Guyana chronicle 05 05 14

GUYANA No. 103818

MONDAY MAY 5, 2014

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Four dead after unknowingly ingesting cocaine-laced SSS Tonic Page

TT$1M reward on offer as...

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Centre

Execution of former Linden CoI member rocks her native Trinidad - President Ramotar, former Justice Kennard send their condolences

Speeding car lands ‘belly-up’ in Vlissengen Road canal Page

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Ms Dana Seetahal

AG, US Ambassador at odds over moves to foster free media Page

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LEAD project debacle…

Rohee says Glenn Bradbury was 10 notified to leave two weeks ago Two dead, several injured in 3 drag-racing mishap Page

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The car following the collision

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Four dead after unknowingly ingesting cocaine-laced SSS Tonic

- Another warded in serious condition

By Asif Hakim ALEX BLAIR, 42, and Simone Pryce, 36, along with their child Jahaquel Blair 7, and their best friend, Natasha George, 36, all of Cocorite Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, are now dead after ingesting SSS Tonic laced with liquefied cocaine.

Twelve-year-old Jamal Waterman is currently hospitalized after ingesting the same tonic also.

The SSS Tonic along with some other foodstuff had been packed by another family member for shipping to New York, but was left behind after the family member, who was to take it there, said she would be travelling to Pennsylvania instead of New York.

A source close to the family told this publication that since the woman who was to take the stuff to New York had left Guyana without the stuff, the family decided to utilise the tonic, not knowing it was mixed with cocaine.

The source said that when Blair and his wife got up yesterday morning, they decided to drink the SSS Tonic and to administer same to their children, Jacquiel and Jamal.

Within a few minutes of taking the tonic, the children reportedly started to feel upset, causing suspicion to alight on the tonic. The Blair family called their neighbour and best friend, Natasha George, to taste the tonic and give an opinion on its taste, and George complied,

Jahaquel Blair (left) and Jamal Waterman reporting afterwards that the tonic was tasting funny.

By then, the children had started to vomit and were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. As the doctors tried to save their young lives, Pryce and George succumbed. A few minutes later, Blair also succumbed, leaving the children battling for their lives.

Unfortunately, Jahaquel Blair died shortly after, while Jamal Waterman was up to press time battling for his life.

This publication visited the hospital to find it crowded with family members and friends who were all screaming and crying as the bodies were being taken to the mortuary.

One incredulous family member eventually fainted, whilst another related that

The late Alex Blair and Simone Pryce in happier times

The late Natasha George Blair, who had been a private driver and Simone Pryce a hair dresser, were very good individuals who had always worked hard to fulfil their

family responsibilities.

This family member said she never expected this to happen to them, and that the person who had ‘mixed’ the tonic should be jailed.

She also said that G e o r g e , P r y c e ’s b e s t friend, had been sharing a very good relationship with

Please see page 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Two dead, several injured in drag-racing mishap

By Asif Hakim THIRTY-three-year-old Delon Barton and 22-year-old Curt Bascombe, respectively of Lots 206 and 426 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, are now dead, whilst Zannie, Fizal and Feyad Azeem and Hamewattie Majeed are nursing serious injuries following a two-car drag race along the East Bank Demerara Public Road that ended in a collision with a motor cycle at Craig, EBD. The drag race was reportedly headed in the direction of Georgetown when the collision with the motorcycle occurred.

The incident was reported to the police, and an ambulance from the Diamond Hospital responded in a timely manner.

However, relatives of Curt Bascombe are claiming that he could have survived the accident, had staff at the Diamond Hospital acted more professionally.

Curt Bascombe’s father, Claude Bascombe, said his son did not die on the spot, but was still alive at the Diamond Hospital; however, the doctors took too long to attend to his injuries, leaving him on the floor of the hospital for a very long time because

What’s left of the vehicle in which Barton and Bascombe were travelling (Photos by Asif Hakim) Delon Barton there was neither bed nor stretcher nor wheelchair at the hospital.

Bascombe has left to mourn his two children, his two

brothers, six sisters and his mother and father, whilst Barton, most of whose relatives live in Britain, leaves to mourn his father, with whom he lived.

Delon and Curt are said to be best friends. They were travelling in the same vehicle coming from a creek along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Four dead after unknowingly ingesting ...

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her neighbours, and that she and Pryce would always watch out for each other.

She said it was George who had taken Pryce to the hospital, not knowing that she would also have died shortly.

Jahaquel had been a student of the St. Pius Primary School. He was always active and had had a bright future ahead, since he was always on the go, according to relatives.

The lone survivor, Jamal Waterman, is a student of Tucville Primary. The family member disclosed that as soon as the lad began to feel upset, he induced vomiting before drinking some juice, which must have made him survive.

Police say that investigations so far have revealed that the bottle of SSS Tonic with the cocaine dissolved inside, along with casareep and ‘chicken foot’, had been left at the house by a man known to the family. It was intended for a female guest from overseas to take with her when she was returning to the USA. That guest, however, did not carry the items, and the victims consumed some of the SSS Tonic which had been left in their possession.

This publication found Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green visiting the home of the deceased to offer his condolences.

Grieving family members at the hospital yesterday after learning of the incident

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Drive to solve old crimes rocks fragile Northern Ireland peace

By Conor Humphries BELFAST,(Reuters) - Major cracks are appearing in the deal that brought peace to Northern Ireland, and there appears to be no easy fix.

Police investigating an unsolved 1972 murder on Wednesday arrested Irish nationalist leader Gerry Adams, whose Sinn Fein party was for decades the political ally of IRA militants fighting to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

Reviled by some as an apologist for bombers, hailed by others as a freedom fighter and peacemaker, Adams led Sinn Fein in the talks that produced the 1998 Good Friday agreement, which ended three decades of sectarian killing in Northern Ireland.

His arrest raises questions about two cornerstones of that deal: the pardoning of militants, and the confidence of all sides in the neutrality of the police.

The province now faces an unpalatable choice between driving forward with prosecutions that have the potential to bring down its power-sharing government, or telling families that the killers of their loved ones will never be brought to justice.

“This could destabilize the entire process if this goes further into serious arrests,” said Malachi O’Doherty, an Belfast-based author who has written extensively on

the violence between mainly Catholic Irish nationalists and Protestant pro-British Loyalists that tore Northern Ireland apart.

“If it doesn’t balance at least (with the arrest of major pro-British figures), this is going to be calamitously unsettling,” he said.

‘POLITICAL POLICING’ A number of former members of the Irish Republican Army have said Adams was a senior IRA figure, but he has always denied it. Before his arrest in connection with the 1972 abduction and murder of mother-of-ten Jean McConville, he told Irish state broadcaster RTE he was “innocent of any part in the abduction, killing or burial of Mrs McConville”.

Former IRA commander Brendan Hughes was quoted in a book by Boston College researcher Ed Moloney as saying that McConville was killed by an IRA squad “established by and ultimately ... responsible to Gerry Adams.”

Police were due to decide on Sunday whether to charge Adams, release him, or seek a further extension in custody.

The arrest sparked a furious reaction from his Sinn Fein colleague Martin McGuinness, deputy first minister in Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government, in which Protestant and Catholic

ministers work side by side.

McGuinness blamed “dark forces” and a “cabal” within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), saying his colleague’s detention was an example of “political policing”.

It was the first time in the decade since the PSNI was formed to replace the Royal Ulster Constabulary - widely reviled by Catholics for perceived pro-British bias - that

Irish nationalist leader Gerry Adams one of the major parties had so directly questioned the neutrality of the police.

McGuinness stopped short of saying Sinn Fein, the largest nationalist party, would withdraw its support for the PSNI, a move that would spark a major crisis. But he said it would wait and see if the Adams situation was resolved in a satisfactory manner “If it doesn’t, we will have

to review that situation,” he told a news conference on Friday.

First Minister Peter Robinson, a Protestant, on Sunday accused Sinn Fein of a “thuggish attempt to blackmail” police by criticizing the arrest of Adams.

HISTORIC CRIMES At the heart of the standoff is the fact the 1998 deal had neither a blanket amnesty nor the kind of exhaustive Peace and Reconciliation Commission that lifted the threat of prosecution from South Africans who confessed to apartheid-era crimes.

While nothing in the Good Friday accord would prevent a prosecution of Adams or other senior Sinn Fein leaders, there was a widespread expectation in the nationalist community that this would not happen, said O’Doherty.

Yet in the absence of an amnesty, there is no mechanism to stop investigations into senior figures by police and other authorities charged with probing crimes from the period known as the Troubles.

These include an ombudsman body and a historical enquiries team.

“These agencies all compete with each other and arrest people and throw up all kinds of difficulties,” said Brian Feeney, a Belfast-based historian and political commentator.

“It has brought a danger to the whole process,” he said.

Justice Minister David Ford said on Friday there was no reason that “normal policing” should cause political instability. But he did not offer any ideas about how the stand-off might be defused.

PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Instead of an amnesty, the 1998 deal created a patchwork of smaller measures.

The vast majority of people in prison for crimes related to the Troubles saw their sentences suspended; many who were on the run outside Northern Ireland were given assurances they would not be prosecuted if they returned; and people who gave information on the burial places of missing persons were assured the evidence from the sites would not be used against them.

The only element of the accord that would impact Adams directly, if he were to be charged and tried, is a measure that limits any sentence for Troubles-related crimes to two years.

“We have a peace process that has created institutions, but has dealt very inadequately with the issues in the past,” said Peter Shirlow, a professor of conflict resolution at Queen’s University Belfast.

“But I don’t think any one expected it to come back and bite us the way it has,” he said.

PRO-BRITISH ANGER The first major sign that a decade of relative peace might be under threat came last year, when hundreds of pro-British youths staged daily riots over a decision to stop flying the British flag over Belfast city hall.

The protests were widely

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seen to have been fuelled by moves to prosecute pro-British Loyalist paramilitaries - and a perception of a lack of prosecutions against nationalists.

“Not investigating crime is building resentment in Northern Ireland, it is entrenching division,” said Sammy Morrison, a candidate for local elections with the hard-line Traditional Unionist Voice party, who attended the flag protests last year.

Weeks of rioting led to talks brokered between Northern Ireland’s parties by Richard Haass, a former adviser to U.S. President George W. Bush, on how to deal with issues of the past, but they broke up with no agreement.

The idea floated by the Attorney General last year of a blanket amnesty was shot down by politicians across the spectrum, and lawyers have suggested it might not have been possible under UK law.

There has been heavy coverage in recent days of the family of McConville, who disappeared after being dragged screaming from her 10 children by abductors - a crime the IRA only admitted to in 1993.

One of her sons said in radio interviews that he recognized some of the men who came to snatch her, but would never disclose their identities to police because of the risk of violence against him or his family.

Among the wider public, many are eager to close the door on the past in order to extend the calm and relative prosperity that Northern Ireland has enjoyed for the past decade.

“Most people would like to draw a line in the sand, just finish here and go on,” said Andrew Loker, 62, a bank worker in central Belfast.

“We’re not going to go anywhere still looking backwards.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

PM’s statement on Dana Seetahal’s murder

THIS is the text of the statement issued this afternoon by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the murder of Dana Seetahal, SC: “It is with profound sadness and shock that I learned of the tragic death of a dear friend and colleague, Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal.

“It is a reprehensible act which has robbed us all of one of our nation’s best and brightest daughters.

