Guyana chronicle 10 09 14

guyana No. 103946 Wednesday september 10, 2014

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

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Guyana loses iconic landmark as...

Fire razes Umana Yana –PI say cause might be electrical

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AG raps Ramjattan for ‘unsubstantiated and reckless’ allegations

–Says Finance Minister acted in ‘absolute’ compliance with laws Page

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PSC Vice-Chair...

Private Sector 'very impressed' with East Bank Housing Projects –will be looking at opportunities for business

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What remained of the Umana Yana after the fire had taken its toll. Inset is the Umana Yana as the fire raged (Photos by Asif Hakim)

Transport Ministry: Kaieteur News must apologise –for publishing months-old photo to create anxiety

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Sattaur: It’s possible importer knowingly breached the law 3 –confirms verification of alleged tax evasion ongoing Page

Minister Ali explaining to the private sector members aspects of the new roads (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Characteristics of a political newspaper: Stabroek News always attacks the PPP/C Government; disregards its explanations; and promotes the agenda of the Opposition!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Guyana loses iconic landmark as...

Fire razes Umana Yana –PI say cause might be electrical

By Asif Hakim AT just about 15:30 hrs y e s t e r d a y, t h e U m a n a Yana was gutted by fire, which, according to firemen, might have been electrical in origin, since nothing was in there besides electrical wires.

The fire lasted for some 15 minutes before firemen managed to get it under control. Guyana Fire Service (GFC) Operations Officer, Mr. Compton Sparman told the Chronicle that they got a call at around 15:30 hrs saying that the Umana Yana was on fire.

Within five minutes of receiving the call, he said, two fire tenders from the

Central Fire Station, and one from the Albertown Fire Station, were sent to the scene of the fire, on the upper reaches of High Street, in the ward of Kingston.

As to what may have caused the fire, Sparman said, “Our preliminary investigations reveal that the structure might have been burnt by electrical cause; there was nothing in there that could have caused the fire besides electrical wires.

Fires don’t happen; they are caused, and we will work to bring a detailed investigation soon.”

As the edifice burnt, various government officials could be seen at the scene, among them Minister

“It is a landmark and very historical benab, which represents the Amerindian architecture; the Wai Wai

nent and much admired part of Georgetown’s scenery, and in constant use as an exhibition and conference

Government officials at the scene of the fire yesterday. From left are: Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms Pauline Sukhai; Minister of Public Service, Dr Jennifer Westford; Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Justice Carl Singh; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; and Director of Sports, Mr Neil Kumar (Photos by Asif Hakim)

tribe... with their special skills would have made sure from time to time that the roof was intact. And now this has happened, which is a disaster” Sukhai said.

Just before the fire, staff of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry were reportedly planning to host an event at the Umana Yana in honour of the late Mr Stephen Campbell who contributed immensely to our Guyanese and Amerindian cultures. “ We w o n t l e a v e t h e nation without this great landmark; it should be restored,” Minister Sukhai said.

Onlookers at the scene of the fire yesterday

of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Minister of Public Works, Mr Robenson Benn; and Minister of Public Service, Ms Jennifer Westford.

According to Minister Sukhai, the burning of the Umana Yana is not only a great loss to the Amerindian community, but to the nation as well, in that it was the preferred venue for hosting many a major event.

BACKGROUND T h e U m a n a Ya n a , a conical palm-thatched hut (benab), was erected back in 1972 to be used as a V.I.P. Lounge and Recreation Centre for the NonAligned Foreign Ministers Conference held here in Georgetown in August of that year.

Situated on upper High Street in close proximity to the Pegasus Hotel and obliquely opposite the newly-built Marriott Hotel, the Umaa Yana was, until yesterday, a perma-

centre.

Standing 55 feet (16.78 meters) tall, the ‘Benab’ as the Umana Yana is popularly known, is made of thatched allibanna, manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines. No nails were used in its construction.

It was erected by a team of about 60 members of the Wai-Wai nation, one of the nine tribes indigenous to Guyana. Fashioned like the Wai-Wai benabs or shelters found deep in Guyana’s interior, it occupies an area of 460 square metres, making it the largest structure of its kind in Guyana.

On 26 August, 1974, then President Forbes Burnham unveiled the African Liberation Monument outside the ‘benab’ “in memory of all of those who have struggled and continue to struggle for freedom from Human Bondage”. The monument consists of five polished greenheart logs encased in a jasper stand on a granite boulder. ‘ U m a n a Ya n a ’ i s a Wai-Wai term meaning “Meeting place of the people.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Sattaur: It’s possible importer knowingly breached the law

–confirms verification of alleged tax evasion ongoing ‘It is possible that the importer would also knowingly be involved in this process and the relevant actions would be taken to recoup the outstanding taxes under the remedies available under the Customs Act and other applicable Legislation’ –GRA’s Mr. Khurshid Sattaur the outstanding taxes under the remedies available under the Customs Act and other applicable Legislation.”

Khurshid Sattaur

Glenn Lall

F U RT H E R v e r i f i c a t i o n requests were sent by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts, according to the Authority’s Commissioner-General, Mr. Khurshid Sattaur.

His comments follow the Guyana Chronicle’s disclosure that the publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, may yet again be at the centre of an alleged duty-free infringement, which GRA’s Customs and Trade Administration arm is investigating.

Mr. Sattaur, in an invited comment, said, “This is indeed a matter that is currently being investigated, and which the necessary verification requests

were dispatched to the relevant authorities in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Only days after being fingered in an alleged remigrant duty-free concession scam, which the GRA is currently investigating, Lall is now at the centre of an alleged evasion, whereby his company has, for over a decade now, been importing printing ink and passed them off as products of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), so as to enjoy duty-free concessions for those importations.

Said Sattaur, “It is possible that the importer would also knowingly be involved in this process and the relevant actions would be taken to recoup

VIGILANCE According to him, the GRA is closely examining the circumstances in the case. “The matter was brought to attention, based on the vigilance of examination officers in identifying suspicion based on the use of another label over the original label of the packages,” he said.

The GRA’s Commissioner-General stated that the current verification procedures state that within four weeks of the date of issue of the request to verify evidence of origin, the Verifying Authority in the exporting Member State will, on the basis of its investigation, respond to the query.

“If a reply to the query cannot be furnished within four weeks of the date of issue of the request to verify evidence of origin, an interim response explaining the need for addi-

tional time and an indication as to when a definitive reply is likely, should be sent. The extended period should not be in excess of two weeks,” he said.

SYSTEM OF VERIFICATION Mr. Sattaur added that the current situation is that the GRA has had responses requesting additional time to conclude the matter way beyond the time stipulated in the CARICOM Verification Procedures, even though there is an indication that the additional time is being requested to conduct chemical analysis to determine whether the amount extra regional material included meets the conditions set out.

He said, “Because the system of verification is achieved through occasional checks of manufacturing procedures, it is of concern to the GRA that simple processes such as repacking the imported products or rather, outright substitution of extra regional items while requesting the CARICOM

Certificate, can occur because limited checks by verifying authorities and this puts a high risks on the associated taxes.

“Under the circumstances, the importing Member State shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the revenue is protected. Where a deposit is taken by the Authorities in the importing Member State pending resolution to a request to verify evidence of origin and no response is received within the stipulated time frame, the Authorities in the importing Member State should, in not less than seven days prior to taking the deposit to account, inform the Authorities in the exporting Member State of its intention to do so.”

The GRA Commissioner-General reiterated that the Authority is addressing the matter with the Trinidad and Tobago Authorities and CARICOM. “The final position on this matter is still to be finalised so I would not say anything further at this point,” he concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Ukraine death toll edges up despite ceasefire, more POWs freed (Reuters) - FIVE Ukrainian servicemen have been killed in the past four days, the military said on Tuesday, underscoring the strains in a ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists that officials insist is still broadly holding.

The ceasefire, agreed on Friday, is part of a peace plan meant to end a fivemonth conflict that has killed more than 3,000 people and caused the sharpest confrontation between Russia and the West since the Cold War. Russia, accused by Kiev and the West of sending

A Ukrainian serviceman checks an area as he stands on a roof in Avdeyevka near Donetsk September 8, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Gleb Garanich troops into eastern Ukraine the two sides in the conflict and arming the rebels, urged to begin talks soon on the

region’s final political status.

It denies accusations of intervening in the conflict.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said the rebels had so far released 648 prisoners-of-war to the government side. He said the Ukrainian side was working to secure the release of a further 500 POWs. A rebel leader, Andrei Purgin, told Interfax news agency he expected an exchange of 36 more POWs on Tuesday.

The ceasefire largely held overnight into Tuesday despite sporadic violations, including in rebel-held Donetsk, the region’s larg-

est city, where government forces hold the airport. A woman was wounded in Donetsk overnight, officials said.

Lysenko said the death toll among servicemen since the start of the ceasefire now stood at five, with 33 wounded.

At the weekend, one woman was killed and at least four other civilians were wounded when government forces came under heavy shelling near the port of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov.

Both sides say they are observing the ceasefire and blame each other for any violations.

“Russian troops and terrorists are continuing their brazen violations of the conditions of the ceasefire, shooting at the positions of the Ukrainian forces, including with heavy weaponry,” defense analyst Dmytro Tymchuk, who has close ties to the Ukrainian military, said in a statement.

Speaking in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the Ukrainian forces of preparing a strike against the rebels, based on what he said were reports of a “heavy concentration” of troops in an area northeast of Donetsk.

Malaysia: Dutch report suggests MH-17 shot down from ground (Reuters) - MALAYSIA Airlines flight MH17 broke apart over Ukraine due to impact from a large number of fragments, the Dutch Safety Board said on Tuesday, in a report that Malaysia’s prime minister and several experts suggested it was shot down from the ground.

The crash over pro-Rus-

sian rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine on July 17 killed 298 people, two thirds of them from the Netherlands.

Ukraine and Western countries accuse the rebels of shooting it down with an advanced, Russian-made missile. The main rebel leader repeated earlier assertions that his forces did not pos-

sess such weapons.

The report said MH17 crashed due to a “large number of high-energy objects” penetrating the fuselage.

“There are no indications that the MH17 crash was caused by a technical fault or by actions of the crew,” it said.

Although the report did not mention a missile, impact with a large number of fragments would be consistent with a “proximity” warhead, designed to explode in the air and hurl shrapnel at its target, said Tim Ripley, a

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defense analyst with Jane’s Defense Weekly magazine.

Such warheads can be fitted to a number of missiles, including the Russian-made BUK surface-toair missile that Ukraine and Western allies, including the United States, say was fired by separatists who probably hit the airliner by accident.

“The preliminary report suggests that high energy objects penetrated the aircraft and led it to break up midair,” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement.

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“This leads to the strong suspicion that a surface-toair missile brought MH17 down, but further investigative work is needed before we can be certain,” he added.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it was still too early to assign blame: “We need to be careful not to draw conclusions too quickly,” he told journalists. “Step-by-step, the experts are working to reach irrefutable conclusions.”

A final report by the board is not expected until mid 2015. The Netherlands is also running a separate investigation into the possibility of criminal charges against suspected culprits.

Russian authorities have suggested in the past that

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other theories were possible, including that the plane may have been shot down from the air. However, the report found no military aircraft in the vicinity.

“It’s consistent with a hit by a ground missile,” said Joris Melkert, a lecturer in aerospace engineering at the Technical University of Delft. “What could cause a pattern of high velocity particles 10 kilometers up in the sky? As far as I can see, the only thing that could do that is a rocket,” he said.

“The report finds there were only three other aircraft in the vicinity: two Boeing 777s and one Airbus A330, so both civilian, which makes the surface-to-air missile more likely.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Works Ministry corrects renewed Kaieteur News attempt to smear CJIA Expansion Project THE Ministry of Public Works has issued a statement intended to correct an inaccurate and misleading article published in the Kaieteur News and captioned ‘CJIA US$150M expansion project unnecessary when compared to similar airports’.

In its September 7, 2014 publication, the Kaieteur News juxtaposed the length of CJIA’s current runway to that of St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport in a deliberate attempt to undermine the airport expansion project.

According to the Ministry, several factors determine the runway length required for takeoff. Among these are the weight of the aircraft, prevailing winds, air temperature, runway elevation and air density.

For a fixed runway length, a combination of these factors determines the gross weight an aircraft can take off with. This gross weight, which consists of the aircraft, passengers and fuel, correlates with how many passengers and their baggage can be taken aboard the flight and the

distance they can be flown.

It is a notable fact that St. Maarten is closer to Europe than the CJIA, thus aircraft would generally require less fuel and less runway length.

Therefore, for one to compare the two airports and the types of aircraft they accommodate without taking into consideration the relevant technical factors mentioned above is a clear indication of not fully understanding or not wanting to understand the subject area – given the lack of consultation with CJIA or Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The information regarding in excess of 10,000 feet runway requirements of the Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 widebody aircraft is freely available from the manufacturer’s website as follows: http://www.boeing.com/ boeing/commercial/airports/747.page http://www.boeing.com/ boeing/commercial/airports/777.page Therefore, extending CJIA’s existing runway from 7,546 feet to 10,500 feet will ensure large aircraft such as Boeing 747-400 and 777 operate at their maximum take-

off weights, thus increasing the operational efficiency of the airline. There will be no restrictions on payload or flight range.

At the moment, taking off on CJIA’s much shorter runway dictates that an aircraft take fewer passengers or less fuel; this is uneconomical for the carrier.

CJIA, through the Ministry of Public Works, has partnered with the United Kingdom renowned aviation firm “ROUTES” to court larger airlines to ply the Georgetown route, and a compelling issue in negotiations is the runway’s length.

