Guyana chronicle 10 04 14

GUYANA No. 103794

THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2014

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

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GuySuCo workers

boo, chase Nagamootoo - in protest Page 2

outside Parliament

‘SHAME MOSES’: Angry sugar workers venting their frustration at AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo (in foreground with hand in air) outside Public Buildings yesterday. (Adrian Narine photo)

APNU, AFC fail to block $6B subsidy

... under pressure Page 4 from sugar workers

Kidnapped car Speaker defends dealer’s body 3 National dumped in Assembly’s right 11 to amend Estimates cemetery Trotman rules on cuts…

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GuySuCo workers boo, chase Nagamootoo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

… in protest outside parliament

By Vanessa Narine HUNDREDS of sugar workers yesterday stood outside Parliament Buildings to protest the use of the scissors to reduce the $6B allocation to the sugar industry.

And Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Moses Nagamootoo, was booed and chased away vehemently by the sugar workers when he walked over to speak to them.

Protestors shouted, ‘Shame Moses’, ‘Moses must go’, and booed the politician, formerly associated with the ruling party, for what they called a “betrayal” of them and their interest.

Nagamootoo, speaking to the media after being moved from the protest area, noted that the AFC has never opposed the allocation to the sector or

ignored the interest of the sugar workers, but has been calling for better accountability of the monies injected into the sector.

“The PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic) has betrayed the workers,” he said.

Nagamootoo skirted around a definitive answer when he was asked to say whether or not the $6B allocation, which he called a handout, would be cut from the estimates.

He said the allocation will have to be reviewed by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, which is currently reviewing in detail the allocations in the 2014 Budget.

However, the AFC member stressed that the party is “unlikely to vote against” the $6B allocation, once the answers to relevant questions asked are provided.

ETHNIC MOBILISATION Nagamootoo bemoaned what he said was a “paid protest” reflective of “ethnic mobilisation” by the ruling party – a comment for which he was roasted by Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

The Minister made it clear that the protestors have a right to fight for their rights if they feel that they are under threat, a reasonable position, given the pronouncements on the industry by both the AFC and A Partnership for National Unity.

He said, “It is absolutely reprehensible that Mr. Nagamootoo would make such a statement. Let him go to Albion, to Skeldon and to the other sugar estates, to say that their protest was nothing more than

Moses Nagamootoo surrounded by hostile sugar workers ethnic mobilisation. “ M r. N a g a m o o t o o should be ashamed of himself for saying such a thing, when he and his party have to go to the very people to ask for their support.”

Ramsammy added that sugar, for decades, has been a significant contributor to the Guyanese economy in its good years, and through the sugar levy, funds were used to support other sectors, including bauxite, and even assist in funding to pay public servants.

“Sugar deserves our support,” he said passionately.

The Agriculture Minister acknowledged the many challenges facing the industry, but maintained his optimism that a turnaround is in sight, particularly considering the advances being made

in this regard and the fact that the target of 70,000 tonnes for the first crop is almost reached.

BUDGET CUTTERS MUST CUT CANE Meanwhile, the protestors marched along High Street, chanting ‘Sugar yes, tilapia no’, in reference to the combined-Opposition’s call to close sugar and replace it with ethanol and aquaculture.

Sugar workers called for Members of Parliament brandishing scissors to take their “scissors or cutlasses” to come to the cane fields and “cut cane”, so they will get a first-hand experience of the life of sugar workers who toil hard and long to put food on the table for their families.

General Secretary of the ruling party, Clement Rohee, was standing with

the sugar workers and assured them that they have a right to protest for their rights, and supported their right to take a stand.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand was also standing with the workers and told several of them whom she had met at a prior meeting that she delivered their message to Shadow Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge, for him to come and face the sugar workers, whose livelihoods are on the breadline.

She, like Rohee, supported the workers’ right to demand that sugar not be destroyed, to defend their ability to provide for their families, and to defend their ability and dignity in being able to work and have an assured livelihood.

Other placards made several other appeals along similar lines: ‘Opposition don’t spite the sugar workers’, ‘Sugar worker want builders not MPs who threaten to cut’, ‘APNU and AFC don’t close sugar’ and ‘Enough is enough with APNU/ AFC bullyism’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Speaker defends National Assembly’s right to amend Estimates

By Vanessa Narine SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, last evening suggested the establishment of a sub-committee within the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, which is currently reviewing in detail the allocations in the 2014 Budget.

The establishment of the sub-committee was advised in light of the ruling by Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.

However, after a hourlong meeting with Government and the Opposition last night, there was still no naming of such a committee.

The Speaker’s suggestion for a sub-committee followed his outlining several guidelines on procedures to be adopted by the National Assembly in proposing amendments to Budget 2014.

He said, “It has become necessary to provide directives through which the National Assembly will proceed to consider the Estimates of Expenditure for 2014 in the Committee of Supply.

In January, this year, Chang ruled that the National Assembly has no right to cut the national budget. The Chief Justice handed down his decision in the High Court on January 29. In the preliminary ruling given in June 2012, the CJ had ruled that the National Assembly had a role to either approve or disapprove of the National

Estimate, not to cut them.

Following the ruling, the Parliament Office issued a missive claiming that the ruling is an interpretation that would have far-reaching ripples and effects throughout the Commonwealth parliamentary systems and procedures.

According to the statement, the right of the National Assembly to approve, including the right to amend budgetary estimates, is a long established right.

A Notice of Appeal of Chang’s decision was since filed in February by lawyer and Leader of the Alliance For Change, Khemraj Ramjattan, on behalf of Trotman, who was listed as the appellant in the court.

The AG was listed as a respondent in an appeal of Chang’s controversial 2012 Budget cut ruling.

RESPECT THE CJ’S DECISION Trotman told the House yesterday that as one important arm of the tripartite governance structure of the State of Guyana, the National Assembly cannot be unmindful of the views and opinions of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature, another important arm of the State, when it pronounces on matters that directly, or indirectly, affect the National Assembly.

He said, “Every effort

will be made always to respect the High Court’s opinions; provided that the independence of the National Assembly is not impinged.

“In a previous Ruling (No. 3 of 2013), it was stated that there is no “burden

of, and grateful for, opinions and interpretations provided by the High Court from time to time.

“This is so even in light of the fact that an appeal has been filed in the Court of Appeal against the decision

Speaker Raphael Trotman in the National Assembly last evening or duty” placed on the National Assembly to adopt or enforce rulings of the High Court. This position was essentially repeated in Ruling No. 4 of 2013.

“However, given the doctrine of comity (mutual respect by one branch of State or another), the National Assembly is always respectful

on February 25, 2014. It is of paramount importance that the three branches of State – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial, respect each other’s authority and decisions derived therefrom.”

According to him, anarchy would be the outcome if the custodians of the differ-

ent branches of government exhibit open disrespect for and hostility towards each other.

Trotman said, “The citizenry must be spared and protected from this. In the circumstances, and without prejudice to the National Assembly’s right to pursue the appeal and to define its own procedures, every reasonable effort will be made to respect and implement the decision of the High Court.”

NO STAY ORDER On this note, the Speaker pointed out that no stay of execution of the High Court’s decision has been applied for.

He said, “This is simply because I am of the considered opinion that the National Assembly cannot recognise a right in the High Court to fetter or restrict its activities.

“Implicit in an application for a stay of execution is the belief that the Court’s orders and directions are binding on the National Assembly. As such, an application for a stay of execution would be unsound and harmful as it would admit to a jurisdiction that is non-existent.

Much care and attention has been exercised in scrutinising the Hon. Chief Justice’s decision.

“It is my considered opinion that despite the views and opinions of the

High Court, the decision does not, and indeed cannot, do harm to the National Assembly’s procedures for treating with the Estimates of Expenditure.”

The Speaker cited Article 165 (1) of the Constitution, which he maintains is pellucid in its intention.

The Article says, “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the National Assembly may regulate its own procedure and may make rules for that purpose.”

Trotman made it clear that no court can interfere with or fetter this right.

He said, “This right has been universally recognised and upheld even in the High Court of Guyana in the 1963 case of Jagan et al -v- Gajraj.

For this reason, I utterly reject the notion that the National Assembly can act unlawfully in the exercise of its functions as prescribed above.

“In furtherance of this bestowed right, the NaSee page 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Trinidad and Tobago ex-leader Arthur Robinson dies at 87

(BBC News) ARTHUR Robinson, the former president and prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has died at the age of 87.

Mr Robinson is credited with helping to establish the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

As prime minister (1986-1991), he was held hostage and shot in the leg during a failed coup attempt in 1990.

He was also beaten by his Islamist captors for ordering the security forces to attack them “with full force” instead of backing down.

Twenty-four people died during the coup attempt - carried out by a little-known radical Muslim group, the Jamaat Al Muslimeen - the majority of them during looting that erupted in the Trinidadian capital, Port-of-Spain.

Arthur Robinson is widely recognised as coming from a generation of West Indian intellectuals who were to change the course of the region’s history.

‘TRAGIC LOSS’ Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Mr Robinson had been “one of our nation’s outstanding sons”.

“Mr Robinson’s passing is a deep and tragic loss for our country, but the legacy he leaves behind shall surely live on Arthur Robinson is credited to inspire today’s with helping to establish the and tomorrow’s International Criminal Court generations,” Ms in The Hague Persad-Bissessar said in a statement.

Opposition leader Keith Rowley said Mr Robinson was “resolute in his role as leader”.

“I acknowledge his distinguished contribution to this country’s development and join the rest of the nation in mourning his loss,” he was quoted as saying by the Trinidad Express newspaper.

Mr Robinson first proposed the idea of establishing the ICC during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 1989.

He suggested the court should have “jurisdiction to prosecute and punish individuals and entities who engage in (...) the illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs across borders”.

The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute and bring to justice those responsible for the worst crimes - genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes - committed anywhere in the world.

Mr Robinson also served in the largely ceremonial role of president of the twin-island Caribbean country for six years, until March 2003.

He was born in a village in Tobago in 1926 and went on to become an Oxford University graduate and a qualified lawyer.

He first entered politics in 1958 as a member of parliament, and helped found the People’s National Movement party which led Trinidad and Tobago to independence from Britain in 1962.

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Guyanese got ECG—report

(Trinidad Guardian) A MANAGER’S report from the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, says Guyanese national Jeetindra Sookram did undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) which showed he had a heart attack. But when nurses were looking for him so he could be given further treatment, Sookram was nowhere to be found. Sookram, 35, died while en route to a private hospital last Thursday.

North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) chairman Dr Shehenaz Mohammed, who spoke to the

T&T Guardian about the report, said she believed the genesis of the problem arose out of confusion over “the pink form”, a financial-obligation statement to be signed on accessing emergency care. She said the form had become unnecessary and agreed with Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, who gave instructions that the form must no longer be presented to patients.

“The CCTV footage showed the husband was immediately taken into triage during which the wife was asked to register him so that the hospi-

West Kingston gangsters using young boys in deadly feud (Jamaica Observer) CRIMINALS locked in a bloody feud in West Kingston are using boys as young as 12 to carry out their deadly attacks in the area, the police have confirmed.

“We have had reports that the men involved in this feud are using youth as young as 12, 13 and upwards to carry out these deadly attacks,” Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor told the Jamaica Observer, adding that the boy killers were fearless and had no respect for age or gender.

The information was first passed to the Observer on Monday by a resident of Tivoli Gardens, one of the communities in the constituency.

“The man dem who a do the killings nuh have nuh respect for law and order or people; dem even a use some young boys as young as 12 and over to carry out their attacks,” the resident said.

According to the resident, the latest victim of such an attack was Edward Black, a senior member of the community, who was gunned down in broad daylight along Chestnut Lane.

On Monday, during an operation that resulted in the recovery of one firearm and several rounds of ammunition, Senior Superintendent McGregor pointed out that the attacks are not confined to one side.

He also confirmed that the actions of the criminals have left members of the religious community in fear, especially after a Christian man was shot dead by gunmen when he

told them that he was on Jesus’ side in response to their demand that he state which side he was supporting in the feud.

tal could create a file on the patient and have the necessary data,” Mohammed said. She said the “pink form” was given to Sookram’s wife Vidya Baichu and it appeared she

had difficultly in interpreting it. “There is no audio on the footage so from what we have seen was the wife attempting to get assistance and it appeared she got frustrated and left.

Vidya Baichu responds to Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan’s claim that her husband Jeetindra Sookram was not denied medical care at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex last Thursday during an interview at Aranguez . Photo: KEITH MATTHEWS

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GUYANA

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

FOCUS ON SUDDEN ILLNESS AND MEDICAL CARE IN CARICOM ---case involving death of Guyanese visitor in T&T

By Rickey Singh --in Barbados

EDITORIAL Opposition lawlessness in Guyana’s Legislative Assembly continues unabated

THE Legislative Council of any country is the law-making forum of the nation. In Guyana, the joint Opposition has made our august National Assembly a law-breaking forum instead.

Even before the Minister of Finance presented the 2014 Budget in the House, the Opposition has pronounced and threatened ‘bloody war’ and cuts to allocations to vital sectors, as they did in 2012 and 2013, using every imaginable ploy to create mayhem and anarchy in the land, with the stated intention of making Guyana ungovernable under a PPP/C Government.

Their threats of cuts to the 2012 budget estimates prevailed in the National Assembly, and they gloatingly referred to the victims, mainly hinterland dwellers and the ordinary employees of the State as ‘collateral damage’.

So in desperate attempts to obviate the severely detrimental impacts to its transformational developmental programmes, Government was forced to seek judicial review of the budgetary cuts.

