid economic growth in recent years, poverty and begging are still amongst its biggest issues. While the poverty is real, begging is quite often carried out in organised gangs.

For the privilege of begging in a certain territory, each beggar must hand over their takings to the gang’s

ring leader, who keeps a significant share of it.

Quite a bit of welfare work in India has been directed at reducing begging, with varying degrees of success. The most common problem is that beggars are so used to begging that they actually prefer not to work. Many of them also make more money from begging than what they would if they did work.

In Mumbai in particular, visitors are often approached by a child or woman wanting some powdered milk to feed a baby. They will assist you to a nearby stall or shop that conveniently happens to sell tins or boxes of such “milk”.

However, the milk will be expensively priced (often around 200 rupees) and if you hand over the money for it, the shopkeeper and the beggar will simply split the proceeds between them. Beggars also rent babies from their mothers each day, to give their begging more credibility.

In most countries, begging is most prevalent anywhere there are tourists. Another common problem is that if you give to one beggar, such a gesture will quickly attract others.

The beggars can be very deceptive, even the children, most of whom are taught by adults the art of cajolery from infancy.

If you want to give to beggars, only give when you’re leaving a place, not arriving, to prevent being mobbed. Try to give to those who perform a service, such as small children who often dance or sing, or those that are elderly or crippled.

Avoid giving to women with babies, because the babies usually aren’t theirs. They hire them on a daily basis, and drug them to make them sleepy and docile.

Most governments have some provision for their destitute citizens; but many persons prefer not to work, because

begging has become a profession all of its own, and it’s proving very lucrative. This has given rise to an abominably inhuman practice – crippling children to make them authentic beggars; and the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” has replicated a real scenario in which children are deliberately blinded to make them beggars. In some instances, children are laid in rows while a motorbike is ridden over their arms or legs to make a gang of cripples.

Cruel as it may seem, if persons give alms to these crippled children, it would only encourage more such inhuman practices by the beasts in human form.

Japheth J Omojuwa concluded: “A beggar, no matter how full his bowl is, can never claim freedom until he makes his wealth through productive means.” To this can be added that although there is occasional justifiable need of some people to seek help, many times persons refuse to learn to fish, and prefer instead to acquire the fish without effort.

A Buddhist cannot represent Hindus on the ERC WITH reference to Balmattie Persaud’s letter, “Aksharananda has a mistaken concept of Buddhism,” in the Daily Chronicle (31/7/2014), it is quite unlikely that I made the statement, “Buddhism has nothing to do with Hinduism and therefore a Buddhist cannot represent Hindu views,” which the writer attributes to me.

While I maintain that a person who professes to be a Buddhist should not, at least morally, present himself or herself to be a Hindu representative on the ERC, I almost certainly would not have said that “Buddhism has nothing to do with Hinduism.”

Let me explain. All the organisations identified

by Parliament were summoned to a meeting at the Convention Centre, to be briefed by the Ethnic Relations Commission Parliamentary Committee, headed by Dr. Norton, on the nomination of their representatives who would eventually serve as Commissioners on the ERC. I was appointed as the convener by the Hindu group, consisting of some thirteen entities, to oversee the process to appoint a Hindu representative to the ERC. Of the three persons suggested by their respective organisations, one professed to be a Buddhist.

There was a discussion, which I initiated among the thirteen organisations, that a Buddhist

could not be a Hindu representative on the ERC. In spite of this, the nomination was accepted and placed on the ballot, although when the election was finally held a week later, the group chose, by an overwhelming majority, a different person to be their representative.

Reviewing all the records, I do not see anyone answering to the name Balmattie Persaud among those present at any of our meetings, and it is somewhat intriguing that this writer could have quoted verbatim remarks that I allegedly made.

However, coming to the statement itself, to say that “Buddhism has nothing to do with Hinduism” is clearly something I could not have said under any circumstance. Buddha, who would eventually become the founder of one of the greatest faith traditions in the world, was born in India and grew up in the Vedic tradition. One cannot attempt any historical analysis of Buddhism without taking into consideration the fact that it was rooted and nurtured in India’s soil, in which was also born Jainism, Sikkhism, and what later came to be called Hinduism.

In terms of language, while the earliest teachings of Buddha are in the Pali language, its most important philosophical expositions, which became the hallmarks of Buddhism, are written in the Sanskrit language, the language of the

scholars. As a consequence, a massive corpus of specialised literature of the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, for example, is in Sanskrit, and one can see in the development of this school of Buddhism the intellectual debates with the scholars of the Vedic tradition, mainly Shankara and his disciples.

It is of interest to note that a number of important philosophical treatises of Buddhism have survived only in the Chinese language, from which they were reconstructed into Sanskrit. In terms of spiritual discipline, the Four Noble Truths enunciated by the Buddha are clearly grounded in the Upanishads.

Both Hinduism and Buddhism have a strong philosophy based on the science of the mind. As a matter of fact, in spite of all the important divergences, complexities and diversities in philosophical perspectives, all the faith traditions born in India have such great commonalities that it is not uncommon for persons to share in one another’s traditions without any fear of contradiction.

Every Hindu child is taught that Buddha, alongside Rama and Krishna, is an avatara of Vishnu. Because of this close relationship, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikkhism are part of See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Civil society needs to apply pressure to politicians AS Parliament fades into an extended period of recess, commencing on August 10, there is one colossal elephant in the room that, if civil society doesn’t band together and apply some pressure on our political leaders for good sense to prevail, would result in the trampling of our economy and hurt the already shrinking pockets of the average and ordinary Guyanese.

While both Government and Opposition can be blamed for the more-than-a-year-long stalemate in passing the amendment bill to the AML/CFT regime, more of the blame should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the combined opposition benches.

The Opposition parties have squandered many opportunities, and have failed the Guyanese people thus far in ensuring the passage of this bill. Please be reminded that the combined opposition does not need the Government to pass this legislation.

The Opposition would have you believe that they didn’t have enough time to make appropriate contributions to the drafting of the bill, but the truth is that they had more than a year to do so; and, more recently, an offer was made by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to provide pro bono services to the Parliamentary

Select Committee, where the Opposition holds a majority, to ensure that any amendments submitted met the rigid international requirements of the international FATF. I’m sure that offer is still on the table; and if accepted, the combined Opposition can move to the floor of the National Assembly (where again they hold a majority) a fully compliant bill for guaranteed passage.

Some commentators have, as of late, been saying that the APNU has nothing much to show for two and a half years in Parliament. Passing this bill presents a good opportunity for that alliance to accomplish something substantive and pro-Guyana in nature.

The Opposition wants you to believe that the passage of this bill will somehow represent a victory of sorts for the Government. Well, the reality is that the citizens of Guyana will be the real victors if the bill is passed, and the biggest losers if it isn’t.

If we fail to pass the bill, and international counter measures are applied, a whole host of damaging effects will occur, and these will hurt the small man more than the Government or the upper echelons of the private sector.

Just to identify two concomitant consequences of the counter measures: (1) Increased transaction times and

costs at banks, insurance companies and money transfer agencies and (2) The devaluing of the Guyana dollar as a result of foreign exchange pressures, thus driving up the prices for all imported goods, including fuel and food items.

Moreover, private sector entities will adapt to those realities and will respond by restructuring their operations (which could mean laying off employees) and/or passing on the resulting increased costs to the consuming public. This could occur at money transfer agencies and at public entities like Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which would either have to receive increased Government subsidies or pass on increased charges for electricity onto consumers.

Similarly, gas stations would have to charge more for fuel for motor vehicles, thus sending up the cost for “bus fare” and commuters driving to work daily.

All these consequences will place an undue burden on citizens; and they are totally preventable, it just requires a caring and rational Opposition to pass the Bill.

CLINTON URLING Blue CAPS

Government stemming persistent migration PRESIDENT Ramotar assures: “What is of note is that we do not have migration because of political persecution and political violation of people’s human rights; those are the things that are most important for me.”

Yes, Mr. President, we all know it is not political persecution and political violation of people’s human rights that are driving people away. But, Mr. President, you hire people who violate people’s human rights: Police and army and those you employ in your government-run institutions. You, Mr. President, employ them to give them power and authority above the ordinary citizen.

Then there are those who stop decent people on the streets to lock off their necks (the chokeand-rob gangs). A handful of those make it to the courts; and when they get to the courts, victims are violated again with the so-called sentencing guidelines.

You hire traffic police who, in turn, stop motorists on the streets for no violation, just to shake them down for a bribe; and if they do not pay, they are told to drive to the police station, after which their day is over. You guys know the rest.

Then you have some honest police, doing their jobs of arresting criminals, but your Director of Public Prosecutions makes some decisions that, to me, defy logic or reason. You have the criminal lawyers making rings around these prosecutors, with known killers walking free to roam amongst society and kill again.

Mr. President, you even have political lawyers who hold political offices and take on private court cases, and that must stop or else people will see more of Agricola Public Road atrocities and more well-known killers beating the judicial system because of the jury system.