At least three top European airlines have indicated an interest in Guyana as a destination, but the existing runway length, based on their fleet asset specifications, is an initial limitation to how they proceed.

The airport expansion project, which has been ridiculed in some sections of the media, when completed will put Guyana in its rightful place in the sphere of aviation competitiveness.

The CJIA Expansion Project would also ensure

Names, grades of ‘Primary Tops’ students needed --to facilitate placement at secondary schools REGIONAL Education Departments have acted days after queries from the Guyana Chronicle on the many Grade Nine students from the Primary Tops schools in Guyana, who are currently in limbo, as they have not been placed at a secondary school.

According to the Ministry of Education’s Exams Division, the Grade Nine students, who completed their 2013/2014 academic year and their National Grade Nine Assessment, should be placed at secondary schools, based on their end-ofyear results.

However, the situation was that the students were left in limbo, because this policy was not communicated to the relevant authorities at the Primary Tops schools.

As a result, the students either opted to repeat Grade Nine, stay at home, or seek employment.

‘Primary Tops’ is the common name for the secondary school extensions of primary schools, where students who underperform at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) are placed.

According to the Ministry’s ‘Criteria for Placement,’ Grade Six students, after the NGSA exams, are placed according to marks obtained, and their place of residence.

The ‘Primary Tops’ include classes up to Grade Nine or Form Three, after which the students write the National Grade Nine Assessment and are afforded a chance to be placed at a secondary school.

Several of the teachers who first expressed concern for the fate of their students informed the Guyana Chronicle, yesterday, that officials from their respective Regional Educations Departments have since requested the names and grades of the students who completed the Grade Nine at the Primary Tops schools.

The Grade Nine students at the Primary Tops schools are expected to be placed at secondary schools soon.

an increase in direct and indirect jobs in the sector

and will assist in making an increased, positive

contribution to Guyana’s economy.

Culture Minister promises...

Funds to reconstruct Umana Yana will be included in Budget 2015 JUST after the gutting of Umana Yana by fire, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony told the media that funds for re-constructing the building will be included in the 2015 budget.

After the fire yesterday, he said that it is quite a devastating loss to the nation and it also happened during the month when the Amerindians are celebrating.

He said that they will be working with the Guyana Fire Service for them to determine and give full details about the cause of the fire, since preliminary investigations are saying that it might be electrical.

The minister also thanked the Guyana Fire Service for the prompt response in getting the fire out; he said that he was also happy that no one was injured, even though staff were in the compound.

“We will include this in next year’s budget because this is an important heritage building for us, we will erect it back as soon as possible,” the Minister said. (Asif Hakim)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Amerindian Heritage Month GUYANA is a multi-cultural society with multi-cultural skills, and the multi-cultural nature of our society is a strong asset because it prepares us to understand and empathise with different cultures around the world.

Possessing multi-cultural skills predisposes individuals and nations to success.

This diversity is Guyana’s strength; it enhances this nation and Government has taken steps to ensure that all the various parts of Guyana’s cultural mosaic, all the contributions made by this nation’s different peoples, wherever they have come from, including the Amerindian fraternity of people, whom all other races in the national landscape came and met, that their cultural phenomena, and their contributions to the acculturalisation process are respected and expanded.

They were a forgotten, marginalised people in the landscape of Guyanese nationhood. All, or most, of the amenities of civilised society – or the prerequisites that shape and propel developmental evolution through governmental intercessions were trickled down to their communities in such a manner as to be almost non-existent.

Today the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana have come into their own and have been accorded the recognition of their place in the history of this nat i o n a s G u y a n a ’s f i r s t peoples.

Their cultures, their craft, their cuisine, their art, their traditional lifestyles, while consciously being preserved, have emerged into mainstream Guyanese identity.

They have been granted titles to their lands; and communication advances assure linkages between the central authorities and

even the most remote communities.

Education, health, infrastructure – every area hitherto neglected is being addressed on a sustained basis.

Difficult terrain and vast distances between communities sometimes constrain developmental initiatives, but perseverance and innovation ensure that progress is sustained, and that every village is on the development radar.

There is a long way to go, because Guyana, although rich in natural resources, lack the wherewithal to optimally exploit those resources, so job creation and consequently wealth creation present challenges across the nation and impact on the socio-developmental dynamics of every community in Guyana.

However, the Indigenous peoples of this land are fully integrated into mainstream Guyanese soci-

ety, so much so that they have entered into all the professions, with several members of their collective community serving at the highest policy-making levels in the land.

Successive Amerindian Heritage Months have proven to be resounding successes, with, in 2008, the culmination of the historic meeting of leaders and groups lobbying to protect the rights of Indigenous Indians in the vast Amazon Basin of South America, held in the Umana Yana on Wednesday 24th September of that year.

The groups met in Guyana under the umbrella Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO), which represents one and a half million Indigenous Peoples from 420 ethnic groups in eight countries in South America.

Plenary sessions were held at the International Conference Centre in Liliendaal on 25th and 26th September, 2008.

T h e n A C TO S e c r e tary-General, Francisco Ruiz Marmolejo, said that the group hoped to have a clear mandate from the meeting in Guyana, which was the first regional meeting of the body.

ACTO is an international organisation that promotes sustainable development of the Amazon Basin. It was created by the signatories to the 1978 Amazon Cooperation Treaty for the promotion of harmonious development of the basin.

In addition to delegates from member states’

participation also came from the Amazonian Parliament (PARLAMAZ), the Co-ordinating Body for the Indigenous Organisations of the Amazon Basin (COICA), and the Associacion De Universidades Amazonicas (UNAMAZ).

Guyana’s Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had pledged Government’s firm support for ACTO’s action agenda that ensued out of the meeting.

That promise has been kept, and Guyana’s Amerindian peoples are once again celebrating their heritage on a national scale since Father of the Nation, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, declared September as Amerindian Heritage Month.

Response to Minister Webster and robberies at post offices PLEASE permit me space to respond, highlight and at the same time, bring to the fore the status quo as it relates to the lax in security at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) and the absurdity as expressed by Minister of Human Services and Society Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster, as quoted by the Guyana Times on Thursday September 4, 2014.

While the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (GPTWU) acknowledges the right for persons to have, and at the same time express their opinion, it is always best to be careful when making public allegations, especially without evidence.

GPTWU is very per-

turbed by the expressed public opinion attributed to Minister Webster about our members-dedicated, loyal and hardworking employees of the GPOC, who continue to work, despite the many challenges.

If Webster has any evidence of collusion, then she must without any delay, report same to the relevant authority.

The reassessment by the Corporation of the security arrangements throughout the establishment is long overdue.

Over the years, GPTWU has been engaging Management of the GPOC on the issue of security for Post Offices throughout the country, to no avail.

The records will show that over time the Cor-

poration has been robbed of millions of dollars and still, no serious effort has been made for any security enhancements, be it at the level of management or the

level of the State.

The issue of security cannot and must not be dealt with “in a piece-meal fashion.”

Over the years, the usual cry is that, “because

of limited financial resources, the Corporation would be hard-pressed to implement a comprehensive and effective security plan.”

However, while we cannot outline in detail some suggestions that were implemented, the Union still believes that Management needs to be much more proactive.

Temporary measures, after a robbery would have been committed, are ineffective. If the Corporation is serious about preventing the loss of our assets, then there has to be an investment in security.

Government also has a role to play, since the

Agency Fees that are being paid to the Corporation for the paying of Old Age Pensioners and Public Assistance recipients, cannot take care of the astronomical security and other related costs involved in making those monthly payments.

Speaking to the Police Commissioner for the police to investigate is not a route that is difficult. The police have their work to do and Minister Webster must allow them to so do, without her involvement.

Rather than making unsubstantiated allegations, Minister Webster should look at implementing measures that will reduce the need for excess cash at Post Offices.

GPOC provides essential services to the citizens of our country. Therefore, the Corporation must be given the necessary assistance from the State so as to enhance the security of its employees, customers and assets.

It might be best if Webster can initiate some sort of meaningful confab at the Cabinet level in order to save the Guyana Post Office Corporation.

If Minister Webster has evidence of any form of collusion, she ought to give the information to the relevant agency; otherwise, her personal suggestion(s) might work against her.

MR. HAROLD SHEPHERD President, GPTWU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

CELEBRATING VIVEKANANDA

ON September 11th, 1893 the western world, particularly the Americans were given the best introduction to Hinduism presented by an unknown monk of India who subsequently became a global fame to both the ordinary and the intellectual. His legacy continues to grow and inspire to date. On the 121st anniversary of this historic day in the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago it is appropriate to share as a tribute, a brief introduction on the life and work of this great soul, Swami Vivekananda.

The following is taken from the preface of his biography written by Swami Nikhilananda.

“Swami Vivekananda’s inspiring personality was well known both in India and in America during the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth. The unknown monk of India suddenly leapt into fame at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, at which he represented Hinduism. His vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, colourful personality, and handsome figure made an irresistible appeal to the many types of Americans who came in contact with him.

People who saw or heard Vivekananda even once still cherish his memory after a lapse of more than half a century.

In America Vivekananda’s mission was the interpretation of India’s spiritual culture, especially in its Vedantic setting. He also tried to enrich the religious consciousness of the Americans through the rational and humanistic teachings of the Vedanta philosophy. In America he became India’s spiritual ambassador and pleaded eloquently for better understanding between

India and the New World in order to create a healthy synthesis of East and West, of religion and science.

In his own motherland Vivekananda is regarded as the patriot saint of modern India and an inspirer of her dormant national consciousness. To the Hindus he preached the ideal of a strength-giving and man-making religion. Service to man as the visible manifestation of the Godhead was the special form of worship he advocated for the Indians, devoted as they were to the rituals and myths of their ancient faith. Many political leaders of India have publicly acknowledged their indebtedness to Swami Vivekananda.

The Swami’s mission was both national and international. A lover of mankind, he strove to promote peace and human brotherhood on the spiritual foundation of the Vedantic Oneness of existence. A mystic of the highest order, Vivekananda had a direct and intuitive experience of Reality. He derived his ideas from that unfailing source of wisdom and often presented them in the soul-stirring language of poetry.

The natural tendency of Vivekananda’s mind, like that of his Master, Ramakrishna, was to soar above the world and forget itself in contemplation of the Absolute. But another part of his personality bled at the sight of human suffering in East and West alike. It might appear that his mind seldom found a point of rest in its oscillation between contemplation of God and service to man. Be that as it may, he chose, in obedience to a higher call, service to man as his mission on earth; and this choice has endeared him to people in the West, Americans in particular.

In the course of a short life of thirty-nine years (1863-1902), of which only

ten were devoted to public activities — and those, too, in the midst of acute physical suffering — he left for posterity his four classics: Jnana-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, Karma-Yoga, and Raja-Yoga, all of which are outstanding treatises on Hindu philosophy. In addition, he delivered innumerable lectures, wrote inspired letters in his own hand to his many friends and disciples, composed numerous poems, and acted as spiritual guide to the many seekers who came to him for instruction. He also organised the Ramakrishna Order of monks, which is one of the most outstanding religious organisations of modern India. It is devoted to the propagation of the Hindu spiritual culture not only in the Swami’s native land, but also in America and in other parts of the world.

Swami Vivekananda once spoke of himself as a ‘condensed India.’

His life and teachings are of inestimable value to the West for an understanding of the mind of Asia. William James, the Harvard philosopher, called the Swami the ‘paragon of Vedantists.’ Max Müller and Paul Deussen, the famous Orientalists of the nineteenth century, held him in genuine respect and affection. ‘His words,’ writes Romain Rolland, ‘are great music, phrases in the style of Beethoven, stirring rhythms like the march of Handel choruses. I cannot touch these sayings of his, scattered as they are through the pages of books, at thirty years’ distance, without receiving a thrill through my body like an electric shock. And what shocks, what transports, must have been produced when in burning words they issued from the lips of the hero!’

PANDIT CHARRANLALL NANDALALL

Increase of electoral list by over 78,000 new electors is both incomprehensible and impossible THE increase of the electoral list by over 78,000 new electors over the present four-year cycle of registration is both incomprehensible and i m p o s s i b l e . Fa i r, fre e and acceptable elections, both local and Central Government, cannot take place with such a flawed and crooked list and those who are calling for such elections must also call for a fair, transparent and acceptable electoral list to be delivered by GECOM. With its computerised systems, it is very simple for GECOM to publish the detailed breakdowns, especially in the three or four administrative regions where these massive increases are located.

GECOM must immediately do this so that the elections

should go ahead and the political parties and others should call upon GECOM

to do this with immediacy.

HENRY G. NILES

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

AG raps Ramjattan for ‘unsubstantiated and reckless’ allegations --Says Finance Minister acted in ‘absolute’ compliance with laws ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, yesterday, took the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, to task for “unsubstantiated and reckless” allegations.

The AG’s response follows the publication of an article in the Kaieteur News, on Monday, under the headline ‘Illegally’ spent $4.5B… Govt. interfering in police’s investigation of Ashni Singh’.

According to Nandlall, the AFC Leader has no evidence to support his allegations; he also charged that had he legitimate grounds for his comments, he would have indicated as such.

“Mr. Ramjattan has, once again, characteristically failed to provide a scintilla of evidence to support his wild allegations that Government has interfered, or is interfering, with a report filed with the Guyana Police Force,” Nandlall said, adding, “One expects that Mr. Ramjattan would have named the Government functionary who is guilty of this alleged interference or he

cut from the 2014 national budget.