The administration therefore moved to the High Court to have the approximate $21 billion cuts to the 2012 national budget by the parliamentary Opposition, judicially reviewed in efforts to have the reduction of the estimates and revenues by the Committee of Supply, particularly as it related to Office of the President, Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Government Information Agency (GINA), National Communications Network (NCN), Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Information Communications Technology and other affected agencies, declared an abrogation of the doctrine of separation of powers, unconstitutional, unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, prepared the writ, which also sought to empower Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh to make withdrawals from the Contingencies Fund in accordance with Article 220 of the Constitution, which arrogates to Parliament the powers to authorise the Minister of Finance to take advances from the Contingencies Fund for urgent and unforeseen expenditure for which no other provision exists.

An ex parte application was submitted by way of an affidavit for Interim Orders as the Administration sought to obtain a Conservatory Order from the High Court. The affidavit in support was set out by Cabinet Secretary and Head

THE SUDDEN death in Trinidad and Tobago last Thursday of 35 –year-old Guyanese visitor Jeetindra Sookram, holidaying in Trinidad and Tobago with his common-law wife, Vidya Baichu, has dramatically brought to public attention the urgent need to correct a serious weakness or deficiency in the Revised Treaty governing the functioning of the Caribbean Community.

It could be likened to a tragedy waiting to happen. Ironically, it has occurred in the Community state that’s rightly recalled as the birth place (at Chaguaramas) of what exists today as the 41-year-old 15-member regional economic integration movement currently struggling to keep hopes alive for transformation as a seamless or single economy with similar fundamental rights for ALL its citizens.

The words that quickly came to mind on reading of the sad circumstances surrounding the sudden death, from suspected heart failure, of the CARICOM national Sookram, farmer by profession, were “contingent rights”. If such a right was applied, it could have resulted in the visitor receiving the required emergency medical treatment when needed.

Regrettably, a cluster of “contingent rights”--applicable to any uncertain event or circumstances--(e.g the Sookram case)--although discussed over the years for proposed incorporation in further revisions of the CARICOM treaty, remains a work in progress.

However, the Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque, reassuringly said in our telephone conversation yesterday that, in accordance with an updated decision by Heads of Government, the Secretariat was vigorously engaged for submission of an all embracing document dealing with “contingent rights” applicable to all citizens, including of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who is responsible for the management and general administration of the Office of the President and assists in the execution of executive decisions and policies.

The affidavit pointed to Article 218 of the Constitution of Guyana, which states that, in short, it is the exclusive responsibility of the Executive to prepare and lay before the National Assembly the Annual Estimates of Revenues and Expenditure for each financial year, for its approval or disapproval.

Dr. Luncheon noted however, that no power resides in the National Assembly, either in the Committee of Supply, or at all, to move an amendment to reduce any aspect of the Annual Estimates of Revenues and Expenditure laid by the Minister of Finance, and certainly, the National Assembly has no power whatsoever, in proposing a new or different sum, or any sum at all.

On these grounds, the administration charged that the two motions moved by Mr Khemraj Ramjattan and Mr Carl Greenidge, which sought to reduce the national budget, and proposed different sums instead, amounted to an arrogation of powers, in addition to usurpation of a function which exclusively resides in the Executive, thereby abrogating the doctrine of separation of powers.

The Cabinet Secretary, in the affidavit, added that “in respect of the affected agencies, the National Assembly, and not the Executive, presented the Annual Estimates of Revenues and Expenditure for the year 2012, a situation not provided for, nor contemplated by, the Constitution in any form or fashion.”

The affidavit further explained that under the Constitution of Guyana the National Assembly has only the power to approve or disapprove of the national budget, in its entirety.

As such, all reductions to the budget were ultra vires the Constitution and the jurisdiction and authority of the National Assembly.

The financial strangulation of the Executive, the affidavit noted, will severely and irreversibly prevent the discharging of functions in the manner provided for and contemplated by the Constitution, and/or legislation, resulting not only in constitutional chaos, but the Executive’s inability to govern and administer the affairs of the nation in accordance with the provisions of, and in the manner contemplated by the Constitution.

Dr. Luncheon also stated quite clearly in his affidavit that the financial resources of the State are more than adequate

required emergency medical attention, in all member states.

‘CONTINGENT RIGHTS’ FOR SUMMIT This document, to be considered by the Attorneys General and Ministers of Legal Affairs, would be forwarded to all member states of the Community ahead of the forthcoming annual Heads of Government Conference scheduled for July in Antigua, for inclusion in the further mandated revision of the CARICOM Treaty.

The Secretary General said it was a matter of deep regret when unfortunate incidents such as the case involving visitor Sookram occurs. He felt it could serve as a reminder why the governments of the Community should be even more forthcoming in advancing the work programme on ‘contingent rights’ for citizens.

Interestingly, against the backdrop of the Sookram case, T&T’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan quickly moved into a defensive posture to make clear that the visitor was “never denied medical care” when first sought at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

Curiously, according to media reports, what subsequently got in the way was a so-called little “pink form” that required payment for relevant medical attention which the ailing heart patient could not afford, as explained by his wife, Vidya. So, they felt compelled to seek alternative medical attention elsewhere but it was too late in coming.

What followed included ongoing Georgetown/Port-ofSpain ministerial/diplomatic engagements to objectively assess all the circumstances surrounding the death of Sookram.

And, hopefully, why there should be no such recurrences.

While there would be critical evaluations of the prevailing management systems within Trinidad and Tobago’s (PLEASE SEE PAGE 7)

to meet the original Estimates of Revenues and Expenditure for 2012, as laid in the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance, and called on the High Court to ensure that the balance of convenience, justice and national interest weighs heavily in favour of the grant of the Orders sought, whilst giving the assurance that “there is no harm, damage or injustice which will accrue if the Order sought herein is granted, and on the other hand, if they are refused, constitutional chaos, which jeopardises the nation’s interest, is a likely consequence.”

Just before Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh’s 2014 Budget presentation, Justice Ian Chang upheld Dr. Luncheon’s contentions, ruling that cutting of the national budgetary estimates by the parliamentary Opposition was a breach of the Constitution and therefore unlawful, and that the mandate of the Opposition limited them to merely approving and/or disapproving and did not vest in them the power to cut Government’s budgetary estimates. That power, according to the Chief Justice’s ruling governing legal protocols of National Budgets, resides only in the Government.

But despite the fact that the Opposition membership is comprised of a plethora of lawyers, who have sworn to uphold the Constitution, their stated intention, with the latest threat coming from the head of the Opposition himself David Granger, is to ignore the Chief Justice’s ruling and once again break the laws of the land by ‘cutting’ another national budget.

Their contempt for the law of the land and the employees of Ministry of Finance – technocrats who are doing a professional job in the team assisting in the formulation and the crafting of the budget, is apparent with their continued lawless disregard for the Chief Justice’s ruling and the remark of APNU MP Joseph Harmon in the House that: “My colleagues, let’s face it. Dr. Singh and his team are tired and they have produced an uninspiring Budget, so uninspiring that the Honourable Minister himself, in his presentation, seemed to have been infected by the tiredness of his team…. give it up Ashni, find another job.”

Sorry, Harmon, Guyana’s Finance Minister and his team are brilliant young professionals that have stabilised Guyana’s macro-economic fundamentals and have created a growth pattern that have sustained for eight years. Compare this with your party’s track record in Government.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

2013-2030 agri infrastructural portfolio will drive sector to new heights …says Minister Ramsammy

By Ravin Singh

THE Ministry of Agriculture has developed a short-term, medium-term and long-term 2013-2030 infrastructural portfolio to drive the sector to new heights.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, explained last Thursday that 2013 saw the completion of the first longterm agriculture infrastructure portfolio for Guyana. This portfolio of investments 2013-2030 is at present projected to cost about $200B with the following portfolios of agricultural infrastructure investments prepared: * Portfolio of Drainage and Irrigation Infrastructure Investment 2013-2030 * Portfolio of Roads and Dams 2013-2030 * Portfolio of Support Infrastructure for Agriculture Investments 2013-2030 Minister Ramsammy highlighted to the National Assembly during his presentation at the 2014 budget debate, some of the projects in the Portfolio of Infrastructure Investment 2013-2030, some of which are featured in the 2014 Budget.

The Agriculture Minister boasted that the first phase of the Conservancy Adaptation Programme (CAP) has been completed. In the second phase, he proposed the construction of pumping stations at Hope/Enmore, Enterprise/ Minister of Agriculture, Paradise, Annandale/Bux- Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. ton, Lusignan, Mon Repos, Ogle and Liliendaal, and continued infrastructure works towards the structural integrity of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) embankment. A World Bank grant of US$11M will facilitate the strengthening of the EDWC. CUNHA CANAL The Cunha Canal Reconstruction, he said, will also directly benefit approximately 4,500 acres of farmlands at Sarah Johanna, Pearl, Badrima and Coverden and the lower reaches of Kuru Kururu. This project, he added, is expect-

ed to be funded through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) arrangement.

The 2014 estimates also cater for pump stations at Gangaram and Pine Ground which will be the first pump stations in those areas. The Pine Ground Pump Station will be the first formal dual drainage and irrigation pump station in Guyana.

Ramsammy went on to notify the House that the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary (MMA) Stage 11 work entails mainly the establishment of a conservancy between the Abary River and Mahaica River through the damming of the Mahaicony River. The first phase of the stage two MMA project will be supported through the EU at a cost of about $30M Euros and should span the next five years. “This project will open up an additional 200,000 acres of land in the Mahaicony and Mahaica blocks,” Ramsammy added.

Additionally, he noted that the Caribbean Development Fund will be investing in four roads (three all-weather and one fair-weather road) in 2014. The all-weather asphalt roads include Parika (6.2km) at a cost of US$2M; Rudy (6.7km) estimated at US$2.3M; Onverwagt (3.7km) at US$1.3M; and the fair-weather access road, Laluni (15km) estimated at US$1M.

Ramsammy assured that there will be no more debates about the indispensability of an agro-process industry in Guyana as the Agriculture Ministry will seek to make developmental steps in 2014 which includes: * Expanding the Guyana Shop to promote locally manufactured agriculture products; * Establishing an Incubator Facility at the GSA to assist new and emerging agro-processors; * Hiring a Food Scientist to support Agro-Processors; and * Hiring a SPS Specialist to assist in obtaining local, regional and international certification.

Ramsammy said that the investment in the livestock industry will continue with the formalization of a dairy industry. “Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will establish a dairy (herd) farm at Mon Repos (by the end of 2014) with imported nucleus milk breed,” he said. In addition, he noted that talks have begun with the Canadians to establish a public-private partnership for a milk processing plant. However, this is all with the aim of increasing milk production and reducing milk imports. Milk production in 2013 was 46M Liters while milk imports in the same year rocketed at G$7.1B. Allocations have been made in the 2014 budget for various industries in the Agricultural Sector which is aimed at advancing and developing the sector.

Qualfon Site Manager dies suddenly in his home THE Police in ‘C’ Division were called to the Bel Air, Greater Georgetown home of Qualfon Site Manager Mark Boyer yesterday morning, after he was found seated lifeless in his sitting room.

This newspaper reporter was evicted from the premises, which is not rented only by the dead man and his wife but also other persons.

It was related to the Guyana Chronicle that the Boyer couple, who had been liv-

FOCUS ON SUDDEN ILLNESS AND MEDICAL ...

(FROM PAGE 6) quite expansive and modern health sector to avoid challenges as surfaced in the death of Sookram, the reality is that in various other CARICOM jurisdictions, complaints are often voiced about discrimination, or negligence, in the medical treatment of visiting or non-resident Community nationals.

Such discrimination, or denial of access to even emergency assistance, could extend even to some accident cases requiring payment for ambulance services. In contrast, in Jamaica and Guyana for example, official policies guarantee non-discrimination and non-denial in the treatment of CARICOM as well as foreign visitors in need of emergency medical attention.

In relation to Jamaica, there are, nevertheless, provisions for payments to be made subsequent to medical treatment received in certain categories.

For now we must anxiously await realisation of promised progress on the vital issue of including “contingent rights” in the mandated revision of the CARICOM Treaty.

The challenges facing non-nationals of the Community requiring emergency medical assistance, either from accidents, falling ill as “visitors”, or while “on business”, are quite serious and worrying.

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Dead Qualfon Site Director Mark Boyer

ing there for just about two weeks, got up early as usual.

A close associate of the couple said the wife informed that she and her husband were moving around the house as per normal.

The woman, reportedly, sat with her husband watching television in their sitting room before she left to go in the kitchen area. But, when

she returned and continued speaking to the man, got no response and thought that he had fallen into a dose.

She then decided to touch him and, as he did not respond again, a closer examination revealed that he was not breathing, causing her to raise an alarm and report to his workplace and the police.

Several senior employees of Qualfon went to the house and were seen offering words of comfort to the shaken wife.

RECENTLY MOVED Other persons said the couple recently moved into the neighbourhood and, while they have been very reserved, were quick to give a pleasant greeting to whoever they came into contact.

A man who identified himself as a family member, aggressively evicted this reporter from the house after being asked to facilitate this publication an interview with the dead man’s wife.

Instead he told this reporter that his presence was unauthorised, a breach of privacy and trespassing.

He threatened that, should anything be published with respect to information gathered on the premises, will result in a lawsuit.

In addition, the man, arrogantly, asked this reporter: “How would you feel if I kill your mother and someone

comes up to you seconds after, asking you to talk about her death?”

Despite his unexplained outburst, this reporter maintained his calm and tried to, politely, explain to the man that all he was being asked is if the woman was in a position to speak to the media.

Mark Boyer led all Qualfon Guyana operations and previously was in charge elsewhere in the Americas, The Philippines and South Africa.

Yesterday, his wife was recalling that she would often enquire of her husband about his willingness to stay in Guyana with the crime situation but he would, usually, tell her that he was safe and loved living in this country.