“Even those who never met Dana Seetahal would recognise her through the life she lived and the proud legacy now left.

“There is an abyss of loss and sadness for this brutal removal of a sister, friend, legal luminary and fearless, independent thinker on national issues.

“As Prime Minister, I am resolutely committed to meeting the viciousness with which Dana Seetahal’s brilliant life was cut down on the terms she would have wanted and fought so courageously and fearlessly for every day.

“Dana Seetahal would have uncompromisingly sought justice and made her voice known.

“Dana Seetahal would have made her tragedy an impetus and symbol for sweeping changes.

“Dana Seetahal would have fought with her last breath to ensure justice was served.

“By our response, let us preserve that legacy.

“This outrageous act of brutality cannot be concluded by mere expressions of regret and sympathy.

“I have enjoined the Minister of National Se-

DANA SEETAHAL curity to ensure that every resource of the law enforcement machinery of the state is utilised in relentless pur-

suit of apprehending those involved in this most dastardly and heinous act.

“Further, I have convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, of which I am the head.

“Yet further, I have spoken with the Honourable Chief Justice Mr Ivor Archie and we have agreed to meet in order to devote urgent attention to necessary reforms in the criminal justice system and security issues connected there with.

Dana’s tragic passing brings to an end the work and life of a legal and academic giant whose contributions to our nation were far from complete.

“The legal profession, and indeed our country and region have lost a truly remarkable daughter of Trini-

dad& Tobago.

“As a lawyer, her success and the high regard she earned from her colleagues were testaments to her determination to boldly uphold and defend the rule of law “As a former Independent Senator, she demonstrated the highest principles and values of independent thinking, grounded in her love and passion for the future of our country.

“Dana also served her country and our citizens as a magistrate, as president of the Law Association, as a state prosecutor, and as Assistant Solicitor General.

“Indeed, she was also a leading advocate for education and as a Fulbright Scholar and lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School, became a guiding light to

many young graduates.

“She earned a sterling reputation as a leading opinion-maker on national issues of law, constitution and criminal justice.

“For the role she played in parliamentary, legal and indeed national leadership, Dana will always be remembered fondly. We have lost someone who never allowed herself to be defined by the change she advocated, and whose courage and boldness will always stand as an inspiration for today’s and tomorrow’s legal professionals.

“I send my most heartfelt condolences to her family and closest friends and wish them, on behalf of the nation, God’s blessings and guidance in this time of deep grief and loss.

“May her soul rest in peace.”

$1 million reward in Honduras child killings: Dana Seetahal murder Probe into ‘gang links’

A $1 million reward is being offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the murder of attorney Dana Seetahal.

At about 12:05 a.m. senior counsel Dana Seetahal was in her Volkswagen SUV proceeding north along Hamilton-Holder street, Woodbrook when upon reaching the vicinity of the Woodbrook Youth Facility two vehicles pulled alongside her causing her to come to a stop. One of the vehicles, a Nissan Wingroad, then drove ahead a short distance and pulled across the road, blocking it.

The other vehicle which was described as a panel van pulled alongside and the occupants of that vehicle pulled out their firearms and opened fire on the SUV. The two vehicles then sped off and made good their escape.

Residents of the area, on hearing the gunshots contacted the police and emergency health services.

However, despite their swift response, when they arrived the senior counsel and Express columnist was dead --- slumped along her driver’s seat.

The first responders notified their seniors

and a party of officers including ACP Wayne Dick, Senior Superintendent Ishmael David, Acting ASP Williams, Inspector Thomas, Inspector Veronique, Inspector Lawrence, and Inspector Rampersad, among others, visited the scene. Crime scene investigators recovered several 5.62 shells at the scene.

Police suspect that because of the nature of the incident it was a “hit” arising out of the Senior Counsel’s involvement in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman case.

Ag Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said: “It’s shocking. Crime is a concern especially violent crime. It’s a shocking incident, one you least expect. “I had a conversation with her at around 12.45 pm on Saturday and everything was fine.

“We need to work as a country together”, Williams said. Williams said he had been apprised of the killing, and head of Homicide ACP Wayne Dick has been in constant communication with him.

Williams assured there will be a thorough investigation, and that his officers are on the scene doing a basic investigation. (Trinidad Express)

Honduran authorities are investigating the deaths of at least seven children who may have been murdered after refusing to join criminal gangs.

In the latest case, police found the body of a seven-year-old boy who appeared to have been tortured.

His 13-year-old brother was found dead a day before.

All the crimes took place over the last month in an area dominated by street gangs in the industrial city of San Pedro Sula.

Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Correspondents say most of the violence is caused by the constant battling between the country’s main

maras, or street gangs - Mara 18 and Mara Salvatrucha - which have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Honduras’ attorney general, Oscar Fernando Chinchilla, travelled to the northern city on Friday to oversee the investigations.

The attorney general insisted the involvement of criminal gangs was just one of the lines of investigation.

Police investigators, however, had already said they believed street gangs were behind the killings.

The violent maras are also believed to be responsible for thousands of killings in neighbouring Central American countries such as El Salvador and Guatemala.(BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Arrival Day: A Celebration of Guyanese Nationhood ARRIVAL Day has now become a calendar event and a national holiday in Guyana. It is celebrated annually on May 5 to commemorate the arrival of indentured immigrants of all races in the country.

This day was initially observed as Indian Arrival Day by the Indo-Guyanese community in commemoration of the first Indian emigrants who landed in the then British Guiana aboard the “Whitby” and the “Hesperus” on May 5, 1838.

The Indians kept their culture alive through oral and artistic forms of story-telling; thus their history and religious philosophies were kept alive and vibrant from generation to generation by elders and religious heads on the various plantations to which they were assigned.

However, despite the fact that they were displaced from their homeland in India and forced to work as labourers in the sugar cane fields of the British colonizers, various researchers and historians believe that many of the Indian immigrants had been professionals in various fields in India.

Writer Harry Hergash notes in a study that “Rev. Bronkhurst, in 1883 (The Colony of British Guiana and its Labouring Population), posits: “All the immigrants in the colony are, of course, looked upon as coolies or day labourers, and so they are…

“In their own native land, they were doctors or physicians, clerks, schoolmasters, teachers, sirdhars, shop or bazaar keepers, etc…”

In addition, Jenkins’ book of 1871 (‘The Coolie, His Rights and Wrongs: Notes of a Journey to British Guiana’), and more recent research by Bates and Carter of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, suggest that ex-sepoys (former Indian soldiers) were among the immigrants.

This article looks at the oral history and documen-

tation surrounding immigrant Surujbali, of whom three of his grandchildren have played important roles in the history of the country.

Surujbali arrived in 1891, and fathered two children in the country: a son, Joseph, and a daughter, Bhagwandai.

In the mid-1950s, his grandson Harry Singh, through his daughter, became one of the first two Cadets of the British Guiana Civil Service.

Later, in 1967, Harry became the first Guyanese to be appointed Director of Bookers, the largest and most politically influential business entity in the country at the time; it was said to control the lives of Guyanese from birth to death.

The magnitude of this appointment is reflected in the article announcing his appointment in the then Guyana Graphic. “A young Guyanese who grew up on a sugar plantation has created history by being the first person to be appointed to the top post of an Executive Director of the Bookers complex in Guyana. Mr. Harry Singh, at 36, is the first Guyanese to be a member of what is regarded as the “Cabinet” of this concern.”

Implicit in Hergash’s paper is the suggestion that these academics and professionals were either fooled or forced to journey to colonized lands to work as agricultural labourers under slave-like conditions in mainly sugar plantations, but that their descendants broke the mould and once again rose out of the ranks of the servile and servitude to assume positions of power.

History and time evolved, and the Indian immigrant has come into his own, and today the Indian Diaspora strides the globe, proud and strong in super-achievements in every area of endeavour.

Yet, one cannot escape the fact that all the races that came to Guyana at whatever period, even Guyana’s first

Guyana

EDITORIAL peoples, the Amerindians, have all contributed immensely to the growth and development of this country we all call our homeland.

Guyana is a beautiful country of many races and cultures which have evolved through miscegenation and acculturation; and our diversity is our strength.

We are all very proud of our ancestors, who came here under very difficult circumstances, and who, through their hard work, helped to pioneer changes in this country and assisted in its development, working side by side. Thus we have to embrace Guyana’s total history.

The changing world needs greater tolerance and respect for diversity. What is needed is a world that understands different civilizations and the way people from different cultures can work across the cultures, across religion, across ethnic differences, to move and create a better life here on earth.

Our ancestors endured all of the difficulties; they persevered because they were strong in spirit and they were strong as a collective; and today we are the beneficiaries of that, so it is imperative that we use that strength to move our country forward.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo said, “This country belongs to a large number of beautiful people, all of them having equal rights. No-one is inferior and no-one is superior’ we are all equal in this land.”

As Guyanese celebrate Arrival Day today, let us remember the way our ancestors collectively endured and prevailed to create joint endeavours for enhanced lifestyles and upward mobility, and let us strive to realize our national motto: “One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.”

PPP needs to take a stand now Nagamootoo

THE 2014 Appropriation Act which was passed in the National Assembly on April 16 was assented to by then Acting President Samuel Hinds last Tuesday evening, meeting the required deadline.

However, President Donald Ramotar has said that resort to general elections is not off the table. President Ramotar needs to be reminded that in order for him to call snap elections, he must fully inform the entire nation what plans are in place in the event PNC/APNU/AFC were to openly threaten violence, like happened during last general elections; and what plans are in place to safeguard ballot boxes against riggers.

The President just cannot place some police ranks at polling stations, since most police vote PNC and are still with the ‘kith and kin’ mentality.

The President also cannot count on CARICOM countries to be impartial election observers because, again, it would be ‘kith and kin’ with most. The President must also remember Mrs. Jagan was robbed of her full term in office by CARICOM, to please the PNC. The President must be reminded of the rift between Guyana and the US over Hardt’s bullyism; and that the British

doublespeak

High Commissioner was on the streets with the PNC when they were threatening violence if the PPP insisted ballots be recounted, causing the PPP to be robbed of 19 ballot boxes in one of its strongholds.

The President must remember that he must tread very carefully in getting UN observers to come monitor any election in Guyana, simply because the UN has to toe the US line.

PNC and the superpowers are sitting it out, awaiting next election, to install PNC back in power. In order for PPP to win a majority, if elections are to be free, fair and transparent, the PPP must not approve anything for AFC. PPP must never give Nagamootoo and Ramjattan the ammunition to run up to Whim to say to the people there that “we made PPP do this…we made PPP do that…we made PPP do the other.”

Once the AFC’s back is broken once and for all, the US, Brits and all Guyanese know that PNC does not have the support base to win elections; therefore, the US can’t say “elections were free and fair and PNC won”.

MY fellow Guyanese, please compare these two statements: 1. “He wanted me to leave my party, (I will) say it again: “No Way”. Khemraj Ramjattan and I, we worked in the same building, and he tried and he tried and he failed and he failed.

I told him I will never become a “NEMAKHARAM”.

2. “He wanted me to leave my Party, (I will) say it again “I have”. Khemraj Ramjattan and I, we are now in the same party, our aim is to destroy the PPP supporters in this country.

He promised me the Speaker’s position and he tried and he tried and he failed and he failed. I told him I’ll never become the Speaker, and both awe ah hold “LARWAH”.