“I maintain most resolutely that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, acted in absolute compliance with the relevant constitutional

even greater significance that I point out that these restorations of budget cuts by the Finance Minister took place while the case was being argued before the Chief Justice.

Not once during those argu-

‘Mr. Ramjattan has, once again, characteristically failed to provide a scintilla of evidence to support his wild allegations’ - AG Anil Nandlall Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh would have identified a person or persons in the Police Force whose work was the subject of this alleged interference.”

The AG stressed that no such information was disclosed.

ACTED IN COMPLIANCE Nandlall highlighted that the Finance Minister acted in “absolute” compliance with the law when he restored the controversial $4.6B of monies

provisions as interpreted by the Honourable Chief Justice in a written ruling issued on January 29th 2014 and that at all times he acted upon the directions of the Cabinet, chaired by His Excellency, the President,” he said.

The AG added that it is interesting to note that the exact action that is being challenged by the Opposition presently, were taken in 2012 and 2013.

“These very actions were supported by Mr. Ramjattan in the National Assembly and the Hansard will easily so confirm. Perhaps it is of

ments or even in the press did Mr. Ramjattan or any member of the Opposition, for that matter, made any contention that the criminal law was violated,” Nandlall said.

INEXPLICABLE SLUMBER He questioned whether it is that the Opposition has awakened from some “inexplicable” slumber.

The AG said, “Mr. Ramjattan now expects the Police to investigate an alleged crime that he himself took two years to realise is a “crime” and

Anil Nandlall moreover, which he voted in support of, in the most premier law-making institution of the land.

“Before making these inane assertions, Mr. Ramjattan should really consider the real possibility that the Police may not be able to investigate that which does not exist. He may be familiar with the Latin Maxim ex nihil nihilo fit- ‘out of nothing cometh nothing’.”

Nandlall contends that that modus operandai of the Opposition is plain. “So long

a process does not yield the result which is consistent with their expectations and political agenda, they denigrate the process and they subject those engaged in the process to vile and vulgar verbal assaults,” he said.

To support this contention, he highlighted that: * The Linden Commission of Enquiry did not meet their expectations and political agenda; they condemned the Commission and criticised the Commissioners; * The Chief Justice did not rule in their favour; they attacked the independence of the Judiciary and “cuss out” the Judges; and * The Walter Rodney COI is causing some of them political discomfort; they denigrate the inquiry and condemn the Commissioners.

“Now that the Police investigations do not satisfy Mr. Ramjattan’s whims and fancies; he abuses the investigators and attacks the investigation process.

Unfortunately, an irresponsible press offers coverage,” he concluded.

Local Gov’t Ministry awards contracts for several market tarmacs - in bid to end illegal roadside vending

By Savitri Laikram THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is seeking to curb illegal roadside vending by maximizing the use of tarmacs countrywide.

This is according to subject Minister Norman Whittaker who last Friday awarded a number of contracts for the

rehabilitation and construction of market tarmacs.

Minister Whittaker on numerous occasions had emphasised the importance of restricting roadside vending so as to reduce solid waste pollution.

He had noted that vendors were refusing to relocate to tarmacs because of reasons such as poor security, lack of

washroom facilities, etc.

In that light, the ministry undertook to meet the demands of the vendors by making available washrooms at the market tarmacs and providing better security by installing security cameras at various market facilities.

HINDRANCES The minister last Friday also spoke about the hindranc-

es caused by illegal vendors on government reserves, citing the hampering of works being carried out citywide in the ‘Clean-up my Country’ programme.

However, he has assured that roadside vending will soon be nonexistent as the ministry is working on having the issue solved as early as possible.

Businessmen and wom-

en in Georgetown have also raised concerns over the removal of roadside vendors, especially those blocking their storefronts.

Apart from Georgetown, roadside vending appears to be a growing issue in rural areas as well, and local authorities have since devised special strategic plans to have the vendors relocated.

Meanwhile, citizens have supported the need for the removal of these vendors as they are a major interference on sidewalks, roadways and streets.

Despite the call from the ministry and local authorities to the vendors to relocate, many are reluctant to move as they are afraid they may lose customers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

9

Patentia murder trial...

Star witness identifies cop as killer for the first time -claims he’d seen accused cranking gun

By George Barclay PREM Seecharran, the star witness for the prosecution in the Patentia Secondary School murder trial, said yesterday that the accused Quancy John, a former policeman, was the person who had killed schoolboy Kelvin Fraser.

Seecharran was making this statement in the hearing of the jury for the first time ever, and asked why he did not tell this to the investigators or the magistrate at the preliminary inquiry (PI), Seecharran replied, “I had to shut my mouth because the police warned me to say nothing.”

Defence Counsel Mr. Glenn Hanoman asked the witness to name his adviser or advisers, and Seecharran replied, “I was in a cell. I heard them, but I could not see their faces.”

The trial of Quancy John

of the Wales Police Station on the accusation of murder allegedly committed on Kelvin Anthony Fraser on Monday, June 7th, 2010 is taking

who were in plain clothes and those who were outsiders ran helter-skelter in a bid to escape the police.

She said that Seecharran

‘Officers I cannot identify advised me not to talk’ - Seecharran place before Justice Franklyn Holder and a mixed jury.

According to Head teacher of the Patentia Secondary School, Mrs. Gloria Gobin, the witness Prem Seecharran was one of four persons she had recognized smoking at the Patentia Secondary School, an act that caused her to summon the police.

Mrs Gobin said that after the police arrived, students

had attempted to scale one of the two fences of the school, but his act had only landed him safely in the arms of the police.

Seecharran has denied that he was one of the smokers at the school on the day in question, and has declared that he had gone to Patentia to purchase mints that day when he was apprehended by the police.

I n h i s t e s t i m o n y, Seecharran said that he and the late Kelvin Fraser had been friends, and had attended the same school. He said he was lying on his back in the tray of the police pick-up when the vehicle suddenly stopped and Fraser jumped out of the vehicle.

Suddenly he heard an explosion, then someone knocked on the tray of the vehicle and beckoned him to come out and assist in picking up the injured Fraser and take him into the tray.

The witness Seecharran has also said for the first time that he had seen the accused with a gun which he was cranking.

Seecharran said that, on the day in question, he had left his West Bank Demerara home for Patentia to purchase mints.

Miss Diana Kaulesar is prosecuting. The trial is continuing.

Transport Ministry: Kaieteur News must apologise -for publishing months-old photo to create anxiety THERE is hardly a week that goes by where the Government, private citizens, companies and investors have to call on the publishers and editors of the Kaieteur News to retract, apologise or correct misinformation which are deliberately published.

The latest blatant disregard for the true principles of professional and responsible journalism with the Kaieteur News was evident when they published a photograph on the front page of the Monday 8, September, 2014 edition of the papers with a bridge they claimed represented the present state of the structure along the Linden- Lethem road.

The Ministry of Public Works has since described the publishing of the photograph as a misleading and malicious attempt to mislead the public and create unfounded anxiety amongst commuters along the Linden/Lethem road.

According to the ministry in a press release, the photograph which was splashed on the front page of the newspaper was dated more than six months ago when severe difficulties were being experienced due to overloaded trucks crossing the very bridge, something that has since been regulated.

The minister further went on to say that the

bridge is located 33 miles from Kurupukari and was fixed six months ago. Contractors working along the other critical sections of the road as well as commuters have since confirmed to the ministry that at the moment there is no such bridge existing in that condition along the Linden- Lethem road.

It was also pointed out that there continues to be maintenance works being carried out to the critical sections of the very stretch of road in keeping with schedules and those would be completed by mid-September, even as lateritic material is being used to compact the road.

The ministry identified the contractors working on the project as Troy Resources, Omai Gold Mines, Demerara Timbers Limited, Mekdeci Machinery and Construction and Vevakanand Dalip Enterprise.

With the works being carried out on the road and as it becomes even more passable, the travel time has been reduced from 16 hours to 12 hours. It is expected that the travel time will be further reduced when the entire stretch of critical sections is completed.

The Ministry, in its press release, is calling on the Kaieteur News to clarify its photograph and offer an apology forthwith.

Wedding anniversary tra-la-la and more MABEL has been apprised that a significant anniversary universally celebrated in cherished and happy memories is cause to recreate a joyous experience: That of the date on which the loving couple was married.

Not so with the noted owner/publicist.

Pandemonium prevailed at the wedding ceremony in the South Georgetown venue where a crowd, including recidivists, invaded, causing absolute confusion.

Corrupt acts of violence were inflicted on the principal couple, causing grievous bodily harm. It became a hushhush affair, according to the slighted sister of the bride.

Didn’t know that the waterfall daily lead front page item was decided by a political group chaired by the owner and including the deputy of one of the opposition political parties.

Scheduled meetings are held in Saffon Street.

It is surprising that the Kaieteur News is slapped with so many libellous accusations when they have a prominent legal advocate in a

group deciding certain key news items.

A fierce confrontation is anticipated between the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the number of persons implicated in an alleged duty-free concession scam regarding motor vehicles PRR 8393 and PRR 8399.

Much attention is being paid to this alleged $40M evasion of import duties.

Mabel will be keeping a close eye on the development of this alleged scam.

Mabel noted that the GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, has announced that his Preliminary List of Voters is “near perfect”, and questions who was it that called for a “perfect” list.

Any organisation, including our City Council, which has been reduced to such utter derision can only be led by a confirmed dunder-head.

Mabel is dead serious; nothing to do with a joke. So she repeats: absolute dunder-head.

Shameful entertainment, unbelievable incompetence, delusions of self-importance all prevailed at mayoral authority.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Number 63 Beach Committee battling garbage pollution, traffic congestion

By Savia Laikram WHILE the rehabilitation project for the Number 63 Beach in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) is moving ahead, one of the main issues is that of garbage pollution on the beach.

This is according to Chairman of the Number 63 Beach Committee, (a board established to deal with the rehabilitation project), Mr. Adrian Anamayah.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Mr. Anamayah pointed out

that the restoration of the beach will take some time, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to deal with the garbage pollution there.

He stated that although a regular clean-up is carried out at the beach, the amount of solid waste remains prevalent.

Mr. Anamayah noted that while it is a good thing to have an enjoyable time, it is equally important that persons take responsibility for their solid waste instead of just throwing it away on the shores.

He asserted that apart from solid waste, another issue is that of traffic control.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION Mr. Anamayah stated that sorting the traffic congestion on the beach is one of the key issues the committee is looking to address.

He said that the Number 63 beach complex is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country and draws many persons from all over the country who go there to have an enjoyable time.

However, since most persons choose to drive, the beach is often congested by heavy vehicular traffic.

The chairman said that there have been major repairs to the access roads leading to the beach. He said that so far the Number 63 and the Number 60 access roads have been going through ongoing repairs.

Anamayah noted that funds garnered from events kept at the beach are being used to facilitate the cleanup and various aspects of beautifying the aesthetics

of the beach, including the construction of benabs and washroom facilities.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining effective collaboration with the Government as they have been of great assistance in the restoration project.

The chairman pointed out that there has been a considerable amount of improvement to the beach over time and the committee will ensure that the beach is returned to its state of harmony in an effort to attract tourists to the area.

He said that events at the beach that draw large crowds are Easter, Emancipation and other festivals, and the Digicel annual Duck Curry competition will soon be held there.

He observed that major events attract a lot of persons and garner more funds for the restoration of the beach, so the committee is always ready to facilitate them.

He added that sponsorship is also very necessary as it assists with the necessary financial support for the rehabilitation project.

Families enjoying a day out on the Number 63 Beach

GPSU, NAACIE calling for joint negotiations with GPL

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA Public Service Union (GPSU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) are seeking to negotiate jointly with the Guyana Power and Light Company Inc. (GPL) with respect to specific issues affecting their members at the power company.

Speaking at a press conference Monday, General Secretary of NAACIE, Mr. Kenneth Joseph said that GPL was trying to block the

progress of NAACIE. NAACIE has issued a proposal to GPL stating that they wish to work towards improving the welfare of their members who are employed as GPL’s lower level or junior staff.

They intend to improve the welfare of the members by implementing Collective Labour Agreements (CLAs) because their members endure very challenging, sometimes hostile situations foisted upon them by the company.

WEAKENING THE UNION Mr. Joseph also stated that during the recent period of three to four years, NAACIE has discerned a deliberate company strategy to weaken the union by eroding its GPL membership. This is done through laying off its members and sometimes to re-hire them or others on contracts which exclude union representation.

NAACIE declared that it has been quite public and vociferous about this “anti-union, anti-democratic,

anti-worker strategy” with minimal response or effect.

Joseph further stated that it is NAACIE’s collective opinion that CLA’s may be re-negotiated, altered or amended to afford Joint Union Representation when workers so determine, as the union’s membership now requires.

COMMON REQUESTS Some ten months ago, by correspondence dated November 15th, 2013 the GPSU and NAACIE ap-

plied to the GPL to bargain collectively on common requests and issues with respect to our joint membership at the company. This has since been routinely ignored.

GPSU and NAACIE have not yet utilised their rights to approach the Ministry of Labour or their international affiliates on the matter because they believe that this worker-friendly proposal could be easily dealt with between the two unions and GPL. Joseph further stressed that other unions are work-

ing jointly with respect to members’ interest, including the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

In closing he stated that the proposal is in no way unique or detrimental to any party concerned because for decades NAACIE and GAWU have together represented their members in the sugar industry collectively, benefiting from quick recognition and representation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Councillor Sobers expresses concern over City Hall security

Recipients grateful for laptops as OLPF distribution move to Non Pareil

–following mysterious barring of City Hall doors

By Derwayne Wills DURING a statutory meeting on Monday of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC), Councillor Victor Sobers interrupted the day’s proceedings to express concerns over security arrangements for the historic City Hall.