Before now, Boyer had worked for Stream, 3Com, Modus and Convergys and has managed as many as six sites and 4,000 agents.

He held a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, specialising in accounting.

The apartment building in which Mr. Boyer was found dead yesterday morning

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APNU, AFC fail to block $6B ...

From page 4 tonnes by 2017.

“We are fixing short term and medium turn to take us to where we want to be in long term,” he said, reiterating that the investment of the $6B is much needed.

APNU’s Shadow Agriculture Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, made it clear that his party’s position is that cast iron assurances must be given in terms of the sugar industry having a strong strategic plan.

Ramsammy reiterated that a revised plan will be completed in June.

NEW BOARD The combined Opposition also honed in the urgent need to have a new Board of Directors appointed, given that the life of the current board was extended by six months to June 30.

Roopnarine stressed the need for the board members to be professionals and questioned

the criteria for appointment, particularly since there is a need for reform of the management of GuySuCo. Ramsammy explained that the new Board will be appointed come July 1, and currently President Donald Ramotar is looking at a number of recommendations for “radical” changes.

He added that the Head of State is engaged in talking to people who have been recommended and assured that the focus is on persons who will bring experience in the industry, business and marketing, agronomy and mechanization, because these are the issues the industry battles.

“The President is discussing all of the options at hand….I believe the new Board will find favour with both sides of this House,” the Minister said.

Greenidge welcomed this and stressed the need for a “professional board, not a politicised board” to provide

much needed competent management.

Other issues that were questioned were GuySuCo’s indebtedness, a breakdown of the expenditures for 2012 and 2013, the expenditures at Skeldon Estate, and the production levels at the different estates, particularly Skeldon.

The $6B allocation to the sugar industry, battling climate change and other challenges, was hit in day one of the 2014 Budget debates with Opposition MPs maintaining that the monies represent a handout and contending that good monies are being thrown after bad.

Despite its challenges, the industry, according to Government, remains relevant to the health of the national economy. In 2013, sugar exports accounted for 8.3 percent of total exports valued at US$112.2M and the industry contributed 3.9 percent of the country’s GDP.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Greenidge to withdraw motion…

Gov’t, Opposition agree on adjustment of estimates

By Vanessa Narine GOVERNMENT and the Opposition yesterday reached an agreement that will see Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge withdrawing a motion he submitted to National Assembly on Tuesday, to have Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh withdraw the 2014 Budget to make adjustments to the format.

After a meeting that delayed the commencement of the Parliamentary sitting for over two hours, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman announced that this course of action was settled on.

He acknowledged the Government’s concerns over the motion, as penned by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, on behalf of the Administration, and lauded the collaboration of the parties in coming to a resolution on the matter.

According to him, this is testimony to what can be accomplished by working together in the National Assembly, which has been plagued by many clashes between Government and the combined Opposition since the start of the 10th Parliament.

Greenidge, in a statement to the House

yesterday, explained that his motion essentially called for a format of allocations that would see Commissions, which are to be established in line with constitutional provisions, accorded funding in a manner that did not affect or indicate an effect on their independence.

The entities he cited were the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission, the Auditor General Office and the Judiciary – all bodies that are charged with protecting the rights of the Guyanese people.

The Shadow Finance Minister stressed the need for all these bodies to be treated in the “constitutionally dictated” manner.

Dr. Singh also made a statement to the House and committed to moving a motion in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, where the 2014 allocations are being reviewed in detail, at the appropriate time to address Greenidge’s concern.

“I trust that the moving of the motion at the proper time will ensure the withdrawal of motion to avoid any delays in the consideration of the 2014 Estimates,” Dr. Singh said.

The considerations in the Committee of Supply continue today.

Speaker defends National Assembly’s right ...

From page 2 tional Assembly has promulgated its own rules and procedures that are known as ‘Standing Orders’. These Standing Orders regulate the practices and procedures to be applied and adhered to for all matters coming before the National Assembly; including of course the review and approval of the Estimates of Expenditure.

ROUTINE PROCESS The time honoured procedure for the handling of the financial estimates of revenues and expenditures (the National Budget) is as follows: * The Minister of Finance submits to the National Assembly the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for a given financial year in satisfaction of Article 218 of the Constitution. This presentation is made in the form of a Motion. * The Minister, on presentation of the estimates, makes a “budget speech” detailing the policy framework within which the estimates of the financial year are being presented. At the end of this speech, the Hon. Minister formally proposes the Motion for the National Assembly to approve the estimates and a debate ensues. * This debate is expected to last for a minimum, of five days and is confined to “the financial and economic state of the country and the general principles of Government policy and administration.” * The National Assembly, from time immemorial, has determined that at the end of the debate, a special committee comprising all members of the House will convene to consider the details of the estimates. This Committee is known as the Committee of Supply. The Committee of Supply is not to be confused with the constitutional body known as the National Assembly. * Standing Order 72 establishes the purpose of this Committee as being “to consider the Estimates and Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure submitted to the National Assembly.” * The Committee of Supply considers each head of Ex-

penditure, and at this stage, Members are permitted to propose amendments to the estimates for their increase or reduction.

The right to introduce amendments to increase expenditures is restricted to Ministers acting with Cabinet’s consent. This is in recognition of the strict injunction contained in Article 171 of the Constitution. All proposals for amendments to reduce estimates for expenditure however, can be proposed by any Member of the Assembly. * At the end of the consideration of the estimates, the Hon. Minister of Finance reports to the National Assembly that the estimates have been considered in Committee of Supply and approved by the Committee, with or without amendments being proposed, or not approved at all.

Trotman said, “It is in the final stage of the procedure set out above that constitutes the nub of the differences between the opposition/majority side of the House, and the Government.”

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT The Speaker explained that the National Assembly relies on Standing Orders 75 and 76 to guide it in the review and approval process of the estimates of expenditure, Standing Orders that have been recognised as legal instruments since the birth of the nation.

He said, ‘It is critical to note that when the Committee of Supply considers the Estimates and ‘approves’ of them, whether after making ‘amendments’, that is, through the process of proposing reductions of line items in accordance with Standing Order 76 or by the process of not-approvals of line items, or not, this function neither equates to, nor constitutes, the ‘approval’ function required by the Constitution in Article 218.

“The approval is only given in the first instance by the Assembly when the Honourable Minister of Finance reports to the plenary of the National Assembly that the Committee of Supply has considered the Estimates and then goes on to ask the National Assembly to approve the report of the Committee.”

Trotman pointed out that it is at this stage, and at no other, that the National Assembly fulfils the constitutional function of approving the Estimates as provided for in Article 218.

He said, “The approval of the Estimates by the Committee of Supply cannot be meant to be the approval contemplated by the Constitution because a Committee of the National Assembly has no power or authority to bind the National Assembly. “…when the Committee of Supply makes ‘amendments’ to the Estimates, there is, with the greatest of respect, nothing unlawful or unconstitutional about these actions.

“If indeed the Committee of Supply has made amendments, which are in essence proposals for changes to the Estimates, then it is the duty of the Honourable Minister of Finance to indicate to the National Assembly whether the Government wishes time to consider the ‘amendments’ before the Speaker puts the Motion to the National Assembly for their adoption.

“The Government is also within its right to either accept the amendments or to reject them in toto.”

The Speaker made it clear that the functions of the Committee of Supply and the National Assembly, as against those of the Minister of Finance, representing the Executive, are not mutually exclusive; though it must be conceded that at times the lines of distinction have become blurred.

He said, “The National Assembly is ever mindful of the fact that the separation of powers doctrine must be strictly adhered to.

“In this regard, the words of David G. McGee in his book ‘The Budget Process: A Parliamentary Imperative’ are worth repeating: ‘If a government assumes office it exercises executive power and is entitled to do so as long as it remains in office. If a legislature is dissatisfied with the policy being followed by the executive, it has constitutional power of dismissing it, but not of taking over executive power itself and imposing its own policy. Executives govern through legislatures; legislatures do not themselves govern’.”

Procedurally, the manner in which moneys are approved for withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund is regulated by the Constitution, the Financial Management and Accountability Act, and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana...

Confusion reigns in the AFC, as…

Nagamootoo and Ramjattan contradict each other during Budget debate in the National Assembly OLD Kai does not find it surprising that there is a mass exodus from the AFC because of the incompetence of their leadership.

These people are fighting to manage an entire country when they are clearly incapable of managing their small political set-up. So you can imagine how interesting it sounded when Khemraj Ramjattan stood up in the National Assembly and put himself up on a stool as a paragon of accountability, when it is a lack of accountability by the AFC leader and his clique which has caused so many to abandon ship recently.

This individual never has anything meaningful to contribute to public discussion, which is why he always resorts to conjuring up wild scenarios and a handful of innuendoes. He presents absolutely no proof of his contentions, but, being AFC Member of Parliament Moses Nagamootoo reckless, is a trademark of the current Opposition in Guyana.

According to the media, Prak-a-lak questioned, ‘why the migration level is increasing when the Government speaks of life improving since it took office in 1992.’

This is the kind of absurd logic we have come to expect from the leadership of the AFC, as everyone else except Ramjattan is aware that migration is a historical and worldwide phenomenon. The United States of America is probably the most developed nation in the world; and while we have citizens migrating there for better opportunities, it is also a fact that citizens from that country are returning back to these shores. If Ramjattan and colleagues had not walked out of Parliament when the Minister of Education was addressing the house, they would also have learnt that our teachers who left Guyana

in search of better opportunities overseas are returning and looking to be re-employed. Countless other Guyanese are also doing the same.

One would expect Ramjattan to know this as we are informed that ‘flour-man’ Sasenarine Singh, in quitting the AFC, had also informed the party that he is keen to return to Guyana ‘sooner rather than later.’

So Ramjattan trying to make light of our nation’s development since 1992, including the years when Dr. Jagan was at the helm of our country, is an eye-opener for many. Prak-a-lak and Moses would travel up to Berbice and shed crocodile tears on the television, singing praises to the legacy of Dr. Jagan; but here it is, they are now denying the achievements and foundation laid for our country by the father of our nation.

The AFC leader then focused his attacks against foreign investments in Guyana as he contended that “the current exemptions and concessions granted to foreign investors are excessive.”

At the same time, his partner Moses cried during his presentation about ‘unemployment’.

So while Ramjattan is attacking foreign investors who, through their investments, will create more jobs for our people, Moses, on the other hand, is crying about the unemployment rate. Such is the nature of the politicians we are dealing with in the Opposition.

Moses then uses, as the basis for his arguments, a dubious report which stated that “Guyana’s unemployment rate in 2011 was the same as 1980 of 20%”.

For Moses to part ways with his conscience and close his eyes to the development all around him, and now argue that unemployment today is the same as it was when Guyana was described as ‘hopeless and workers breadless’ during that dark era, is rather disgraceful on his part.

On an academic basis, his argument defies logic (no surprise there) as economists will tell you that real GDP economic growth eats away at unemployment as there is an inverse relationship. Guyana has experienced some seven to eight years of consistent economic growth, an unprecedented feat in our history, yet Moses stands in the National Assembly with a straight face and tells us ‘unemployment figures are the same as 1980’.

No wonder the PPP described it as ‘good riddance’ when Moses announced he was leaving the party to join the AFC. Guyanese are now seeing the true colours of this man; no

Cumberland con artist jailed for two years

By Geeta Rampersaud A TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Barama employee of Lot 5 Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice was Tuesday sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by Magistrate Ann McLennan on a false pretence charge after he had played the role of a con artist.

Oswin Lewis pleaded guilty to the offence that said on March 17 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Marvin Watts the sum of $92,000 by falsely pretending that Danny Sankar, a cambio dealer, had authorised him to collect the money from Watts to repair a generator for Sankar, knowing same to be false.

Police Corporal Dinero Jones, prosecuting, said Watts and Lewis are known to each other. On that day he visited the virtual complainant’s workplace at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown, and gave him a sealed envelope and told him it contained US$7,000.

The prosecutor said the defendant told the VC to deliver same to Sankar in Berbice, a person the VC knew.

He said Lewis then called someone on his cellular phone in the presence of Watts and claimed that Sankar instructed him to collect the money to repair the generator. He was given $92,000 and after the VC met with Sankar in Berbice, he was told that Sankar never made any such call. The envelope was then opened in the presence of Watts and it contained GYD$20 and pieces of paper.

The unrepresented man said he resides with his uncle in Georgetown at the Prison Officer’s quarters.

Lewis was reluctant to stand in the dock and constantly interrupted the court while the prosecution was speaking. He was also grumbling while Jones was relating the facts and when told by the magistrate to stand, he complained of not feeling well.

According to the prisoner, he was willing to repay the money to the VC, making part payments, but he said Watts refused to accept the payment arrangement.

Lewis told the court that he gave the money he had collected to someone called Steve Bacchus, the person who had given him the envelope to deliver.

longer can he hide behind the coat-tails of the ruling party and pretend to be a victim and a voice of reason who is being wronged.

This is the kind of incompetent reasoning which led to his many disagreements with other PPP leaders when he was part of the party.

For Moses to stand up with Khemraj in the National Assembly and deny not just the contributions and progress made by our current crop of leaders, but equally important, that of Dr. Cheddi and Janet Jagan, is a grave injustice to their legacies; more so from a man who once touted himself as a disciple of Dr. Jagan.

Let us also remember that this is the very Moses who stood and supported his colleague Ramjattan when they told workers who were going to be laid off because of their budget Khemraj Ramjattan cuts in 2012 that they were simply ‘collateral damage’.

Yet, two years later, he apparently is of the opinion that we have forgotten the actions of himself and his party clique, and he now wants us to believe him when he cries about a “betrayal of our working people, especially the educated, jobless youth of Guyana.”

The more they open their mouths, the more they continue to sink themselves as they cannot escape from their track record.