My fellow Guyanese, especially those in Regions 5 & 6, I want you to understand who are the people fighting for you.

TED KING

VOTER

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Our politicians owe an entire generation local government elections IT has now been two decades since we last held local government elections in Guyana. Putting this into an urgent practical context, it means that we have had an entire generation who were born and who grew into adulthood never experiencing the local elections process as a unique opportunity to become directly involved in their community’s political and civic culture.

The effects actually have stretched into yet another generation. For those who were just 17 at the time of the last elections are now at least 37 years old.

As individuals who likely are important mentors and role models to younger generations, the generation of which I speak has never voted in a local election, nor has it experienced the oft- exciting aspects of a local political campaign that can be critical to how communities envision their prospects for progress, growth and prosperity.

We are representing a broad section of Guyana’s population who are 37 and younger. So vital is this goal that all of us have signed this letter as we begin a mission of advocacy to reverse this disappointing reality that has lasted far too long in our country.

As idealists who see an unprecedentedly exciting future for our country, it boggles our minds that the elected guardians of our democracy have allowed this travesty to go on unresolved.

Setting the immediate priority of calling for local government elections does more than just energize the political process. Guyana is in the midst of extraordinary economic promise, and we understand the ramifications of letting the local political process atrophy and lose its critical strength.

If young people become hopelessly disconnected, the conse-

quences could prove costly for the nation.

If young people know opportunities to connect to their communities do not exist, the local environment could become a feeding ground for negative behaviours that lead to delinquency and a lack of motivation to continue their education.

On the other hand, having the experience of an active local political process in which elections become the catalyst for public engagement will cause young people to develop a clearer sense of identity, a positive focus on recognizing their individual merit and worth, and renewed feelings that motivate them to look for ways to be successful.

The good news is that many of us in the younger generation have faith in the democratic process, and we hope that our elders recognize just how important local government elections are, not just for our individual communities but also for keeping Guyana’s democratic prospects as strong and as fruitful as possible.

Guyana has moved forward, thanks to many persons whom we know have a healthy appreciation for democracy and what it can accomplish. As a younger generation, we share that same love and respect for these principles. We stand as ready, eager students, willing to listen and ready to participate. And through the process of local government elections, we see wonderful opportunities to gain work experience, skills, and valuable lessons about responsibility and accountability, all of which help our local communities thrive.

We believe in our country’s potential for great, positive developments, even as we sometimes have been disillusioned and disappointed. Our love and hope for Guyana run deep within each and every one of us, and we are confident that

our elders and leaders believe in our national potential just as strongly.

We believe that there is no greater platform for investing in our nation than in carrying forward a compelling vision that improves the lives of all people.

Furthermore, it is that compelling vision which can become one of the most powerful magnets for attracting resources and investments which benefit the nation’s economy throughout all communities in Guyana.

From the bottoms of our hearts and depths of our conscience, we plead, with love for our country and respect for our national heritage, that our Local Government Minister be urged to please set forth the date and process for local government elections.

For Blue CAPS Clinton Urling Chontelle Sewett Sara Bharrat Marissa Lowden Vishnu Doerga Aretha Majeed Marvin Wray Mark Murray Keoma Griffith Krysten Sewett Dmitri Nicholson Troy Edmonson Christine Bennett Christopher Gooding

A real Hindu COMMENTARY wedding is Government has historical exhilarating reasons to distrust the USA

I RECENTLY had the most exhilarating experience of attending a real Hindu wedding.

There was excellent tassa drumming by the Dubraj Tassa Group. There was also Taan and Baithak Gana singing by Kris Ramkhelawan and troupe from Suriname.

We also had a melodious singer from Trinidad – Nirmala - singing sweet and clean Hindi songs. No vulgar and lewd songs that most Trinis are famous for!

Dubraj did a master stroke by introducing the tassa on “Kangan” night. The hosts ensured that the DJ did not stray into lewd and vulgar noises!

It was a great example of how Hindus should successfully spend their money on weddings. These days most, if not all, Hindu weddings are vulgar and lawless “bubble sessions”.

Some Hindus profit off their guests with their ominous bars.

Their excuse is that the bar will fund the (free sport) for the “Kangan”.

The wedding was well planned, well organized, and well controlled by the hosts. Most Hindu weddings have the guests take control. What the DJ should play, how long the Pandit takes, how much time the Dulahin (bride) should take to get dressed, etc, etc.

This was the only Hindu wedding I felt compelled to attend at all sessions – From Friday night to Monday night. No, not just for the food and drinks, the music was just right.

JEYARAM SINGH

By David De Groot HE IS leaving in June this year, having completed the traditional tour of duty for which diplomats are posted to host countries.

This correspondent is, however, firmly of the view that United States (US) Ambassador Mr. Brent Hardt should be leaving this country prematurely in discomforting circumstances. His conduct in performing diplomatic duties in accordance with long-established conventions has been anything but acceptable; and in fact, compared to all previous esteemed holders of that portfolio in this country, he has to be the most objectionable.

He should consider himself extremely lucky not to be asked to leave the country in disgrace.

A dispassionate review of the current open impasse which he created between himself and the Government will ineluctably conclude that he is guilty of shameful transgressions of basic acceptable diplomatic behaviour.

Just imagine the crassness he exhibited when he defied the decision of the Cabinet of the host country, and rudely announcing publicly that he would be proceeding with a contentious and vexatious project despite being officially told not to pursue until acceptable factors in the project were satisfactorily resolved.

This kind of ill-perceived boldness cannot be found in the armory of any successful serving diplomat, and this Government will be applauded if appropriate action is taken against

Hardt if only to assert the sovereignty of this proud nation.

No diplomatic functionary should be permitted this kind of absurd latitude.

Mr. Hardt has perhaps unwittingly committed an undesirable precedent, which cannot be wished away by pretending the defiance exhibited is harmless; and corrective action must be taken. Certainly, an apology is obligatory on the part of the US Government.

The bone of contention is an innocent sounding Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) David DeGroot Project, which Hardt is hell bent on completing, despite being told that the Government is not satisfied with certain aspects of the project, which have far-reaching ramifications, with perceived sinister motives that need vital clarification.

This Government’s concerns have arisen from historical events that occurred in the early sixties, which brought about destabilization in the entire country during the rule of the then PPP government; so this is a case of ‘Once Bitten Twice Shy.’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

AG, US Ambassador at odds over moves to foster free media

By Vanessa Narine

THE Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, and the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt, were at odds in their respective opinion of Guyana’s ongoing efforts aimed at fostering a free media.

The two officials were addressing a gathering of journalists, representatives of political parties and Members of Parliament (MPs) at a World Press Freedom Day reception hosted by the US Ambassador at his Cummings Lodge, Georgetown residence on Friday evening.

While the AG made it clear that the “perceived” position of where Guyana stands on the issue of press freedom must be taken in the context of the evolutionary process of the country, Hardt used the findings of the International Press Institute (IPI), which visited Guyana last year end and, together with the Association of Caribbean Media Workers, issued a comprehensive assessment on the media situation in Guyana and in other Caribbean countries.

IPI FINDINGS Hardt said: “Despite higher rankings in the Caribbean than in Latin America”, they observed, “all is not

“Such censorship is not only wrong, but completely unnecessary for a Government that is more than capable of defending and articulating its views on a fair playing field of public opinion.” --United States Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt well for the Caribbean media. “…turning to Guyana in particular, the IPI focused attention on issues of broadcasting licenses, abuse of state media, the distribution of state advertising, direct intimidation of the press, freedom of information, and media standards. “…back in May 2012, I expressed my surprise in coming to Guyana and finding that, unlike all other Caribbean countries I had visited, Guyana alone had complete state monopoly of the radio.

“Where, in other countries, the radio, with its ubiquitous call-in shows, was a vital public forum; in Guyana, there was no such counterpart. Two years later, it is certainly disappointing that radio in Guyana still falls short of offering an open public square for debate and discussion.”

According to Hardt, the IPI Report makes it clear that “attempts to diversify the sector have been consistently stonewalled: a number of independent media outlets have had their broadcast applications denied or ignored, in some cases for more than 20 years.”

The US Ambassador quoted the IPI report, which said: “While IPI was previously aware of allegations that broadcast licenses have been unfairly distributed in Guyana, our visit revealed the full depth and gravity of this issue.

“It is unthinkable that the license applications of certain media have been delayed or ignored for nearly two decades.

“We call upon the newly-constituted Broadcast Authority to immediately undertake a speedy and fair review of any outstanding license applications, and to ensure that all applicants are subject to independent review.”

Hardt also cited the fact that the President of Guyana, HE Donald Ramotar, also holds the portfolio of information minister as well as what the IPI termed “abuse” of the State media and the demeaning of what the Government terms the ‘opposition press’.

He said: “This is indeed a demeaning term (opposition press) that fails to do justice to the vital role that an independent media must play in a modern, democratic society.

The use of this appellation is also inaccurate.

“Anyone who reads or watches independent media in Guyana will see that there are letters to the editor supportive of the Government, columns that advocate Government

positions and generally balanced reporting on actions of Government.

“By contrast, in the state-owned and state-run media, which should hold itself up to an even higher standard of balance by virtue of its being funded by taxpayers, one hardly ever sees a letter to the editor or a column supportive of the opposition or critical of the Government.

“In fact, the public reads about instructions being passed by the Government to state-run television, criticizing staff for airing statements by an opposition party directly after the Government’s position was presented, and indicating that such presentations were only to be aired late at night, when viewership was lowest.

“Such censorship is not only wrong, but completely unnecessary for a Government that is more than capable of defending and articulating its views on a fair playing field of public opinion.”

Hardt also noted the IPI reference to state advertising patterns in Guyana, and the equality or non-equality of its distribution and the appointment of the Commissioner of Information, which he stated should be separated from the Office of the President.

Other key issues highlighted by IPI are also essential to a free and independent media and a strong democracy, and they are interrelated: freedom of information and investigative journalism, direct intimidation of the press and training and media standards.

“These are strong words and sound advice from media experts in the Caribbean region,” the US Ambassador stressed.

OUT OF CONTEXT The AG, in response, made it clear that Guyana has come a far way in terms of press freedom, and is making moves to advance this effort – which is the context in which the subject of press freedom must be viewed.

He said, “Before we assess today’s state of the press in Guyana, I believe it is incumbent that we reflect on what

“Before we assess today’s state of the press in Guyana, I believe it is incumbent that we reflect on what existed before, before we can make an accurate assessment.”

-- Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall existed before before we can make an accurate assessment. “…not so far in our distant past, we lived in a society where the press was absolutely controlled by the Government of the day. The medium through which information was disseminated was singularly from the Government sources.

“Newsprint was denied to opposition political parties for the publication of their newspapers, and when a legal challenge was launched against that restriction on the importation of newsprint, the highest court of the land ruled that there is no direct impact between newsprint, the importation of which was necessary at the time, that there was no direct impact between newsprint and freedom of the process.

“We come from a history where journalists were beaten, brutalised, jailed, and murdered. I hope persons are paying attention to the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, a lot of important aspects of life in Guyana 30 years ago are unfolding before that Commission.”

According to him, Guyana today has Government newspapers, private newspapers, private media houses operating some 20-odd television stations, Internet-generated news agencies, and the opening of the radio spectrum where eight radio stations are currently operating, only two of which are controlled by the Government.