You have political lawyers taking on private cases, and that should not be, because they can incite crowds to commit atrocities when they lose court cases. One cannot walk the streets freely because one is not safe from home invaders in one’s own home. You are not safe from business invaders in your place of business. You cannot get justice in the courts, because of flawed judicial systems.

Mr. President, the people cannot heat up their lunches in microwaves, like others do; they can-

not press out their clothes, like others do; they sleep in the dark, not knowing when they would be the next victim of bandits, because they cannot afford a light on at nights.

Mr. President, check what the average citizen takes home in pay in relation to the amenities’ bills they pay in over-priced services. So, Mr. President, do not wonder why the people are leaving for the US and other countries.

You cannot conduct your business in Government-run institutions without being asked to pay a bribe.

You have citizens paying taxes only to witness their tax dollars being pumped into neighbourhoods that demand everything under the sun. These people destroy public and private infrastructure, and also use taxes to pay their electricity bills.

Mr. President, when the average Guyanese receive proper security and services, and the cost of public utilities becomes affordable, then migration will phase out.

TED KING

A Buddhist cannot represent Hindus ...

From page 6 the Hindu faith in the Indian constitution.

It should be noted that it was the great Babasaheb Ambedkar himself, the chief architect of the Indian constitution himself, and India’s most prominent Buddhist at the time, who ensured this definition. Nevertheless, both in India and elsewhere, Buddhism does not accept the Hindu notion of Buddha as an avatara of Vishnu. But everyone knows that this happens only in India.

Elsewhere in the Buddhist world, in almost all of East Asia -- including Sri Lanka, the nation of Tibet, and large swathes of what was formerly Central Asia -- Buddhism is a separate religion, one among the great religions of the world. And,

as Hindus, we respect this difference. This respect is again and again underscored when the leaders of the Buddhist communities from Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Burma, Sri Lanka and Tibet meet with their Hindu counterparts in the great assemblies occasioned by frequently held Hindu-Buddhist Dialogue conferences.

Incidentally, invariably on our agenda in these conferences is the common threat of conversion.

The greatest living Buddhist of our time, the Dalai Lama, is always present in these meetings.

He takes a lead in all the discussions, and all of us, Hindus and Buddhists, look to him for guidance and inspiration on a wide range of matters.

But even he would not be so presumptuous as

to present himself as a Hindu representative of any sort, least of all in a legal and constitutional entity like the Ethnic Relations Commission of any country.

In the meantime, until Buddhism grows in number and can be recognised as a separate religion in Guyana, for the purposes of the ERC, members of this community may want to follow the Bahais, and gracefully exempt themselves from the process. To expect a Hindu to be the Hindu representative in the ERC cannot, as the writer alleges, be considered “Hindu Hegemony,” no matter how much that notion can be twisted and distorted.

SWAMI AKSHARANANDA

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Illegal mining doing far more deforestation than envisaged

By Clifford Stanley

the GGMC to monitor these activities in a near real time process .

ILLEGAL mining is causing a lot more Officers can then make visits to these “hot deforestation than envisaged, Commis- spots “ with a greater degree of precision. sioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Vieira said that the GGMC has received Commission (GGMC) Mr. Rickford Vieira support from the Guyana Police Force has said. and the Guyana Defence Force and will He made the comcontinue to rely on ment during a recent these two agencies presentation on chal- ‘A main focus of the GGMC this to complement the lenges facing the minair surveillance and year will be on the use of aerial ing sector. geo-spatial informaThe GGMC Com- surveillance, including satellite tion received. missioner said that an He disimagery to combat the illegal additional problem closed also that the was that the gold ac- activity’ –– Rickford Vieira GGMC will push quired through illegal for the revision of mining was not sold regulations related through the normal channels, thereby robbing to the definition of boundaries of mining the country of a main source of revenue. claims.

He said: “At the moment we don’t have He said: “At the moment our laws allow any control. We need to see where they are, people to locate claims in keeping with what where they are going. When you are on the they call a chain and compass survey. With ground you can’t see those things.” this system the descriptions are so vague that whenever somebody finds gold they move AERIAL SURVEILLANCE their claims and put it there and so there are a He said that as a result a main focus of lot of litigations against the GGMC.” the GGMC this year will be on the use He said that GGMC will move to revise of aerial surveillance, including satellite these regulations to ensure that people use imagery to combat the illegal activity.

Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates An increased resort to remote sensing via in locating the claims so that the problems rethe Geospatial Information System will help lated to the traditional way can be eliminated.

Amerindian Affairs makes good on promise to Hinterland communities ––ensures Santa Rosa Village on development track THE Village Council of the Moruca sub-region of Santa Rosa Village, in Region One (Barima-Waini), was recently presented with three pick-ups and a back-hoe

by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai.

The vehicles are part of Government’s commitment to the development agenda of Amerindian villages across the Hinterland, and are not the first batch provided to the sub-region.

Over the past three years, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, on behalf of Government, has

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms Pauline Sukhai, hands over the keys to the back-hoe to a village councillor contributed a variety of vehicles -- including tractors, minibuses, boats and engines and pick-ups. In

One of the pick-ups assigned to Santa Rosa

addition, two years ago, a pick-up was provided to enable the enhancement of the security aspect of the village.

According to Minister Sukhai, the villages of Waramuri, Karaburi, Kamwatta and Kwebanna were also provided with a minibus each, and that the current batch of pick-ups was intended to help the Santa Rosa Village Council with its administrative work.

(GINA)

––GGMC Commissioner

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

David Granger confirms...

‘One Nation’ slogan is latest PNCR window-dressing OLD Kai is now convinced that David Granger has reached the point where he is better off riding into the political sunset.

He more than ever comes across as a man who lacks conviction, a man who does not believe his own words, and a man who is constantly embarrassing himself and party by undermining the very ideals he promotes.

Even within his own political setup, it appears that members simply tolerate him; he is not taken seriously, as could be observed when he was addressing a virtually empty Congress Place at the opening of the party’s recent Congress.

For this current predicament, he has no one else to blame but himself, as he simply cannot seem to hold a straight line on any issue. Let’s take, for example, a Kaieteur News article on August 2, 2014 titled, “As PNC/R remains divided…Granger holds on to ‘One Nation’ dream.” He was quoted as saying that despite the divisions, he was focused on his ‘One Nation’ dream; and we are told that he has proposed this approach to solve Guyana’s crisis.

Granger of all persons should know that the only crisis in Guyana currently is the PNC/R’s leadership and how that has translated to its destructive politics at the national level.

Naturally, we would assume that Granger would start here with his ‘One Nation’ mantra as an indication that he is genuinely committed to the ideals he is now promoting; but that is not the case if we are to go by the Kaieteur News report.

When asked if he was committed to bringing back veteran party members to aid his mission, his terse retort was that the party has mechanisms to do so.

Mr. Granger should tell us if those mechanisms are similar to what is currently being applied to Vanessa Kissoon, the PNC/R Linden Member of Parliament. It should be bourne in mind that anyone truly committed to national unity would obviously have to adopt a more flexible, humble, approachable ability to reaching out, and a compromising mindset in tackling the complex issues and demographics of society, as is so evident in current President Donald Ramotar.

Granger is quoted as saying that he does not necessarily plan to reach out or invite them (PNC/R stalwarts) back to the party.

If Granger is not willing to adopt a conciliatory posture in dealing with his own party members, why should we believe that he is committed to such a stance at the national level?

We are then reminded that Granger’s ultimate plan is to “…push the PPP out of office”, as he urged his party members to let them ‘fight’ the PPP, and not one another.

Once again Granger contradicts himself, as his calls to ‘fight’ the PPP are not in sync with his earlier contention that his ‘One Nation’ plan promotes consensus in achieving national goals.

His efforts at riling up party members to get them to ‘fight’ the PPP were evident in his attempts to lay blame for the Congress Place confusion at the doorsteps of the ruling party.

Members were also told that the gunman at Congress Place who had put their lives in danger had somehow belonged to the PPP, which shows the dangerous levels to which the party’s leadership would stoop to mislead its own supporters, simply to get them to do its bidding. After the

individual was caught, the PNC/R suddenly began defending his actions.

In conclusion, while these incidents unravelling at Congress Place have served to reinforce, for many outsiders, the general perception that the PNC/R=APNU is ‘the same ole’ under Granger, they have been an eye opener for the party’s supporters, who now have firsthand experience of being misled and then knowing the truth -- that their leaders have continually lied to him and then sought to demonize the PPP. Many have witnessed how their colleagues have been verbally and physically abused by their party’s own leadership, and, not surprisingly, they have lost trust in that leadership, which is something that can never be repaired.

That is the reason why Granger was speaking to empty chairs at Congress Place, and this is the reason why I am maintaining that the time is now for him to ride off into the sunset.