Their significant drop in public support, as found in a recent opinion poll, where they are now hovering in a lower single digit number, and the fact that they continue to lose support, are signs that Guyanese have finally seen their sinister agenda and will not fall for their misleading information any longer.

Businessmen robbed at gunpoint in Waini River POLICE are investigating a report that, about 01:30hrs on April 8, businessmen Itram Narine, 46 and Khemraj, 45, of Port Kaituma, North West District, were attacked and robbed by two men.

One of the attackers brandished a firearm on the two men while in their motor vessel at the mouth of the Waini River, in North West District, too.

The two perpetrators, who were in another boat, held the two victims at gunpoint and took away a total of US$15,800 and their four outboard motor engines, with which they escaped, police reported.

The two victims were left adrift but managed to reach shore at Morawhanna, in North West District, as well, on Tuesday night.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

The ‘new dispensation’ and aftermath of hurricane APNU/PNC/AFC THE puerile, deconstructive, destructive, obstructive, egomaniac opposition politics has made the hallowed House of Guyana’s august National Assembly a parody rather than an assembly of national leaders who work for the good of the citizens of the land.

The ‘new dispensation’ in Parliament, created by a six-votes, one-seat combined majority of the conjoined political Opposition parties, has given them muscle-flexing powers; because apparently it is muscle and not brains that are shaping this new parliamentary dispensation.

And the mandate given to them by their constituents to oversee their best interests in the nation’s legislative assembly is trampled on daily, merely because of egomania, vengefulness, power-hunger, self-interest and self-aggrandizement at every level – all subsuming the general good and the national interest.

The recent fracas in the House over Education Minister Priya Manickchand’s almost sotto voce’ heckle is a case in point. This minister represents the educational interests of the children of

the land – even Opposition supporters’ children; and she was effectively muzzled, first by House Speaker Raphael Trotman, then by the pandemonium created in the House by his political affiliates in the Opposition when he was forced to rescind his gag order.

Their subsequent walkout of Parliament during the Minister’s presentation merely reinforces the foregoing. Supporting C.N. Sharma, an accused serial child-rapist was more important to them than the interests of the nation’s children.

Forcing the minister to apologise for an ethical dilemma is the joint Opposition’s two-faced hypocrisy.

APNU MP Volda Lawrence was speaking to the issue of victims of pedophiles being denied justice. Minister Priya was Minister of Social Welfare and Human Services when the story broke out about the serial rapes of the children and she witnessed first-hand the agony and the destruction of the lives of the victims, who until today cannot receive justice because the alleged perpetra-

tor has money and political support from the Opposition, including APNU/WPA women’s arm Red Thread and GHRA, so her innocuous, sotto voce comment: “ask your APNU member Sharma”, was instinctive. Unless Jaipaul Sharma has secrets like his father he would have known that the remarks were not directed at him. C.N. Sharma is an accused serial child-rapist and a public figure so why did the minister have to apologise to Jaipaul Sharma?

pedophile, displaying her hypocrisy and the shallowness inherent in her party. It is being conjectured by the public on social media sites that Speaker Raphael Trotman was seemingly fearful of losing the free television programme time given to his party by the Sharmas that he ranted and raved at Priya, silencing her when she tried to explain that it was C.N. Sharma and not sitting member Jaipaul Sharma she was referencing.

The Sharmas attack Gov-

Is it any wonder that citizens are clamouring for new elections so that a Government majority could once more hold sway over a developmental-obstructionist Opposition whose destructive tactics are wrecking anarchy in the House?

Lawrence, who was so concerned about injustice to victims of pedophiles, joined her colleagues in victimising Minister Manickchand for referencing the most infamous Guyanese alleged

ernment ministers, and allow their party affiliates to do so non-stop on their television programmes, with all kinds of terrible but unfounded accusations; but Trotman unconscionably forced Priya to compromise her integrity and apologise to Jaipaul Sharma, for God knows what, just so she could put the greater priority above her self-respect and subsume her integrity and personal ethics; and that was addressing the business of the nation’s children. This is the kind of political maturity of which the joint Opposition is incapable.

The drama being enacted

by Jaipaul Sharma is merely an excuse for him to scuttle away from the looming threat of his having to make a contribution in the parliamentary debates, which he himself admits, because he is too mentally challenged; but he is camouflaging this fact under a façade of decency and victimisation. Where is the decency of Jaipaul Sharma when he curses and makes unfounded allegations about Government ministers and functionaries and their relatives every day on CNS Ch. 6? Yet he objects to Priya’s passing reference to his father. What double standards. Greenidge advises

him what to say on his own television station, which exposes him for the lackey boy he is, or was in the APNU/ PNC/AFC combo.

The annexation of the Speaker’s seat was the first act of bullyism by the Opposition as a result of their one-seat majority.

The unprecedented events of November 22, 2012 is no less than anarchy in the highest law-making forum in the land, condoned and even encouraged by the Speaker, AFC co-founder Raphael Trotman, whose office dictates that he remains impartial at all times; but whom has instead subverted, bastardised and prostituted the Parliament of Guyana by unconscionably showing partiality to his own party and the APNU, to which the AFC has now unapologetically become affiliated, through rulings that unpardonably hold the Government to ransom, so that it has to resort for justice in the courts, at great cost to the taxpayers of Guyana.

The first power play by the joint Opposition, wielding its combined oneseat majority like a sword of vengeance in the National Assembly, saw the two parties annexing both positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker; which contravenes all parliamentary norms and practices.

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES NOW A WEAPON TO DESTROY GOVERNMENT The Parliamentary bullyism continued unabated, and the Government reported, inter alia: “At the February 10th sitting, the members of the Standing Committee of Selection were nominated on the floor of the House by both Government and Opposition parties. The two Opposition parties (APNU and AFC) by motion reduced the size of the Committee from 10 members with the Speaker as chair to 9 with 4 for the Government, and, 5 (4 APNU and 1 AFC) for the Opposition, with the Speaker as the Chair. This was voted on and adopted by a majority vote of one.

Since then the accept-

ed norms and practices of the Committee of Selection have been under attack and its function grossly compromised.

At the first meeting of the Committee of Selection chaired by the Speaker on February 24, 2012, the combined Opposition parties used their majority on the Committee to establish new rules on the composition of the parliamentary committees.

The Parliamentary Opposition ruled based on what they called the “new dispensation in the National Assembly” that the Opposition would have the majority of seats on all committees and the number of seats on each committee, unless otherwise specified, would be reduced from 10 to 9 seats. They proposed a formula of 4-4-1 and voted by majority for 9 seats on all committees with 4 for the PPP/C (with 49.3% of the electorate), 4 for the A.P.N.U. ( with 40% of the electorate) and 1 for the A.F.C.( 10.3 % of the electorate).

The Government had also made a proposal at the meeting for parity on the committees based on the new situation in the National Assembly of 5 seats for the government and 5 seats for the combined Opposition, 4 for APNU and 1 for AFC. The Government argued that its proposal was closer to the electoral results than the combined Opposition’s proposal.

However, this was rejected. With that, by vote of a combined majority, the Government’s representation on all committees, which the Standing Orders provided for “no less than 6, no more than 10 members” was now reduced to a minority.

In fact, the combined Opposition parties now have disproportional representation on the 9 member committees of 54 %, which they neither individually (40% APNU with 26 seats and 10% AFC with 7 seats) nor collectively attained at the polls and the Government has 40 % of the representation on the committees, which is below See page 11

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Kidnapped car dealer’s body dumped in cemetery

By Leroy Smith

THE body of 40-year-old kidnapped auto spares dealer, Rajendra Singh, was found yesterday morning in Le Repentir Cemetery with a gunshot wound

to the head, hands tied behind his back and a cloth around his neck.

The four-day search for him ended when a City Council worker stumbled on the body in a section of the burial ground while prepar-

ing for burials.

Singh, also called ‘Sunil,’ was kidnapped at gunpoint last Saturday from his Foulis, Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara, business place. Two men who turned up at the

The ‘new dispensation’ and aftermath ...

From page 10 its 49.2% of the polls.”

On March 13, 2012 the Speaker proceeded to hold the first meeting of the appointed committees to elect the chairpersons which other than those chaired by the Speaker became controlled by the APNU, the major Opposition party.

It was apparent to everyone that the farce being enacted at every session in Parliament over the last two years is fully rehearsed at secretive extra-parliamentary sessions by the joint Opposition then played out in the National Assembly, with the House becoming a parliamentary theatre.

This is because almost all of their actions are in discord with the Constitution and/or standard parliamentary norms and conventions.

Unlike the dynamism that prevailed in parliamentary committees convened; and most especially chaired by the Government pre-elections of 2011, parliamentary committees of the current dispensation, even those chaired by the Speaker, are either not functioning, or doing so in a desultory, lackadaisical manner, which goes to prove that they only want the power, but not the responsibility and hard work that goes with it.

ANARCHY IN HOUSE ESCALATING Even the time-honoured parliamentary practice and Standing Orders’ provisions that allow the Government to independently set the date for sittings has been overturned when the joint Opposition, on March 15, 2012, voted down the Prime Minister when he set a date for the next sitting via a motion tabled and seconded by the APNU. Almost every ruling and at each parliamentary sitting the joint Opposition seem bent on stymieing national development in one way or another, and a Government report stated, inter alia: “As provided for by the Constitution, the Minister of Finance is allowed to utilise monies from the Contingency Fund in certain prescribed circumstances, including between the period of dissolution of the Parliament for elections and its reconvening, and is required to bring these Supplementary Financial Papers (SPs) as soon as the National Assembly is reconstituted.

“The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, tabled 2 Supplementary Financial Papers (SPs) on February 10, 2012. On February 16, 2012, during the debate on these SPs, the APNU and the AFC withheld approval or negativized a number of sub-heads on one of the papers, thus leaving a charge of Gy$79

million unauthorized. More interesting is that the Opposition parties did not submit to the normal procedures required to bring amendments to these SPs. Despite efforts by the Government in writing to Speaker and on the floor of the House, the Speaker allowed these actions to proceed.

“Normal parliamentary convention does not support leaving a charge on the Contingency Fund. One SP was passed as amended.

The second paper, was postponed after a motion by 2 APNU and AFC Members to withdraw the paper, was put in abeyance by the Speaker.

The Speaker declared at the end of the sitting, that he would allow the Minister to return to the House with another SP for the items where expenditure was not authorised.

“At the March 15, 2012 sitting, the Speaker, in response to the Government’s protests about the treatment of the first SP not being in order by parliamentary convention and norms, ruled that the treatment of the first paper, despite leaving a charge of the Contingency Funds, was in order.

The second paper was passed by 31 for, 26 opposed and 7 declined to vote.

The Minister of Finance then returned to the National Assembly on June 14, 2012 to address the outstanding charge of $79M by way of a Supplementary Financial Paper and after much wrangling and procedural arguments, the Speaker allowed the SP to be again considered and again not approved.

Thus their ploy of starving the Government of funds to do developmental works and enhance the social paradigm was revealed though these vindictive acts, notwithstanding the fact that these monies were used to provide increases to public servants and police ranks, for payments to elections field staff and additional expenditures for the Police Force, to alleviate flooding in Regions 5 and 6, to run the country while Parliament was prorogued, and provide other necessary social services in the country, including land development for the Specialty Hospital meant to provide tertiary care at affordable prices to patients with life-threatening illnesses.

This, then, along with their recalcitrance over the passage of the very vital amended AML/CFT Bill and other acts of obstructionist politics, is the joint Opposition’s way of making Guyana ungovernable under a PPP/C Government.

Is it any wonder that citizens are clamouring for new elections so that a Government majority could once more hold sway over a developmental-obstructionist Opposition whose destructive tactics are wrecking anarchy in the House?

Undertakers removing the body of slain businessman Rajendra Singh, called ‘Sunil’

premises under the pretext of being customers bundled Singh at gunpoint into his motorcar which was later found abandoned.

The kidnappers had initially demanded $50M, but later reduced the ransom to $25M. A source close to the investigation said that the rel-

ative freshness of the corpse suggested that he was killed late Tuesday evening or in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that the businessman’s wife received her final warning to hand over the lowered $25M ransom within 24 hours on Tuesday.

According to reports, most of the day Tuesday the woman was at the police station with investigators who were trying to locate her husband.

This newspaper was told that the kidnappers may have decided to kill the businessman after suspecting that the police were setting up a sting operation in handing over the ransom, with the likelihood of their capture.

Meanwhile, it is understood that the police will be continuing their investigations and are looking into Singh’s activities to find a lead.

On Tuesday, sources said, all contact with the kidnappers were lost as the phone which they were using to make contact with the man’s wife was no longer receiving calls.

Police investigators surround the body of the slain businessman

12

Guyana Goldfields Inc. advertises jobs for mine start-up

By Clifford Stanley

CANADA-BASED mineral exploration company, Guyana Goldfields Inc. (GGI) advertised, during the week, vacancies for several positions which are necessary for the commencement of its Aurora Mine Project in the Cuyuni district of Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

The jobs range from health and safety officers, environmental officers, to carpenters, masons and heavy duty operators, which are available up to April 12.

GGI said the mining, to begin soon, consists of construction of a processing plant, an open pit mine, tailings and water retention/control structures and associated support infrastructure.

The programme is expected to take approximately two years to engineer, pro-

cure, construct and commission and will, primarily, be executed through engineering.

Procurement and construction management contracts (EPCMs) as well as for engineering will be awarded under the guidance of an experienced owner’s team, GGI said.

The undertaking is also closely tied to a significant logistics path of ocean transport of materials and equipment to a river port facility at its Buck Hall location and overland movement of approximately 175 kilometres (km) including one barge ferry at its Tapir crossing.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS GGI said the Aurora Mine Project is being implemented under international

standards and best practices for health, safety, environment and community.