NO CENSORSHIP Nandlall said: “There is absolutely no attempt by the Administration, of which I am a part, to influence what

those private media houses publish. None at all! There is no attempt to censor any journalist practising his trade or professional pursuit in this country. None at all!

“In fact, what we have in Guyana is press freedom sometimes being abused. One only has to pick up the newspaper and you see the extremity about which I speak.”

Nandlall agreed with the ambassador that there is need to regulate press freedom.

He said, “It is important that Government remains accountable, and every effort is being made to achieve this objective. The press, as an important watchdog, must also, through self-regulation or other mechanism, remain accountable as well. “…I don’t believe that there is any sector in the country that should operate in a manner that is unaccountable and less than transparent; we are living in a different world.”

US PRESS FREEDOM The AG flayed the ambassador for his criticisms of press freedom in Guyana, a developing country, given

“There is absolutely no attempt by the Administration, of which I am a part, to influence what those private media houses publish. None at all! There is no attempt to censor any journalist practising his trade or professional pursuit in this country. None at all!” -- Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall the state of press freedom in the United States of America.

He said, “I didn’t hear the Ambassador speak about press freedom and journalism as it exists in the US. “The US has its own problems as well. Aljazeera took nearly a decade to get license to broadcast in the United States of America.

“We all have challenges. Many people will tell you that any dispute involving the United States of America, if you want to get an accurate picture of it you don’t look at certain television broadcasts in the US, you look at BBC and other television stations.

“So every country has (its) own peculiar biases and prejudices, and the news is going to be slanted in a particular way.

“Guyana, I suppose, is no different. A lot has been said about the state media; the state media was highlighted. The importance of the public media, rather, was highlighted only last year at UNESCO’s General Assembly meeting.

“The point was made very emphatically that the public media has a very important role to play, because the public media is not driven by profits, which essentially is what drive the private media. The public media targets certain rural communities which otherwise may not have access to the private media because it simply is unprofitable for the private media to operate in those rural communities; and therefore, the public media is the only source of information to those outlying areas.”

Nandlall maintained that Guyana is no different. “We live in a country that is relatively vast in comparison with our population, and therefore the state media has an important role to play,” he said.

The AG cited the role of the National Assembly also in supporting press freedom, and pointed out that he is unaware that any request has been made either from the media or from the political parties in relation to information. He said Government has been supplying information pursuant to the provisions of the act.

Nandlall reiterated that before comments are made about the state of any situation, there must be consideration of what existed before and what obtains in present day.

This year, World Press Freedom Day was observed under the theme ‘Media Freedom for a Better Future.’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Speeding car lands ‘belly-up’ in Vlissengen Road canal ––hits cyclist, causing minor injuries

By Ravin Singh

A SPEEDING car just after 1:00pm yesterday turned turtle in the canal between Irving Street and Vlissengen Road after hitting a cyclist, who fortunately only suffered minor injuries.

The capsized vehicle, bearing number plate PNN 639, was reportedly being driven by one Nicole Mendonca, and according to an eyewitness, “That is what does happen when yuh want to WhatsApp and drive,” indicating that the driver was using a cell phone at the time of the mishap.

The injured cyclist, Keith Springer, who was hit by the car, told this newspaper

Driver of the motorcar, Nicole Mendonca

Demerara Bank Limited looking to open other branches in 2014 CHIEF Executive Officer of the Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), Mr Pravinchandra Dave, has announced that as part of a list of things to do in 2014, the company is eyeing establishment of two other branches across the country.

Dave made this disclosure whilst addressing persons who had gathered for the company’s Drive for Life promotion, launched Friday morning at the Diamond branch of the DBL. The CEO said that, in 2014, at least one other branch would be established if the plan to establish two other branches is not realized; and the following year would see establishment of the other branch besides other additions.

Dave declared that the recession of 2008/2009 had really given the banking industry a bad name, but the Demerara Bank Limited still has an obligation to fulfill its corporate responsibilities to Guyanese.

In the Drive for Life promotion, DBL is offering persons easy-access loans at a higher ceiling and lower interest rates, as it realises that two of the things most wanted by Guyanese are homes and cars.

It was related that, for 2013, 24% of the loans offered

by DBL were for housing purposes. However, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Yesu Persaud, cautioned that persons should not be of the view that because DBL is making loans available to them on easy terms they would be able to renege on their payment obligations.

“Don’t believe you will take the money and don’t pay, because we will hunt you down like wild dogs!” the chairman told prospective burrowers of the bank.

The Drive for Life promotion runs up to the last day of June.

On Friday, several insurance companies and auto dealers attended its launch.

that he was heading south on Vlissengen Road when he saw the car making a left turn from Garnett Street onto Vlissengen Road.

Springer explained that the driver failed to approach the “right-of-way” (Vlissengen Road) with caution, forcing him to “swerve” to the right hand side of Vlissengen Road.

He said that the driver apparently panicked and accelerated, brushing him into the corner and eventually going “overboard”. The cyclist suffered minor injuries, and blood could be seen on his

Injured cyclist, Keith Springer being assisted yesterday by a medical team into the ambulance fingertips.

Meanwhile, members of the Guyana Deaf Mission, who were described as the first persons on the scene, corroborated Springer’s version of the accident.

Levan Rodney, through

a sign language interpreter, revealed that the driver failed to exercise due caution as she was approaching Vlissengen Road.

However, an effort to secure a statement from Mendonca subsequent to her

giving a report to the police was unsuccessful.

Shortly after the accident, an ambulance from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation arrived and took the injured cyclist away.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

LEAD project debacle…

Rohee says Glenn Bradbury was notified to leave two weeks ago

By Vanessa Narine HOME Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that notice of the revocation of the work permit and visa of International Republican Institute (IRI) resident Country Director, Glenn Bradbury was sent to him two weeks ago.

Bradbury is in charge of implementing the controversial $300M Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He has been in Guyana since September 25, 2013.

According to Rohee, the revocation of Bradbury’s extension of stay was effective immediately, and the United States Embassy employee is unauthorised to work in Guyana.

Rohee added that when Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, had made the disclosure last Wednesday, Bradbury had already communicated to his employer, the United States Embassy in Guyana, that his extension of stay in Guyana and work perGLENN BRADBURY mit had been revoked.

The Canadian High Commission had also been informed, as Bradbury is a Canadian citizen.

Luncheon told the media at time of his disclosure that the revocation of Bradbury’s documents were based on the conclusion that the “immigration laws of Guyana have been offended” by Bradbury and his actions in Guyana.

Up to last Friday night, Bradbury was still in Guyana, and was present at the World Press Freedom reception hosted by US Ambassador Brent Hardt at his residence in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

Bradbury declined to comment on the revocation of his documents, but in a statement to the media, the United States Embassy said, “The decision to revoke Mr. Bradbury’s permit is contrary to our understanding of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to review together the LEAD programme, and to the spirit of the discussions proposed by the Government of Guyana itself.”

According to an online professional profile, Bradbury has more than 20 years of experience at the House of Commons of Canada as a Senior Parliamentary Assistant and Policy Advisor to Members of Parliament; and has amassed considerable expertise in several areas: governance, parliamentary and committee procedures, legislative drafting, regulatory regime reform, public policy analysis, strategic communications, media relations, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, issues management, and public affairs.

The project which he was in charge of implementing was not approved by Cabinet, and this was formally indicated to the relevant authorities on October 26, 2013.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Travelspan adds second aircraft to Guyana route

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally TRAVELSPAN, in collaboration with Vision Airline, has announced the addition of a second aircraft to service its Guyana route.

The Boeing 767/300 aircraft will support the extra flights that the airline has added for July and August, in keeping with the airline’s objective of building a reliable air service for the people of Guyana.

Members of the media were afforded opportunity to tour the new aircraft when it landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Saturday. This Boeing 767/300 aircraft, which will operate the New York to Georgetown route, will allow for a more spacious interior and extra legroom for passengers.

Its business class has a 30-seat configuration with full reclining bed seats, and there are 191 economy

Monday, 5 May –– 08:30 Tuesday, 6 May –– 09:00 Wednesday, 7 May –– 10:00

class seats.

The airline currently offers a wide body 767/200 aircraft for its nonstop service between Georgetown and New York.

TravelSpan currently flies to New York on Tuesdays & Saturdays, but the airline will increase its flights for July and August, when it will fly from Tuesday thru Sunday. The company also has flights scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to & from Port of Spain in Trinidad & Tobago for July & August.

In July and August, Travelspan will also offer, on Tuesdays, all-inclusive vacation packages at 4-, 5- and 6-star hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

TravelSpan Incorporated was set to begin direct flights between New York and Guyana from December 14th, 2013, after being cleared by the US Department of Transport.

The airline was established in April 2006, and began operating in Guyana shortly after being granted licences to provide regional and international services.

Travelspan Guyana is a sister company of the existing Travelspan Inc. which operates charter services between Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago and North America.

Aries Here you go -- you’re off and running. You’re busy, happy to be so and ready to take on the world. There’s just no stopping you. Fortunately, it’s the perfect day for you to be in just this mood. Once you’re done at work -- which, by the way, probably won’t be until late -- don’t forget to spend some time with a certain family member who’s been trying to get in touch with you for days.

Taurus You’ll absolutely be impossible to stop when it comes to spoiling someone you love. Yes, that’s always the case with you, but today’s astrological agenda will prompt you to go even further overboard than you usually do. That means nothing is too good, too rich or too expensive for your sweetie. Lucky them. Expect a surprised, delighted smile, and a very, very nice show of gratitude. Later on, that is ....

Gemini Okay. You’ve been warned about the shopping thing, but there’s just one more item you absolutely have to have. You feel like you can’t live without it. If you go out after it tonight, you’ll be astrologically forced into buying the biggest, most lavish, most extravagant model, too. Think about this -- hard. There’s a big, big difference between ‘want’ and ‘need.’ Which is it this time, really?

Cancer All your feelings are running on triple-high volume now, so all your dear ones are probably very happy campers. You already have a very special way of letting others know how much you care, but now? Well, now, you’re ready to do anything at all to make sure they feel as good as you do simply because they are in your life. Oh, go ahead. Pull out all the stops, and spoil the heck out of them.

Leo Everyone in the entire world feels like taking each and every emotion right to the very edge today, but you? You’ve got a crazier case of extravagance than anyone.

The main reason for that is because you were born with it, to start with. So when an astrological array like this one comes along, it just turns up the volume on your heaven-sent ability to push the envelope. Of course, you won’t hear any complaints from whoever happens to be on the receiving end. Giggles, maybe, but no complaints.

Virgo You’re feeling uncharacteristically excessive at the moment, especially when it comes to spending money. No, that’s not at all like you, and your dear ones won’t hesitate to mention that fact, even after you’ve presented them with the latest in a string of gifts and remembrances you just couldn’t let them go another day without. You might want to stop short of buying them that Jag. No sense in inviting bankruptcy.

Libra The universe hasn’t quite had its fill of inspiring you to push the envelope when it comes to overdoing it. That’s the ‘official’ reason for the mood you’re in. The unofficial, private reason is that you’re in love, and you want your lucky partner -- or prospective partner -- to know just how wonderful life with you can be.

Relax. They already know. You don’t have to wreak total and complete havoc on your cheque book to prove it.