As for his ‘One Nation’ semantics, he should tell us the fate of the ‘New Nation’ and all the other political banners that party has tried unsuccessfully to wrap around itself. The simple truth is that that party is not genuine about the causes it promotes; therefore, come next Congress, we will be treated to the unveiling of yet another slogan or name change, to mask all that party’s failings as its leaders pretend to be something they are not.

National Unity has never been the forte of the PNC/R leadership. Throughout the history of the PNC, its leaders have been the source of divisions within our society, and David Granger is no different.

Man who stabbed minibus driver turns self in to police ––accompanied by attorney

By Asif Hakim THIRTY-YEAR-OLD Orin Jerrick of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, the man allegedly responsible for stabbing dead 31-year-old bus driver Gavin Fiffee of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara at the Plaisance Bus park in Georgetown, turned himself over to the police at Brickdam a little after 15:00hrs yesterday, accompanied by a female attorney whose only name was given as De Santos.

This information has been confirmed to this publication by a senior police officer.

Just after the stabbing incident, the police had both issued a wanted bulletin and had launched a search for Jerrick, whose relatives had promised to turn him over to the police.

Currently being held at the Brickdam Police Station, Jerrick is expected to be arraigned today in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

Police reports detail that at about 17:45 hours on Thursday, July 31, Gavin Fiffee of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara was involved in an argument with a man at the Plaisance Bus Park on Upper Regent Street, Georgetown during which he was stabbed to his chest. Fiffee succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Fiffee had reportedly objected to the man urinating on his bus when an argument ensued, which later escalated into a brawl, during which he was stabbed to his upper right chest.

Gavin Fiffee and his ‘child-mother’ in happier times

10

After Melbourne Conference...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Lingering question remains: What to do to curb HIV, TB and malaria?

THE 20th International Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Conference (IAC) concluded last week (July 25) in Melbourne, Australia, but the lingering question is what must be done on this “last climb” to end the epidemics of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 2030, “leaving no one behind” the Caribbean Community said in a press release.

That release detailed that ending these epidemics is of pressing concern, given the almost extinct MDG era; and in this context, the “small window of opportunity to make big changes.”

Despite the “distance”, the Caribbean made its presence known. Of the Conference’s approximately 15,000 participants, Caribbean (regional) representatives included the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Chair of PANCAP, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; UN Secretary-General Envoy for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS in the Caribbean, Prof.

Edward Greene; PANCAP (Pan-American Partnership) Coordinating Unit Director, Dereck Springer; Co-founder of the Caribbean Regional Network for People Living with HIV and AIDS, Yolanda Simon; and Director of the Caribbean Drug Programme, Dr. Marcus Day. After the conference, Professor Greene, a former CARICOM Secretariat Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, in an interview noted that the IAC was distinctive in terms of its context, content and composition.

Dr. Greene noted that while the Malaysia Airline disaster which killed at least

six delegates to the conference -- including Joep Lange, a former IAC President -- cast a sombre mood on the conference, it seemed to have “imbued the proceedings with a resolve to immortalise the departed colleagues by outcomes designed to bring an end to the AIDS epidemic.”

Dr. Greene noted also that the messages emanating from many of the sessions were that science was poised to create that breakthrough in support of the aspiration for an AIDS-free generation.

PROMOTING HEALTH Dr. Greene drew attention to the fact that it was clear that the Conference focused on Asia Pacific Region as well as promoted universal access to global health.

He highlighted the Asia Pacific Sustainable Funding model for HIV and AIDS, in collaboration with UNAIDS and the World Bank, in this context.

The release highlighted the key messages from the Conference, which included lessons for the Caribbean:* The resolve to end the AIDS epidemic represents a momentous opportunity for broader health and development efforts. * The AIDS movement has demonstrated what can be achieved through global solidarity, evidence-based action and multi-sectoral partnerships. In the Caribbean, the CARICOM initiatives through PANCAP, and more recently CARPHA, provide the basis for meeting the post-2015 development challenges to strengthen the convergence of HIV, TB, malaria, NCDs and other health emergencies into an overall health goal. In so

For Monday August 4, 2014 -08:30hrs For Tuesday August 5, 2014 -09:00hrs

Dr Denzil Douglas doing, this could fulfill the vision of CARICOM Heads in the Nassau Declaration (2001) that the health of the region is the wealth of the Region. * HIV treatment is critical to ending AIDS and making HIV transmission rare. * The Region must increase the present number of PLWHA having access to ARVs from just fewer than 50% to the 90%. To do so, there is need to find a formula for more people to come forward for testing, and to know their status; and thereafter for sustainable financing and universal access to treatment. In this regard, Caribbean Governments must join the international lobby to challenge the TRIPS Agreement and assert that access to affordable medicines is a human right. * The science is evolving in a dramatic fashion, leading to biomedical prevention strategies resulting in the scientific conclusion of ‘treatment as prevention’.

That is: early initiation of treatment to save lives and money. * Caribbean scientists and researchers must be aligned with the major centres and global networks for randomised clinical trials, thereby transferring knowledge gained from AIDS research to other health emergencies. * Sustainable financing is essential to support research, training and outreach required to end AIDS; yet the sources are drying up, especially for middle income countries. At the same time, governments are generally looking at other priorities, sometimes under the false impression that AIDS is over. * The most expedient response for Caribbean countries that are classified in the middle/upper income category but mainly lack capacity to respond individually is through collaboration provided

by PANCAP and CARPHA. Donor partners are becoming increasingly reluctant to fund countries which individually have small numbers of cases. It is therefore necessary to strengthen the governance arrangements and foster alliances with agencies such as UNAIDS, PAHO and WHO. In this regard,

See Page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

11

Regional youth business CARICOM continues training programme consumer protection expands with launch of CEBO drive with CARREX TRAINING for the Region’s at-risk youth continues to grow with the launch of the Creativity for Employment and Business (CEBO) programme in St. Vincent and The Grenadines during the period July 21 to 26, 2014.

Targeting at-risk youths aged between 15 and 29, CEBO is a tool to engage, inspire and create entrepreneurial interest and action among young CARICOM nationals as a means of countering youth unemployment and mitigating drug abuse, crime and violence, besides fostering economic resilience.

Twenty-five young persons benefited from the National CEBO training in St. Vincent and The Grenadines.

Participants were divided into teams, each of which was tasked with developing a business plan. Teams were then given small loans from the Bank of CEBO to start a simulated business. The businesses developed were: One Stop Cuisine, Fruity Blast, Jolie Pops and Yummy Pastry. All businesses devel-

oped were profitable.

At the CEBO Opening Ceremony, held at the Girl Guides Headquarters, the minister with responsibility for youth, Hon. Frederick Stephenson, told participants: “This training can propel you into becoming one of the most successful youths who start their own businesses and become a regional leader in the service or goods which you provide.”

The minister challenged the participants to not only think locally as they develop their initiatives and ideas, but to become creative and think regionally and even internationally.

Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development of the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Douglas Slater, in his remarks, expressed optimism that the Government of St. Vincent and The Grenadines would continue to roll out CEBO after this initial workshop.

“We (The CARICOM Secretariat) anticipate that, following this workshop, the

Government of St. Vincent and The Grenadines and other local partners will be inspired and committed to continue to mount CEBO workshops across this country, and provide follow-up support to CEBO graduates, ably supported by the facilitators who were trained in the methodology.”

CEBO is a regional programme that is currently being implemented in eight CARICOM member states.

The CARICOM Secretariat, with support of the Government of Japan, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Youth Innovation Project, had piloted CEBO in five member states in 2012/2013, namely: The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica and St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Secretariat has since received additional funding from the USAID and the “CARICOM/Spain Citizen Support Security Project -- Support for Youth Empowerment and Resilience” to deliver CEBO in seven

additional member states, namely: Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, Suriname, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The St. Vincent National CEBO Workshop was supported by the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Family Services, Community Development, Gender and Youth Affairs; Youth entrepreneurial development stakeholders; and St. Vincent and The Grenadines’ CARICOM Youth Ambassadors.

It ended with an awards ceremony and exhibition, during which Dr. Hilary Brown, Programme Manager, Culture and Community Development, CARICOM Secretariat, congratulated all the partners and participants on delivering a CEBO Workshop that was a “resounding success.”

Participants in the workshop who are desirous of establishing or growing businesses will be referred to local agencies for further assistance, based on their specific needs.

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat is forging ahead with promoting a rapid consumer protection alert system throughout CARICOM member states.

The CARICOM Rapid Alert System on the Exchange of Information on Dangerous (non-food) Consumer Goods, CARREX, is a major initiative aimed at protecting consumers via quick and efficient information-sharing on harmful products in the market.

A team from the CARICOM Secretariat has this month kicked off a regional promotion of the CARREX, which includes visits to Saint Lucia and Dominica in early August.

With support under the 10th European Development Fund, stakeholder sessions were previously held in St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Grenada.

The CARICOM Secretariat is seeking to implement the CARREX in member states and to sensitise stakeholders on its operations and benefits to consumer protection.