Strategic partnerships have been formed, too, with the help of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the overall support of objectives, the company said.

The Government of Guyana (GOG), in late 2011, signed a mineral agreement allowing GGI to develop and operate its Aurora Gold Project in what was described as the largest single private investment in Guyana eclipsing even Omai Gold Mines.

The signing was done at Office of the President with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who, as Minister responsible for Mining, was doing so on behalf of the Guyana Government and Mr. Patrick Sheridan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer for GGI. Then President Bharrat

Jagdeo, then Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar, Adviser Sir Shridath Ramphal, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Brigadier Joe Singh were among those witnessing the historic occurrence.

The terms included mining royalty of five percent on gold sales at a price of US$1,000 per ounce or less; mining royalty of eight percent on gold sales at a price of over US$1,000 per ounce; corporate income tax at the rate of 30 percent and no withholding tax on interest payments to lenders, and duty and value-added tax exemptions on imports of equipment and materials for all continuing operations at the Aurora Gold Project, including the construction and operation of a planned port facility, road and power improvements and the construction and operation of the mine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

AFC member Sasenarine Singh resigns GENERAL Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Mr. David Patterson, on Tuesday, confirmed that Mr. Sasenarine Singh has resigned, with immediate effect, as a member of the AFC. Patterson said: “We have received the letter of resignation from Mr. Sasenarine Singh. We take this opportunity to thank him for his service to the party.

Sase worked hard for the AFC, especially during the 2011 elections. His knowledge and understanding of financial matters, especially, was well respected and relied on.”

According to the General Secretary, Singh tendered his resignation for personal reasons and those are respected.

“There is no hard feeling and the mutual respect remains.

We wish Sase all the very best in the future and look forward to the time when he will remigrate to his homeland to continue the struggle for a better Guyana.

“The members of the party and Sase will remain friends outside of the political arena,” Patterson said.

In his resignation letter, Singh wished the AFC well, as it seeks “to lead our people out

of underdevelopment and away from the politics of nepotism, crony capitalism and pettiness.”

He added: “I will re-enter active politics in Guyana when the opportunity for remigration

RESIGNED: Sasenarine Singh to my homeland presents itself, which I hope would be sooner than later.”

The former AFC member also thanked the leadership of the party for its guidance and for affording him the opportunity to serve the people of Guyana.

Singh is the latest loss to the AFC, following that of Haseef Yusuf, who also quit last October.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Rohee calls on Opposition elements to desist invoking Dr Jagan’s name to malign the PPP/C

By Vanessa Narine

THE ruling Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has remained true to the ideals and philosophy of its founder, the late former President Dr Cheddi Jagan, who remains a living guide for the party.

And party General-Secretary, Clement Rohee, made known the party’s amusement at the invocation of Dr.

Minister Clement Rohee Jagan’s name in the ongoing 2014 Budget debates. He added that Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) should be “ashamed” to invoke Dr Jagan’s name given their party’s actions against Dr. Jagan.

Rohee said, “The PPP has noted, not without some amusement, a tendency by several Opposition Members of Parliament to invoke the name of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan in their vain attempt to project the ruling PPP/C administration as ‘anti-working class’. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

HYPOCRITICAL He called those references hypocritical, more particularly so those references made by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Rohee said, “They did everything imaginable to

besmirch (Jagan’s) character and deny him and his party the right to political office through a series of rigged elections spanning nearly three decades….

“It was the PNC (People’s National Congress) that schemed with foreign vested interests and local reactionary forces to destabilise the democratically elected Jagan-led administration during the 1960s.

“Such was the extent of the hatred for Dr. Jagan that one former PNC leader, (late President) Desmond Hoyte pledged publicly to dedicate his entire life to ensure that Dr. Jagan does not become the President of Guyana.

“And when Dr. Jagan convincingly won the October 5, 1992 elections after 24 years of PNC dictatorial rule, Hoyte boasted to the nation that the new PPP/C regime could not survive a year in office, no doubt out of an awareness that the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic) inherited a broken and debt-ridden economy in which over 90 percent of revenues were spent to service our debts.

“It must have been a lasting shame and humiliation to the PNC that the PPP/C Government did not only survive its full term in office, but went on to win all elections from that time until this day.”

According to Rohee, the fact that the ruling party has stayed true to the Jagan legacy and vision is reflected in the way all national budgets are being configured and aimed at placing emphasis on human development, particularly in the areas of education, health, housing and water, which are considered key determinants of a good quality of life.

Rohee said, “This is quite unlike what obtained under the PNC regime, when the budgetary allocations were highly skewed in favour of military/paramilitary organisations, the Foreign Service and the Office of the President.

“The social sectors, including health and education, were grossly underfunded, to a point where the delivery of education and health care had reached crisis proportions.”

ASHAMED He reiterated that the combined Opposition ought to be ashamed to invoke the name and memory of the late Dr. Jagan, when “they are doing ev-

late former President Dr Cheddi Jagan erything within their power to undo the work” of Dr. Jagan and the party he founded.

Rohee said, “This could be seen in the several actions taken by the combined Opposition to frustrate the development agenda of the PPP/C administration aimed at enhancing the quality of life of the Guyanese people, in particular the working people, for whom Dr. Jagan dedicated his entire political life.

“The refusal of the parliamentary Opposition parties to approve money for cheap energy for the people of Guyana and to fuel the growth trajectory of the economy goes against the grain of the Jagan dream for Guyana. The same is true of Opposition cuts to funds earmarked for Amerindian development, which he was very passionate about.

“The failure of the Opposition parties to approve of funds to restore the via-

bility of the sugar industry would have been particularly painful to Dr. Jagan, who, way back in the 1940s, following the massacre of the five sugar workers, pledged to dedicate his entire life to the cause of the working people.”

Rohee opined that those who contend that the ruling party has departed from the Jagan legacy are either “unable to understand the con-

text and dialectics of present day realities, or are being deliberately dishonest”, politically and intellectually.

“To speak at a superficial level of the greatness of Dr. Jagan but at the same time doing everything to undermine his party and legacy is the worst harm that anyone could inflict on this great son of the soil and outstanding leader of Guyana,” he stressed.

On that note, the PPP called on the Opposition parties and other opposition elements to desist from invoking the name of Dr. Jagan for “opportunistic” purposes, and instead lend their support in tangible ways to realise his vision for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.

“Action, it is said, speaks louder than words,” Rohee said.

North West youth remanded on murder charge EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Samuel Allen of 4 mile Arampa, North West District, was remanded to prison when he faced a murder charge Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

He was not required to plead to the offence that said on Wednesday, April 2 at 4 Mile Arampa he murdered Iola DeSouza during a robbery.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said DeSouza was walking to his

camp when the accused came up from behind and, with the intention to rob him, dealt him a lash to his head with a crush hammer. The man fell to the ground and the accused was seen searching his pockets for valuables.

The prosecutor said he made good his escape and by the time DeSouza was rushed to the hospital he was pronounced dead.

The matter was reported and police acting on information arrested the accused.

The case was transferred to Matthews Ridge Court for May 6.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

14 more nurses undergoing c

By Shirley Thomas

Mr. Owen John, Training Director, addresses the forum at the GPHC’s Resource Centre.

AS the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) continues to facilitate education and training to upgrade skills in key areas of nursing, 14 nurses from that institution and other regional hospitals on Monday commenced training in Critical Care Nursing at the institution.

The programme which will run for 12 months was launched at the GPHC’s Resource Centre, New Market Street, and this is the second batch of nurses to be trained locally in this field.

The first batch, comprising 18 nurses, was trained in 2011 and the programme lasted 15 months.

The project is in keeping with the GPHC’s mission statement which speaks to the need “to provide a comprehensive range of quality healthcare services in an efficient, effective and caring manner, together with teaching and research activities designed to ensure excellence in-patient care education and research.”

Chairperson was Mr. Nicholas Corbin, Manager, Training

Three more magistrates’ courts to be completed shortly

DURING his 2014 Budget debate presentation on Monday, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall assured that through the many government initiatives and interventions, the Judiciary is independent and efficient; and all Guyanese, irrespective of where they are located, or their social and financial standing, have equal right to justice.

“We are of the unshakeable view that these are indispensable prerequisites to the economic development and social progress which our people aspire to enjoy,” he told the National Assembly.

The Minister said it is for these reasons, the administration continues to invest heavily in the Justice Sector, having recognised that while it does not contribute directly to the GDP, as the other productive sectors do, this sector is largely responsible for law and order.

Minister Nandlall added that adherence to the rule of law, constitutional and democratic governance, is indeed the glue that keeps society and civilisation, as we know it, together.

“Without it, neither production will take place, nor civility, as we know it, will exist.”

Meanwhile, it was noted that since the 2013 budget presentation, significant strides have been made in this sector. Some of the developments include the conclusion of the compilation of the Revised Laws of Guyana, which was done after a 34 year hiatus.

“The conclusion of this historic exercise was preceded by another historic achievement. I refer to the completion and launch of years of Law Reports from 1977 to 2007, this came after another gap of some 34 years.”

With this completion, work will commence in an effort to continue these exercises, in order to avoid the protracted lapses. In 2014, work will begin on compiling another set of Law Reports from 2008 to date; updating and continuous revision of the laws have already begun.

Further, within the Attorney General Chambers, a Law Revision Officer has been appointed and duly trained.

In addition, the minister noted that the Official Gazette has been placed online and the venture is being managed from the AG Chambers in collaboration with National Printers. Minister Nandlall added that the response to this initiative has been remarkable, with the website having had over a million hits.

“Persons from as far as Australia, Fiji, India, Africa and of course Europe and North America have been accessing the website with encouraging frequency. Two officers at the AG

Chambers, specially trained, are manning this site.”

INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS Rehabilitation and refurbishing works have been completed to a building at Main and King Streets, New Amsterdam, Berbice. The upper flat of this building will house the office of the DPP, and the lower flat, the Land Registry. The Land Registry will be removed from its cramped location in a part of the Registry of the High Court at New Amsterdam, and will now be housed in the entire bottom flat of this comparatively large building, along with vault facilities for storage. This is expected to improve the efficiency of that important organisation.

The upper flat which will be used to house the office of the DPP has already been furnished and electricity installed.

The building will be handed over to the DPP and the Registrar of Lands, following the conclusion of budget debate 2014.

In addition, the automatic voice recording equipment for the court system will be installed within a matter of days. The Minister announced that the contractor arrived in the country on Monday to begin works.

“As I have stated earlier, this initiative will make a transformational change to the speed of litigation in this country; while this equipment will only be installed in the Court of Appeal, the Court of the Chief Justice, and the Commercial Court of the High Court, the intention is to replicate it in every superior court of record in the country.”

In addition, over the last two years, a number of Courts were either completely refurbished or new buildings were constructed. These include the High Courts of Georgetown and New Amsterdam, the Court of Appeal, and Magistrates’ Courts at Whim, New Amsterdam, Sisters Village, Reliance, Mibicuri, Georgetown, Leonora, and Wales. It must also be noted that almost every court in the High Court, both in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, are fully air conditioned for the first time in the history of this country.

Further, within a few weeks, the Magistrates’ Courts at Christianburg, Wismar, and Lethem will be completed. These new buildings have also been furnished with residential quarters for the Magistrates. However, for the Court at Wismar, a new Magistrate’s Clerk’s office will be established so that persons within the newly created Magisterial District of Region 10 will not have to travel all the way to Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court to transact their business. Historically, that court fell under the Magisterial District of West Demerara,

but that will now change.

Additionally, 18 laptops were purchased and distributed to the judges of the Court of Appeal, and the High Court with the expectation that it will assist in the speedy writing up of decisions.

Meanwhile the long wait for the coming into operation of the Family Court will end within a few weeks.

According to the minister, the last set of furniture purchased from Fibre Tech Industries will be installed within a few days. The Family Court Rules have already been completed and are with the Chancellor to be brought into operation.

“It is important that I disclose that the long wait which we endured in respect of the acquisition of furniture for the Court was not without a benefit. The original cost submitted for these furniture was $32M. Cabinet withheld its “ no objection “ to this award and the Court was eventually furnished at a cost of about $12M saving the taxpayers nearly $20M. (GINA)

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

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critical care training at GPHC and Development, and giving an overview was Programme Director, Mr. Owen John.

John, in a brief overview, explained to the nurses what critical care nursing is all about; what is expected of them, and how they can apply the skills acquired during training to help save lives in this very delicate area.

According to John, “A critical care nurse is a licensed professional nurse who is responsible for ensuring that acutely and critically ill patients and their families receive optimal care.”

He noted also that, ‘critically ill patients’ are defined as those patients who are at high risk for actual or potential life-threatening health problems. The more critically ill the patient is, the more likely he or she is to be highly vulnerable, unstable and complex, thereby requiring intense and vigilant nursing care.

Preparing them psychologically for the task at hand, the Programme Director said that, essentially, critical care nurses must focus on making clinical decisions related to complex patient care.

Their activities include risk appraisal, interpretation of diagnostic tests and providing treatment, which may include prescribing medication.

Additionally, critical care nurses practice in settings where

patients require complex assessment, high-intensity therapies and interventions and continuous nursing vigilance. * They rely on a specialized body of knowledge, skills and experience to provide care to patients and families and create environments that are healing, humane and caring. * The critical care nurse is foremost a patient advocate, meaning that they respect and support the basic values, rights and beliefs of the critically ill patient.

The nurses’ training will be intense, and will be based on selected teaching methodology and instructional strategies. It will include, among other things, lectures, demonstrations; laboratory techniques; one-on-one instructions; group discussions, individualized study; independent research and seminar presentations There will be ongoing theoretical and practical student evaluation and a minimum of ten writing tests will be given.