Scorpio Whatever you’re feeling? You’re feeling it to the nth degree, and you absolutely can’t help yourself from allowing the fullest expression of those feelings. That can be a wonderful thing if you’re feeling good about something, but if you’re angry, it can be a rather unpleasant thing. Especially for the object of that anger.

Try to go easy on anyone who’s not as well-armed as yourself. Which, right now, includes just about everyone.

Sagittarius It’s the perfect day to be you. The entire planet is feeling excessive, extravagant and out of control in at least one department. So for once, no one will question you when you start overdoing something. At least one something. Better enjoy it while it lasts, because in a day or so, this will wear off, and you’ll have to learn to live with everyone being an old fuddy-duddy again. Well, you’ll still be having fun ....

Capricorn Feel your emotions building? Well, it’s no wonder. The stars are turning up the volume on your feelings right now. While you have this energy at your disposal, you might want to make an uncharacteristic display of your feelings for a certain person. After all, when will you have the chance to impress them like this again?

Think of how much closer you’ll be at the end of the day.

Aquarius You’re not in the mood to stop. No matter what you’re doing, feeling or about to express, you won’t want to rein in your enthusiasm for the project, not one iota.

Fortunately, everyone’s going to be in a similar frame of mind and heart, so no one will notice much. Except, perhaps, the lucky person who’ll be on the receiving end of the best of this stuff. And they probably won’t try to stop you.

Pisces Like everyone else, you’re feeling extravagant. You want to prove your feelings to someone you love in grand style. Well, that’s nice, and they’ll appreciate what you’re doing. But why not plan something that’s extravagantly sentimental and romantic, instead of simply extravagant? You don’t have to overspend on someone to get the point across. You’re the romance expert of the zodiac, capable of turning beer and pizza into a romantic epic. Go with your gut. When has it ever failed you?

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TT$1M reward on offer as...

Execution of former Linden CoI member rocks her native Trinidad - President Ramotar, former Justice Kennard send their condolences

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

By Leroy Smith

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal, former Commissioner on the 2012 Linden Commission of Inquiry, was shot dead, execution-style, early yesterday morning in her homeland.

According to reports reaching Guyana, when Seetahal’s vehicle had reached a location that required her to slow down, two vehicles pulled up alongside hers, with one driving up further, blocking her from going forward. And before she could have reacted in her defence, shots were fired from the second vehicle, which was still positioned next to hers.

Police in Trinidad and Tobago are looking to link this incident with the prosecution of twelve persons charged with President Donald Ramotar the kidnapping and murder was sworn in as a member of the late Mrs Vindra Naipaul-Coolman, the former Xtra Foods Chief Executive Officer who was abducted from her Lange Park, Chaguanas home on December 19 and murdered at a house in La Puerta, Diego Martin on December 28. Her body was dismembered with an electric saw, and disposed of in four garbage bags.

The late senior counsel had been playing an active and in-

Bartica Regatta a held with mu splendour and f

By Alex Wayne THE Annual Bartica Regatta activities were held with much splendour and fervour this year, thanks to the Regatta Committee collaborating closely with the popular DC Promotions fraternity.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford declared the boat races open at Golden Beach Circuit; and, in his presentation, noted that the Regatta is an event anticipated by many Guyanese, and even visitors from the wider diaspora.

He observed that the activity has grown in strength and popularity after fifty

years in existence; and whereas there used to be only simple boat racing in times past, there now are activities that encompass a series of events that cater for every segment of the populace.

Bradford added that while this growth has not been without many challenges, it is, however, a sure testimony of the commitment of various planning committees, who worked assiduously over the years to plan and execute the events.

He welcomed the Regatta Committee’s collaboration with DC Promotions, noting that that collaboration has made it possible for the com-

The Power Boat Races created quitea hype for Barticians and visitors

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014 Stoppers in Trinidad and Tobago had announced the offer of TT$1M for any information leading to the capture and conviction of anyone involved in the execution of this erudite legal mind.

Trinidad media also reported yesterday that protection was immediately offered to the defence team and the judge working on the case that the late senior counsel had been working on at the time of her demise.

The case will recommence today in Trinidad. The trial began two months ago in the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain, and is being heard by Justice Malcolm Holdip.

r receiving Ms Dana Seetahal back in 2012 after she r of the Linden Commission of Inquiry fluential role in that prosecution, along with senior counsels Israel Khan and Gilbert Peterson, and attorneys Joy Balkaran and Kelly Thompson.

Police are also examining the theory of robbery, since Seetahal had earlier been seen leaving a casino on the island.

By late yesterday, hours after the shooting, the Crime

SHOCKED When contacted, President Donald Ramotar expressed total shock at the incident, calling it a very unfortunate situation. Opting not to say much on the issue at this time, the President would only say that when the news was relayed to him, he found it very difficult to believe what he was hearing.

He also sent his condolences to the relatives and friends of the late Dana Seetahal, as well as to the Government, people and Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago.

Contacted yesterday afternoon, retired Justice Cecil Kennard, who also served on the Linden Commission of Inquiry with Seetahal, said he was shaken up on learning of her passing from another judge.

He told the Chronicle that during his interaction with her, he had found her to be very intelligent, knowledgeable, and courteous, adding that they got along quite well while working together.

The retired judge registered his concern with what seems to be the new trend in the Caribbean, with persons going after prosecutors and defence attorneys, who are not the persons actually giving evidence in court, but are merely repeating what would have been tendered as evidence and questioning

activities uch fervour

Ms Dana Seetahal for the job she was being paid to do. He, like the Guyanese President, expressed condolences to the persons close to the late Dana Seetahal.

Seetahal had served with two other senior regional legal minds and two of Guyana’s senior legal professionals on a Commission of Inquiry set up by the Government of Guyana to look into the circumstances surrounding the unrest, shooting deaths of three protestors, and damage to private and public properties in the mining town of Linden following the 2011 national elections.

Seetahal had also served as a magistrate among other services in Trinidad and Tobago.

Search on for Miss Global Guyana 2014 delegate

mittee to offer quality shows to the public despite their economic struggles in the mining sector, which have impacted greatly on the lives of Barticians.

CONTINUED SUPPORT Bradford lauded President Donald Ramotar and the Government of Guyana for their continued support of the Bartica Regatta, and noted that Bartica is set to become one of the major tourism destinations in this country.

It was fun and excitement when the boat races kicked off soon after the Chairman’s speech, and the spectators were definitely thrilled. As the large crowd yelled and screamed in wild abandon, Dave Scott, manoeuvring the ‘Jaguar’, took top honours in the Unlimited 225 horsepower (hp) category of the races. In second place was Jose Jardine with ‘Flash Out’.

The competition was gruelling in the 115-200 hp category, but none could match the finesse of Jose Jardine in ‘Flash’, who forced Scott with ‘Jaguar’ and Dave Young in ‘Monster 13’ to settle for second and third places respectively.

Jardine again was first

those who claim to know the facts.

Justice Kennard told the Chronicle that it is indeed unfortunate that persons would want to murder the counsel

Part of the Bartica Regatta 2014 beach festivities in the 75-90 hp race, with Young second.

Monster 13, manned by Dave Young, roared to victory in the 25-40 hp group, with Romeo Randolph’s ‘Varshnie’ second.

Many enjoyed the fierce battle in the Jet Ski Competition, but, in the end, it was Michel Martindale who won, with Whitney Welcome placing second and Donavon Washington third.

The Jaguar won in the 225 HP unlimited race, with ‘Flash’ taking second place and ‘Monster’ third.

In the 115-200 hp segment, a surprise winner was Selwyn Joseph with ‘De Girls Dem Suga’, and Jardine and Young in respective second and third positions.

The extended April 14 to 19 programme included a Football Competition at the Bartica Community Centre; Gospel Fest staged on April 18; the Bartica Regatta Pageant on April 20; the April 21 ‘Kiddies Fair’, and the much-anticipated ‘Regatta Wash Down’ at Third Avenue Beach.

LADIES, if you are between the ages of 17 and 26, this is your opportunity: the hunt is for the first-ever Miss Global Guyana 2014 Ambassador to represent Guyana at the Miss Global International Pageant in Montego Bay, Jamaica in September.

The Miss Global International Group is staging its 10th pageant in Jamaica’s prestigious resort capital, Montego Bay. One of the initial aims of the pageant is to promote tourism, hence the theme: “Uniting the world through beauty and tourism”.

With over 50 beautiful and well talented ladies expected to compete in the pageant, it is fully endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board and blessed by the island nation’s governor-general and prime minister.

The Guyana franchise is signed to Trinidadian Sohan Badall and is managed by a local team which is headed by 2008 Miss Guyana Sari Queen, Devi Ramcharitar.

According to a press release from the team’s Public Relations Officer, Melicia Partab, the young group comprises diversified and passionate individuals within the entertainment industry.

Partab said: “Our chosen lady can rest assured of proper training whereby she already has at her disposal a physical trainer, pageant coach, a manager, a make-up artist, a cosmetologist, three photographers and many designers; and she is not chosen as yet.”

All hopefuls need to do is email their resume/ autobiography, including their contact information and two pictures (one full length and one head shot) to missglobalinternationalguyana@ gmail.com.

The application process ends May 23, and shortlisted applicants will be contacted to undergo a screening process during which they would have to showcase their strengths in introduction, discussion, evening gown and swimsuit segments before a panel of experienced judges.

Following this, a top five selection would be released to the public, which can contribute to selecting Guyana’s ambassador by voting, Partab said.

The group said it welcomes the incoming tourism ambassador who will showcase Guyana’s tourism to the rest of the world.

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Chelsea challenge all but over, Norwich need ‘miracle’

By Mike Collett LONDON, England (Reuters) - Chelsea’s slim hopes of winning the Premier League all but evaporated in the Stamford Bridge sunshine yesterday as Norwich City ground out a 0-0 draw that left them hanging on to topflight status by their fingernails.

Jose Mourinho’s side needed a win to keep Manchester City and Liverpool on their toes but were frustrated by a wall of yellow and missed the chance to return to the top of the table.

With one game left Chelsea’s only chance of winning the title is to beat relegated Cardiff City and hope that neither City nor Liverpool take more than one point from their remaining two fixtures.

Manchester City lead the standings on goal difference from Liverpool with both on 80 points from 36 matches.

Chelsea have 79 points from 37.

Defeat would have relegated Norwich along with Cardiff and Fulham but a draw means they now must beat Arsenal on the final day of the season and hope Sunderland lose their remaining two fixtures, both of which are at home.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was desperate to avoid a third successive home defeat after his 77-match unbeaten league record at Stamford Bridge ended with defeat by Sunderland last month and Atletico Madrid won 3-1 to knock them out of the Champions League.

He said he was surprised by Norwich’s defensive tactics, however, believing they would attack more as they had to win to retain a realistic chance of avoiding the drop.

“We were waiting for a kind of crazy game, especially in the second half when we thought they would gamble ev-

erything for the chance to survive but they defended much more,” Mourinho, whose side beat Liverpool last weekend, told Sky Sports.

“That is not my problem. All I have to say is that in the first half we were not good enough.”

Chelsea’s only consolation was that they are now guaranteed to finish third and will not have to play a Champions League qualifier at the start of next season.

Norwich, who had lost their last eight successive away league matches, now “need a miracle” to survive, according to their defender Michael Turner.

