Guyana chronicle 09 04 14

GUYANA No. 103793

WESNESDAY APRIL 9, 2014

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

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Gov’t will approach review of estimates in good faith

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… and hopes Opposition will see the merits of Budget 2014

Chief Justice ruling must be adhered to until appeal pronouncement

AG ANIL NANDLALL

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Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh wraps up the Budget 2014 debate

In Budget Debate...

Budget 2014 3 must be amended if people are to enjoy a good life Page

Opposition Leader David Granger

…says Opposition Leader David Granger

– AG Nandlall

Rohee assures of changes for better security in 10 Guyana Page

Minister Clement Rohee

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Gov’t will approach review of estimates in good faith

… and hopes Opposition will see the merits of Budget 2014

By Vanessa Narine FINANCE Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, was fired up as he delivered the final presentation in the 2014 Budget debates in the National Assembly, last night.

And in one fell swoop debunked the major criticisms of the national estimates, cleverly using the Opposition Leader’s own quip, ‘Is the same old PPP/C (Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civic’, against the Opposition, with the APNU taking the brunt of the thrashing.

Singh acknowledged the remark from A Partnership for National Unity Leader, David Granger, and pointed out that there is “no shame” in being the same old PPP/C, when one considers the massive successes and national advances made under the current Administration.

He said, “It is the PPP/C that believes in and practises democracy, and in this regard, we will be the same old same old PPP/C. It is the PPP/C that has always stood with the people of Guyana; and in this regard we will

be the same old PPP/C…we have nothing to be ashamed of. Our track record is something we can be proud of.”

Singh pointed out that unlike the Opposition, the ruling party did not have to change its name from the People’s National Congress (PNC) to APNU to “deceive” the Guyanese people. “ Yo u c a n c h a n g e name…you can change your shirt, your time…. at the end of the day, it is same old PNC…for the PNC‘same old’ is something to be ashamed of because of a disgraceful and outrageous legacy and the trauma that was wrought on Guyana,” he said.

SAME OLD PNC According to him, the House does not have far to look to see the “same old PNC” as the evidence is clear and visible.

He referenced the fact that Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge yesterday circulated copies of correspondence between him and Singh, but failed to circulate the complete corre-

spondence.

The Finance Minister told the House that the correspondences stopped at November 18, 2013, when, as recently as January 24, 2014, the Opposition parties

of selective recollection and explanations of the reality.

The Finance Minister had also previously explained that his e-mail dated January 13, 2014, indicated Government’s invitation to

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh wraps up the Budget 2014 debate were invited again to consult on the national budget.

At this comment, Greenidge left the Parliament Chambers and his exit was followed by heckles of ‘Run, Carl, run’.

Singh said, “I don’t know why he (Greenidge) did not share complete sequence of correspondences…it is the ‘same old PNC’, Singh said, citing the known use

meet on Budget 2014 and requested that the Opposition suggest a date.

The e-mail was also copied to AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger, Lance Carberry, Dr. Roger Luncheon, and Gail Teixeira.

The e-mail also contained copies of documents to be discussed.

Further, in February 2014, there was still no response from the Parliamentary Opposition parties to government’s invitation to participate in pre-budget consultations.

MISREPRESENTATIONS Singh went on to focus on a notable “pattern of debating” where, instead of proffering alternatives how better can be done, nothing was forthcoming from the Opposition benches, save for some instances, including APNU Member of Parliament, Karen Cummings.

He said, “For the most part, instead, we got a series of misrepresentations and even more unfortunately there was resort to insults…. we see emerging now what appears to be an asymmetric entitlement to criticise.

When the Opposition criticise, they are holding us accountable, irrespective of cacophony, they are holding us accountable.

“However, when we criticise, it is arrogance and cuss out…this is unfortunate.”

Singh stressed that the Opposition does not enjoy the sole right to criticise, rather they too have a responsibility to be accountable to their constituents and factual and truthful in all their representations.

He stated that APNU

front-bencher, Basil Williams, made this clear on Monday night when he stated that of 182 countries, Guyana ranks fifth from the bottom on the Human Development Index.

“I was astonished and worried that I had read the wrong report….but the fact is, the 2013 Human Development Report says that of 186 countries listed, Guyana is 118. Last I checked 186 minus 118 is not five. Stop misleading the people of Guyana…stop misrepresenting the facts to the people of Guyana,” Singh stressed emphatically.

Williams rose to object to the statement and some chaos ensued before the Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, interjected to ask that the Finance Minister continue.

Singh returned that there is a simple way to characterise this discovery of misrepresentation, “same old PNC” – a comment that evoked smirks and evident approval from his colleague MPs on the Government side.

The Finance Minister said, “The dilemma is that throughout the debate we have been regaled with such representations; and when misrepresentations were not at hand, resort was made to insults and invectives.”

INSULTS On that note, Singh vehemently rejected the negative characterisation of the Finance Ministry’s staffers as “tired” during his presentation in the debates.

APNU MP, Joseph Harmon, had said, “My colleagues, let’s face it. Dr. see page 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana...

Volda Lawrence: APNU MP gone wild?

OLD Kai is convinced that something is definitely wrong and I mean, seriously wrong with some Opposition Members of Parliament. These are the individuals who have consistently accused the PPP/C Government of losing touch with the masses but it seems that the Opposition should be looking into a mirror when they make such comments.

Guyana’s political Opposition is clearly out of touch with the thoughts of the average man in the street and this was evident in the budget presentation of APNU’s MP Volda Lawrence recently. This woman went into Parliament and held up a pornographic DVD titled ‘Guyanese girls gone wild’ and like a ‘Johnny come lately’ began to condemn society in a self-righteous manner.

She should know that the very DVD was cause of a crackdown on Video clubs a few years ago, where several proprietors were charged and brought before the courts for possession of pornographic material. So turning up like Rip Van Winkle several

has drastically decreased from what occurred years So anyone who tries to engender the perception ago, when it was common to see someone under the that our society is less caring today than it was influence lying at every street corner in the village. As back in the days, I say they need to get their heads society has evolved, the ‘alcohol consumption’ habits examined. Victims of sexual abuse who suffered in of citizens have also changed. It is puerile to suggest silence were countless back then, even today in their that this is a trend which only sprang up recently. The old age they are still haunted by those memories. consumption of alcohol has been around for thousands No one came to their assistance and in cases where of years, so Volda has apparently been asleep for persons knew, they would encourage the victim to longer than I initially imagined.

Guyana’s political Opposition is clearly out of touch with the thoughts She used accidents of the average man in the street and this was evident in the budget prewhere the drivers were sentation of APNU’s MP Volda Lawrence recently. This woman went found to be under the influence to back up her into Parliament and held up a pornographic DVD titled ‘Guyanese argument that the ‘rum girls gone wild’ and like a ‘Johnny come lately’ began to condemn culture’ is out of con- society in a self-righteous manner. trol. This is a misleading notion. Just image what would have been the state a few decades ago, were we to have had the remain silent and not bring ‘shame’ on the family amount of cars on our roads as we do today? It would while the perpetrator(s) roamed free, free to prey on their next victim. So when Volda harks back to her utopian-caring society next time, she should not omit these facts.

I mentioned earlier that the Opposition is clearly out of touch with the average man out there and this was evident in the budget presentation by Education Minister, Priya Manickchand. Volda and her crew apparently sensed they were about to be exposed which is why they used Manickchand’s “ask the APNU MP Sharma” retort to run out of Parliament.

The minister had cause to point out that Volda was clearly ‘sailing’ in her budget presentation and it now makes it even more difficult for citizens to trust what comes out of the mouth of Opposition MPs. Volda had lamented the less than ideal conditions visually impaired students were exposed to in the section of the St. Roses High School they occupied. The minister had cause to point out that these children have already been moved from that location and have been placed in a more hospitable and conducive environment.

What this shows is the lack of planning and groundwork on the part of APNU, as had Volda simply called to verify the present situation of these kids, she would not have been embarrassed in such a manner. This makes us wonder what else in the Opposition budget presentations is not factual in nature.

Another point which stuck is Volda’s contention that ‘hundreds of teachers are leaving our shores’ Opposition APNU Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence holding up a copy of a pornographic DVD titled ‘Guyanese girls gone wild’ during her Budget debate presentation in the National Assembly last week. and again Minister Manickchand humbled her. The Education Minister pointed out that in actuality it was the other way around, as many teachers who years later with a copy will not cut it. If she was have resulted in unprecedented carnage. She talks about broke their contracts and went overseas are now serious about sending a strong message to society, lewd behaviours as she cited her prized possession, returning to Guyana, no doubt as they are finding rather than procuring and apparently watching this ‘Guyanese girls gone wild’ but again can you image if life challenging in these countries where they had video which is unlawful, Lawerence should have we had the amount of technology as we do today back thought the ‘grass was greener’. assisted the authorities so they can place before then, what would have been the case?

This is an inconvenient truth for the Oppothe courts whomever she sourced her copy from.

Teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, sexual sition as it contradicts their plan of trying to Instead, she chose to grandstand. This APNU MP abuse, alcohol consumption, etc., are all a big issues convince Guyanese that things are not ideal and has apparently gone wild! today but these are problems which existed when Volda that they could offer citizens a ‘better Guyana’.

She then spoke about a ‘rum culture’ being went on her first date, when the people she represents Apart from their inglorious track record while devastating to society. There is no ‘rum culture’; today were in Government back then. The truth is that in Government and their long list of efforts to what we have is an ‘alcohol consumption culture’. these issues never received the type of attention that economically sabotage Guyana since 1992, their There is an inherent difference and might I say it they should have. Thankfully, today these are issues pathetic efforts thus far in the budget debates borders on trying to stereotype one particular race provoking national debate. People are encouraged can easily be bettered, had we placed some Secin Guyana. to break from tradition and speak out. It is taboo no ondary school students to replace them in the It can be argued that the consumption of ‘rum’ longer.

National Assembly.

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In Budget Debate...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Rohee assures of changes for better security in Guyana - says new forensic lab to be commissioned by month end also routine polygraph testing to enhance integrity of members of the Force and more money to fight illicit drugs

By Clifford Stanley MINISTER of Home Affairs Mr. Clement Rohee said, Monday night, that, due to the evolving nature of crime, providing security for any society is a dynamic and ever changing process.

He said it is a fact which those who criticise his Administration seem to conveniently overlook, and they miss the

Minister Clement Rohee speaking in the National Assembly on Monday night.

There will also be routine polygraph testing to enhance He emphasised that a reform of the security sector would involve changes that impact on those crimes which negative- the integrity of members of the Force and more money to fight illicit drugs. ly affect the lives of citizens.

“The crime statistics, issued by the police intermittently, has given no reason to feel comfortable that the situation is DRUGS BUSTS improving,” Felix contended.

He said he is pleased with recent increases in the The former police Commissioner maintained, too, that he drugs busts, by the Police and Customs Anti-Narcotics had seen no change setting in place within the GPF. Unit (CANU), at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport “There is much of the same. Investigative tactics em- (CJIA) and pledged: “Wherever they hide the drugs, ployed by the police have wherever they hide the guns, we not changed,” he insisted. will find them.”

But Minister Rohee said Minister Rohee said he is pleased with recent The minister also anticipated there are, at the moment, increases in the drugs busts by the Police an expansion of community many changes that are tak- and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), policing activities to enhance ing place towards ensuring at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport security in communities, citing the effectiveness of the sethe large allocation of $413M for (CJIA) and pledged: “Wherever they hide curity and law enforcement that purpose in the 2014 Budget. the drugs, wherever they hide the guns, we agencies.

He said there are some 282 The ministry has started will find them.”

Community Policing Groups the process of implement(CPGs) across the country, with ing four aspects that are 4,542 members and growing. very much needed in the Those groups will be given facilities to support the reform of the GPF, he asserted. work of the police, the minister said, stating: “We all Rohee said those needed reforms are in the areas of ad- know that, without the cooperation of the community, ministration, succession planning, probity/integrity, public the police will not succeed to the extent that they need relations and communications, and the implementation has to.” begun.