The final exams will consist of three parts and will be graded accordingly: Practical; Theoretical and Oral. Candidates will be expected to obtain passes in each of these areas in order to successfully complete the course. However, there will be supplemental exams for those who fail.

At the head table from left are Nicholas Corbin, Manager,Training and Development; Owen John, Programme Director and Facilitator Dr. Rowland Ramdass.

Meanwhile, overseas-based facilitator, Guyanese-born Dr. Rowland Ramdass also delivered brief remarks to the nurses. In introducing Dr. Rowland,Training Manager, Nicholas Corbin commended Dr. Rowland’s enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the programme and expressed gratitude to him for availing himself to further the training and professional development of the nurses.

Ramdass, a nursing expert, who has spent the greater part of his life working in hospitals in the United States, and who visits Guyana occasionally for the purpose of upgrading the patient-centred skills of nurses here is impressed with what he’s seen of the local nurses - their dedication to the profession and openness to becoming better qualified for the task in hand.

Ramdass, a doctorally prepared nurse, working at the New York Presbyterian Hospital of Cardiology, and who also works at the Birmingdale State College, last year concluded his third round of voluntary training for nurses at the GPHC. These voluntary contributions are all aimed at improving nursing at GPHC so that patients would ultimately benefit from better nursing care.

The 14 nurses who yesterday embarked on a 12-month period of training in Critical Care Nursing being offered at the GPHC.

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Porkknocker gets six years imprisonment for two robberies

By Geeta Rampersaud HARISH Gokul also called Terry Gokul, of Lot 82 Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown was yesterday sentenced to a total of six years imprisonment on two counts of robbery.

Magistrate Ann McLennan imposed the penalties on the 18-year-old porkknocker who, on his first appearance had pleaded not guilty to both charges.

One charge said, on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, in Alberttown, another part of the city, being armed with a gun, he robbed gold miner Jean Melville of two shoulder bags, 30 ounces of raw gold, two gold rings, one pair gold earrings and two pounds of quicksilver, among other items together valued $9.714 M. Particulars of the other offence said, the same day, in Alberttown, too, being armed with a gun, as well, he robbed Carlotta Melville of one shoulder bag, one Blackberry cellular phone, one Guyana Passport and US$100, making a total loss of G$360,000.

Police Corporal Dinero Jones led evidence on which the prisoner was found guilty as charged.

Magistrate McLennan said she took several factors into consideration before sentencing, including the seriousness and prevalence of the crime in today’s society, the fact that a weapon was used in the commission, the convict’s age and the fact that he had no prior conviction.

He is to serve three years on each conviction, running consecutively.

Below rates for April 9, 2014 Currency

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G$/US$ G$/GBP$ G$/CAD$ G$/EURO$ G$/BDOS$ G$/EC$ G$/TT$

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Selling

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For Thursday April 10, 2014 -14:00hrs For Friday April 11, 2014 -14:30hrs For Saturday April 12, 2014 -14:30hrs

Accused push cart thief on $60,000 bail

WESLEY Ferdinand, a labourer of Lot 127 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara was yesterday ordered to post $60,000 bail on a charge of stealing a push cart and other items.

He appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said it was committed between March 13 and 18 in Georgetown.

Other details of the allegation said the defendant stole, from Virginia Bernard, the cart, three coolers and a quantity of non-alcoholic beverages, together valued $93,145.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, did not object to the grant of pre-trial freedom and the case was postponed to April 25.

Teen charged with cell phone theft A S E V E N TEEN-YEAR-OLD lad, accused of stealing a cellular phone, was put on $50,000 bail yesterday

by Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty.

Johnathan Dhanradof, Lot 76 Block ‘X’ Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, between March 11 and 21 in Georgetown, he stole the $65,000 phone, property of Keishar’s.

Attorney-at-law Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat succeeded with the pre-trial freedom application after Police Corporal Seon Blackman, prosecuting, did not object to it, but requested a substantial sum with conditions attached.

The defendant was ordered to report at Brickdam Police Station every Friday at 09:00 hrs and the case was transferred to Providence Court, also on East Bank Demerara, for Monday, April 14.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Aries March 21 - April 19

You’re as bubbly as a can full of soda pop, and with good reason. Some recent changes you’ve made have really started to pay off, and you’re able to see just how many choices you have in your life. It’s pretty darned wonderful, and part of you wants to get out there and spread the word to your fellow humans. Hold off on any evangelising tendencies, however, and be content to lead by example. It’s really the most effective method.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

It becomes pretty clear that for a certain suspicious someone, your word may not be enough. If that’s the case, you may need to back up your ideas or claims with solid evidence. That’s fine -- you’re able to find tangible proof that you know what you’re talking about, but it won’t be effective if you deliver it with hidden resentment. Try to understand where they’re coming from and why they require this act of faith on your part before they agree to move forward.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

As you get older (and, with any luck, wiser) the aim should be to reduce stress and complications. While lots of drama and action are certainly entertaining, it’s not necessarily the best way to live. Look at areas in your life that always generate lots and lots of conflict and figure out what you could be doing to bring the anxiety level down to the minimum. Even the smallest action is a step in the right direction.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Intriguing new ideas are introduced into your usual way of thinking, and these developments point the way to plenty of renewal. This comes as no surprise to you -- your excellent instincts could tell that something big was coming down the pike. You may be surprised that you feel some hesitancy, but it’s understandable. After all, saying yes to one thing means saying no to another -- or does it? Take a step back from the fast pace to reflect on your choices.

Leo July 23 - August 22

Isn’t it romantic? Well, it definitely could be -- you have the stars on your side and in your eyes. Set your sights on a cutie you feel a definite connection with, and just start talking. Remember to breathe and be yourself, and you just might feel that connection turn into a spark. If you’re attached, it’s a great time to rediscover what exactly it was that drew you two together in the first place. Take a trip down memory lane

Virgo August 23 - September 22

How hot is your ambition burning right now? Hmmm -- that answer sounds close, but try multiplying that by a factor of 10. The stars stoke your drive for success in a big way.

This can help you go the extra mile, but if you let it burn unchecked, it could also cause an ego-driven meltdown. The trick to keeping it in check? Checking in with yourself, and making sure you’re not so caught up in the race you forget why you’re running.

Libra September 23 - October 22

Take a chance on love. Speculation in the romantic realm can work out with surprisingly good results, especially since the stars currently favour bold moves and big risks. Holding back will just hinder your attempt, so whatever you’re going after, go after it all the way. You’re beyond magnetic right now -- you’re practically your own magnetic field, so you’re guaranteed that the object of your desire will respond in just the way you’d like.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

If you go looking for drama, you’re sure to find it -- but will you like it once you do?

There’s the rub. Wouldn’t it be easier to figure out what it is you need from the party in question and then have a discussion about it? It’s normal if voices get raised and emotions run high, but that’s a far cry from charging into a situation with both barrels blazing, which (come on, be honest) is what you’re tempted to do. Increase the peace instead.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

Cast aside any self-doubts -- or better yet, recast them as positive statements. So instead of beating yourself up by saying, ‘I make terrible choices,’ tell yourself, ‘I remain open-minded to all possibilities.’ It’s amazing how spinning things the right way can give you a new sense of perspective on circumstances that previously had you in the pit of despair. You can see your true potential if you try -- really.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

It’s time to signal a cease-fire between you a close friend or significant other. Can’t you find a way to settle your differences? Even agreeing that you’ll never come to an agreement on the topic or situation at hand is progress. While it may be difficult at first, speaking honestly to one another and putting aside any impulse to wound or hurt is the only thing that can help heal this rift. Otherwise it may worsen, and that would be a shame.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

Feeling like this relationship is a struggle for control? Well, maybe that’s a big part of the problem. Drop the battle for supremacy and figure out a way to have a partnership.

The first step is not to excuse bad behaviour that makes you or the other person angry or sad. Along the way, it’s time to realise you have much more say in this relationship than you originally thought. Believing this is the first step to freeing yourself.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

You’re caught in a relationship triangle, but it’s not with two lovers. A third person is present who’s definitely interfering with a current love interest or a potential one. The trick is to defuse this situation so it doesn’t turn into your own private sitcom. Step out of this complicated dance, and focus on what matters at the centre of your primary alliance.

Then pinpoint the easiest, least dramatic action, and do it.

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Wisden takes aim at ...

From Backpage

ased comment to deliver our vision for a better and more financially secure cricketing world.”

Clarke and co are no doubts still hardening themselves, so to speak - especially should they read comments like one in Booth’s notes that refers to India’s “English and Australian lapdogs.” “ T h e Te s t g a m e needed to be nurtured as the primary format,” Clarke writes. And he adds: “The FTP has not been abolished but left to individual boards to arrange among themselves. It has been extended to 2023 with the top eight nations playing each other. And India do not get a veto.”

Contrast that to what Booth reads into the Big Three’s original draft document (which was leaked to ESPNcricinfo) and which Wisden’s editor believes “may reveal the true motivation, before compromise reins it in.”

Booth states: “At its heart lay the BCCI’s desire not merely to oust the ICC as the game’s governing body but to wean themselves, eventually, off all but the most lucrative international fixtures, and to create more space for domestic Twenty20.”

So you pay your money (£50 in the case of both hardback and softcover versions of Wisden 2014) and you take your choice.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

English Racing Tips Towcester 09:10 hrs Dalmo 09:40 hrs Missioniare 10:10 hrs Shanendou 10:40 hrs Fine Moment 11:10 hrs Carhue Princess 11:40 hrs Carli King 12:10 hrs Done A Runner 12:45 hrs Border Breaker Taunton 09:20 hrs The Happy Warrior 09:50 hrs Knave Of Clubs 10:20 hrs Great Choice 10:50 hrs Spoil Me 11:20 hrs Join The Navy 11:50 hrs Purple Bay 12:20 hrs Milosan 12:55 hrs Onev For The Guv’nr Ludlow 09:30 hrs Saint Jerome 10:00 hrs Ballymachillcross 10:30 hrs Rosa Fleet 11:00 hrs Tara Rose 11:30 hrs Somemothersdohavem 12:00 hrs Pentiffic 12:30 hrs Hold Court South African Racing Tips Vaal 08:30 hrs Soleil Royal 09:05 hrs Due And Payable 09:40 hrs Henry Higgins 10:15 hrs Barrack Bay 10:50 hrs Silva Shamba 11:25 hrs Sole Mio Irish Racing Tips Limerick 08:55 hrs Bush Pilot 09;25 hrs Sparkle Factor 09:55 hrs Phils Wish 10:25 hrs Conan’s Rock 10:55 hrs Waaheb 11:25 hrs Hisaabaat

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

Pistorius forced to look at ‘exploded’ head of girlfriend

By Joe Brock

PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - A South African prosecutor forced Oscar Pistorius yesterday to look at a forensic photograph that showed the head of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after it was blown open by a hollow-point bullet fired by the Olympic and Paralympic track star.

In a dramatic opening to his cross-examination of Pistorius, prosecutor Gerrie Nel made him admit he had killed Steenkamp then later confronted him with the photograph showing the side and back of her skull, her hair matted with blood and brains.

“Have a look there. I know you don’t want to because you don’t want to take responsibility,” Nel said to gasps from the packed public gallery.

“Take responsibility for what you have done,” Nel persisted, his voice rising

almost to a shout.

Pistorius responded by burying his head in his hands in the witness stand, rocking from side to side and weeping.

The double amputee sprinter, once revered across the world for his triumph over adversity, faces life in prison if convicted in the Pretoria High Court of the murder of Steenkamp, a 29-year-old law graduate and model.

His defence hinges on his contention that he thought he was firing at an intruder when he shot Steenkamp through a toilet door in his luxury Pretoria home on February 14 - Valentine’s Day - last year.

‘ZOMBIE STOPPER’ During the 18-day trial, Nel, renowned as one of South Africa’s toughest state attorneys with the nickname ‘The Pitbull’, has sought to show the 27-year-old as a gun-obsessed hot-head.

Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius (C) arrives ahead of his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, yesterday. Credit: Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko Early in his questioning, termelon at a shooting range. he asked Pistorius if he knew As the melon diswhat a ‘zombie stopper’ integrates, Pistorius says was, to which the defendant off-camera: “It’s a lot softer answered no. than brains. But (bleep) it’s After a brief adjourn- like a zombie stopper.” ment, the court then viewed Nel then pushed the video footage broadcast be- track star, saying he had fore the trial by Britain’s Sky shot the melon because he News of Pistorius firing a wanted to see what a bullet .50-calibre handgun at a wa- hitting a person’s head looked like.

“You know that the same happened to Reeva’s head. It exploded. I’m going to show you,” he said, before projecting the forensic photograph

of Steenkamp’s head on the court monitors.

Steenkamp was hit by three of four 9 mm rounds fired by Pistorius through the toilet door. One hit her behind the right ear, killing her almost instantly, pathologists had earlier told the court.

Pistorius acknowledged responsibility but refused to lift his head.

“I don’t have to look at a picture. I was there,” he said.

Television stations carrying the feed from the court apologised to viewers as the graphic image was broadcast live.

BALCONY CRUCIAL With no direct witnesses, Nel’s main task is to pick holes in Pistorius’ testimony and cast doubt on his statements about a perceived burglar, a common fear in crime-obsessed South Africa.

Crucially, he forced Pistorius to concede that he did not go out on to the balcony in the middle of the hot and humid night to bring two fans inside - the instant during which, he said in a sworn affidavit submitted at his bail hearing, that he

believed Steenkamp went to the toilet without him realising.

“You can’t get away, Mr Pistorius,” Nel said.

Pistorius was forced to concede: “My memory isn’t very good at the moment.”