“Of course, it’s a good point but we needed three Chelsea coach ideally,” Turner said. “We Jose Mourinho need Sunderland to lose in midweek and at the weekend and then we need to win. We’ll work hard and keep fingers crossed. We need a miracle now.”

They have 33 points, two behind Sunderland (35) who are one place above the relegation zone after Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Manchester United.

GOAL DIFFERENCE Sunderland also have a much better goal difference

AB de Villiers blitz downs Sunrisers ROYAL Challengers Bangalore possess the most power-packed batting line-up in the IPL. They hadn’t fired in the UAE leg of the tournament, but now they were back in their natural habitat at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, home to one of the best batting decks and some of the shortest boundaries in the world.

Scores: (Royal Challengers Bangalore 158 for 6 (de Villiers 89*, Karn Sharma 3-17) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 155 for 6 (Warner 61) by four wickets).

At the toss Virat Kohli said his team knew the venue intimately, and he backed his batsmen to chase any target.

Yesterday, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, they had to chase 156.

No team chasing 156 or less had ever lost here.

Royal Challengers came close to doing that. They lost Parthiv Patel and Virat Kohli in the second over of their innings, and they lost Chris Gayle a little while after. Rilee Rossouw, sent in to bat at 6 for 2 on his IPL debut was out after scoring 14 off 23.

Yuvraj Singh then went for 14 off 16. Royal Challengers needed 61 from 33, and they were sinking.

But they still had AB de Villiers - a de Villiers who was getting down on one knee and launching anything remotely full over the straight boundary. When Yuvraj went, de Villiers was on 33 from 19, and had already struck three sixes.

Two more sixes and a four came off the next over, bowled by Darren Sammy, but Dale Steyn and Bhuvneshwar Kumar pulled things back by conceding just 12 from the 17th and 18th. On came Steyn again, with figures of 0 for 16 in three overs. Royal Challengers needed 28 from 12, and de Villiers was on strike.

The first ball, a slower ball, disappeared over deep square leg.

The next went straight over the sightscreen. There are times when a batsman is simply seeing it too well and there was nothing Steyn could do to stop de Villiers.

Two years ago, de Villiers had taken 23 runs off a Steyn over at the same ground. It became 23 for the over once again when

de Villiers walked across his crease and scooped the last ball over the fine leg boundary and into the second tier of the stands.

Steyn applauded. It was that kind of shot. After de Villiers made the winning hit in the next over, swiping Irfan Pathan to the midwicket boundary, Steyn went up to the batsman and embraced him.

It was that kind of innings.

Until de Villiers intervened, the match had been short of such typically Bangalorean happenings. After losing two early wickets, Sunrisers took their time to get going, with Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner going at under seven an over during their partnership of 62.

Part of this was down to some tight bowling from the home team, with Yuzvendra Chahal proving particularly hard to get away.

He slid the ball across the two left-handers, Dhawan and Warner, took care not to drop the ball into their hitting zones, and bowled a lot of googlies.

Chahal went for 13 in his last over, with Warner finally managing to get him away, but till then, his spell had asked uncomfortable questions of the theory that leg-spinners can’t bowl to left-handers in Twenty20 cricket. Karn Sharma did more of the same when Royal Challengers batted, dismissing Gayle, Rossouw and Yuvraj - three left-handers - while going for just 17 in his four overs.

Still, Sunrisers were probably right to have left out Amit Mishra, considering the pitch, the opposition, his own form, and the slower pace at which he bowls.

When Chahal finished his spell, Sunrisers were 106 for 3 after 15. Despite losing Darren Sammy in the next over, they added 49 in the last five, with Warner profiting from a spate of full-tosses from Ashok Dinda in the 18th.

It still seemed like they hadn’t put enough on the board, considering the venue and their opponents, and in the end Royal Challengers simply had one world-class batsman too many.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

than Norwich and face matches against West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City, both of whom have nothing much to play for.

Earlier, Arsenal strolled to a 1-0 win over West Brom whose place in the Premier League next season is now certain following Norwich’s failure to win.

Albion can only go down now if they lose to Stoke next week and Norwich beat Arsenal by more than 20 goals.

Chelsea had the better chances to win a tense match, hitting the woodwork twice through Andre Schuerrle and substitute David Luiz and both teams had strong penalty appeals.

Norwich attacker Martin Olsson was felled by John Terry in the first half while Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, who annoyed Mourinho with his “lack of commitment” against Atletico, and came on at halftime, was brought down in the second half but neither resulted in a spot-kick.

“I felt we had a stone-wall penalty in the first half and if we’d had got that we would have had two more points,” Norwich manager Neil Adams said.

“I was tempted to put two strikers on but what you don’t want to do is give the ball away because if we’d lost we would have been relegated.”

Olivier Giroud’s first-half header gave Arsenal victory over West Brom in a tame end-of-season match at the Emirates.

Arsenal, who have 76 points, will now finish fourth, ensuring them of a 17th successive tilt at the Champions League next season.

Norwich’s failure to win at Chelsea meant that while West Brom are effectively safe, Aston Villa and Hull City cannot be relegated.

Racing Tips

ENGLISH KEMPTON 08:45 hrs Laser Blazer 09:15 hrs Saint Roque 09:50 hrs Simply A Legend 10:25 hrs My Flora 11:00 hrs Toowoomba 11:35 hrs Turn Over Sivola 12:10 hrs Focail Maith BEVERLEY 09:05 hrs Clouds Rest 09:40 hrs Rural Celebration 10:15 hrs Grasped 10:50 hrs Toto Skyllachy 11:25 hrs Fair Flutter 12:00 hrs Bond Artist 12:30 hrs Mariners Moon WINDSOR 09:25 hrs Pharoh Jake 10:00 hrs Kinglami 10:35 hrs Persian Bolt 11:10 hrs Trixie Malone 11:45 hrs One Pekan

12:20 hrs Flemish School 12:50 hrs Captain Whoosh SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS FLAMINGO PARK 08:20 hrs Hostile Takeover 08:50 hrs San Vicenzo 09:20 hrs Sudden Surprise 09:50 hrs Taqdeer 10:25 hrs Mean Like Mom IRISH RACING TIPS Curragh 09:00 hrs The Great War 09:30 hrs Homeric Hymn 10:05 hrs Michaelmas 10:40 hrs Alvar 11:15 hrs Magician 11:50 hrs Teocht 12:25 hrs Tahaany 12:55 hrs Seas Of Wells

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

Mayweather finishes strongly to edge out Maidana (REUTERS) - Undefeated welterweight Floyd MayFAST START weather did all his hard work in the second half of the Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs) began brightly, backing Maybout to overcome a stiff challenge from the fast-starting weather to the ropes, landing clubbing punches from all anMarcos Maidana and unify two world titles in Las Vegas gles and cutting the American above his right eye following on Saturday. an accidental clash of heads.

At the end of 12 bruising rounds, American Mayweather Supreme in defence, Mayweather was able to block (46-0, 26 KOs) was awarded a majority decision victory, many of his opponent’s punches and launch short countadding the hard-hitting Argeners of his own but through tine’s World Boxing Associafour rounds, Maidana was tion belt to his World Boxing out-working his more celeCouncil title. brated foe and ensuring the For the first few rounds, bout was fought on his own however, it looked as if Mayterms. weather was in serious danBy round six, Mayweather ger of losing his vaunted was using his footwork to stay unbeaten record against a off the ropes and control the fighter launching a blizzard centre of the ring, where he of punches and trapping the launched powerful hooks and American against the ropes right crosses to Maidana’s at every turn. body and head.

Eventually Mayweather Even as Mayweather was able to assert control, took over, Maidana kept nullifying Maidana’s assault coming, continuing to throw and launching vicious countpunches even as his workrate er-attacks of his own, picking Floyd Mayweather Jr (L) of the U.S. punches at Mar- and accuracy declined. up points with his jab as his cos Maidana of Argentina during their WBC/WBA When the final bell soundopponent sought to bulldoze welterweight unification fight at the MGM Grand ed, he and many of those in his way in close. the crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday.

Mayweather exuded con- (REUTERS/Steve Marcus) Garden Arena felt he had done fidence while awaiting the enough to get the decision. decision, with one judge rul“I definitely feel like I won ing the fight a 114-114 draw while the other two scored the this fight. Floyd did not fight like a man, like I expected him bout 117-111 and 116-112 in his favour, but acknowledged to,” Maidana protested. he had been in a hard battle.

The victory sets Mayweather up for a possible contest against “This was a tough, competitive fight, what the fans want Britain’s Amir Khan, who outpointed Luis Collazo on the unto see,” he told a post-fight interviewer in the ring. dercard, although the American appeared willing to consider “Normally I go out there, I box, I move. Finally, I was in suggestions that Maidana had done enough to earn a second shot. a tough, competitive fight. He’s a tough competitor and we “If the fans want to see it again, we’ll do it again,” he gave the fans what they wanted to see.” added.

GSCL INC/NSC INDEPENDENCE CUP

Regal Champs and Mike’s Wellwoman advance to semis

By Calvin Roberts BOTH Regal Champs and Mike’s Wellwoman booked their semifinal spots in this year’s Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc./ National Sports Commission inaugural Independence Cup 10/10 competition, yesterday.

Competing in their Group ‘B’ encounter at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation ground, Regal Champs faced Mike’s Wellwoman in the first matchup of the day, as Blue Angels waited to face the losing side in their first matchup of the day.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Regal Champs posted 66 for 7 off their 10 overs, led by skipper Nalini Sumintra’s 20 and 14 from Mathura Cambridge, in the face of Haseena Moham-

Digamber retains WDCA presidency WEST DEMERARA businessman Lalta Digamber has retained the presidency of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) unopposedfor a second consecutive term. The proprietor of Brandi’s Furniture and West Side Agricultural Products has been at the helm of West Demerara cricket since April 2012.

Pursuant to the WDCA Constitution and notices published in the Guyana Chronicle, the Biennial General Meeting was held at the Wales Community Centre on April 30, 2014, with the Wales Estate Industrial Welfare Officer Ive Persaud performing the duties of Returning Officer for the elections.

Also returning unopposed to office were vice-president Anand Sanasie, secretary Se-

The WDCA executives seated from left are: Anand Sanasie, Lalta Digamber, Sejwattie Ramrattan and Hardeo Oudit; standing from left are: Krishnchand Mangal, Robin Khan, Navindra Persaud, Omar Hussein, Reaz Deen, Dhanpaul, Ramesh Persaud and Sudesh Persaud. jwattie Ramrattan, treasurer Hardeo Oudit, assistant secretary Krishnchand Mangal and marketing officer Sudesh Persaud.

The new faces on the executive are Reaz Dean as Public Relations Officer and Omar Hussein, chairman of the Competitions Committee, even

as Dhanpaul, Ramesh Thakur, Navindra Persaud (Georgie), Ramesh Persaud and Robin Khan were appointed to the Competitions Com-

mittee.

In giving a comprehensive executive report, Digamber outlined the achievements and work of the Association over the past two years and gave a forecast of future plans and while he was quite emphatic in stating that a lot of work was done, resulting in West Demerara producing national youth cricketers, he praised the WDCA Under-19 team for their consistent performances.

Digamber, who would be serving his final term since the WDCA Constitution does not permit him to serve more than two consecutive terms, also boasted of the strong financial position of his association and complimented the vice-president, treasurer and marketing manager for this achievement.

med and S. Davenanda who took two wickets each for 10 runs and Alicia Bobb-Semple, 2 for 11.