He assured that the Government is committed and He announced that a new forensic laboratory, to increase dedicated to ensuring, in an ever improving way, that the the investigative capabilities of the GPF, is to be commis- citizens of Guyana sleep, live and work in an atmosphere sioned by month end. of peace and good order.

importance of the socio-economic context.

“In the late 1980s, early 1990s, money laundering, trafficking in persons, gun running, piracy, drug trafficking were miniscule. These are now new challenges. The criminals keep trying to stay one step ahead of the law enforcement agencies and law enforcement has to stay many steps ahead of them.

“Security has been and always will be a work in progress,” Rohee stated, adding that: “If there is anyone on the Opposition side of the House who believes that there is a silver bullet, then they are dreaming (or) walking in their sleep.”

The minister made the observations during his presentation on the 2014 Budget, in response to those on public safety and security made by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Winston Felix, last week.

NO REDUCTION The latter had charged that, although Government said it embarked on a comprehensive programme of reform in the security sector, there had been no reduction of robberies under arms, murders, trafficking in narcotics and other serious crimes.

Minister Clement Rohee during his budget debate presentation in the House.

APNU charges...

COI flawed by accepting advice of Rodney widow A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity (APNU) has said that Mrs. Patricia Rodney, widow

of the late Dr. Walter Rodney had advised the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into his death to

exclude the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the People’s National Congress (PNC)

from being consulted on its establishment.

APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Mr. Basil Williams, who made the claim, said the advice was accepted and had been included in the terms of reference (TOR) number four.

Williams’ allegation, during his presentation in the National Assembly Monday night, said APNU was protesting the fact that the COI had accepted it.

He said APNU recognises

the right of Mrs. Rodney to have closure with respect to her husband’s death but does not accept that she has a role in determining the formation and operation of the COI. Williams said the COI Act Chapter 19:03 gives the Commission Chairman the power to act in his/her own deliberate judgement, not be counseled and/or procured.

He said: “APNU sees the acceptance of the advice from Mrs. Rodney to exclude the

WPA and the PNC from being consulted on the setting up of the Inquiry as an abdication of the responsibility given by the COI Act.” Williams added that APNU feels the COI is, therefore, flawed from the beginning.

He said APNU is calling on the officials to consult with the WPA and the PNC and remove the offending TOR number four which excludes the two parties from the consultations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

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In Parliament…

Nandlall defends President’s right to withhold assent

By Vanessa Narine ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minster of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, on Monday night in the National Assembly, maintained the constitutionally protected right of President Donald Ramotar to decline assent to what, in his estimation, are unconstitutional Bills and return them to the House with explanation of his reasoning.

The AG pointed that:“Article 170 (2) of the Constitution provides that when a Bill is presented to the President for assent, he shall signify that he assents or that he withholds assent’.

“Section 3 adds that ‘Where the President withholds his assent to a Bill, he shall return it to the Speaker within twenty-one days of the date when it was presented to him for assent with a message stating the reasons why he has withheld the assent’.

“It is the crystalline from the above, that the President has an undoubted and untrammeled freedom to assent to and to withhold his assent from Bills presented to him.

“In the case of the latter, he is constitutionally mandated to proffer reasons for so doing. The notion, therefore, that the President is obliged, robotically, to render his assent to every Bill passed by the National Assembly, is manifestly misconceived. The Constitution does not contemplate it, neither does legal logic support it,” Nandlall stated.

He called on the Opposition to rid their minds of this misconception and refrain from peddling it.

Palpably wrong “The contention, therefore, that the President cannot withhold his assent to a Bill on the ground that, in his opinion or based upon the advice he receives, that the Bill is unconstitutional, is a contention that is palpably wrong,” the AG said.

He added that, to place such a restriction upon the President’s power to withhold his assent from Bills is “ultra vires the express language” of the Constitution.

Nandlall continued: “The framers did not contemplate it and the Constitution does not warrant it. “…the Presidential Power of withholding assent to Bills is not peculiar to the Guyana Constitution.

“It owes its genesis to the Royal Prerogative and has been retained by many of the great democracies of the world,” he explained.

The AG cited the Constitutions of India, South Africa and even the United States, as examples of the similar precedence.

Addressing the most talked about, which has not received Presidential assent, the Local Government Amendment Bill, Nandlall acknowledged the many criticisms.

However, he said the majority in the Select Committee made several deletions of clauses which were in the legislation tabled by the Minister of Local Gov-

ernment and, in most of the instances, no amendments were inserted to fill the deficiencies created.

The AG argued: “In consequence, if the Bill is properly examined, one will quickly identify several structural and institutional deficiencies in the architecture of the Local Government structure, which the Bill purports to create.”

MANY FUNCTIONS He referred, for example, to the many functions which the Regional Executive Officer is to perform, including oversight, approval of financial transfers to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) from Central Government and a host of other executive responsibilities that are the subject of a clause in the Bill.

“This clause has been simply deleted but nothing is substituted thereof. So, currently, there is no one in this Bill to perform these important functional responsibilities,” the AG noted.

He said the clause of the Bill which allows for certain officers, like the Environmental Health Officer, Environmental Health Assistants and other public health officials and public officers to institute legal proceedings or effect prosecution in the Courts in respect of violations of the law and by-laws have been deleted.

“Again there is no substitute. So, a whole regime of by-laws and municipal related laws cannot be enforced

by way of the legal process,” the AG pointed out.

Nandlall lamented, too, that another set of amendments in the Bill presented by the minister, relate to simply transferring executive powers from the minister to the Local Government Commission by the simple cutting out of the word “Minister” and pasting “Commission” in its stead, without appreciating the impact that it will have on the Constitution.

He said:“The effect is you have a transferral of executive power from the executive Minister to a non-executive Local Government Commission.

“The Commission, by its very nature, is not an executive agency but it is a constitutionally autonomous body like the other Constitutional Commissions and cannot be charged with executive responsibilities. The powers of the Commission are set out in Article 78A of the Constitution. It provides that: ‘Parliament shall establish a Local Government Commission the composition and rules of which empower the Commission to deal with as it deems fit, all matters related to the regulation and staffing of local government organs and with dispute resolution within and between local government organs’.”

“Clearly, it can be easily discerned that the Commission has the following functions to perform: regulation and staffing of local govern-

ment organs and dispute resolution within and between local government organs.

It has no other function.

Therefore, whole regimes of functions which have been taken from the Minister and given to the Local Government Commission are simply ultra vires Article 78A of the Constitution,” he explained.

The AG questioned how the President could “assent to such travesty” and be in a position to defend its constitutionality.

REMAINS INTACT About defending the constitutionality of a decision, Nandlall was emphatic in pointing out that the role of the judiciary remains intact and any challenges to the President’s decision can still be made.

He said: “The argument advanced that the President or the Attorney-General has no power and authority to opine that a Bill is unconstitutional, is awfully infantile.

“Everyday lawyers interpret the law and the constitution and advise their clients. Indeed, every legal system will break down and civilisation will come to halt if every time someone needs legal advice, they are required to approach a Court for its interpretation and advice.

“The arguments advanced are predicated upon the misconception that the President, by expressing his opinion that the Bills are unconstitutional, has, somehow, displayed the functions of the Court as being the

sole arbiter of unconstitutionality.”

The AG said that is a “patently irrational” assumption, which is vividly illustrated by examining the converse situation.

He asked:“If the President assents to the Bill, can it then be argued that the President has determined the constitutionality of the Bill and, therefore, has effectively ousted the Court’s jurisdiction from ever entertaining a challenge to its constitutionality?”

Legal truth Nandlall answered:“Certainly not! The legal truth is that the Court’s jurisdiction to question the constitutionality of Bills and actions by the State and its various organs can never be dismantled by the President or any other agency.”

President Ramotar has, himself, publicly alluded to the dangers in reversing his decision to sign Bills which he said are unconstitutional, as per his legal advice.

He cited the Esther Pereira Elections Petition case of 1998, in which, despite an agreement by Members of Parliament, a legal case did result.

“How do I know if I sign this, despite my legal advice, that another Esther Pereira will raise its head and impeach me,” the Head of State pondered.

The President made it clear that nothing is preventing the Opposition from challenging his reason for withholding assent and taking the matter to Court.

Manickchand refutes APNU claims that budget 2014 has similar theme as PPP 2011 Manifesto

By Vanessa Narine EDUCATION Minister Priya Manickchand refuted claims made by several Members of Parliament (MPs) of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) that the 2014 Budget Theme is similar to the PPP party’s 2011 manifesto.

She stressed that if that is the case, the Opposition should have no problem supporting the national estimates, as allocations therein are geared to fulfill the many promises made to the people of Guyana during the 2011 campaign.

On Monday night in the National Assembly, she pleaded with the combined Opposition to do the right thing and put Guyana first by doing what is “good and right” for the Guyanese people.

“There will be opportunities, sooner or later, for their vision -- if they have any -- to be taken to the people… But until then, we have a responsibility to the people of this

country,” Manickchand said.

The Education Minister noted that the responsibility Government has to the Guyanese people is a responsibility to all Guyanese, not just some.

“All Guyanese have to include the people who democratically chose this Government… ‘A better Guyana for all Guyanese’ is (talking about) all Guyana, not some,” she said, as she referred to the “biEducation Minister Priya ased” positions taken by Manickchand in the National the Opposition in relation Assembly on Monday to the sugar and bauxite

industries.

Manickchand continued: “My constituents are saying that they feel that they are being discriminated against because they voted for the PPP/C. They believe they are being punished.

“Yes, you can say you support the allocation to the education sector, but when you take away means from their parents, as will happen if the allocations to the sugar industry are cut, you still do our children harm… This is what will happen when you chop this budget.”

According to Manickchand, the theme of the 2014 Budget is apt, and the onus in now on the Opposition to fill the gap between their words and actions, and work with Government for a better Guyana.

The Education Minister highlighted that Guyana has “held its own” over the last eight years, recording consecutive growth rates at a time when countries the See page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Teixeira says Opposition suffering from tunnel vision …in criticising Budget 2014

By Vanessa Narine

GOVERNMENT’s Chief Whip, Ms Gail Teixeira, delivered blow and after blow to the combined Opposition on Monday night, recommending that their Members of Parliament (MPs) consult an ophthalmologist to address what is clearly a case of “tunnel vision”, in light of their criticisms of Budget 2014.

“Tunnel vision is a medical condition (in which) you can only see what is in front of you, not considering anything else…

“The Opposition is suffering from tunnel vision and needs an ophthalmologist,” she quipped.

Teixeira argued that the criticisms levelled over the last week of debates have failed to look beyond the present, and have ignored the fact that the Budget is a yearly plan to realise a broader vision for Guyana’s development.

TWO VIEWS “The debates so far have all a bunch of flop…you don’t sit with us. If you don’t talk about partnership, how will we move? You think it is done by magic, by waving a hand?” she asked.

According to Teixeira, the debates in the House have so far presented two views, the “small world view” as expressed by the Opposition, and the “big world vision” as expressed by the Government.

Teixeira said, “We can forever complain…. The fact is that, with no global vision, we cannot solve anything.”

She stressed the need for the many transformational projects that have engaged the Opposition’s scissors in the last two budgets, and explained that Government is looking at meeting the needs of the Guyanese people, while at the same time looking at the future.

Teixeira said, “What we are seeing is classical smallmind vision…not one speaker said anything toward future Guyana…it seems that they want a ‘repair and maintenance budget’.”

She added that not one MP on the Opposition side had talked about the fact that, as a primary producer, Guyana must move to cheaper energy generation; or the fact that, given global advances, Guyana has to move upward in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) arena; or that climate change is a real problem, and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is a pioneering advance.