Earlier, he described his frantic attempts to revive Steenkamp after he found her lying barely alive on the toilet floor and how she had died minutes later in his arms, her blood pouring over his body.

“I checked to see if she was breathing and she wasn’t,” he said. “I could feel the blood was running down on me.”

After several attempts, he managed to carry Steenkamp downstairs where neighbours tried to administer first aid before paramedics arrived.

But Pistorius said he knew that Steenkamp - with whom he said he was planning to buy a house - was already dead.

“Reeva, Reeva had already died whilst I was holding her, before the ambulance arrived, so I knew there was nothing they could do for her.”

Aussie Ashes heroes Harris, Rogers honoured by Wisden LONDON, England (Reuters) - Australia paceman Ryan Harris and opening batsman Chris Rogers have been rewarded for their performances in the two recent Ashes series by being included as two of Wisden’s Five Cricketersof-the-Year.

They were honoured by the annual publication, often referred to as the ‘bible of cricket’, along with England batsman Joe Root, India’s Shikhar Dhawan and Charlotte Edwards, the captain of the England women’s team.

South Africa bowler Dale Steyn was named Wisden’s Leading Cricketer-inthe-World for 2013.

The five Cricketers-ofthe-Year have been selected since 1889 by Wisden’s editor primarily on their performances in the previ-

Ryan Harris ous English season.

That would in part explain the absence of Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who did not take part in the first Ashes series in England but played a decisive role in the second.

Harris was the leading wicket-taker across the two series played mostly last year, the first won by England 3-0 at home before Australia crushed their rivals 5-0 in the return.

Rogers, recalled five years after his single previous Test, scored 830 runs in the 10 Tests against England.

Dhawan was named Player-of-the-Series in last year’s limited overs Champions Trophy tournament, won

by India, and scored 187 off 174 balls against Australia on his Test debut at Mohali.

Root’s selection was based on two innings, his maiden century against New Zealand at Headingley in May and the 180 he scored against Australia in July, which made him the youngest England batsman to reach three figures at Lord’s.

Edwards became the second woman behind compatriot Claire Taylor in 2009 to be named a Cricketer-of-the-Year after she led England to back-toback Ashes victories within the space of six months.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

25

Champions League

Bayern survive Evra stunner to knock out Man Utd

By Brian Homewood MUNICH, (Reuters) - Holders Bayern Munich recovered from the sh ock of conced ing a stunning Patrice Evra goal to score three times in quick succession to beat Manchester United 3-1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals yesterday.

An uninspiring quarter-final second-leg burst into life when Evra met a bouncing ball with a rasping half-volley to put United ahead in the 57th minute and 2-1 in front on aggregate.

Mario Mandzukic equalised also immediately for Bayern with a header and Thomas Mueller turned in an Arjen Robben cross in the 68th minute before Dutchman Robben added the third himself.

Wayne Rooney had missed a chance to put United 2-1 ahead on the night when he scuffed a

Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben (2R) scores a goal past Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic (2L) during their Champions League quarter-final second leg soccer match in Munich, yesterday.

(Credit: REUTERS/Michaela Rehle) against a well-drilled United side who were always in the As in the first leg that shot from in front of goal and Bayern went though ended 1-1, Bayern totally game.

Robben was Bayern’s 4-2 on aggregate to stay dominated possession in chief threat, getting into on course for a treble and the first half although they several promising positions lacked fluency and struggled continue United’s miseraafter cutting inside on to his to create any real openings ble season.

left foot in familiar fashion but his efforts were either blocked by defenders or flashed wide.

United had one opening when Rooney got clear of the Bayern defence but he dithered and failed to notice Shinja Kagawa in an unmarked position as the chance went abegging.

The visitors went ahead in remarkable fashion when Antonio Valencia burst down the right and, although his cross went behind United’s forwards, the lurking Evra lashed home a net-bursting effort from the edge of the area.

United’s joy was shortlived though, as Bayern replied immediately when Mandzukic got in front of Evra to score with a diving header after a Frank Ribery cross from the left.

That opened the game up completely and Rooney should have put United back in front but completely scuffed his shot with only

Manuel Neuer to beat from 12 metres after Danny Wellbeck rolled the ball invitingly to him.

United were not given a second chance.

Mueller put Bayern in front when he turned in Robben’s cross from close range.

Robben then ensured there would be no nervous finale for Bayern when he collected a ball on the right and danced his way across the edge of the penalty area past two defenders before squeezing in a shot which took a deflection off Nemanja Vidic.

With the Bundesliga title already in the bag, Bayern can now look forward to challenging for more silverware in the coming weeks, but for United this defeat all but ended their season.

Seventh in the Premier League, David Moyes’s side will almost certainly be missing from next season’s Champions League.

Atletico stun Barca and claim last-four berth

By Iain Rogers MADRID, Spain - (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid hit new heights in their incredible season when Koke’s goal secured a 2-1 aggregate success against Barcelona yesterday that put Atletico into the last four of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 40 years.

The stunning 1-0 victory at an electric Calderon stadium followed last week’s 1-1 draw in Barcelona in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg and denied Barca a record-extending seventh consecutive appearance in the last four.

A fired-up Atletico blew Barca away in the opening 20 minutes and after midfielder Koke volleyed in from close range in the fifth minute former Barca forward David Villa twice hit the crossbar.

“It was a very important goal because it got us through to the semi-finals,” Koke told Spanish broadcaster Canal Plus.

“The work of the team across both legs has been spectacular “We ran a huge amount, we played the two games in the way we wanted and I think we were the clear winners,” he added.

“With these fans behind us it is very hard for us to

lose a match here.”

Barca showed more intensity and had their chances in the second half against an exhausted Atletico but the home side held out with inspirational coach Diego Simeone willing them on from his technical area.

“We had the game within our grasp,” Barca midfielder Xavi said. “We had four or five very clear chances that normally we would put away.

“They made the most of those first 15 to 20 minutes when they played with a lot of intensity and scored the goal,” Xavi told Canal Plus.

“I think after that we stepped up to the challenge and deserved at least a draw.

“I think we played two good games and had our chances in both legs but it slipped through our fingers,” he added ruefully.

“We can only congratulate all the Atletico fans.”

BARCA ROCKED Barca seemed to be settling into their usual dominant rhythm in the opening minutes on a warm night in the Spanish capital, but were rocked back when Adrian burst clear in the fifth minute in a typical Atletico counter-attack.

His initial shot cannoned off the crossbar and when the ball was crossed back into the middle he nodded it across goal for Koke to

volley in at the far post.

Atletico had the bit between their teeth and Barca suddenly went to pieces as Villa was twice allowed space in the area and twice saw his shots come back off the frame of the goal.

The game settled down after the frantic opening 20 minutes and Barca had a good chance to equalise when Lionel Messi, who had earlier headed narrowly wide, missed the target after brilliant work from Neymar on the left.

Barca began the second half strongly and immediately had Atletico on the back foot.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved brilliantly at Ney-

mar’s feet in the 49th minute and Atletico somehow scrambled the ball away when it seemed easier for Xavi to score.

Xavi should have done better with a free header from a Daniel Alves cross on the hour, while five minutes later at the other end substitute Diego tested Jose Manuel Pinto with an angled strike.

Atletico captain Gabi had a chance to put the game beyond Barca when he raced clear in the 70th minute but Pinto was able to save his weak effort.

Atletico came close again two minutes later with another swift break and Neymar’s diving header drifted just wide of the post 12 minutes from time.

‘I have nothing to prove during IPL’ - Pietersen KEVIN Pietersen, the former England batsman, has insisted that he will not be using his stint with the Delhi Daredevils in the upcoming Indian Premier League to “prove anything” to his detractors.

Pietersen, whose international career was put to an abrupt end by the ECB, said that he had already accepted that he may never play for the country again, and that he was looking to move on.

“The break away from cricket has been fantastic and I’m really looking forward to playing in the IPL,” Pietersen said. “What transpired in March has nothing to do with what I’m about to do now. I’m not out here to make any point and neither do I play cricket for that reason.

“I find the opportunity of again playing in the IPL really nice especially because I missed the last season due to injury and

also due to the fact that I absolutely love the competition. I’ve played in every part of the world and after playing for almost a decade, I don’t think I need to prove anything to anyone.”

Pietersen hasn’t played competitive cricket since January, but he was bought for $1.5 million, which was the Daredevils’ second-costliest purchase at the auction in February, behind Dinesh Karthik, who cost the franchise nearly $2.1 million.

Pietersen, who will lead the team in the seventh season of the tournament, said that he was confident of a good showing from his side, which he believes is well balanced.

“We’re bringing together a talented side. It comprises a good blend of experience and youth - all international, Indian and domestic players. The most important task is to make everyone feel like it’s their own team.

“According to me, the key

to success this time around would be to make sure that the management, the captain and the coach understand each player and let every single individual be himself. Also, the idea will be to train well in whatever way we can and try to perform to the best of our abilities.”

The Daredevils had a torrid outing in the IPL last season, finishing at the bottom of the table after losing 13 of their 16 matches. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Kevin Pietersen,

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

BCB/ELIZABETH STYLES U-19 …

Chan, Looknauth and Cameron give PMCC successful start THANKS to solid performances from Arif Chan, Manoj Looknauth and Nicholas Cameron, Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC), now under new management, recorded back-to-back victories over their first two opponents in this year’s Berbice Cricket Board/Elizabeth Styles Under-19 cricket competition.

Playing both games at their Port Mourant ground, the home team first defeated Whim National by a mammoth 209 runs, before they trounced Big Stars by 247

Arif Chan runs in their second game last Saturday at the same venue.

In the first game, PMCC batted first and scored 282 for

9, with Cameron, a former member of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, hitting 10 fours in his 114 that took him 154 balls to aggregate, while Looknauth had five fours and one six in his 51, even as Shaquille Luke and Daniel Samaroo contributed 17 each.

Cameron got his 50 from 95 balls with five fours while he added 92 for the fifth wicket with Looknauth, as M. Charran led Whim National’s bowling with 4 for 47, backed by K. Motayne, 3 for 33, and Akeem Blackman

GRASSROOTS FOUNDATION INTER-WARD KNOCKOUT

Wins for Laing Avenue, Kitty, North East La Penitence and Wortmanville

LAING AVENUE, Kitty, North East La Penitence and Wortmanville all recorded victories in the latest round of matches, when the action in the Grassroots Foundation Inter-ward knockout football tournament continued recently.

Laing Avenue, led by double strikes from Delroy Fraser and Jermaine Junor, crushed Albouystown 5-2, Kitty defeated Grove 3-2, Wortmanville crushed Kingston 6-0 and North East La Penitence edged past Mocha 7-6 on sudden-death penalty kicks.

In the Laing Avenue versus Albouystown encounter, the scores were locked at nil-all at lemon-time, but Fraser broke the stalemate in the 48th minute with an easy finish to the bottom of the goal from inside the penalty area.

Roy Cossou levelled the fixture for Albouystown two minutes after Fraser’s strike, but the

diminutive Fraser pushed Laing Avenue back into the lead with a shot into the bottom right-hand side to seal his double.

The lead increased by two, as Jerome Richardson powered his effort into the bottom of the net from outside the area in the 73rd minute and it became 4-1 in the 81st minute with Junor’s strike to the left-hand side from inside the penalty box.

Albouystown cut the lead to two in the 86th minute, as Alpha McPhoy scored from just inside the penalty box, lashing home his right-footed effort into the top right-hand side of the goal before Laing Avenue completed the easy win one minute later, as Junor scored his double.

Kitty defeated Grove 3-2, as Deron Bowen and Anthony Sancho led Kitty with goals in the 52nd and 80th minutes respectively, while an own goal in the 60th minute aided the win, though Shermon Doris and

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday April 10, 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: India 6; West Indies 5 ViratKholi (IND) Today’s Quiz: How many runs Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakarra made in the ICC T/20 World Cup 2014?

How many dismissals WI wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin effected in the ICC T/20 World Cup 2014? How many were ‘stumpings’?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Dominic Garnett found the back of the net for Grove in the 25th and 85th minutes respectively.

Wortmanville, led by a Sheldon Holder hat-trick crushed Kingston 6-0 when the action continued at the Tucville Community Centre ground last Tuesday.

Following a Quason McAuley opening strike in the 15th minute, Holder opened his account in the 25th minute through a strike down the middle of the goal after evading the goalkeeper, while he sealed his brace four minutes later with a strike to the left-side corner of the goal after collecting a through pass.

The first half hat-trick of the tournament which is in its inaugural year was completed two minutes later through a strike to the bottom left-hand side of the goal while Anthony Abrams made it 5-0 with his 51st minute goal, scored during a one-on-one situation with Mocha custodian.

John Waldron sealed the win for Wortmanville, when he found the back of the net in the 90th minute to complete the lopsided showdown.

North East La Penitence needled Mocha 7-6 on suddendeath kicks after normal and extra time failed to find a winner with the scores locked at 3-3, in the second match of the double-header.

Orvin Millington led the winners with a double in the 35th and 67th minute while Andrew Murray Jr. netted in the 75th minute. On target in a losing cause were Dorville Stewart and Aquill Liefale in the 24th and 66th minutes respectively while a North East La Penitence own goal in the 73rd minute completed the result.

Nicholas Cameron, who took 2 for 67.

In their reply, Chan, another former member of RHTYSC, took 5 for 19 and Looknauth 3 for 22 as Whim

National were dismissed for 73 in 27.3 overs, with only Charran and Kundial Deonarine with 15 each managing to get into double figures.

In their second game played last Saturday against Big Stars, PMCC, on the back of 114 from Chan which was decorated with 15 fours off 112 balls, 42 from Looknauth (27 balls, 6x4), 31 from Samuel Kisnasammy and 30 from Samaroo, piled up 309 for 7 off their 50 overs.