I n r e p l y, M i k e ’s Wellwoman reached 67 for 6 from 9.3 overs, led by Abena Parker 15, Joann Van Sertima 14 and 13 from BobbSemple, while Akaze Thompson took 3 for 7 in an effort to keep Regal Champs in the hunt for the win.

In their second game of the day against Blue Angels, Regal Champs who needed a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive, restricted their opponents to 62 for 5 from their 10 overs, with G. Stanford topscoring with 21 (3x4).

Cambridge took 2 for 11 for Regal Champs, who in reply reached 64 for 4, led by an unbeaten 22 from Sumintra and 18 (3x4) from Daniels, as S. Sawh took 3 for 12 for Blue Angels, who in their second game against Mike’s Wellwoman were restricted to 87 for 3 in their 10 overs.

L. Gilkes struck six fours in her topscore of 45 and received support from J. Garraway who made 17, while Mike’s Wellwoman in reply reached 89 for 3 from 7.4 overs, as Parker struck two sixes and two fours in her 25, receiving support from S. Chester and Zola Telford with 16 each.

In today’s semifinal, Regal Champs will take on Trophy Stall Angels who topped their group the previous day, while Mike’s Wellwoman who topped Group ‘B’ will do battle with Karibee Strikers, who placed second to Trophy Stall Angels.

All matches will be played at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

GSCL INC/NSC INDEPENDENCE CUP

Singh hits double-century for Speedboat

… Three finalists known

By Calvin Roberts

SPEEDBOAT XI’s Greg Singh blasted a double-century for his team, who thrashed Karibee Boys by 185 runs in their final preliminary round matchup of this year’s Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc./National Sports Commission inaugural Independence Cup matchup at the Carifesta Sports Complex ground yesterday.

Competing in the Male Open category, Singh struck 28 sixes and seven fours in his 205 which, along with Wazir Husain’s 34 (5x6) and 25 from Ganesh Narine that included three sixes and one four, piloted Speedboat XI to 363 all out off their 20 overs.

I. Hussain, S. Rangasammy, L. Veerasammy and K. Khamlall took two wickets each for 48, 57, 62 and 75 runs respectively for Karibee Boys, who in reply were bowled out for 178 off 15.1 overs, with J. Mohammed hitting 10 sixes and two fours in 80.

M. Sooklall offered support with 23 (2x6, 1x4), as S. Hussain took 4 for 13 and P. Alleyne and A. Seepersaud 2 for 43 each for Speedboat XI. At the Everest Cricket Club ground, Regal XI edged Farm XI by 15 runs in an exciting and enthralling encounter, which saw Lennox Marks and Sheldon Perch add 135 for the seventh wicket for a struggling Farm XI, to offer them a glimmer of hope.

Earlier in the contest, Narvin Singh 52 (5x4, 3x6), Richard Latiff 40 (6x6), Safraz Esau 39 (6x6) and Kwesi Joseph 31 not out (3x6, 1x4), steered Regal XI to what they thought was an unassailable 242 for 6 from their 20 overs.

Imran Hussain took 2 for 22 for Farm XI, who in reply were shakily placed on 85 for 6, of which Anand Rooplall 33 (4x6, 2x4) was one of the batsmen back in the pavilion, before Marks and Perch came together and revived their innings.

They hit sixes at will against the Regal XI bowlers who seemed lost to find a solution until Marks, who struck 12 sixes in his 76, was caught on the deep midwicket boundary, with 23 more to win from three overs.

It came down to Farm XI needing 16 from the final over, after Perch 52 (6x6, 1x4) was sent back in the penultimate over, and they failed to get it, losing their final wicket off the second delivery to be bowled out for 227 off 19.2 overs, thanks to Mohammed Ayume’s 3 for 43.

At the St Stanislaus ground, Floodlights XI trounced

Enterprise Legends by 218 runs in an Over-40 contest, even as Memorex inflicted an 80-run defeat on Wolf Warriors in their Open category contest at the same venue. At the Everest Cricket Club ground, Frontline Rangers got past Parika Defenders by 65 runs in an Over-40 contest.

Batting first, Floodlights XI, on the back of Mohammed Samlall’s unbeaten 87 (9x4, 4x6), an undefeated 77 from J. Sumair that included seven sixes and six fours and 75 (10x6, 3x4) from G. DeFranca, posted 293 for 3 off their 20 overs, before they restricted their opponents to 46 for 9 off 9 overs.

M. Seebarran struck two fours and a six in the topscore of 17, as R. Raghubir and Wayne Jones took three wickets each for 18 and 20 runs respectively, as Floodlights advanced to the semifinals where they opposed Regal Masters.

Frontline Rangers batted first and posted 178 for 3 off their allotted 20 overs, thanks to Manoj Malone’s unbeaten 74 (6x4, 2x6), 41 from Mohammed Rafeek and 26 from Sheik Mohammed before they bowled out GREG SINGH Parika Defenders for 113 in 18.4 overs.

V. Karran 34 and R. Ramsamugh 23 were the principal scorers for Parika Defenders, whose batsmen failed to negotiate the bowling of Ryan Singh 4 for 18 and Toney Singh who supported with 2 for 18.

At the St Stanislaus ground, Memorex batted first and posted 167 being bowled out in 16.3 overs by Wolf Warriors, thanks to Waheid Edwards’ 52 (4x6, 4x4) and Vishaul Phillips 26 (3x6, 1x4).

Mohammed Karim and Azad Zaman took three wickets for 36 and 37 runs, backed by Narine Bailey’s 2 for 19 for Wolf Warriors, who in reply were bowled out for 88 in 15.2 overs, with only Safraz Karim 28 (3x6) and his brother Mohammed 16 reaching double figures, while Chetram Budhu, Chandrasekhar Arjune and Enaam Singh took two wickets each for the victors.

SEMIS

Points leaders clash in second round ROUND TWO action in the Guyana Cricket Board Under-19 Inter-county three day tournament will bowl off from today with two matches being played at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) grounds respectively.

At GCC, points leaders Demerara and Berbice will clash, while at DCC, Essequibo and President’s XI who both suffered first round losses by an innings inside two days to Demerara and Berbice respectively, will collide with both matches commencing at 10:00hrs.

The third and final round will be played from May 9 – 11 and will see President X1 facing-off with Demerara at GCC and Berbice coming up against Essequibo at Everest.

The squads are as follow, Demerara: Ronaldo Renee, Bryan Sattaur, Deonarine Seagoing, Rudolph Singh, Ramnarine Chatura, Malcolm Hubbard, Kemol Savory, Steven Sankar, Stephon Brown, Keon Morris, Kevin Paul, Daniel Basdeo, Sherfane Rutherford and Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The Coach is Gavin Nedd and the Manager is Robert Adonis.

TAGENARINE CHANDERPAUL

President XI: Ryan Shun, Sunil Singh, Travis Persaud,

Vishwantal Ramlakhan, Richie Lucknauth, Vivian Albert, Ershad Ali, Kelvin Shewprasad, Ronaldo Mohamed, Michael Shalim, Chavin Moriah, Daniel Lewis, Shivnarine Srikissoon and Avishkar Sewkarran. The Coach is Adrian Amsterdam and the Manager is David Black.

Berbice: Shimron Hetmyer, Balchand Baldeo, Leon Andrews, Ashkay Homraj, Viendra Gooniah, Arif Chan, David Latchaya, Sharaz Ramcharran, Hakeem Hinds, Parmanand Ramdhan, Martin Singh, Grisean Grant, Dimitri Cameron and Niall Smith. The Coach is Hubert Evans and the Manager is Julian Cambridge.

Essequibo: Ricardo Peters, Kemo Paul, Akil Wal-

In the semifinals of the Male Open category, Regal XI and Memorex defeated Speedboat and Trophy Stall respectively, to book a place in today’s final where they will do battle for the $500 000 first place prize and trophy, while in the Masters category, Regal Masters will oppose frontline Rangers for the $400 000 cash prize.

In the first semifinal which was contested at the St Stanislaus ground between Trophy Stall and Memorex of Berbice, the former won the toss and invited the latter to take first strike.

They responded by posting 221 for 7 from their 20 overs, led by Balram Samaroo 53 (4x6, 3x4), an unbeaten 50 (7x6, 1x4) from Roy Jafferally and 42 (4x6, 2x4) from Vishal Phillips, as Fazal Rafiek took 3 for 47 and K. Bissoondial 2 for 39 for Trophy Stall, who in reply were limited to 218 for 9 from their 20 overs.

Rafiek returned with the bat to topscore with 38 (3x6, 2x4), R Ramnauth an unbeaten 32 (3x6, 2x4) and Bissoondial 21, but it was not enough as Memorex, who were led

by Phillips’ 3 for 30 and J. Percival 2 for 20 completed the win by three runs.

In the second semifinal, Regal XI asked Speedboat to bat first and bowled them out for 174 from 19.4 overs, despite Anand Bharat 66 (6x6, 3x4) and Ganesh Narine 24.

Lakeram Roopnarine took 3 for 25, Esau 2 for 24 and Pritvi Motilall 2 for 42 for Regal XI, who in reply reached 175 for 4 from 14.5 overs, thanks to Narvin Singh 74 (6x4, 5x6), 27 (3x6) from Patrick Rooplall and 48 (3x4, 3x6) from Chien Gittens.

In the Masters Category, Regal Masters asked Floodlights to bat first and bowled them out for 183, even as DeFranca topscored with 92 (9x6, 6x4) and 21 from Jones, with Clyde Butts leading Regal Masters’ bowling with 3 for 22, while Troy Kippins and Mahendra Arjune picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Regal Masters reached 184 for 5 from 19.1 overs, led Eric Thomas 41 (5x6, 2x4), 39 from Younis Yusuf, 35 from Arjune and an unbeaten 22 from Lance Adams, while in the other semifinal which was being played simultaneously, Frontline Rangers posted 156, thanks to Malone 42 (5x4) and 38 from Sheik Mohammed.

J. Persaud and F. Mohammed took 3 wickets each for 22 and 29 runs respectively for Industry Super Kings, who were bowled out for 143 in reply, even though I. Mohammed topscored with 51 (4x6, 4x4), 36 from Kennard Luke and 34 from J. Persaud, as D. Mohabir and Ryan Singh took three wickets each for 20 and 31 runs respectively for Frontline Rangers. lace, Akini Adams, Ryan Adams, Avenash Persaud, Mahindra Balbadar, Parmesh Parsotam, Shivindra Hemraj, Paul Williams, Paul Simboo, Keno Harry,

Travis Drakes and Jamal Heartman. The Coach is Vibert Johnson and the Manager is Fabian Durant.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday May 05, 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 yesterday’s quiz: Shaun Marsh-616 runs (Kings XI Punjab) Shane Watson (RR)

Today’s Quiz:

Who were the captains involved in the last IPL final?

Who took most wickets in the IPL 2013? How many?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 5, 2014

GBA/NSC National Novices Boxing C/ships

Republican Gym named best gym, Smith, Howard named best boxers THE Republican Boxing Gym was named best gym when the curtain came down on the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) National Novices Championships at California Square, East Ruimveldt Community Centre tarmac, Saturday night.