“All we got was a litany of woes… Tunnel vision!” Teix-

Gov’t Chief Whip in the National Assembly Monday night eira said.

She argued that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) seem trapped in a time warp of the 1980s.

She said, “Greenidge came with the same mantra, ‘reduce this and reduce that, increase this, increase that’, but not one idea of sustainably, not one idea of new venture, of expansion, was put forward.”

Teixeira reiterated that the 2014 Budget is one to do with the future of the country.

She lambasted one APNU MP for criticising the shortage of toilet paper at one public facility, stressing that the debate is on a national budget and such concerns can be made known at other forums.

Her comment prompted a heckle from the Government benches that the Opposition MPs suffer from “latrine vision” – a heckle that was repeated constantly before the end of the night.

The Chief Whip acknowledged the challenges facing Guyana, but called on the Opposition to do more and proffer solutions that are visionary. “Their recommendations have no vision,” she said.

OPPOSITION FOR OPPOSING SAKE Teixeira decried the stance of the Opposition - opposing for the sake of opposing, rather than acting truly like

Manickchand refutes APNU claims that ...

From page 11 world over have been challenged.

“We are seeing visibly the signs of growth…there are things that can visibly identify as to whether or not we are growing… To say there is no growth is insipid, when we see clear evidence of growth,” she said.

Stating that growth does not come easily, Manickchand lauded the economic stewardship of Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh. “It is this (stewardship) and vision that have allowed us to see continued growth for eight years,” she said.

The minister lambasted APNU MP Joseph Harmon for references he had made to the Finance Ministry staff as “tired” in his criticisms of the 2014 Estimates. She flayed him for “targeting” professionals who should be allowed to work and be respected, regardless of their political allegiances.

Manickchand pointed out that the Director of the Budget Office is a woman, Sonya Roopnauth, who has done well in her capacity; and under her stewardship has seen the Office realising accomplishments that “entire global” conferences are called to urge countries to do.

“We say ‘thank you’ to the ministry staff,” the minister said.

She was emphatic in stressing that the Government stands by the National Budget, which will bring good things to the Guyanese people.

a Government-in-waiting.

“The Opposition is trapped in opposition politics and cannot escape time warp… They are victims of their own making, and are making Guyana the victim too… They are opposition for opposing sake,” she lamented.

According to her, despite this disposition and its challenges, Guyana still had growth.

“The doubting Thomases can’t find the growth…they haven’t even a clue if they are right or wrong…they can’t even calculate GDP (Gross Domestic Product),” she said.

Teixeira stressed that Guyana’s eight years of growth is something for the nation and all Guyanese to be proud of. “It wasn’t handed to us on a platter,” she said.

The Government Chief Whip pointed out that the days of abject poverty are gone, the days of children pushing carts with water, the days when 54 per cent of children under five suffered from malnutrition, the days when many pregnant women suffered from anemia, the days when the educational needs of Amerindian children were neglected, among many other changes.

“Those days are over,” she said emphatically.

Teixeira pointed out that Guyanese children can today talk of dreams and a life that has seen upward mobility; and can boast of measurable successes.

ULTIMATE TEST She stated that the fundamental debate in the National Assembly is the philosophical and ideological difference as it relates to the separation of powers.

Teixeira noted that the 10th Parliament will be characterised by the Opposition’s understanding, or lack of understanding of this principle. “The Opposition cannot attempt to run the Government from the Opposition benches… This is a role they have difficulty understanding,” she said.

Teixeira made it clear that the ultimate test for local politicians will be the test of the people, the judgment of the electorate.

She said, “The public is waiting for you to pass this Budget, and whether you will pass it (the Budget) or create greater difficulties for the Guyanese people. “…we are at cross roads, but the onus is on the opposing side and their judgment in estimates, which will decide Guyana’s fate.”

Teixeira warned that cuts to the national Estimates will be done to the peril of those who control the scissors. “The electorate is watching you and will judge,” she said.

In response to these sentiments, several Opposition MPs called on the Government to stop bluffing with calls of elections and “call um!”

Cocaine-laden pastries find still under investigation THE Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit are continuing their investigations into the recent discovery of 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine stashed in footwear and pastries at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the Canje taxi driver who was charged in the matter told investigators that while one of the bags in which the items were found belongs to him, he was handed the other bag to carry to the United States by someone whose name he cannot remember.

Pastries in which the cocaine was found

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Guyanese Diaspora Conference planned to transfer knowledge, skills

By Clifford Stanley THE population of Guyanese living overseas is becoming an important aspect of Guyana’s development.

Consequently, the Diaspora Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be intensifying its work this year in engagements with those citizens to facilitate, at the very least, the transfer of knowledge, skills and training, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said.

She made the disclosure during her presentation on the 2014 Budget in the National Assembly Monday night.

According to her, those interventions will facilitate the return of Guyanese on short-term or long-term attachments, for which the Diaspora Unit has been collaborating with the International

Organisation of Migration (IOM) for the formulation and implementation of the Guyana Diaspora Project.

That scheme is aimed at creating a database on Guyanese living overseas,

profiling them, in terms of skills available and, more importantly, whether they would like to be involved in Guyana’s development more than they are now, she said.

This survey was com-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in the National Assembly on Monday

Colwyn Harding matter coming closer to closure - Top Cop

By Leroy Smith COMMISSIONER of Police Seelall Persaud has said that there will soon be another step forward towards closure in the Colwyn Harding matter as the Head of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has assured that his leg of the investigation would have been wrapped up on Monday.

The Top Cop was at the time responding to questions from the media with respect to the investigations into the Colwyn Harding matter. He added that once the file is finished being looked at by the OPR, it will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

Several police officers

have been under investigation regarding allegations of sodomizing and assaulting the 23-year-old man in November last year while he was in their custody at the Timehri Police Station.

‘TOP COP’: SEELALL PERSAUD

The file was first sent to the DPP for advice by the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Justice Cecil Kennard, who had indicated that there were criminal charges which were likely to be levelled against one of the ranks while assault charges would be levelled against two others and disciplinary actions brought against the rest.

The incident alleging the baton rape of a prisoner by a police rank of the Timheri Police Station while his colleagues watched became the concern of the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Police Office of Professional Responsibility, Police Complaints Authority and several civil society groups as well as the general public.

pleted in December 2013 and the Minister revealed that, from the information collected through it, a number of important steps will be taken.

These will include the formulation of a comprehensive Diaspora Policy Strategy to formally establish mechanisms for en-

gagements and building capacity within the Diaspora Unit to: * create a One-Stop Shop for dealing with all Diaspora matters; * establishing pilot projects in collaboration with donor agencies to facilitate the return of Guyanese on short-term or long-term at-

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tachments for the transfer of knowledge, skills and training, and * the convening of a Diaspora Conference to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, skills and training, which would bring together the Diaspora, Government and Civil Society, for consultations and dialogue on a number of diverse issues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

AG appeals for ego to yield to reason - in passing the crucial AML/CFT Bill

By Vanessa Narine

THE Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has reiterated Government’s call for passage of the crucial Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill.

Speaking during his presentation to the ongoing 2014 Budget debates on Monday night, AG Nandlall said, “Let ego yield to reason.”

He urged Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, to “order your troops” to pass the Bill.

“Unfortunately the Bill is still languishing in the Select Committee,” Nandlall declared.

The Parliamentary Special Select Committee, which is reviewing the AML/CFT Bill, is currently waiting on the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Cecil Dhurjon, to complete the third draft that includes amendments to the initial amendments proposed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The APNU’s three amendments address a: change the entire governing apparatus of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU); remove the Attorney General wherever that name appears and replace it with the FIU; and vest a police officer

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

or customs officer with a power to seize currency from any person, anywhere in Guyana, if those officers have reason to believe that the currency is the proceeds of crime or will be used to finance crime.

In addition to their amendments, the main Opposition APNU is also calling for the Head of State to assent to several Bills he returned to the National Assembly with an explanation of his decision, reasons that were centred on the unconstitutionality of the legislations.

On the other hand, the Alliance For Change (AFC), which supports APNU’s position, is calling for the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) – which Government has expressed its support for, providing that Cabinet retains its no-objection role in the procurement process. The latter has been rejected by the AFC. Guyana missed the February 28 deadline, when the country was required to submit a report to CFATF, which was expected to include a copy of the enacted Bill, which will, after analysis, be correlated to the deficiencies identified by the body at its November 2013 Plenary meeting, before a report is made in May 2014.

Guyana, unfortunately, was only able to report on the non-legislative recommendations by CFATF. If the May Plenary is dissatisfied with Guyana’s progress, CFATF’s November 2013 statement already provides the decision for the country’s referral to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which meets again in June 2014.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

AFC’s Nagamootoo declares...

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Time right for government of national unity

By Clifford Stanley ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Moses Nagamootoo declared in the National Assembly Monday night, that the time is ripe for a Government of National Unity.

In his contribution to the 2014 National Budget Debate, he said: “We, in Guyana, have tried all kinds of financial medicines but Guyana is still limping. We need a new political and social profile. We must give reconciliation and political unity a chance.”

The former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Minister suggested: “We can re-invent ourselves and rewind the tape to 1953, when there was racial and political unity. As Antonio Gramsi has said in his Prison Notebook, the old is dying but the new is yet to be born.

“The new is a governAFC Member of Parliament ment of national unity and Moses Nagamootoo this Good Parliament could be its midwife.”

Nagamootoo said the 2014 Budget Debate is not unlike those of 2012 and 2013, sadly characterised by a sharp and noisy division of views.

But he said it is regrettable that there has emerged so much friction and fraction over this budget.

“We cannot deny the Government its right to praise its budget, but we abhor condemnation of our criticisms as being negative. Ours is not the job of the loyal choir but we have a duty as elected representatives of the people to guard the public purse,” Nagamootoo argued.

Mechanic in Stabroek Market area hid ganja in his crotch, court hears

By Geeta Rampersaud EIGHTEEN-year-old Andre Christian (no address given) was refused bail last Friday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry accused of trafficking in ganja in the Stabroek Market area.

The young mechanic pleaded not guilty to the allegation that, on April 3 at Stabroek Market Area, Georgetown, he had in his possession 33 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said that on the day in question, police on patrol observed the defendant acting in a suspicious manner, and with Christian’s consent, the ranks carried out a search on his person, thereby unearthing the prohibited substance in his pants crotch.

The teenager’s attorney, Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat, told the court in a bail application that the teen did not have anything special as it relates to surety.

The matter was transferred before Magistrate Faith McGusty for commencement of trial on May 8.

UNEXPLAINED SPENDING He said the AFC believes that Government must not be paranoid over the role of the National Assembly to interrogate and reduce unnecessary or unexplained spending.

“It must be the duty of this National Assembly, as a whole to lower unjustified spending, lower debt and lower fiscal deficit,” the Opposition Parliamentarian posited.

He commended the Government for continuing to keep afloat social services expenditures and added that AFC proposes that these must be deemed mandatory expenses and as people’s entitlements, which must have a fixed percentage of the National Budget.

“We propose that old age pensions must be linked to the cost of living index to make it not a wage but a living entitlement. It is demeaning to our senior citizens to haggle every

year over their needs and over what they justly deserve,” he submitted.

Nagamootoo proposed: “We could help redeem the nation’s self-esteem and integrity if we were to adopt prudent fiscal management of our limited resources. We could rake in all revenue streams; we could demand a fair price for national assets like land, radio frequencies and mineral rights; we could combat corrupt practices that allow good monies to be squandered in poorly executed projects or for expired drugs that we, routinely, dump or fritter away in private purses through bribery and graft, instead of brushing these under the table.”

He emphasised: “We could cut down on sinecure employment for party faithfuls and plumb contracts for favourites; extravaganza, foreign trips with perks, waste and pork barrel projects.”

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Ketley Street youth remanded over knife-point robbery CHIEF Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded a 19-year-old man of Lot 6 Ketley Street, Charlestown, on Monday, on a robbery under arms charge.

