Guyana chronicle 05 07 14

GUYANA No. 103879

SATURDAY JULY 5, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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In another attempt to dispel misinformation…

Finance Minister details processes for public spending

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Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

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FACTS ARE: * Consolidated Fund – Expenditures from which must be approved by Parliament and Parliament is defined as the 65-member National Assembly and the President. * Statements of Excess – Foreseen expenditure not budgeted for or under-budgeted for that the Minister of Finance has the authority to approve. * Contingency Fund – Sub-fund under Consolidated Fund, from which monies can be spent, but must be “urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen” expenditures.

FATF still to write Guyana on start of 2 ‘targeted review’ – AG Nandlall

10 Manickchand ‘delivered a legitimate blast, a feral blast’ Page

-Dr Luncheon

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Attorney General Anil Nandlall

18 Farm house destroyed by fire Page

Demands of Opposition Leader follow a pattern

-Dr Luncheon

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Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand

(US) Ambassador Brent Hardt

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

FATF still to write Guyana on start of ‘targeted review’ – AG Nandlall

By Vanessa Narine

THE Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall informed the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is still to write Guyana on the targeted review expected to be done, following its acceptance of the country’s referral from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

FATF’s announcement that Guyana would be subjected to a targeted review was a result of the country’s shortcomings in its anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation in regard to compliance with international standards; and that the results of that review would be made public at a meeting in October.

Prior to the CFATF referral of Guyana to FATF on May 29 it was indicated that the country’s non-compliance with international standards would have been addressed with the passage of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.

The Bill to meet the requirements of the FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRB), CFATF was tabled in the National Assembly in April 2013, but was subsequently referred to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee and eventually voted down by the combined Opposition in November

2013. The bill was re-tabled in December 2013, and was again referred to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee chaired

by Ms. Gail Teixeira, where it has since been languishing.

The last Select Committee meeting was in mid-June and up to press time there has been no confirmation of a date for the next meeting.

In November 2011, the CFATF first brought to the attention of its members certain jurisdictions — including Guyana — with significant Attorney General strategic deficiencies in Anil Nandlall their AML/CFT regimes.

The intent was to encourage expeditious rectification of the identified strategic deficiencies.

Demands of Opposition Leader follow a pattern -Dr Luncheon

THE political Opposition can be relied upon to take sides with anything that allows President Donald Ramotar and the Government to be the subject of contention, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon observed yesterday.

This trend continues to be of concern to the administration, said Luncheon while addressing his usual post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, in Georgetown.

“The demands of the

Guyana and the CFATF developed an Action Plan with identified target dates to address the strategic deficiencies that exist in Guyana’s national architecture to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. However, the Government and the combined Opposition have been in gridlock over compliance in the areas requiring the passage of legislation.

Government has repeated its willingness to have the bill passed, and has demonstrated its commitment to same; but up to the last meeting of the Parliament Special Select Committee no movement had been made with the Bill.

Additionally, despite the announcement of a targeted review by FATF, the counter-measures advised to be taken against Guyana by CFATF, which officially blacklisted Guyana regionally, remain in force. These include, among other counters, enhancing due diligence measures in transactions with Guyana; introducing enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refusing to establish subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana, or otherwise taking into account the fact that Guyana’s relevant financial institutions do not have adequate AML/CFT systems and accordingly limit business relationships or financial transactions with Guyana or persons in Guyana.

Leader of the Opposition follow a pattern that we are discerning when it comes to defence of the sovereignty and in some instances, when it comes to the defence of the territorial integrity of this country.”

“When it comes to Guyana, our sovereignty, our territorial integrity, like in all other countries, our expectations are that all parties, all Guyanese, will rally to the call. For the Opposition to be talking about vulgar, I wonder who determines this vulgarity. They said noth-

“When it comes to Guyana, our sovereignty, our territorial integrity, like in all other countries, our expectations are that all parties, all Guyanese, will rally to the call. For the Opposition to be talking about vulgar, I wonder who determines this vulgarity. They said nothing of substance after the US Ambassador tirade.”-Dr Luncheon

ing of substance after the US Ambassador tirade,” Dr Luncheon said.

Leader of the Opposition Mr. David Granger has expressed “distress” at the reported statement made by acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand at a reception which was held at the United States Ambassador’s residence last Wednesday to mark the US Independence Anniversary.

“APNU regards her remarks as vulgar and worst than useless. APNU calls on President Donald Ramotar to disassociate his Administration from these worthless remarks and issue an unconditional apology to H.E. Ambassador D. Brent Hardt and the people of the United States of America,” Granger said in a statement.

He said APNU is astonished that such remarks could be used by a Government Official in light of the cordial relationship existing between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the United States of America.

But Luncheon said yesterday that Granger sits in Hadfield Street at the state’s and taxpayers’ expense, and when the US Ambassador is treated by this administration to a fitting response, suddenly he finds the strength to be heard and to have his voice proclaimed, advising against the actions of the administration. (Telesha Ramnarine)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

In another attempt to dispel misinformation…

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Finance Minister details processes for public spending FACTS ARE: * Consolidated Fund – Expenditures from which must be approved by Parliament and Parliament is defined as the 65-member National Assembly and the President. * Statements of Excess – Foreseen expenditure not budgeted for or under-budgeted for that the Minister of Finance has the authority to approve. * Contingency Fund – Sub-fund under Consolidated Fund, from which monies can be spent, but must be “urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen” expenditures.

By Vanessa Narine THE difference between the Consolidated Fund and the Contingency Fund was stressed again by the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, at a news conference on Thursday at the National Communication Network (NCN) studio, in an effort to dispel the misconceptions being peddled.

He made it clear that the differences are clearly spelt out in the Constitution, the nation’s supreme law, and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003.

“There is a difference,” the minister said.

Dr. Singh stated that the Constitution, which was inherited from the former People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration, is crystal clear regarding public spending and the legal parameters within which this is done.

“There is no deficiency in the language of the Constitution. The Constitution is crystal clear…there is no lack of clarity,” he emphasised.

CONTINGENCY FUND IS DIFFERENT The Finance Minister pointed out that the use of the Contingency Fund has to meet different criteria than that of the Consolidated Fund.

Article 220 (1) and (2) of the Constitution addresses the establishment and use of the Contingency Fund.

It states that: “(1) Parliament may make provision for the establishment of a Contingencies Fund and for authorising the minister responsible for finance to make advances from that Fund if he is satisfied that there is an urgent need for expenditure for which no other provision exists.: “(2) Where any advance is made from the Contingencies Fund a supplementary estimate shall, as soon as practicable, be laid before the National Assembly by the Prime Minister or any other minister designated by the President for the purpose of authorising the replacement of the amount so advanced.”

Also, according to Article 218 (3) of the Constitution, no monies shall be withdrawn from public funds other than the Consolidated Fund. It further states that the issuing of those monies must have been authorised by or under “an Act of Parliament.”

The majority of spending from the Consolidated Fund is done via the Parliament’s approval of the annual national budgets – the approval being “an Act of Parliament.”

As it relates to the Contingencies Fund, Parliament in 2003, approved the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. This Act would be regarded as, “an Act of Parliament” according to Article 218 (3) of the Constitution.

Section 41 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003 defines in part one, under the heading “Schedule”, the definition of a ‘Contingencies Fund advance.’ Such an advance refers to “an expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund,” which is made according to Section 41 (3) of the Act. The Contingencies Fund is further defined as a sub-fund established by the Finance Minister, made according to Section 41 (1) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Mentioned in Section 41, the Contingencies Fund is established as a sub-fund of the Consolidated Fund.

Sub-section (2) of Section 41 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003, mandates that the Minister of Finance shall have the sole authority for the release of monies from the Contingencies Fund and this authority is not to be delegated to any other authority.

In order to access the Contingencies Fund, the minister

must satisfy that there is an “urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure”, which the monies from the Contingency Fund will be used for. This urgency, according to paragraph (c) of Section 41 (3), would be justified if withholding the money would otherwise result in “injury to the public interest.”

Considering that part one of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003 provided the definition for a ‘Contingencies Fund advance’, Article 41 stipulates that the minister may approve a Contingencies Fund advance as monies to be spent out of the Consolidated Fund by issuing a drawing right.

Sub-section 5 of Section 41 of the Fiscal Management and

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh Accountability Act 2003 notes that the minister shall report at the next sitting of the National Assembly on all advances.

The report must include the amounts paid, whom they were paid to and the impact of the payment.

The Act under Section 41(6)(b)provides that after the National Assembly has approved of the Contingencies Fund advance or advances, and upon the passing of a supplementary appropriation Act, the amount of the advance or advances shall be added back, in the amount of the total authorised, by the National Assembly under subsection (4) to the Contingencies Fund.

Finally, Section 41 (7) provides that once the National Assembly has approved the advance or advances, the Contingencies Fund shall be replenished to the sum of the amounts approved.

The Finance Minister addressed the fact that the combined Parliamentary Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), has only approved 92.6 per cent of the spending from the Contingency Fund during the 10th Parliament.

To date, the current 10th Parliament of the National Assembly has considered six Financial Papers related to the use of the Contingencies Fund collectively valued at approximately $9.358B. The Assembly, comprised of the Opposition, has approved 92.6 per cent of those Financial Papers valued at approximately $8.7B clearly demonstrat-

ing agreement with the use of the Contingencies Fund in most cases.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE Another important point, the Finance Minister underscored was the use of another instrument for spending, that of the Statement of Excess.

He explained that Statements of Excess do not reflect spending from the Contingency Fund.

Section 218 (3) of the Constitution states that: “If in respect of any financial year it is found: (a) that the amount appropriated by the Appropriation Act for any purpose is insufficient or that a need has arisen for expenditure for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by that Act; “Or (b) that any monies have been expended for any purpose in excess of the amount appropriated for that purpose by the Appropriation Act or for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by that Act, a supplementary estimate or, as the case may be, a Statement of Excess showing the sums required or spent shall be laid before the Assembly by the Prime Minister or any other minister designated by the President.”

According to Dr. Singh, given that the law states that spending from the Contingency Fund has to be “urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure,” the Statements of Excess cannot reflect monies spent from there.

He noted that the Statements of Excess are indeed spending from the Consolidated Fund.

To date, in the 10th Parliament, four Statements of Excess have been tabled, 58 per cent of which have been approved by the combined Opposition.

The fourth statement of Excess, Financial Paper 1/2014, was tabled in the National Assembly on June 19 and will be considered by the House at the next sitting. It reflects spending from January 1, 2014 to June 16, 2014 to the tune of $4.6B. “This very Parliament is familiar with the concept of a Statement of Excess,” Dr. Singh said.

He also referenced the Parliamentary Standing Order 78 (1), which deals with supplementary estimates of expenditure and statements of excess.

The Order states that: “If in respect of any financial year it is found:- [a] that the amount appropriated by the Appropriation Act for any purpose is insufficient or that a need has arisen for Expenditure for a purpose for which amount has been appropriated by that Act; “Or [b] that any monies have been expended for any purpose in excess of the amount appropriated for that purpose by the Appropriation Act or for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by that Act; “Or [c] that advances have been made from the Contingencies Fund for Expenditure for which no other provision exists, a minister may present a Paper with the Supplementary Estimate or, as the case may be, the Statement of Excess showing the sums required or spent and that Paper shall be ordered to be printed and shall stand referred to the Committee of Supply without question put and shall be appointed to be considered on a day to be named by the minister presenting the Paper but not earlier than one(1)day after that on which the Paper was presented.”

The Finance Minister maintained his contention that all public spending advanced by the current Administration has been done within the stated legal parameters and can withstand any level of scrutiny.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Palestinian fury at Israel boils in funeral for slain youth (Reuters) - Chanting “Intifada, Intifada”, thousands of furious Palestinians called for a new uprising against Israel during the funeral on Friday of a teen they believe was kidnapped and killed by far-right Jews.

Stones thrown at Israeli police were met by teargas, stun grenades and rubber bullets in one of the most highly charged displays of enmity in Jerusalem in years as the body of Mohammed Abu Khudair, 16, wrapped in a Palestinian flag, was carried through his neighborhood under a sweltering sun.

Medics said 15 demonstrators were treated for in-

UK PM’s ex-media chief Coulson jailed for Murdoch tabloid hacking

By Michael Holden (Reuters) - British Prime Minister David Cameron’s former media chief Andy Coulson was jailed for 18 months on Friday for encouraging widespread phone-hacking by journalists to obtain scoops at the Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid he edited.

Coulson, editor of the now defunct News of the World newspaper from 20032007, was convicted last week of conspiracy to intercept voicemails on mobile phones following a high-profile eightmonth trial at London’s Old

Palestinian youths have clashed with Israeli police in East Jerusalem for three consecutive days

juries. There was no immediate word of arrests by the Israelis.

At another flashpoint, the Gaza Strip border, Pal-

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Bailey court.

“What this says is that it’s right that justice should be

Ukraine’s President seeks new crisis talks at weekend, fighting rages

estinian rocket and mortar launches, followed by Israeli artillery shelling, persisted on Friday but no one was hurt.

Palestinian officials trying to calm tensions in recent weeks have said they would prevent any intifada, or uprising, and seek a solution to a crisis that began when three Israeli teens were kidnapped in the occupied West Bank on June 12.

The discovery of their dead bodies on Monday prompted an outpouring of national grief in Israel.

Tensions spiked after Abu Khudair was kidnapped on Wednesday in his Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem and his charred body was found hours later in a forest on the edge of the city.

DATE: 02/07/2014 L

Andy Coulson

done and that no one is above the law,” said Cameron, who has apologised for having hired Coulson.

Opposition Labour leader Ed Miliband has criticised Cameron for bringing a “criminal into the heart of Downing Street”.

The maximum sentence the 46-year-old Coulson could have faced was two years but the judge said he had taken into account signs of good character outside his career.

Coulson showed no emotion as the sentence was read out in a packed Court 12 at London’s Old Bailey court.

(Reuters) - Ukraine has proposed a time and a place for talks on Saturday on reaching a durable ceasefire with pro-Russian rebels and is awaiting a reply, the president’s website said, as fighting in the east killed 13 servicemen.

The website did not name the venue but a Western diplomat expected the talks to be held again in eastern Ukraine’s major industrial hub of Donetsk, where the rebels control key points.

In some of the worst violence since President Petro Poroshenko called off a 10-day unilateral ceasefire on June 30, Ukraine’s “anti-terrorist operation” (ATO) headquarters said at least 13 Ukrainian military personnel had been killed on Friday.

More than 200 people on the government side have been killed, as well as hundreds of civilians and rebels, in more than two months of fighting in Russian-speaking eastern regions that want to

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Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko attends a news conference at the EU Council in Brussels June 27, 2014.

(Credit: Reuters/Philippe Wojazer)

quit Ukraine and join Russia.

Kiev said Ukrainian military personnel had sustained losses from sniper fire on its position near the rebel stronghold and flashpoint city of Slaviansk, where shelling has left roads pockmarked and buildings damaged and burnt out.

ATO headquarters said on Friday it had regained control of the nearby village of Mykolayivka after heavy fighting.

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“In the course of the operation, a large number of terrorists were taken prisoner and a significant arsenal of various weapons were taken,” a statement on Facebook said.

Slaviansk, a city of 130,000, and surrounding villages have been the main focus of Ukraine’s military drive to force out fighters loyal to rebel commander Igor Strelkov, a Muscovite.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Flyover collapses in Brazil World Cup host city (BBC News) A flyover has collapsed on to vehicles in the Brazilian World Cup host city of Belo Horizonte, killing two people.