In brief remarks, the Councillor professed that the building is not only an inherited building, but is a prized structure of the City.

Sobers bemoaned that “this building was bolted up, nailed down, and all sorts of things.”

The City Councillor was referring to the recent incident in which the Office of the Town Clerk, occupied

by Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba, was mysteriously barred up.

While the Mayor questioned the urgency of the matter being raised, the Councillor stood his ground, declaring: “I would like that if we have a ‘Constab’ in here and no one knows what goes on, we should have the national police to protect this building or to protect this site.”

He further expounded that if “no one knows who barred it up,” the matter is a cause for concern. He went as far as to stress a possible

A section of the recipients waiting to collect their laptops City Councillor, Victor Sobers rises to express his concerns to members of the Statutory Meeting

alternative that “the same people who barred up the doors could have burned it down.”

In response to the concern raised by the Councillor, Mayor Hamilton Green said, “We praise the irradiate wisdom of Councillor Sobers”. He added that the Council has no difficulty with the suggestion.

The Mayor subsequently called for a round of applause for the Councillor’s foresight in the “understanding of the arrangements of City Hall.”

The City Constabulary, which is housed in the compound, has not brought to light who the culprits were. The barring incident followed a Motion by the Mayor & Councillors for the reason of sending the Acting Town Clerk on ad-

ministrative leave.

When the incident first occurred, the Town Clerk had made contact with Chief Constable, Andrew Foo, but this had proved futile. Sooba had then requested her security officers to remove the locks and allow her entry into the office.

Sooba had said that she had been advised by senior staff of the City Constabulary that the perpetrators had committed an illegal act, since no one is authorised to enter any section within City Hall after working hours without an escort of constabulary officer.

In his concluding remarks, Councillor Sobers restated his position clearly, to have the national police “protect this national heritage site.”

GOVERNMENT continues its drive to expand the number of people who are computer literate by equipping them with a laptop.

And residents of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara are the latest beneficiaries of the devices as approximately 140 were distributed to the community.

Praises and gratitude were reiterated by residents who gathered at the Non Pariel Mandir, as the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) continued its distribution and training for this phase in the village.

One resident, Regina Reid said, “I am so grateful for the laptop that I received because it will benefit me and my family especially my children who are in Secondary School, you know when they have assignments and so on they can be able to access information.”

Another resident, Latchmie Lakram stated that, “it’s a great effort and I know it would enhance my children especially. Technology

Staff of the One Laptop per Family Programme distributing laptops to the recipients

is elevating so we have to see somewhere to start it with the children also.”

This distribution forms part of a phase during which 17,000 laptops will be distributed in 2014.

This distribution phase began in May and will run until the end of this month in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.

This project began in 2011 and was pioneered by Former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo with a vision of introduc-

ing information communication technology (ICT) along with the provision of internet access, training and skills development to families nationwide.

It targets a total of 90,000 families, and since its inception in 2011, this project has provided thousands of families with introduction to ICT and the capacity to keep up with the technologically advanced world.

(GINA)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Commuters stranded as Route 44 minibus operators strike APPROXIMATELY 30 Route 44 minibus operators commenced a strike on Monday so as to acquire a 100 percent hike in fares.

Passengers were left stranded at the 44 bus park on Monday just after 14:00 hrs, as they desperately awaited transportation.

While not all the minibus operators decided to strike, those who came out to work demanded a fare of $200$300, some up to $500 and passengers in their bid to get home were forced to pay the ridiculously high fares.

Drivers and conductors are reluctant to drop the fares and have stated that they will not be persuaded to so do.

Minibuses working directly to Mahaica from Georgetown charge a fare

of $200. However, those working shorter distances, for example Georgetown to Buxton/ Strathspey, the fare is kept within $100 - $120.

Minibus drivers had declared that after 15:00 hrs on weekdays and Saturday, persons who do not wish to pay the $200 fare “can stay at the park or walk home.”

As a result of the “short drop” minibuses demanding a hike in their fares, some minibuses working directly to the Mahaica route on a daily basis have been increasing their fares as well from $200 to $300.

Drivers and conductors claim that they will not settle for anything less than double the present fare, as an increase by just $20 or $40 will make no difference.

The minibus operators

At the Route 44 minibus park recently (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

who are still working have stated that the majority of the mini-buses that have

commenced the strike are those working the shorter distances on the East Coast.

Minibus operators had recently attributed the sudden hike in fares to the pres-

ent economic situation.They contended that everyone has a family to take care of and the present fare is not enough to pay both driver and conductor and in some cases mini-bus owners.

Minibus operators are claiming that there is no law that states they have to keep the fare to $100, as it is their minibuses and they will charge whatever suits their pocket.

Apart from raising the fare, the mini-bus operators have been accused of overloading of buses.

Travellers are maintaining that gas prices have not increased and fares should not be either.

Persons are crying out over the sudden hike as it is financially difficult to travel to and from Georgetown on a daily basis.

Representatives of the minibus union were still unavailable for comments on the matter. However, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Willet Hamilton, in an earlier interview had given the assurance that the matter will be investigated and dealt with accordingly.

When contacted yesterday, ministry officials were unavailable for comments on the matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Private Sector 'very impressed' with East Bank Housing Projects PSC Vice-Chair...

–will be looking at opportunities for business

Members of the Private Sector doing a walk-thru at the Eccles New Scheme with Minister of Housing & Water Irfaan Ali

Minister of Housing & Water Irfaan Ali (third right) with members of the private sector discussing the area plan on housing placement and new roads

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally MINISTER of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali on Monday gave members of the private sector a tour of the East Bank Housing Development Projects, which are currently contributing to the development of this area.

The Housing Minister, along with a team from his ministry, took Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud, Vice-Chairman Edward Boyer, and Past President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Clinton Urling, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Kit Nascimento, Annette Arjune and other stakeholders on the tour.

Speaking during the tour Minister Ali explained that the Eccles Scheme which was constructed under the young professionals home was all ‘jungle’ when it was conceptualised and started. “All the projects we will visit today, the land was all jungle and all this was achieved from 2010 to present,” Ali noted.

MORE THAN 300 JOBS Ali said also that these housing projects not only assisted Guyanese to become home owners but also provided more than three hundred jobs for the neighbouring communities. He observed that during the construction phase the roads were not asphalted since due to large trucks and other machinery traversing the road, but now that the houses have been constructed and have more than 70% occupancy, the ministry is building new

roads to give the occupants of these houses better accessibility to their homes.

The Eccles New Scheme

turnkey project saw sixty houses being built and all have been allotted to young professionals.

“We are in partnership with the private sector and professional groups. The government would have put in the infrastructure; private capital would have assisted in the building of the homes,” Ali said. These projects have used Guyanese professionals at all levels of construction and consultations.

ANOTHER 200 HOMES The Ministry, in 2015, is looking to have another 200 homes constructed at the same value, as there continues to be a growing demand.

The present bungalow homes are constructed at a cost of $13M, with a bank value of $25M. The houses feature

three bedrooms; a kitchen equipped with counters and cupboards; two-and-a-half baths; and room for expansion. The two-storey houses feature the same amenities, and cost $19.5M. The low to middle-income houses carry two bedrooms, and are estimated to cost between $4M

Turn to page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Some 40 children graduate from August holidays Sophia Education Project

By Michel Outridge

ABOUT 40 children, who were part of the five-week Sophia Education Coaching Project No.3, 2014-2015 which took place during the August holidays, graduated Saturday at a ceremony held at the Church of Christ building in ‘C’ Field, Sophia.

Project Administrator

Narine Khublall told this publication yesterday that the project is a joint effort between the South Turkeyen Church of Christ and the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central for fatherless, orphaned and vulnerable children.

He added that it is the 3rd project in which 39 children successfully completed the programme in which Social

Studies, Science, Mathematics, English 1 & 2, Reading, Dictation and Physics were taught by several teachers, who were volunteers.

President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, Gillian Radcliffe said that it’s a Rotary development project aimed at sustaining the community of Sophia which was rolled out in three components: Literacy, Health

Top performers posing with their certificates and several volunteer teachers Saturday

and Environment.

She explained that this is the first component - Literacy which is geared towards assisting Grades Five and Six students after it was noted that children in the community could not upkeep a decent pass grade at examinations.

The ceremony began with prayers, an introduction and reports from three teachers: Dhuwaneshwar Sharma, Compton Williams and Shawn Henry.

Top performers for the class No. 1, 2012 -2013 were

Ricardo Sumeer, the Most Honoured and Ravi Ramnauth, the second Most Honoured. They were presented certificates of completion, trophies and a report card on their performances.

Top achievers for Class No. 2 include Giselle McRae and Tonicka Prince, who placed first and second while the top performers for Grade Four and Five were Amrita Roberts and Akash Jaikaram.

Top performers for Grade Six Class 2014 were Sudarshani Sharma and Christel

Jones.

Several children, who successfully completed the course, told this publication yesterday afternoon that they were pleased with the sessions having benefited significantly over the past five weeks.

Parents, guardians, and community representatives were also in loud praise for the sponsors of the project, the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central and the Church of Christ of South Turkeyen, Sophia.

Private Sector 'very impressed' with...

From page 13

to $8M. CONTRACT When posed with the question that “the houses are valued almost double the cost to construct, the lure to sell would be high, how is the Ministry dealing with this?” the Minister was quick to reply that there is a clause within the contract that stipulates that house owners cannot sell or transfer ownership until 10 years have passed.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Ms Myrna Pitt, enlightened the members on the progress the projects are making. During the visit to the Eccles Scheme, Young Professionals Homes project, she related that all the houses have been allocated, and that home-owners are doing their own finishing touches. She emphasised that because the financial sector has reinvented itself, Guyanese are more able to become home owners since the interest rate for repayment on loans is only 4.25% per annum.

Taslim Baksh, Director of Finance at the CH&PA said in his overview of the

project that at present within the scheme, there is almost 80% occupancy. He stated that $600M was invested by the private sector for this specific project.

“The young professional home project started in 2012 and was completed in August 2013. For this project approximately three hundred persons were employed with twelve contractors,” Baksh said.

Meanwhile, members of the private sector all underscored how impressed they were with the construction that is currently ongoing, the pace at which these houses are made available and also the roads that will be connecting the East Bank of Demerara to the East Coast of Demerara.

And they applauded the government not only for the initiative but the opportunities that have been created, and assured their support to assist in creating more opportunities through their sector.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS Vice-Chairman of the PSC, Edward Boyer related that “we are all very im-

pressed with what we saw here. I just wanted to say that we will bring back a technical team to look at these projects on a wider scale with a view to see how we can structure to become part of further development.” He added that the private sector will be collaborating mostly in terms of creating job opportunities in different areas.

Meanwhile Ramesh Persaud, Chairman of the PSC, thanked Minister Ali and his team for the tour. He said he was aware that there was construction taking place in these areas but was impressed with how much is actually going on. He too said, like Boyer, that “we will be looking at opportunities for business. There is a great amount of opportunities for business within these areas which can only have a positive impact on the country’s economy.”

Kit Nascimento in his comments declared that “it is the job of the government to house its people well. It’s one of the most important means of use of taxpayers’ money. And this is superb evidence that the Government carrying out its mandate.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

GO-INVEST sensitises potential investors on its usefulness

THE Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) has been in existence for almost twenty years, but the knowledge of its capabilities is still unknown to the populace.

A recent awareness programme was held in New Amsterdam to provide in-

tended investors with the necessary steps needed to start business operations in Guyana.

Facilitator and Investment Officer Mr. Sean Doris was quick to add that GO-INVEST was not a financial institution, but instead provides investors

with a comprehensive summary of steps necessary to commence business operations, even as it assists stakeholders through the process.

Doris noted that another signal benefit is that the organisation would assist investors who have

made honest declarations to obtain exemptions from paying customs, duties and taxes on machinery, equipment and vehicles.

At this recent outreach, held at the Berbice Chamber Boardroom at Chapel Street in New Amsterdam, some participants opined

that Go-Invest needed to broaden its horizon to assist businesses which are at the brink of foreclosure. They said that commercial banks are just ready to grab the businesses at the earliest opportunity’.

Doris, however, noted that the investors should

use both their influence and affluence to determine how banking institutions operate, even as he noted that they must be organised and must practice good business ethics if they want to access the larger Caribbean and World markets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

No developments in the Karamchand Shivdyal accident case ALMOST one month after former national youth leg spin bowler Karamchand Shivdyall, aged 27 years, died as a result of a motor vehicular accident along the Number 19 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice on Saturday, August 15, 2014, charges are yet to be instituted against anyone for that incident.

Police sources say the file containing statements is to be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice.

The autopsy report had revealed that death was due to drowning, also a subsequent post-mortem examination conducted by Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan had revealed a preliminary finding of drowning.

There are other possible causes of death, but that information was not disclosed to the media.

Meanwhile, the driver, Eugene Cort, a miner who had passed the breathalyzer test, was released on station bail, and expected to report to Central Police Station every week.

Cort had failed to report the accident, but had instead gone into hiding. The vehicle, a black Toyota Raum, motor car # PKK 3543, was noise-

lessly removed and taken out of sight, but police became involved after being told of the accident by residents living along what has been described as the longest straight road in the Caribbean. Subsequent to an intense investigation, Cort was arrested and is currently in custody.