Ron Collins pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on Friday, April 4 at Lombard Street, Georgetown, being armed with a knife he robbed Molly, also called ‘Pepper’, of one Blackberry Bold cellular phone, one leather purse, one Guess sunglasses and $80,000 cash, together valued $166,000.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant said on that day around 13:00 hrs the virtual com-

plainant was walking out of Ramroop Furniture Store when the defendant approached her. He placed a knife to her neck and demanded that she hand over the articles stated in the charge.

Collins made good his escape and after a report was made to the police, he was apprehended with the items in his possession.

The prosecutor successfully objected to bail, citing the seriousness and gravity of the charge. The matter was adjourned to April 22 for statements. (Geeta Rampersaud)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Berbice duo facing charges of looting Aroaima shops granted bail

By Geeta Rampersaud CONSTRUCTION worker Morris Davis of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam Berbice, and labourer Sherwin Bernard of Aroaima, Upper Berbice River, were each ordered to post $50,000 bail last Friday when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a break and enter and larceny charge.

The duo pleaded not guilty to breaking and entering the business place of Yola Haynes, sometime between March 30 and 31 at Aroaima, and stealing half a bag of flour, one bag

of brown rice, half a bag of sugar, three cases of Thrill drinks, one case of Vita Malt, one large Pine Hill juice, and four packs of sausages, among other items valued together at $38,900.

Police inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said the virtual complainant had secured his shop on March 30 and had left to conduct business in Georgetown; but when he returned the following day, he observed the western window of his shop open and the articles missing.

Haynes reported the matter to the police, and an investigation led to the two defendants being arrested and charged.

Davis was also slapped with a charge that, between March 23 and 25 at Aroaima, Upper Berbice River, he broke and entered the shop of Abdul Wahab and stole six perfume sets, four deodorants, four hair jel, one T-shirt and two dozen underwear, among other items valued together at $54,500.

He pleaded not guilty to this charge as well.

The prosecutor did not object to bail in any of the matters, and Davis was placed on $75,000 bail on the charge he is facing alone.

Both cases were transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court for April 14.

Musician placed on $100,000 bail for alleged theft of laptop TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Nicosie Clark, a musician of Lot 30 Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was placed on $100,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry last Friday charged with stealing a laptop computer.

Clark pleaded not guilty to having, on March 31 at John Street,

Lodge, stolen from Shane Jones one laptop computer valued $179,000.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, maintained that the facts are as stated in the charge, but did not object to Clark being granted bail.

Clark, who has no prior conviction or pending matter, will make his next court appearance on May 9.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Has APNU & AFC really back peddled on their GuySuCo closure plans?

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has noted the statements from the Opposition Parties (APNU and AFC) which signals a retreat from their recent position calling for the closure of GuySuCo. The party, in a statement yesterday, said it has noted that their back peddling was taken as a result of the strong message which the workers sent to the PNC and AFC. The PPP said it is not convinced that the Opposition parties have really retreated from their plans for GuySuCo. “The PNC has always publicly proclaimed their interest to close the sugar industry, the main objective being to weaken the (PPP’s) traditional support base. This still remain the objective behind the PNC plans to close down the Sugar Industry,” the ruling party stated.

It accuses the AFC of joining the PNC in this “sick and morbid pursuit” instead of recognising Sugar as a way of life for over 20% of our people and to recognise that sugar is a vital contribution to the economy and to exchange rate stabilisation.

The PPP said it is not fooled by the back peddling of the PNC-led APNU and the AFC. It noted that sugar workers have already rebuffed the efforts of the AFC to try clarify their sinister intentions for GuySuCo. “The recent meetings organised by the AFC in the sugar

belt have been colossal failures with very poor turnout by sugar workers unlike meetings organised by the PPP,” the party stated.

“In the 2011 elections campaign, the AFC promised sugar workers a 20% increase in wages. Such irrational promises if they had a chance of being implemented would only kill off the industry rather than facilitate its restructuring for long term viability and profitability,” the PPP asserted.

It said that as far as the PNC is concerned, it is to be recalled that GuySuCo was at the top on the list for divestment under Carl Greenidge. He had Dr. Kenneth King work diligently on the privatisation of sugar, a precursor to its closure.

“The new privatised owners would not have had sugar production on their agenda; rather they would have been the landlords of valuable real estate which belonged to GuySuCo,” the PPP said.

According to the party, it is ironic that when Minister Irfaan Ali moved to acquire already abandoned cane lands for much needed housing development, the AFC moved in Parliament for him to be sanctioned.

The PPP also recalls the crushing sugar levy which the PNC had imposed on sugar, starving workers from a decent wage and the industry from much needed resources for

recapitalisation. “Also, the PNC had GuySuCo engaged in hair brain schemes much to the detriment of the industry. The Opposition also withheld their parliamentary support for a $5 billion subsidy to GuySuCo last year,” the PPP stated.

“Now APNU with Tony Vieira as its mouth piece is calling for an end to GuySuCo and sugar production. He is joined by no less a person than PPP critic Clive Thomas,” the PPP reiterated in its statement yesterday.

“Just as the PPP/C Government supported the bauxite industry and believes that Guyana has a future in bauxite, in the same way PPP is of the view that there is a future for sugar in Guyana and more importantly it still has much to contribute,” the party stated.

Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh puts it quite succinctly, when he said: “The industry is still of sufficient systemic importance to the national economy and to the livelihoods of so many rural communities and has such deep forward and backward linkages with suppliers and distributors nationwide that no effort must be spared to ensure its long term viability, competitiveness, and profitability.”

“We know that the Opposition is fond of playing political football with sugar and is hell bent on withholding its support

for financial assistance to the industry in the 2014 budget. Let them be warned that they are playing politics with the lives of tens of thousands of honest, hardworking Guyanese,” the PPP warned.

The PPP said it accepts that there are challenges which the sugar industry faces, challenges both internally and externally;

nevertheless the Party is confident that the initiatives which has been embarked upon, will over the next few years return GuySuCo to a sound financial position. In this regard, the PPP said it welcomes the allocation of $6 billion dollars announced by the Finance Minister in Budget 2014 for the mechanisation of the sugar industry.

“The Skeldon factory, the Enmore Packaging Plant, and investments in mechanisation are all initiatives which the PPP/C Government have implemented to ensure that we protect an industry which will continue to be important to the socio economic development of our country,” the PPP added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Spread of economic pain within CARICOM

EXCEPT FOR Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, the general economic outlook

for most member states of the Caribbean Community, Barbados being among them,

points to discouraging scenarios for 2014.

As the sole primary en-

ergy-based economy within CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago has traditionally held the advantage, particularly with rising income from oil and natural gas exports.

Guyana, on the other hand, with a significantly diversified agricultural base to enable growth and consumption for its inhabitants while the mining sector continues to expand, has been recording successive economic growth between three and five percent over recent years.

In the case of Barbados, which has been hailed for many years as having the best managed and stable economy, the current second-term Democratic Labour Party administration is feverishly struggling to keep the economy afloat with a combination of measures, including mass retrenchment of public sector workers, while maintaining watchful eyes against a much feared devaluation of the Barbados dollar.

Now has come the unpalatable news, reported in this past ‘Sunday Sun’, that despite the

“tough measures” undertaken to turn the economy around, the prospects are not encouraging, certainly not in the short term.

As assessed by the credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service, Barbadians may be facing tough economic days for “some time to come..”

But there are also very worrying news for a few other CARICOM jurisdictions, namely The Bahamas and Belize.

The first is famous as being among leading Caribbean tourist resorts, as well as having a thriving offshore financial services sector.

Now the country’s Prime Minister, Perry Christie, has sounded the alarm bell that “tens of thousands of Bahamian jobs may be at risk” because, he claimed, well-placed influential persons have chosen to “use their power, either unilaterally or in small groups of high-powered , to impose their will” to force changes in the operations of this region’s offshore financial sector, by resorting to unsubstantiated claims of “immoral practices”.

The Bahamian Prime Minister called no names, nor referenced examples when pointing to the challenges now facing countries with vital offshore financial services sector, while addressing last week’s meeting in Nassau of the Third Caribbean Conference on the International Financial Services Sector.

For its part, the Belize Government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, was openly specific in accusing the European Union (EU) for unjustly identifying his country as being a “non-cooperating third country” in the international battle to combat “illegal fishing…”

In an angry response to the action by the EU’s Directorate General of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to indentify Belize, along with Cambodia and Guinea, as non-cooperating jurisdictions, the government in Belmopan claimed that the EU Council’s decision was based on “outdated information”. (Published courtesy the Barbados Daily Nation).

Waruni youth accused of setting fire to mother’s kitchen remanded D WAY N E J o n e s , 1 9 , o f Waruni Village, Berbice River, accused of setting fire to his mother’s kitchen, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry last Friday and was remanded to prison until April 14.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, particulars of

which said that on March 23 at Waruni Village, he set fire to his mother’s kitchen.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said that on the day in question, at around 17:30 hrs, the defendant, having consumed alcohol, went home and an argument developed

between himself and his mother, whereupon he lit a kerosene stove and threw it to the ground, causing the fuel to spill and the place to catch afire.

This matter was transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court for April 14.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

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Nursing home being sued for hiring strippers to dance for elderly residents ON East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s website, they say they are, “shifting the paradigm to redefine the rehabilitation experience. We will provide you or your loved one with an unsurpassed level of care that will nurture body, mind, and spirit.” A man now suing the nursing home thinks that they might’ve shifted that paradigm a little too much when they hired strippers to perform for their patrons, as the New York Post reports.

Franklin Youngblood was furious when he discovered a photo of his mother, 85-year-old Bernice Youngblood, putting money into a dancer’s under-

A male dancer hovers over Bernice Youngblood as she put money in his briefs (Franklin Youngblood via the New York Post) wear. After finding the photograph, he confronted a staffer, who then allegedly both laughed and tried to take the picture away. Mr. Youngblood is now suing East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, saying his mother, “placed in apprehension of imminent, offensive, physical harm, as she was confused and bewildered as to why a muscular, almost nude man, was approaching her and placing his body and limbs, over [her].”

Mr. Youngblood and his attorneys are questioning why she was giving her money to a stripper when it was supposed to be kept locked up in a commissary account and they also claim that the 85-year-old woman, “lacks the mental and physical capacity” to have protested the event. Attorney John Ray said, “Bernice Youngblood has lived 85 years as a traditional Baptist, hard-working, lady . . . And now she has been defiled.” Additionally, Ray alleges that in addition to the strippers, the nursing home also hired escorts.

The New York Post’s report mentions they reached out to the nursing home for comment on the lawsuit, but have not heard back. The story did mention, though, that in conversation with the son they claimed it was an “entertainment event” done in “good faith.” Looking at the Better Business Bureau’s listing on East Neck shows that it’s only had one complaint in the past three years and that there have been, “no significant government actions involving East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation.”

Franklin Youngblood and his attorneys held a press conference today. Currently, the outlets reporting on the matter have provided no new information.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

January 2014 Criminal Assizes ends

…233 cases listed to be heard GOAL Delivery was done on Friday March 28th, 2014, bringing to an end the January 2014 Criminal Assizes which commenced on Wednesday 15th January, 2014.

The Demerara January 2014 Assizes was presided over by four judges: Justice Franklin Holder, Justice William Ramlall, Justice James Bovell-Drakes and Justice Navindra Singh. A total of 233 cases were listed to be heard during the Assizes.

Eighteen matters were completed during the Demerara January 2014 Criminal Assizes in the High Court of Demerara. Of these 18 matters, 16 of them were presented and two of them were nolle prosequi in writing by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Of these 16 matters presented, there was a total of eleven verdicts and five pleas. For the eleven matters where there were verdicts, there was one guilty verdict, eight not guilty verdicts and two hung jury verdicts.