The CARREX is designed as a web-based portal for information sharing among national consumer protection agencies and other related bodies. National contact points from respective member states are expected to use the system and interface with their counterparts as they send and receive alerts regarding unsafe items that may be in the market.

As part of the implementation process, the CARICOM Secretariat team is conducting training on how to use the system and enter information that is vital to consumers and other stakeholders.

National consumer protection officials and other representatives of related bodies from both St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Grenada received this training in mid-July, and it is expected that both islands will be implementing the CARREX shortly.

The CARICOM Secretariat team comprises Deputy Programme Manager, CARICOM Single Market and Economy, CSME, Mr. Philip McClauren; Senior Project Officer, Integrated Information Systems, Mr. Derrick Agdomar; and Consumer Health and Safety Officer, Ms. Hilda Kelshall.

Lingering question remains...

From Page 10 Caribbean Governments, and especially Ministers of Health, should support the proposal for a Caribbean Foundation for HIV and Sustainable Health, aimed at promoting research and training of critical public health leadership in the region, as well as supporting the annual scientific conference of CARPHA. * Ending AIDS and ending extreme poverty are interrelated. * The data for the Caribbean fully illustrate this feature. It is particularly alarming to note that new infections are highest among adolescents and youths, especially young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. These are the sectors that are most marginalised and stigmatised, and do not present for early testing. A multi-sectoral response led, for example, through CARICOM’s Council for Human and Social

Development – education, health, culture, youth, gender and labour -- programmes, can most likely highlight the links between improving health outcomes and sustainable development in the post-2015 development agenda.

LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND – NO DISCRIMINATION The Melbourne Declaration was presented at the conference. It highlighted the elimination of stigma and discrimination as an essential element of the “leaving no one behind” initiative. While scientific, logistic and financial solutions are relevant to addressing one of the worse epidemics in human history, if large elements of the population remain isolated through fear, ignorance and discriminatory policies, then an effective response to HIV is impossible.

The release stated that in order to ensure a positive response, the Carib-

bean would need to pursue the Justice for All programme, which proposes an inclusive range of strategies between now and 2018.

Among them are eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV; increasing access to sexual and reproductive health; adopting innovative ways to introduce age-appropriate health and family life education; and abolishing laws that discriminate against homosexuals, sex workers, and other marginalised groups.

Faith leaders at the conference concluded that the role of faith leaders is vital to the mission of leaving no one behind.

JUSTICE FOR ALL The continuing national consultations in the Caribbean on Justice for All may wish to take into consideration some voices from Melbourne:* Sara Speicher, the interim Executive Director of the Ecumenical Advo-

cacy Alliance (EAA), who chaired the session, aptly summarised the sentiments by stating that while there are divisions among faith leaders on the way forward, controversy must not be replaced with silence.

“If we’re going to make sure that faith-based groups can continue our struggle that nobody gets left behind in the response to HIV, we’re also going to have to make sure our own voices are heard. That’s something we will have to work on as we look towards AIDS 2016 in Durban, South Africa,” she said. * The Rev. Phumzile Mabizela, a South African Presbyterian minister and the Executive Director of the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+), said the anti-gay legislation is setting back the struggle against AIDS. “The new laws, and even

the discussion of the new laws, have promoted a lot of fear. People are scared of going to clinics or hospitals.

They don’t know whom to trust,” said Mabizela. * The Rev. Michael Schuenemeyer, a pastor in the United States and Executive Director of the United Church of Christ HIV and AIDS Network, said, “Responsible faith leaders need to put their religious houses in order if nobody is going to be left behind… We need to create spaces where we can engage in dialogue and appeal to the sense of empathy and compassion that almost every faith community carries. We need to hold each other accountable, and that may require some of us to more boldly confront the negative rhetoric that causes harm, puts people at risk, and supports laws that criminalise HIV, sexuality and gender identity,” he said.

Dr. Greene called for attention to the Special Session

dealing with HIV, Small Island States, and the post-2015 development agenda in which CARICOM Prime Minister for Human Resource, Health and HIV expressed concern that the SAMOA Declaration include a stronger statement calling for the retention of AIDS in the post-2015 development agenda; ensuring HIV-sensitive targets are aligned with other goals in areas such as gender and youth, and on the social, economic and environmental determinants of HIV, poor health, poverty and inequality, environmental and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister highlighted making Justice for All a fundamental requirement for getting to zero discrimination. He noted that while the July Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government deferred the PANCAP Justice for All Declaration pending further consultations at the national level, Heads reaffirmed their support for efforts to eliminate HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination to effectively combat the spread of AIDS.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

GDF impacts Cashew Island through education THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in its ongoing mission of service to the nation, has been impacting the lives of members of Cashew Island, a small Amerindian community in Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), in a way that will have lasting benefits.

Cashew Island is located in New River, approximately two-and-a-half miles from Base Camp Jaguar. The community has an average population of 80 persons, including children.

Cashew Island Primary School got the services of a trained teacher, who was sourced through the GDF, to enhance the skills of the pu-

pils, a press release from the Army said.

Prior to 2011, there was no school in the community, and the persons there spoke their traditional languages, Trio and Wai-Wai. The Toshao of the community, Kenke Yiamo, who has functioned as a guide for GDF personnel during patrols, requested the Force’s assistance in teaching his people.

The release added that Major ( ret’d) Ivan McNaughton and his wife, Yvette McNaughton, a trained teacher, were employed by the Force to teach the children of that community. They are being taught reading, basic mathematical

and composition skills.

“When we first started, it was very difficult for us to communicate with them.

Language was the major barrier. Today, even the little five- year-olds understand English. Those who have absorbed the language faster, help each other during test time with translations. The parents are also very eager to have their children learn,” Mc Naughton stated. He added that even though the school population is small, the work is substantial.

Four of the older children have since been brought to Georgetown to pursue vocational training, the release said.

Major (ret’d) Ivan Mc Naughton (left) with some of his charges at Cashew Island Primary, in New River

Meanwhile, teachers have since implemented evening classes at the school for several parents who are being taught reading and basic mathematics.

“Our biggest wish is for the children in particular to learn to read and write properly so that they can come out to further their studies. It is my hope that they will return to their communities to help out as skilled people are really needed there,” he added.

The GDF has been the driving force in contributing to the welfare of this community, from the provision of employment and infrastructure to medical care.

Region 8 ‘Eagle Mountain’ Miner dies in Micobe gold project economically viable accident Study shows...

–another stabbed to death at Itaballi

A MOTOR pick-up accident at Micobe, Potaro left one dead and four others injured on Saturday.

Dead is Leonard Raymond, 37, a miner of Micobe, who was a passenger in the tray of the motor pickup. Police said the accident happened at about 10:00hrs Saturday, when the vehicle turned turtle as the driver tried to negotiate a turn in the trail.

The five injured men were taken to the Mahdia Hospital, but only Raymond was pronounced dead on arrival. The others were treated and sent away.

The driver is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident at about 21:30hrs on the said Saturday, Dwayne Johnson, 27, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was involved in an argument with another man while drinking at Itaballi, Mazaruni River, during which he was stabbed to his chest.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bartica Hospital.

The suspect has not yet been arrested, as the investigations continue, the police said.

August NIS, Old Age pensions payable THE Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has advised that for ease of comfort, the encashment of Government Old Age Pension Vouchers for August 2014 commenced on

Saturday at 08:30hrs.

The GPOC further advised that the encashment of National Insurance Scheme Pension Vouchers will commence at 08:30hrs today.

By Clifford Stanley

AN economic study of the viability of the Eagle Mountain gold project near Mahdia in Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) has yielded positive results.

Goldsource Mines Inc., the Canadian company conducting exploration, announced last week that conceptually, the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) results suggest that the project has low capital and operating costs, minimized technical risk, a short development timeline and very attractive rates of return.

Ioannis (Yannis) Tsitos, President of Goldsource, stated that the company was “extremely pleased” with the PEA results.

He said: “In addition, the inventory of potentially recoverable ounces of gold in the oversize materials and the underlying hard rock resource provide us with a significant ‘blue-sky’ potential for further development.

There is strong potential

for expansion.”

The Eagle Mountain project has a resource of 188,000 ounces of gold indicated and 792,000 ounces inferred, information previously disclosed in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects stipulated by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Based on the positive results of the PEA and going forward, he said, the mineral resource estimates will be updated, the economic analysis refined and updated, and a mineral reserve statement prepared to a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) level.

The PFS will comprise a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of the project which has reached the stage where a preferred mining method is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined.

The PFS includes a financial analysis based

Ioannis (Yannis) Tsitos, President of Goldsource

on reasonable assumptions on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental considerations.

Moreover, the evaluation of any other relevant factors are sufficient for a qualified person to determine if all or part of the mineral resource may be classified as a mineral

reserve - a classification which encourages a higher level of confidence in the economic potential of a project.