The concrete and steel bridge, which was under construction, fell on to traffic on a busy highway.

A commuter bus was crushed, killing the driver, along with two unoccupied trucks. A body was also recovered from a car trapped beneath the rubble.

The south-eastern Brazilian city is due to host a football World Cup semi-final match next week.

The emergency services told Brazilian newspaper O Globo that the rescue operation had ended after a 15-hour operation to recover a man’s body from the mangled car.

The man was named as Charlys Frederico Nascimento, 25, and was the

second confirmed death after the bus driver Hanna Cristina Santos, also 25, died at the scene on Thurs-

day night.

Twenty-two people were also injured in the incident.

Officials said a forensic

team would start working immediately to try to identify the causes of the accident.

... it must be criminally investigated and those culpable face the full extent of the law (Trinidad Express)The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) has issued a statement is response to yesterday’s incident in East Port of Spain when CNC3 journalist Samuel McKnight and cameraman Mano Ragbir said they were threatened by soldiers with guns while on an assignment.

The following is MATT’s statement.

The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) views as alarming the action of members of the Defence Force on Thursday, when they sought to threaten and intimidate media workers covering a legitimate story in public space in Port of Spain.

If the claim is accurate, and we have no doubt it is, that the lives of journalists were threatened by a soldier pointing a gun at them, then it must be criminally investigated

(BBC News)Rescue workers in Honduras have freed three miners trapped in an informal gold mine in the south of the country.

The miners were taken to a hospital nearby. At least one of them had suffered an injury to his head.

Rescue workers are still searching for eight other

common in Honduras but the lack of adequate safety means serious accidents are not unusual.

The mine is in an area prone to landslides and earthquakes.

On Thursday the authorities said that 11 men had been rescued from the mine, but they soon corrected the

The emergency services worked for more than 15 hours to retrieve a body from a trapped car

MATT alarmed by threat to journalists by soldiers By the Multimedia Desk

Three miners rescued in Honduras, more remain trapped

and those culpable face the full extent of the law.

At the same time, law enforcements officers must be made to clearly understand the scope of their powers, and the role of the media.

MATT cannot take this matter lightly, given the continuing deterioration of relations between law enforcement and certain communities in Trinidad, and the increasing number of reports by journalists fearful of covering the news in the public interest.

MATT expects National Security Ministry Gary Griffith, and the seniors with the Police Service and Defence Force will investigate this latest report and act immediately as journalists must be free from fear in carrying out their journalistic duties.

The MATT is also advising all media workers to take the necessary precautions when in the field, and that media houses ensure the security of their staff.

Firefighters, volunteers and nearby residents have been helping with the rescue

miners who remain trapped.

The men were cut off on Wednesday after a landslide blocked their tunnel exit at the small mine near the town of El Corpus, about 110km (70 miles) south of the capital, Tegucigalpa.

Rescue workers do not know where the remaining eight miners are, or whether they are still alive.

Informal mines are

information.

President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras apologised for the “false report”.

“The lack of communication in the area caused the rescue workers to give us false information,” he said on Twitter, calling on people “not to lose hope” that the men would be rescued.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Destruction of a nation’s history DURING the recent past a senior member of this newspaper’s staff had to conduct some extensive research into a specific period of this nation’s history and became increasingly appalled at the state of the chronicles of Guyana’s historical data base.

The antipathetic staff of the archives, when apprised of the period of the research material required, was openly hostile and declared without apology or explanation, “For that kind of research you need to go to the library.”

Now we are talking about Guyana’s archives here. Nevertheless, she plodded on, and despite the fact that she asked for several other print media

covering that period, she was only given the ‘Chronicle’, the state organ, which was not very relevant to her research for the period that she needed the research data.

She was advised that much of the material of that period she was researching was missing and that they could not make copies from newspaper files, which is ironical for a national archives, so the Chronicle staff member had to use a camera to obtain copies.

However, she wasted much precious time in an effort to garner some relevant material pertinent to her requirements but, not unexpectedly, discovered that the then Chronicle Editor-in-Chief of the period had not been inclined to reporting facts as obtained

during some very crucial periods of Guyana’s history, especially specifying to a certain tragic and horrifying incident. She was unsurprised, given the nature of the person and, after wasting much precious time, she went to Red House.

At Red House the staff members were absolutely co-operative, extremely helpful – beyond the call of duty; and extremely efficient. They knew exactly where to find required information and proffered extra help in researching data.

At the reference section of the National Library the staff members were courteous and efficient and even when the staff member assigned to assist in photocopying the voluminous amount of pages identified

was due to leave for the day, as her shift had ended, she remained to complete working on the material.

At Mirror also, as is the norm, staff members, especially Manager and layout artist Nadira Shaw, and her assistant Vanita Mahadeo were patient, always extra co-operative, and efficient to the nth degree.

However, what was horrifying was the discovery that entire pages – and oftentimes several pages containing vital information for specific periods in Guyana’s history had been torn out of newspaper files. A nation’s historical treasures are being destroyed with these depredations and nobody seems to understand the nature of the human

beast and the need for surveillance when persons have access to historical data.

Past Librarians at the Chronicle archives – once the best in the country, had lovingly hoarded and guarded the files; and one remembers one of the dedicated managers of the Library at this newspaper, Charlene, fighting for years to have air conditioning in an attempt to preserve the decaying and yellowing newspaper files.

The last of Chronicle’s dedicated library staff members, Lucille and Robert, who seemingly had a roadmap in their heads for the library, have left.

Librarians need to guard against any and every one having access to the sanc-

tum of their respective libraries, which they need to guard with great zeal and dedication, because their responsibilities should be more than a job to them.

Librarians need to also zealously guard against perpetrators who are ignorant of the importance of preserving, intact, newspaper files and other pertinent documentation, as it should be considered a crime to destroy, or dispense with in any way, a country’s chronicles of its history.

They need to recognise, understand and appreciate that they are guardians of a sacred trust the nation’s history.

Who is the Communist and the ‘control freak’?

THE Alliance for Change (AFC) can no longer deny that its main objective is to make this nation ungovernable and so enable APNU to regain power in this country. The AFC’s agenda and that of the United Force (UF) party in the 1961-64 period are exactly the same.

Once again the AFC has been using the ‘Communist’ propaganda in order to feebly hold on to its support in Berbice.

The AFC’s Member of Parliament, Ramayya, on June 28 told Berbicians that since the PPP/C Government is a Communist one, then the US Embassy will stop issuing visas to Berbicians. Ramayya claimed that the same thing happened in the 1960’s when the PPP was in Government. This MP, indeed, has a knowledge deficit when it comes to Guyanese history or he

is deliberately trying to rewrite Guyana’s history to suit the AFC’s agenda.

In the period 1961-64, when the PPP was in Government there was no problem in getting a US visa, in fact, many Guyanese migrated to the U.S. in those days to escape racially instigated violence in Guyana.

This trend had continued until the US began to place visa restrictions to stem the migration flow to the US. It became increasingly difficult for Guyanese to obtain visas during the PNC dictatorship until they had to resort to the infamous ‘backtrack’ route which eventually destroyed and tore many families apart.

Now once again during the PPP/C tenure in Government, almost every Guyanese can obtain a US visa without the fabrication of volumes of documentation and without the great hassles during the PNC era.

On May 10 this year,

The AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan used the same ploy when he told Berbicians that ‘this Communist PPP Government’ will cause the US Embassy to take away or revoke their visas and that they will stop issuing visas to them, ‘all hell will break loose and you will not get your visa.’

Do Ramjattan and Ramayya know more about the modus operandi of the US Embassy than anyone else? Are they privy to inside information or are they making suggestions to the US Embassy? Do they want the US Embassy to act on their suggestions? I think the last question is more in line with their agenda!

Instead of spreading falsehood, I want the AFC to provide factual evidence to prove to the Guyanese people that the PPP/C is governing this country using the Communist ideology.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The PPP/C Government should be dis-

tinguished from the PPP as a political party and this is what the AFC has failed to realise. The economic policy is that of capitalism, the private sector is encouraged, foreign investments are encouraged, there is no price control, the forces of supply and demand are allowed to function, private property is protected and encouraged, there are many independent media houses, and there is no Central Committee making decisions, and the list goes on. The PPP has maintained its strong working class link and that is vital for the survival for the poor people of this country. Is this the Communism that the PPP is guilty of practising? Unlike the AFC, the PPP is not a hypocrite to the cause of the poor and down trodden!

Furthermore, to give credence to his Communist theory, MP Ramayya on this same programme accused the PPP of ‘control

freakism.’ But I want to submit here that Ramayya himself is the biggest ‘control freak.’ Here is the evidence. In February 2012, when I was unanimously elected as the AFC’s Regional Management Committee Chairman and Councillor, Donna Mathoo as the Secretary, Ramayya wanted us to do his bidding to raise funds to ‘repay’ him $4.5 M and when we refused to do so he called a new election behind our backs and installed a new chairman and secretary he could manipulate. He selected himself as the vice-chairman to ensure he has control over the inflow of monies and what is going on within the RMC. Ramayya had no bills to substantiate the spending of $4.5M and neither was he authorised to do so and then he rigged the elections to gain control, so who is the ‘control freak’? Then to confirm his ‘control freakism’ Ramayya

told his viewers that’ if you feel I am saying something wrong don’t call me.’ This man beats the late L.F.S Burnham by miles! Imagine the AFC programme is a ‘call in’ one, yet Ramayya does not want callers to tell him that he is wrong.

Then this MP who claims to be a capitalist warned Berbicians that they should only read the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News since the Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicle are not reliable sources of information. However, Ramayya seems to be oblivious of the numerous apologies appearing in small rectangular boxes in both these newspapers mentioned.

As a Member of Parliament, he even wants to control which media one should read.

Who is the Communist and who is the ‘control freak’?

HASEEF YUSUF AFC CouncillorRegion 6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

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What is good for the goose is also good for the gander THERE has been a lot of press coverage of the speech that was read by the Hon. Priya Manickchand, in her capacity of acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the residence of outgoing US Ambassador, Dr. Brent Hardt in observance of America’s 238th anniversary of its independence.

Referring to recent comments made by US Ambassador Brent Hardt, where he lashed out at P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d R amotar, accusing him of being an inconsistent defender of the Constitution by “...ignoring the Constitution’s very clear requirement to hold Local Government elections and, for that matter, to return Bills to Parliament no more than 21 days after they are sent to him,” provoked the following response from the acting Foreign Minister: “He has, in our view, gone beyond the boundaries of professionalism and diplomacy.

For a professional service officer to make such dec-

larations, allegations and accusations and innuendos about the Executive President of Guyana, or of any country for that matter, is, to our minds, totally unacceptable; this situation is intolerable. The Ambassador has been associated with a dedicated attack on the President and on the Government…. The Ambassador has been supported in this ill-conceived venture by the Opposition section of the media and his colleagues in the diplomatic corps.”

For this, she was criticised by known critics of the ruling party and Government.

I have no problem with the content of this speech, for the US has not always respected the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana. There is documented evidence of efforts by the

United States and Great Britain to destabilise our country after independence, denying our people the right to a Government of their choice for many, many years, quite possibly resulting in the hardships our

people have endured during that period.

It is high time that Guyana finally found the courage to tell the Ambassador that we will not tolerate outside interference in our domestic policies.

Being the Ambassador of the United States does not give Brent Hardt the right to disrespect our

President and our country.

Had a Guyanese diplomat stationed in the US been justly accused of meddling in the domestic affairs of the United States, The Government of Guyana would have been asked to recall that diplomat. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

My problem though, lies with the unpatriotic behaviour of prominent members of the Opposition, who, by their silence, seemed to approve Ambassador Hardt’s public criticism of our Head of State.

Where was the outcry? A politician may have serious differences with the administration, but it is downright unpatriotic for any member of the Opposition, especially those aspiring leaders, to boo Minister Manickchand during the reading of her speech, for defending Guyana’s sovereignty and her Constitution.

At this level, protocol dictates that a copy of the US Ambassador’s speech would have been

sent to the Foreign Affairs Ministry days before, and an appropriate response would have been drafted by that Ministry, after going through several layers of speech-writers. The drafters would have been guided by both the Ambassador’s speech, and his relationship with the Guyana Government. As such, the speech delivered by Acting Foreign Minister Manickchand would have been a direct response from the Government of Guyana to the US Ambassador, Dr. Brent Hardt. It is possible that the final copy was further amended before it reached Minister Manickchand who, as acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, was charged with the responsibility to deliver same at the Ambassador’s function.

In fairness to Minister Manickchand, that very speech would have been delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett had she been in Guyana, and should have been de-

livered by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had he not been meeting with hinterland scholars during their graduation exercise at the Amerindian Village at Sophia, a function that falls directly under the portfolio of the Minister of Education, the Hon. Priya Manickchand.

Those who know Minister Priya Manickchand would willingly testify that she does not deliver speeches from prepared text. She speaks from the heart with conviction. This was echoed

by APNU’s Parliamentarian, Attorney James Bond who told iNews, “I don’t think she wrote that speech by the way. That’s not her tone, that’s not Ms. Manickchand.”

It would also be nice to hear Attorney James Bond’s thoughts on any foreign diplomat who frequently use disparaging remarks about our country, while enjoying the hospitality of our Native Land!

NAME WITHHELD

8

APNU has not seen any no-confidence motion

-Granger

By Ravin Singh

LEADER of the Opposition Brigadier David Granger, yesterday, at A Partnership For National Unity’s (APNU) weekly press conference at his Hadfield Street office disclosed to the media that “APNU has not seen any motion of no-confidence in the Government.”

Granger was at the time responding to a question as to the outcome of the meeting held yesterday between members of A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (AFC) who are seeking to table a no-confidence motion against the present administration.

The Opposition leader explained that the meeting held yesterday was an

Opposition leader David Granger exploratory one where the party (APNU) sought to reel in information from the AFC about “what they had in mind and what their intentions were” regarding the motion.

AFC’s vice-chairman Moses Nagamootoo last week indicated that the party

was considering the movement of a no-confidence motion against the Government.

Nagamootoo, in an article in Wednesday’s edition of the Stabroek News, under the headline ‘AFC considering no-confidence motion against Gov’t’, lamented that such a move is seriously being contemplated by his party. However, he acknowledged that a no-confidence motion would have to be supported by the main Opposition. Last Friday, APNU endorsed this possibility as a serious consideration.

According to Granger, however, “we are aware that an announcement was made by the AFC but we were not informed about the conditionality or about the actual text of the motion.”

He further stressed that APNU has not yet seen the motion and “we don’t know

if a motion is being drafted” adding that it is not likely that there will be a no-confidence vote until other avenues are explored and have failed.

“In that regard APNU insisted that its main concern was to prevent the unauthorised expenditure of more funds and to put measures in place to prevent the Government from spending or from accessing funds which were not approved by the National Assembly. We are working with the AFC in order to ensure that the immediate aim of bringing a halt to unauthorised expenditure is achieved,” the Opposition Leader said.

Granger concluded by reiterating that as far as the motion is concerned, ”APNU has not seen any motion of no-confidence in the Government.”

Man remanded for burglarising cousin’s apartment of $324,000

By Geeta Rampersaud THIRTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Kurt Perreira, an unemployed man of Lot 39 Princes Street, Georgetown, appeared yesterday before Georgetown Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty to answer to the charge that, on June 12 at Princes Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Nickel McKay and stole one Blackberry cellular phone, one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone, $10,000 cash Guyana currency, 20 jerseys and 9 jeans, together valued at $324,000.