Five accused who were indicted for murder pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

Justice Franklin Holder completed five matters. Of these, four were for the offence of murder and one was for the offence of rape. In two of the murder trials, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were sentenced to 18 years and 10 years imprisonment respectively. ln a third murder matter, the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty of murder and not guilty of manslaughter. In a fourth murder trial, the two accused were ordered to face a retrial after the jury returned with a split decision of six guilty and six not guilty.

The accused in the rape trial was acquitted after the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

At the same time, Justice William Ramlall disposed of three matters also for the offence of murder. In all three matters, the trial Judge upheld no case submissions and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty. In one of these matters in which two accused were indicted for the offence of murder, the charge against the number one accused was discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions because of insufficient evidence.

Meanwhile, in the one Murder trial before Justice James Bovell-Drakes, the accused was ordered to face a retrial after the jury returned a hung jury verdict. The case was first tried in October 2013.

Justice Navindra Singh disposed of seven cases for the offence of murder in which there were four guilty verdicts and three not guilty verdicts. In the first murder trial, the accused was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment after the jury returned a guilty verdict for the lesser offence of manslaughter.

In three other murder trials in which the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter,two of these accused were sentenced to ten years imprisonment , while a third accused was sentenced to a total of 47 years imprisonment on two counts of murder, each being 2L years and 26 years

respectively.

In three other murder cases, the accused were acquitted after Justice Singh upheld no case submissions and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty.

During the Demerara January 2014 Criminal Assizes, the DPP nolle prosequi two matters. One of these was for the offence of murder where there was insufficient evidence to continue with the prosecution, and the other matter was for the offence of carnal knowledge of a girl under 15 years, in which the victim indicated by way of a statement that she did not wish to proceed with the matter.

Meanwhile, at the Essequibo Criminal Assizes, five matters were completed. Four of them were presented before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan and one was nolle prosequi in writing by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Of these four matters, three were for the offence of murder and one was for the offence of carnal knowledge of a girl between fifteen and sixteen.

In two of the three murder trials, the accused were acquitted. In the third murder trial, a formal not guilty verdict was returned by the jury after the father of the deceased informed the Court that he did not wish to give evidence and did not wish to proceed with the trial.

In the one matter for the offence of carnal knowledge of a girl under fifteen years, the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

During the Essequibo January 2014 Criminal Assizes, the DPP nolle prosequi one matter for the offence of carnal knowledge of a girl under fifteen because the virtual complainant indicated that she did not wish to proceed with the matter as she has migrated.

During the same time, the Berbice October 2013 Criminal Assizes continued with Madam Justice Diana Insanally completing three matters for the offence of murder. One accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to ten years imprisonment.

In the other two murder trials, one accused was found to be unfit to stand trial and was sent to the National Psychiatric Hospital for psychiatric treatment for six months, after which he is to be examined to determine whether he can stand trial.

In the other matter. Justice lnsanally ordered that the accused be taken back to prison based on evidence taken from a medical doctor that he was unstable, non-cooperative and delusional. She directed the jury to return a formal verdict that the accused is insane and unfit to stand trial and ordered that the accused be treated for three months after which he should be re-assessed to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

The Berbice February 2014 Criminal Assizes commenced on February 4th and is currently in progress. So far, one matter for the offence of murder has been presented and completed before Madam Justice Diana Insanally.

The accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment.

Another charge for the offence of murder is presently in progress.

Ernest Elliot is new Opposition MP FORMER Parliamentarian and longstanding People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member Ernest Elliot was yesterday sworn in as a Member of Parliament in place of recently resigned Jaipaul Sharma.

Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman disclosed that following the resignation of Mr. Sharma and his call to the APNU list of candidates to find a replacement, Mr Elliot had been duly elected a member of Parliament.

Mr. Elliot took the oath of the National Assembly, administered by the Clerk Sherlock Isaacs.

Mr. Elliot, who served in the Ninth Parliament, will represent Region 4 in this the 10th Parliament.

New MP Ernest Elliot is sworn in by Clerk Sherlock Isaacs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Baksh highlights sustainable shift to productive agricultural industry - allows farmers to take part in market economy

By Vanessa Narine

GUYANA is on the path of developing a viable and vibrant agriculture sector by being food secure, declared Minister within the Agriculture ministry, Ali Baksh, during his presentation on the 2014 Budget in the National Assembly last week.

He said, “We recognise that food security and safety is important, Guyana has been leading the way in the Region with respect to chemicals management, where several outreaches and seminars were held to educate farmers on the use of chemicals. This was a significant aid during the paddy bug outbreak in 2013.”

Minister Baksh pointed out also that his ministry has commenced a sustainable shift from subsistence agriculture to a productive agricultural industry that allows farmers to take part in the Minister Ali Baksh in the Nation- market economy.

“Such a shift al Assembly will involve far-reaching structural changes to boost production, productivity and eventually incomes for farmers and co-operatives alike,” Baksh said.

He added that climate change is a major feature in this shift.

“The year 2013 was a difficult year for Agriculture, taking into consideration the vulnerable weather patterns we experienced. As a result, Mr. Speaker, the ministry had to extend additional services in all Administrative Regions of our country.

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM “…weather forecasting is even more important today because of the impact of climate change. Agriculture is very sensitive to weather and climatic conditions. An Early Warning System is being developed to make farmers more aware of weather predictions and how to apply these to agriculture planning of crops and livestock. “…this Honourable House would agree that we faced many challenges in the sugar industry due to the recent cycles of dry and flood-like conditions, managerial problems, lack of adequate human resource and the need for advance technologies…. on the other hand, Mr. Speaker 2013 was a favourable year for rice production.”

Minister Baksh explained that some of the measures being taken to address agricultural operations, in light of the impacts of climate change, include the promotion of shade house cultivation as a mechanism to intensify vegetable production on a year-round basis.

He said, “Demonstration farms were established at St. Ignatius, Sandhills, Moraikobai and Tarlogie. Structures were also established at Onderneeming and at Hope Estate. Also,

The agriculture sector has largely been the vehicle that has propelled Guyana forward and will play a pivotal role in Guyana being a high middle-income country by 2020 - Baksh several schools in various parts of the country are involved in same.”

Baksh pointed out that the cycle of change in and around the seacoast are ongoing and siltation continues to be a serious hindrance for the free flow of water through the sea sluices.

“This continues to require extensive maintenance works… this Honourable House would agree with me that there is much need for an increase in financial and material support for this sector,” he said, adding that there are several other measures being undertaken to battle the impacts of climate change.

EMPOWERING FARMERS On the issue of supporting and empowering farmers in the sector, Baksh explained that in 2013 the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) continued to work in farming communities throughout the country to share appropriate technology to improve production/productivity of non-traditional crops.

He said, “Emphasis was also placed on the management of Acoushi Ants in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 10 as well as in other communities such as Moraikobai and the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

“Support was provided to the Blue Flame Women’s Group in Region 1 to enhance their value-added cocoa products.

From other interventions made, there has also been an increase in ginger production, especially from Region 1.

“In excess of 5,000 farmers benefitted from crop production practices, fertilizer and disease management and nursery practices training sessions. Three large scale cassava farms have been established in Region 9 (Parakuarananu, Massaree and Rupertee). The management of the Black Sigatoka disease affecting plantains was also given prominence.”

Baksh underscored the fact that agriculture in Guyana accounts for more than 33 per cent of total employment and 25 per cent of GDP. He said, “There has been increasing investments in agriculture - with support to farmers and domestic investors, thus creating an increase in production and improved living standards. Moreover these production increases are being conducted in an environmentally friendly and socially sustainable manner in the face of climate change. We acknowledge that our farm systems and techniques can benefit from modernization, including the use of biotechnology.”

Baksh stated also that training of some 1,247 farmers in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the areas of calf management, signs of heat in cattle, duck production techniques, broiler management, swine improvement, foot rot management, artificial insemination, piglet management etc., were also done.

He said, “Some 661 farmers benefitted and 52,557 animals were treated across the main rivers and creeks.”

The agriculture sector has largely been the vehicle that has propelled Guyana forward and will play a pivotal role in Guyana being a high middle-income country by 2020, Baksh stressed.

Royston King Certiorari decision…

CJ will today clear up the issue of Sooba’s Town Clerk appointment

By George Barclay ACTING Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang, SC, will today rule on an application by City Hall’s Public Relations Officer Royston King, who is seeking writs or Orders directed to the Local Government Minister to show cause why his decision to appoint Carol Sooba as Town Clerk of the Georgetown Municipality should not be

quashed.

The application, dated December 17th, 2013, is contending that the Minister who appointed Sooba as Town Clerk should be made to show why his decision, which is contrary to the legitimate expectation of the applicant, should not be quashed.

King is also requesting that an Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari be issued directing the Minister of Local Government to show cause why

his decision to appoint Carol Sooba as Town Clerk should not be quashed as a decision which was unreasonable and/ or perverse for reason that the said Minister wrongfully failed to apply the criteria which he had established for the identification of the candidate best suited for the position of Town Clerk; and further, that the said Minister of Local Government used extraneous unrelated criteria, which criteria was not in the public interest.

But in his affidavit in answer, Minister of Local Government, Mr. Norman Whittaker, said it is clear that academic qualifications were not, and could not have been, the sole criterion which was taken into account.

He explained that, indeed, the M&CC of Georgetown has had a long list of very academically qualified Town Clerks, who have failed to discharge the functions of the office competently and diligently, and this

reality was also taken into account by the Minister.

Carol Sooba worked at M&CC, Georgetown for 16 years, holding the position of Legal Officer. She is a final year student pursuing a Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Guyana.

In his affidavit, Minister Whittaker said that he had been advised by the Attorney General, and does verily believe, that the applicant King had failed to make out a case for the grant of ‘unlawfully’,

‘unreasonably’, ‘irrationally’, the prerogative remedies which he seeks, inasmuch as he has not established that the appointment of Carol Sooba to the position of Town Clerk was wrongfully, unlawfully, unreasonably, irrationally done; or that same was done in breach of the rules of natural justice, ultra vires, or in a manner which defeats the legitimate expectation of the applicant.

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Welmart Pharmacy proprietor Ayanna Blair administering a blood test to a citizen

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Welmart Pharmacy opens on World Health Day

By Ravin Singh

WORLD Health Day was celebrated on Monday under the theme ‘Vector-borne diseases: small bite, big threat’ and the occasion was ideal for the opening of the new Welmart Pharmacy.

Health education is provided by GRPA members Proprietor of the private entity, 23-year-old Ayanna Blair, who is a graduate of the University of Guyana and a qualified pharmacist, proudly celebrated the opening of her own pharmacy on Monday at 138 Garnett Street, Newtown, Kitty.

Blair said that medical tests for sugar, blood pressure, HIV, and weighing were offered for free to the public as a means of giving back to the people. “Guyanese are interested in knowing what is going on with their health,” she said.

She added that though the pharmacy is a private entity, free tests will be provided to the public for the month of April in order to provide services to the less fortunate.

This humanitarian service will be extended to schoolchildren as well, who would be offered a range of school supplies and photocopying and printing at reduced prices.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), who shared in a collaborative effort with Blair, distributed brochures and other health-related materials to further educate the public on health-related issues, particularly HIV. Meanwhile, the pharmacy will offer a range of OTCs, baby care items, hygienic supplies, stationery, and soon pet supplies. Opening hours will be from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and the last Sunday in every month.

Kwakwani man on $75,000 bail for break-and-enter and larceny TROY Leacock of Kwakwani Park, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 was on $75,000 bail on break-and-enter and larceny charges last Friday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Leacock denied that between March 21 and 22, at Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, he broke and entered the shop of Bertram Welcome and stole $40,000 in cash.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, maintained that the facts were as the charge had stated, but did not object to the defendant being granted bail. The case has been transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court for April 14.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Community Institutions discuss CARICOM Draft Strategic Plan

THE Draft Strategic Plan that will drive the CARICOM Reform Process continued to be developed with discussions among the Community Institutions at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Guyana, on Monday.