Goldsource Mines Inc., Tsitos said, is working aggressively to develop its advanced-stage, 100%-owned Eagle Mountain gold project in Guyana towards initial stage production in 2015.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

CARILED helps Tapakuma women achieve ambitious agricultural goal –project formally gets off the ground

‘Cross-view of brand new John Deer tractor donated to TWADP through CARILED’

By Derwayne Wills AS the first phase of the Caribbean Local Economic Development Programme (CARILED) gets underway, the proposed Tapakuma Women’s Agricultural Diversification Project (TWADP) was formally commissioned last Wednesday, and gifted with some key tools to get it up and running.

At the Office of the Regional Democratic Council of Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Ministry officials formally handed the items over to the TWADP, including one brand new 45 horsepower John Deer Tractor with threedisk plough; four chainsaws with sizes ranging from large to small; four knapsack sprayers, and other spares, oils filters and maintenance pieces.

Reflecting on Guyana’s potential to once again be the “Bread-basket of the Caribbean”, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker stated that Guyana once prided itself in supplying “the rest of the Caribbean with most of its fresh food that they needed.”

Whittaker noted the role of the indigenous people in providing for the local markets as he outlined the need for Guyana to focus on food production. He also acknowledged the need to “diversify” this production in order to maintain a comparative advantage, and respond to changing demands.

“The Government of Guy-

ana has over the past decade or two determined that we needed to go outside of the traditional production,” Whittaker said, adding that “the element of risk had increased because of our continual dependency on rice only.”

The efforts of diversification, he noted, must be met with the ability to increase crop production and so the machinery being donated to the group will allow them to “prepare a larger portion of land over a shorter period of time at less costs per hour, and per acre.”

Giving an overview of the CARILED project was CARILED Project Coordinator, Mr. Dhanraj Singh who

disclosed that the initiative is currently spread across Regions 2 (Pomeroon- Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 4 (Demerara-Mahaica), and 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) as part of a six-year venture focused on fostering and improving the capacity of local authorities in economic development.

According to him, what has been implemented is merely the first phase of two initiatives, while the second “is being observed in several other Caribbean countries” with a project deadline of 2018.

Receiving the donations was Toshao of the Tapacuma Mission, Ms. Doreen Jacobus

A section of the gathering at the handing over ceremony

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker formally hands over tractor keys to Tapakuma Toshao, Ms. Doreen Jacobus in the presence of Region 2 Chairman,Mr. Parmanand Persaud (behind Jacobus) and CARILED Project Coordinator, Mr. Dhanraj Singh

who expressed her appreciation to the Local Government Ministry and the Canadian Government for the stellar contribution being made. She recalled that in the journey for recognition, farmers in the community, both male and female, had formed themselves into a group to effectively bargain with the local authorities.

She said that after some time, she was informed by Dhanraj that the group had been identified by CARILED for funding. The Toshao added that although there was some doubt from community farmers, the donations made

were reflective of the commitment by local authorities to regional and community development. The Tapacuma Mission is home to some 500 indigenous Guyanese and 114 families.

Another component of the Tapacuma project encompassed a training session conducted in April where participants were instructed in methods of small-farm management, farm accounting, budgeting in relation to income and expenditure, examining good agricultural practices in handling food items after harvesting, capac-

ity-building and improving the delivery of services to community members.

Regional Chairman of Region 2, Mr. Parmanand Persaud expressed the support of the Regional Administration to communities within its district “to encourage them to improve their local economy.”

He urged that while Government cannot employ every citizen, the onus is on the citizens to become gainfully employed by “making good use of natural resources” and becoming diverse and innovative in their activities.

In a joint venture between the Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Caribbean Forum of Local Government Ministers (CFLGM), the Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA), and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, CARILED has paved the way for improved agricultural development and diverse economic activities in regional and neighbourhood districts in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The Caribbean Local Economic Development Programme (CARILED), which was launched close to two years ago, is now going full steam ahead with its implementation phase. It is being funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

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2014 DIGICEL INTER-SECONDARY SCHOOL C’SHIPS

Christianburg Wismar claims hat-trick of titles with 2-0 win over Waramadong

By Calvin Roberts FOR THE third successive year and in the presence of another vociferous throng of supporters, twotime defending champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) defeated Waramadong Secondary to take their third successive Digicel Inter-Secondary School Football Championships at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence last night.

Witnessed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Digicel Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean, Marketing Director Jacqueline James and other top officials, an own goal in the 46th minute, followed by a Donovan Francis strike in the 68th minute, was all the defending champions needed to retain their title.

Prior to the playing of the final under lights, Bush Lot Secondary and Beterverwagting Secondary met in the third place playoff, for which the for-

… Bush Lot places third mer came out on top 3-1, with Jervon McKenzie (8th) and Shane James (68th, 81st) scoring for the winners, after Paul Kingston sent BV in the lead in the 4th minute.

In the final, CWSS’ Shane Luckie evaded the defence in the fifth minute, during a time when both teams were looking to assert themselves in all areas of the contest, but his shot to goal went wide, even though WSS custodian Gerald Isaacs was equal to the task.

At the other end of the field, a Myles Albert free kick from midway inside the eventual victors’ half,

missed the uprights after a beaten Joshua Douglas was lying prostate on the ground and with no goals materialising in the first half, both sides took the break with a clean scoresheet to their name.

On the resumption of play, an own goal which came off the boot of Camal George in the 46th minute, handed CWSS the lead much to the delight of the spectators, who used the noise-making gadgets that were handed to them at the entrance, to celebrate the lead.

Determined to nullify their opponents’ lead,

Waramadong introduced Uriah King and Collier Daniels into the game for Ashton Ward and Myles George, while their opponents made two substitutions, bringing in Kurd Johnson and Nigel Caesar for Ezra Ashby, who had a first-half goal denied for breaching the offside rule, and Dequan Hercules.

For CWSS, it was a move that paid dividend, as Francis latched onto a well weighted pass from Johnson, to elude his marker and beat Isaacs on his last post in the 68th minute, to double his team lead, one that they defended sternly despite the sporadic efforts of Albert, until the final whistle.

At the brief presentation

ceremony which followed, Annai Secondary’s Carville Daniels won the Golden Boot award for his 11 goals while Douglas was named the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament which saw 139 games being played and 758 goals being scored.

For their win, CWSS collected a cheque for $1M which will go towards a school project, the winners’ trophy, a replica and medallions, WSS uplifted $600 000, a trophy and medallions, even as Bush Lot and BV Secondary received $400 000 and $200 000 respectively for their third- and fourth-placed finishes, while all four teams received Smartphones compliments of Digicel.

Guyana cop first leg of Inter-Guiana Games AMIDST thunderous roars Guyana were last evening declared the winners of the first leg of the tri-nation Inter-Guiana Games which concluded last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Contesting against teams from Suriname, and French Guiana, at the multisport event, Guyana finished first in athletics, second in basketball and third in swimming, to take the overall lead..

Second place went to Suriname, who finished first in swimming and second in athletics. In basketball Suriname finished first for the Boys and third on the Girls side.

The competition, played out at different venues across Georgetown over the past three days, began last Friday with the swimming which was held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.

The various teams

were presented with their trophies last evening at the closing ceremony which was chaired by Director of Sport Neil Kumar.

Kumar, during an address noted that Guyana were very much looking forward to the next stage of the two-leg Games. The next leg will be held in

English Ripon 09:00 hrs Faraajh 09:30 hrs Soul Instinct 10:00 hrs Muffin Mcleay 10:30 hrs My Name Is Rio 11:00 hrs Mushkin Museum 11:30 hrs Haydn’s Lass 12:00 hrs Bright Applause Kempton 09:15 hrs State Of The Union 09:45 hrs Long View 10:15 hrs Muradif 10:45 hrs Messilsa Star 11:15 hrs Mercury Magic 11:45 hrs Plough Boy 12:15 hrs Johara 12:50 hrs Mimi Luke Irish Racing Tips Naas 09:10 hrs Dandyleekie 09:40 hrs

Suriname.

Also making addresses during the closing ceremony were representatives from the guest nations, as well as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King, who officially declared the Games closed.

Count Of Carabass 10:10 hrs Sacrificial 10:40 hrs Bilderberg 11:10 hrs Botanical Lady 11:40 hrs Yava 12:10 hrs Chicago Girl South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:35 hrs Intadokazi 09:10 hrs Radio Waves 09:50 hrs Chedwin Park 10:25 hrs Midnite Spirit 11:05 hrs Breathless American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Onecats Chance Race 2 King Gettigan Race 3 Mark My Way Race 4 Blue Shark Race 5 Doubledown Again Race 6 Old Harbor Race 7 Thundering Gale Race 8 Unbelievable Dream Race 9 Photon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Tallawahs defy Malik, Rampaul to win again KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica Tallawahs overcame a destructive spell from Ravi Rampaul followed by a thrilling, unbeaten half-century from Shoaib Malik to prevail over Barbados Tridents by 19 runs in the Caribbean Premier League yesterday.