Investigations had determined that Shivdyal had joined four friends after leaving his Albion Estate workplace on Friday, and the group had gone to a wedding house before proceeding to the Castle Disco in New Amsterdam. They were journeying home at around 04:00 hrs when the accident occurred.

Eugene Cort of Lot 134 Fyrish [North] Village told investigators that he had swerved to avoid hitting a cow when he lost control of the vehicle; and it turned turtle before plunging into a nearby canal.

At home of the deceased, his wife Devica Somai wept bitterly as she recalled her husband kissing their fouryear-old son goodbye before leaving to work the 14:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs shift as a sugar boiler at the Albion Estate.

When her husband did not return home, it was presumed that he had worked another shift without being

relieved, but a telephone call she received at 05:00 hrs informed her of the accident which had resulted in Karamchand being hospitalised.

Accompanied by her mother-in-law, she had rushed to the hospital and found him being prepared for transfer to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Unfortunately, he died in the ambulance.

Reports are that the injured man had ‘seemed alright’ when ‘all of a sudden’ his health deteriorated. The family believes that their lost love succumbed to massive internal injuries.

Ganga Karamchand, father of the deceased, and a cricket umpire, is also employed at the Albion Estate as a Sugar Boiler. He had worked the 22:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs shift when, on returning home, he received the news of his son’s involvement in an accident.

He had immediately rushed to the Regional Health facility, where he had observed that his son was being given oxygen in the process of being prepared for transfer to Georgetown Hospital.

Sadly, before the ambulance could exit the New Amsterdam hospital compound, his beloved son died.

Shivdyal, a leg spinning all rounder who represented the Albion Club, had played for Guyana at the youth level.

He is the second employee of Albion Estate to have succumbed as a result of an accident along the Number 19 Roadway.

On July 24 last, Vicram Ramlakhan was catapulted as high as the utility posts when a speeding car struck him along the Number Eleven roadway at Farm, East Coast Berbice, a short distance from his home. He was pronounced dead minutes

later on arrival at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

He had moments earlier related to his wife Kavita -to whom he had been married

for five years -- that he was leaving for work.

Investigations are continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Rose Hall Town celebrates 44 years of existence this year A SPELLING Bee competition to test the competence of primary school pupils, and a Senior Citizens Day to honour residents of the country’s s m a l l e s t t o w n s h i p a re among the many activities to be held as Rose Hall

Town celebrates its 44th anniversary.

In a bid to have a successful event, the Rose Hall Town Anniversary and Development Organization (RHTADO) has joined forces with the Rose Hall Town Council Town

Day Committee and other groupings to host the event, which will be held under the theme “Unity for a better community.”

The one-week affair will commence with an official opening ceremony at the Rose Hall Town In-

dependence Arch on September 19, and this will be followed by a grand cultural exposition which will be preceded by a candlelight parade. The following day, the township’s anniversary would be observed with a grand exhibition and fair at the Area H Ground.

Several activities, including beach volleyball and ‘beach basketball,’ will be held at the Rose Hall Town Beach, which would be the place to be on that day; and these activities will be followed by an inter-club basketball competition.

The annual Inter -Primary School Spelling Bee Competition for schools i n t h e R o s e H a l l To w n catchment area is slated for September 23rd at the Rose Hall Town Primary School. This programme is scheduled to commence at 13:00 hrs.

The following day is

dubbed the Senior Citizen’s Day. It is when the township’s elderly residents would be treated to hair and nail care, before being whisked off to partake in a sumptuous lunch. They are also then due to receive tokens of appreciation from their younger counterparts.

On September 25, a nutrition-enhanced programme will be hosted at the Port Mourant Special Needs Unit from 11:00 hrs.

It would be especially for persons attending the facility at 11:00 hrs.

On Saturday, September 27, the satirical production “Nothing to Laugh about” is scheduled to lighten up its audience at the Area H ground; while, on the following day, the curtains will come down on the town’s celebrations with the annual Poliice Gymkhana, to be held at the ‘Area H’ location. However, Coordinator/PRO of

the township’s anniversary celebrations committee, Mr Andrew Griffith, has said he is open to other ideas and initiatives, and persons wishing to come on board can contact him on 6928044, or the Town Clerk’s Office on telephone number 337-4882.

A MERE BABY Rose Hall Town is the smallest of Guyana’s six townships. It is located on the northern Coastal Plain at the centre of the Berbice district.

Historically, this township was a communal village, but was, on September 20th, 1970, declared a town.

It is divided into three wards: Middle Rose Hall, East Rose Hall, and Williamsburg. Located at the back of this township are beautiful beaches that have potential for tourism activities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Centenarian, ‘Mama’ Benn, credits God for her long years on earth

Caroline Benn at her 100th birthday celebration

“IT is no secret what God can do, what He’s done for others He’ll do for you. With arms wide open He’ll pardon you, it is no secret what God can do,” sang Ms. Caroline Mermelyn Benn as she sat on the back stairway of her daughter Ulele’s home, overlooking several pig pens at Nurney Village, Central Corentyne, Berbice.

The bespectacled woman chanted the hymn, made popular by the late American country music singer

Jim Reeves, after being asked about the secret of her longevity.

Ms. Benn, whom doctors have given ‘a clean bill of health’ after visiting medical practitioners days before her 100th birthday, has now joined the elite group of centenarians to have witnessed the changing face of time in the community.

“Dis time nah lang time,” she mused as she conversed with the Guyana Chronicle reporter in the village she called home for over a century.

“In my younger days, you could have run around naked, without the thought of being sexually abused; but not now. You don’t know who to trust now”, she opined.

“It was a must that you go to church. You had to remember God, for it is He who have given us the strength. But now dem young people nah want to go to God’s house”.

‘Lang time we worked hard at the farm, planting rice, plantain, eddoes, cassava and other cash crops to supply the family needs.

“But now some people don’t want to work but yet them want to eat”, reflected Auntie Melene or Mama, as she is fondly referred to by the villagers.

Born on August 16, 1914 to Delia Benn and Francis Marks, who incidentally were also dwellers of Nurney Village, ‘Mama’, the lone survivor of five siblings, recalled her childhood years when, after working with her siblings and parents on the farmland, they would thereafter go to the Missionary Church for service.

“Going to church was a must”, she recalled. “We went there without shoes”.

She recalled, while pausing intermittently and gazing ahead, tilting her head to the left as if to relive those precious and fond moments .

“Coconut oil was used to rub our skin. My sisters and I hairs were plaited and ribbons affixed…. We were a happy family. I went to the Scotts School when C.N. Nathoo was the Head Master, but I left at Standard three, as I had to then assist with household chores while

my older siblings and parents left for the farm.”

“I was never married, but I got three children:Ruth, James and Ulele. I continued working on the farm right here at Nurney…

I never left this place….

My children are all grown, and the eldest one with whom I once lived died, so I am now with my youngest

child.

“I have no special diet…

Whatever my daughter provides I will eat…a little rice, not much.

“I don’t like eating late.

They took me to see the doctor, and I have no ailment; no sugar, no pressure… I thank God!” Asked what she would have preferred -- a birthday

gift or a Berbice Chair’, she quickly responded, “So that I can relax… I worked hard,” she mused, as she stared ahead.

The latest centenarian advises those striving to reach the century to “Honour your father and mother, that your days would be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Rohee: Ramjattan is ‘a poor student of history’ GENERAL Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, has labelled leader of the Alliance For Change, Khemraj Ramjattan, “a poor student of history.”

Rohee’s rebuke to Rajattan comes in the wake of the latter describing the PPP as an “obstacle” to constitutional reform.

According to Rohee, who made his statements at his party’s weekly press conference on Monday, Ramjattan is “conveniently” forgetting

history which has been recorded.

Ramjattan, who was a longstanding member of the PPP, in an interview with Kaieteur News said he believes that the PPP would not support constitutional reform, mainly because current members of the party do not believe in the separation of powers. He further expressed that: “They are power drunk and can’t think of operating without the amount of power they have now…they are enjoying the power and simply (are) not willing

to give it up.”

However, the general secretary rejected these allegations, stressing that: “The PPP under Dr. Jagan initiated several rounds of Constitutional discussions in the parliament or some constitutional amendments.”

Rohee urged that Ramjattan reflect on the two historical processes of constitutional reform which lead to the establishment of the Women’s Rights Commission and the Rights of the Child Commission.

Additionally, he called on Ramjattan to examine how commissions are selected and the authority the Opposition Leader now has with respect to lending or withholding support against the names of nominees of the Police Service Commission.

“All of those things came about as a result of amendments to

Clement Rohee

Kemraj Ramjattan

the Burnham Constitution and we must remember those things. Now if Mr. Ramjattan conveniently wishes to forget that, well he needs to read back his history. I wouldn’t give much credence to what Mr. Ramjattan is saying” the General Secretary noted.

Further, he was quick to point to the fact that Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean with a parliamentary structure which comprises

several committees such as the Select Committee, the Parliamentary Committee and the Oversight Committee, all of which are functioning within the realm of Parliament. “We don’t have anything like that in any other parliament in the Caribbean” he said.

As such, he questioned how was it then that the constitution was amended for implementation of term limits for the presidency. “We introduced that” he boasted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Health Ministry launches week of activities to commemorate Wellness Day

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran delivering remarks at the inter-faith service at Umana Yana to launch Caribbean Wellness Day

THE Ministry of Health, on Sunday evening, held an inter-faith service to launch a week of activities commemorating this year’s Caribbean Well-

ness Day which will be ob served on S atu rd ay September 14 under the theme ‘Promoting healthy lifestyle for national and regional development’.

Hairdresser’s murder-for-hire...

Brother-in-law’s implication hurts victim’s mom deeply

By Leroy Smith K H E M W WAT T E E S a maroo, the mother of murdered cosmetologist, 18-year-old Ashmini Hariram, said that she is still to come to grips with the loss of her daughter and the emerging allegations that her son-in-law is one of the main players behind the killing of her child.

Speaking with reporters before the alleged shooter and taxi driver appeared in the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Monday, the woman said that she worked very hard to support her four children by doing domestic work.

She said when she learnt of her son-in-law’s alleged connection to the murder via the media, her heart almost gave up. She said she just could not believe that the man would do such a terrible thing to her daughter, especially since she has been around him since she was the age of three.

Samaroo said her husband died some 13 years ago, and the now dead girl has been associating with her other sister and the one who is married to businessman Omesh Singh, her brotherin-law, who is now being accused of ordering the hit on her in association with his accomplice.

While commending the police for a job well done, the woman was quick to say that

He was like a father to her.

Why did he do this terrible thing?’ she does not want to have any issues with her son-in-law and his wife, her daughter, over the matter, and as such they are leaving the matter to the police.

The woman confirmed that on the morning that her daughter was shot dead, the man was at his home located just next door to hers. One of the accused who appeared in court on Monday had indicated to police investigators that the man was monitoring the movements of the teenager, and shared that information with the taxi driver, who pointed her out to the gunman.

Samaroo broke down in tears while speaking of her struggles to care her children while informing reporters that her son-in-law is not known to be a bad person.

She said that the man has been treating the now dead girl as if she were his very own daughter.

Asked if she has a message to send to the man what would it be, Samaroo said that she has no message to send to anyone but that God knows her feelings and what she wants to say. The woman, who was terribly shaken, asked this newspaper, along with others, not to publish her photograph in the press.

This event, which was held at the Umana Yana saw members of the Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities offering prayers to launch the event.

Guyana, like many other countries globally, is facing a silent epidemic of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which has taken the lives of more men, women and children compared to any other disease, and as such the Ministry of Health has been working feverishly to seek ways to combat these diseases.

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, during brief remarks, noted that the promotion of good health and wellness is not only restricted to the ministry,

but urged families, the religious community and other organisations to get on board to raise awareness of this very important issue.

This year ’s activities will be focused on healthy lifestyles. Minister Ramsaran said NCDs are becoming more prevalent and are responsible for more than 80% of deaths in Guyana.

The Health Minister also spoke of the many facilities that are available to provide primary health care to persons whose lives are threatened by NCDs, and give them the opportunity to delay the onset of such diseases. He said that more nurses are also trained in this regard.

Having recognised the

importance of healthy citizens, the ministry will also be launching a Presidential Commission on NCDS, and creating the “wellness warriors”, a group of young people trained in specific areas.

Additionally, there will be a health fair and family day at Square of the Revolution where persons can have the opportunity to do dental checks, eye testing, and general medical checks.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud, explained that each year more resources are poured into the health sector to treat NCDs. “You can beat this, you can take the right measures, take your medications, reg-

ular exercise, drink lots of water and live a clean life that will result in us living longer and contributing to our society,” Dr. Shamdeo urged those gathered at the event.

Over the past years, NCDS have been accounting for a large number of deaths, both globally and nationally, hence in 2007, the CARICOM launched Caribbean Wellness Day which aims to promote healthy lifestyle, and bring awareness about the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, obesity and cancer.

(GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

GNNL awards creditable NGS THE Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL) on Monday held its Annual Bursary Awards ceremony, and 11 students were awarded for creditable performances at the National Grade Six Assessment.

The ceremony was held at the head office of the state-owned newspaper, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park,Georgetown,and the students, who are children of the company’s employees and vendors, each re-

ceived a cheque for $7,000.

The students, drawn from eight households, are as follows: Anarese J. Walls and Andre J. Walls – children of Andre Walls, Circulation Assistant; Okeisha R. Murle and Bevan Murle – offspring of Sharon Gill, Cleaner; Joseph J. Gibbons and Nekeisha Gibbons - offspring of Kinsell Gibbons, Pressman; Akeena Chesney , daughter of Christine Jackson, Confidential Secretary; Aba A. Crawford, daughter of Paulette Williams, Cleaner;

Ahkeel Yohance Butts, son of Jermaine Butts; Kandé Gordon, daughter of General Manager, Michael Gordon; and Veronica Leach, daughter of James Leach, Handyman.