Police prosecutor Corporal Seon Blackman said the victim and the defendant are cousins and both reside in the same building, but in different apartments in the upper flat.

On the day in question, at about 06:45 hrs, the victim secured his home by the means provided and left for work; but when she returned she observed the defendant running away from the building with a haversack, whereupon she gave chase, but Perreira managed to escape and the articles mentioned in the particulars were discovered missing and were not recovered.

The prosecutor successfully objected to bail being granted to Perreira on the grounds of the nature of the offence, the punishment it attracts, and the likelihood that the defendant may tamper with the witness, since they live in the same building.

Perreira pleaded not guilty to the offence, but was remanded to prison until July 22, when the matter would be called again in court.

Elderly man remanded for possession of marijuana

By Geeta Rampersaud

A FIFTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD businessman busted with marijuana at his home on Tuesday was remanded to prison by Georgetown Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Lloyd Allen denied the allegation, and will return to court on July 11 for report and fixtures.

Details of the charge allege that on Monday June 30, at Lot 163 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown, he had in his possession 470 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

Allen was represented by Attorney-at-law, Mr. Euclin Gomes, who pleaded that several other persons occupied the same address, including sons and grandsons of the defendant.

He added that at the time the ranks visited, several other persons were there watching a football game, and the alleged room was not particularly occupied by any person at the time.

On those grounds, the defence lawyer requested that Allen be admitted to bail in a reasonable sum.

However, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor Oswald Massiah asked that bail be denied. He said a party of officers visited the defendant’s home at around 15:00 hrs, where they also met with two other males who are not visitors, but friends of Allen.

The defendant was taken into custody after a search was conducted and the illegal substance was found in a room.

Massiah noted that, in the presence of the other two men, Allen admitted that one of them lives at the bottom flat of his home, however, the two men denied they had anything to do with the alleged cannabis.

Magistrate McLennan told the court that having considered the facts related by the prosecutor and the defence attorney, the court was not satisfied that special reasons were provided for the defendant to be granted bail, so Allen was remanded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

At the Better Hope vendor’s murder trial …

Collymore pointed out as killer of Jermain Simon WHEN the trial of Tony Collymore who is accused of murdering America Street plantain chip vendor Jermain Simon of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, continued yesterday, the jury was told that Collymore was pointed out as the killer of Simon.

This story was told to the jury by Sherwin Simon, brother of the deceased, who was also known as “Plantain Chips Man.” Sherwin, a witness for the prosecution, told presiding judge Franklyn Holder that he and his brother left Better Hope in the normal course of their duties selling plantain chips when his brother was attacked in Georgetown and bored with an ice pick by a man named Tony Collymore.

The incident it is said followed a row among vendors and the calling of nicknames by each other.

The accused had been referred to as Tony Collymore and State Prosecutor, Ms.Diana Kaulesar asked the witness whether he would be able to recognise Collymore if he sees him again and he replied in the affirmative pointing to the accused Tony Collymore in the dock.

The witness testified that he was about 15 feet away from the vendors in America Street, Georgetown, when he saw Collymore firing “jucks” at his brother with an ice pick.

His brother received injuries to his left side chest and neck.

He said that at the hospital he pointed out the accused to the police and the police arrested him and took him into custody, where he was subsequently charged. The witness said that he did not see any blood because his brother was bleeding inwardly.

The witness will be subjected to cross-examination by defence counsel Mr. Euclin Gomes when the trial continues on Tuesday. (George Barclay)

Prisoner who hid dope in his anus sentenced to 48 months, fined $10,000

By Geeta Rampersaud FORTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Roger Samuels of Punt Trench Dam, Independence Boulevard, Georgetown appeared, yesterday, before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to the charge that on June 27 at Camp Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 68 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

Police prosecutor Inspector Joel Ricknauth said that on the day in question, the defendant and other prisoners were returning from the Police Sports Club when it was observed that Samuels was walking in an unusual manner, so he was taken to the Medex for an anal examination, which unearthed a white plastic bag containing the substance.

The prosecutor said Samuels was told of the offence committed, and he responded, “I have to hustle!”

Samuels unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the offence.

According to the defendant, the police were planning for him, and on that day a Medex pushed her hand up his ‘bamsy.’

He said he is a hardworking person and is pleading guilty to the charge because he does not wish to make a long story out of it.

He also explained that he is presently serving a fouryear sentence on a simple larceny matter, and has fourteen months remaining on that term. He added that he is a father of three, and his child-mother is dead.

Samuels complained that prison is hard, and he begged the magistrate to have mercy on him, because he has to purchase everything he needs in prison.

He was fined $10,000 and sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

Concerns over accuracy of Mayor Green’s exorbitant fuel bill could have been avoided - if recommendations in Burrowes Commission of Inquiry report were implemented OLD Kai recently had cause to question the seeming lax attitude on the part of Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green when it came to the implementation of the Keith Burrowes report to improve transparency and accountability in the functioning of the M&CC. He was reported in a Kaieteur News article in January 2014 as explaining that the Municipality consists of an administration or political directorate and once “we the political directorate accept the content, philosophy of a report or recommendation, there’s not much else we can do; it is now left in every society, to the bureaucracy to implement those decisions.”

This perception of helplessness on the part of the Council to direct and ensure plans and policies are Minister Norman implemented being Whittaker proffered by Mayor Green seems odd, especially since Old Kai had cause to highlight other instances, such as in a Stabroek News article in 2010, where the Chief Citizen had explained that the Council had the power over the ‘Bureaucracy’ to direct how funds are expended.

Let us also contrast Mayor Green’s projection of helplessness in January this year to his position on June 2, at a press conference hosted by the M&CC, where it was maintained that the Council, “…is a local government authority with its powers and authority set out in

the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, with specific reference to sections three to eight which grants full authority to the body to carry out its mandate and responsibility to the citizens of Georgetown.”

It was the Deputy-Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, who at the very media event warned Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker to desist from interacting with the staff. She was quoted as saying, “I do not know what the minister is trying to do…but the officers are not being paid by the Minister of local Government but by the council…”

All the minister was trying to do is to encourage the M&CC to begin implementation of the Burrowes report, so that citizens can benefit from improved services. When the minister visited Mayor Green and the Opposition dominated Council recently to push forward with this effort, he was ignored and had to leave.

Mayor Hamilton Could it be that the OpGreen position controlled Council is deliberately attempting to sidetrack efforts by the PPP/C Government to improve transparency. And if so, why?

To get a better understanding, we will need to go back to the Burrowes report as one of the issues highlighted was the issuing of gasoline. Mr. Keith Burrowes was quoted as saying, on June 16, 2012, that “…The findings show the issuing of gasoline and diesel to be unbelievably high. It means, therefore, fuel not only goes to the officials vehicles, it has to be going somewhere else.”

Yesterday, Old Kai had cause to highlight the

fact that the Town Clerk Carol Sooba, in April this year, had raised concerns with the fuel consumption pattern of Mayor Green. She had pointed out that 12 days after his vehicle was provided with over 30 gallons of gasoline, the Mayor requested a refund for gasoline he reportedly purchased during this period to the tune of $100,000. This meant that the Mayor reportedly used in excess of two drums of fuel to attend the Council’s business in Georgetown during this period.

Old Kai is not accusing the Mayor of anything; I would prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt that as Chief Citizen and his often stated concern, commitment and legacy of accountability and transparency, plus his immense concern for and tireless efforts to work towards improving services to the CitiMr. Keith Burrowes zenry of Georgetown that he would not engage in any form of skullduggery which would in turn deprive them of necessary resources from the Council.

However, the fact remains that concerns have indeed been raised, so rather than attacking efforts by the PPP/C Government and the Minister of Local Government to implement the Burrowes recommendations which would have prevented such concerns from being raised in the first instance, Mayor Green and his allies in the City Council would be better off supporting such an initiative for the benefit of our Capital City.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Manickchand ‘delivered a legitimate blast, a feral blast’

-Dr Luncheon

By Telesha Ramnarine CABINET Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon yesterday said Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand, in relying on Article 37 of Guyana’s Constitution, “delivered a legitimate blast, a feral blast,” in response to United States (US) Ambassador Brent Hardt.

Luncheon was speaking in context of the reported showdown between Hardt and the Government of Guyana last Wednesday evening at the commemoration of the 238th Independence Anniversary of the U.S., held at his Cummingslodge residence.

Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, in Georgetown, Luncheon observed that Hardt, who is slated to leave Guyana on July 6,

elected to go out in a “blaze of contention.”

Apart from disregarding the issues of timing and that of a captive audience, Luncheon said Hardt launched a broadside against President Donald Ramotar, the Government of Guyana, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

“His (Hardt) remarks came perilously close to the ranting of the current Opposition parties,” Luncheon said, and he saw it fit to accuse the President of duplicity regarding constitutional rectitude and to have the intellect of PPP General Secretary Rohee belittled.

“Amazingly, the outgoing US Ambassador felt it necessary to remind the Blue Cappers about the comparable grounds for insurrection between the

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon 1776 issues that faced King George, the time of the birth of the nation, and that which is facing President Ramotar in his 2011-2016 term in office, with regards to local government elections and other political issues. He went on in a tirade exploiting the occasion, the young minds of the captive Blue Cap Audience,” Luncheon remarked.

Government to refurbish Camp Street building to house SOCU THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been provided with a headquarters building on Camp Street, adjacent to the Central Immigration Office, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon informed yesterday.

The intended headquarters of SOCU will be located south of the Immigration Office, Luncheon disclosed at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, in Georgetown.

Furthermore, he informed that Cabinet will consider the estimates that have been submitted for the rehabilitation of the building and for the resourcing of SOCU which entails recruitment of staff and associated expenditure.

“Our hope is that these non-legislative interventions in the regime of anti-money laundering national character would indeed be fast-tracked and support will be provided at all levels in having this most recent initiative completed.”

The formation of a functioning and effective SOCU and its dedication to investigating anti-money laundering crimes will remain on the front burner, Luncheon had said at an earlier press conference.

SOCU’s creation was in response to non-parliamentary recommendations from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

He said, yesterday, the efforts of the Government and the multitude of respon-

sible stakeholders have not been in vain.

“The machinations of the opposition have failed. Presidential Adviser Ms. Gail Teixeira disclosed that after comprehensive consideration by FATF, at its June plenary, Guyana was not considered for further blacklisting.

“Instead, Guyana having being referred to FATF by CFATF would be subjected to a targeted review. The targeted review that was imposed at that plenary would provide four months for further work on achieving FATF compliant legislation and would entail reviews by FATF that would be conducted by the North American Branch of FATF. In essence, until the reporting in October 2014 that would be made at FATF plenary Guyana will have that period to achieve FATF compliant legislation.”

Dr Luncheon said the Government has focused its attention on the enactment of FATF compliant legislation but, also in the context of the review, has also dedicated attention to the non-legislative recommendations that were submitted

by CFATF during the third round of the multilateral evaluation mechanism of Guyana.

“Cabinet had favourably pronounced on matters related to that non-legislative recommendation, specifically heightening investigation and prosecution of money laundering offences,” he said. (Telesha Ramnarine)

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand “Article 37 of the Constitution of Guyana says the state supports the legitimate aspirations of other people for freedom and independence and will establish relations with all states on the basis of sovereign

(US) Ambassador Brent Hardt equality, mutual respect, in viability of frontiers, territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of dispute, non-intervention in internal affairs, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the

state will cooperate among other states,” Dr Luncheon asserted.

He pointed out that Article 37 was an imperative that guided Cabinet and the Government in the content of its response to the American Ambassador.

Meanwhile, at the event Wednesday, Manickchand accused Hardt of creating tensions between Guyana and the U.S., and for the position he took on many local issues, positions she deemed hypocritical.

Manickchand said there is a red line in diplomatic relations, and Hardt has crossed that line. She made no bones about the fact that diplomatic relations demand a commitment to accuracy, referring to misconceptions peddled on the hosting of local government elections.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

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ACDA/COLAACO School launches playpen for their students

By Shivanie Sugrim THE African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA/COLAACO) on Wednesday inaugurated a playpen to offer recreational space to their students, apart from academic pursuits at the ACDA headquarters at Thomas Lands.

During the ceremony brief addresses regarding the concept of recreation for children were delivered by ACDA’s executive member, Mr. Eric Phillips, Consular/ Youth Developer, Mr. Steve David, Chairman of the New Building Society, Mr. Floyd Mc Donald and Leader of the Opposition and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), David Granger.

“Play is an essential part of children’s development process…” Mr. Phillips stated in his opening remarks as he highlighted the school’s development.

He noted that they are seeking to ensure that the stuAfter the inauguration of the playpen the children enjoy their recreational space as officials look on dents receive a comprehensive education through academic and recreational activities, and recreational space would serve physical, mental and social development through playing.

Meanwhile, Mr. Granger underscored those views and also addressed the role of authority in relation to children’s pursuit of academic excellence. He also referred to the importance of leadership, while noting that leaders should leave a legacy and inspire children to perform their best academic-wise.

Meanwhile, Mr. Granger pointed out that the recreation space would enable the students to foster creativity, exercise competence and develop their decisionmaking abilities. He further noted that the children would learn about balance and resolving conflicts in a non-violent way and this is quite essential for their development.

The New Building Society was commended for their support throughout the development of the ACDA/COLAACO (Centre of Learning & Afro-Centric Orientation) school and Mr. Mc Donald stated that the society will continue to support the institution in its endeavours.

The children of the school also participated in the ceremony by singing and reciting poems for the audience, who enjoyed their spirited renditions.

ACDA is a registered non-profit organisation. It runs a remedial school, provides social and cultural support to Africans, and has many village groups, weekly cultural activities and has also established the COLAACO nursery and primary school.

Indecent exposure accused no longer employed at Home Affairs THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Wednesday, in a press statement referred to an article published in the Kaiteur News of July 01, 2014 with the caption: ‘Senior Government Official Charged with Indecent Exposure’, and informed that the person in question is no longer employed with that ministry.

MOHA added that the person in question ‘Mr. Narine Chattergoon, aka ‘Ken’, who claimed as reported in the article “to be a big one with the Ministry of Home Affairs” is no longer employed by the Ministry.

Mr. Chattergoon’s contract was terminated with effect from August 1st 2013 and he does not have any other affiliation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, MOHA added.

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Road Users Group to overlook construction of East Bank Berbice Road

Mrs. Bernice Duncan during her engagement with members of the RUG at the Church View Hotel

By Michael Khan THE International Development Bank (IDB), through the EXP Engineering Consulting firm of Canada, has formed a Road Users Group (RUG) to monitor the construction of the ‘new’ East Bank of Berbice road.

Following a meeting at the Edingburgh Primary School with East Bank residents on June 25, a proposal was made to establish a special committee to represent

“I want to know if we will indeed get a new road or, come this October, it will be more patch work as is the case with the politicians, until we decide to take matters in our own hands”? he asked.

His question was not well received by the majority of the group, as one man was heard muttering: “This guy needs to listen more and cease talking ...”

Ms. Duncan reminded the gathering that their focus should be on acting as

glitches in the ‘mega project’ which is expected to commence in October.

Other leading entities will be invited to become stakeholders in the proposed project, among those mentioned are: Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company (GT&T); New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council (N/A M&TC), the East Berbice/ Corentyne Regional Democratic Council (R.D.C);

A section of the East Bank of Berbice Road

their community and offer recommendations and report any form of discrepancies during the rebuilding of the thoroughfare.