Rampaul grabbed 4-18 from his allotted four overs and fellow Trinidadian Rayad Emrit captured 3-35 from his four overs, as the Tallawahs, sent in to bat, posted 147 for eight from their allocation of 20 overs in the 20th game of the competition at Sabina Park.

Owais Shah hit the top score of 42 for the home team, their captain Chris Gayle supported with 39, Chadwick Walton made 25 and the other seven batsmen that appeared at the crease all finished with single figures.

Malik then struck five fours and six sixes in 81 not out from just 43 balls and was the only double-figure contributor, as the Tridents batting failed to click and they were restricted to 128 for six from their 20 overs.

Jerome Taylor was the pick of the Tallawahs bowlers, taking 2-11 from his

Shoaib Malik hits over the top during his unbeaten 81 for Barbados Tridents against Jamaica Tallawahs. (CPL photo) four overs to earn the Manof-the-Match award, and fellow Jamaican Dave Bernard Jr snared 2-20 from his four overs, as the Tallawahs dutifully responded to the challenge.

The result meant that Tallawahs earned two points, moving them level on points with Trinidad

& Tobago Red Steel, but second in the competition due to an inferior net run rate. The Tridents remain on eight points – the same number as the Guyana Amazon Warriors – but are still fourth, also due to an inferior net run rate.

Walton gave Tallawahs a rapid start before he was

lbw to Rampaul in the sixth over, but Shah came to the crease and gave the innings backbone with Gayle.

The pair added 90 for the second wicket, stepping up the tempo in the 10th over when Shah glanced Emrit fine for his first boundary and Gayle hit his first six over long-on.

Shah followed up with successive boundaries off Malik, bowling off-spin, in the next over, but really got into gear in the 15th over, when he dispatched lanky West Indies fast bowler Jason Holder for consecutive sixes, the first straight, the second over deep fine leg.

Gayle appeared to be getting into the swing of things, when he lofted off-spinner Ashley Nurse over long-off for his second six, but his momentum was checked when Shah fell two deliveries later, caught at mid-wicket off the same bowler.

This sparked a batting collapse that saw the Tallawahs lose seven wickets – including Gayle – in the space of 24 deliveries for the addition of just 23 runs.

A six, third ball of the final over – from Emrit – and a few scrambled runs from the remaining three deliveries inched the Tallawahs to a

Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Competition

Pepsi Hikers and GCC seem poised for final THE Pepsi Hikers and GCC hockey teams seemed poised for a final showdown while the junior division remained wide open with some surprise frontrunners in Old Fort Shooting Stars and Under-19 Mix, as the Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championships neared conclusion last evening at the National Gymnasium.

Saturday evening’s matches saw Blue Steel turn in two impressive performances to remain in contention to challenge GCC for a place in the final.

After despatching Kingston Hockey by 14-10 earlier in the day, Blue Steel returned for their second challenge of the evening, a headto-head battle with GCC, who dominated possession in the opening half but could not

… showdown in seniors, junior division wide open penetrate the solid Blue Steel defence, which included a fine performance from goalkeeper Rawl Davson.

With GCC conceding a three-goal handicap at the start, theirs was the urgency to attack but apart from a lone Andrew Xavier deflection goal, the first half remained quiet. The Steel conceded a penalty corner two minutes into the second half and GCC captain Devin Hooper sent the ball screaming into the net to signal his team’s determination for success.

Young Keon McKenzie, however, responded three minutes later with an impressive solo run up the left side before cutting right and slipping the ball past Medroy

Scotland in the GCC goal.

With GCC being the more dominant side, Orland Semple and Devin Hooper with his second drew the side within one but time was running short. With four minutes remaining, GCC took a gamble in withdrawing their goalkeeper in favour of an extra field player to apply greater pressure on the GCC defence.

The ploy proved worthwhile as Kevin Spencer received a pass on the left in open field and blasted home a low hard shot to the goalkeeper’s left.

The final buzzer left the two sides with one point each and both hanging on to a chance for the final.

The Hikers secured yet another victory, this time a 13-11

score over Kingston Hockey which had begun the match with a 10-goal disparity in their favour.

Aroydy Branford hammered home a match-leading five goals for the Hikers in the one-sided affair while captain Robert France added a hat-trick, Jamarj Assanah a double and the smiling Andrew Stewart completed their tally with a single. Dwight McCalman, who has been having a consistently solid tournament, scored the lone goal for Kingston.

The Gladiators and Saints played to a 10-10 stalemate in the remaining senior division fixture with both teams finishing out of the running for a top spot.

The junior division moved to the knockout stage and the

respectable total.

Incisive bowling from Bernard, in particular, and Taylor put the skids on the Tridents early and they slumped to 27 for three in the seventh over.

Bernard had Dwayne Smith, the Tridents’ batting star, caught at gully for five with the final ball of the first over and Shane Dowrich caught behind for nine in the seventh over. In-between, Taylor bowled Sri Lankan Jeevan Mendis for two to leave the Tridents’ innings at the crossroads.

Malik then held centre stage with his explosive batting, adding 42 with South

JAMAICA TALLAWAHS (20 overs maximum) C. Walton lbw b Rampaul 25 C. Gayle c Pollard b Emrit 39 O. Shah c Mendis b Nurse 42 A. Russell c Pollard b Rampaul 1 A. Voges lbw b Rampaul 0 D. Bernard c Nurse b Emrit 5 D. Vettori c Pollard b Rampaul 0 J. Theron c Rampaul b Emrit 9 J. Blackwood not out 2 J. Taylor not out 9 Extras: (lb-4, w-11) 15 Total: (8 wkts, 20 overs) 147 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-114, 3-120, 4-121, 5-123, 6-127, 7-136, 8-137.

Bowling: Emrit 4-0-35-3 (w-1); Shoaib Malik 3-0-26-0 (w-1); Holder 4-0-21-0; Nurse 4-0-39-1 (w-3); Rampaul 4-0-18-4 (w1); Hosein 1-0-4-0 (w-1).

thriller of the day was the duel between the Spartans and Saints. With the Spartans beginning on +1 and Saints with +6 goals, captain Marzana Fiedtkou and striker Aliyah Gordon got to work from the opening whistle and scored three goals between them in the first half. The second half saw a similar performance from the Spartans as Fiedtkou and Aliyah both accumulated hat-tricks in the match.

Saints captain Ezekiel Springer and Meshach Williams each, however, managed a second half goal which drew the teams even at the final whistle on 6-6.

The resulting penalty shootout seemed to favour the more experienced Spartans, but newcomer Delmar Ng, in goal for Saints, stepped up to the challenge and denied two of Spartans’ three attacks. With Saints scoring two of their own tries, the youngsters were swarmed by excited supporters in making their first semifinal.

Revelation with a +8 handicap proved too much for the Hikers ladies (+3) in their knockout clash as the Hikers managed only one goal through Latacea Chung in an otherwise fairly even duel between the sides. Perennial fa-

African Neil McKenzie and 30 with Holder, but lacked stability from the rest to make a concerted charge on the target.

Rusty Theron appeared to be the target of special attention from Malik. He smashed a pair of fours and a six in the South African fast-medium bowler’s second over – the 11th of the innings.

Malik brought up his 50 with his fifth four over point before celebrating with successive sixes, the first over long-on and the second over mid-wicket, in the bowler’s third over – the 17th of the innings.

BARBADOS TRIDENTS (target: 148 off 20 overs) D.R. Smith c Taylor b Bernard 5 S. Dowrich c wkp. Walton b Bernard 9 J. Mendis b Taylor 2 Shoaib Malik not out 81 N. McKenzie b Miller 9 K. Pollard c Taylor b Russell 6 J. Holder c Blackwood b Taylor 7 A. Hosein not out 1 Extras: (lb-3, w-5) 8 Total: (6 wkts, 20 overs) 128 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-11, 3-27, 4-69, 5-79, 6-109 Bowling: Bernard 4-0-20-2 (w-1); Taylor 4-0-11-2; Russell 4-0-32-1 (w-2); Vettori 3-0-16-0; Theron 3-039-0 (w-1); Miller 2-0-7-1 (w-1) Points: Jamaica Tallawahs 2, Barbados Tridents 0

vourites, GCC Tigers finished a disappointing tournament with a quiet 7-8 loss to the Under-19 Mix with the latter enjoying a 7-goal handicap.

The Tigers fought bravely and managed to score seven goals but a long strike from Robert Brumell left them a goal shy in the end. Tournament top scorer so far, Ashley DeGroot, turned in another impressive offensive effort for the Tigers with 5 goals while Trisha Woodroffe and Tiffany Solomon mustered one each.

The Old Fort Shooting Stars seem to be aiming at the very top as they cruised to yet another victory, this time at the expense of the Pitbulls. Enjoying the competition’s largest goal advantage (+15), the Stars were able to once again deny the Pitbulls from closing the gap, leaving the final outcome at 15-12.