The bursaries will each run for five years. Of the students who received bursaries yesterday, three were first-year awardees; one, second year; two third year; four fourth year and one fifth year.

Cheques for awardees who were unable to attend

the presentation were uplifted by their parents.

Chairing the programme was Administrative Manager, Colin Alfred, while Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma and the GM addressed the gathering, each offering words of commendation and encouragement to the students.

Ms. Nadir-Sharma welcomed the first-year awardees on board, while urging all assembled to place a high premium on education, which is the key to life and which remains

The awardees pose with Chair of the Board, Mr GNNL, after the presentations (Photos by Sone

Editor-in-Chief Mark Ramotar presents Yohance of Jermaine Butts, with his cheque with them for life, regardless worker within the compaof whatever is taken away. ny as a “valued employee” She urged that as they go and said that the GNNL has through life, they strike the systems in place to tangibalance: “Work hard, play bly demonstrate this. To hard and study hard,” and this end, the GM cited the never to lose faith. company’s Welfare Scheme, The Chair also thanked through which staff may and congratulated the parents access loans, among other for the part they played in incentives available. every way, towards ensuring Mr. Gordon also exthe children’s success, edu- pressed appreciation for, cationally and otherwise. and credited the contribution Meanwhile, Mr. Gordon of vendors who continue to called for a round of ap- work assiduously – regardplause for the success scored less of the weather, getting by the students, while taking the newspapers out to custhe opportunity to person- tomers on time and without ally congratulate them all. fail.

Noting that the GNNL has Also present at the never failed to recognise the ceremony were: Edioffspring of their staff, Mr tor-in-Chief Mr. Mark RaGordon said it is the policy motar; Finance Controller of the company as a good Mrs. Moshamie Ramotar; corporate citizen, to offer Mrs. Michael Gordon, wife moral support by “giving of the General Manager; back.” and Mr. Calvin Marks, He alluded to every Marketing Manager.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

SA performers with bursaries

rs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma and senior officials of ell Nelson)

e Butts, son

GNNL General Manager, Mr. Michael Gordon addressing the gathering. With him at the head-table is Chair of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma

Chair of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma Anarese Walls, daughter of Andre Walls, receives her cheque presents a cheque to KandĂŠ Gordon, daughter of General from General Manager, Mr Michael Gordon Manager, Mr Michael Gordon

Lamaha Park embarks on environmental clean-up

--to rid community of bandits, chikungunya RESIDENTS of Lamaha Park, East La Penitence, amidst frequent attacks by armed bandits and an enabling overgrowth of shrubs on unoccupied houselots , parapets and alleyways, have demonstrated tangibly that they are willing to rid themselves of this menace.

To this end, mobilized

by Community Coordinator, Walter Charles, the community last week embarked on a massive clean-up campaign which entails the weeding of bushes which continue to be a haven for bandits. Desilting of drains and trenches was also done,since these con-

The campaign, which began last Thursday, is expected to run for one month, and see the environmental clean-up of Blocks One, Two and Three of Lamaha Park. Funded by the Ministry of Local Government, the project provides employment for several able-bodied

men and women drawn from in and around Lamaha Park.

Asked for a comment on the performance of the team, Charles was high in praise for the workers, noting that he was extremely satisfied and hopes that they will continue with the same zeal and passion currently being

Community Co-ordinator, Walter Charles (extreme right) with his workforce engaged in cleaning up Lamaha Park stitute veritable breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as the aedes aegypti, the vec-

tor for the troublesome and fast-spreading chikungunya disease.

A section of the area cleaned up in Block I, Lamaha Park

demonstrated.

Meanwhile, he is optimistic that the Lamaha Park Community Policing Group will soon witness a resurgence, so that residents can feel safe in the comfort of their homes, and not be hounded down by heartless bandits.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

UGSS expends $1.3M on modernising facilities on Turkeyn Campus

By Shivanie Sugrim AS part of their Legacy Project, the University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS) has completed a number of projects costing just

under $1.3M to modernize facilities at the Turkeyn Campus.

The society recently handed over the refurbished Small Lecture Theatre (SLT), a UGSS Gym, and a new PA system that was allocated to the Faculty

of Technology. These refurbishments aim to enhance the campus for the new academic year 2014/2015.

T h e S LT p r o j e c t was initiated by President of the UGSS Richard Rambarran who is currently University of Guyana Registrar alongside Vice-Chancellor Jacob Opadeyi, UGSS Acting President, Joshua Griffith and Treasurer of the society at the handing-over

abroad pursuing his Masters in Economics but other members of the society were responsible for different aspects of the project.

Acting President of the UGSS Joshua Griffith said that the students’ society was honoured to be engaged in the project on behalf of the students of 2013/2014. “ We a r e s t i l l l o o k ing towards installing a projector and AC but we could not have funded it in this phase. But we are still looking at it as well as refurbishing other facilities on campus,” Griffith stated.

At the simple handing over ceremony for the UGSS Gym, Joshua Griffith acknowledged Giftland Office Max, Fitness Express, The Gift Center, Royal Glass and Aluminum Works, Mr. A. Ramcharitar, Mr. L. Fung and Team, Mr. Barr i n g t o n B r o w n , M r.

Cuffy and Family, Mr. G Spencer and students Asim Victor and Neil Barry for their contributions towards the project.

“We now have installed some mirrors; some mats and dumb bells, all in an effort to improve the standard of the gym. We also furbished the bathroom area and the gym will be affiliated with the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federa-

tion (GAPF).”

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Technology expressed gratitude to the UGSS during the handing over of t h e PA s y s t e m . T h e Dean said that “the equipment is serious support for the Faculty of Technology.”

Secretary of the society, Saieed Khalil was recognized for making the equipment possible since he donated his UGSS stipend towards the project.

Student Crystal Blackmore stated that, “It was a great initiative because though S LT i s n ’ t a s l a r g e a s t h e G e o rg e Wa l cott Lecture Theatre it still required some upgrades to make it comfortable, given the number of students who have classes in the Theatre. The increase in the number of fans was brilliant and the lighting was essential because a lot of the classes held in the SLT are in the evening so hats off to the executive body of the UGSS.” Vice-Chancellor of the University, Jacob Opadeyi noted that “the students were a part of improving the facility and it’s something we are very proud of. Most students think that they are only here to get but when you can also give we applaud you for that.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Local economic projects via CARILED moving smoothly in various regions --Collin Croal

By Savia Laikram

THE Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED), which was launched almost two years ago, is moving ahead smoothly with its implementation phase, according to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Collin Croal.

Providing an update on the project in various regions during a press conference last Friday, in the presence of Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker, at the ministry, Fort Street, Kingston, Croal said that in Region 2, the Tapacuma Women Agriculture Diversification Project is moving smoothly, training has started and as a part of the programme they have received a tractor.

The first phase of the six-year programme is being implemented in Regions 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo Islands/West

Demerara), 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica) and 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne).

GREENHOUSES And commenting on the Canal Polder Green Initiative in Region 3, Croal said that construction of the greenhouse facilities have commenced and two of the three houses are almost complete while construction for the final house is now underway.

Training for this group is expected to commence in the last week of this month.

In Region 4, the project identified is under the Friendship Swine Development.

He disclosed that construction of the swine facility is slated to begin this week and completed in mid-October. The materials for the construction have been procured and training will be provided for livestock farmers through demonstrations in the use of the facility and animal husbandry, etc.

Referring to the Mara Agriculture Enhancement Project in Region 6, the Permanent Secretary said the training workshop for the project was completed earlier this year. Part of the project is the procurement of a mini-excavator and it is currently being taken to site.

Meanwhile, Croal lauded the region for being ahead in the programme, noting that the group has even taken it upon themselves to visit Tapacuma to share their knowledge.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that some other activities planned and implemented by CARILED this year include support workshops and training for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

According to him, Local Economic Development Officers (LEDOs) have been recruited and the head of this team is a national coor-

dinator who is placed at the ministry but oversees the implementation across the various regions.

He added that the CARILED is focused on community involvement and many areas of the selected regions were visited to discuss the

projects.

CARILED is being implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), in partnership with the Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA), the Caribbean Forum of Local Government Ministers (CFLGM), and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF).

The programme, which

focuses on local economic development projects, would eventually be implemented in fourteen Caribbean countries, and aim to partner with 50 local government authorities to support the growth and development of 500 small and medium-enterprises (MSMEs). It is being funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Phase Two of MOH Wellness Warriors programme commences community health workers.

In closing, Minister Ramsaran announced that the President will launch the CNCDs commission as well as the Wellness Warriors programme.

These launchings will be graced by the presence of the Head of the Pan American

Health Organisation (PAHO) regional office and also other international health figures.

The Wellness Warriors is expected to be one of the largest youth organisations in Guyana, because as it advances, co-operation from other organisations is expected to be rendered.

Below rates for September 9, 2014

THE Ministry of Health on Tuesday commenced the second phase of the oneweek Wellness Warriors training programme,at the Foreign Affairs Institute, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive,Georgetown.

The programme will seek to target about 50 youths, mainly senior students and persons from the West Coast of Berbice, who wrote the CSEC exam.

Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran in his address to the youths, stated that this programme was implemented to teach young persons and make them aware of Chronic Non- Communicable Diseases (CNDCs), and also to enable them to counter these diseases and test for them.

Minister Ramsaran also stated that CNDCs are one the main causes of death or illness and that 80% of deaths are caused by CNDCs. According to Minister Ramsaran, the chairman of the CNDC commission will be the President H.E. Donald Ramotar, so the commission will therefore be looked at from a presidential perspective.

He also noted that other ministries will be co-operating in order to execute this programme At the end of the programme, the minister expects that these students would be able to go into their old schools or other schools and make other youths aware of CNDCs and these youths will also be able to test persons’ blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

The minister said that they won’t be considered as doctors or nurses, but at the end of the programme, they would be able to call themselves

Currency G$/US$ G$/GBP G$/CAD$ G$/euro BDOS$ G$/EC$ G$/TT$

Buying 205.98625 331.92221 187.58236 265.32767 101.86969 75.45903 32.37093

Selling 208.43594 336.08211 189.74637 268.69477 102.89094 76.21551 32.69545

Aries March 21 - April 19 Issues regarding love and romance are at a climactic point right now, and you could be rather combative. Your energy in this area may come in waves, and you’re likely to be so charged up about the situation that you feel like a time bomb ready to explode. Don’t destroy something wonderful by wanting a great deal more than you really need.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Don’t expect a great deal of sensitivity from others when it comes to issues concerning love and beauty today. People are apt to be in their own little worlds.

It may be hard for you to relate to them now. Trying to sway others to your point of view could be possible, but it may be quite difficult and, more importantly, not worth the effort.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 There could be people who try to convince you that you’re wrong about something. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you’re inferior just because you don’t agree with someone on an issue. Focus on your creativity today. You can combine your incredible artistic talent with pure intellectual genius for a dynamite swing that will knock any ball clear out of the park.

Cancer June 22 - July 22 There’s an adventurous side to today that you should latch onto. Try not to get weighed down by the little things in your life that don’t really matter much.

Look at the big picture and understand the importance of having great breadth of vision. There’s a whole world to explore out there, so get going. There may be a few surprises today, so be ready for anything.

Leo July 23 - August 22 Unexpected people and events are likely to crop up today just as you’re longing for adventure. Feel free to hop aboard a train to an unknown destination. It’s better to regret the things you’ve done than regret the things you haven’t done.

Take this to heart as you plan your day. There’s no shortage of fun out there - you just need to find it.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 It’s extremely important that you not be too possessive today, especially when it comes to other people. You have important relationships with the people around you, and you’ll find that in order to maintain them, it’s best to let those people live their lives the way they want. Don’t think that people belong to you, because they don’t.

Libra September 23 - October 22 Matters regarding love and romance are in your favour today. You’ll find that love comes to you when you least expect it. There’s a powerful creative force within you that will be most rewarding if you put it to use for some sort of artistic endeavour. A strong yet erratic urge may call you into action, so be ready to respond with your entire being.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Realise that you might have to leave some things to chance today, because you probably aren’t going to be able to control all that you’d like to under the circumstances. Although it may be comfortable for you to try to fit things into their perfect spots, you’ll find that this may not be the best way to conduct your business, especially on a day like this.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Things should be going quite well for you today, especially in the love and romance department. You’ll find that there is a magical, adventuresome spirit when you connect with others. Take advantage of this courageous energy and put it to good use in whatever way you see fit. Bring an extra element of excitement into your world tonight with someone very special to you.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Express your independence today, and prove to others that you won’t be pushed around anymore. Do things for yourself and have fun while you do it. Your heart will know which way is the right way to proceed. Don’t be fooled by those who try to tell you otherwise. Success comes when you can initiate others into your world instead of you being seduced by theirs.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Things relating to love and romance are in your favour today, although you may find that issues of this nature might be unpredictable. Lovers could be present one moment and MIA the next, but these are the risks you take when you deal with love. Find a balance that doesn’t get you so wrapped up in someone else that you’re hurt if his or her eyes turn elsewhere.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 It might feel like there’s a hole in your heart today, and you could have a hard time filling it. Remember that you’re the one responsible for making sure this void is taken care of. If you insist that someone else fill the gap, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Do something nice for yourself and feel free to spend a little money to make yourself happy.