On July 2, Social Engagement Specialist of EXP, Bernice Duncan, met with 14 members of RUG at a specially convened meeting in New Amsterdam, where Ramesh Maraj and Samuel Mona were elected as spokespersons of the group for all formal engagements.

During the session, the group had many agreements and disagreements, with president of the East Bank Hire Car Drivers’ Association, Maxwell Semple, raising a number of contentious and at times frivolous points which forced Ms. Duncan to relocate him from his seat.

a liaison between the construction team and the East Bank community, and not to ‘bicker’ on less important issues.

“The construction of the road has nothing to do with politics .... the only thing is - each Government has a vision for its country and that vision may not be able to afford all of your desires,” she said, adding: “I want you to know that your Government is committed to providing a new road (on the East Bank of Berbice).”

The IDB has specific requirements and one such is the active involvement of an environmental and social services officer to engage the prospective road construction firm regularly; to ensure that there are no

the Enfield/New Doe Park Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) and, the media.

Duncan reminded that there are lots of works to be done, with members of the RUG building trust among themselves. “You need to respect the judgement of each other as you seek to engage the construction stakeholders and the wider community,” she said.

In the interim, the Government of Guyana will be expending $60M on repair works along the 26 mile thoroughfare to bring relief to road users on the East Bank of Berbice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Scotia Bank supports UGBC reading programme

By Michael Khan IN an effort to assist the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) with its summer reading programme, Scotia Bank (New Amsterdam) recently presented a cheque valued $100,000 which will go towards ensuring that slow learners are taught new reading techniques.

The annual programme is run through the library department of the campus and is held during the first part of the summer holidays.

Head of the UGBC library, Symone La Rose, explained that the programme targets slow learners from a selected school, and in the past, University students were invited to teach during the three-week activity. According to La Rose, the same

approach is being used this year.

“These students or volunteers undergo a crash course in teaching reading; the training of teachers’ course is facilitated by reading specialists attached to the Ministry of Education.”

Ten to fifteen volunteers are targeted to run the three week programme which will run from July 14 to 31, and 60 students are being targeted for the venture.

“We want no more than five to six in a classroom, so that the child gets individual attention,” La Rose noted.

She said before the commencement of the programme, visits are made to the school that has been selected and slow learners are identified and invited to participate.

“An assessment is done

to see which school in close proximity to the campus has the need for that particular training,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Branch Manager Scotia Bank New Amsterdam, Vibert Jones, in presenting the cheque to Assistant Director of UGBC, Jacqueline Murray, said that the bank was reaching out to the learning institution based on a request, and Scotia Bank acknowledges the importance that education plays in development of youths.

“This donation is really in keeping with our bright future programme which is geared to enhance the lives of young people; we at Scotia Bank truly believe that with education, we can go a far way because it is the ‘master key’ for success,’ he declared.

UG’s Berbice Campus administration outlines developmental plans

By Michael Khan THE acting Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC), Dr. Subramaniam Gomathinayagam (Gomes), and his deputy, Mrs. Jacqueline Murray, plan to lift the institution by enhancing the physical environment and fostering good relations with the 650 students on roll.

Dr. Gomes, an Indian national, has been working at UGBC since 2005 and is proud to assist in lifting the status of the Campus.

“My staff is very co-operative, including my Assistant Director,” he said, adding , “It is a good opportunity to develop UGBC with a team of 28 lecturers, which includes 23 with Master’s Degrees.”

Dr. Gomes also has a Master’s Degree, as well as a Doctorate in Plant and Soil Biology, and has done extensive work in Plant and Soil Microbiology in India.

Murray would like Berbicians and Guyanese as a whole to know that there are quite capable people here, “ and we have the skills and people with the relevant experience in the education sector.”

The Assistant Director stressed that the staff at UGBC does not lack

ambition. “We may from time to time have troubles in terms of money, but like any institution or any home, finance is something we have to manage and we are managing with whatever we have at this point in time.”

The rogrammes being offered at the campus are growing and two new degree programmes will commence shortly, with the Bachelor of Social Work Degree already in progress and the Degree in Biology to come on stream in September. Additionally, four online programmes have also come on stream: Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Math & Physics, and Environment. They are working towards bringing the online Degree programme in Chemistry too.

“We would really like to have the support of the public, because we know for any institution to grow, there has to be a partnership with the institution and the private sector; we are reliant on the goodwill of people if we are to survive, and we are here to serve them,” Murray said.

Ms. Murray has a Bachelor of Education Degree as well as two Master’s Degrees in Finance, Accounting and Management and a Master of Education

Degree. She is currently reading for her Doctorate in Business Administration.

C u r r e n t l y, r e s e a r c h is being done on mushrooms and DNA from plant pathogens. Soil testing is also being done to cure various plant diseases, including rice and cash crop diseases, in collaboration with the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Albion Estate.

Administrative Officer of UGBC, Mr. David Cort revealed that the campus’s Annual Reading Programme will commence on July 14 and Grades 5 and 6 students of the McGowan Primary School will be the beneficiaries, while a network meeting with the private sector through the combined Chambers of Commerce is also in the planning.

It should be noted that the Cari-Science Conference, General Meeting and Symposium, which is a mega- Science meeting of all Caribbean countries, will be held from August 28-29, 2014, at UGBC, where over 25 member states will participate.

The campus has a ten-member Advisory Committee that governs its internal affairs, to charter a vision for the campus with input from the private sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Corentyne accident victims buried

Angela Bagot stands looking at the three caskets bearing her daughters Tabita and Waneta, along with her granddaughter Shammiah

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric AS they lay in their cream and gold caskets under the newly constructed home which they laboured with their mother to build at Phillipi Village, Corentyne, Berbice, teenage sisters Tabitha La Toya Bagot and Malika Waneta Bagot, together with their three-year-old niece Shamaine, were each adorned in bridal apparel, seemingly dressed for an occasion that would never be, as their lives were snuffed out prematurely by the reckless actions of an allegedly drunken driver.

Bagot to forgive the accused man, “although what he did was wrong”.

“Let bygones be bygones.

Let peace and love be the message,” Pastor Bagot emphasised as he thumped the lectern at the makeshift church under the home of the deceased, where hundreds braved the rising temperatures to get a last glimpse of the girls, whose only reason for being on the road that fateful evening was to purchase a phone card to call their mother who, just two weeks before, had migrated to the United States of America.

Expressions of gratitude

man of the cloth observed, a pedestrian crossing has been painted a short distance from the Bagot’s home, an act which he had hoped for, for a long time. And while he is pleased with the road safety sign, he has expressed displeasure over a newspaper report which indicated that the parents of the deceased were threatening the parents of the accused drunken driver.

“That is untrue. Our family motto is ‘Peace and Love is the message’. I don’t know who gave that report,” he disclosed.

At their home-going service last Friday, testimonies

Mourners as they walked to the final resting place for Tabitha, Waneta and Shamaine at Kildonan Village, Corentyne

The three female victims of the Corentyne highway motor accident succumbed almost immediately after the driver of the silver coloured Toyota Spacio motor car, PPP 5842, slammed into them moments after they had exited a village shop at Phillipi, where they had intended to purchase phone cards to telephone their United States based mother, Angela Bagot.

Despite their horrific and untimely deaths, Pastor Egbert Bagot, conveying at the funeral service, extended the proverbial olive branch to the family of Naresh Persaud, and publicly asked Angela

were extended to President Donald Ramotar, along with other ministers, members of the parliamentary Opposition, regional officials, and a host of other persons who “did not just walk the walk but talked the talk in tangible ways”.

P a s t o r B a g o t ’s t w i n brother, Pastor Ewart Bagot, who was also officiating at the service, warned the congregation not to blame anyone for the triple-tragedy.

“Fingers will be pointing in various directions, but before you point, take a look at yourself,” he cautioned.

Since the incident, the

of hard work were echoed by many speakers, as some recounted stories of the teenage girls who would ride to neighbouring villages along the Corentyne coastline to sell homemade cakes made by their mother. The proceeds from their efforts resulted in a wooden and concrete edifice being erected, which the Bagots now call home.

But while they had accomplished one aspect of their dream, there was much more to be accomplished, Opposition Leader Mr. David Granger observed.

“They never had a chance

to walk in the Rupununi Savannahs…hardly started to live. They should have looked forward to having an education, getting married… hardly had the opportunity to leave the village of Phillipi,” Granger lamented.

However, while the retired Brigadier noted that death was not unique to the Corentyne Coast, he recounted the many accidents which spanned the coastline over the past decade, and urged villagers not to allow the death of the girls to be another statistic, but instead something that should alert Government representatives to install “more lights…. more effective law enforcement….”

Regional Chairman David Armogan, expressing condolences on behalf of the Government, recalled the incident two weeks ago, which forced a once peaceful village to be thrown in deep mourning.

“An act of ignorance….

Act reprehensible by a young man who did not know what he was doing…. The act in this closely knit community has moved villagers to a point of tears, as three children who had a promise…all dreams and aspirations shattered.

“From the information I received, these girls worked with their mother who baked and sold cakes in their community to build their house….

The circumstances in which

they were called away were devastating. No one imagined that when they left home to do some purchases they would not be returning…….”

And Mr. Patrick Findlay, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Human Services, encouraged the bereaved to find comfort in God, who never forsakes anyone.

Following the girls’ deaths, Government Pathologist Dr. Vivikanand Brijmohan had revealed that threeyear-old Shamaine Cort died as a result of a broken neck.

Her aunts, Tabitha and Wanita Bagot, succumbed as a result of multiple injuries. Most of their bones were broken.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

NATI Career Fair and Open Day draws enthusiastic response

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric THE New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), of Garrison Road, Fort Ordinance, East Berbice, recently held a collaborative Career Fair and Open Day under the theme ‘Transforming the classroom for the 21st century’ in a bid to highlight its training programmes.

In his feature address, Deputy Regional Executive Officer Mr. Imran Ally told his audience that learners must master more than the core curriculum to succeed in the secondary and tertiary institutions and in the workplace.

‘The Partnership for 21st Century Skills’, a national organisation advocating 21st century readiness for every student, explained the outcome of this transformation as a fusing of the traditional three Rs, namely ‘reading’, ’riting’, and ‘ritmathetic’, with the four Cs: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration’; and Mr Ally said it has been discovered that as students develop the four Cs, effective application of the vital technological skills requires the acquisition of technology, which must be placed into the hands of students.

Encouraging the paradigm shift in roles, Ally said that educators and policy-makers, having realised that their students are capable and independent technology users who can create inspiring digital masterpieces, often question solemnly how they can fit it all in.

However, he stressed,

A student from the electrical department answering the questions of visitors

a new mindset of teaching through technology must emerge, one which depends on a vital shift in the teacher/ student roles.

And Regional Chairman Mr. David Armogan, speaking in the capacity of Chairman of the NATI Board, noted that the programmes need to be adapted to changing times.

“NATI, as a dynamic institution, needs to look to see where areas are open for training to fill the needs of industry. Technical and vocational training is pushed in a big way, even as our country has recorded a progressive growth rate economically over the past six years,” he said.

“Agro-based industries are on the rise, and as such we have to be able to design suitable programmes to fulfil those needs…. While some are rooted in traditional areas,

such as commercial, plumbing, electrical; these days, we have to think outside the box…

“Look at what is likely to come in the near future. Guyana does not have a school of skilled labour; we have to be able to train young people to become a cadre of human resources that employers can utilise,” Armogan said.

NATI Principal [ag] Maxine Thompson, in brief opening remarks, noted that the technical/vocational education and training [TVET] programme which is pursued by the student body was once looked upon as a programme for school drop-outs, low achievers, and those who are good with their hands; but TVET has taken on a stronger image, over the years, in view of the fact that in our developing world there is dire need for growth in industries.

“People must now be

equipped with the necessary skills to manage such industries. The changing face of TVET now requires its pursuant to have a strong background in Mathematics, Science and English Language,” she posited.

During the institution’s annual Open Day, prospective entrants and their parents get the opportunity to interact with lecturers in an effort to discover which programme might best suit the entrant.

Analisa Cummings told this publication that, after listening to the speakers, she is now questioning whether it was a right decision for her to ‘drop out’ of secondary school.

“I had several challenges.

My mother was incapable of keeping me and my other siblings in school; so, not having the adequate finances to assist in school-based assessments (SBA), I dropped out. But now (that) I am

hearing about the need of having a strong background in Maths (and) English, along with Science and Technology, I wonder……” she trailed off.

However, encouraged to fill an application form prior to writing the aptitude test, the 17-year-old readily submitted the document with the relevant fee, and is hoping that life would give her a second chance.

Her story is not an isolated case, as many prospective entrants who spoke to this reporter recounted the many challenges of life which they faced in their predominantly single-parent homes. The New Amsterdam Technical Institute, in their opinion, is an institution for those who choose to work with their hands in order to make worthy careers from skills acquired.

Apart from familiarising themselves with the programmes, visitors were afforded the opportunity to visit various booths, including that of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), where they were informed of the roles and benefits of the compulsory contributory scheme.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) was able to educate its viewers -- including students and teachers from several secondary schools in the Berbice townships -- on the prepaid meter, the network rehab project, and how to avoid disconnection; while visitors to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) booth were given application forms for entry into the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) programmes and the Guyana

School of Agriculture.

There was, meanwhile, tremendous interest in the booth manned by the Brick Layers, (a non-governmental organisation which addresses sexually-transmitted diseases and other related issues) as scores of visitors to the booth were reminded of the need to have a healthy lifestyle. Condoms were freely distributed after a brief demonstration on how they must be fitted.

Other organisations on display were the Guyana Fire Service (GFS); The Guyana Police Force (GPF); and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, which highlighted its youth entrepreneurial skills training (YEST) programmes.

The New Amsterdam Technical Institute offers full time and evening courses.

Applicants must be at least fifteen years old on the prospective year of entry to be eligible to attend full time courses, and eighteen years old by the said date to attend evening courses.

For Level I training, applicants must have successfully completed the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme or have attained a sound secondary education (completion of Fourth form).

For all the other courses, including Architectural Drawing, the Ordinary Diploma in Commerce, and Agricultural Machinery, applicants must possess at least four subjects CXC Grades One to Three. Application forms are now available from Monday to Friday during business hours, and a processing fee of $300 applies.

Divisional Fire Commander concerned at increase in malicious fires

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric

DIVISIONAL Commander of the Guyana Fire Service, Mr. Compton Sparman, has expressed concern over the increased figures of malicious setting of fires that arose from varying disputes amongst persons in the Division, which spans from Abary on the West Coast of Berbice to Crabwood Creek

on the Corentyne coastline.

A one hundred and twenty five percent increase in malicious fires has since been recorded for the year ended May 31.

“This upward trend started during the latter period of last year, and has continued during the current year, much to our concern,” Sparman has said.

He noted that during the period January 2013 to May

2014, there were 517 fire calls, during which 76 buildings were set alight, and 38 were completely damaged.

As a result, 147 persons were left homeless, while four were killed.

Commenting on the recent fires, including that which left 57-year-old Ragnauth homeless, the fire chief observed that an unattended kerosene oil lamp left in the bedroom had caused

the blaze.

The victim, who lived alone, had left her home to go visit a former neighbour who was visiting from overseas.

Residents of Section A Cromarty Village were awakened just after midnight by the heat emanating from Ragnauth’s wooden cottage.

A bucket brigade organised by the neighbours

had managed to restrict the flames to the lone edifice, but Ragnauth had managed to save nothing.

Subsequently, public appeals were made for assistance for the Government Public Assistance recipient.