With the Pitbulls beginning on +6, the daunting task of nine goals proved too much for the young team and despite double strikes from Rosario Ramsammy and Lorenzo Vanzo and singles from Lennox Carroll and Eon Burke, their 12-goal haul is not be enough to see them advance to the semifinals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

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Plans on stream for highly successful BCB 75th anniversary celebrations THE Special Events Committee (SEC) of the Berbice Cricket Board has announced that all plans are in place for a highly successful Diamond Jubilee celebration.

The month-long list of activities would be launched with a religious thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 31, and the main highlight would be the hosting of a Legends Dinner and Presentation ceremony scheduled for the same day at the St Francis Training Centre in Port Mourant.

Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the Diamond Jubilee celebration, in his capacity as chairman of the SEC stated that the Legends Dinner would involve several overseas guests including former Test players, long-serving administrators of the BCB, sponsors and heroes of Berbice Cricket.

President Donald Ramoutar has been invited to be the guest speaker while the BCB would also be honouring all of its 17 Test cricketers and would be sharing out Diamond Jubilee souvenirs to special guests.

The list of activities planned for the Diamond Jubilee celebration: August 31, 10:00hrs Religious Service August 31, 13:00hrs 20/20 cricket match August 31, 19:00hrs Legends Dinner Educational materials to students Quiz competition on TV - September 4 Donation of TV set to orphanage September 6 Presentation of 75 hampers to less fortunate families

Rohan Kanhai Musical Evening with Police Force Band - Arch Road, Rose Hall Town Saturday September 13 Countrywide Essay Competition - Topic ‘Why I am proud to be a Berbice Cricket Fan’ To t a l p r i z e s t o b e shared out - $100 000 Tribute to Heroes Programme – September 11 Panel Discussion on Berbice Cricket live on Television - September 15 Unveiling of Rohan Kanhai’s portrait - Berbice Greatest Cricketer D o n a t i o n o f c r i c ket gear to Whim Cricket Club/Kildonan Club/ Chesney Cricket Club Launching of Hall of Fame for Administrators Feeding of orphans and

Alvin Kallicharran presentation of toys.

Public Exhibition on Berbice cricket at the New Amsterdam and Port Mourant Markets, also at schools.

The Berbice Cricket Board would like to remind all of its former Test players, national senior players and former administrators who are living overseas that they are invited to be a part of the celebrations that would last from Sunday August 31 to September 30.

These include Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Alvin Kallicharran, Leonard Baichan, Sewdat Shivnaraine, Clayton Lambert, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Milton Pydana, Romain

Basil Butcher Etwaroo, Tyrone Etwaroo, Kamal Singh, Amarnauth Ramcharitar, Suresh Gonauria, Arjune Nandu, Ray Joseph, Leslaine Lambert, Derek Kallicharran, Jerry Angus, Kevin Darlington, Sudesh and Sunil Dhaniram, Damodar Dasrat..

Several outstanding former administrators are also invited and they include Lennox Phillips, Mortimer George, Ancel Hazel, Sam Suelut, Prem Manhobe, Oscar Ramjeet, Eddie Bhagwandin, Ray Baijnauth, Romesh Munna.

They are urged to get in contact with the Berbice Cricket Board as early as possible to confirm their participation. Hilbert Foster

BCB invites essays for Jubilee Republic Bank Essay Competition THE Berbice Cricket Board 75th Anniversary committee which is spearheading the board’s Diamond Jubilee is inviting essays from youths in the Ancient County.

The essay competition is open to youths between the ages of 14 and 25 years and Hilbert Foster is appealing to all youths in Berbice, especially those in schools, to submit essays and he is also urging all the different cricket clubs also to get their members to be part of the competition.

The winning essay will receive a prize of $50 000 and trophy, the 2nd prize $30 000 and the 3rd prize $20 000.

All essays must be submitted before Monday, August 25 to the BCB office, Dr Cheddi Jagan Stree, New Amsterdam or the RHTYSC office, Area ‘H’ Ground during working hours.

The club or school that produced the winning essay will also receive a prize of $10 000.

can be contacted on 3374562 or on email foster_hilbert@yahoo.com and Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or email.

The BCB would like to

express gratitude to the following sponsors who have assisted so far – Ministry of Tourism, GT&T, GUYOIL, Bobby Deonarine of Tenelec (USA), Ministry

of Public Service, Motie Phanisnaraine of Golden Arrow Sports Bar (USA) and Jameel Mohamed of City Bias Stitching Co of USA.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

Jamaica sprinter Usain Bolt to target 200m after Glasgow 2014 MULTIPLE world and Olympic champion Usain Bolt says he will make the 200m his focus after the Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year-old 100m and 200m world record holder only competed in the 4x100m relay at Glasgow 2014, helping Jamaica to gold at Hampden Park “I think I’ve done enough in the 100,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.

“I know people want to see me run fast in the 100 but I love my 200 and I want to do something special for myself. So for me, my main aim is the 200.”

Bolt, who will turn 28 on August 21, set the 200m world record of 19.19 seconds in Berlin five years ago.

The Jamaican also posted a 100m world best of 9.58 at the same World Championships.

“The world record can keep going down. You never know who’s going to show up next and dominate,” he added.

“I’ve said I want to run sub 19. That’s one of my biggest goals and my biggest

because the energy out here is just wonderful - the people give you a lot of energy.

The people make a Games a Games, and the people really came out and supported, the stadium was always full, the energy was always up. For me that’s a Games. Everything was perfect.”

The Manchester United fan said he hoped that when he hung up his running spikes he might be able to work his way into Louis van Gaal’s team.

“Hopefully when I retire I can talk to him and get a spot in the team. van Gaal means business - he’s solid and I’m happy. Manchester United are back.”

(BBC Sport) Usain Bolt runs in the 4x100 metres relay at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday. champion’s next race is a bit harder and not go out as dreams, so I’m definitely 100m on Copacabana beach much as I used to.” going to be training hard and in Rio de Janeiro on August But the hard work paid seeing what I can do.” off for the Jamaican, who 14.

Bolt, who missed the “You can feel a differ- added Commonwealth gold closing ceremony later yes- ence sometimes especially to his collection on Saturday terday, said the older he after a workout. I have to night and paid tribute to the gets the harder it is to stay take more ice baths now Glasgow crowds. at full fitness.

“I’m sad I didn’t get to which is not so much fun.

The eight-time world “I have to work a little run the individual event

UDFA suspension to be revisited

One-day Regional Under-19 Letter to competition bowls off today Sports Editor

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Jamaica will look to start their defence of the One-day title of the

Regional Under-19 Championship strongly, when they face Barbados in the opening round of matches

IGG CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Monday August 04, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL -Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1)9 2)Tallawahs vs Red Steel (Trinidad, July 26) Today’s Quiz: Who is the first player to win Man of the Match Awards twice in LCPL 2014?

After playing the first six games in LCPL 2014, what was the Warriors win/loss record?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

today at Bourda Oval.

The Jamaicans coughed up the three-day title to hosts Guyana with inconsistent play, finishing fourth in the table behind the unconvincing Barbadians, and will be looking to put a far sterner defence of the limited-overs title.

They will fancy their chances against their old rivals following a convincing six-wicket victory over them in the three-day competition.

Jamaica appear to have a balanced squad with their bowling revolving around their captain and off-spinner Ramaal Lewis and the deceptively quick Odean Smith and the batting carrying depth with West Indies Under-19 opener Leroy Lugg, fellow opener Odaine McCatty and wicketkeeper/ batsman Romaine Morris out front.

Barbados will again

depend heavily on their bowlers to keep opponents in check with left-arm spinner Chad Williams, the top bowler in the threeday competition, having to play a key role in setting the tone.

The batting will have to be the key for the Barbadians though, and they will require greater consistency than they showed in the three-day matches, although their victory in the final match against Leeward Islands when the batting finally clicked would boost confidence.

In the other matches, hosts Guyana will start their bid to do the double against Leewards at Enmore, and Trinidad & Tobago will seek to leave their wretched 3-Day form behind them and crush the composite ICC Americas side at the Demerara Cricket Club.

ASSOCIATIONS and affiliates of the GFF, after meeting with members and affiliates of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), are convinced that something fundamental was wrong with the procedures employed to suspend members of the UDFA following the GT Beer tournament final that was held on January 1, 2014.

Following intense and wide-ranging discussions with the members of the UDFA membership with a view of finding a way forward for the development of the game in the bauxite mining town,, it was recognised that the suspension of the top executives not only brought the game into disrepute but also struck at the heart and life of UDFA’s football administration, a key component necessary for the game’s development anywhere in the world.

The associations/affiliates are keen that with a properly constituted GFF Executive and with the establishment of all constitutional committees, steps would be taken almost immediately to ensure that this issue is given priority attention in keeping with the process to ensure a fair outcome.