The purpose of the discussions was to solicit the views of the Institutions on a direction, priorities, framework for implementation, areas of collaboration and the requirements for strategic management.

According to a release from the CARICOM Secretariat, the aim was also to receive proposals for amendments to the Draft Plan that will be submitted to the Community Council at the end of May and then to the Heads of Government in July.

Institutions and agencies represented at the meeting on Monday included the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD), Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Caribbean Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), Council of Legal Education (CLE), Caribbean Law Institute Centre (CLIC), Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO), Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), Caribbean Examination Council

(CXC), Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), University of the West Indies (UWI), Caribbean Knowledge Learning Network Agency (CKLNA), CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC).

A similar two-day meeting was scheduled to have been held at the CARICOM Secretariat yesterday and today with the CARICOM Change Drivers who were appointed by the Heads of Government of the Member States joining the discussions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Atwell to face Gonzalez for WBC featherweight ...

From Backpage … You will know if you pay attention to boxing, that in the featherweight division, the reigning champion was Abner Mares, with Gonzalez having lost the title a few fights before.

“He (Gonzalez) was given an opportunity by the late president of the WBC, Jose Suleiman, to face Mares and in the middle of the first round, Gonzalez delivered a left hook which essentially knocked Mares out and handed Gonzalez the championship belt in the process.”

According to Abdool, Mares belonged to Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and there was hope of a great return fight, but Mares got injured and could not meet the ring date, hence Gonzalez’s handlers were looking for a warm-up fight, following which Atwell’s name was mentioned.

“They had a look at his record and realised that he is good material. I think they saw the tape of his fight against Hernandez as well

and even though Clive’s record is only 13 professional fights, behind that lie 76 bouts as an amateur with only four losses.

“There is no doubt that Jhonny Gonzalez is a tremendous champion. This is an uphill battle and an opportunity that presents itself once in a lifetime and I am happy to say that Clive has earned that shot and we are very proud to say the fight is going to happen and I think all that remains is for Clive to work hard and take it from here.”

In his remarks, Atwell who holds the WBC/ CABOFE featherweight and light welterweight titles along with the national featherweight title of Guyana, thanked the GBBC for the hard work they have been doing to ensure Guyana has another world champion, while he thanked Arjoon and BurchSmith for their support as well.

“It is finally here.

All the people who have worked with me heading up to this particular point, I would like to thank them.

We are here and it is time to work; time to focus; time to get it on and allow time and the future to be the deciding factor,” said Atwell.

In respond to this being his biggest challenge yet, Atwell said it’s all a mind thing for him and he is prepared for it.

“I am a mental guy when I get going and I personally believe that everything in life has to do with the mind. If I can condition the mind as well as the body, I don’t see myself having any problems.

Boxing is basics; so is just using the mind to use the basics effectively.”

Quizzed on whether he is intimated by Gonzalez’s record, Atwell said, “I am not intimidated by it. Is

boxing; I come to win and you come to win. We both have two hands and we both have to fight according to the rules and regulations so there is nothing intimidating about him He has a good record and would have fought good people around the weight. He is a good fighter but at the end of the day two of us have to meet and I am different from all the fighters he would have fought..We would work it out when the time comes.”

Asked whether viewing tapes of Gonzalez in action would be an advantage to him, Atwell who last fought and defeated Glenroy Beckford at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall last October, winning via a TKO in the second of eight rounds, said it would be an advantage but he doesn’t go that way.

“Yes, studying tapes of him would be an advantage, but I don’t so much

focus on studying fighter’s tape, because you adapt your mind and training regime to what you would have seen and a fighter can change his style overnight to a different style. I just condition my mind and body and when I get there, I work out my science.”

In his remarks, Kumar applauded Abdool for the hard work he has been doing with the GBBC’s Friday Night Fights, in which several fighters, including Atwell, fought and boosted their records. He commended Atwell for having a crack at the world title.

“A crack at the world t i t l e i s a t re m e n d o u s achievement and I think that Guyana can achieve a world title. I want to wish Atwell all the best and I wish to say to him: Train hard and I know you will become a champion for Guyana on May 24,” said Kumar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Pistorius breaks down as he recounts Steenkamp’s death

By David Dolan PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - South African Olympic and Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius sobbed in the witness stand yesterday as he described how, gripped by fear, he shot dead his girlfriend

through a locked toilet door thinking she was an intruder.

Taking the witness stand, the double amputee - accused of murdering 29-yearold law graduate and model Reeva Steenkamp - recounted hearing a window sliding open in his bathroom in the middle of the night on Valen-

tine’s Day 2013.

Conditioned by years of living in crime-ridden South Africa, Pistorius said the noises convinced him someone was breaking into his luxury Pretoria home and that he needed to protect himself and his lover.

“That’s the moment that everything changed,”

Oscar Pistorius leaves after attending his trial at the high court in Pretoria April 7, 2014. he said, his voice tense Steenkamp to call the powith emotion. “I thought lice, he said, until it slowly that there was a burglar dawned on him that his girlthat was gaining entry to friend might have been the my home.” one behind the door.

“The first thing that ran “I was screaming and through my mind was that shouting the whole time.

I needed to arm myself, that I don’t think I have ever I needed to protect Reeva screamed or cried like and that I needed to get my that. I was crying out to gun,” said the 27-year-old, the Lord to help me. I was who faces life in prison if crying out to Reeva,” he convicted of murder. said, choking back the Pistorius said he felt in tears. the dark with his fingers, He then recounted how grabbed a 9mm pistol lying he bashed out a panel of the under the bed, then moved wooden door with a cricket on his stumps down the bat to reveal Steenkamp passageway leading from the woman with whom he the bedroom towards the said had been planning on bathroom and the would- buying a house - slumped be intruder or intruders. on the floor in a pool of “I shouted for Reeva to blood. get on the floor and for her to “I sat over Reeva and I phone the police. I screamed cried,” he said, before breakat the people to get out,” he ing down into uncontrollable said. sobs, causing Judge ThokoAccording to his account, zile Masipa to adjourn the as he peered round the door hearing for the day. of the bathroom - his outPistorius’ testimony stretched right hand hold- was broadly in line with a ing the pistol, his left hand sworn affidavit he gave at steadying himself against his bail hearing just over the wall - he noticed the a year ago. At the time, bathroom window was open, magistrate Desmond Nair confirming his worst fears. pointed to what he said “I wasn’t sure where to were a number of “improbpoint my firearm. I had it abilities” in the version of pointed at the toilet but my events. eyes were going between “I have difficulty in apthe window and the toilet. preciating why the accused I stood there for some time. would not seek to ascertain I’m not sure how long. who exactly was in the toi“I just stayed where I was let,” Nair said at the time. and kept on screaming. Then “I also have difficulty in apI heard a noise from inside preciating why the deceased the toilet that I perceived to would not have screamed be somebody coming out of back from the toilet.” the toilet. Before I knew it, I had fired four shots at the “CAN’T YOU SLEEP, door.”

MY BABA?” Several witnesses have “CRYING OUT TO testified to hearing a man’s THE LORD” shouts coming from the With his ears ringing, house although they have he continued to scream for also spoken of the terrified

screams of a woman leading up to and during a volley of shots. Prosecutors allege that Pistorius and Steenkamp had a violent argument before he pulled a gun on her.

The trial, now in its 18th day, has gripped South Africa and millions of sports and athletics fans around the world who saw Pistorius as a symbol of triumph over physical adversity.

His disabled lower legs were amputated as a baby but he went on to achieve global fame as the “fastest man on no legs”, winning numerous Paralympic gold medals and reaching the semi-finals of the 400 metres in the 2012 London Olympics against able-bodied athletes.

Earlier, defence advocate Barry Roux led Pistorius through a series of text messages between himself and Steenkamp that painted the picture of a young couple besotted with each other, nearly every message ending in ‘xx’ or a term of endearment.

The image was a far cry from the gun-obsessed, fast-living hothead whom prosecutors sought to portray in the first three weeks of the trial.

“I wish I could tuck you in and get you feeling better,” Pistorius said in one message after Steenkamp complained of feeling under the weather. “Thank you for being the most beautiful person to me,” she said in another message to him.

However, prosecutors have also used the same cache of messages retrieved from Pistorius’ phone to reveal outbursts of temper and jealousy.

During his testimony, he also revealed Steenkamp’s last words, spoken to him after he woke hot and uncomfortable in the early hours of February 14 before going to move some fans and close the external sliding doors of his bedroom. “’Can’t you sleep, my baba?’” he quoted her as saying from the bed beside him. “I said ‘No, I can’t’.”

As he outlined his version of events, Steenkamp’s mother June, who had sat steely-faced throughout Pistorius’ two days on the stand, leant forward slowly and buried her head in her hands.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Less than half of Brazilians favour nation’s hosting of World Cup SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Less than half of Brazilians favour the nation’s hosting of the World Cup in June, with a majority in the football-crazed nation believing that the tournament will do more harm than good, a poll showed yesterday.

Just 48 percent of Brazilians support hosting the event, down from 52 percent in February and dropping below 50 percent for the first time, a survey by Datafolha found, though the company said the difference was within its margin of error.

The approval rate has dropped from a high of 79 percent in November 2008, a year after Brazil was selected, amid cost overruns, deadly construction acci-

An aerial view of the Arena Pernambuco soccer stadium is seen in Recife, northeastern Brazil. for the football-loving nation dents and concern that delays ing the 32-nation event is that has won five World Cup in building stadiums and also rising, with 41 percent titles, more than any other airports in 12 cities could against it now, up from 38 country. Brazil last hosted embarrass the country on the percent in February and 10 the tournament in 1950.

The event poses an international stage. percent in 2008, the survey Indeed, the number of by the local pollster showed. increasing risk to PresBrazilians opposed to hostThe result is surprising i d e n t D i l m a R o u s s e ff ,

Champions League ...

Chelsea snatch late triumph, Madrid hold off Dortmund

By Toby Davis LONDON, England (Reuters) - Chelsea reached the Champions League semi-finals with a late Demba Ba goal that secured a dramatic away-goals win over Paris St Germain yesterday, while Real Madrid held off a spirited Borussia Dortmund fightback.

Chelsea substitute Ba bundled the ball home in the 87th minute to secure a 2-0 win in the quarter-final, second leg at Stamford Bridge

that sent the London club through after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

Madrid lost their return leg in Dortmund 2-0 but went through 3-2 on aggregate against last season’s runners-up having dominated the first clash last week.

The 2012 champions Chelsea were trailing 3-1 after their first leg in Paris but clawed their way back into the tie with a first half-goal from substitute Andre Schuerrle, before

Chelsea players celebrate at the end of their Champions League quarter-final secondleg soccer match against Paris St Germain at Stamford Bridge in London, yesterday.

(Credit: Reuters/Dylan Martinez)

who is widely expected to be re-elected in the general elections in October, as she may see support slump if the World Cup is not a success.

She routinely assures Brazilians the tournament will be “the cup of cups.”

Datafolha said 55 percent of those surveyed believe the games will bring more harm than benefit to the country, compared to 36 percent who believe the event will bring more benefit.

In a similar survey in June, in the midst of massive street protests calling for better transportation and less corruption, 44 percent said the games would bring more harm than benefit.

Pessimism over the World Cup has increased though Brazilians have largely aban-

doned street protests.

The Confederations Cup last year was held at the tail end of the largest social unrest in a decade and the government and police have promised to crack down on demonstrators during this year’s games.

The survey of 2 637 people was conducted between April 2 and 3 in 162 municipalities and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points in either direction.

Another poll, conducted by Brazil’s MDA in February, found that most Brazilians opposed hosting the World Cup and believed the billions of dollars spent on the event should be directed elsewhere, such as towards healthcare and education.

hitting the crossbar twice in two minutes shortly after the restart.