Sparman further noted that the fire, which recently destroyed the building which once housed the Hogstyle Police Station, was a result of vagrants occupying

the building.

Investigations revealed that vagrants had left an improvised stove unattended, and that had resulted in the blaze.

Smoke was seen emanating from the building, which was next to a gas station, when a businessman mobilised personnel to control the fire prior to the arrival of fire ranks from the Rose Hall Station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Berbice Health Authority CEO laments scant use of Angoy’s Avenue Health Centre

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric CEO of the Berbice Regional Health Authority [BRHA], Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, has observed that residents of Mount Sinai and its environs are underutilising the services of the Angoy’s Avenue Health Centre.

He made this observation during the Health Centre’s first Open Day. In his report, he noted that since the opening of the health facility on February 9, 2013, just under 200 persons from a catchment of 15,000 had sought the intervention of the doctor.

“These residents are not utilising the skills and time of the doctor effectively. If the people of Angoy’s Avenue do not need a doctor, we will move the person”! he said.

“For some reason or another, people prefer to go see the same doctor at the New Amsterdam Hospital than at the Angoy’s Avenue Health Centre. The treatment will not be different, as the public health services provide the same drugs across the sector. Nothing is different’, he lamented.

Dr Mahadeo disclosed that the services were extended in an effort to make life easier for residents.

“I told the doctor to work from 13:00 to 21:00hrs, which will allow the clinic to be accessed by those who would have completed their

Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo

chores or work,” he said.

‘But the people need to be educated and convinced.

They need to know that the services are better than those of the New Amsterdam Hospital, as it has a more individualistic approach,” Dr

15,000, just six units of blood…? I know of a case that went to the New Amsterdam Hospital from this very area, and that individual utilised six units,” he emphasised. “ T h e t a rg e t f o r t h i s health centre is 200 units.

While it might be difficult convincing people the first time round, thereafter, they will catch on as they are educated.

In her report, nurse in charge, June Daniels, noted that while the clinic serves a population of 15,000 drawn from Smythfield, Winkle, Tucber Park and Mount Sinai, which is fitted with The staff and Management Committee of the Angoy’s Avenue Health Centre

The entrance leading to the Angoy’s Avenue Health Centre

Mahadeo lamented.

Residents were further criticised for their non-involvement in the recently held blood drive, during which only six units were extracted.

“Out of a catchment of

eleven rum shops and eight churches, among schools, grocery shops and an ice cream parlour.

Since its opening in 2013, residents and others were treated for diabetes,

hypertension, asthma, skin disease, anaemia, arthritis, gastro-enteritis and eye ailments, among other conditions.

It must be noted that nine geriatric shut-ins were visited during the clinic’s Open Day celebrations, while four were referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for further medical intervention.

Additionally, nine expectant mothers, patients drawn from the ante-natal clinic, were referred to the high-risk clinic for improved monitoring.

Nurse Daniels said the other facilities offered -the post-natal clinic, family planning clinic, child health

services, and the doctor’s clinic -- were all utilised, with all mothers returning after delivery for total examination, given advice on family planning, and pap smear prior to having their off-spring enrolled.

Nurse Daniels further said that since the implementation of a management committee, several minor projects were undertaken, such as the tiling of the floor, and installation of a lavatory sink, water dispensary and sign board, also, fencing of a plot of land designated for the kitchen garden, along with painting of the waiting area.

Plans are on stream to

host another blood drive, extend the home-based care programme, which is geared to reach out to those over age 65 years, and to host clinics for men and teenagers.

The Angoy’s Avenue Health Centre has on its management committee Indranauth Persaud [Chairman], Hilton Morris [Vice Chairman] Janet Sukoo [Secretary], Anmila Mc Ray [Treasurer]; and Phillip Rose, Joe Ramnarine, Deon Thomas, and Kathlyn Williams, as committee members. Nurse June Daniels represents the Berbice Regional Health Authority.

Repeat offender freed on Murder accused Fazal Mohammed generator theft charge to get new date for trial

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric REPEAT offender Vernon Seecharran was freed from a break-and-enter charge after New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus ruled that the evidence led by the prosecution was based on hearsay.

Reviewing the evidence, the magistrate noted that while Detective Dwayne Brathwaithe gave physical evidence, a lot of it was hearsay.

Another witness, Feroze Ali, testified at length. He told the court how the Masjid came to have the generator.

Apart from these two witnesses, no other testified. As such, the evidence is insufficient to allow the defendant to lead a defence. Consequently, the matter was dismissed. “You are free to go”, she told the overjoyed Seecharran.

Responding, Seecharran, who had been remanded to prison after failing to post his bail, was full of praise for the magistrate’s ruling.

“Thank you Your Worship! God bless you!” he shouted.

Seecharan, of Gay Park, Greater New Amsterdam, was alleged to have broken and entered the storeroom of the

Gay Park Masjid, from where he stole a generator valued $750,000, and five electric stand fans, totalling $817,000 in value.

Investigations revealed that the caretaker Jafarally (one name given), had secured the storeroom on December 15, 2013, but on returning on January 1, observed that the room had been broken into and the items missing.

Inquiries were made in the neighbourhood, and the defendant was arrested after he allegedly attempted to sell the stolen generator to a Muslim devotee.

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric Murder accused Fazal Mohammed, alias ‘Boy’ and Mongoose, experienced a change of heart after he was brought to the Berbice Assizes, where he was expected to plead to his murder indictment.

During the goal delivery report last week, Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Linden Cornette, had revealed that Mohammed was among four inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison who are requesting to plead when their cases come up for hearing.

However, appearing at the Berbice Assizes two Wednesdays ago, Defence

Attorney Mr Raymond Ali told the Guyana Chronicle that his client wished to maintain his innocence, and would instead plead not guilty to the offence.

Consequent to an in-chamber meeting between Justice Brassington Reynolds, State Counsel Renita Singh, and Defence Counsel Raymond Alli, it was noted that the trial could not commence as the stint of the presiding judge would be over within the week.

Thereafter ascending to the Bench, Justice Reynolds informed the jury-in-waiting that the accused had a change of heart, and, as such, a new date is to be for

hearing.

Another Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, is expected to commence trials on July 1.

Meanwhile, Fazal Mohammed, who was escorted to the New Amsterdam Prison where he will await his trial, is accused of beating Shahid Makutnauth at Number 68 Village, Corentyne.

The nude and decomposed body of the deceased was found in a spread-eagled position floating in a pool of water surrounded by shrubs and trees.

The pre-teen had gone missing for two days prior to his discovery. The cause of his death has been given as multiple injuries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Proportional Representation - a revisit

By Hydar Ally I PROPOSE in this article to show that the formation of the PNC-UF coalition Government was to a large extent externally driven and fit into a larger geopolitical and strategic framework.

This explained in part why two political parties with contrasting ideological dispositions came together to form a post-election coalition Government even though ideologically the PNC was much closer to the PPP than towards the right wing business-oriented United Force.

The formation of the coalition Government in 1964 could be seen as a marriage of convenience between two ideologically divergent political parties who are united in a common objective, namely to remove the PPP from political office.

It was done more out of political expediency rather than a real desire to work together in furtherance of the working and living conditions of the working people.

To create the conditions for the removal of the PPP, the Governments of both the United States and Britain were deeply involved in the domestic politics of the colony and actually engineered the disturbances of the 1962 and 1963 period.

The disturbances failed to bring the PPP Government but it suceeded in posting a constitution conference which was due in May 1962 to October 13, 1962. Interestingly, the two major Opposition parties opposed independence.

They found common grounds and introduced demands for new elections under the system of proportional representation. The pre-conference PNC slogan was ‘No PR, No independence’.

The PPP’s position at the time was that the issue of electoral system had already been settled in 1960. The Opposition however, based its case on the point that the PPP had not been elected by a majority of the electorate.

The PPP rejected that position on the ground that it was immaterial whether it had 50% of the votes or not, like the UK and other commonwealth countries.

Besides, the PPP had concentrated on winning a majority of the seats and not a majority of the votes.

Indeed, that was why it only contested 29 of the thirty-five seats.

The whole aim of insisting on PR was to remove the PPP from office. The PPP rejected PR out of an awareness that in several other countries where PR was instituted the result was a multiplicity of

parties and weak Government based on coalition, sometimes with small groups wielding influence out of proportion to its support by holding a balance between two of the larger parties as in fact happened after the 1964 elections.

The PPP objected to the demand for new elections on the ground that the Opposition had made clear and categorical statements that independence would follow “within a matter of months” and that whichever party won the 1961 election would lead the country into independence.

It was clear that the conference was heading for a breakdown since none of the sides were prepared to budge on their original positions. The PPP, in a last minute effort to save the talks from collapse, agreed, even though reluctantly, to have new elections provided it was done under the traditional first past the post but this was rejected by the Opposition.

After several rounds of proposals and counterproposals, the talks finally broke down due primarily to a convergence of interests between the British Government and the Opposition not to grant political independence to the

Dr Cheddi Jagan

country under a PPP Government mainly out of geo-political and ideological considerations.

Further efforts initiated by the Governor to get the two sides to agree on a way forward failed to yield fruit. A proposal for mediation by a Commonwealth team was rejected by the British Government on the ground that it will not bring about a satisfactory resolution and only prolong the stalemate.

Several proposals advanced by the PPP to arrive at a compromise did not find favour with the Opposition including the adoption of a mixed first past the post and constituency model as in the case of Suriname, which incidentally the PNC once lauded. Instead, both the PNC and the UF insisted on the Israeli model of PR alone.

Out of desperation Dr. Jagan finally agreed to allow the British Government to arbitrate. As expected, the British Government refused to fix a date for independence, imposed the Israeli model of PR and proposed new elections in 1964, one year earlier than due.

There are some who felt that Dr. Jagan made a tactical error in allowing the British to arbitrate knowing fully well that, the dice was not loaded against him. To those who genuinely felt that way,

this was how Dr. Jagan explained his decision: “Our position in Government had become untenable and humiliating. In actual fact, although we were in office we were without any of the real power which a Government ordinarily has, as has been shown, especially during the 1963 disturbances when our Government was under seige. What is more, the Colonial Office, in reply to our request for financial assistance to meet a possible shortage of money for the payment of salaries to civil servants, had insisted on a financial inspection by its

Out of desperation Dr. Jagan finally agreed to allow the British Government to arbitrate. As expected, the British Government refused to fix a date for independence, imposed the Israeli model of PR and proposed new elections in 1964, one year earlier than due. appointee, K. C. Jacobs, and had later stated that direct assistance from the British Treasury to meet the anticipated budgetary deficit of about 5 million in 1964 would have to mean Treasury control.

This would have meant going backward, not forward, and an indefinite delay of independence.

It was to me the last straw; life was already unbearable and difficult under existing conditions.

In this situation, my attitude was, “Do your damnedest: we cannot carry on under existing conditions plus United Kingdom Treasury Control.”

In addition to the above, it

was Dr. Jagan’s firm belief that had he returned home without a decision on independence, the Opposition would have found some new pretext to create trouble as it did in 1962 with the budget.

In any case, according to Dr. Jagan, the British Government would have imposed its will in any event in keeping with the wishes of the U.S. Government, which was to unseat the PPP and install an Opposition in power either by suspending the constitution as it did in 1953 or by calling for a referendum on proportional representation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Farm house destroyed by fire

By Shirley Thomas

A FIRE of unknown origin yesterday razed a two-bedroom cottage at lot 29 Farm, East Bank Essequibo leaving two persons homeless.

The fire was spotted by neighbours around 16:10 hrs and the fire department was immediately summoned, but the building being small, and fanned by the wind was ravaged very quickly.

The building was owned and occupied by Neville Duncan, 74, a farmer and his wife, who at the moment, are both at Port Kaituma. Duncan who is engaged in farming activities at Port Kaituma, would return home from time to time, bringing agricultural produce to market.

Duncan’s sister-in-law, Nafleen Phillips and her son Seon who live next door, said His last trip was made the day after Father’s Day, and ever since then, the building had been locked up. Hence, it remains a mystery, how the fire started. She said that when the alert was sounded

and they looked across, the building was already well alight.

Neighbours rushed to the rescue, and Seon attempted dousing the burning building with buckets of water, but it was an exercise in futility, since he was overpowered by the raging flames.

The woman claimed that on more than one occasion persons had broken the house and stolen household items, adding, “But, this gone to the highest extent.

Who can set fire now?”

She said they were inside their home and only heard neighbours shouting, “House ah bun. House ah bun!”

All they could do was look on helplessly.

In the process, a power line connected to the burning building burst, and was dancing wildly on the ground, keeping villagers at bay. The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) were alerted and shut the power off, and later deployed a crew to attend to the problem.

Nafleen recalled that Duncan’s home was constructed about 15 years ago.

Nafleen Phillips, her son Seon and her grandchildren.

Outgoing passenger busted with cocaine following police dog sniff AN American citizen on an outgoing flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) reportedly had seven kilogrammes, 57 grammes of cocaine concealed in milk packets in his suitcase.

Ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch conducted a search on the man’s baggage at about 01:00 hr on July 04, 2014, following indications received from the Narcotics Dog at the CJIA, and the illicit substance was unearthed.

The man is in police custody pending investigations. (Michel Outridge)

The smouldering remains of Neville Duncan’s house

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

GPF commissions seven female traffic wardens in ceremony held at Stabroek Square

By Michel Outridge SEVEN female Traffic Wardens have been commissioned to assist the regular traffic ranks in maintaining law and order on the roads.

Their commissioning took place yesterday morning at Stabroek Market Square in downtown Georgetown, under the auspices of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), and the ceremony was graced by the presence of the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

Rohee told the gathering that he was pleased to be associated with the initiative, which he described as “better late than never”.

He said the efforts of Traffic Wardens would contribute significantly to the ef-

Seated in front row are Traffic Chief Hugh Denhert, Minister Clement Rohee, and Top Cop Seelall Persaud. They are flanked by ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken; Assistant Commissioner/Admin, Balram Persaud; and the Traffic Wardens

forts of the traffic ranks of the GPF in maintaining law and order on our roadways, and in easing traffic congestion.

Rohee explained that countries worldwide are

seeking to embrace newer initiatives in strengthening their respective police force to be more effective in discharging its responsibilities; and he said it is no different

in Guyana.

The minister said he welcomes the development, and the GPF should be applauded for this good effort. He noted that the launch took place

at an auspicious occasion -- during the anniversary of the GPF, when a series of activities are being rolled out in observance thereof.

He reiterated that the introduction of traffic wardens is a positive move in the right direction for the GPF, and urged citizens to respect the wardens and adhere to their instructions.

Under the law, the minister said, traffic wardens have the power to arrest defaulters in traffic offences, and he encouraged all road users to support them in their duties while on the roadways.

He said the GPF’s embracing of the concept goes to show that the organisation is expanding and its goal to succeed is its topmost priority.

Police Commissioner (ag) Seelall Persaud said the traffic warden programme would be expanded, even

though there are measures in place to ease traffic congestion on both the East Bank and East Coast corridors.

The Top Cop, however, encouraged road users to observe the traffic laws in relation to one-way streets, and to cooperate with the newly installed traffic wardens.

Assistant Police Commissioner, in charge of Administration, Balram Persaud, who chaired the event, said the newly appointed traffic wardens were selected after an advertisement had been placed in the print media. He said they underwent training, and are ready to take up their position in service to Guyana.

The seven female traffic wardens said they are indeed ‘ready for the roads’ following six weeks of training.