That aside, it is the belief of the associations/ affiliates that once this matter is given due attention by the General Council of the GFF, the suspensions of the executives of the UDFA is more than likely to be reversed.

Affiliates/Associations of the GFF

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 4, 2014

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Reagan Rodrigues 10th memorial 50-miler cycle race

Persaud makes successful defence of title for second year, receives special award

By Michael DaSilva ROBIN Persaud yesterday made a successful defence of his Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited-sponsored 50-mile cycle road race to commemorate the death anniversary of its former Carlton Wheelers president Reagan Rodrigues.

Persaud who won the event in 2012 and again in 2013, returned one hour 56 minutes 50 seconds in winning yesterday’s event, compared to one hour 57 minutes 21 seconds last year.

For his efforts, Persaud was presented with a special trophy by the Rodrigues family who saw his achievement as something worthy of recognition.

Persaud also won four

Reagan Rodrigues Jr (third from left standing) and race winner Robin Persaud ((fourth from right with trophy), strike a pose with other category winners after yesterday’s Regaan Rodrigues 10th Memorial 50-mile cycle road race. scheduled for a 08:00hrs of the eight prime prizes Alonzo Ambrose finished start got under way late that were up for grabs fifth and sixth respectively due to heavy rainfall, but while Mario King who end- all won one prime prize. after being sent on their ed third overall, Paul Cho- Christopher Holder settled way, the more than 40 cyWee-Nam who finished for third. clists braved the rains and fourth, Kravity Jeffrey and The event which was made their journey from outside the Wales Police

Guyana clinch IGG athletics with 333 points

AFTER finishing third in the swimming segment on Saturday, Guyana amassed 333 points in the athletics segment of the Inter-Guiana Games to end in winners’ row when the competition concluded at the Guyana Defence Force ground, Camp Ayanganna, yesterday.

With a 38-point lead Guyana overthrew the Suriname team which finished second with 295.

It was wins like the one manufactured by Tevin Garraway in the Boys’ 200m, that kept Guyana in the lead yesterday, after taking the lead on day one last Saturday.

Despite improving their performance in the field events, Suriname could not get past Guyana.

Assembling 200 points at the end of day one through massive wins, from Kevin Abbensetts, Jason Yaw and Jevina Sampson, the Guyana team continued in the same stride throughout the day’s proceedings, where they sought to outshine their Surinamese counterpart.

Abbensetts, who had won Saturday’s Boys’ 200m by edging past Garraway and Suriname’s Romario Pana, could not dig deep enough to once again overthrow Garraway.

The defending champion in the event, Abbensetts, finished just milliseconds behind Garraway after his 21.50-seconds finish was not enough to overpower the 21.40 seconds recorded by Garraway.

Pana, who finished second in the 200m on Saturday, had to settle for third yesterday after clocking 22.10 seconds in the race.

In another upset of the day, CAC Juniors bronze medallist Jevina Sampson, who on Saturday fought hard against Avon Samuels for the Girls’ 400m title, found herself out-classed by Samuels yesterday in the Girls’ 200m.

Sampson clocked only 25.20 seconds against the 24.90 seconds sprinted by Samuels, while it was another third for Suriname as Sabrina Menson clocked 26.40 seconds.

Ornesto Thomas was out to defend his title in the Boys’ 800m and did so after he ran a time of 2:00.70s, and left Uracio Seedorf in second place after the Surinamese took 2:01.50s.

The Girls’ 1500m went to Guyana’s Andrea Foster (2:21.80s), while triple CARIFTA Games gold medallist Cassey George dominated in the Girls’ 3 000m where she needed 10.58.50s to finish the race.

Second place in the 3000m went to Claudrice McKoy who ran 11.19.30s, while Esmeralda Amania was third in 12:07.60s.

The tri-nation Games, which involved competition in swimming and basketball against teams from Suriname and French Guiana, came to an end yesterday, marked by a closing ceremony held at the Cliff Anderson Sports hall last evening.

Guyana had finished third in the swimming segment after garnering 16 medals, including four gold.

Station, West Bank Demerara while the seniors and juniors journeyed to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish, The veterans and mountain bikers turned back at Uitvlugt to finish at the same location.

After completing 50 miles of rigorous riding, Jeffrey who placed fifth overall ahead of Ambrose was adjudged the first junior ahead of Ambrose and Steffon Husbands.

Davrindam Ramnarine won the veterans category ahead of Talim Shaw and Steve Ramsuchit, while Ozia McAully won the mountain bikers category ahead of Julio Melville and Deraj Garbarran respectively.

Prior to the presentation of prizes to the respective winners, race organis-

er and national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed thanked all the participants, stating that they are all winners, because without their participation, the event could not have been as successful as it was.

Mohamed said that the event was accident-free and thanked the traffic officers in the West Demerara area for their continued support to the sport when races are held in that area.

Mohamed reported that Persaud, who won the event in 2012 and again in 2013 and 2014, has been honoured by the Rodrigues family for his achievements and hence his reward of the beautiful trophy.

Director of sport Neil Kumar who was present felt explained that the Rodrigues family had been involved in sports for a number of years and not only have they contributed to cycling, but to many other sport disciplines.

Kumar, in recognising their presence noted that the late Reagan Rodrigues contributed his finance, time and resources to all sporting activities, especially cycling while he was alive.

Tanvir, Davids seal first victory for Zouks GROS-ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – A handy allround performance from Sohail Tanvir and a crucial innings from Henry Davids were the main ingredients that propelled St Lucia Zouks to their first victory of the Caribbean Premier League over Antigua Hawksbills by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis Method yesterday.

Tanvir followed up his typically miserly left-arm swing bowling with 20 not out to make him a shoo-in for the Man-of-the-Match award and Davids hit the top score of 43, as the Zouks broke their dry spell and successfully chased a victory target of 106 in their rain-affected match at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.

Tanvir fittingly formalised the result with 15 balls remaining, when he launched Hawksbills captain and West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels, bowling his off-spin darts, for successive sixes over deep mid-wicket.

The result meant that the hosts collect two points, following six successive losses like their opponents, who are now the only winless side in the six-franchise competition, which now moves to St Kitts

for its ultimate conclusion over the next two weeks.

Tanvir grabbed 3-15 from his allotted four overs, as the Hawksbills posted an unthreatening 103 for six from their rain-reduced 16 overs.

After the start was delayed for close to half-hour, there was a second interruption during the ninth over of the Hawksbills innings that forced the reduction in the maximum number of overs for each side.

Danza Hyatt led the way for the Antigua-based side with 26, Samuels was not out on 21 and with all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, not out on 20, added 32 from the last three overs to get the Hawksbills over the 100-run threshold.

Tanvir trapped Ben Dunk for a two-ball duck in the first over and Mervyn Matthew had Devon Thomas caught at mid-off for two, leaving the Hawksbills six runs for two wickets in the second over.

Shacaya Thomas came to the crease and with fellow Jamaican Hyatt started to make the scoreboard tick over, but he was caught at deep mid-wicket off Shane Shillingford’s off-spin for 10 to trigger a period of instability in the batting.

Hawksbills wobbled to 71 for six in the 13th over, and they required Samuels and Brathwaite to bat out of their skins in the closing overs to get a respectable total.

Gavin Tonge then set the Zouks back early, when he had Andre Fletcher caught at mid-off for two in the second over and Keddy Lesporis taken at third man for one. In-between, Brathwaite trapped Johnson Charles for 11 and the Zouks were under pressure on 21 for three in the fourth over.

Sunil Ambris was joined

by Davids and eased the tension with a cool stand of 46 for the fourth wicket before he was run-out for 17 in the ninth over.

Davids then took charge, striking three fours and one six from 35 balls to put the Zouks firmly on track before he was caught at long-on off left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell with 10 needed – but Tanvir made sure there was no need to panic.

The Zouks face Jamaica Tallawahs in their penultimate match this coming Saturday at Warner Park, where the Hawksbills meet Guyana Amazon Warriors two days earlier for their penultimate match.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Persaud makes on(SeePageStory23) successful defence of title for second year, receives special award

2014 DIGICEL INTER-SECONDARY SCHOOL C’SHIPS

Christianburg Wismar claims hat-trick of titles with 2-0 win over Waramadong See Story on Page 19

We are the champions once again! The victorious Christianburg Wismar Secondary School strike a pose with their championship trophy and cheque, even as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (extreme left) and Digicel Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean (2nd right) and Marketing Director Jacqueline James (right) share the moment. (Photos by Adrian Narine)

The goal that did it all! Donovan Francis (#7 red) celebrates his goal after beating WSS custodian Gerald Isaacs (#1) to give his team a 2-0 lead in yesterday’s final of this year’s Digicel Inter-Secondary School Football Championships.

Guyana cop first leg of Inter-Guiana Games See Story on Page 19

Winners! Athletes and officials from the Guyana team celebrate at the IGG closing ceremony last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. (Sonell Nelson photo) 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, AUGUST 4, 2014