The visitors were clinging on bravely, but were undone in the dying stages when Ba scrambled the ball home after a Cesar Azpilicueta shot deflected into his path in the area.

Dortmund ran a below-par Madrid close, with Marco Reus scoring twice in the first-half to give the German side hope of completing an astonishing comeback.

Real’s Angel Di Maria missed a penalty before Reus pounced on a defensive mistake in the 24th minute to slot home Dortmund’s open-

er before doubling the lead on the night in the 37th from close range after Robert Lewandowski hit the post.

Dortmund missed a great chance to level the tie in the second half when Armenian Henrikh Mkhitaryan rounded Madrid keeper Iker Casillas but only managed to hit the post.

Manchester United travel to European champions Bayern Munich and Barcelona visit La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid in the remaining quarter-final, second-leg matches today, with both ties level at 1-1.

The draw for the semi-finals will take place on Friday.

2014 Tour de France start one of hardest ever - Prudhomme

By Martyn Herman

LONDON, England - (Reuters) - The Grand Depart of the Tour de France in England in July will be one of the toughest ever with rivals for overall victory jostling for early ascendancy from the word go, according to race director Christian Prudhomme.

The opening three stages will take place in England, starting with a 191km stretch from Leeds to Harrogate, followed by a 198km ride over the peaks between York and Sheffield before a third stage taking the peloton from Cambridge down to a central London finish.

In 2007, the last time the world’s most famous cycle race crossed the English Channel, there was a ceremonial-like 7.9km prologue in London before a first proper stage to Canterbury.

This year, by the time the Tour circus reaches French soil, riders will have already clocked up 550km and the leaderboard may already be taking shape with 2013 winner Chris Froome and Spain’s Alberto Contador likely to be in the mix.

“We wanted a balance between the flatter stages, stages one and three, and a very different stage from York to Sheffield,” Prudhomme told Reuters in an

interview opposite the Tower of London, one of the iconic landmarks which will form the backdrop to the 159km third stage.

“Each will be a really hilly stage and it’s going to one of the most difficult starts to the Tour ever, at least since the start in the Pyrenees in the 1970s.

“It will be really tough and I hope and I think that we will see the overall contenders for the overall classification from the very start of the Tour.”

Cycling has undergone something of a revolution in Britain with Tour victories for Bradley Wiggins in 2012 and Chris Froome last year, not to mention

the 2012 Olympics, cranking up interest to unprecedented levels.

For most Britons, the Tour de France once barely registered on the sporting Richter Scale despite its enormous appeal across Europe, but Prudhomme is expecting “humongous” levels of interest this year when it starts on July 5.

“In 2007 in London it was huge, it was unforgettable, it was massive, but we didn’t think about coming back only seven years after,” the 53-yearold Prudhomme, director since 2007, said.

“But since then we’ve had the first British winner with Bradley Wiggins and

the Olympics.

“It’s perhaps going to be the most popular Grand Depart in the history of the Tour and from Cambridge to London it’s going to be humongous.”

BRITISH PASSION “In 2007, we thought maybe 10 years until it comes back to Britain but there really is such a passion.”

Gone is the doping-induced cynicism that once undermined the Tour’s appeal in Britain, according to Prudhomme -- a leading figure in cleaning up the sport’s blue riband event.

“I don’t see cynicism in the eyes any more,” he said.

“Obviously there is a past, it is what it is, but the future is bright and it’s not only about professional cycling, it’s about the recreational cyclists and the bikes in the cities.

“I’ve been so impressed with all the bikes on the streets in London,” added Prudhomme, who took a spin on a specially-painted yellow London hire bike alongside the River Thames.

Prudhomme said he welcomed the chance to see Spain’s Contador, winner of the 2007 race but who had his 2010 title taken away after testing positive for clenbuterol, fighting it out with the likes of Froome this year.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

Busta Champion of Champions Tournament

Brilliant Ivan and fielding give RHT Gizmos and Gadgets ninth Busta title A BRILLIANT all-round effort from the talented Rajiv Ivan, supported by superb fielding from his team mates led Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets to an easy 25-run victory over Albion in the final of the 10th edition of the RHTYSC Busta Champion of Champions tournament last Sunday.

The victory meant that RHT Gizmos and Gadgets have now won the title a proud nine times with Port Mourant winning once in 2005.

Playing at the neutral venue, the Port Mourant Community Centre, RHTGG won the toss and elected to bat first after play was delayed by halfhour due to extra moisture on the pitch.

National player Delbert Hicks and Dominic Rikhi gave them a solid start by adding 46 for the first wicket before Hicks was deceived by off-spinner Daniel Lewis and was caught

by Balchan Baldeo for 24 which included three boundaries.

Berbice player Jason Sinclair and Rikhi then carried the score to 57 in 18th over when Rikhi was stumped off Gudakesh Motie for 25. Sinclair, who

The winning RHT Gizmos after Sunday’s match struggled with his timing, was joined by Ivan who from his first ball looked confident.

Together they added 62 crucial runs off 14 overs, before Sinclair was bowled off the inside edge by off-spinner Sharaz Ramcharran for 26. Ivan, with support from his team mates, then carried RHTGG to 203 for 8 from their allotted 46 overs.

Ivan made a solid 80 from 74 balls with six boundaries and two massive sixes. Clinton Pestano supported with 15 while Shailendra Shameer and Keon Sinclair were unbeaten on 10 each.

Bowling for Albion, Motie

Trophy Stall Softball

Female/Male Masters semi-finals set for DCC on Saturday

... Wolf Warriors, Regal through to final WOLF Warriors defeated Trophy Stall A and Regal thrashed Farm in the semi-finals of the Trophy Stall-sponsored Softball Cricket tournament at the GCC ground, Bourda, last Sunday.

Wolf Warriors batting first against Trophy Stall A. posted 194 all out off their 20 overs.

Mohamed Karim 33 and Safraz Karim 29, were the main scorers. S. Budhu took 3 for 17 and Fazal Rafeek took 2 for 30.

Trophy Stall A were then

restricted to 133 all out off 15 overs. S. Budhu made 35, Azaz Azeez 4 for 7, Narine Bailey 3 for 28 and Ammer Nizamidin 3 for 29, were the destroyers.

Wolf Warriors won by 61 runs.

In the other match, Regal were too good for Farm prevailing by 133 runs. Regal rattled up 212 for 9 off their 20 overs.

Essau led the way with 52, Ricky Sargeant 30, K. Joseph 27, M. Ayume 25 and R. Latiff 23. L. Marks took 4 for 52 and

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday April 09, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALLBourda 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: Richard Illingworth and Nigel Llong (both of England) Kumar Sangakarra Today’s Quiz: How many games India played in the ICC T/20 World Cup 2014? How many games the West Indies played?

Who was named Player of the Tournament in the recently-concluded ICC T/20 World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and Gadgets team pose with the Busta sponsors ended with 2 for 37 from 9 in the 4th over. Worse was to overs while Jonathan Foo took 2 follow for Albion as Sharaz for 25 from his 9 overs. National Ramcharran was brilliantly leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo run-out by Dominic Rikhi for 2 was disappointing with the ball leaving Albion at 22 for 3 in the as his 9 overs gave away 51 runs 6th over, before Jonathan Foo with no wicket. and David Latchaya played Needing to score at just sensibly to add 61 in 17 overs over 4.5 runs per over to to bring Albion in the game achieve victory in front of a before another brilliant piece large and colourful crowd, of fielding from Shailendra Albion lost Balchan Baldeo Shameer resulted in the run-out lbw to medium pacer Clinton of Latchaya for 31 from 55 balls Pestano for 4, at 14 for 1 in the with a single boundary.

3rd over.

Bishoo and the solid-lookOff-spinner Troy Mathieing Foo, who curbed his natural son who opened the RHTGG attacking style, batted well to bowling them trapped opener take Albion to 137 for 4 in the Sewnarine Chattergoon for 32nd over before Foo, in a rush 9 to leave Albion at 14 for 2 of blood, holed out to Keon SinB. Ramsarran 2 for 30. Farm, in reply, were bundled out for 79 off 12.4 overs. A. Aziz was 26 not out at the end. M. Bobb took 4 foe 25 and Latif 2 for 13.

The Masters semi-finals, along with the remaining Female qualifying matches and Female semi-finals will be played this Saturday at the DCC ground from 15.00hrs and continue under floodlights.

In the qualifying match, 4R Lioness will take on Fazal Kayume Angels in the first game.

The two female semi-finals will be played at 17.45hrs. Pitch 2: Wellwoman will play Karibee Strikers of Berbice, and on Pitch 1: Trophy Stall Angels will take on the winner of the 4R Lioness versus Fazal Kayume Angels.

In the Masters 40 years and over semi-finals at 19.00hrs on the #1 Pitch, Floodlights will take on Park Rangers and on the #2 Pitch Industry Super Kings will do battle with Success Masters.

The finals are set for Saturday April 26 under floodlights at the DCC ground, Queenstown.

Results in the 4th quarter-final spot: Floodlights defeated Parika Defenders by 7 wickets, last Friday night, under floodlights at the DCC ground.

Defenders batting first were bowled out for 134 off 19.5 overs. K. Persaud scored 33, while Blacks supported with 29. John Sumir, C. Canterbery, R. Narine and Rahaman Khan took two wickets each for Floodlights, who replied with 136 for 4 off 16 overs. J. Sumir led the way with 33 (5x6), Wayne Jones 23 not out, Lalta Gainda 23 and Ramesh Narine 21.

clair at long on off man-of-thematch Ivan for a well-played 70 (81 balls, 5 boundaries).

Two more brilliant pieces of fielding resulted in the run-out of Bishoo 22 and Veerapen Permaul 9 as Albion were dismissed for 179 off 44.3 overs, Troy Matheison bowled well to take 3 for 22 from 9.3 overs while the impressive Ivan took wickets for 28 runs from his 9 overs.

Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony described the 10th Busta tournament as a resounding success and stated that the edition was not only well organised but had achieved all of its objectives.

President of both the RHTYSC and the Berbice Cricket Board, Keith Foster, expressed gratitude to the Guyana Beverage Company for its continued investment in Berbice Cricket and stated that the RHTYSC Busta Cup has grown into one of the premier cricket tournament in Guyana.

Managing Director of Busta, Robert Selman, hailed the

organising skills of the RHTYSC and expressed his total satisfaction on the organisation of the tournament.

Selman described the RHTYSC as a role-model organisation which has represented the Busta brand excellently. He also announced to great applause that Busta would be renewing its sponsorship for the eleventh edition in August.

He congratulated both teams for their excellent performances in the final. Troy Mathieson received supplies of Busta products for the best bowler award along with Ivan who was named best batsman and man-of-the-final. Ivan also received a trophy and $10 000.

Albion collected the runner-up trophy and the runner-up prize of $50 000 while RHTGG carried home the beautiful Busta trophy and $100 000 The final was broadcast live on NCN Radio, making it the only tournament in Guyana to receive such coverage and the organisers used the broadcast to promote the RHTYSC’s Say No to Drugs and Suicide message.

Simmons included as T&T target title honours PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - West Indies opener Lendl Simmons has been included in the Trinidad and Tobago squad to play Guyana in the sixth round of the regional four-day cricket tournament, starting on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Simmons is the only change in the squad which crushed Jamaica by 145 runs in three days at the Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday.

“Our batting has been a problem throughout the tournament,” said captain Rayad Emrit.

“Lendl Simmons is back in the team and he will bring a wealth of experience and hopefully he can give us some runs and the bowlers can finish the job.”

Simmons, a member of the West Indies team who were defeated by Sri Lanka in the semifinals of the ICC World T20 Championship in Bangladesh, replaces fellow Windies player Kieron Pollard, who scored a century against Jamaica on his return to regional cricket, after recuperating from a knee injury.