Cullen Bess-Nelson photos saved in a folder as new wardens.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

D.Y Patil Group building a new university at Turkeyen

By Asif Hakim

JUST five minutes away from the University of Guyana (UG) campus at Turkeyen, the D.Y. Patil Group is constructing a new ter-

tiary education institution, named Ajeenkya D. Y. Patil University, and it is expected to be completed soon.

The D.Y Patil Group is highly regarded as one of the largest educational groups in

India. Dr. Padmashree D.Y. Patil founded it in 1983. The group’s activities encompass the fields of Education, Healthcare‚ Agriculture and Sports.

It has over 160 institu-

tions of learning encompassed in its three universities‚ based at Navi, Mumbai‚ Pune and Kolhapur. The group manages three hospitals in India and provides affordable healthcare and

Chairman of D.Y Patil Group Dr. Ajeenkya DY Patil

medical attention to scores of needy people.

The D.Y. Patil International Cricket Stadium at Mumbai is rated one of the

nurtured values that go into the making of successful careers. Equipped with stateof-the-art infrastructure‚ the group encourages its students to think, question‚ explore and apply their well-honed minds to scale newer heights of success.

Dr. Ajeenkya D.Y Patil is the chairman of the D.Y Patil Group. He possesses a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Richmond College, UK, and specialised in Marketing at London School of Economics. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University Of Central Lancashire, UK in recognition of his work as an entrepreneur and an

The Ajeenkya D.Y Patil university under construction

This Asif Hakim photo shows the name of the new university on the sign

six best stadiums in the world and among the best sporting facilities in India.

A frontrunner in the education field‚ the D.Y Patil Group is a name synonymous with quality education. The group strongly believes that world class education is the stepping stone to progress, according to a release.

With a longstanding commitment to quality teaching and learning, the group has

educationalist.

He has a natural curiosity for technology and innovation and a penchant for world class quality. His persona reflects dynamism with compassion. It is his exemplary vision that led to the initiation of DYPDC - a truly unique institution and several other institutions of repute under the aegis of D.Y Patil Group, the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Jermaine McRae receives 60-month sentence for felonious wounding Jermaine McRae of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown was yesterday jailed on a felonious wounding charge.

The 28-year-old unrepresented security guard was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment after he was found guilty by Magistrate Ms. Judy Latchman.

Particulars of the charge, said on November, 2013 at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Troy Carrington with intent to maim, disfigure or cause harm.

The facts stated that on the day in question around

04:00 hrs, the victim received a stab wound from a knife which was held by the convict. As soon as McRae pulled out the knife, the victim observed a cut to his left abdomen and blood coming out. He feinted and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he regained consciousness.

Based on the evidence before the Court, Magistrate Latchman informed the defendant that she considered all the mitigating factors, which include the time he spent on remand for the matter, the fact that he was armed and the victim

was injured, and the need to prohibit him and other persons from committing this offence.

The court was satisfied that the victim was telling the truth when he said McRae pulled out the knife from the left side and injured him.

The court, however, disbelieved the prisoner’s unsworn statement, when he said he was trying to protect a young man and further disbelieved him when he said he acted in self defence.

The convict gave the court an oral notice of his intention to file an appeal against the conviction.

Cook gets two-year sentence for unlawful possession of arms, ammunition A 20-year-old cook was yesterday sentenced to two years imprisonment following charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Cindy Robertson (no address) pleaded guilty to both charges before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The charges alleged that on June 30 at Georgetown, she had in her possession one .32 revolver with six live matching rounds, when she was not a holder of a firearm license.

Police prosecutor Corporal Bharat Mangru said police were conducting a road block exercise at James Street, Albouystown, during which they stopped a car PJJ 8020. At the time the convict and three others persons were passengers.

The court was told that a search was conducted and

the alleged weapon and ammunitions were found in the belongings of Robertson.

However, she admitted that it belongs to her, which she said she brought from the interior.

Robertson was represented by Attorney-at-law Mr. Glen Hanoman, who requested a minimum penalty for his client after stating special reasons.

Magistrate Azore, however, told the defence counsel that there is a new amendment to the firearm act that said nothing about special reasons.

Hanoman said that his client has a very troubled past, found herself in a very vulnerable situation and does not have any support of her parents or relatives.

He said as a result of her parents leaving her at a very tender age of 15 she ended

up working in the interior.

He said one of the gold miners fell in love with her to an extent, that he stalks her, made physical threats and she even encountered many counts of rape.

Hanoman said for the sake of her safety, Robertson armed herself with a gun. He asked that this be the special reason if it is allowed and if not he requested a minimum sentence which should run concurrently.

The lawyer even requested for a probation report to be conducted before sentencing. He added that if the defendant did deny the charges and was placed on bail, she will not have anyone to post her bail.

Robertson was sentenced to two years on each charge which will run concurrently.

Two accused in truck shaft theft placed on $100,000 bail TWO men accused of attempting to steal a truck shaft belonging to Merriman’s funeral home was placed on $100,000 bail after they made their appearance at Georgetown Magistrates Court yesterday.

Fizal Mohamed, a 32-yearold mechanic of Lot 1 East Ruimveldt, and 17-year-old labourer Michael Eastman of Lot 11 Meadow Brook, both denied the charge which was read to them by Magistrate

Fabayo Azore.

They will make their next Court appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on July 8.

Details of the charge said on July 3 at Meadowbrook, Georgetown, they attempted to commit a felony, when they attempted to steal one shaft from a truck GEE 8125 valued $70,000, property of Todd Alphonso Merriman.

Both accused complained that they were badly beaten by

the Police. They raised their shirt and showed the Magistrate the marks of abuse that remained on their backs. The men stated that they do not know the name of the ranks who allegedly beat them up, but if they see them they would recognise them.

However, Police prosecutor Adduni Innis told the Court that the men were not beaten by the police as they alleged, instead they were beaten by public spirited citizens.

Aries - March 21 - April 19 You have been putting aside your own interests and needs for so long that you might be losing sight of what they actually are! Today is a good day to put yourself first once again, and do whatever you want to do -- when you want to do it. No one will get upset if you reschedule a meeting or postpone a date. In fact, you might be doing them a favour. You cannot decide on your next move by checking in with other people, anyway. Check in with yourself and with your heart.

Taurus - April 20 - May 20 Be careful not to overdo it, today -- keeping things on an even keel will do wonders to your energy level and your social life. So if you're going to a party, don't put on your very best outfit and bring an expensive gift. Just be yourself and that will make people feel more comfortable. At work, don't make a big show out of your latest idea -- just present it, argue for it, and then let the chips fall where they may. Being too loud will only show you in a bad light.

Gemini - May 21 - June 21 A small snag could trigger your temper today, and leave you feeling frustrated -- and maybe even a little embarrassed for losing your cool. But later in the day, the universe will send you some high energy that will make you feel good. This attitude resetting will enable you to look at this obstacle and see it in a new light. Suddenly, you'll see a way around it -- a short cut! Things might get off to a rocky start, but they are sure to work out by the end of the day.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22 You need to take care of issues around your home right now, so try to put your household on the top or your priority list. Whether it's minor repairs, major renovations or just some rearranging of furniture, putting physical energy into your intimate surroundings will energise you and fill you with a sense of pride that you haven't felt in quite a while. Get creative in your tasks, too -- and ask a friend to help you out if the job is too big for just one person.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 Today, some people will agree with you, and some people will not. And you need to learn how to accept those who don't see things the way you do. They're not trying to dismiss you, they're just being themselves. You can't waste your energy picking fights with people about things you cannot change -- namely, the way they think. If you butt heads with someone, just move on to other people and other things. Agree to disagree, and save your strength for things you can actually change.

Virgo - August 23 - September 22 Be wary of people who are pushing you to make a big purchase today, especially if they occupy a partnership role in your life. Anyone who is pushing you to make a decision might have ulterior motives -- although not necessarily bad ones. But you cannot afford to spend your money on something unless you know the whole story behind why they feel so strongly that you should buy it. This is not the time to let yourself get pressured into anything. Take things at your own pace!

Libra - September 23 - October 22 The power balance in one of your more complicated relationships is starting to be an issue -- you two do not have equal power, and it doesn't look like this imbalance is likely to change any time soon. So what can you do about it? Investigate another partnership, that's what. Even if you are the one who holds all the cards, it isn't healthy to have a relationship that is this off-centre -- and it simply won't last much longer unless you two come to a serious agreement.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 You cannot take popular opinion seriously right now. The mob mentality is all based on the lowest common denominator -- and common you are not! Disregard things that are too trendy right now and opt for quality clothing and goods that have stood the test of time. It's awfully easy just to go along with the crowd, but the crowd never goes anywhere interesting, does it? Swim upstream today and carve your own niche out of life. It's much more rewarding.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 20 Today, your presence at work will be required by a group of important people who are looking for a solution -- and they think you have it! This is not a time to get nervous, though -- this is a time to get very, very excited! The fact that they need you shows just how valuable you are, so use that to your advantage in the future. Make note of this episode and remind people about it when it's time to talk about advancement.

People have short memories, so the updates are up to you.

Capricorn - December 21 - January 19 Do you think that the people who are in positions of authority over your life are not interested in what you have to say right now? Nothing could be further from the truth -- they are dying to pick your brain. Ignore anyone who tries to keep you out of important discussions; they are just jealous that your profile is getting higher and you are surpassing them in the eyes of important people. You count, too -- in fact, more than just about anyone else, right now.

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 Finishing other people's sentences will be easy to do today, you're so in sync with the folks you'll be working with. But it might be in your best interest to keep this level of connection to yourself -- knowing that you can practically read their mind will not set people at ease. Having this level of synergy with everyone will boost your confidence and enable you to move the conversation in a direction that will include more opportunities for your personal or career growth.

Pisces - February 19 - March 20 If you're dealing with a group of people today, try to push your own agenda a little bit more forcefully than you normally would. Instead of just going along with the crowd, be a little bit more firm about what you want to do. Being extra-insistent will enable you to get exactly what you want -- without annoying anyone or making them feel pressured. Why? Because you have more charm and charisma than the average person.

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Windies chase T20 series win to recover pride

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – Captain Darren Sammy is determined to ensure West Indies take something away from their series against New Zealand, by winning the Twenty20 double-header

starting at Windsor Park here today.

West Indies went under 2-1 in the Test series after losing the decisive third Test by 53 runs last Monday and Sammy said it was now up to the T20 squad to restore a sense of pride, and give Caribbean fans a reason to celebrate.

“Obviously we didn’t win the Test series so it’s disappointing but it’s Twenty20s here in Dominica, the first of two Twenty20 Internationals for Dominica and I know they will come out and support the West Indies team like they have before,” said Sammy, who was axed as Test captain prior to the tour.

“For us, it is to go out there and play with that confidence which we have been playing with in that format, and look to salvage some pride by winning the two Twenty20s here in Dominica.”

Sammy’s optimism is not well founded. West Indies have won just three of their last nine T20 Internationals on bilateral tours over the last 12 months, including losing 2-0 away to New Zealand in January this year.

They won three of four

group games at the T20 World Cup in March, before bowing out in the semifinals to eventual champions Sri Lanka.

The Windies will have to do without talismanic opener Chris Gayle who has been rested for the series but welcome back the big-hitting Kieron Pollard, who missed the T20 World Cup through injury.

He will be joined by T20 specialists Dwayne Smith and Lendl Simmons, who both scored heavily in the Indian Premier League, and champion off-spinner Sunil Narine who missed the Test series in favour of his IPL commitments.

Sammy said any of his squad could be match-winners on any given day.

“With Gayle out, Simmons will most likely open the innings with probably (Andre) Fletcher at number three because we have three of them who can bat anywhere from one to five so we will come up with the right balance and the right combination,” Sammy explained.

“I see in the team we have 11 potential match-winners so that’s good for us.

Looking at the 11, we have

two of the top five bowlers in T20s in the dressing room, we have one of the most sought-after T20 cricketers in the world in Kieron Pollard and he’s coming back after missing the World Cup and it will be good to have him in the team.

“All the other guys – the (Krishmar) Sanotkies, the (Chris) Barnwells – these are seasoned campaigners in our Caribbean T20 and it’s good to have them in the set-up.”

Sammy said despite the number of exciting players in the squad, it was important that the Windies go out and play tough cricket.

“Chris Gayle in any T20 team is a big asset but (his absence) will give other players the opportunity to come out and play and, even looking at the team without Chris, it still looks a very balanced and power-packed team,” he pointed out.

“So it is about putting all that quality out there in the middle because at the end of the day cricket is played on the pitch. Once we go out there with the calibre and experience we have in T20s, in the dressing room, I have a good feeling we will come out victorious.”

Marshall, Victor shine....

From Backpage

paign winless.

Guyana quickly set up an advantage of 10-4, on the scoreboard. The teams traded baskets, and at the end of the first quarter the team, led by Mark Agard, had an advantage of seven points (23-16).

With the former Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers shooting guard Marshall in the groove and British Virgin Islands native Victor enjoying a sensational night on the floor, Guyana raced to close the first half 47-36.

With their two backcourt guards carrying the scoring, Guyana led by as many as 20 points during the third quarter with Akeem Kanhai, who finished the game with eight points, also marshalling the game from point guard position, dishing out six assists and grabbing six rebounds.

Gordon Klaiber (14 points) and Andrew Ifill (11 points, six rebounds) were also on point as the Guyanese men head into the fourth quarter leading 71-53.

However, St Vincent and the Grenadines came alive in

the fourth quarter and found their offensive rhythm to decrease the Guyanese advantage to 10 points, 69-79, with 2:50 minutes left to play in the game.

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Guyana nevertheless withstood the pressure and stayed on top of the scoreboard and held on for a comprehensive victory.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

Federer eyes record eighth title after crushing Raonic

By Toby Davis LONDON, England (Reuters) - Roger Federer reached a ninth Wimbledon final after emerging unscathed from the crosshairs of the bullet-serving Milos Raonic, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 with a masterly display of the grasscourt arts yesterday.

Chasing a record eighth title at the All England Club, Federer set up a mouthwatering final against top seed and 2011 champion Novak Djokovic with an almost casual demolition of the 23-year-old Canadian, who looked overawed by the magnitude of the occasion.

The 17-time grand slam champion broke in the opening game and then comfortably saw out the first set before breaking decisively in the ninth

… to face 2011 champion Novak Djokovic in tomorrow’s final

Roger Federer games of both the second and third sets, with his opponent unable to gain a foothold in the match.

Raonic, whose one weapon is his huge serve, came into the match with a gameplan that relied on pummelling the Swiss into submission.

Yet his explosive right arm faltered in the face of Federer’s relentless pressure

game and his jab-jab-haymaker approach to rallies proved almost entirely ineffective as the fourth seed went through his frequently-rehearsed repertoire of strokes.

With little else to offer, he succumbed almost inevitably, with the largely lifeless encounter recalling memories of the 1990s, where each point ended in the blink of an eye.

The 32-year-old Swiss played most of the match at walking pace and finished off his opponent in one hour 41 minutes, clenching his fist in a restrained celebration when Raonic hit a backhand return wide on match point.

Having not reached a grand slam final since beating Andy Murray at Wimbledon in 2012, Federer looked to be back in an imperious groove, that many thought had departed after he failed to get past the fourth round in three of the last four slams.

HAVING received and accepted an invitation from the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Association (TTWCA), the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named its 14-member female squad to compete in a 19-and-Under Invitational Tournament to be hosted in the Twin Island Republic from July 9 to 14.