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Boxing coach Clifton Moore for Mexico course THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GBA) has selected Clifton Moore for a one-week Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO) course to be held in Mexico later this month. Moore is head coach at the Essequibo Boxing Gym which has produced several of Guyana’s top Under-16 boxers.

The course will run from September 21

Windies beat Bangladesh...

From back page

However, Bangladesh hopes of a fight ended when Roach terminated the 42-run six-wicket stand between Mushfiqur and Nasir, which had taken Bangladesh through a difficult period late on the fourth day.

Gabriel ran in from mid-on to complete a simple catch near the non-strikers’ end as Nasir went for 19 which included three fours.

Roach was effective in the morning session picking up two wickets to finish with a four-wicket haul while Gabriel picked up two cheap wickets.

In another disappointing performance, Bangladesh lost five wickets for the addition of 58 runs and the last four batsmen went back to the pavilion without scoring.

West Indies lead the series onenil with the final Test due to start on Saturday at the Beausejour playing field in St Lucia.

WEST INDIES 1st innings 484-7 decl.

Bangladesh 1st innings 182 BANGLADEESH 2nd innings (256-5 o/n) Tamim Iqbal b Benn 53 Shamsur Rahman c wkp. Ramdin b Roach 4 Imrul Kayes c Edwards b Gayle 25 Mominul Haque c wkp. Ramdin b Benn 12 Mahmudullah c wkp. Ramdin b Roach 66 Mushfiqur Rahim c Bravo b Taylor 116 Nasir Hossain c Gabriel b Roach 19 Shuvagata Hom lbw b Roach 0 Taijul Islam b Gabriel 0 Rubel Hossain b Gabriel 0 Al-Amin Hossain not out 0 Extras: (b-12, lb-4, w-2, nb-1) 19 Total: (all out, 113.3 overs) 314 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-81, 3-104, 4-107, 5-237, 6-279, 7-291, 8-292, 9-292.

Bowling: Taylor 17.3-3-64-1, Roach 226-64-4, Gabriel 17-9-25-2, Blackwood 12-1-51-0, Benn 28-8-44-2 (nb-1), Gayle 17-3-50-1.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings C. Gayle not out 9 K Brathwaite not out 4 Extras: 0 Total: (0 wickets; 2.4 overs) 13 Bowling: Al-Amin Hossain 1.4-0-9-0, Taijul Islam 1-0-4-0.

to 27 and Moore’s participation was made possible through the Guyana Olympic Association.

President of GBA, Steve Ninvalle, yesterday confirmed the selection of the Essequibo Gym coach and pointed out that over the last 12 months there has been an upward swing in the international certification of local coaches.

The GABA president assured that the sport can only benefit from such exposure as what is learnt overseas would in time, trickle down to the boxers. “It’s an important aspect to keep upgrading our coaches as they play a vital role in the development of our boxers. I am

confident that Mr Moore would grasp this opportunity with both hands and do Guyana proud,” Ninvalle said.

The PASO course is held every four years and in the past Guyana has been represented

by Lennox Daniels and Sebert Blake.

Touching on the amount of coaches receiving international certification during the past year Ninvalle declared that that period will go down in the history books of the sport.

“Over the past year we have had Terrence Poole creating history by being certified Guyana’s first AIBA Three Star coach. It makes

Mr Poole one of a few Three Star coaches in the English-speaking Caribbean. It also allows for him (and Guyana) to participate in all competitions run by AIBA.” During the same period Sebert Blake attended a three-month course in Hungary. “Mr Blake went to Hungary and topped the class at the Semmelweis University where he acquired a Diploma in Sports Science and Boxing Specifics,” the GABA president disclosed.

According to Ninvalle Blake followed up last month by attending AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) and World Series Boxing (WSB) courses in Havana, Cuba.

Ambrose praises Gabriel, bowlers, in tough conditions KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – West Indies bowling consultant Curtly Ambrose has praised the performance of pacer Shannon Gabriel in the first cricket Test against Bangladesh which ended on the fifth and final day yesterday.

The Trinidad and Tobago fast bowler finished with three wickets in the match which West Indies won comprehensively by 10 wickets before lunch at Arnos Vale.

Gabriel was singled out for his tight and hostile bowling on a slow wicket on the penultimate day of the game.

At one stage he bowled seven

Racing Tips South Africa Racing Tips

overs for one run but was rewarded with two cheap wickets on the final day as West Indies bowled out Bangladesh for 314 in their second innings.

“I thought he bowled extremely quick on a very slow pitch. I thought he bowled very well,” said Ambrose, speaking to reporters on the fourth day of the Test match.

“As the bowling consultant I keep telling him ‘you are bowling well and it is only a matter of time before luck comes your way’. So I am quite impressed with him. He bowled quickly.”

A four-wicket burst from pacer Kemar Roach helped the home side

to seal victory and take a one-nil lead in the two-match Test series.

Left-arm orthodox spinner, Sulieman Benn had also taken five wickets for 39 runs to help bowl out Bangladesh for 182 in their first innings.

“I thought that the bowlers bowled very well in some tough conditions. The pitch is not really conducive to fast bowling,” said the former Windies pacer.

“Not a lot is in the pitch for the bowlers but we keep talking about being patient and being disciplined and I have to say that the guys have been really showing that”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Banned Ajmal vows to return with clean action … Former bowler Akhtar advises legal recourse (REUTERS) - Banned Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has vowed to correct his illegal bowling action and return to cricket before next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the 36-year-old earlier yester-

day after biomechanic tests revealed all his deliveries breached the permissible limit for straightening of the elbow joint.

“The ban is not a problem for me right now. The ICC has stopped me from bowling because my elbow is bending beyond the 15 degrees allowed by the ICC

and I know I can correct that,” Ajmal told Reuters.

“It is very disappointing to know the results of the tests but I am a fighter and I know what I have to do to get back into international cricket before the World Cup,” he said.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they were consid-

Saeed Ajmal ering their next move hours after chairman Shaharyar Khan had said they would appeal against the decision.

“The PCB is contemplating its future course of action, weighing all options,” the PCB said in a statement, adding that the board had 14 days to appeal.

Khan said he felt someone like former pace bowler Waqar Younis, who is the head coach of the team, can help Ajmal emerge from the episode.

Ajmal, who turns 37 next month, said he was also open to approaching former players to help him correct his action which was first reported in 2009.

“Playing in the World Cup and doing well for Pakistan is a dream for me and I am not going to give up on that,” said Ajmal, who has been Pakistan’s top spinner in all formats.

Ajmal has about five months to correct his action and appeal for a reassessment in order to play in the World Cup. BACK-UP PLAN Chief selector Moin Khan hopes Ajmal will quickly get his action cleared, but was also working on a back-up plan.

“We have time before the World Cup, so Saeed

can sort out his bowling action issues but we have also already called up two or three promising spinners to the National Cricket Academy to have a look at them,” he said.

“We need to find a replacement for Saeed until he is cleared to bowl again because we have a tough series against Australia coming up.”

Starting next month, Pakistan play one Twenty20 International, three ODIs and two Tests against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.

“Saeed is a strong character and I am sure he will work hard to be ready for the World Cup,” Moin said.

Former captain Rashid Latif said he was not really surprised with the ban after the new protocols for testing bowling actions came into effect.

“In the past bowlers were given the benefit of doubt on medical grounds but apparently now things have changed. But Saeed is a fighter and Pakistan still needs him for the World Cup,” Latif told Reuters.

“I think the PCB should get our former great spinners like Saqlain (Mushtaq), Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq (Ahmed) to work with him on his action.”

After Ajmal was reported last month, PCB set up a committee of bowling experts to identify and work on bowlers in domestic cricket with suspect bowling actions.

LEGAL RECOURSE Dodgy bowling action has remained a problem for Pakistan cricket for a while with Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir Ahmed, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik being reported in the past.

Former fast bowler Akhtar, who like Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was also cleared to bowl on medical grounds, advised Ajmal to legally challenge the ban.

“I would advise Saeed to legally challenge not only the ban but the entire protocol and method being used by the ICC to test bowlers,” Shoaib said.

“I don’t know how much the PCB is going to support Saeed on this issue but to me the best option for him is to take the ICC to court.

“The way I look at it he has to fight this case himself if he wants to play in international cricket again.”

Former Pakistan captain and senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf agreed with Akhtar that legal recourse was Ajmal’s best option.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

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Nigeria avoid a global football ban from FIFA FIFA has confirmed that African champions Nigeria have avoided a ban from global football. The threat of suspension was lifted after Aminu Maigari was allowed to continue as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

His position has been questioned by Chris Giwa, whose election last month FIFA refused to recognise.

“Conditions in our correspondence of September 3 have been complied with and the NFF is not suspended,” said FIFA. However, FIFA warned that further complications in holding elections will lead to a ban.

Maigari’s main task now is to plan for elections to be held as soon as possible for the NFF presidency and board members.

“We inform you that should the electoral process be affected by any interference or mishap, the case will be referred again - and without prior notice or warning - to the appropriate FIFA bodies for immediate suspension of the NFF until the next FIFA Congress,” the letter stated.

FIFA’s next congress is in May 2015.

Giwa had claimed to have been elected NFF president on August 26 but FIFA did not recognise him and gave him a deadline of Monday morning for him to step aside.

He failed to appear at the NFF offices on Monday and a case has been taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on behalf of Giwa’s committee.

Aminu Maigari is allowed to continue as president of the NFF.

IOC to respect Scotland vote, athletes protected - Bach

By Karolos Grohmann BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) promised Scottish athletes’ interests would be “safeguarded” ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics should Scotland vote in favour of independence on September 18.

If Scotland votes to break away from the United Kingdom, Scottish athletes who competed for Britain at the 2012 summer Olympics in London would not be eligible to do so with that country in Rio. “We respect democratic decisions. We always do. But you can see from previous decisions we have been taking in similar cases that we are always safeguarding the interests of the athletes,” IOC president Thomas Bach told Reuters.

In order for Scottish athletes to compete under an independent flag in Brazil in less than two years time, should they vote in favour of independence, they would need a national Olympic committee (NOC).

For that to happen

Andy Murray and for the NOC to be recognised by the IOC it would first require a United Nations recognition of the independent nation of Scotland.

The rival campaigns in Scotland’s fight over independence are running neck-and-neck nine days before the referendum, with a surge in support for those who wish to break away from the UK. The number of people saying they would vote “No” to independence had dropped to 39 percent, down from 45 percent a month ago. “Yes” support was slightly behind at 38 percent but had gained ground from 32 percent a month ago.

More than four mil-

lion Scots and residents of Scotland are eligible to vote in next week’s referendum.

Te n n i s p l a y e r A n d y M u r r a y, c y c l i s t C h r i s Hoy and rower Katherine Grainger were among the Scots who won gold medals for Britain in 2012.

The IOC has options for athletes, whose nation’s status as independent is not yet officially ratified with athletes in the past competing in the Games under the Olympic flag.

Athletes from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for example competed at the 1992 Barcelona Games under the Olympic flag with their national Olympic Committee not yet in place.

East Timor athletes did the same in 2000 with their country in transition to independence, as did a South Sudanese athlete at the 2012 Games.

Indian athletes also marched in the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Games under the Olympic flag with their country at the time banned from the Olympics over problems with an election process.

A FIFA suspension could have led to Nigeria missing today’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in South Africa.

The Confederation of African Football said last week that the Super Eagles would be kicked out of the 2015 qualifying campaign if they failed to play the fixture.

The first person back into the NFF headquarters in Abuja to resume his duties was general secretary Musa Amadu who resumed work at the federation’s offices in Abuja on Monday.

“It has been a difficult time for our football but everything is over now,” Musa Amadu told BBC Sport on Monday.

“Our attention should shift towards moving our football forward because the country’s football has

gone through a tough period.

“The next step is to have an extra-ordinary assembly that will set a date for elections for the new executive committee.

“It is important to emphasise that this will not happen beyond September 25, as directed by FIFA.” Nigeria were banned from global football for nine days in July for government interference in the running of the football federation when Maigari was forced out of his post by a court ruling.

After his reinstatement, he was voted out of office by the NFF’s executive committee a few days later. However, FIFA did not accept this and Maigari was once again back as president in August.

(BBC Sport)

Former F1 champion Schumacher leaves hospital for home

By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, Switzerland (Reuters) - Michael Schumacher has left hospital to continue his recovery at home but the former Formula One champion faces “a long and difficult road ahead” after his skiing accident last year, a statement said yesterday.

“Henceforth, Michael’s rehabilitation will take place at his home. Considering the severe injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months,” said the brief statement issued by manager Sabine Kehm.

“There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead.

“We ask that the privacy of Michael’s family continue to be respected, and that speculations about his state of health are avoided.”

A spokesman for the university hospital in Lausanne, confirmed that the 45-yearold German, a seven-time world champion, had been discharged earlier in the day.

No details were given on Schumacher’s condition.

Schumacher suffered severe head injuries in a ski accident in Meribel in the French Alps on December 29 and was transferred by

Michael Schumacher ambulance to Lausanne in June after emerging from a coma.

He underwent nearly three months of treatment in an outdoor section of the hospital known as “Jardin des Sens” or Garden of the Senses, shielded from view. It specialises in the recovery of severely traumatised neurological patients by exposing them to water, scents and other elements.

The family home is along Lake Geneva in the Swiss town of Gland, where he has lived quietly for years with his German wife Corinna and their two teenaged children.

Since the accident, she has visited her husband al-

most daily in Grenoble and Lausanne, taking time out recently for horse riding events or to attend the Montreux Jazz Festival in July.