Glenroy Smith of the Essequibo Boxing Gym was named best fighter in the male category while Taseka Howard, fighting out of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Gym, was adjudged best female boxer on show.

The championship which started Friday evening at the same venue attracted very many spectators.

GBA’s Technical Director Terrence Poole said it was the largest crowd at an amateur or even a professional card here in Guyana for over two decades.

Poole said the GBA has come to realise that one cannot bring spectators to witness a card; it is better if the activity is taken to the fans and in this case is was taken to the populated East Ruimveldt community which boasts a number of amateur and professional boxers, whose peers and relatives would want to come out and support them.

This, Poole said, is a plus for amateur boxing in Guyana.

He said the next tournament on the GBA’s card is the national Intermediate Championships, but the association has some other plans which will be a priority.

Smith won the best male boxer award by virtue of a first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Mervyn Rollins in a 75Kg contest, while Howard won the best female boxer award after securing a third-round TKO win over GDF’s Tanesha Garraway in a

54 Kg contest.

Sunday night’s card also saw one knock-out victory being recorded and seven other TKOs. The only knockout for the championship was registered by Republican’s Dequan Kawall who stopped his gym mate Richard Gordon in the second round of their 52kg weight class contest.

TKOs were also registered by New Opportunity Corps’ (NOC) Calvin Barry, GDF’s Andel Douglas, Republican’s Steffon Andrews, Junior DaSilva, Alaus Daniels, Clifton Graham and Delon Gordon.

The referee stopped the 75-80 pounds junior contest between Barry and FYF’s Theo Bumbury in the first round, while in the open category, the officiating referee GBA’s Technical Director Terrence Poole stopped the 40kg contest between Douglas and Republican’s Ravindra Bissoondial in the first round.

Andrews’ 56kg contest against his gym mate Delon Naughton was stopped in the second round while DaSilva’s

60kg contest against his gym mate Steffon Juban was halted in the second round also.

In the open category, Daniels’ 64kg contest against FYF’s Keon Bernard was ended in the third round, Graham’s 69kg bout against GDF’s Devon Blair was cut short in the first round and Gordon’s 81kg bout against GDF’s Quee Brotherson was stopped by the referee in the third round.

In other results from the night’s card, Essequibo’s Shaquan Wright defeated FYF’s Barry by points in their 85-pound junior category bout.

In the same category (junior), Harpy Eagles’ Kelvin Allicock crushed DeShan Elcock in a 95lb-99lb contest, Essequibo’s Christopher Moore overcame his gym mate Deshan Elcock in their 110-114 lb weight category, Shane Skeete fighting out of the Harpy Eagles Gym crushed FYF’s Jonathan Hunte in a 115-119 pounds bout, Colin Hinds of Pocket Rockets Gym beat NOC’s Samuel Forde, Andrew Newton of NOC upstaged his gym mate Joel Best in a 140-149 lb bout and Steffon Smith of FYF bettered Essequibo’s Akeem Mounter in a 150-160 lb weight class bout.

In the Youths category, Junior Henry of FYF defeated Steffon Green in a 52kg contest and Dewani Lampkin of FYF trounced J. Richards of Harpy Eagles in a 56kg contest.

In the open category, Akeem August of FYF whipped his gym mate Kevin DeFreitas in a 91kg contest and Eon Fraser of Republica defeated John Champayne of Republican in a 91 plus kg bout.

Fraser-Pryce tops field as Gatlin also wins KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Rasheed Dwyer and Hansle Parchment were the only Caribbean winners on a night when Americans Francena McCorory and Christian Cantwell produced two world-leading marks at the Jamaica International Invitational meet here Saturday.

Triple World champion Fraser-Pryce, the headliner at the event, won the women’s 200 metres in 22.53, supported by a head wind of +0.2 m/s.

Fraser-Pryce, who was challenged off the curve but pulled away on the straight to take a comfortable victory, beat Americans Kimberlyn Duncan (22.61) and Jeneba Tarmoh (22.69) into second and third respectively. Jamaican Anneisha McLaughlin was fourth in 22.72.

“Tonight was just to see where I am. I am happy that I ended healthy and I’m now looking forward to my next

race,” said Fraser-Pryce who runs the opening Diamond League meet in Doha next week.

In the men’s half lap event, Dwyer won a close race in 20.53 over USA’s world bronze medallist Curtis Mitchell (20.54) and Jamaican Jason Livermore (20.55).

Parchment, meanwhile, scored another sprint hurdles win in 13.42 seconds (-2.2 m/s wind) over American Ryan Wilson in 13.45 and Andrew Riley, also of Jamaica, in 13.56.

On the windy night of the IAAF World Challenge meet, Cantwell’s mark of 21.85m came in the men’s shot put. The event proved competitive with Jamaican Odain Richards setting a personal best of 21.11m, and USA’s Kurt Roberts throwing 21.07m.

“This meet is getting harder and harder. We had three guys over 21 metres,” said Cantwell.

In the women’s 400m, American World Indoor

SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE

champion McCorory dismissed a field including Olympic champion Sanya Richards-Ross, to win in 50.24.

Jamaican Stephenie McPherson, who challenged in the straight, finished second in 50.58 with Jamaican Novlene Williams-Mills third in 50.90 and hurdler Kaliese Spencer, fourth in 51.22. Richards-Ross was some way back in 51.62.

Apart from Cant-

well’s mark, there were two other meet records in the 3000m with European winner Terzic Amela of Serbia winning in 9:41.12 and Kylie Hutson capturing the pole vault with a measurement of 4.50m.

Meanwhile, visitors to the nation’s sprint factory, Justin Gatlin and Blessing Okagbare, emerged as the 100m winners.

The men’s field, which

was without the three fastest Jamaicans Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell, saw Gatlin produce a late burst to beat the field in 10.11 seconds.

Andrew Fisher, a student at University of Technology in Jamaica, who surprised the field with a very fast start, finished second in 10.21 while American Walter Dix clocked 10.22 for third place.

Earlier, in the women’s event, Nigerian Blessing Okagbare stamped her class on the field, which was without few of the likes of Fraser-Pryce, Camerlita Jeter and Veronica Campbell-Brown.

She crossed the line in 11.19 seconds ahead of Jamaicans Kerron Stewart (11.32) and Carrie Russell (11.46).

Okagbare, who ran into a negative 1.7m/s headwind, said: “I am okay [with the time]. I came here and wanted to stay healthy. I was just trying to execute. If you don’t have a good race, you

just have to stay focus and execute.”

Luguelin Santos edged out World champion LaShawn Merritt in the 400m in a time of 44.82 seconds, to Merritt’s 44.86, with Youssef Al-Masrahi third in 44.96.

“He ran a great race today and I have to give that to him. No disappointment for me. I think I ran a little bit too conservative,” said Merritt.

Also, in the men’s 400m hurdles, Felix Sanchez finished strongly in 49.21 to beat World Champion Jehue Gordon 49.32.

American Kori Carter, in her season opener, topped the women’s 400m hurdles in 54.94 ahead of Jamaicans Ristananna Tracey (55.12) and Nickiesha Wilson (55.61).

Olympic medalist Will Claye of the US survived windy conditions to win the long jump with a measurement 8.19m (+2.1).

Sport CHRONICLE

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Republican Gym named best gym, Smith, Howard named best boxers See story on page 23

Linden/Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal

Eagles claw Retrieve Unknowns to grab second title

EAGLES took full advantage of a moment of fortune and withstood a barrage of threatening raids from Retrieve Unknowns to cart off the top prize and one-year bragging rights when the curtain came down on this year’s Banks DIH/Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal competition at the Mackenzie Bus Park last Saturday night.

Eagles Renna Chester’s fortuitous goal which was scored in the 7th minute of play was enough to hand them the first prize of $400 000 and a place in the national playoffs scheduled to be held sometime next month.

Chester’s goal came when a Retrieve Unknowns defender attempted to clear the ball from their goal area, but instead, fired his shot on to Chester only to see the ball rebound and head into the goal - a disappointing result in a game that produced fireworks from the first whistle as both teams exhibited clever skills and offence-oriented tactics.

When the half-time whistle sounded there was no change to the score-line as Eagles clung tenaciously to their 1-0 advan-

… Scheme edge Amazings to claim third place

Eagles skipper Deron Smith receives the winning trophy and prize money from Banks DIH Linden Branch Manager Shondell Easton in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (right), Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart and his teammates. tage, keeping their opponents at bay.

In the second period, Re-

trieve Unknowns came out aggressively in search of the equaliser and enjoyed a few

moments where it seemed only a matter of time before they would get it, but once again

Eagles, just as they had done n the inaugural tournament when they defeated the same

opponents, refused to wilt.

With time running out, Retrieve Unknowns pressed desperately for the goal to level the match and could have conceded more goals had it not been for streaks of luck with the long ball landing most times agonisingly just outside the uprights with no defender in sight.

The final whistle eventually sounded to hand Eagles the title, leaving Retrieve Unknowns to settle for the runner-up prize of $200 000 runner-up prize along with a spot in the national finals.

Earlier in the evening, Scheme beat Amazings 3-1 on penalty kicks after full time ended with the scores level at 1-1, to take the third place prize of $100 000. All three teams received trophies with their cash prizes.

Meanwhile, Banks DIH’s Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste in an invited comment said he was satisfied with the organisation of the tournament and fans could now look forward to the commencement of the East Coast Demerara edition which is set to start shortly.

Gibson hoping on batting turnaround for Kiwi series

Steyn who? AB de Villiers plays an outrageous shot to dispatch Dale Steyn to the third tier of the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The No.1.batsman in the world smashes an unbeaten 81 to see Royal Challengers Bangalore to victory. See story on Page 20.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – West Indies coach Ottis Gibson says several performances in the Regional first class season has offered hope the regional side can make amends for last year’s poor showing in New Zealand, when the Black Caps arrive in the Caribbean later this month.

The Windies were completely outplayed in the three Test series late last year to lose 2-0. They were also facing certain defeat in the opening Test before rain intervened, to force a draw.

Gibson said it was important the Windies turned the page on that series and West Indies showed what they were capacoach Ottis Gibson. ble of as a batting unit.

“It’s good to see a lot of hundreds coming from a lot of places because that’s indicative of good batsmanship in the region and that’s what’s required at the next level,” Gibson told the Sunday Sun newspaper.

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“We haven’t performed well as a batting group recently in Test cricket and we need to look at that. Plus, when last we went to New Zealand we let ourselves down a bit especially in that aspect so I think on our home patch now it’s important that we show that what happened there is not the way we want to play cricket.

“But I’ve had several meetings with [Director of Cricket] Richard Pybus and he has a clear idea where he “wants to take the cricket.”

New Zealand arrive in the Caribbean at month end and will play three Tests and two Twenty20 Internationals, in a tour running from May 29 to July 6. West Indies are expected to embark on a training camp here within a fortnight.

Gibson said judging from the returns from the first class tournament, West Indies had plenty options to choose from in forming their bowling attack.

“Spin dominated the bowling again in regional cricket so it was good to see Jerome Taylor back on the park as his coming back into cricket is a big plus for us with Kemar Roach out with an injury,” Gibson pointed out.

“Hopefully Kemar will be okay as well and then that gives us a really strong fast bowling line-up to choose from. Then we still have Shane [Shillingford], Sunil Narine and now Sulieman Benn is bowling very well again this season so it looks like we can choose a really quality bowling attack.”

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014