The Guyanese, who are among five teams battling for supremacy - Barbados,

UNBELIEVABLY THRILLED “I’m unbelievably thrilled to be in another final,” said Federer, who has been in superb form on the grass this year after winning in Halle and motoring through the early rounds at Wimbledon.

“My game’s back where I hoped it would be from one year ago.

“Things were difficult all of last year, most of the year, so I’m happy I worked hard off the court to get myself back into shape and back into contention for tournaments.”

There were flashes of the old genius, notably in

the fourth game as he dispatched a forehand volley with such nonchalance that he barely broke into a jog in moving across the net to anticipate a rasping Raonic pass.

He faced one break point in the first set that he claimed in 34 minutes and then pulled up the drawbridge with a series of solid service games before effectively sealing the second set by stepping on the gas at 4-4.

A roar of “come on” greeted a backhand winner to bring up 0-30 and then he calmly walked back to his chair when a backhand winner sealed the break and a 5-4 lead that effectively sounded the death knell for Raonic’s hopes in the match.

The third set followed the same template with Federer moving through the gears to break for a 5-4 lead when Ranoic sent a forehand wide.

When he wrapped up

the match, his understated celebration was that of a man who knows his storied career would benefit little from a runners-up trophy when the possibility of surpassing Pete Sampras and William Renshaw as the only man with eight singles titles remained up for grabs.

An old foe awaits tomorrow’s showpiece, but Federer is unlikely to be intimidated by Djokovic, against whom he holds an 18-16 winning record, having taken two of their last three encounters.

Their only meeting on grass came in 2012, when Federer won in four sets before going on to clinch the title.

“I think for me it’s really important to stay aggressive against him,” Federer said. “And especially here at Wimbledon ... I think on grass it’s a bit more straightforward and I think we’re both aware of that.”

Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and a Board X1 being the others - depart these shores tomorrow morning and will get into action against Barbados on July 10. They will play their next match against Trinidad and Tobago the same day.

The tournament is geared towards the continuous development of women’s cricket in the Region and to give regional exposure to upcoming

youth players to ensure the respective regional territories have a good pool of players to choose from.

According to the TTWCA, “The tournament provides territorial organisations with an opportunity to showcase their outstanding players, expose them to competition, and ultimately provide a cadre of players, capable of being considered for West Indies representation.”

The Guyana team reads: Plafianna Millington, Shirley Boyce, Erica Batson, Tenesha Cort, Shabika Gajnabi, Staffi Rodney, Lashanna Toussaint, Latoya Smith, Mandy Mangru, Odessa Caesar, Nagma Budhoo, Christine Quintyn, Amanda Persaud and Shanna Vanderstoop.

The coach is Clive Grimmond and manager i s We s t I n d i e s f e m a l e fast bowler Tremayne Smartt.

Novak Djokovic

Brazil’s Neymar out of World Cup with back injury: team GCB U-19 Females for TTWCA Invitational tourney tomorrow

By Elzio Barreto FORTALEZA, Brazil- (Reuters) - Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup after fracturing his vertebrae in the closing stages of the 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia yesterday, his team said.

“It’s not serious in the sense that it doesn’t need surgery, but he’ll need to immobilize it to recover,” team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the player had been taken to hospital.

“Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to play,” he said, adding he expected the recovery period to take at least a few weeks.”

Neymar, who has scored four goals in the tournament to lead Brazil’s bid for a sixth world title, went down after a challenge by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga in the 88th minute and looked to be in pain.

His side will face Germany in the semi-final in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday but the absence of Brazil’s poster boy is a major blow for the hosts.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona, had to be carried off on a stretcher and was replaced by defender Henrique for the final minutes of the game.

“We lost Neymar on that play, and based on what I’ve seen, I think it’s going to be tough for him to play,” Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had earlier told reporters.

Many Brazil fans had gathered outside the Fortaleza hospital, shouting “Forca Neymar” (be strong Neymar) as the player was being wheeled into the building.

Brazil will also be without captain Thiago Silva when they take on Germany, after he was booked on Friday and misses the game through suspension.

Neymar also received support from the country’s president, Dilma Rousseff, who tweeted: “Like all Brazil I am one of those cheering from the sidelines for our star Neymar to get better.”

Khan bailed after suspected assault - reports (REUTERS) - World welterweight title contender Amir Khan has been released on bail after the British boxer was arrested on suspicion of two assaults in the early hours of yesterday morning, according to media reports.

Greater Manchester Police would not confirm that it was Khan who had been arrested but they did issue a statement on the incident.

“Just before 01:30hrs on Friday, July 4 2014, police were called following reports of an assault in Bolton,” the statement

Amir Khan read.

19-year-old men had been “Officers discovered two assaulted. Their injuries are

not serious.

“A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two assaults and has been bailed until mid-July pending further enquiries.”

Khan is hoping to challenge Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the unbeaten American’s World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council titles.

Mayweather beat Argentine Marcos Maidana on points in a title fight in Las Vegas in May and on the undercard of the same bill Khan outpointed American Luis Collazo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

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Germany break France’s World Cup hearts again

By Mike Collett RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Germany broke French hearts for the third time in the World Cup when they triumphed 1-0 at the Maracana yesterday to become the first country to reach the semi-finals in four successive tournaments.

But, unlike the dramas of their memorable semi-final victories over France in Spain in 1982 and Mexico four years later, this success, secured by Mats Hummels’ 13th minute header, lacked real excitement and was based more on solid defending and team work.

The goal came when Hummels, back in the side after illness, powered his effort in as he muscled French defender Raphael Varane out of the way with the ball flying into the net off the underside of French keeper Hugo Lloris’s crossbar.

It proved to be the only goal of a match that never came to life as a spectacle,

with both teams making mistakes and failing to take any of the rare chances that came their way.

France, who started the tournament so brightly with eight goals in two matches against Honduras and Switzerland, struggled to find much creativity in midfield and when they did produce a chance they were thwarted by Germany keeper Manuel Neuer.

H o w e v e r, d e s p i t e France’s overall lack of punch in attack he did have to make three important saves - two in the first half from Mathieu Valbuena and Blaise Matuidi - and one in stoppage time when a reflex stop prevented Karim Benzema scoring with a 94th minute shot that would have taken the match into extra time.

The Germans though looked strong at the back with Hummels again a reassuring presence after missing the last 16 victory against Algeria and captain Philipp Lahm back in his usual rightback position after a change

Yorkshire ready for Tour de France Grand Depart UP to two million cycling fans are expected in Yorkshire this weekend for the start of the 2014 Tour de France.

The three-week race returns to England for the first time since 2007, with two stages in Yorkshire and a third finishing in London on Monday.

The 101st edition of the prestigious 2,277-mile, 21-stage race ends in Paris on Sunday, July 27.

Chris Froome is the defending champion, while fellow Briton Mark Cavendish is among the favourites to win stage one.

Team Sky’s Froome became the second British winner of the race last year, following the victory of team-mate Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2012.

Wiggins, who missed last year’s Tour through illness and injury, has been left out of the squad in 2014, a decision Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford said had kept him “awake at night”.

Only a handful of the 198 starters have a realistic chance of winning the race’s coveted yellow jersey, but Froome, 29, is one of them, along with the likes of two-time winner Alberto

Defending champion Chris Froome.

Contador of Spain, Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali and American Andrew Talansky “I can’t say enough how special it is to come back here as defending champion,” said Froome at Thursday’s opening ceremony in Leeds, ahead of today’s Grand Depart. “I’m certainly going to give it my all.”

The Team Sky squad features nine riders, with 28-year-old BBC columnist Geraint Thomas, of Wales, the only other Briton.

Sprint specialist Cavendish, 29, who rides for the Omega Pharma - Quick-Step team, and Orica GreenEdge’s 21-year-old Tour debutant Simon Yates are the other British riders in the race, which features 22 teams.

Germany’s Mats Hummels (R) celebrates with his teammate Thomas Mueller after scoring a goal against France. (Credit: REUTERS/Pilar Olivares) of tactics from coach Joa- for the 74 000 fans swelchim Loew. tering in the blazing hot But like France they sunshine. failed to impose themselves Loew might have been in midfield where both watching a different match sides continually gave the though as he told reporters: ball away.

“It was an incredibly excitAnd while the German ing match. But you can’t players and Loew described expect anything other than the match as a great victory, that at the World Cup. Both it was not a great spectacle teams were equal.

“The players are really wiped out now. The sun in the stadium, it was incredibly hot, it was an intensive match back and forth.”

He said moving Lahm back into his usual position of right back was nothing revolutionary either.

“The team wasn’t surprised. The team knows I’ve got a variety of different lineup plans. I always said when I have the feeling that I need to set a new stimulus, I’ll do it and the players know that,” said the coach.

France coach Didier Deschamps lost a proud personal record with the defeat, his first in the World Cup as either a player or coach.

MORE EXPERIENCE Deschamps, who captained the French World Cup winning team in 1998, said: “We had our chances but they had more experience than we did. They had us under control and they controlled that 1-0 lead well.

“It’s unfortunate, but our

team isn’t used to big meetings like this. We had chances to equalise, but Neuer stopped us with his saves.

Germany played at a very high level.

“There wasn’t a lot of difference between us but they advanced.”

Germany will take part in their 13th semi-final, a record, in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday when Miroslav Klose will be hoping to set a record of his own as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.

He currently shares the record of 15 goals with former Brazilian striker Ronaldo, and although he played for 69 minutes against France, did not have a clearcut chance to score.

The game did open up in the last 15 minutes when Andre Schuerrle, who replaced Klose, had a chance to double Germany’s advantage but was thwarted

by Lloris before Benzema’s late desperate chance ended in another Neuer save.

FIFA vice-president’s son admits black market tickets sale THE son of the second most powerful man in world football has become embroiled in a World Cup ticket scandal.

Humberto Grondona, son of Argentina’s senior FIFA vice-president Julio Grondona, has admitted to selling tickets to a friend contrary to FIFA’s regulations.

The tickets are among those seized by Brazilian police as part of investigations into ticket touting, which have seen 11 people arrested.

Pictures of one of the tickets seized with Humberto Grondona’s name on it have been circulated.

The disclosure that Grondona’s son has been involved is a huge embarrassment to FIFA - he has a post as a technical adviser to the world governing body. His father has been a FIFA executive committee member since 1988 and is also chairman of FIFA’s powerful finance committee.

Grondona (junior) told Argentinian TV station TYC he spent more than $9 000 (£5 244) on 24 category-one tickets for group games and knock-out matches, including a semi-final and the final, and had sold some to a friend.

HUMBERTO GRONDONA, SON OF ARGENTINA’S SENIOR FIFA VICE-PRESIDENT JULIO GRONDONA He said: “I bought all of truth is that I have no idea them for more than 9 000 where these tickets went dollars. I have a friend that to.” is someone very well known FIFA emailed all emin Argentina who wanted to ployees and everyone on come and I sold him some of the World Cup delegation these tickets. list before the tournament “He on his part gave the warning them not to sell on tickets to another friend. tickets, which have an elecWhat they then did with the tronic chip that makes them tickets I have no idea.” traceable to the person who Asked for the identity purchased them. of the person he sold the Delia Fischer, FIFA’s tickets to, Grondona (ju- head of media, would not nior) added: “I cannot tell comment on the investiyou. But do you think I gation but said anyone would dirty my hands for found to have breached 220 dollars (£128)? The regulations would face dis-

ciplinary action.

She told a news conference in Rio: “We cannot comment on ongoing investigations but anyone who has violated the regulations will be sanctioned.

“I cannot go into specific cases but we need to see the source of the original tickets and how the tickets ended up somewhere.

“Even where you have specific names you cannot always jump to conclusions.”

Fischer confirmed that anyone found having breached the regulations can have their tickets for any future games removed.

She added: “If someone is violating something then tickets can be cancelled accordingly but we need to see who is involved, which tickets they are and then we can take necessary action.”

Grondona (junior) is not the FIFA official at the heart of the multi-million pound ticket scandal uncovered by Operation Jules Rimet, however, according to police. His ticket was seized by Sao Paulo police from touts in that city.

Fabio Barucke, the police investigator in charge of the Rio investigation, said a FIFA official who was a source of the tickets had access to FIFA offices and

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

5th annual Seven Seas Multi Vitamin cycle road race

Persaud to defend CARICOM 50-mile cycle road race title tomorrow REIGNING CARICOM 50-mile cycle road race champion Robin Persaud will tomorrow try to make a successful defence of the title he won last year, when cycle coach Hassan Mohamed stages the 5th Annual Seven Seas Multi Vitamin-sponsored event in the West Demerara area.

Persaud who stopped the clock at one hour 55 minutes .04 seconds last year will have to be wary of the likes of Guyana’s Glasgow 2014 selectees Marlon `Fishy’

Williams, Raynauth Jeffrey and Scott Savory who are all in good nick at the moment.

Williams finished a close second to his namesake Geron Williams in last Sunday’s Guyana Cycling Federation’s national road race over 100 miles. Jeffrey on the other hand placed third.

Other cyclists who have been showing good form recently include Orville Hinds, Warren McKay, Leer Nunes and Paul DeNobrega.

The event, which wheels

off from outside the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara at 08:00hrs, will be conducted in five categories – seniors, juniors, veterans, mountain bikers and females.

The seniors and juniors will ride from Wales to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo and turn back to finish by the Demerara Harbour Bridge, while the mountain bikers, veterans and females will turn back at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara and finish at the

Demerara Harbour Bridge also.

The top six finishers in the open category will receive prizes as will the top three juniors, veterans and the top three females.

There will also be a special prize for the first Over-60 cyclist to complete the course.

Eight prime prizes will be up for grabs during the event.

Mario King won the junior category last year while Kennard Lovell was

first among the veterans and Steffon Husbands won the mountain bike category.

Walter `Buck Man’ Isaacs received the special prize last year for being the first Over-60 cyclist to cross the finish line.

In the junior category, Michael Anthony who has been enjoying a good 2014 season will start as favourite, but will have to be at his best in order to defeat Jabon Crawford, King, Alonzo Ambrose, Romelo Crawford, Andrew Hicks Hamzah Eastman or Shaquille Agard.

In the veterans category Lovell can expect keen

Robin Persaud competition from Raymond Newton, Stephen Fernandes, Linden Blackman, Turan Harris, Marc Sonaram and Wasim Hasneo.

Seven Seas Production specialist Karen Cornell and Pharmacy specialist `Mahesh’ will present the prizes to the respective winners.

Two former junior Caribbean Inclement weather forces postponement squash champions suffer losses of ‘Cricket for Unity’ T20 contest

TWO former Caribbean champions suffered losses on the second night of the Guyana Squash Association/ Digicel-sponsored National senior championships which will continue this evening at the Georgetown Club courts.

Andrea King who was pitted against up-and-coming star Taylor Fernandes on Thursday evening won a close first game 12-10 and the second a lot easier at 11-7.

Spectators began to sense an upset and with the score at 9-9 in the third game, that seemed definitely to be on the cards, but Taylor held her nerve and won this game 11-9.

By this time, King was totally exhausted and Taylor won the fourth game 11-5 and then the fifth 11-1 to complete a remarkable come-back victory.

Another former junior champion Tiffany Solomon

was also not successful in her match-up against fellow hockey player Alysa Xavier.

Solomon won a long, first game 13-11 but Xavier bounced back to win the second game 11-9 then took the third game 11-8.

Solomon, however, fought to the end but Xavier was too strong and won the fourth game 12-10.