Last month a man suspected of leaking Schumacher’s medical files was found hanged in his police cell, Zurich’s cantonal prosecutor said.

The man, who was not named, worked as a manager at Swiss air rescue service Rega, which was involved in Schumacher’s transfer from Grenoble hospital to University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV).

The French daily ‘Le Dauphine Libere’ reported in July that leaked documents were being offered to European media for some 60 000 Swiss francs.

Schumacher’s family, via his agent Kehm, had said criminal charges and damages would be sought against anyone involved in the illegal sale or publication of his confidential records.

Schumacher, who won a record 91 F1 races, left the sport last year after a disappointing three-year comeback with Mercedes following an earlier retirement from Ferrari at the end of 2006.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

Track and field programmes need to be implemented in Region 3 schools - GOA head

By Michael DaSilva WITH the construction of Guyana’s first synthetic facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara almost complete, the National Sports Commission (NSC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education needs to implement track and field programmes in schools located in the Region.

This is the view of Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) president K. Juman-Yassin, who spoke exclusively with Chronicle Sport recently.

According to Juman-

Yassin, with the facility in the Region, school athletes and athletic clubs in the Region stand to benefit more from its use than other Regions since the cost of transportation will be less burdensome.

“What should be done is, there should be programmes in schools over there (WCD) so that the young people over there can be encouraged to take up track. I really would have liked to see a complex with all the sports facilities along with an athletes’ village located together in one area, as this would have eased the cost of administration.

According to the former Chief Magistrate, when facilities are located in close proximity, the chances of successfully bidding to host international events are greater, since the bidding country with these facilities in close proximity gets extra points.

Yassin, however, said he is happy that the government has expended money for the construction of the track and in a few years “we’ll see results, as it takes a few years for really dedicated athletes to move from one stage to another”.

Asked for his thoughts on the location, JumanYassin said he thought it

would have been located in a more accessible area “but I guess at the end of the day arrangements would be made to make it accessible to athletes who reside in other Regions”.

“We cannot expect that facilities would be located close to Georgetown,” JumanYassin added.

The GOA head is of the view that in a couple of years, transportation cost to the Leonora facility would not be very hard on athletes wanting to use the facility “so I have no objections with the track being built there”.

He said with such a

WDCA 40 -Over

Razack, Persaud slam tons as Super Stars maul Western Tigers ABDOOL RAZACK and National U-17 captain Travis Persaud slammed centuries as McGill Super Stars mauled Western Tigers by 228 runs when action in the West Demerara Cricket Association 40Over cricket competition continued last Sunday at the Okoo Cricket ground in Canal Number One. The match was reduced to 30 overs per side as the outfield was wet due to overnight showers and Super Stars, winning the toss and electing to bat, amassed 315 for 3, with Razack hitting 10 fours and nine sixes in his 117, while Persaud hammered 13 fours and three sixes in his 103, as they added 256 unbeaten for the third wicket.

Western United wickettakers were Devanand Jailall with 2 for 50 and Shivdat Motie with 1 for 60, but their side in reply were bowled out for a meagre 87, with Jailall topscoring with 24 (2x6).

Rohan Maygoo contributed 20 (2x4, 1x6) and Devon

Travis Persaud (right) and Abdool Razack after the completion of their innings.

Cummings 16 (3x4).

Bowling for Super Stars, captain Sudesh Persaud grabbed 3 for 11, Rajiv Tiwary 3 for 12, Daniel Basdeo 2 for 18 and Balram Aron 2 for 17.

At the Wales Community Centre ground, Jasper United registered a 10-run victory over Wales CDC in another reduced fixture.

Batting first in the

20-overs contest, Jasper United made 139 for 4 with Lennox Andrews scoring 50 and Ryan Hemraj 41, as Vishnu Sue captured 3 for 24 for Wales, who in response managed 129 for 9 in their 20 overs.

There were no significant scores, while Jasper United’s Michael Realie and Garcia Henry captured three and two wickets respectively.

facility in Region 3, there is a possibility that many persons, especially from that part of Guyana will take up track and field.

Asked what has become of the Rudolph Harper long jump pit that the GOA constructed at the Thomas Lands YMCA, the GOA head said that facility was handed over to the Athletic Association of Guyana a while ago and he does not know what state it is in at the moment or if it is still in use “but I do know that long jump records were broken at the recent Boyce/Jeffords track and field meet.

K. Juman-Yassin

Uncapped Barbadian all-rounder in Windies squad to tackle New Zealand ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Uncapped Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews has been named on a 13-member West Indies Women’s squad for their opening series in the ICC Women’s Championship against New Zealand Women starting this weekend.

Matthews, a 16-yearold, who bats right-handed and bowls off-spin, was included in the squad as the Windies Women prepare to battle New Zealand in the first One Day International (ODI) on Friday at Warner Park in St Kitts.

In July, Matthews dominated the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Association Invitational Regional Under-19 tournament and grabbed four wickets for four runs including two in the first over to help lead Barbados to a 22run win over T&T in the final.

The selection panel has recalled all-rounder Britney Cooper who last played an ODI for Windies Women against India Women three years ago.

Talismanic batter Deandra Dottin also makes a return, after missing the previous ODI series against the White Ferns last February in New Zealand.

West Indies Women and New Zealand Women will play four One-day Internationals - the results

of the first three matches counting towards their ICC World Cup tally - all at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Three Twenty20 Internationals will follow at the Arnos Vale Multiplex in St Vincent.

The inaugural event will see eight sides play each other in three OneDay Internationals, either at home or away, between 2014 and 2016.

Points will be awarded for each game, with the top four sides at the conclusion of the ICC Women’s

Championship gaining automatic qualification to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, to be hosted by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Squad: Merissa Aguilleira (captain), Stafanie Taylor (vicecaptain), Shemaine Campbelle, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Natasha McLean, Anisa Mohammed, Shaquana Quintyne, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday September 10, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) 17 (2)Habibul Bashar-113 (St. Lucia, 2004) Today’s Quiz: (1) Name the Bangladeshi Test ‘hattricksters’.

(2) How many Test matches the WI played before Bangladesh played their first?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 10, 2014

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GCB, WICB and Sport Minister discuss the NSCL REPRESENTATIVES of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony and discussed the National School Cricket League (NSCL).

Also present at the discussions were WICB Senior Project Officer of School Cricket KJ Singh, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie and GCB Territorial Developmental Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart.

The League is proposed to be a joint WICB/GCB/GOG venture and Singh explained that it came about to fill the gap existing in school cricket.

According to Singh, a research by the WICB found that almost 75% of member territories had significant gaps in their development pathway between age groups, which encourage later development of cricketing skill sets and instead of the youth players grasping the fundamentals of the game at ages 7-13, it is now done at ages 14-17, especially as it relates to hard ball cricket exposure at the school level.

Only the Under-15 age group is sustainable and functioning annually, so right now, the most important group is the Under-7 to Under-11 and the WICB and

GCB are hoping to have full tournaments in these different age groups in another two years time.

Dr Anthony welcomed

Sanasie noted that covering all schools in Guyana is a challenge because of its wide geography and many schools.

cricket which the NSCL can do, whose concept is to facilitate and streamline the planning, management and execution of all primary and secondary school programmes and tournaments, with the overall mandate to develop and sustain a complete school cricket development pathway

Here is what we will do as it relates to the NSCL! Sitting from left, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie, TDO Colin Stuart and WICB Senior Project Officer of School Cricket KJ Singh, pay keen attention as Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony makes a point during their meeting. the initiative and discussed the proposed structures with the representatives while adding some ideas of his own.

He was of the opinion that when all the schools are staffed with a Physical Education Specialist, all the National Sporting disciplines can benefit and he also briefed the panel on the current plans by his Government to develop community grounds countrywide.

Focus on cricket is primarily done on the coastland and some parts in the Essequibo but the GCB is working on bringing in Lethem and North West soon with Sanasie stating that the National School Cricket League is a priority for him, the GCB and WICB, as this will create a reliable feeder system for Guyana’s club cricket.

Sanasie emphasised that a body is needed to run school

from Under-9 to Under-19 on an annual basis.

It will manage all annual cricket programmes and tournaments in the primary and secondary schools across its territory; and develop and execute an annual schedule of community-based cricket matches for primary and secondary school (for both boys and girls), which would lead into National schools tournaments.

The NSCL, in conjunction with the GCB, Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Education, would develop all playing conditions and regulations for all agegroup tournaments, secure sponsorship for all age group-based tournaments and programmes and promote migration of primary and secondary school cricketers to localised club system.

It will also perform scouting exercises to identify talented player (both male and female) for further development at the Club and National Cricket Systems, work with the Local Territorial Cricket Board and national stakeholder to ensure that sufficient qualified human resources (school coaches, etc.) and cricket gear are available to build cricket capacity at all age groups in schools, develop proposal and seek sponsorship for the implementation of annual cricket infrastructure development initiatives at primary and secondary schools/community grounds, and monitor and manage all infrastructure development programme.

Sanasie said coming out of the League should be one person from the GCB (coach), one from the Ministry of Sport and one from the Ministry of Education in each district, adding that the GCB will create an office with one person overlooking primary school, one

secondary, and one the club structure.

Singh disclosed that one of the aims is to have a games master in every school and with Guyana having 19 qualified cricket coaches (Level 1 and 2) who are allocated across the country, Singh said that by 2017, at least one person in each school would be specialised at the foundation coaching level, and that individual can be physical education teacher or anyone who is interested in cricket.

Singh stressed that cricket is an expensive sport, hence it’s a challenge for everyone to acquire the equipment and Dr Anthony suggested that his ministry and the WICB/GCB work out an arrangement to buy equipment in bulk, so that equipment can be made available at a cheaper and realistic cost for Guyanese cricketers, to which Singh agreed that it is a sensible move and promised to look into it.

The minister said the ideas and visions are exciting and interesting and advised the WICB and GCB to make a practical structure for the programme.

The panel also met with Director of Sport Neil Kumar and Mrs Desiree Ogle, Administrator Allied Arts Department of the Ministry of Education and other officials to discuss matters pertaining to the rolling out of the programme and other related issues.

CSCA knockout final

Jaguar, Hustlers take top honours

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Jaguar Cricket Club emerged winners of the Canadian Softball Cricket Association (CSCA) first division knockout competition, which climaxed last Saturday at the 407 and Dixie Road Soccer Field here with a comfortable 33-run victory over opponents Beehive.

In a hotly-contested final, played before a large and enthusiastic crowd, Jaguar took first strike and made a challenging 135 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Imran Ali led the

way with an enterprising 38 while Zaheer Allard also batted well for 37.

Deonarine Nehru claimed three wickets while Nishal Dass picked up two.

Dass came back to hit a top score of 26 in a losing cause as Beehive could muster only 102 all out in 17.1 overs. Chandradat Bidur grabbed four for 29, Andy Narayan two for 12 and Reyaz Prahalad two for 15.

Allard and Dass were awarded the Most Valuable Player awards for their respective teams.

The second division final, which preceded the first division game,

saw Hustlers hustling to a six-wicket victory over Industry. Taking first knock, Industry totalled 135 for seven in their allotted 20 overs with Khem Singh hitting a top score of 38.

Faoud Mohamed was the best bowler with two for 28.

Hustlers reached the required target in 14.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process and Mohamed turned in a fine all-round performance, coming back to slam an undefeated 49.

Shiraz Hamid lent valuable support with 38 while Khen Singh bagged two for 14 for the losing team.

The MVPs were Mohamed of Hustlers and

The victorious Jaguar team and supporters.

Singh of Industry.

President of the CSCA Hemnarine Chattergoon, a former Guyana youth

player, was high in praise for the various sponsors of the tournament and also had kudos for the players and the

large turn-out that graced Saturday’s action. Chattergoon also led the victorious Jaguar side in the first division final.

Sport CHRONICLE

GCB, WICB and Sport Minister discuss the NSCL See Story on page 43

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

Windies beat Bangladesh by 10 wickets to take 1-0 lead … Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim hits 116, Kemar Roach grabs 4-64 KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – West Indies scored a comprehensive 10--wicket win over Bangladesh to take a one-nil lead in the two-match Test series at Arnos Vale here yesterday.

Pacers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel grabbed two wickets each to snuff out Bangladesh’s hopes of prolonging the fifth day, as the visitors resuming on 256 for five, were bowled out for 314.

West Indies openers Chris

Gayle and Kraigg Brathwaite steered their side to the 13 runs needed for victory in fine style well before the scheduled lunch interval.

Bangladesh resumed their second innings trailing West Indies by 46 runs with Mushfiqur Rahim, 70 overnight, in sight of his third Test century.

Rahim tried to hold the Bangladesh innings together reaching triple digits while also leading the fight to save his side from an innings defeat.

His 116 was the innings of his life with 15 fours and a six that ended when he was caught by Darren Bravo attempting to hit Roach over midwicket.

He survived four chances in his 243 ball innings - dropped by Darren Bravo, Jerome Taylor and twice by Chris Gayle.

The Bangladesh middle order batsman never got the support he required except for Mahmudullah who also scored a hard-fought 66.

The visitors started the day positively with Nasir Hossain dispatching Jerome Taylor’s fulltoss to the boundary and finding the boundary again three overs later off Roach. Turn to page 39

Ambrose praises Gabriel, bowlers, in tough conditions

See Story on page 39

Kemar Roach finishes with four wickets in the second innings.

Boxing coach Clifton Moore for Mexico course 39 See Story on page

Clifton Moore

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014