Chan’s first 50 was scored off 35 deliveries with seven fours while his hun-

dred was recorded off 83 balls, with 12 fours, even as Kisnasammy and Samaroo struck four fours each in their innings, as PMCC piled up the runs on a good batting track.

U. George and Delroy Leitch took three wickets each for 44 and 49 runs respectively for Big Stars, who in their turn at the wicket were bundled out for 62 inside 13 overs, as the pint-size Jamal Lancaster took 5 for 19 and Looknauth 5 for 27. (Calvin Roberts)

Enterprise tour T&T as guests of Cosmos Sports ENTERPRISE Busta Sports Club of Guyana will make a tour of Trinidad as guests of the GEML Cosmos Sports Club of Williamsville from Friday to April 24 during which they will play several competitive matches.

The reciprocal visits by Enterprise Busta Sports Club and GEML Cosmos began in 1979 and have since progressed to a bi-annual goodwill series. Arising out of the tours, GEML Cosmos have recruited and they continue to recruit players from the Enterprise Busta Sports Club.

Enterprise have had five players represent their organisation at both national and

Rajendra Chandrika international levels. Among them are Rajendra Chandrika (West Indies A), Zaheer Mohammed (West Indies U-19) and Kamesh Yadram (Guyana U-19).

Currently both Yadram and Chandrika ply their trade in Trinidad playing for Rousillac and PowerGen Sports Club, respectively.

Following are the Enterprise Busta Sports Club players who will be guests of the GEML Cosmos Sports Club: Karran Ramdhoon, Urmilla Ramdhoon, Rajesh Balram, Rukminee Balram, Devanand Persaud, Amar Kisseur, Jitlal Jowharilall, Deosarran Mangru, Luana Mangru, David Mangru, Shailendra Mohabir, Zaheeda Seeram, Wajid Mohabir, Parmanand Dindyal, Renita Dindyal, Juliana Dindyal, Junior Dindyal, Bhaskar Yadram, Seemangal Yadram, Latchman Yadram, Bhaskar Deodat, Akash Ramkhelawan, Nishad Ulla, Khemraj Ramlal, Videshanand Lall.

Simpson plans to appeal 18-month suspension

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) - Olympic 100m silver medallist Sherone Simpson plans to appeal an 18-month suspension for a drug test she failed last year.

An independent disciplinary panel suspended Simpson until December 20 this year after she tested positive for the stimulant Oxilofrine at the Jamaican National Championships last June.

The three-man panel unanimously agreed that the athlete had been grossly negligent in all circumstances and was being pun-

Sherone Simpson ished accordingly.

But Simpson’s agent, Paul Doyle, has dismissed the ruling as unfair to her.

“We are disappointed at the ruling. We think it is unjust and we will be appealing,” Doyle told The Gleaner.

He said an appeal would be filed immediately.

The ban will run from June 21, 2013 to December 20, 2014, which means Simpson will miss all of the 2014 season including the inaugural World Relay Championships in May and the Commonwealth Games in late July.

“We are happy that the period of ineligibility started from the sample collection period,” Simpson attorney Kwame Gordon said.

“So she would have served most of her sanction already, but we will have to get instructions from her going forward.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 10, 2014

27

Barnwell, Bishoo and Singh back in national team for final round match

By Calvin Roberts

DISCARDED leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, Christopher Barnwell and Georgetown Cricket Club’s left-handed batsman Vishal Singh were given a recall by the Selection Committee of the Guyana Cricket Board, to replace Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin and Chanderpaul Hemraj in the Guyana team for the final round of the Regional Four-Day Competition against Trinidad and Tobago starting tomorrow.

Permaul and Hemraj have contracted chicken pox and would not get better by

Vishal Singh the start of the match, while Fudadin picked up an injury of unknown origin, hence the recall of Barnwell, Bishoo and Singh, who were axed from the team at the end of the third and fifth round of matches respectively.

The team reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Christo-

pher Barnwell, Amir Khan, Trevon Griffith, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Zaheer Mohamed, Ronsford Beaton, Anthony Bramble, Devendra Bishoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph and Vishal Singh. The coach is Esaun Crandon and the manager is Alvin Johnson.

The 25-year-old Singh who accumulated 111 runs in the three matches he played this year with a top score of 73 in Guyana’s second innings against Jamaica in the first round, making him one of three Guyanese to have done so this year, said he felt great to be given the recall.

“Being called to represent Guyana is always a

… Singh looking to capitalise on opportunity

good feeling and with only one game to go, my goal has not changed from the first game I played for Guyana at the senior level against Barbados five years ago, which is to get my maiden first-class ton and more importantly, be a permanent fixture in the team.”

So far this year, only skipper Leon Johnson who scored 110 against the Leeward Islands in the last round, has managed to reach triple figures for Guyana even though Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Sewnarine Chattergoon and

Singh all got half-centuries.

While Singh, Fudadin and Chattergoon recorded their half-centuries within the first three rounds, it was Singh and Chattergoon who were given the axe after Guyana played to a draw with the Windward Islands.

Fudadin has also struggled to find his form, even though he is Guyana’s leading run-scorer with his 285 runs scored from 10 innings thus far, with a topscore of 82 in the first innings against the Windward Islands at the Guyana National Stadium in the third round.

Despite the hiccups, Singh is looking forward to tomorrow’s game, as he has a point to prove to the selectors.

“I need to be a permanent fixture in the Guyana team, as my aim is not only to score runs and do so heavily, but also inspire the team to win titles in coming tournaments. I have been playing in Trinidad and Tobago since I got dropped to keep my fitness level and confidence going, so certainly persons will be seeing a different Vishal Singh on tomorrow,” said Singh.

Why no Police athlete on CARIFTA 2014 team?

… Why no standards issued from AAG

By Asif Hakim THE POLICE Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) claimed they did not receive any qualifying standards from the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) for the CARIFTA 2014 trials and as such is questioning why none of their athletes was selected for this year’s CARIFTA Games.

Olympic and head coach of PPYC, Lyndon Wilson, told this publication that he does not know any reason for the AAG not sending the qualifying standards to the club.

“I was made to understand that a lot of clubs did not receive any standards,

Mark Scott I personally want to know from the AAG president if indeed there were any standards because how could they pick athletes to represent Guyana and they failed to send us the standards,” Wilson said.

“I am very disappointed because we worked hard and our distance ace Gri-

von Grant should have been on the CARFITA team since he did not have any competition.

The AAG needs to step up in their duties because those standards should have given out at least two months before the trials. We have known CARIFTA to be the cradle for the entire Caribbean, Bolt and Blake born from there so they should have at least given Grants the chance,” Wilson reiterated.

The assistant coach of the PPYC, Mark Scott, said he does not know what standards the AAG used because

Lyndon Wilson his club did not receive any qualifying standards.

“Guyana have been doing well at the long distance at CARIFTA and if we are sending athletes for experience, Grivon Grant should

have been the number one because in both the 1500 and 5 000 metres he ran unchallenged.

“I felt that Grant had lost a golden opportunity maybe to medal at CARIFTA. Maybe the AAG sees things different and do things different.

I saw in other media publications that qualifying standards were given to coaches, I personally don’t know what standards they are speaking about,” said a passionate Scott, who later expressed his disappointment.

Grant, who posted 4.22s and 17.37s in the Under-20

1500 and 5 000 metres respectively, with no competition, winning both events by some distance said he should have been given the chance to represent Guyana at the CARIFTA games, “I feel demotivated and disappointed since I know I could have made it to CARIFTA. I felt really bad because every day I go out and put my all at training, I felt like I’m not being recognized; I feel like giving up now because Guyanese athletes need international exposure to hone their skills,” said Grant.

Sri Lankans party as World Cup winners return home Fraser-Pryce forced to withdraw on medical advice K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) - Celebrated Jamaican sprinter ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce has been forced to withdraw from the two major athletic meet on medical advice.

Fraser-Pryce was instructed to rest for two weeks by her medical team and will miss the Utech Classic at the national stadium Saturday as well as the upcoming Penn Relays in Pennsylvania in the United States.

“Yes, the medical team has instructed her to take two weeks’ rest. She will miss the UTech Classic and the Penn Relays,” said Bruce James, president of MVP track and field club.

“However, she will be back for the Jamaica International Invitational meet in May”.

The 27-year-old Fraser-Pryce rose to prominence in the 2008 Olympic Games, when at 21 years

old, she became the first Caribbean woman to win 100m gold at the Olympics.

In 2012, she successfully defended her title, becoming the third woman to win two consecutive 100m events at the Olympic Games.

Last year, she became the first female sprinter to win gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in a single World Championship.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Traffic came to a standstill as thousands of cheering fans lined the streets to welcome home the Sri Lankan cricket team who touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday following their triumph at the World Twenty20 tournament.

Eighteen years after winning the 50-overs World Cup, the Sri Lankan cricket team again sparked euphoria across the island nation after beating favourites India in Sunday’s Twenty20 final.

Following their threehour flight from Dhaka, the team showed off the

Lasith Malinga cuts a cake to celebrate Sri Lanka’s World T20 win in Colombo on Tuesday. Celebrating with the players is Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa. to Temple Trees, the official World Cup trophy as they residence of President Matravelled in an open-top bus hinda Rajapaksa. along a 30-kilometre route

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Limacol CPL 2014 teams finalised KINGSTON, Jamaica: The line ups for the six franchise teams participating in the Limacol CPL 2014 have now been finalised following the live Draft event which took place last Thursday in Kingston, Jamaica.

Hosted by CPL Cricket Operations Director Michael Hall and noted cricket pundit Simon Crosskill, the Draft event saw representatives of each team – including the CPL team mentors, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Desmond Haynes, Courtney Walsh, Sir Andy Roberts and Gordon Greenidge – make their picks over 13 rounds based on salary bracket.

In addition, representatives of each team were in live discussions with their franchise team colleagues and captains on the other

side of the world throughout the process, further ensuring that each franchise secured its ‘dream team’.

Simon Crosskill said; “It was a pleasure to be a part of the CPL player Draft event and I’m happy we could host it in Jamaica, the home of the reigning champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs. With the Draft complete, we can now look forward to all the drama, action and entertainment in July and August as the biggest party in sport returns.”

The Draft event was followed by a glamorous after-party at Chris Gayle’s Triple Century Bar in New Kingston which saw cricket legends and CPL mentors, Desmond Haynes, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Sir Andy Rob-

Harris and O’Neil also world champions IN yesterday’s edition of Chronicle Sport, in the opening paragraph of an article headlined ‘Atwell to face Gonzalez for WBC featherweight title next month’, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis and Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Brathwaite were named as Guyana’s only world champions.

That paragraph should have included ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris who, on October 19, 2002, fought and defeated Diobelys Hurtado and captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) junior welterweight title.

Also missing was the country’s first female world champion, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil, who won that accolade against American Kathy Rivers in a memorial bout at the National Park in March 2004 to claim the Woman’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) light heavyweight belt.

Chronicle Sport apologises to both Harris and O’Neil for the omission.

Barnwell, Bishoo and Singh back in national team for final round match (See Story on page 27)

West Indies legend and Antigua Hawksbills Team Mentor Sir Viv Richards is surrounded by the lovely ladies at the CPL 2014 Draft.

The Limacol CPL, the er to Jamaica, David Fitton biggest party in sport, is and High Commissioner of erts and Gordon Greenidge Sports, The Honourable India to Jamaica, Shri Prat- set to return in July and in attendance – alongside Natalie Neita Headley, August of this year. ap Singh.

Jamaica’s Minister for British High Commission-

Wisden takes aim at Big Three

By David Lloyd ENGLAND’S fallen cricketers can finally breathe a sigh of relief - they are not the biggest cause for concern so far as one of the game’s most influential, and widely heard, voices is concerned.

Normally, an Ashes whitewashing described as the worst result in England’s 137-year Test history would earn top billing in Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. And most editions of the Big Yellow Book, certainly those published during the past three or four decades, would have seen the editor devoting more than five paragraphs of his Notes to the sacking of a box office superstar like Kevin Pietersen.

But while England struggling captain, former coach, miscalculating selectors, one-time golden boyturned-he-who-must-never-darker-our-door-again and all - are examined in turn, it is another subject entirely that first encourages Wisden onto its soapbox.

“Cricket is appallingly

Wisden describes Giles Clarke and his Cricket Australia counterparts as lapdogs to the BCCI. bothered Wisden more than administered and is vulnera- anything else as its 151st ble to economic exploitation edition was being put to bed. by the one country pow“The boards of India, erful to exploit it and the England and Australia had two countries prepared to quietly crafted a doculend their plans credibility,” ment which claimed to Lawrence Booth writes in safeguard the game’s fuWisden’s leader column or ture while more obviously Notes by the Editor. safeguarding their own,” Step forward (and don’t Booth writes. take a bow) India, England “In sum, the BCCI wantand Australia. Yes, it was ed an even larger slice of the the “big three’s” 2014 mas- ICC pie, and the ECB and terplan for world cricket that Cricket Australia happily

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

acquiesced, knowing their portion would grow too. The rest were assured they would be better off. And who could object to a world with more money for everyone?

“Here was a colonial style divide and rule. Here was the realpolitik of modern cricket. It was hard to read this any other way: the rich would be getting a whole lot richer.”

Elsewhere in Wisden, Giles Clarke, the ECB’s Chairman, is given two pages to state the case for the defence, although stating the case for “our vision for a better game” is how he would put it.

“Following much discussion, with two meetings in Dubai and a third in Singapore, agreement was reached and resolutions were passed on February 8,” Clarke writes. “As so often in cricket administration these were widely - perhaps deliberately - misinterpreted.

We had to harden ourselves against and biStory on (Seeuninformed

26) 23) page (See page

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014