Kathy Ten-Pow was the only successful player on the night of the former Caribbean champions, as she took care of Junior Under-15 champion Rebecca Low in straight games 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 as TenPow’s experience paid dividends during crucial points of the rallies.

Larissa Wiltshire won her match against fellow national junior player Sarah Lewis but was made to work hard to win the third game.

Wiltshire won 11-4, 11-2,

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday July 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: (1) Gordon Greenidge 213; Sherwin Campbell 208; Chris Gayle 204; Ritchie Richardson 185 (2) Geoff Rabone/Gerry Gomez Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first NZ player to register twin tons in a Test? Where and when?

(2) How many NZ players have now contested Test cricket against the WI? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

12-10.

In the Men’s Open category, overseas-based former Caribbean champion Richard Chin took to the court and won easily over Haopei Yang 11-1, 11-2, 11-6.

Former Men’s national champion Regan Pollard was made to work hard by junior national player Alec Melville but eventually won 11-9, 11-3, 11-9.

The match of the night in the Men’s draw featured former national junior player Oliver Kear-Downes against Nicholas Narain.

Narain won the first game 11-9 and then the second 11-7. Kear-Downes then started to come into his own and won the third game 11-5 and at 10-8 in the fourth, it looked as if the match would go into the fifth game but this was not to be as Narain was able to squeeze through 14-12.

In other results, Nyron Joseph beat Ian Mekdeci 11-7, 11-1, 11–5, Deje Dias thrashed Robert Hiscock 11-1, 11-3, 11–9, Jason Ray Khalil demolished Antonio Joseph 11-3, 11-0, 11–0 and Ben Mekdeci whipped Joshua Abdool 11-6, 11-1, 11–5.

All were Men’s Open matches.

In the Veterans Over-50 category, Mike Atherly upstaged Robin Low 11-3, 11-3, 11-3 In the Men’s Open Plate, Jamaal Douglas received a walkover from Dustani Barrow Play continues today with quarter-final matches in the three unfinished categories from 18:00hrs.

Alwyn Callender has already won in the Veterans Over-50 category.

DUE TO the inclement weather conditions that is currently prevailing over Guyana, organiser of tonight’s ‘Cricket for Unity’ T20 clash between two teams named Kaieteur Thunders and Roraima Strikers, Dexter ‘Bushman’ Garnette is forced to postpone the contest to a later date.

A number of prominent businessmen, politicians, former West Indies and national players, administrators, disciplined service members, singers and radio personalities have confirmed their desire to play in the match that was scheduled to

be played under the lights installed at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground.

When the contest bowls off at a later date, Roraima Strikers will come from Neil Barry, Lloyd Harper, Travis Dowlin, Jumo Primo, Gordon Moseley, Clifton Hicken, Orin Forde, Anthony Rigby, Aaron Fraser, Jermaine Neblette, Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine, James Bond, Lennox Cush, Colin Stuart, Alfred King and Anand Sanasie.

Kaieteur Thunders will come from Raphael Trotman, Asif Khan, Khemraj Ramjattan, Carey Griffith,

Rabindranauth Seeram, Sheik Mohamed, Clyde Butts, Tony Najab, Reon King, Esaun Crandon, David Harper, Alfred Mentore, Steve Ninvalle, Lakeram Mike Singh and Ramesh Sunich.

M e a n w h i l e , s e v e ral business entities such as Ansa McAl, Wartsila, Bakewell, Industrial Supplies and Services, Diamond Auto Show, Morgan Learning Centre, Colours Boutique and Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and Hadi’s City Mall Inc., have thrown their support into the contest. (Calvin Roberts)

Pietersen still dreams of playing for England LONDON, England (Reuters) - Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen says he still harbours dreams of turning out for his country despite being controversially axed from the national team.

The 34-year-old had his central contract terminated by the England and Wales Cricket Board following the 5-0 Ashes defeat by Australia, with the governing body saying captain Alastair Cook needed to be able to trust and rely on the backing of all his players.

South Africa-born Pietersen, who played 104 Tests for England, was at Lord’s

Kevin Pietersen yesterday to prepare for a match between a Rest of the World side and the MCC as part of the latter’s bicentenary celebrations.

“My space reserved in the Lord’s dressing room.

Clothes ready! So excited about tomorrow,” he said on his official Twitter feed.

“I didn’t think I’d have this opportunity to play in front of a full house at Lord’s again. I still do hope that things change and I play for England here again. Time will tell ...”

A colourful character often at odds with team mates and management, despite his undoubted talent at the crease, Pietersen said last month that he had come to terms with the fact his international career was over, having scored 8 181 Test runs.

He is still playing Twenty20 cricket for English county Surrey and in the Indian Premier League.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 5, 2014

35

GCB makes good on promise to first division clubs in Berbice

By Calvin Roberts

LAST Sunday June 29, the Drubahadur-steward Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) held another one of its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) at the Georgetown Cricket Club, where several decisions were made relating to the development of cricket in Guyana.

Coming out of that OGM also was a decision as it relates to cricket in the Ancient County of Berbice, wherein the GCB decided that while the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) may see things differently, the clubs should not be made to suffer.

In this regard, secretary of the GCB Anand Sanasie made a call to vice-president of the BCB, Anil Beharry, informing him of the GCB’s intentions to donate to all active first division clubs in Berbice, $100 000 and a practice net, with Beharry being asked to spread the word around.

Last Thursday afternoon at the Albion Sports Complex ground, representatives of the 11 playing first division clubs in Berbice met with Drubahadur, Sanasie and GCB’s Marketing Manager Rajendra Singh, where they were brought up to date with developments within the operations of the GCB, while they received the promised donations.

Said Sanasie, “As I have indicated at the Albion Cricket Club presentation last Sun-

day, the GCB at their last OGM decided that the clubs attached to the BCB should not suffer, even though the BCB sees things differently when it comes to the GCB. “We made a decision to give to the active first division clubs, $100 000 and a practice net that is huge, hence today’s gesture; while sometime in the not-too-distant future, those vibrant second division clubs within the BCB will benefit from a similar gesture.”

Sanasie informed that same will be done in Essequibo, whose clubs will receive $50 000, while the GCB plans a similar programme for clubs on the East Bank of Demerara and Linden, even as he charged the clubs present to register with the Friendlies Society Act. In relation to the setting up of the GCB’s commercial arm known as DEB Essentials, Sanasie said that that was done to access, easily, funding from the GCB’s parent company, namely the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), who advised that same be set up.

Drubahadur informed the meeting that despite the numerous court battles the GCB faced from the BCB, they still managed to keep their heads above water and they are cognisant of the fact that cricket in Guyana needs the input it receives from Berbice, in relation to personnel.

“You need to know one

… Second divisions to benefit soon

Representatives of the 11 first division clubs, proudly display their cheque and practice nets, while seated at front from left are GCB Marketing Manager Rajendra Singh, president Drubahadur and secretary Anand Sanasie. clandestine and I can see that thing, while the BCB is there “Time and time again, I he spread the word, as every to administer the game profeshave heard the BCB saying first division club in Berbice sionally and appropriately, you they have not received any is represented here, for which are the BCB and you are the subsidies from the GCB, we at the GCB are thankful,” ones who have to require the but it is tough for us to give stated Singh.

BCB to look after your interest to somebody who does not According to Singh, what more, as the BCB is not a set of recognise us and if you, the many persons don’t know individuals,” said Drubahadur. clubs affiliated to the BCB, is the GCB conducts lots of Singh informed his audican really see and understand chopping and changing from ence which included Human the position of the GCB who revenues received for hosting Resources Manager of the has been taken to court time matches in Guyana, as they Albion Sugar Estate Vemen and time again by the BCB are unable to do much due to Walter and former nationthen you will understand the detractors who are going al Under-19 skipper Shawn things from our standpoint around to the various sponPereira that cricket in Guyana as it relates to their subsidies. sors and encouraging them to is poised for a lot of positive“We worked with the severe ties with the GCB. ness and the gesture by the BCB, through Anil (Beharry) “For us to run off our GCB is the first of many more to get you all here, as we four-day tournament that into come. did not wish to do anything volves the three county teams

and the President’s XI, it will cost about G$8M. Last year we got two sponsors to come on board with us and assist with some of that funding while the GCB funded the rest.

Our detractors have been going around to the sponsors and getting them to pull out of their partnership with the GCB, but despite that, we have been able to keep our heads above water and will continue to do so with the little resources we have, coupled with your support,” said Singh.

In an invited comment, Deonarine Seepersaud of Edinburgh Cricket Club, applauded the GCB for the gesture saying, “This is nice what they (GCB) are doing for the clubs here in Berbice. If the BCB had gotten their subvention, I doubt whether we would have gotten this much amount of money from them.”

Meanwhile, Walter enquired what steps the GCB will take as it relates to Albion being ostracised by the BCB for personal reasons, to which both Singh and Sanasie gave their opinion then asked Walter to pen a letter to the GCB, seeking their assistance on the matter.

The 11 clubs present were West Berbice Cricket Association, Blairmont, Bermine, Police, Young Warriors, Edinburgh, Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Skeldon and Upper Corentyne.

4TH DIGICEL INTER-SECONDARY SCHOOL FOOTBALL C’SHIP

Bradford and James steer Charlestown past Brickdam … WSS, ERSS and NRMSS also win

Part of the action between Charlestown Secondary (white jerseys) and Brickdam Secondary at the Ministry of Education ground, yesterday.

Omari James, were humbling Brickdam SecondBy Calvin Roberts ary in their second round WHILE Brazil and Colombia fourth annual Digicel Inwere engaged in a heated ter-Secondary School Footquarter-final encounter in ball Championships.

At the Bartica Secondary the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Charlestown Secondary, on School ground, two-time the back of double strikes national runners-up Warafrom Aroydy Bradford and madong Secondary scraped

past the home team 2-1, East Ruimveldt Secondary edged past a game Bishops’ High School 2-1 at Camp Ayanganna, while at the Georgetown Football Club ground, North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary defeated Tucville Secondary 2-0.

At the Ministry of Education ground, Bradford started positively for Charlestown, when he made a spirited run in the first minute of the game, only to be denied by Brickdam’s defence, while at the other end, a Julian Pitt free kick, awarded after Malachi Adonis was fouled, went wide of Charlestown’s uprights.

The first minute exchange certainly set the tone for what was to come and while some were still talking

about Bradford, who this year represented Guyana’s Under-21 at hockey in the Pan American Championships, the stocky striker found the back of the net in the 4th minute.

A pass from James that found its way through the legs of Brickdam’s defence and landed in the path of Bradford saw the striker make no mistake, by calmly placing the ball into the back of the net, leaving Brickdam custodian Darren Marks stranded.

James made it 2-0 in the 25th minute with his first of two goals, after Omally Scotland’s left-footed shot from the right of the box rebounded off the last post and landed at his feet, for which he said thanks by beating Marks on the first post, for a similar scoreline at halftime.

After the break, Brad-

ford weaved his way through Brickdam’s defence, rounded Marks and placed the ball with the greatest of ease in the back of the net for a 3-0 lead in the 38th minute. However, three minutes later, backto-back saves from Marks denied him (Bradford) from making it 4-0.

Tomol Mingo placed his name on the scoresheet for Charlestown in the 66th minute, when he scored from a goal-mouth scrimmage and after seeing Denilson Rose being given his marching orders for abusive language in the 70th minute, James completed his double when he emulated Bradford by worming through Brickdam’s defence and beating Marks.

At Camp Ayanganna, Wayne Forde handed ERSS the lead with his 7th minute strike, then watched as Romel Legall doubled it three minutes later, but a never-say-die attitude from Bishops’ saw Nathan-

iel King reduce the deficit to one goal, with his 18th minute goal.

Try as they may, neither team found the back of the net after that, even though ERSS had numerous opportunities to do so but squandered same through excessive dribbling, but when the final whistle sounded, they were the ones rejoicing.

At the Bartica Secondary School ground, Waramadong, who for two successive years were defeated by twotime national and four-time Region 10 champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School, saw Ashton Ward (26th) and Dion Rodrigues (30th) finding the back of the net, before Godfrey Naughton pulled one back for Bartica in the 70th minute.

With the win, Waramadong will now go on to face Three Miles Secondary in the Regional final tomorrow at the same venue from 15:30hrs.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GCB makes good on promise to first division clubs in Berbice See Story on page 35

Luiz stunner seals Brazil win over Colombia … to face Germany in semi-final

David Luiz of Brazil celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter-final match against Colombia at Estadio Castelao, yesterday in Fortaleza, Brazil.

By Gideon Long FORTALEZA, Brazil (Reuters) - A stunning free kick from Brazil’s David Luiz sealed a 2-1 win

over Colombia in a frantic World Cup quarter-final yesterday, taking the hosts into a semi-final against Germany and keeping them on track for a sixth

world title.

Captain Thiago Silva bundled in Neymar’s corner at the back post to put Brazil ahead in the seventh minute before Luiz thundered home

Marshall, Victor shine as Guyana down St Vincent 86-72

a dipping 30-metre free kick midway the second half at the Castelao arena.

Colombia had a Mario Yepes effort ruled out for offside before in-form James Rodriguez dragged his side back into the match from the penalty spot with just over 10 minutes remaining - his sixth goal of the tournament.

That made for an uncomfortable finale for the Brazilians but they held on to reach the last four of the World Cup for the first time since 2002 and the 11th time overall.

Their hard-fought victory in a sometimes niggly Latin American clash also kept alive their remarkable record of having never lost a competitive home match since 1975.

But victory came at a price.

Thiago Silva was booked for a challenge on the Colombian goalkeeper and will miss the semi-final while Neymar was carried off late in the game and was taken to hospital with what appeared to be a serious injury.

“It was a great game, Colombia had an excellent World Cup, they played nice soccer and they deserve a lot of credit,” Luiz said before turning his attention to the Germans, who beat France in their quarter-final.

“It will be a big game - a classic in world terms, and it will be very hard,” he said.

After the drama of a penalty shootout win over Chile in the last 16, Brazil came out firing on all cylinders

and dominated the first half.

Neymar was a constant threat on the left while the powerful running of Hulk kept the Colombian defence on the back foot.

Rodriguez came in for some rough treatment from Fernandinho but overall Brazil shackled the tournament’s top scorer well.

Brazil captain Thiago Silva savoured the opening goal, clutching the Brazil badge on his shirt and mouthing the words “this is Brazil” to the cameras, but rued the fact that he will miss the semi-final.

“I am emotional because I give the team my heart and soul,” he said in a televised interview. “I am out the next game but Dante and Henrique can play well and fill my absence.”

Brazil’s Neymar out of World Cup with back injury: team See Story on page 32

Guyana’s captain Rawle Marshall driving past SVG’s John Gardiner on his way to score a game-high 28 points. between the two will lock up A GAME-HIGH 28 points (CBC) tournament contin- the fifth place (loser will finish sixth) at the eight-team from captain Rawle Mar- ued in Tortola. tournament.

It was the Guyana’s first shall, along with a sensaIt was evident that tional 22 points perfor- win at the championship, afGuyana meant business mance from Ray Victor, ter losing their three previous from jump ball. In fact, games to the BVI, USVI and enabled Guyana to go past the team looked totally St Vincent and the Gren- Barbados. different and determined With the win, Guyana adines (SVG) 86-72 yesterday, as the Caribbean will now play Barbados to not end their CBC camBasketball Confederation again, this time the winner (See Page 31)

Brazil’s Neymar grimaces as he is carried off the pitch after being injured during their 2014 World Cup quarterfinals against Colombia at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza, yesterday Credit: Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

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SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014