Pollard will join the Mumbai Indians for the Indian Pre-

mier League (IPL), which bowls off on April 16.

“As long as we put the runs on the board, that is the most important thing,” said Emrit.

“We went to Barbados and we did not play well, but in the four home games we got the results we wanted and once the batters do the job, the bowlers can finish it”.

The Trinidadians are at the top of the Regional Fourday Championship standings with 72 points and head into their final round match against last-placed Guyana knowing that a win will secure the trophy.

Barbados are second on the standings with 65 points and one game to play, while the Windward Islands are third, also on 65 having completed all their round robin matches.

“Being at the top of the table is where we wanted to be going into the last round, but we know Guyana are going to be tough to beat at home,” said Emrit.

“The guys know now that we could win the title so we have everything to play for going into this game”.

T&T surged to the top of the standings following their

145-run win over Jamaica at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Sunday.

Guyana fell to their fourth loss of the season when they were beaten by the Leeward Islands in Antigua on Monday.

“We are playing good cricket now and I think have the momentum heading into the final round. If we win this game we win the title, so it is in our hands now,” the skipper added.

“They have not been playing the best cricket lately and they are at the bottom of the table but it is going to be a lot of pressure because they will not want to finish in last place”.

Denesh Ramdin is also unavailable due to an injury he picked up during the ICC World T20, while Akeal Hosein is still recovering from a thigh strain.

The other T&T cricketers who were part of the West Indies team at the World T20, but were not included in the squad to play Guyana are Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree and Ravi Rampaul who, like Pollard, are all heading to the IPL to join their respective teams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday April 9, 2014

39

DCB/DFGI Inter-Association U-19

Singh blasts half-century as East Coast upset defending champions

By Calvin Roberts THANKS to a pugnacious half-century from Rudolph Singh, East Coast started their campaign for supremacy in the Demerara Cricket Board-organised, Diamond Fire and General Insurance Company-sponsored Inter-Association Under-19 limited overs tournament with a six-wicket victory over defending champions West Demerara at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground yesterday.

At the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Georgetown also came away victorious in their opening round encounter against East Bank, thanks to half-centuries from Kemol Savory and Sunil Singh who led their team to an imposing 267 for 8, to which East Bank replied with 205 for 8.

At the GCC ground, West Demerara won the toss and chose to bat following which they scored 225 for 8 from their 50

overs, thanks to Renaldo Renee’s 76 (92 balls, 10x4) and 43 from Malcolm Hubbard who struck three fours off the 66 deliveries he faced.

This duo added 66 for the fourth wicket for their team who were 64 for 3, having lost Keshram Seyhodan (2), Travis Persaud (10) and Chetnarine Pooran (7) to some disciplined bowling and fielding by the eventual victors.

A catch by Ramnarine Chatura accounted for Renee, while Hubbard had his stumps disturbed

by Vivian Albert, as East Coast pegged back things and at the same time restricted the free-scoring rampage the defending champions were heading for.

Brian Sattaur took 2 for 30 and I. Alli 2 for 37 for East Coast, who in their reply lost Sattaur (6) in the first over followed by Deoraj Chunilall 14 (2x4) to be 45 for two, before Singh and Chatura joined

… Georgetown too good for East Bank

Chronicle Sport’s photographer Adrian Narine catches part of the action at the GCC ground as Rudolph Singh (blue helmet) and Ramnarine Chatura share their partnership for East Coast. forces to add 134 for the third wicket with some boisterous hitting.

Singh posted his 50 from 56 balls with seven neatly timed fours to all parts of the ground, following which he celebrated with two massive sixes off Richie Looknauth, prompting a ball change after

Simpson slapped with 18-month ban K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) - Olympic 100m silver medallist Sherone Simpson was yesterday slapped with an 18-month suspension after testing positive for a banned stimulant.

A Jamaican anti-doping panel voted unanimously that Simpson was “negligent in all the circumstances”.

Simpson, 29, said in January that a supplement provided by her Canadian trainer was responsible for the positive test.

Simpson, an Olympic 4x100m relay gold and silver medallist, and her training partner, former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrine at last year’s national championships.

She had previously said that she researched the ‘Epiphany D1’ supplement for up to 14 hours online before taking it.

his second six sailed over wide long-on and out of the ground.

Not satisfied with his exploits, he hoisted Kevin Paul over backward squareleg for his third six and when Hubbard came into the attack from the North Road End, Singh showed him no mercy with another six, his fourth and final one, over midwicket.

However, when well set for his maiden ton at this level, he picked out Navendra Persaud who held a diving catch at long on, having made 97 off 104 balls with eight fours and

four sixes. He was followed shortly after by Chatura, who was stumped by Renee off a wide delivery from Hubbard for an even 50 (96 balls, 3x4).

At 187 for 4, Vishwanauth Ramlakhan and Albert ensured West Demerara had nothing more to smile about, as they added 39 for their unbroken fifth-wicket partnership to steer their side to 226 for 4 off 48 overs, with Ramlakhan unbeaten on 24 (2x4) and Albert 16 (1x4, 1x6).

At DCC in Queenstown, Georgetown’s 267 for 8 was fashioned around

even half-centuries from Sunil Singh and Savory, with the former hitting five fours off 57 balls and the latter two fours and the same number of sixes off 59 balls.

Tariq Dharamlall chipped in with his unbeaten 26 (21 balls, 3x4) and Steven Sankar offered support with his 21 that included backto-back sixes and a four, as Ricky Debidyal took 2 for 19 to be East Bank Demerara’s best bowler.

Despite Deonarine Seegobin hitting seven fours in his topscore of 46 and Stephon Browne counting one six in his 41, backed by Michael Sultan’s unbeaten 33 that included two sixes and one four, East Bank Demerara were limited to 205 for 8 in reply, in the face of some tight fielding from the Georgetown boys.

Carlton Jacques, Michael Shalim and Sankar took 2 wickets each for 29, 44 and 38 runs respectively for their team who will face West Demerara in their second match at the Wales Community Centre ground tomorrow, while East Coast and East Bank do battle at Enmore.

GFF appoints Disciplinary Committee THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) appointed its Disciplinary Committee last Friday and, according to the Federation’s Ad-

Sherone Simpson will be eligible to compete this December. and was not able to fly back The Jamaican sprinter said nothing had “raised a red flag or an alarm bell” but acknowledged that she did not disclose the new supplement on doping control forms.

The 29-year-old was training in the United States

in time for the hearing.

Simpson will miss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July but will be eligible to compete in December 2014 as her suspension is calculated from the time she returned the positive test for oxilofrine at the Trials in June 2013.

ministrative Assistant, the committee will begin its work immediately.

The chairperson of the committee is Attorney-at-Law,

Sharon Small while the other members are former national captain Earl O’Neil, Clifton Rollox and Adepemo Peters.

In this GFF photo, Attorney-at-Law Sharon Small is standing third left, while second left is Earl O’Neil.

Matthias to head GFF’s Referees Committee THE Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Referees Committee will be headed by its president Christopher Matthias for another year.

This is according to a release from the sport’s local governing body.

Christopher Matthias

Matthias was elected chairman of the committee last Monday.

Other members of the committee are Roy McArthur (Head of Referees), Abdulla Hamid, Virgil Watts, Trevor Beckles and John Callender.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Less than half of Brazilians favour nation’s hosting of World Cup (See story on page 37)

Atwell to face Gonzalez for WBC featherweight title next month

Congratulations, and make Guyana proud! This must be the message from Director of Sport Neil Kumar (3rd from left) as he shakes the hand of Clive Atwell. From left: Ronald BurchSmith, Peter Abdool, Leon Moore and Andrew Arjoon look on. (Photo by Sonell Nelson)

By Calvin Roberts ANDREW ‘Sixhead’ Lewis fought and recorded a

TKO victory over James Page on February 17, 2001 to win the World Boxing Association welterweight

title, while Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Brathwaite knocked out Italy’s Vincenzo Cantatore on October 11 2002,

to claim the World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight title.

Come Saturday the

May 24, 2014, Guyana’s 2 5 - y e a r- o l d t r i p l e t i tle-holder Clive ‘Wonder Kid’ Atwell, will be looking to become the third boxer from the Land of Many Waters to win a world title, when he goes up against reigning WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez in Mexico.

This was disclosed at a press conference held in the offices of Guyana Boxing Board of Control/World Boxing Council/Caribbean Boxing Federation (GBBC/’WBC/CAOBFE) president, Peter Abdool, yesterday morning, with Atwell and two of his managers, Andrew Arjoon and Ronald Burch-Smith, present.

Also present at the announcement were Neil Kumar, Director of Sport within the National Sports Commission (NSC), Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore, one

of the best super bantamweight pugilists Guyana has ever produced and members of the media.

“I wish if we can carry this fight in Guyana, but I don’t think we can afford it because I am afraid of the response from the public as it relates to supporting the event.

“Atwell’s record is 12-1 and he is highly regarded over in Mexico. I think they saw him fight Rafael Hernandez for the WBC/ CABOFE title and asked for him to fight, so Arjoon and Burch-Smith of Dog Pound Promotions tied up the negotiations yesterday (Monday)” said Abdool.

He added, “Gonzalez as you probably know has a record 55-8 with 47 of his wins coming via knockouts.

He is a tremendous fighter

See page 35

Guyana stun mighty Argentina in PAHF Indoor Hockey opener THE Guyana National Men’s Hockey team opened their account at the 2014 Pan American Indoor Cup on an impressive note by shocking regional powerhouse Argentina 5-3 in Uruguay on Monday.

This is the first time Guyana have beaten the perennial outdoor champions at any form of hockey.

The tournament, held in Montevideo, Uruguay, features both male and female competitions with Guyana only appearing in the former.

The match started with Guyana playing a compact half-court defence and unleashing devastating counterattacks.

Captain Devin Munroe delivered the opening blow by finishing one of those attacks in the second minute to quiet the partisan crowd.

Just two minutes later, stalwart defender Shane Samuels put Guyana up 2-0 by burying a penalty corner flick in the top right corner of the Argentine net.

As Argentina scrambled to

Part of the action in the Guyana-Argentina encounter on Monday overcome their shock at being down to the PAHF minions, Guyanese Aroydy Branford, on his international debut, pro-

duced a moment of brilliance in the 6th minute to get around the Argentinian defence and give his side the 3-0 lead.

As the early pace took its toll on the Guyanese, Argentina gained the upper hand and attacked in numbers but Guyana’s

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defence held strong, led by inspired play by Aderemi Simon and goalkeeper Anthony Cole.

A r g e n t i n a ’s p re s s u re earned them a vital penalty stroke, but was denied by the athletic Cole and it would take until the 16th minute for Argentina to register their opener on the board.

With the score at 3-1, the second half mirrored the first with Guyana retreating to the halfway line and inviting Argentina to press high. Class act Jamarj Assanah then restored Guyana’s three-goal cushion in the 28th minute when he intercepted a botched Argentinian penalty corner pass and ran half the length of the floor before eliminating the goalkeeper in trademark fashion. Argentina made no mistake on their next short corner a minute later to close the gap to within two goals.

With Argentina now employing a high press to claw their way back, the experienced Samuels slowed the momentum of the game killing crucial minutes off the clock.

Argentina’s high press however left them vulnerable at the back and the pace of Assanah and Robert France, on another devastating counterattack, saw France convert the pass to the last post, in the 37th minute.

With Guyana up by 5-2 and time against them, Argentina then pulled their goalkeeper, opting instead for an additional attacking field player. Guyana retreated deep into their half in all-out defence, and although Argentina would score from a penalty corner at the stroke of full time, the game was already won by a hard-working and spirited Guyanese team.

Meanwhile, the USA men battled hosts Uruguay in the follow-up match with the USA pulling off a comfortable 4-0 victory. Guyana were set to play the USA yesterday.

The winner of each competition (male and female) will represent the Americas in the 2015 World Cup in Germany.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014